bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mathematical framework for the analysis and comparison of contact detection methods for ellipses and ellipsoids
Authors: Kheradmand Elham , Laforest Marc , Prudhomme Serge 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to provide a framework for the analysis and comparison of contact detection algorithms for pairs of ellipses and ellipsoids. This work focuses primarily on the category of algorithms that are the most computationally efficient and can produce estimates of the separation and the penetration distance between ellipses and ellipsoids. Specifically, only analytic representations of the ellipses and ellipsoids are considered and contact detection for moving pairs of ellipsoids is not treated. The first contribution is a mathematical framework for the study of these algorithms, most notably with existence and uniqueness proofs for classes of contact detection algorithms, formal descriptions of the asymptotics of pairs of ellipses in close contact (or overlap), and a global analysis of constraints on the normals. The framework highlights the key role played by the different definitions of contact found in the literature, independent of the numerical strategies deployed to estimate the separation/penetration distance. Specifically, it is shown that all the studied algorithms can be expressed as minimization problems, with or without non-binding constraints on the normal(s) at the contact point(s), and that the constraints can be used to identify the global minima among the critical points in the minimization problem. Another contribution of this research, based on the mathematical framework introduced, is a better classification of the known algorithms. These algorithms are compared on established test problems, and their strengths and weaknesses are highlighted and explained in terms of their classification. Furthermore, this research provides comparisons in speed and stability between the most efficient algorithms in each category over a large sample size of test problems. Among the other contributions, this research describes inexpensive but effective initial estimates of the contact to be used in iterative algorithms. Finally, the usefulness of the new framework is illustrated with the introduction of a fast algorithm combining some new and old ideas.
Conflict and Climate Factors and the Risk of Child Acute Malnutrition Among Children Aged 24–59 Months: A Comparative Analysis of Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda
Authors: Grace Kathryn , Verdin Andrew , Brown Molly , Bakhtsiyarava Maryia , Backer David , Billing Trey 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAcute malnutrition affects a sizeable number of young children around the world, with serious repercussions for mortality and morbidity. Among the top priorities in addressing this problem are to anticipate which children tend to be susceptible and where and when crises of high prevalence rates would be likely to arise. In this article, we highlight the potential role of conflict and climate conditions as risk factors for acute malnutrition, while also assessing other vulnerabilities at the individual- and household-levels. Existing research reflects these features selectively, whereas we incorporate all the features into the same study. The empirical analysis relies on integration of health, conflict, and environmental data at multiple scales of observation to focuses on how local conflict and climate factors relate to an individual child’s health. The centerpiece of the analysis is data from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in several different cross-sectional waves covering 2003–2016 in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. The results obtained from multi-level statistical models indicate that in Kenya and Nigeria, conflict is associated with lower weight-for-height scores among children, even after accounting for individual-level and climate factors. In Nigeria and Kenya, conflict lagged 1–3 months and occurring within the growing season tends to reduce WHZ scores. In Uganda, however, weight-for-height scores are primarily associated with individual-level and household-level conditions and demonstrate little association with conflict or climate factors. The findings are valuable to guide humanitarian policymakers and practitioners in effective and efficient targeting of attention, interventions, and resources that lessen burdens of acute malnutrition in countries prone to conflict and climate shocks.
Überwachungskapitalistische Biopolitik: Big Tech und die Regierung der Körper
Authors: Maschewski Felix , Nosthoff Anna-Verena 
Published: February 2022

ZusammenfassungDer Artikel analysiert den Einzug Big Techs (der Fokus liegt auf Apple und Alphabet) in den Gesundheitsmarkt und beschreibt in Anlehnung an Michel Foucault und Shoshana Zuboff das Konzept einer „überwachungskapitalistischen Biopolitik“. Ziel ist, die Ausweitung des „Datenextraktivismus“ im Gesundheitswesen und der Gesundheitsforschung machtkritisch einzuordnen und damit einen Trend in der digitalen Gesundheitsfürsorge zu problematisieren, der sich in den letzten Jahren und, wie wir zeigen, besonders während der Coronakrise beschleunigt und ausgefächert hat. Anhand wissenschaftlicher und kommerzieller Projekte sowie Kooperationen im Bereich public health wird deutlich, dass zeitgenössische Formen der Biopolitik keineswegs auf staatliche Regime beschränkt sind. Stattdessen sind sie zunehmend über private Technologieunternehmen vermittelt, die dabei nicht nur intime Verhaltens- und Vitaldaten akkumulieren, sondern – qua proprietärer Algorithmen – auch den Zugang zu diesen kontrollieren und schließlich ihren Einfluss in exklusive Services und Produkte überführen. Ein besonderer Akzent des Artikels liegt zudem auf der voranschreitenden Verbreitung sogenannter Wearable-Technologien (Smartwatches etc.), über die sich nicht nur die herausgehobene Marktposition der Konzerne, sondern – in der Entwicklung von einem „quantifizierten Selbst“ zu einem „quantifizierten Kollektiv“ – auch ihre epistemische bzw. „infrastrukturelle Macht“ konkretisiert. Entgegen einer einseitig repressiven Perspektive auf biopolitische Praxen zeigen wir schließlich Ansätze einer Demokratisierung „überwachungskapitalistischer Biopolitik“ auf. Hierbei heben wir vier Topoi hervor, die von zentraler Bedeutung sind: Privatsphäre bzw. individuelle Souveränität, demokratische Deliberation, Pluralismus und epistemische Gleichheit.
Using Weighted Differences in Hazards as Effect Sizes for Survival Data
Authors: Wang H. , Chen D. , Pan Q. , Hueman M. T. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSensitive to the change in sample sizes, traditional measures such as values of test statistics or p values can fail to quantify the difference in survival between populations for time-to-event data. We thereby propose to use effect sizes defined as the weighted differences in hazards to evaluate the survival difference between two groups. On the basis of the logrank test statistic, Gehan–Wilcoxon test statistic and Prentice–Wilcoxon test statistic, we developed three effect sizes that compare the survival experiences over the time period of investigation. Estimates of these three effect sizes were provided and their large sample behaviors were studied. In light of the Mann–Whitney parameter, we presented an effect size that compares the survival experiences over the entire possible/hypothetical time period. Two estimates of this effect size were constructed. We compared the proposed effect sizes and illuminated their use by theoretical studies, simulations and real cancer data. The effect sizes proposed in this article can help understand the survival difference in populations and are expected to have promising applications in the field of survival analysis.
Lost in Translation: Bilingual Parent Coaches' Experiences Implementing an Un-adapted Early Childhood Intervention with Non-English Speakers
Authors: Sattler Patricia L. , Paceley Meg , Byers Kaela , Mulkey Zoë , Mendenhall Amy 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWhen implementing an evidence-based intervention in new contexts and with different populations, evaluation of not only outcomes, but also implementation processes become necessary. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of bilingual, bicultural parent coaches delivering Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), an early childhood evidence-based home visiting intervention (EBI), to Spanish-speaking families in the United States (U.S.). This qualitative study draws on semi-structured interviews completed with four ABC parent coaches in two U.S. states. All participants identify as female and are bicultural, native Spanish speakers. Analyses resulted in six themes organized into two broad categories: (1) challenges to providing ABC to Spanish-speaking families and (2) positive experiences providing ABC to Spanish-speaking families. Results highlight that in-the-field translation and delivery of an empirically supported early intervention that has not been adapted for use with non-English speakers is challenging even for bilingual, bicultural parent coaches. Opportunities for deep-structure adaptations of the ABC intervention are explored. Practice and research implications also are discussed.
Polymethine dyes for PDT: recent advances and perspectives to drive future applications
Authors: Dereje Degnet Melese , Pontremoli Carlotta , Moran Plata Maria Jesus , Visentin Sonja , Barbero Nadia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIt has been proved that the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is closely related to the intrinsic features of the photosensitizer (PS). Over the recent years, several efforts have been devoted to the discovery of novel and more efficient photosensitizers showing higher efficacy and lower side effects. In this context, squaraine and cyanine dyes have been reported to potentially overcome the drawbacks related to the traditional PSs. In fact, squaraines and cyanines are characterized by sharp and intense absorption bands and narrow emission bands with high extinction coefficients typically in the red and near-infrared region, good photo and thermal stability and a strong fluorescent emission in organic solvents. In addition, biocompatibility and low toxicity make them suitable for biological applications. Despite these interesting intrinsic features, their chemical instability and self-aggregation properties in biological media still limit their use in PDT. To overcome these drawbacks, the self-assembly and incorporation into smart nanoparticle systems are forwarded promising approaches that can control their physicochemical properties, providing rational solutions for the limitation of free dye administration in the PDT application. The present review summarizes the latest advances in squaraine and cyanine dyes for PDT application, analyzing the different strategies, i.e.the self-assembly and the incorporation into nanoparticles, to further enhance their photochemical properties and therapeutic potential. The in vivo assessments are still limited, thus further delaying their effective application in PDT.
Graphical abstract
Dynamic Rupture Simulation of the 1833 Songming, Yunnan, China,M8.0 Earthquake: Effects From Stepover Location and Overlap Distance
Authors: Yu Houyun , Hu Feng , Xu Jiankuan , Zhang Zhenguo , Chen Xiaofei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractStepover structures are widely distributed in natural fault systems. The jump distance is typically easier to identify than both the stepover location and the overlap distance because of the presence of lakes and sedimentary basins around the stepover. Using the curved grid finite‐difference method, we first conducted a 3D spontaneous dynamic rupture simulation of the 1833 Songming earthquake on a continuous model of the western Xiaojiang fault to estimate the regional stress azimuth. Then, we performed rupture process simulations with different stepover structure models on the western Xiaojiang fault to investigate the effects of the stepover location and overlap distance on the dynamic rupture process. In addition, we analyzed the fault strength ratioSand rupture velocity of the preferred fault models and discussed the occurrence of supershear rupture during the Songming event. Finally, we simulated the strong ground motion with the preferred fault models for the 1833 Songming earthquake. Our simulation results suggest that the optimal regional maximum principal stress azimuth during the Songming event was N20°W. Our simulations further reveal that the Qingshuihai stepover is located in the middle of Qingshuihai Lake, and the overlap distance is 6 km; in contrast, the location of the Yangzonghai stepover is located in the southern part of Yangzonghai Lake, and the overlap distance is not constrained. Furthermore, our numerical simulation indicates that the Songming earthquake exhibited supershear rupture; however, this supershear rupture is not sustained and is easily affected by the friction parameters and nucleation location.
Transient Influence of the Reduction of Deepwater Formation on Ocean Heat Uptake and Heat Budgets in the Global Climate System
Authors: Suzuki Tatsuo , Komuro Yoshiki , Kusahara Kazuya , Tatebe Hiroaki 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe formation and spreading of dense deepwater in the polar regions play a key role in one of the most important climate systems, namely ocean meridional overturning circulation, and the deepwater formation is projected to decrease under the global warming. However, the impact of the reduced deepwater formation on the climate system has not been explored in detail. Here, we performed a series of numerical experiments with a climate model where the downward water mass transport through the bottom boundary layer is artificially reduced to quantitatively evaluate its impacts on the transient ocean and climate responses. It is demonstrated that changes in deepwater formation have non‐negligible impacts on not only ocean heat content but also the Earth's radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere: reduction in deepwater formation in high‐latitude oceans causes warming of bottom water, cooling of the ocean surface, and a subsequent decrease in outgoing longwave radiation.
Improving the Predictability of Two Types of ENSO by the Characteristics of Extratropical Precursors
Authors: Tseng Yu‐heng , Huang Jo‐Hsu , Chen Han‐Ching 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe Central Pacific (CP) and Eastern Pacific (EP) types of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation events are distinctly different in terms of their forming locations and mechanisms. Using an updated physical‐base statistical forecast model, the forecast of CP indices has overall higher skills than that of EP indices due to the higher persistent forecast skill. At lead time beyond 6‐month, the predictability of CP indices can be greatly enhanced by including the extratropical precursor from the North Pacific, confirming the ocean‐atmosphere interaction associated with North Pacific Oscillation (NPO)/Victoria Mode (VM) evolution. The predictability of EP indices can be moderately enhanced by including the extratropical precursor from the south, resulting from the charging of the equatorial Pacific. We also find that the predictability of CP indices does not significantly decrease after 2000 while the predictability of EP indices drops dramatically, suggesting the strengthening impacts of NPO/VM on the CP‐ENSO in the recent two decades.
Selective inhibition of nuclear export: a promising approach in the shifting treatment paradigms for hematological neoplasms
Authors: Balasubramanian Suresh Kumar , Azmi Asfar S. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw 
Published: February 2022

AbstractNovel targeted therapeutics alone or in rational combinations are likely to dominate the future management of various hematological neoplasms. However, the challenges currently faced are the molecular heterogeneity in driver lesions and genetic plasticity leading to multiple resistance pathways. Thus, progress has overall been gradual. For example, despite the advent of targeted agents against actionable drivers like FLT3 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the prognosis remains suboptimal in newly diagnosed and dismal in the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting, due to other molecular abnormalities contributing to inherent and acquired treatment resistance. Nuclear export inhibitors are of keen interest because they can inhibit several active tumorigenic processes simultaneously and also synergize with other targeted drugs and chemotherapy. XPO1 (or CRM1, chromosome maintenance region 1) is one of the most studied exportins involved in transporting critical cargoes, including tumor suppressor proteins like p27, p53, and RB1. Apart from the TSP cargo transport and its role in drug resistance, XPO1 inhibition results in retention of master transcription factors essential for cell differentiation, cell survival, and autophagy, rendering cells more susceptible to the effects of other antineoplastic agents, including targeted therapies. This review will dissect the role of XPO1 inhibition in hematological neoplasms, focusing on mechanistic insights gleaned mainly from work with SINE compounds. Future potential combinatorial strategies will be discussed.
C1q deletion exacerbates stress-induced learned helplessness behavior and induces neuroinflammation in mice
Authors: Madeshiya Amit Kumar , Whitehead Carl , Tripathi Ashutosh , Pillai Anilkumar 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIncreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reported in postmortem brain samples and in the blood of depressed subjects. However, the inflammatory pathways that lead to depressive-like symptoms are not well understood. Using the learned helplessness (LH) model of depression, we examined the role of C1q, the initiator of classical complement pathway in mediating stress-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. We observed no significant changes in social behavior, despair behavior, spatial memory, and aggressive behavior between the wild type (WT) and C1q knockout (KO) mice. However, C1q deletion exacerbated the inescapable electric foot shock-induced learned helplessness behavior in mice. We found significant reductions in C1q mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of WT helpless mice as compared to the naïve mice. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were found in the PFC of C1q KO mice. These findings suggest that classical complement pathway-mediated learned helplessness behavior is accompanied by neuroinflammatory changes under stressful conditions.
Circulating endocannabinoids and genetic polymorphisms as predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity: heterogeneity in a community-based cohort
Authors: deRoon-Cassini Terri A. , Bergner Carisa L. , Chesney Samantha A. , Schumann Nicholas R. , Lee Tara Sander , Brasel Karen J. , Hillard Cecilia J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe endocannabinoid signaling system (ECSS) regulates fear and anxiety. While ECSS hypoactivity can contribute to symptoms of established post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the role of the ECSS in PTSD development following trauma is unknown. A prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 170 individuals (47% non-Hispanic Caucasian and 70% male) treated at a level 1 trauma center for traumatic injury was carried out. PTSD symptom assessments and blood were obtained during hospitalization and at follow-up (6–8 months post injury). Serum concentrations of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were determined at both time points and selected genetic polymorphisms in endocannabinoid genes, including rs324420 in fatty acid amide hydrolase, were assessed. For the entire sample, serum concentrations of AEA at hospitalization were significantly higher in those diagnosed with PTSD at follow-up (p = 0.030). Serum concentrations of 2-AG were significantly, positively correlated with PTSD symptom severity at follow-up only in minorities (p = 0.014). Minority participants (mostly Black/African American) also demonstrated significant, negative correlations between serum AEA concentrations and PTSD symptom severity both measured at hospitalization (p = 0.015). The A/A genotype at rs324420 was associated with significantly higher PTSD symptom severity (p = 0.025) and occurred exclusively in the Black participants. Collectively, these results are contrary to our hypothesis and find positive associations between circulating endocannabinoids and risk for PTSD. Minority status is an important modulator of the association between endocannabinoids and risk for PTSD, suggesting that the ECSS contributes to risk most significantly in these individuals and the contextual factors related to these findings should be further explored.
Efficacy and practice of facemask use in general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Hui , Yuan Kai , Sun Yan-Kun , Zheng Yong-Bo , Xu Ying-Ying , Su Si-Zhen , Zhang Yu-Xin , Zhong Yi , Wang Yi-Jie , Tian Shan-Shan , Gong Yi-Miao , Fan Teng-Teng , Lin Xiao , Gobat Nina , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan , Chan Emily Ying Yang , Yan Wei , Sun Si-Wei , Ran Mao-Sheng , Bao Yan-Ping , Shi Jie , Lu Lin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn recent decades, respiratory infections, including SARS, HINI and the currently spreading COVID-19, caused by various viruses such as influenza and coronavirus have seriously threatened human health. It has generated inconsistent recommendations on the mandatory use of facemasks across countries on a population level due to insufficient evidence on the efficacy of facemask use among the general population. This meta-analysis aimed to explore (1) the efficacy of facemask use on preventing respiratory infections, and (2) the perceptions, intentions, and practice about facemask use among the general population worldwide. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, bioRxiv, and medRxiv databases since inception to August 17, 2020. From 21,341 records identified, eight RCTs on facemask in preventing infections and 78 studies on perception, intention, and practice of facemask use among the general population were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis of RCTs found a significant protective effect of facemask intervention (OR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.71–0.99;I2 = 0%). This protective effect was even more pronounced when the intervention duration was more than two weeks (OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.66–0.88;I2 = 0%). The meta-analysis of observational studies on perception, intention, and practice on facemask use showed that 71% of respondents perceived facemasks to be effective for infection prevention, 68% of respondents would wear facemasks, and 54% of respondents wore facemasks for preventing respiratory infections. Differences in perception, intention, and practice behavior of facemask use in different regions may be related to the impact of respiratory infections, regional culture, and policies. The governments and relevant organizations should make effort to reduce the barriers in the use of facemasks.