bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep reinforcement learning‐based autonomous parking design with neural network compute accelerators
Authors: Özeloğlu Alican , Gürbüz İsmihan Gül , San İsmail 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe describe the design and implementation of an autonomous prototype vehicle which finds an empty parking slot in a parking area, and parks itself in the empty parking slot, using neural networks based on deep reinforcement learning (RL). To perform an autonomous parking procedure for our prototype vehicle, two different artificial neural networks (ANNs) are trained using a deep RL Algorithm in a simulation environment and embedded into the computing platform of the prototype car. One of the ANNs enables the vehicle to drive autonomously in the parking environment. At the same time, an image processing algorithm is used to determine whether a parking slot is empty. When the image processing algorithm finds a suitable parking slot, a different ANN is activated and performs a safe parking procedure. However, ANN‐based machine learning techniques require high processing power and impose a high computational burden on embedded CPU and GPU platforms. To alleviate the computational burden, one can achieve higher performance and less power consumption using an application‐specific hardware design, where logic resources are fully exploited according to the algorithm of interest, in an energy‐efficient manner. In this article, hardware accelerators for our ANN models are designed and generated via the Vivado high‐level synthesis (HLS) tool, targeting an ARM based programmable SoC platform, ZedBoard. Our ANN accelerators have achieved a speedup of 17x as compared to an ARM software implementation. For deeper fully‐connected layers used in deep RL‐based solutions, function‐level parallelism (Vivado's dataflow) is employed to improve the computational efficiency. Our proposed stage‐level description for fully connected layers outperforms recent studies in terms of computation time.
Developing a Liu‐type estimator in beta regression model
Authors: Algamal Zakariya Yahya , Abonazel Mohamed R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe beta regression model is a commonly used when the response variable has the form of fractions or percentages. The maximum likelihood (ML) estimator is used to estimate the regression coefficients of this model. However, it is known that multicollinearity problem affects badly the variance of ML estimator. Therefore, this paper introduces the Liu‐type estimator for the beta regression model to handle the multicollinearity problem. The performance of the proposed (Liu‐type) estimator is compared to the ML estimator and other biased (ridge and Liu) estimators depending on the mean squared error (MSE) criterion by conducting a simulation study and through an empirical application. The results indicated that the proposed estimator outperformed the ML, ridge, and Liu estimators.
Specific early maladaptive schemas differentially mediate the relations of emotional and sexual maltreatment to recent life events in youth with depression
Authors: Zheng Sally , Stewart Jeremy G. , Bagby R. Michael , Harkness Kate L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe current study provided a novel investigation of relations among particular types of childhood maltreatment (emotional vs. physical vs. sexual maltreatment), specific cognitive schema themes and the generation of dependent versus independent life events. Participants included 227 adolescents and emerging adults (74% female; aged 12–29) in a current episode of a unipolar depressive disorder drawn from three archival cross‐sectional studies. Childhood maltreatment and life events from the past 6 months were assessed using detailed contextual interviews with independent, standardized ratings. Emotional maltreatment was uniquely associated with schema themes of emotional deprivation and subjugation, and sexual maltreatment was uniquely associated with schema themes of abandonment, vulnerability and dependence/incompetence. Further, subjugation and abandonment cross‐sectionally mediated the relations of emotional and sexual maltreatment, respectively, to greater dependent, but not independent, life events. Physical maltreatment was not associated with cognitive schemas or recent life events after accounting for its overlap with emotional and sexual maltreatment. Results suggest targets for cognitive intervention that may improve outcomes for youth with specific histories of emotional and sexual maltreatment.
B Corp versus ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications: Aligned, or alternative paths, towards sustainable development?
Authors: Fonseca Luis , Silva Vitor , Sá José Carlos , Lima Vanda , Santos Gilberto , Silva Rui 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) emerged to deliver sustainable economic, environmental, and social value to organization's extended stakeholders and society in general. This study investigates the similarities, differences, and relationships between B Corp, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 certifications and is supported by a mixed research methodology and a sample of 701 B Corp companies certified between January 2020 and March 2021. The results indicate that ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified B Corp companies have statistically higher scores for the Environment dimension but are inconclusive, or even contradictory, for the other BIA (B Impact Assessment) dimensions. Differences in size, activity sector and geographical location are discussed. It is shown that both B Corp, ISO 9001 and 14001 certified companies, guided by different missions and business models, contribute, at different levels, towards CSR and sustainable development goals.
Usefulness of argon plasma coagulation for bleeding around hepaticojejunal anastomosis
Authors: Tange Yoshitaka , Hasegawa Naoyuki , Sugiyama Yutaro , Endo Masato , Terasaki Masahiko , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Ishige Kazunori , Fukuda Kuniaki , Suzuki Hideo , Mizokami Yuji 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEctopic varices due to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHO) after hepaticojejunostomy have been previously reported. However, few case reports have described angiodysplasia‐like lesions due to EHO around the hepaticojejunal anastomosis because they comprise small vessels in the mucosal surface and cannot be detected by contrast‐enhanced computed tomography. Physicians need to insert the endoscope into the long afferent limb to diagnose angiodysplasia‐like lesions around the hepaticojejunal anastomosis. Some reports have described that endoscopy stops bleeding from angiodysplasia‐like lesions around the hepaticojejunal anastomosis; however, a standard methodology remains to be established. We present three cases of bleeding from an angiodysplasia‐like lesion around the hepaticojejunal anastomosis that were successfully treated using argon plasma coagulation (APC) with balloon‐assisted enteroscopy. Although one patient died owing to cancer progression 3 months after APC hemostasis, the hemostatic effect persisted for >2 years in the remaining two patients. These results suggest that APC is a good treatment option to stop bleeding from angiodysplasia‐like lesions at hepaticojejunal anastomosis.
Multiple myeloma with esophageal involvement: A rare case
Authors: Tohata Misako , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Harada Hiroshi , Yoshida Erika , Takano Yuichi , Gomi Kuniyo , Nagahama Masatsugu , Takahashi Hiroshi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA 77‐year‐old man presented with a spinal cord tumor at the cervical 7/thoracic 1 level and pain and weakness in the right hand. Blood tests revealed anemia, renal dysfunction, and hyperproteinemia. Immunoelectrophoresis revealed the M‐protein component of immunoglobulin G gamma globulin. Bone marrow aspirate contained an increased number of atypical plasma cells. He was diagnosed with symptomatic myeloma and treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and extradural tumor resection. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, performed because of anemia progression, revealed a 5‐mm submucosal tumor‐like elevated lesion in the upper thoracic esophagus. On white light observation, the lesion appeared whitish with a central redness. Our patient was diagnosed with extramedullary multiple myeloma. Extramedullary lesions are rare in the gastrointestinal tract. To our knowledge, this case is the first of multiple myeloma with esophageal involvement.
Survival of western Gulf Coast Mottled Ducks (Anas fulvigula) in the path of a Category 4 hurricane
Authors: Ringelman Kevin M. , Bonczek Elizabeth S. , Marty Joseph R. , Booth Ashley R. , Dopkin Alexandre L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTropical cyclones are the most powerful storms on earth, causing catastrophic damage to human lives and infrastructure. Hurricanes also cause wildlife mortality when they make landfall, but the severity of these effects is difficult to quantify because data collection is either logistically impossible or deprioritized in the wake of human tragedy. On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwestern Louisiana with maximum sustained winds of 241 kph (150 mph), making it one of the most powerful storms to strike the mainland United States. Hurricane Laura passed directly over the core breeding range of the western Gulf Coast population of Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula), during a time when many adult birds were undergoing a simultaneous wing feather molt and were flightless. We used GPS‐GSM telemetry data to evaluate survival rates of adult female Mottled Ducks in late summer 2020 (bracketing August 27 by one month on either side) relative to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Mortality was lower in 2018 (12 out of 29; 41%) and 2019 (8 out of 28; 29%) than in 2020 (12 out of 18; 67%), and 7 out of 12 mortalities documented in 2020 occurred when Hurricane Laura made landfall. Survival analyses in program MARK confirmed lower survival probability in 2020, but there was overlap in 85% confidence intervals in all years. This single storm resulted in the death of ~40% of all marked birds in our sample, suggesting that hurricanes have the potential to influence population demographics. In addition, Hurricane Laura resulted in widespread habitat loss and degradation that has reduced available nesting habitat in 2021, and possibly for years to come. The acute and chronic effects of hurricanes may exacerbate Mottled Duck population declines, which may worsen in the face of increasingly frequent and more severe tropical storms.
Food insecurity, type 2 diabetes, and hyperglycaemia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Beltrán Sourik , Arenas Daniel J. , Pharel Marissa , Montgomery Canada , Lopez‐Hinojosa Itzel , DeLisser Horace M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsFood insecurity (FIS) is a major public health issue with possible implications for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to explore the association between FIS and T2DM.MethodsWe performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. All cross‐sectional, peer‐reviewed studies investigating the link between FIS and T2DM were included. Population characteristics, study sizes, covariates, T2DM diagnoses, and diabetes‐related clinical measures such as fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c were extracted from each study. Outcomes were compared between food insecure and food secure individuals. Effect sizes were combined across studies using the random effect model.ResultsForty‐nine peer‐reviewed studies investigating the link between FIS and T2DM were identified (n = 258,250). Results of meta‐analyses showed no association between FIS and clinically determined T2DM either through FBG or HbA1c: OR = 1.22 [95%CI: 0.96, 1.55], Q(df = 5) = 12.5, I2 = 60% and OR = 1.21 [95%CI: 0.95, 1.54], Q(df = 5) = 14; I2 = 71% respectively. Standardized mean difference (SMD) meta‐analyses yielded no association between FIS and FBG or HbA1c: g = 0.06 [95%CI: −0.06, 0.17], Q(df = 5) = 15.8, I2 = 68%; g = 0.11 [95% CI: −0.02, 0.25], Q(df = 7) = 26.8, I2 = 74% respectively. For children, no association was found between FIS and HbA1c: g = 0.06 [95%CI: 0.00, 0.17], Q(df = 2) = 5.7, I2 = 65%.ConclusionsDespite multiple proposed mechanisms linking FIS to T2DM, integration of the available literature suggests FIS is not associated with clinically determined T2DM or increases in FBG or HbA1c among adult patients.
Left atrial structural and mechanical remodelling in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Rossi Andrea , Carluccio Erberto , Cameli Matteo , Inciardi Riccardo M. , Mandoli Giulia Elena , D'Agostino Andreina , Biagioli Paolo , Maffeis Caterina , Pugliese Nicola R. , Pastore Maria Concetta , Mengoni Anna , Pedrinelli Roberto , Henein Michael , Dini Frank L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsIn patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), an association between left atrial (LA) dilatation and dysfunction is expected, but the degree of coexistence of the two abnormalities and their relative prognostic role is not known.Methods and resultsA total of 626 HFrEF patients formed the study population. All of them underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation. LA maximal volume was indexed to body surface area (LAVi); LA function was assessed using strain analysis during the reservoir phase: peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) analysis. Study primary endpoint was overall mortality or hospitalization for worsening heart failure. Four groups of patients were included in this study according to LAVi (≤34 or >34 mL/m2) and PALS (≤23% or >23%); 61 (10%) patients had normal LA volume and function (Group 1), 58 (9%) had LA dilatation but normal function (Group 2), 100 (16%) had normal volume but abnormal function (Group 3), and 407 (65%) had enlarged left atrium and abnormal function (Group 4). PALS was associated with primary endpoint in patients with both normal‐size [Groups 1 and 3: hazard ratio (HR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–0.96; P = 0.0006] and dilated left atria (Groups 2 and 4: HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91–0.96; P < 0.0001). In contrast, LAVi was associated with the primary endpoint in patients with abnormal LA function (Groups 3 and 4: HR 1.018, 95% CI 1.011–1.024; P < 0.00001) but not in those with normal PALS (Groups 1 and 2: HR 1.023, 95% CI 0.99–1.057; P = 0.1).ConclusionsLeft atrial dilatation and dysfunction frequently but not invariably coexist. PALS emerged as a significant prognostic parameter in HFrEF even in the absence of LA dilation.
Relation of left atrial function with exercise capacity and muscle endurance in patients with heart failure
Authors: Bekfani Tarek , Hamadanchi Ali , Ijuin Shun , Bekhite Mohamed , Nisser Jenny , Derlien Steffen , Westphal Julian , Bogoviku Jurgen , Morris Daniel A. , Fudim Marat , Braun‐Dullaeus Rüdiger C. , Möbius‐Winkler Sven , Schulze P. Christian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsBoth left atrial strain (LAS) and skeletal muscle endurance demonstrate a linear relationship to peak VO2. Less is known about the relationship between central (cardiac) and peripheral (muscle endurance) limitations of exercise capacity in patients with heart failure (HF). We investigated this relationship using novel cardiac markers such as LAS and left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF).Methods and resultsWe analysed echocardiographic measurements, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and isokinetic muscle function in 55 subjects with HF and controls [17 heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), 18 heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and 20 healthy controls]. Patients with reduced LAEF showed reduced peak VO2: 14.3 ± 3.5 vs. 18.5 ± 3.5 mL/min/kg, P = 0.003, and reduced muscle endurance (RME): 64.3 ± 23.9 vs. 88.5 ± 32.3 Nm/kg, P = 0.028. Patients with reduced LAS showed similar results. Neither left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) nor left atrial volume index (LAVI) was associated with RME. The area under the curve of LAS and LAEF in patients with HF in association with RME were (0.76 vs. 0.80) with 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.59–0.96, P = 0.012 vs. 0.63–0.98, P = 0.006, respectively). In a multiple linear regression, LAEF and working load measured during CPET (watt) were independent factors for RME after adjusting for age, LVGLS, and 6 min walk test (6MWT) [LAEF (B: 0.09, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.18, P = 0.024), working load (B: 0.05, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.08, P = 0.006)]. Peak torque of the left leg was associated with E/LAS (E: early diastolic) in patients with HFpEF (r = −0.6, P = 0.020). Endurance of the left leg was associated with LAEF (r = 0.79, P = 0.001) in patients with HFrEF.ConclusionsLAS/LAEF are potential cardiac markers in demonstrating the link between cardiac and peripheral limitations of exercise capacity. Thus, integrating LAS/LAEF in the evaluation of exercise intolerance in patients with HF could be useful.
Circulating SERPINA3 improves prognostic stratification in patients with a de novo or worsened heart failure
Authors: Delrue Leen , Vanderheyden Marc , Beles Monika , Paolisso Pasquale , Di Gioia Giuseppe , Dierckx Riet , Verstreken Sofie , Goethals Marc , Heggermont Ward , Bartunek Jozef 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsWe investigated the prognostic relevance of serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A member 3 (SERPINA3) in patients admitted with a de novo or worsened heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsIn the first stage, 83 HF‐related left ventricular (LV) transcripts were examined in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (CCMP, n = 44) who died within 5 years and compared with age‐matched and haemodynamically matched CCMP survivors (n = 39) and controls with normal LV function (n = 17). Among 14 differentially expressed transcripts, myocardial gene and circulating SERPINA3 levels were up‐regulated in non‐survivors vs. survivors (2.40 ± 3.66 vs. 0.36 ± 0.22 units, P < 0.01 and 334.7 ± 138.7 vs. 228.2 ± 83.1 μg/mL, P < 0.01, respectively). While no significant transmyocardial gradient was detected, cytokine stimulation of human endothelial cells induced SERPINA3 secretion. In an independent validation cohort with a de novo or worsened HF (n = 387), circulating SERPINA3 levels > 316 μg/mL were associated with increased all‐cause mortality {hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 2.4 [1.5–3.9], P = 0.0002} and its composite with unplanned cardiovascular readmission [HR (95% CI): 2.0 (1.2–3.3), P = 0.004]. Patients with elevated SERPINA3 levels and elevated either N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide or ST2 showed worse freedom from both endpoints. In a multivariate analysis, including established clinical risk factors, SERPINA3 remained independent predictor of all‐cause mortality together with age, gender, ST2, glomerular filtration, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.ConclusionIn patients with a de novo or worsened HF, increased SERPINA3 levels > 316 μg/mL are associated with increased mortality or unplanned cardiac readmission. Elevated SERPINA3 levels on top of established clinical predictors appear to identify a subgroup of HF patients at higher mortality risk. Prospective studies should further validate its value in prognostic stratification of HF.
Profiling the specificity of clonally expanded plasma cells during chronic viral infection by single‐cell analysis
Authors: Neumeier Daniel , Pedrioli Alessandro , Genovese Alessandro , Sandu Ioana , Ehling Roy , Hong Kai‐Lin , Papadopoulou Chrysa , Agrafiotis Andreas , Kuhn Raphael , Shlesinger Danielle , Robbiani Damiano , Han Jiami , Hauri Laura , Csepregi Lucia , Greiff Victor , Merkler Doron , Reddy Sai T. , Oxenius Annette , Yermanos Alexander 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPlasma cells and their secreted antibodies play a central role in the long‐term protection against chronic viral infection. However, due to experimental limitations, a comprehensive description of linked genotypic, phenotypic, and antibody repertoire features of plasma cells (gene expression, clonal frequency, virus specificity, and affinity) has been challenging to obtain. To address this, we performed single‐cell transcriptome and antibody repertoire sequencing of the murine BM plasma cell population following chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Our single‐cell sequencing approach recovered full‐length and paired heavy‐ and light‐chain sequence information for thousands of plasma cells and enabled us to perform recombinant antibody expression and specificity screening. Antibody repertoire analysis revealed that, relative to protein immunization, chronic infection led to increased levels of clonal expansion, class‐switching, and somatic variants. Furthermore, antibodies from the highly expanded and class‐switched (IgG) plasma cells were found to be specific for multiple viral antigens and a subset of clones exhibited cross‐reactivity to nonviral and autoantigens. Integrating single‐cell transcriptome data with antibody specificity suggested that plasma cell transcriptional phenotype was correlated to viral antigen specificity. Our findings demonstrate that chronic viral infection can induce and sustain plasma cell clonal expansion, combined with significant somatic hypermutation, and can generate cross‐reactive antibodies.
Selective Determination of Nicorandil with a Single Planar Solid‐state Potentiometric Ion Selective Electrode
Authors: Hussien Emad Mohamed , Hegazy Maha , Abdel Fattah Laila , Abdellatef Hisham Ezzat , Abd El‐Aziz Mai , El‐Sayed Heba Mohamed 
Published: November 2021

AbstractNovel screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) were constructed for the quantitation of nicorandil (NIC) in its pharmaceutical formulations. Different ion‐exchangers and plasticizers were investigated, but the optimal potentiometric response was obtained using nicorandil‐phosphotungstate (NIC‐PTA) ion associate and tricresyl phosphate as a plasticizer. A Nernstian response of 58.80±1 mV/decade was obtained over a concentration range of (1×10−6–1×10−2) M with 1×10−5 M as a detection limit. Sensor morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The method was validated for the assay of NIC with high selectivity, accuracy (average recovery=100.54 %), and precision (%RSD≤2).
Simulation of loess gully evolution based on geographic cellular automata
Authors: Luo Lanhua , Ma Jin , Li Fayuan , Jiao Haoyang , Strobl Josef , Zhu A‐xing , Dai Ziyang , Liu Shuanglin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGully development is an important topic in the evolution of modern geomorphology. The study of the development process of gullies is key to understanding the genesis, mechanism and spatial differentiation of loess geomorphology. This study explored the mechanism of the development process of gullies whilst taking into account the erosion characteristics of the gully head area, gully slope area and gully bed area. Based on geographic cellular automata (Geo‐CA), the transition rules were interacted with the fundamental hydraulic principles for gully evolution simulation. Different sediment transfer rules apply to the gully slope area and gully bed area. A simulation model of the loess gully evolution was constructed and implemented based on the loess simulation small watershed. The superior performance of the model was demonstrated by the accuracy evaluation of the model structure and the comparative analysis of the modelling results. Moreover, the model was validated by natural watershed data, and the analytical results indicated the feasibility of the model.