bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel activation function with pixelwise modeling capacity for lightweight neural network design
Authors: Liu Yi , Guo Xiaozhou , Tan Kaijun , Gong Guoliang , Lu Huaxiang 
Published: July 2021

SummaryThe development of lightweight networks makes neural networks more efficient to be widely applied to various tasks. Considering the deployment of hardware like edge devices and mobile phones, we prioritize lightweight networks. However, their accuracy has always lagged far behind SOTA networks. In this article, we present a simple yet effective activation function, called WReLU, to improve the performance of lightweight networks significantly by adding a residual spatial condition. Moreover, we use a strategy to switch activation functions after determining which convolutional layer to use. We perform experiments on ImageNet 2012 classification dataset in CPU, GPU, and edge devices. Experiments demonstrate that WReLU improves the accuracy of classification significantly. Meanwhile, our strategy balances the effect of additional parameters and multiply accumulate. Our method improves the accuracy of SqueezeNet and SqueezeNext by more than 5% without increasing extensive parameters and computation. For the lightweight network with a large number of parameters, such as MobileNet and ShuffleNet, there is also a significant improvement. Additionally, the inference speed of most lightweight networks using our WReLU strategy is almost the same as the baseline model on different platforms. Our approach not only ensures the practicability of the lightweight network but also improves its performance.
Cricket: A virtualization layer for distributed execution of CUDA applications with checkpoint/restart support
Authors: Eiling Niklas , Baude Jonas , Lankes Stefan , Monti Antonello 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn high‐performance computing and cloud computing the introduction of heterogeneous computing resources, such as GPU accelerator have led to a dramatic increase in performance and efficiency. While the benefits of virtualization features in these environments are well researched, GPUs do not offer virtualization support that enables fine‐grained control, increased flexibility, and fault tolerance. In this article, we present Cricket: A transparent and low‐overhead solution to GPU virtualization that enables future research into other virtualization techniques, due to its open‐source nature. Cricket supports remote execution and checkpoint/restart of CUDA applications. Both features enable the distribution of GPU tasks dynamically and flexibly across computing nodes and the multitenant usage of GPU resources, thereby improving flexibility and utilization for high‐performance and cloud computing.
Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes and Antihypertensive Treatment: A Genome‐Wide Interaction Meta‐Analysis in the International Consortium for Antihypertensive Pharmacogenomics Studies
Authors: McDonough Caitrin W. , Warren Helen R. , Jack John R. , Motsinger‐Reif Alison A. , Armstrong Nicole D. , Bis Joshua C. , House John S. , Singh Sonal , El Rouby Nihal M. , Gong Yan , Mychaleckyj Joesyf C. , Rotroff Daniel M. , Benavente Oscar R. , Caulfield Mark J. , Doria Alessandrio , Pepine Carl J. , Psaty Bruce M. , Glorioso Valeria , Glorioso Nicola , Hiltunen Timo P. , Kontula Kimmo K. , Arnett Donna K. , Buse John B. , Irvin Marguerite R. , Johnson Julie A. , Munroe Patricia B. , Wagner Michael J. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M. 
Published: July 2021

We sought to identify genome‐wide variants influencing antihypertensive drug response and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, utilizing data from four randomized controlled trials in the International Consortium for Antihypertensive Pharmacogenomics Studies (ICAPS). Genome‐wide antihypertensive drug‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) interaction tests for four drug classes (β‐blockers, n = 9,195; calcium channel blockers (CCBs), n = 10,511; thiazide/thiazide‐like diuretics, n = 3,516; ACE‐inhibitors/ARBs, n = 2,559) and cardiovascular outcomes (incident myocardial infarction, stroke, or death) were analyzed among patients with hypertension of European ancestry. Top SNPs from the meta‐analyses were tested for replication of cardiovascular outcomes in an independent Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) study (n = 21,267), blood pressure (BP) response in independent ICAPS studies (n = 1,552), and ethnic validation in African Americans from the Genetics of Hypertension Associated Treatment study (GenHAT; n = 5,115). One signal reached genome‐wide significance in the β‐blocker‐SNP interaction analysis (rs139945292, Interaction P = 1.56 × 10−8). rs139945292 was validated through BP response to β‐blockers, with the T‐allele associated with less BP reduction (systolic BP response P = 6 × 10−4, Beta = 3.09, diastolic BP response P = 5 × 10−3, Beta = 1.53). The T‐allele was also associated with increased adverse cardiovascular risk within the β‐blocker treated patients’ subgroup (P = 2.35 × 10−4, odds ratio = 1.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–1.99). The locus showed nominal replication in CHARGE, and consistent directional trends in β‐blocker treated African Americans. rs139945292 is an expression quantitative trait locus for the 50 kb upstream gene NTM (neurotrimin). No SNPs attained genome‐wide significance for any other drugs classes. Top SNPs were located near CALB1 (CCB), FLJ367777 (ACE‐inhibitor), and CES5AP1 (thiazide). The NTM region is associated with increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and less BP reduction in β‐blocker treated patients. Further investigation into this region is warranted.
Validation of Circular RNAs Using RT‐qPCR After Effective Removal of Linear RNAs by Ribonuclease R
Authors: Vromman Marieke , Yigit Nurten , Verniers Kimberly , Lefever Steve , Vandesompele Jo , Volders Pieter‐Jan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that have been shown to play a role in normal development, homeostasis, and disease, including cancer. CircRNAs are formed through a process called back‐splicing, which results in a covalently closed loop with a nonlinear back‐spliced junction (BSJ). In general, circRNA BSJs are predicted in RNA sequencing data using one of numerous circRNA detection algorithms. Selected circRNAs are then typically validated using an orthogonal method such as reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) with circRNA‐specific primers. However, linear transcripts originating from endogenous trans‐splicing can lead to false‐positive signals both in RNA sequencing and in RT‐qPCR experiments. Therefore, it is essential to perform the RT‐qPCR validation step only after linear RNAs have been degraded using an exonuclease such as ribonuclease R (RNase R). Several RNase R protocols are available for circRNA detection using RNA sequencing or RT‐qPCR. These protocols—which vary in enzyme concentration, RNA input amount, incubation times, and cleanup steps—typically lack a detailed validated standard protocol and fail to provide a range of conditions that deliver accurate results. As such, some protocols use RNase R concentrations that are too high, resulting in partial degradation of the target circRNAs. Here, we describe an optimized workflow for circRNA validation, combining RNase R treatment and RT‐qPCR. First, we outline the steps for circRNA primer design and qPCR assay validation. Then, we describe RNase R treatment of total RNA and, importantly, a subsequent essential buffer cleanup step. Lastly, we outline the steps to perform the RT‐qPCR and discuss the downstream data analyses. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: CircRNA primer design and qPCR assay validationBasic Protocol 2: RNase R treatment, cleanup, and RT‐qPCR
Pharmacogenomics in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: McDonough Caitrin W. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCardiovascular pharmacogenomics is the study and identification of genomic markers that are associated with variability in cardiovascular drug response, cardiovascular drug−related outcomes, or cardiovascular drug−related adverse events. This overview presents an introduction and historical background to cardiovascular pharmacogenomics, and a protocol for designing a cardiovascular pharmacogenomics study. Important considerations are also included for constructing a cardiovascular pharmacogenomics phenotype, designing the replication or validation strategy, common statistical approaches, and how to put the results in context with the cardiovascular drug or cardiovascular disease under investigation. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol: Designing a cardiovascular pharmacogenomics study
Dual‐band modified rectangular shaped dielectric resonator antenna with diversified polarization feature
Authors: Dwivedi Ajay Kumar , Sharma Anand , Ranjan Pinku 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this communication, the aperture coupled modified rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (rDRA) is designed and studied. The modified rectangular DRA is the same as Swastik shape. An asymmetrical microstrip line‐fed aperture stimulated a triple radiating mode pattern inside the ceramic material, that is,
, respectively. Swastik‐shaped ceramic radiator provides two important advantages: (a) lower Q‐factor, which in turn improves the impedance bandwidth, and (b) the creation of degenerated orthogonal mode with 90° phase shifts, which provides CP waves in one of the operating bands. Experimental outcomes confirm that the proposed antenna is working in dual‐frequency bands, that is, 6.41–7.38 GHz and 10.2–12.8 GHz, respectively. It supports left‐handed CP waves from 11.51 to 11.89 GHz. The proposed antenna is widely employable for fixed service satellite (FSS) for defense applications.
SixMeVproton acceleration from plasma generated by high‐intensity laser using advanced thin polyethylene targets
Authors: Torrisi L. , Cutroneo M. , Torrisi A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractProton acceleration can be induced by non‐equilibrium plasma developed by high‐intensity laser pulses, at 1016 W/cm2, irradiating different types of thin polyethylene targets. The process of proton acceleration and directive yield emission was investigated, optimizing the laser parameters, the irradiation conditions, and the target properties. The use of 600 J pulse energy, a laser focalization inducing self‐focusing effects and advanced targets with embedded nanoparticles and optimal thicknesses, has permitted to accelerate forward protons up to the energies of about 6 MeV and amount of the order of 1015H+/pulse. High proton energy is obtained using thin foils enriched with gold nanoparticles, whereas high proton yield is obtained using targets with a thickness of about 10 μm. The plasma diagnostics using SiC semiconductor detectors in time‐of‐flight configuration was fundamental to monitor the optimal conditions to improve the plasma processes concerning the ion acceleration and the X‐ray and relativistic electron emission.
A multi‐level routing method in vehicular ad hoc networks using unnamed aerial vehicle nodes
Authors: Palizian Raziyeh , Barati Hamid , AnsariAsl Abdolnabi 
Published: July 2021

SummaryVehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are a subset of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) that can be used to communicate in intelligent transportation systems. In VANETs, each node in the network is a vehicle that exchanges data wirelessly with other vehicles. Many authors have considered using unnamed aerial vehicle (UAV) nodes to improve connectivity in VANETs. In recent years, UAVs have been used to enhance communications in VANETs. In this paper, a routing method for VANETs using UAV nodes is presented. The proposed method has three phases. The first phase deals with routing operations between vehicles. In this phase, whenever a vehicle has a packet to send, it selects the next hop to send the packet from the neighbor vehicles based on the parameters of distance, speed difference, and direction difference. The second phase is dedicated to routing operations between the vehicle and the UAV. In this phase, the roadside unit selects the best UAV based on distance and remaining energy, and the vehicle sends data to the UAV. The third phase is dedicated to UAV routing operations, and a greedy routing method between the UAVs based on distance and energy is presented. The proposed method is compared with U2RV and UVAR methods in terms of packet delivery rate, end‐to‐end delay, number of hops, and control overhead. The simulation results showed that the proposed method has improved in terms of packet delivery rate, the number of hops, and end‐to‐end delay.
Machine learning based study of longitudinal HbA1c trends and their association with all‐cause mortality: Analyses from a National Diabetes Registry
Authors: Cahn Avivit , Zuker Inbar , Eilenberg Roni , Uziel Moshe , Tsadok Meytal Avgil , Raz Itamar , Lutski Miri 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe association of long‐term HbA1c variability with mortality has been previously suggested. However, the significance of HbA1c variability and trends in different age and HbA1c categories is unclear.Research Design and MethodsData on patients with diabetes listed in the Israeli National Diabetes Registry during years 2012–2016 (observation period) were collected. Patients with >4 HbA1c measurements, type 1 diabetes, eGFR < 30mg/ml/min, persistent HbA1c < 6% or malignancy were excluded. Utilizing machine learning methods, patients were classified into clusters according to their HbA1c trend (increasing, stable, decreasing). Mortality risk during 2017–2019 was calculated in subgroups defined by age (35–54, 55–69, 70–89 years) and last HbA1c (≤7% and >7%) at end of observation period. Models were adjusted for demographic, clinical and laboratory measurements including HbA1c, standard deviation (SD) of HbA1c and HbA1c trend.ResultsThis historical cohort study included 293,314 patients. Increased HbA1c variability (high SD) during the observation period was an independent predictor of mortality in patients aged more than 55 years (p < 0.01). The HbA1c trend was another independent predictor of mortality. Patients with a decreasing versus stable HbA1c trend had a greater mortality risk; this association persisted in all age groups in patients with HbA1c > 7% at the end of the observation period (p = 0.02 in age 35–54; p < 0.01 in aged >55). Patients with an increasing versus stable HbA1c trend had a greater mortality risk only in the elderly group (>70), yet in both HbA1c categories (p < 0.01).ConclusionsHbA1c variability and trend are important determinants of mortality risk and should be considered when adjusting glycaemic targets.
Factors that contribute to the elongation of drumlins beneath the Green Bay Lobe, Laurentide Ice Sheet
Authors: Zoet Lucas K. , Rawling J. Elmo , Woodard Jacob B. , Barrette Nolan , Mickelson David M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDrumlin shape has been hypothesized to correlate with ice‐flow duration and slip speed, but modern‐day analogues and the Coulomb nature of till render the basis of these correlations in question. The evolution of flow‐parallel subglacial landforms is of importance for ice flow because the form drag they provide may be a dominant factor in regulating glacier slip speeds. Here we examine the relationship between drumlin shape and cumulative slip displacement (i.e. time‐integrated slip speed) as a dominant glaciological control on drumlin shape. First, a new method is developed that allows slip speed to be estimated for deformable bedded glaciers along a flow line from an ice surface profile. Then, reconstructed surface profiles for ice margin chronologies of the Green Bay Lobe (GBL) are used to construct and estimate the spatially varying cumulative slip displacement for use in comparison with drumlin elongation ratios. We focus on a sector of the GBL near the central flow line where the geology is simple and glaciological controls are likely to dominate bedform development. Using Bayesian statistical analysis, a positive and statistically robust relationship between cumulative slip displacement and drumlin elongation ratio is found. Our analysis indicates that drumlin shape could be used to infer palaeo glacier slip speeds if time under the ice can be well constrained and geologic influences are minimal. These findings also suggest that drumlin‐supplied drag could decrease with increased cumulative slip displacement in the absence of rigid geologic features that fix drumlin positions.
Inventory and evolution of glacial lakes since the Little Ice Age: Lessons from the case of Switzerland
Authors: Mölg Nico , Huggel Christian , Herold Thilo , Storck Florian , Allen Simon , Haeberli Wilfried , Schaub Yvonne , Odermatt Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRetreating glaciers give way to new landscapes with lakes as an important element. In this study, we combined available data on lake outlines with historical orthoimagery and glacier outlines for six time periods since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA; ~1850). We generated a glacial lake inventory for modern times (2016) and traced the evolution of glacial lakes that formed in the deglaciated area since the LIA. In this deglaciated area, a total of 1192 lakes formed over the period of almost 170 years, 987 of them still in existence in 2016. Their total water surface in 2016 was 6.22 ± 0.25 km2. The largest lakes are > 0.4 km2 (40 ha) in size, while the majority (> 90%) are smaller than 0.01 km2. Annual increase rates in area and number peaked in 1946–1973, decreased towards the end of the 20th century, and reached a new high in the latest period 2006–2016. For a period of 43 years (1973–2016), we compared modelled overdeepenings from previous studies to actual lake genesis. For a better prioritization of formation probability, we included glacier‐morphological criteria such as glacier width and visible crevassing. About 40% of the modelled overdeepened area actually got covered by lakes. The inclusion of morphological aspects clearly aided in defining a lake formation probability to be linked to each modelled overdeepening. Additional morphological variables, namely dam material and type, surface runoff, and freeboard, were compiled for a subset of larger and ice‐contact lakes in 2016, constituting a basis for future hazard assessment.
Economically high‐order unstructured‐grid methods: Clarification and efficient FSR schemes
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroaki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this article, we clarify reconstruction‐based discretization schemes for unstructured grids and discuss their economically high‐order versions, which can achieve high‐order accuracy under certain conditions at little extra cost. The clarification leads to one of the most economical approaches: the flux‐and‐solution‐reconstruction (FSR) approach, where highly economical schemes can be constructed based on an extended ‐scheme combined with economical flux reconstruction formulas, achieving up to fifth‐order accuracy (sixth‐order with zero dissipation) when a grid is regular. Various economical FSR schemes are presented and their formal orders of accuracy are verified by numerical experiments.
Hepatoprotective effects of flavonoids from common buckwheat hulls in type 2 diabetic rats and HepG2 cells
Authors: Wang Hai , Liu Shuyan , Cui Yang , Wang Yue , Guo Yang , Wang Xiujuan , Liu Junmei , Piao Chunhong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFlavonoids from common buckwheat hulls (BHFs) show significant antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. However, their hepatoprotective property is yet to be defined. This study aims to examine the hepatoprotective effect of BHFs in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats and chronic high glucose‐damaged HepG2 cells. Results showed that BHF treatment significantly relieves the state of insulin resistance, thereby reducing blood glucose and improving oxidative stress in T2DM rats. It is worth mentioning that BHF treatment improved diabetes‐induced liver damage disorders, manifested as the clearance of liver fat and the decline of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. In vitro, HepG2 cells pretreated with BHFs maintained higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px), and catalase (CAT) activities than the unprotected group. In parallel, compared with the unprotected group, BHFs significantly reduced the leakage of ALT and AST in pre‐protected group dose‐dependently. These results indicated that BHFs had considerable antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential and could be promising to be used as nutraceuticals and dietary supplements to prevent and/or protect against liver disorders.
Assessment of anxiety in elderly population during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the impact of compulsory home‐stay in the central districts of Ankara, Turkey: A quantitative, qualitative mixed method study
Authors: Sirin Hulya , Ahmadi Ahmad Abed , Ketrez Gamze , Ozbeyaz Cagri , Dikmen Asiye Ugras , Ozkan Secil 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the level of anxiety in elderly individuals during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Ankara province of Turkey and determine its associated factors.MethodsA quantitative, qualitative mixed‐method study performed in 1–10 June 2020 during the compulsory home‐stay for elderly people in Turkey. The quantitative study was conducted using a structured online questionnaire with 278 participants aged 65 or older. The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) was used to assess the anxiety. An in‐depth interview with 20 participants was used to fill the gap of face‐to‐face interview due to pandemic situation and strengthen the results of quantitative survey. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed separately.ResultsOf all participants, 88 (31.7%) had a score above the cut‐off point for GAI. The prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was significantly higher in female (37.8%) than in male (23.8%). Female gender, economic loss, uncertainty, and the time participants expend to follow news about COVID‐19 pandemic were risk factors of GAD. On the other hand, higher education level, hobbies, and regular physical activity were protective factors against GAD.ConclusionDuring the pandemic, social isolation and lockdown for elderly people make serious risk factor for their mental well‐being. Measures must be taken to support the psychological well‐being of elderly by promoting physical activity and hobbies at home, and reducing their economic concerns.