bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Model‐based validation of diagnostic software with application in automotive systems
Authors: Chen Jun , S Ramesh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSoftware validation aims to ensure that a particular software product fulfils its intended purpose, and needs to be performed against both software requirement as well as its implementation (i.e. product). However, for diagnostic software (i.e. a diagnoser) performing online diagnosis against certain fault models and reports diagnosis decision, the underlying fault models are usually not explicitly specified, neither by formal language nor by descriptive language. The lack of formal representation of fault models leaves the intended purpose of the diagnostic software vague, making its validation difficult. To address this issue, the authors propose various model‐based techniques that can generate concrete examples of the diagnoser's key properties. Such examples are represented in an intuitive and possibly visualised way, facilitating the designers/users to approve or disapprove the conformance of the diagnoser to the intended purpose. The proposed techniques work for validation of both the requirement and implementation that can be modelled as finite state machine, and are illustrated through applications on vehicle on‐board diagnostic requirement.
RGB‐D SLAM with moving object tracking in dynamic environments
Authors: Dai Weichen , Zhang Yu , Zheng Yuxin , Sun Donglei , Li Ping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSimultaneous localization and mapping methods are fundamental to many robotic applications. In dynamic environments, SLAM methods focus on eliminating the influence of moving objects to construct a static map since they assume a static world. To improve localization robustness in dynamic environments, an RGB‐D SLAM method is proposed to build a complete 3D map containing both static and dynamic maps, the latter of which consists of the trajectories and points of the moving objects. Without any prior knowledge of the moving targets, the proposed method uses only the correlation between map points to discriminate between the static scene and the moving objects. After the static points are determined, camera motion estimation is performed only on reliable static map points to eliminate the influence of moving objects. The motion of the moving objects will then be estimated with the obtained camera motion by tracking their dynamic points in subsequent frames. Moreover, multiple groups of dynamic points that belong to the same moving object are fused by a volume overlap checking step. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the proposed method.
Off‐grid direction‐of‐arrival estimation for nested arrays via uncertainty set extraction
Authors: Chen Zhen , Fan Chongyi , Du Huagui , Huang Xiaotao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHere, a novel off‐grid direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm for nested arrays in the context of sparse recovery is proposed. The framework of existing off‐grid approaches is to correct the on‐grid parameter with a grid mismatch variable. From another perspective, we treat the direction‐of‐arrival deviation as the steering vector deviation equivalently, and the concept of steering vector uncertainty set is introduced to approximate the desired steering vector. Based on this idea, an optimization problem with respect to the uncertainty set for the purpose of steering vector reconstruction is formulated. After that, phase‐ambiguity resolving and phase‐difference approximation are orderly performed on the optimized uncertainty set to extract the off‐grid direction of arrival. Even though a coarse grid is given, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance advantage of the proposed direction‐of‐arrival estimation algorithm compared with several existing approaches.
Coherence optimised subarray partition for hybrid MIMO phased array radar
Authors: Li Xia , Wang Buhong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHybrid MIMO phased array radar (HMPAR) is widely recognized in the research of radar systems owing to its capacity to provide a balance or trade‐off between transmit coherent gain and waveform diversity gain. The balance or trade‐off between these two gains is closely related to spatial coherence between different arrays, represented by the degree of cross‐correlation between steering vectors over different angles. Proper subarray partitions can provide an extra degree of freedom for optimising the coherence of the array manifold. A coherence optimised subarray partition for HMPAR is proposed with an analysis of connections between coherence and subarray partitions. First, the definition of coherence of array manifold is presented, and its connection between beampattern and the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is analysed. Next, the problem of optimising array manifold coherence is transformed into the discrete coherence optimization of the steering vector codebook. By properly selecting different codewords with the proper degree of correlation between each other, coherence between the target and interference steering vectors is optimised. The original combinatorial problem is approximated by a series of subproblems, which is solved in iteratively. Numerical results revealed that the proposed subarray partition provides lower coherence, lower beampattern peak sidelobes and higher SINR compared with` other subarray configurations.
Histopathological Mapping of Meningiomas: A 10-year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Pant Ishita , Chaturvedi Sujata , Sarma Pragyan , Singh Gurbachan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Meningiomas are a group of neoplasms showing a spectrum of histopathological variants, mostly corresponding to World Health Organization (WHO) grade I. However, certain histologic variants correspond histologically to WHO grades II and III. In this study, the histopathological spectrum of the meningiomas received in our department over the past 10 years is being revisited, with the aim to analyze the various histopathological variants, in order to assess their grade as per WHO 2016 criteria and also assess their epidemiology and localization.
Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of the histopathology records and clinical case files was done in 302 cases of histopathologically diagnosed cases of intracranial/intraspinal meningiomas (WHO grade I, II and III) received over a period of 10 years in our department. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was done for histological typing and grading of the tumors, and the cases were analyzed as per WHO 2016 criterion. Age and sex distribution along with the localization of the 302 cases was also analyzed.
Results Among these, grade I meningiomas (93.05%) were the most common. According to histopathological type, transitional meningioma (76.50%) was the most common. Maximum cases were located at the cerebral convexities, reported in the fifth decade with a female preponderance.
Conclusion As per WHO 2016, grade I meningiomas are associated with low-risk of recurrence and aggressive behavior, while WHO grade II and III meningiomas are associated with greater likelihood of recurrence and aggressive behavior. This classification itself summarizes the importance of accurate typing and grading of meningiomas on histopathology.
Impact of Body Mass Index and Comorbidities on Outcomes in Upper Extremity Nerve Transfers
Authors: Head Linden K. , Médor Maria C. , Karir Aneesh , Wolff Gerald , Boyd Kirsty U. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background There is a paucity of research investigating the impact of patient comorbidities, such as obesity and smoking, on nerve transfer outcomes. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities on the clinical outcomes of upper extremity nerve transfers.
Methods A retrospective cohort study was executed. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had an upper extremity nerve transfer with a minimum of 12-months follow-up. Data was collected regarding demographics, comorbidities, injury etiology, nerve transfer, as well as preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments. The primary outcome measure was strength of the recipient nerve innervated musculature. Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Spearman's rho.
Results Thirty-eight patients undergoing 43 nerve transfers were eligible for inclusion. Patients had a mean age of 48.8 years and a mean BMI of 27.4 kg/m2 (range:19.7–39.0). Injuries involved the brachial plexus (32%) or its terminal branches (68%) with the most common etiologies including trauma (50%) and compression (26%). Anterior interosseous nerve to ulnar motor nerve (35%) was the most common transfer performed. With a mean follow-up of 20.1 months, increased BMI (p = 0.036) and smoking (p = 0.021) were associated with worse postoperative strength.
Conclusion This retrospective cohort study demonstrated that increased BMI and smoking may be associated with worse outcomes in upper extremity nerve transfers—review of the literature yields ambiguity in both regards. To facilitate appropriate patient selection and guide expectations regarding prognosis, further experimental and clinical work is warranted.
Microbial Patterns and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Blood Culture Isolates of Septicemia Suspected Children in the Pediatrics Ward of a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sarfraz , Kareem Arslan , Fatima Kiran , Rauf Saima , Khalid Areeb , Bashir Muhammad Shaheryar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives This study aims to determine microbial patterns and antibiotic susceptibility to alert clinicians to the emerging pathogens that may pose a threat to the community, especially children.
Materials and Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from July 2019 to December 2019. Two samples were taken from two different sites of each patient at the time of fever (> 100° F) to avoid chances of contamination. A blood sample of 5 to 10 mL was drawn from each site. In a 50 mL brain heart infusion broth (BHIB), 5 to 10% blood was injected in two different bottles and incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. After 48 hours, subculture was done by streaking the drops of blood samples taken from BHIB on blood and MacConkey agar. Cultures were incubated in aerobic conditions at 37°C for 24 to 48 hours. For testing antibiotic susceptibility, criteria defined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) were followed. Microbes were identified under a microscope by observing their morphological characteristics after gram staining and applying biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed using standard aseptic methods.
Statistical Analysis Bacterial isolates and their susceptibility patterns were represented using frequencies and percentage charts.
Results Out of 423 blood cultures, growth was recorded in 92 (21.75%) of the cultures with female to male ratio 2.1:1. The gram-positive bacteria accounted for 43.48% (n = 40), whereas gram-negative bacteria covered the majority 54.36% (n = 50). Among isolates, Staphylococcus aureus (42.39%) was the most common, followed by Acinetobacter spp. (17.39%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.13%). Acinetobacter spp. showed 0% susceptibility to amikacin and cefotaxime. All the isolates were 100% resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. S. aureus showed lower sensitivity for ceftazidime (0%), clindamycin (66.67%), ciprofloxacin (0%), clarithromycin (11.76%), and ceftriaxone (0%). Tigecycline showed 100% sensitivity for all isolates tested.
Conclusion Gram-negative bacteria form the majority of isolates in our setup, with Acinetobacter as the most common species among them. The resistance against cephalosporins, penicillin, and fluoroquinolones shown by Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, and Klebsiella is of grave concern. Among gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus has established resistance against multiple drugs. Limited and objective use of antibiotic therapy is a much-needed strategy under new guidelines.
Colorectal Resection in Transplant Centers Benefits Kidney But Not Pancreas Transplant Recipients
Authors: Weaver Lauren , Parsikia Afshin , Ortiz Jorge 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAs graft and patient survival rates improve, transplant recipients are likely to undergo colorectal surgery in their lifetime. Current literature on the surgical outcomes of colorectal resection in kidney and pancreas transplant recipients is sparse.This investigation identifies areas of surgical risk for kidney, pancreas, and pancreas–kidney transplant recipients undergoing colorectal resection at transplant and teaching centers.Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression tests computed odds ratios (OR) and coefficients of the linear regression using National Inpatient Sample data from 2005 to 2014 to identify differences in mortality, morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges among people with pancreas transplant alone (PTx), kidney transplant alone (KTx), pancreas and kidney transplant (PKTx), and nontransplant (non-Tx) undergoing colorectal resection in transplant and teaching centers.Of the 2,737,454 individuals who underwent colorectal resection, 138 PTx, 3,874 KTx, 130 PKTx, and 2,733,312 non-Tx met the inclusion criteria. Overall KTx, PTx, and PKTx were not more likely to suffer a mortality. However, PTx were more likely to suffer a mortality in transplant and teaching centers. Overall, PTx and PKTx had significantly higher morbidity odds ratios (PTx OR: 2.268, p = 0.002; PKTx OR: 2.578, p < 0.001) along with longer LOS and higher total hospital charges. KTx incurred no increased morbidity risk in transplant centers.Surgeons and transplant recipients should be aware of the increased morbidity and mortality risks when considering colorectal resection at different center types.
Thrombin–Fibrinogen In Vitro Flow Model of Thrombus Growth in Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Ngoepe Malebogo N. , Pretorius Etheresia , Tshimanga Ilunga J. , Shaikh Zahra , Ventikos Yiannis , Ho Wei Hua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCerebral aneurysms are balloon-like structures that develop on weakened areas of cerebral artery walls, with a significant risk of rupture. Thrombi formation is closely associated with cerebral aneurysms and has been observed both before and after intervention, leading to a wide variability of outcomes in patients with the condition. The attempt to manage the outcomes has led to the development of various computational models of cerebral aneurysm thrombosis. In the current study, we developed a simplified thrombin–fibrinogen flow system, based on commercially available purified human-derived plasma proteins, which enables thrombus growth and tracking in an idealized cerebral aneurysm geometry. A three-dimensional printed geometry of an idealized cerebral aneurysm and parent vessel configuration was developed. An unexpected outcome was that this phantom-based flow model allowed us to track clot growth over a period of time, by using optical imaging to record the progression of the growing clot into the flow field. Image processing techniques were subsequently used to extract important quantitative metrics from the imaging dataset, such as end point intracranial thrombus volume. The model clearly demonstrates that clot formation, in cerebral aneurysms, is a complex interplay between mechanics and biochemistry. This system is beneficial for verifying computational models of cerebral aneurysm thrombosis, particularly those focusing on initial angiographic occlusion outcomes, and will also assist manufacturers in optimizing interventional device designs.
Development of a dose-rate dosimeter for x-ray CT scanner using silicon x-ray diode
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi , Sato Eiichi , Ieko Yoshiro , Ariga Hisanori , Yoshioka Kunihiro 
Published: May 2021

In an x-ray diagnosis, it is important to evaluate the entrance dose rate, as the dose rate of exposure becomes highest in that position. To investigate the effect of the entrance dose rate of x-ray CT scanners, a dose-rate dosimeter comprising a silicon x-ray diode (Si-XD), a CMOS dual operational amplifier, resistors, capacitors, and a mini-substrate measuring 20 × 17 mm2 were developed. The Si-XD is desirable for measuring the changing entrance dose rate, as it enables the reduction of the response time, dimensions, and cost of the dosimeter. The dosimeter was connected to a microcomputer (mbed), and the output voltages from the dosimeter were measured using an analog–digital converter in the mbed. The output voltages were proportional to the tube currents at a constant tube voltage of 100 kV using an industrial x-ray tube, and the calibrated dose rates corresponded well to those obtained using a commercially available semiconductor dosimeter. However, owing to the energy dependence of the dosimeter, the calibrated dose rate was ∼10% higher than that of a commercially available semiconductor dosimeter at the lower tube voltage. In the angular dependence of the dosimeter, the flatness measured from 60° to 120° was ∼103% in this study. A fundamental study for measuring the dose-rate variations with rotation was performed. The results showed a different profile than the angular dependence due to the distance from the source and the complex factors of the scattered radiation.
Intolerance of uncertainty modulates brain-to-brain synchrony during politically polarized perception
Authors: van Baar Jeroen M. , Halpern David J. , FeldmanHall Oriel 
Published: May 2021

SignificancePolitical partisans view the world through a biased lens, but little is known about how these biased perceptions of reality arise. We measured the brain activity of committed partisans watching real political video footage. Although all participants viewed the same videos, brain responses diverged between liberals and conservatives, reflecting differences in the subjective interpretation of the footage. This polarized perception was exacerbated by a personality trait: intolerance of uncertainty. Participants less tolerant to uncertainty in daily life had more ideologically polarized brain responses than those who tolerate uncertainty. This was observed on both sides of the ideological aisle. This suggests that aversion to uncertainty governs how the brain processes political information to form black-and-white interpretations of inflammatory political content.
Military nutrition research: Contemporary issues, state of the science and future directions
Authors: Karl J. Philip , Margolis Lee M. , Fallowfield Joanne L. , Child Robert B. , Martin Nicola M. , McClung James P. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThe importance of diet and nutrition to military readiness and performance has been recognized for centuries as dietary nutrients sustain health, protect against illness, and promote resilience, performance and recovery. Contemporary military nutrition research is increasingly inter‐disciplinary with emphasis often placed on the broad topics of (1) determining operational nutrition requirements in all environments, (2) characterizing nutritional practices of military personnel relative to the required (role/environment) standards, and (3) developing strategies for improving nutrient delivery and individual choices. This review discusses contemporary issues shared internationally by military nutrition research programmes, and highlights emerging topics likely to influence future military nutrition research and policy. Contemporary issues include improving the diet quality of military personnel, optimizing operational rations, and increasing understanding of biological factors influencing nutrient requirements. Emerging areas include the burgeoning field of precision nutrition and its technological enablers.
Impact of a 246 Km ultra‐marathon running race on heart: Insights from advanced deformation analysis
Authors: Pagourelias Efstathios D. , Christou Georgios A. , Sotiriou Panagiota G. , Anifanti Maria A. , Koutlianos Nikolaos A. , Tsironi Maria P. , Christou Konstantinos A. , Vassilikos Vasileios P. , Deligiannis Asterios P. , Kouidi Evangelia J. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTAlthough previous studies suggest that prolonged intense exercise such as marathon running transitorily alters cardiac function, there is little information regarding ultramarathon races. Aim of this study was to investigate the acute impact of ultra‐endurance exercise (UEE) on heart, applying advanced strain imaging. Echocardiographic assessment was performed the day before and at the finish line of “Spartathlon”: A 246 Km ultra‐marathon running race. 2D speckle‐tracking echocardiography was performed in all four chambers, evaluating longitudinal strain (LS) for both ventricles and atria. Peak strain values and temporal parameters adjusted for heart rate were extracted from the derived curves. Out of 60 participants initially screened, 27 athletes (19 male, age 45 ± 7 years) finished the race in 33:34:27(28:50:38‐35:07:07) hours. Absolute values of right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) LS (RVLS −22.9 ± 3.6 pre‐ to −21.2 ± 3.0% post‐, p=0.04 and LVLS −20.9 ± 2.3 pre‐ to −18.8 ± 2.0 post‐, p=0.009) slightly decreased post‐race, whereas atrial strain did not change. RV and LV LS decrease was caused mainly by strain impairment of basal regions with apical preservation. Inter‐chamber relationships assessed through RV/LV, LV/LA, RV/RA and RA/LA peak values' ratios remained unchanged from pre to post‐race. Finally, UEE caused an extension of the systolic phase of cardiac cycle with concomitant diastole reduction (p<0.001 for all strain curves). Conclusively, ventricular LS strain as well as effective diastolic period slightly decreased, whereas atrial strain and inter‐chamber relationships remained unchanged after running a 246‐km‐ultra‐marathon race. These changes may be attributed to concomitant pre‐ and afterload alterations following UEE.
Fabrication of high-aspect-ratio polydimethylsiloxane microstructures by reducing the interfacial adhesion in soft lithography
Authors: Zhou Bo , Su Bo , Ta Wurui , Yang Zenghui , Meng Junhu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The soft lithographic fabrication of high-aspect-ratio polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstructures is quite challenging because of the strong interfacial adhesion between them and masters during demolding. This paper presents a simple method for fabricating high-aspect-ratio PDMS microstructures by reducing the interfacial adhesion through the cooling process. The effect of cooling process on the topography, elastic property, and adhesion property of Sylgard 184 PDMS is studied. It is found that wrinkles are formed on the surface of PDMS and that the Young’s modulus of PDMS is increased by the air cooling process. Consequently, the air-cooled PDMS has lower adhesion than the traditional oven-cooled PDMS. This result could be explained by the adhesion parameter theory: both the high amplitude of the wrinkles formed on the surface of PDMS and the high Young’s modulus of PDMS increase separation forces and reduce adhesive forces in the interface. Application of this method is demonstrated by fabricating PDMS microchannels from a silicon master which has microstructures with different aspect ratios. Compared with PDMS microchannels obtained by the oven cooling process, PDMS microchannels with a depth of 200 μm and an aspect ratio of 10 are successfully fabricated by the air cooling process.