bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Certain investigations on recent advances in the design of decoding algorithms using low‐density parity‐check codes and its applications
Authors: Kingston Roberts Michaelraj , Kumari Saru , Anguraj Parthibaraj 
Published: March 2021

SummaryInformation theory coding is an impressive and most celebrated field of research that has spawned numerous extremely important solutions to the intractable problems of secure data communications. Recent advancements in error control coding methods have seen a huge surge in using low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) code‐based decoding algorithms to solve imperative issues related to reliable data transmission and reception. Till date, extensive research efforts have been consistently being made on LDPC codes which focus on algorithm‐driven and hardware‐realization‐based approaches. The main intension of this research work is to provide an extensive systematic elucidation on the recent advancements in LDPC decoding algorithms. In addition, a thorough performance evaluation and analysis of several outstanding LDPC decoding techniques is presented. Finally, conclusions are drawn by summarizing the important research findings, interesting open problems, current challenges and broader perspectives for future directions of research.
Energy‐efficient cluster‐based unmanned aerial vehicle networks with deep learning‐based scene classification model
Authors: Pustokhina Irina V. , Pustokhin Denis A. , Kumar Pareek Piyush , Gupta Deepak , Khanna Ashish , Shankar K. 
Published: March 2021

SummaryIn present days, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant interest among researchers and academicians. The UAVs were found useful in diverse application areas, namely, intelligent transportation system, disaster management, surveillance, and wildlife monitoring. Clustering is a well‐known energy‐efficient technique, which elects a cluster head (CH) among other nodes. At the same time, scene classification from the high‐resolution remote sensing images captured by UAV is also a major issue in the UAV networks. In order to resolve these problems, this paper projects novel energy‐efficient cluster‐based UAV networks with deep learning (DL)‐based scene classification method. The proposed model involves a clustering with parameter tuned residual network (C‐PTRN) model, which operates on two major phases such as cluster construction and scene classification. Initially, the UAVs are clustered using the type II fuzzy logic (T2FL) technique on the basis of residual energy, distance to nearby UAVs, and UAV degree. Next, the chosen CHs transmit the captured images to the base station (BS). At the second level, a DL‐based ResNet50 technique is employed for scene classification. To tune the hyperparameters of the ResNet50 model, water wave optimization (WWO) algorithm is used. At last, kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) model is used to perform the scene classification process. In order to ensure the performance of the proposed method, a detailed set of simulations takes place under different dimensions. The obtained results ensured that the C‐PTRN model has showcased supreme outcome with the maximum precision of 95.89%, recall of 98.91%, and F score of 96.54%.
A dynamic sleep‐scheduling algorithm based on vertex cover in autonomous systems
Authors: Dabaghi‐Zarandi Fahimeh , Movahedi Zeinab 
Published: March 2021

SummaryOver recent years, energy conservation in Internet backbone networks has been proposed to reduce economic cost and environmental pollution produced by networking sectors. In this regard, we propose a new dynamic vertex cover‐based green algorithm (DVCGA) in order to conserve energy. Our solution considers online local/global traffic knowledge to switch off some underutilized network devices during nonpeak periods and reswitch on some sleep devices in congestion situation. In addition, DVCGA does not require any centralized controller and uses only information provided by a link‐state protocol. Results, obtained by real network scenario, show that up to 28% of network nodes and up to 82% of the maximum number of switchable links are switched off after DVCGA running. In addition, network performance metrics such as delay and packet delivery ratio during DVCGA running are close to original network and better than similar works. Moreover, the number of device state changes in the effect of DVCGA execution during network running is lower than similar proposals resulting in low network overhead.
Dining from the coast to the summit: Salmon and pine nuts determine the summer body condition of female brown bears on the Shiretoko Peninsula
Authors: Shirane Yuri , Jimbo Mina , Yamanaka Masami , Nakanishi Masanao , Mori Fumihiko , Ishinazaka Tsuyoshi , Sashika Mariko , Tsubota Toshio , Shimozuru Michito 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBody condition in mammals fluctuates depending on energy intake and expenditure. For brown bears (Ursus arctos), high‐protein foods facilitate efficient mass gain, while lipids and carbohydrates play important roles in adjusting dietary protein content to optimal levels to maximize energy intake. On the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan, brown bears have seasonal access to high‐lipid pine nuts and high‐protein salmon. To assess seasonal and annual fluctuation in the body condition of adult female brown bears in relation to diet and reproductive status, we conducted a longitudinal study in a special wildlife protection area on the Shiretoko Peninsula during 2012–2018. First, analyses of 2,079 bear scats revealed that pine nuts accounted for 39.8% of energy intake in August and salmon accounted for 46.1% in September and that their consumption by bears varied annually. Second, we calculated the ratio of torso height to torso length as an index of body condition from 1,226 photographs of 12 adult females. Results indicated that body condition continued to decline until late August and started to increase in September when salmon consumption increased. In addition, body condition began to recover earlier in years when consumption of both pine nuts and salmon was high. Furthermore, females with offspring had poorer body condition than solitary females, in particular in late August in years with low salmon consumption. Our findings suggest that coastal and subalpine foods, which are unique to the Shiretoko Peninsula, determine the summer body condition of female brown bears, as well as their survival and reproductive success.
Brain network integration dynamics are associated with loss and recovery of consciousness induced by sevoflurane
Authors: Luppi Andrea I. , Golkowski Daniel , Ranft Andreas , Ilg Rüdiger , Jordan Denis , Menon David K. , Stamatakis Emmanuel A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe dynamic interplay of integration and segregation in the brain is at the core of leading theoretical accounts of consciousness. The human brain dynamically alternates between a sub‐state where integration predominates, and a predominantly segregated sub‐state, with different roles in supporting cognition and behaviour. Here, we combine graph theory and dynamic functional connectivity to compare resting‐state functional MRI data from healthy volunteers before, during, and after loss of responsiveness induced with different concentrations of the inhalational anaesthetic, sevoflurane. We show that dynamic states characterised by high brain integration are especially vulnerable to general anaesthesia, exhibiting attenuated complexity and diminished small‐world character. Crucially, these effects are reversed upon recovery, demonstrating their association with consciousness. Higher doses of sevoflurane (3% vol and burst‐suppression) also compromise the temporal balance of integration and segregation in the human brain. Additionally, we demonstrate that reduced anticorrelations between the brain's default mode and executive control networks dynamically reconfigure depending on the brain's state of integration or segregation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the integrated sub‐state of brain connectivity is especially vulnerable to anaesthesia, in terms of both its complexity and information capacity, whose breakdown represents a generalisable biomarker of loss of consciousness and its recovery.
Impact of HIV‐infection on human somatosensory processing, spontaneous cortical activity, and cortical thickness: A multimodal neuroimaging approach
Authors: Casagrande Chloe C. , Lew Brandon J. , Taylor Brittany K. , Schantell Mikki , O'Neill Jennifer , May Pamela E. , Swindells Susan , Wilson Tony W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHIV‐infection has been associated with widespread alterations in brain structure and function, although few studies have examined whether such aberrations are co‐localized and the degree to which clinical and cognitive metrics are related. We examine this question in the somatosensory system using high‐resolution structural MRI (sMRI) and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging of neural oscillatory activity. Forty‐four participants with HIV (PWH) and 55 demographically‐matched uninfected controls completed a paired‐pulse somatosensory stimulation paradigm during MEG and underwent 3T sMRI. MEG data were transformed into the time‐frequency domain; significant sensor level responses were imaged using a beamformer. Virtual sensor time series were derived from the peak responses. These data were used to compute response amplitude, sensory gating metrics, and spontaneous cortical activity power. The T1‐weighted sMRI data were processed using morphological methods to derive cortical thickness values across the brain. From these, the cortical thickness of the tissue coinciding with the peak response was estimated. Our findings indicated both PWH and control exhibit somatosensory gating, and that spontaneous cortical activity was significantly stronger in PWH within the left postcentral gyrus. Interestingly, within the same tissue, PWH also had significantly reduced cortical thickness relative to controls. Follow‐up analyses indicated that the reduction in cortical thickness was significantly correlated with CD4 nadir and mediated the relationship between HIV and spontaneous cortical activity within the left postcentral gyrus. These data indicate that PWH have abnormally strong spontaneous cortical activity in the left postcentral gyrus and such elevated activity is driven by locally reduced cortical gray matter thickness.
Fetal origins—A life cycle model of health and aging from conception to death
Authors: Dalgaard Carl‐Johan , Hansen Casper Worm , Strulik Holger 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe fetal origins hypothesis suggests that health and nutrition shocks in utero are causally related to health deficits in old age. It has received considerable empirical support, both within epidemiology and economics but so far it has not been integrated into a life cycle theory of human aging and longevity. The present study shows that the health deficit model, based on the frailty index developed in gerontology, generates shock amplification consistent with the hypothesis. In order to discuss human health over the life cycle from conception to death, we develop a theory of ontogenetic growth and health in utero and during childhood, unify it with the health deficit model of adult aging, and discuss the transmission of early‐life shocks to late‐life health deficit accumulation.
Weighting or aggregating? Investigating information processing in multi‐attribute choices
Authors: Genie Mesfin G. , Krucien Nicolas , Ryan Mandy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMulti‐attribute choices are commonly analyzed in economics to value goods and services. Analysis assumes individuals consider all attributes, making trade‐offs between them. Such decision‐making is cognitively demanding, often triggering alternative decision rules. We develop a new model where individuals aggregate multi‐attribute information into meta‐attributes. Applying our model to a choice experiment (CE) dataset, accounting for attribute aggregation (AA) improves model fit. The probability of adopting AA is greater for: homogenous attribute information; participants who had shorter response time and failed the dominance test; and for later located choices. Accounting for AA has implications for welfare estimates. Our results underline the importance of accounting for information processing rules when modelling multi‐attribute choices.
Sediment quality assessment framework for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Results from a preparatory study and regulatory implications
Authors: Casado-Martinez Carmen , Pascariello Simona , Polesello Stefano , Valsecchi Sara , Babut Marc , Ferrari Benoit J. D. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A preparatory study was performed to develop a sediment quality and risk assessment strategy for Switzerland, addressing the following questions: the sediment fraction to be analyzed chemically (&lt; 63 µm, or alternatively &lt; 2 mm); the suitability of using perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as an indicator of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in sediments; the availability of data for the derivation of sediment quality guidelines; and the suitability of normalization to total organic carbon (TOC). The results confirmed PFOS as a suitable indicator of PFAS contamination in sediments from small streams, being the most detected and on average with the highest concentrations among the analyzed PFAS. The fine fraction (&lt; 63 µm) was more appropriate to screening for possible sources and studying the compound profiles at the study sites, but the analysis of the &lt; 2 mm fraction and the normalization to a sample consisting of 100% of the &lt; 63 μm fraction was, in principle, feasible for PFOS. Sediment quality guidelines for PFOS aiming to protect benthic invertebrates from generic adverse effects could be derived, but the available toxicity database is still too sparse. It was only possible to derive preliminary values. Sediment quality guidelines to protect wildlife and human health from secondary poisoning, using the equilibrium partitioning approach and simple trophic web models, were also derived. The use of food web models to derive sediment quality guidelines has not been validated, and the available database of Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factors and Trophic Magnification Factors for PFOS remains limited. However, it is still larger than the effect concentrations database based on sediment studies using benthic invertebrates. Normalization to TOC content in the field (0.2%–12.9%) was decisive in the quality assessment outcome. This is a widely accepted practice for hydrophobic organic contaminants, but its endorsement for PFOS would also benefit from validation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:716–725. © 2021 SETAC
KEY POINTS
Results of a preparatory study performed for the development of a sediment quality and risk assessment strategy for Switzerland. Comparison of concentrations of 12 PFAAs and FOSA quantified in the &lt; 2 mm and &lt; 63 µm fractions of surficial sediments from 18 wadeable streams. PFOS is proposed as indicator of PFAS contamination, being the most detected and on average with the highest concentrations among the analyzed PFAS. Sediment quality guidelines for PFOS aiming to protect benthic invertebrates from generic adverse effects and to protect wildlife and human health from secondary poisoning are proposed; the available database is still too sparse and it is only possible to derive preliminary values.
Novel imaging techniques for intraoperative margin assessment in surgical oncology: A systematic review
Authors: Heidkamp Jan , Scholte Mirre , Rosman Camiel , Manohar Srirang , Fütterer Jurgen J. , Rovers Maroeska M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInadequate margins continue to occur frequently in patients who undergo surgical resection of a tumor, suggesting that current intraoperative methods are not sufficiently reliable in determining the margin status. This clinical demand has inspired the development of many novel imaging techniques that could help surgeons with intraoperative margin assessment. This systematic review provides an overview of novel imaging techniques for intraoperative margin assessment in surgical oncology, and reports on their technical properties, feasibility in clinical practice and diagnostic accuracy. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane library were systematically searched (2013‐2018) for studies reporting on imaging techniques for intraoperative margin assessment. Patient and study characteristics, technical properties, feasibility characteristics and diagnostic accuracy were extracted. This systematic review identified 134 studies that investigated and developed 16 groups of techniques for intraoperative margin assessment: fluorescence, advanced microscopy, ultrasound, specimen radiography, optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, elastic scattering spectroscopy, bio‐impedance, X‐ray computed tomography, mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear medicine imaging, terahertz imaging, photoacoustic imaging, hyperspectral imaging and pH measurement. Most studies were in early developmental stages (IDEAL 1 or 2a, n = 98); high‐quality stage 2b and 3 studies were rare. None of the techniques was found to be clearly superior in demonstrating high feasibility as well as high diagnostic accuracy. In conclusion, the field of imaging techniques for intraoperative margin assessment is highly evolving. This review provides a unique overview of the opportunities and limitations of the currently available imaging techniques.
Sclerostin Downregulation Globally by Naturally Occurring Genetic Variants, or Locally in Atherosclerotic Plaques, Does Not Associate With Cardiovascular Events in Humans
Authors: Holdsworth Gill , Staley James R , Hall Peter , van Koeverden Ian , Vangjeli Ciara , Okoye Remi , Boyce Rogely W , Turk James R , Armstrong Martin , Wolfreys Alison , Pasterkamp Gerard 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Inhibition of sclerostin increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption, leading to increased bone mass, bone mineral density, and bone strength and reduced fracture risk. In a clinical study of the sclerostin antibody romosozumab versus alendronate in postmenopausal women (ARCH), an imbalance in adjudicated serious cardiovascular (CV) adverse events driven by an increase in myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke was observed. To explore whether there was a potential mechanistic plausibility that sclerostin expression, or its inhibition, in atherosclerotic (AS) plaques may have contributed to this imbalance, sclerostin was immunostained in human plaques to determine whether it was detected in regions relevant to plaque stability in 94 carotid and 50 femoral AS plaques surgically collected from older female patients (mean age 69.6 ± 10.4 years). Sclerostin staining was absent in most plaques (67%), and when detected, it was of reduced intensity compared with normal aorta and was located in deeper regions of the plaque/wall but was not observed in areas considered relevant to plaque stability (fibrous cap and endothelium). Additionally, genetic variants associated with lifelong reduced sclerostin expression were explored for associations with phenotypes including those related to bone physiology and CV risk factors/events in a population-based phenomewide association study (PheWAS). Natural genetic modulation of sclerostin by variants with a significant positive effect on bone physiology showed no association with lifetime risk of MI or stroke. These data do not support a causal association between the presence of sclerostin, or its inhibition, in the vasculature and increased risk of serious cardiovascular events. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Characteristics of the gut microbiome profile in obese patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Shoji Masakuni , Sasaki Yu , Abe Yasuhiko , Nishise Shoichi , Yaoita Takao , Yagi Makoto , Mizumoto Naoko , Kon Takashi , Onozato Yusuke , Sakai Takayuki , Umehara Matsuki , Ito Minami , Koseki Ayumi , Murakami Ryoko , Miyano Yuki , Sato Hidenori , Ueno Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and AimObesity affects the gut microbiome, which in turn increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Several studies have shown the mechanisms by which some bacteria may influence the development of colorectal cancer; however, gut microbiome characteristics in obese patients with colorectal cancer remain unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated their gut microbiome profile and its relationship with metabolic markers.MethodsThe study assessed fecal samples from 36 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer and 38 controls without colorectal cancer. To identify microbiotic variations between patients with colorectal cancer and controls, as well as between nonobese and obese individuals, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed.ResultsPrincipal coordinate analysis showed significant differences in the overall structure of the microbiome among the study groups. The α‐diversity, assessed by the Chao1 index or Shannon index, was higher in patients with colorectal cancer versus controls. The relative abundance of the genera Enterococcus, Capnocytophaga, and Polaribacter was significantly altered in obese patients with colorectal cancer, whose serum low‐density lipoprotein concentrations were positively correlated with the abundance of the genus Enterococcus; among the most abundant species was Enterococcus faecalis, observed at lower levels in obese versus nonobese patients.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated several compositional alterations of the gut microbiome in patients with colorectal cancer and showed that a reduced presence of E. faecalis may be associated with obesity‐related colorectal cancer development. The gut microbiome may provide novel insights into the potential mechanisms in obesity‐related colorectal carcinogenesis.
Impaired Very‐Low‐Density Lipoprotein catabolism links hypoglycemia to hypertriglyceridemia in Glycogen Storage Disease type Ia
Authors: Hoogerland Joanne A. , Peeks Fabian , Hijmans Brenda S. , Wolters Justina C. , Kooijman Sander , Bos Trijnie , Bleeker Aycha , van Dijk Theo H. , Wolters Henk , Gerding Albert , van Eunen Karen , Havinga Rick , Pronk Amanda C. M. , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Mithieux Gilles , Rajas Fabienne , Kuipers Folkert , Reijngoud Dirk‐Jan , Derks Terry G. J. , Oosterveer Maaike H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPrevention of hypertriglyceridemia is one of the biomedical targets in Glycogen Storage Disease type Ia (GSD Ia) patients, yet it is unclear how hypoglycemia links to plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. We analyzed whole‐body TG metabolism in normoglycemic (fed) and hypoglycemic (fasted) hepatocyte‐specific glucose‐6‐phosphatase deficient (L‐G6pc−/−) mice. De novo fatty acid synthesis contributed substantially to hepatic TG accumulation in normoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice. In hypoglycemic conditions, enhanced adipose tissue lipolysis was the main driver of liver steatosis, supported by elevated free fatty acid concentrations in GSD Ia mice and GSD Ia patients. Plasma very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were increased in GSD Ia patients and in normoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice, and further elevated in hypoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice. VLDL‐TG secretion rates were doubled in normo‐ and hypoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice, while VLDL‐TG catabolism was selectively inhibited in hypoglycemic L‐G6pc−/− mice. In conclusion, fasting‐induced hypoglycemia in L‐G6pc−/− mice promotes adipose tissue lipolysis and arrests VLDL catabolism. This mechanism likely contributes to aggravated liver steatosis and dyslipidemia in GSD Ia patients with poor glycemic control and may explain clinical heterogeneity in hypertriglyceridemia between GSD Ia patients.