bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing sample efficiency in deep reinforcement learning using generative environment modelling
Authors: Andersen Per‐Arne , Goodwin Morten , Granmo Ole‐Christoffer 
Published: March 2020

AbstractReinforcement learning is a broad scheme of learning algorithms that, in recent times, has shown astonishing performance in controlling agents in environments presented as Markov decision processes. There are several unsolved problems in current state‐of‐the‐art that causes algorithms to learn suboptimal policies, or even diverge and collapse completely. Parts of the solution to address these issues may be related to short‐ and long‐term planning, memory management and exploration for reinforcement learning algorithms. Games are frequently used to benchmark reinforcement learning algorithms as they provide a flexible, reproducible and easy to control environments. Regardless, few games feature the ability to perceive how the algorithm performs exploration, memorization and planning. This article presents The Dreaming Variational Autoencoder with Stochastic Weight Averaging and Generative Adversarial Networks (DVAE‐SWAGAN), a neural network‐based generative modelling architecture for exploration in environments with sparse feedback. We present deep maze, a novel and flexible maze game‐engine that challenges DVAE‐SWAGAN in partial and fully observable state‐spaces, long‐horizon tasks and deterministic and stochastic problems. We show results between different variants of the algorithm and encourage future study in reinforcement learning driven by generative exploration.
An objective and interactive‐information‐based feedback mechanism for the consensus‐reaching process considering a non‐support degree for minority opinions
Authors: Nie Ru‐xin , Tian Zhang‐peng , Wang Jian‐qiang , Luo Han‐yang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe consensus‐reaching process (CRP) to achieve higher unanimity and ensure common agreement before deriving a final decision has become an important procedure in group decision‐making problems. The demand for high‐quality decision results has motivated the development of large‐scale group decision‐making (LGDM). In such cases, the issue of minority opinion has gained awareness due to the related effects on enhancing consensus and decision quality. A minority opinion cannot exert an effect unless the majority attach importance to whether that opinion is supported or not. To reflect the effect of minority opinions on consensus, this paper establishes a LGDM framework with an objective and interactive‐information‐based feedback mechanism for the CRP. Given the natural forms of human expression, multi‐granular linguistic information and a 2‐tuple linguistic model are used. First, initial weights are objectively assigned to decision‐makers (DMs) to weaken the impact of the majority. Subsequently, a non‐support degree function is newly defined to reflect the extent to which other DMs dissent from a minority opinion. More importantly, feedback rules are constructed to make corresponding adjustments to the powers of discourse among all DMs in the attempt to reach consensus. Finally, the proposed three‐phase LGDM framework is applied to new product development (NPD), and simulation experiments are conducted based on two algorithms to verify the framework's applicability and feasibility.
Effect of carbon fibres on the static and fatigue mechanical properties of fibre metal laminates
Authors: Naito Kimiyoshi , Shirasu Keiichi , Tanaka Yoshihisa 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIt is crucial to understand the characteristic fatigue crack initiation and its growth mechanisms, as well as the relationship between the mechanical properties and the fatigue damage evolution in fibre metal laminates (FMLs). Two types of FML were studied in this work: a polyacrylonitrile‐based carbon fibre epoxy matrix composite sandwiched by Ti‐6Al‐4V (Ti‐alloy) sheets (IMS60‐Ti) and a pitch‐based carbon fibre epoxy matrix composite sandwiched by Ti‐alloy sheets (K13D‐Ti). The static and fatigue mechanical properties of IMS60‐Ti and K13D‐Ti were investigated. The increased failure strain of the FML was greater than that of carbon fibre‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) matrix composites. The fatigue life of IMS60‐Ti was much longer than that of K13D‐Ti. The fatigue damage process in IMS60‐Ti was related to the fatigue creep behaviour of the Ti‐alloy face sheet and mode II cracking at the CFRP/Ti‐alloy interface, and the damage in K13D‐Ti was related to the K13D CFRP laminate.
In Situ Fe and S isotope analyses in pyrite from the 3.2 Ga Mendon Formation (Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa): Evidence for early microbial iron reduction
Authors: Marin‐Carbonne Johanna , Busigny Vincent , Miot Jennyfer , Rollion‐Bard Claire , Muller Elodie , Drabon Nadja , Jacob Damien , Pont Sylvain , Robyr Martin , Bontognali Tomaso R. R. , François Camille , Reynaud Stephanie , Van Zuilen Mark , Philippot Pascal 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOn the basis of phylogenetic studies and laboratory cultures, it has been proposed that the ability of microbes to metabolize iron has emerged prior to the Archaea/Bacteria split. However, no unambiguous geochemical data supporting this claim have been put forward in rocks older than 2.7–2.5 giga years (Gyr). In the present work, we report in situ Fe and S isotope composition of pyrite from 3.28‐ to 3.26‐Gyr‐old cherts from the upper Mendon Formation, South Africa. We identified three populations of microscopic pyrites showing a wide range of Fe isotope compositions, which cluster around two δ56Fe values of −1.8‰ and +1‰. These three pyrite groups can also be distinguished based on the pyrite crystallinity and the S isotope mass‐independent signatures. One pyrite group displays poorly crystallized pyrite minerals with positive Δ33S values > +3‰, while the other groups display more variable and closer to 0‰ Δ33S values with recrystallized pyrite rims. It is worth to note that all the pyrite groups display positive Δ33S values in the pyrite core and similar trace element compositions. We therefore suggest that two of the pyrite groups have experienced late fluid circulations that have led to partial recrystallization and dilution of S isotope mass‐independent signature but not modification of the Fe isotope record. Considering the mineralogy and geochemistry of the pyrites and associated organic material, we conclude that this iron isotope systematic derives from microbial respiration of iron oxides during early diagenesis. Our data extend the geological record of dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) back more than 560 million years (Myr) and confirm that micro‐organisms closely related to the last common ancestor had the ability to reduce Fe(III).
Feedback control of absolute blood volume: A new technical approach in hemodialysis
Authors: Kron Susanne , Schneditz Daniel , Leimbach Til , Kron Joachim 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe success of automatic feedback control systems to improve hemodynamic stability by preventing relative blood volume from dropping beyond a critical value during dialysis is limited. The aim of this study was to use one of these systems for control of absolute rather than relative blood volume to prevent volume‐dependent morbid events.MethodsDialysis was delivered by a machine providing feedback control of ultrafiltration rates, relative blood volume monitoring, and accurate bolus infusion of 240 mL of dialysate to measure absolute blood volume at the beginning of dialysis. Critical relative blood volume required by the control algorithm was calculated from absolute blood volume at the beginning and a critical absolute blood volume of 67 mL/kg.FindingsIn 40 stable patients, ultrafiltration was guided by blood volume using the feedback algorithm of the integrated program. Blood volume was maintained in a narrow range above the prespecified minimal value of 67 mL/kg. At the end of dialysis, absolute blood volume ranged from 67.5 to 72.5 mL/kg (69.4 ± 1.3 mL/kg). No volume‐dependent intradialytic morbid event occurred.DiscussionA feedback control system for relative blood volume‐controlled ultrafiltration can be used for control of absolute blood volume. A prescribed target of absolute blood volume can be converted into relative blood volume, and this can subsequently be reached automatically with the integrated feedback system of the dialysis machine. Intradialytic morbid events could be considerably reduced. The whole procedure could be completely automated without altering the hardware of the dialysis device.
Synthesis, microstructure, and mechanical properties of TiC‐SiC‐Ti3SiC2 composites prepared by in situ reactive hot pressing
Authors: Liao Nan , Xu Ludi , Jin Yuxi , Xiao Youtao , Grasso Salvatore , Hu Chunfeng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this work, TiC‐SiC‐Ti3SiC2 composites were synthesized by in situ reactive hot pressing using β‐SiC, graphite, and TiH2 powders as initial materials. Microstructure and mechanical properties of as‐prepared dense composites were systematically investigated. It was found that by increasing the initial SiC content the final SiC content in the composites increased in contrast to the decrease in TiC and Ti3SiC2 contents. In the dense composites, TiC and Ti3SiC2 grains exhibited transgranular fracture, whereas SiC particles showed intergranular fracture. The composite containing 77 vol.% TiC, 4 vol.% SiC, and 19 vol.% Ti3SiC2 had the highest flexural strength of 706.6 MPa. The composite consisting of 44 vol.% TiC, 49 vol.% SiC, and 7 vol.% Ti3SiC2 exhibited the highest Vickers hardness of 22.3 GPa and the highest fracture toughness of 6.0 MPa·m1/2.
Effect of CeO2 addition on the sintering behavior of the alumina‐rich calcium aluminate ceramics
Authors: Wen Tianpeng , Yuan Lei , Jin Endong , Liu Tao , Tian Chen , Yu Jingkun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this work, the CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics were fabricated by the solid‐state sintering technology and the effects of CeO2 as the additive on their sintering behavior subjected to sintering at temperatures of 1500°C, 1550°C, and 1600°C were investigated. It was demonstrated that the bulk densities of the CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics increased about 23.8% and 24.2% after adding 3.0 wt% of CeO2 than that of the samples without additives. Meanwhile, an increase in lattice parameters occurred in the CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics. The CeO2 could form the solid solution in the CaAl4O7 ceramics, inducing the lattice distortion and the activation of the lattice. The Ce4+ in CeO2 could be dissolved in the structure of CaAl12O19 phase and result in the structural defects, which would accelerate ion exchange and promote the in situ reaction of synthetic products. These behaviors could promote the sintering process of the CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics and improve their sinterability. Moreover, a considerable increase in bulk density occurred in both CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics with increasing sintering temperatures due to the greater densification obtained from the enhanced mass transport at elevated temperatures.
Genetic predisposition in acute leukaemia
Authors: Wiggins Meredith , Stevenson William 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA small but important proportion of patients with myelodysplasia (MDS) and acute leukaemia (AL) have underlying germline mutations in leukaemia susceptibility genes. The majority of these variants predispose to myeloid neoplasms with a smaller number associated with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The 2016 revision of the WHO classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues has defined a number of myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition (Blood, 127, 2016, 2391) alerting clinicians to the importance of this underlying diagnosis. Advances in genetic technology and access to testing will undoubtably result in increased numbers of patients and families with leukaemia predisposition syndromes being identified. Here we summarize the salient biology and genetic and clinical features of a number of these conditions including some more recently described genetic variants.
Repeat pulmonary vein isolation with or without FIRM‐guided ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation with pulmonary vein reconnection
Authors: Peigh Graham , Wasserlauf Jeremiah , Kaplan Rachel M. , Amaral Ansel P. , Trivedi Amar , Chicos Alexandru B. , Arora Rishi , Kim Susan , Lin Albert , Verma Nishant , Knight Bradley P. , Passman Rod S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionFocal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM) ablation can be used to target nonpulmonary vein (PV) sources of atrial fibrillation (AF). No published studies have compared freedom from atrial fibrillation (FFAF) after pulmonary vein reisolation (PVRI) plus FIRM to PVRI alone in patients with reconnected PVs undergoing repeat ablation.MethodsA 3:1 matched retrospective cohort study was performed on 21 patients with recurrent AF and PV reconnection who underwent PVRI plus FIRM‐guided ablation and 63 patients with recurrent AF treated with PVRI alone at a single institution. All patients in the PVRI‐alone cohort had cryoballoon PVRI at the time of repeat ablation without additional lesion sets for AF. Cases were matched based on the type of AF (paroxysmal vs nonparoxysmal), left atrial diameter (±4 mm), left ventricular ejection fraction (±10%), duration of AF (±18 months), and age (±5 years). The primary endpoint was FFAF after a 3‐month blanking period.ResultsOut of 53 total FIRM cases performed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital between 2015 and 2017, 21 patients had PVRI plus FIRM for recurrent AF with PV reconnection. These patients had an average of 3.3 ± 2.1 rotors (60% left atrial) ablated. Over a median follow‐up time of 24.7 months (interquartile range, 13‐36 months), patients in the PVRI‐alone cohort demonstrated a higher rate of FFAF (n = 35; 55.6%) than patients in the PVRI plus FIRM‐guided ablation cohort (n = 7; 33.3%) (logrank P = .049).ConclusionIn patients undergoing repeat ablation for AF with PV reconnection, PVRI plus FIRM did not increase FFAF compared to PVRI alone.
Evidence supporting the enhanced efficacy of pentavalent antimonials with adjuvant therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Husein‐ElAhmed H. , Gieler U. , Steinhoff M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the major neglected disease worldwide. Although many drugs have been used, the pentavalent antimonials (PA) remain as the first‐line choice despite their toxicity and limited efficacy. The combination of two drugs has risen as a potential alternative to increase the cure rate while lowering the side‐effects caused by pentavalent antimonials (PA). The objective of this study was to critically review and appraise the potential synergism of the adjuvant therapies of PA with other drugs/interventions previously used in the literature. We carried out a search of literature from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov. Articles that described a two‐arm or three‐arm design in which one of the arms consisted in a combination of a drug/intervention with intralesional or systemic PA were selected. The primary outcome was proportion of complete clearance of the lesions defined as complete re‐epithelization and/or negative direct smear. Our literature search identified 554 references. Thirty‐one records with a total sample size of 2668 participants met the eligibility criteria. The studies investigated the association of PA with the following: cryotherapy (five studies), allopurinol, imiquimod, pentoxifylline (four studies each), trichloroacetic acid 50% (three studies) and other additional interventions (eleven studies). Overall, the combined therapy of PA with a supplementary intervention was superior to PA monotherapy (RR: 1.23 95% CI: 1.11–1.35, I2 = 64%). In association with PA, the comparator‐specific stratified analysis showed that cryotherapy (RR: 1.50 95% CI: 1.25–1.81, I2 = 57%) and allopurinol (RR: 1.70 95% CI: 1.37–2.12, I2 = 28%) were superior to PA in monotherapy. On the contrary, the combined therapy with imiquimod (RR: 1.08 95% CI: 0.88–1.32, I2 = 40%) and pentoxifylline (RR: 1.14 95% CI: 0.94–1.40, I2 = 41%) revealed a non‐significant result. The application of TCA along with PA did not show significant differences in the clearance rate, although it was close to it (RR: 1.31 95% CI: 0.99–1.73, I2 = 84%). The present work represents an attempt to find new and reliable treatment modalities to enhance the efficacy based on the adjuvant therapy of pre‐existing drugs/interventions with PA. According to our results, the combination of allopurinol‐PA is the most effective adjuvant therapy. The application of cryotherapy and TCA stand as useful and encouraging supplementary interventions. The combination of imiquimod‐PA and pentoxifylline adds no additional benefit. The results of this work may be helpful in devising and modifying the current guidelines for CL which face major remaining evidence gaps. Triple therapies consisting in cryotherapy‐PA‐TCA or allopurinol‐PA‐cryotherapy or allopurinol‐PA‐TCA can represent promising treatments yet to be confirmed in future trials.
Exploration of risk factors for non‐survival and for transfusion‐associated complications in cats receiving red cell transfusions: 450 cases (2009 to 2017)
Authors: Martinez‐Sogues L. , Blois S. L. , Manzanilla E. G. , Abrams‐Ogg A. O. , Cosentino P. 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesTo describe red blood cell transfusion practices and short‐term outcomes in anaemic cats. To determine clinical variables associated with non‐survival and transfusion‐related complications.Material and MethodsIn this retrospective study, blood bank records from the Ontario Veterinary College Health Science Centre (OVC‐HSC) were reviewed to identify cats that received packed red blood cells or whole blood from 2009 to 2017. We extracted cause of anaemia, history of previous transfusion, pre‐ and post‐transfusion packed cell volume, pre‐transfusion compatibility testing, volume and dose of blood product, age of red blood cell unit, transfusion‐associated complications and patient survival.ResultsA total of 450 transfusion events were recorded in 267 cats. Blood loss was the most common indication for blood transfusion (44.9%), followed by ineffective erythropoiesis (37.5%) and red blood cell destruction (22.5%). Transfusion‐associated complications occurred in 10.2% events and there was a 20.2% mortality after transfusion. Mean increase in packed cell volume 24‐hours after transfusion was greater in cats undergoing major cross‐match testing before transfusion (7.2%) versus those that did not (4.0%). Non‐survival was associated with higher packed cell volume before transfusion, low patient body temperature before transfusion, anaemia due to blood loss and number of transfusions administered. Older age of transfused blood units was associated with non‐survival and transfusion‐related complications.Clinical ImportanceThis study was observational and so our analyses were exploratory, but suggest that major cross‐match before transfusion tended to have greater transfusion efficacy and transfusion of older blood products might have detrimental effects on survival.
The economic costs of selecting medical students: An Australian case study
Authors: Foo Jonathan , Rivers George , Allen Louise , Ilic Dragan , Maloney Stephen , Hay Margaret 
Published: March 2020

AbstractContextThe design of selection methods must balance, amongst a range of factors, the desire to select the best possible future doctors with the reality of our resource‐constrained environment. Examining the cost of selection processes enables us to identify areas in which efficiencies may be gained.MethodsA cost description study was conducted based on selection for 2018 entry into medical school directly from secondary school. The perspectives of applicants, volunteer interviewers and the admitting institution were considered. Costs were modelled based on the Monash University (Australia) selection process, which uses a combination of secondary school matriculation score, aptitude test score (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) and multiple mini‐interview score. A variety of data sources were utilised, including bespoke surveys, audit data and existing literature. All costs are expressed in 2018 Australian dollars (AU$). Applicant behaviours in preparing for selection tests were also evaluated.ResultsA total of 381 of 383 applicants returned the survey. Over 70% of applicants had utilised commercial preparation materials. The median total cost to applicants was AU$2586 (interquartile range [IQR] AU$1574‐3999), including costs to both prepare for and attend selection tests. Of 217 volunteer interviewers, 108 returned the survey. These were primarily health professional clinicians at a mid‐career stage. The median total cost to interviewers was AU$452 (IQR AU$252‐715) for participation in a half‐day interview session, largely due to the loss of income. The cost to the admitting institution was AU$269 per applicant, accounted for by the costs of equipment and consumables (52%), personnel (34%) and facilities (14%).ConclusionsThe costs of student selection for medical school are substantial. Understanding costs facilitates achievement of the objective of selecting the desired future medical workforce within the constraints of the resources available. Opportunities for change may arise from changes in applicant preparation behaviours, opportunities for economies of scale, and efficiencies driven by technological solutions.
What occupational preference types dominate among nurses and paramedics with implications for wellbeing?: A scoping review
Authors: Mason Rod , Roodenburg John , Williams Brett 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the occupational typological nature of nursing and paramedicine and the typological preferences of these within the professions offers significant evidence of factors that can facilitate wellbeing and efficiencies. Arksey and O'Malley's five‐stage scoping methodology was used to review the literature. The research question used to guide this scoping review was: Which Holland code is more dominant among nurses and paramedics? Nine articles were included in this review, from which two broad themes emerged: Job satisfaction/academic success; and personality‐employment fit across gender and subgroups within the same occupation. While the Social (S) personality type dominated across the studies for both nurses and paramedics, overall, the studies identified various combinations of the personality profile and, in some cases, personality types foreign to the occupation also formed part of the Holland code. Congruence can be thought of as playing an important role in nurses’/paramedics’ overall well‐being regardless of the order of their three dominant personality types.