bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive interference suppression for DSSS communications based on compressive sensing
Authors: Zhang Yongshun , Jia Xin 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe existing interference suppression algorithms for direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications are confined to the high sampling rate. The compressive sensing is addressed to solve the problem in this paper. Firstly, the mathematical model of interference suppression in compressed domain is introduced; the DSSS signal and interference sparse dictionary is built. Secondly, according to the difficulty in obtaining the prior information of the interference signal sparse degree, the adaptive interference suppression algorithm is proposed by setting the reasonable control threshold. A comprehensive analysis and comparison of the algorithm are presented and discussed. The numerical experiments are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results show that the algorithm could suppress the interference effectively; the interference suppression performance does not change with the interference intensity and interference quantity. This will provide an effective method for the reconstruction of the compressed DSSS signal under the scenario of interference. The results obtained here may also be applicable in alternative spread spectrum technologies, like code division multiple access system.
Nature inspired meta‐heuristic algorithms for solving the service composition problem in the cloud environments
Authors: Asghari Saied , Navimipour Nima Jafari 
Published: May 2018

SummaryMany sorts of services in the cloud environments must be composited based on the user's requests to meet the requirements. Thus, the distributed services are joined to the cloud services through service composition. Also, it is known as NP‐hard problems and many researchers significantly are focused on this problem in recent years. Therefore, many different nature‐inspired meta‐heuristic techniques are proposed for solving this problem. The nature‐inspired meta‐heuristic techniques have an important role in solving the service composition problem in the cloud environments, but there is not a wide‐ranging and detailed paper about reviewing and studying the important mechanisms in this field. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the nature‐inspired meta‐heuristic techniques for the service composition issue in the cloud computing. The review also contains a classification of the important techniques. These classifications include Ant Colony Optimization, Bee Colony Optimization, Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm, Bat Algorithm, greedy algorithm, and hybrid algorithm. An important aim of this paper is to highlight the emphasis on the optimization algorithms, and the benefits to tackle the challenges are encountered in the cloud service composition. Also, this paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of the nature‐inspired meta‐heuristic algorithms for solving the service composition problem in the cloud environments. Moreover, this paper aims to provide more efficient service composition algorithms in the future. Finally, the obtained results have shown that the discussed algorithms have an important effect in solving the cloud service composition problem, and this effect has been increased in recent years.
A simple function for full‐subsets multiple regression in ecology with R
Authors: Fisher Rebecca , Wilson Shaun K. , Sin Tsai M. , Lee Ai C. , Langlois Tim J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFull‐subsets information theoretic approaches are becoming an increasingly popular tool for exploring predictive power and variable importance where a wide range of candidate predictors are being considered. Here, we describe a simple function in the statistical programming language R that can be used to construct, fit, and compare a complete model set of possible ecological or environmental predictors, given a response variable of interest and a starting generalized additive (mixed) model fit. Main advantages include not requiring a complete model to be fit as the starting point for candidate model set construction (meaning that a greater number of predictors can potentially be explored than might be available through functions such as dredge); model sets that include interactions between factors and continuous nonlinear predictors; and automatic removal of models with correlated predictors (based on a user defined criterion for exclusion). The function takes continuous predictors, which are fitted using smoothers via either gam, gamm (mgcv) or gamm4, as well as factor variables which are included on their own or as two‐level interaction terms within the gam smooth (via use of the “by” argument), or with themselves. The function allows any model to be constructed and used as a null model, and takes a range of arguments that allow control over the model set being constructed, including specifying cyclic and linear continuous predictors, specification of the smoothing algorithm used, and the maximum complexity allowed for smooth terms. The use of the function is demonstrated via case studies that highlight how appropriate model sets can be easily constructed and the broader utility of the approach for exploratory ecology.
Plasticity of female reproductive resource allocation depends on the presence or absence of prior environmental sex determination in Ceratopteris richardii
Authors: Goodnoe Taylor T. , Hill Jeffrey P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractResource allocation plasticity enables individuals to alter patterns of nutrient use between reproductive and vegetative output to better fit their current environment. In sexually labile plant species, abiotic environmental factors can influence expression of dimorphic gender, resulting in environmental sex determination (ESD), which potentially reduces the need for plasticity of resource allocation by preemptively matching an individual’s future nutrient demands to resource availability in its location. Ceratopteris richardii gametophytes exhibit gender‐dependent differences in relative carbon and nitrogen content, and ESD in certain nutrient environments. This study examined whether prior ESD in C. richardii gametophyte populations reduced subsequent plasticity of reproductive allocation compared to instances where no ESD occurred, by quantifying phenotypic responses to reduced P, N, or CO2 availabilities. All three nutrient‐limited environments resulted in decreased size of egg‐bearing (meristic) gametophytes compared to nonlimited environments, but gametophytes failed to respond to N and CO2 limitation at the time of sex determination, resulting in no ESD. N limitation resulted in a predictable allometric re‐allocation of resources based on small gametophyte size, whereas CO2 limitation caused a change in reproductive output consistent with true plasticity. Withholding exogenous P caused ESD and had no effect on relative reproductive output of resultant meristic gametophytes because the size decrease was minor. Under P limitation, ESD matched the resource demands of gender phenotypes to their environment before the onset of developmental dimorphism, reducing the need for large allocation adjustments after sex determination.
Open H‐Bridge Topology‐Based Edge‐Resonant Zero Current Soft‐Switching PWM‐Controlled Bidirectional DC‐DC Converter
Authors: Mishima Tomokazu 
Published: May 2018

SUMMARYA novel zero current soft‐switching (ZCS) pulse width modulation (PWM)‐controlled bidirectional DC‐DC converter (BDC) with noninverting polarity for the multi‐mode voltage regulations is proposed in this paper. The multimode voltage regulations, that is, buck, boost and buck‐boost can be attained in the bidirectional power flows, thus energy utilization of DC voltage sources such as a battery can be improved significantly in renewable and sustainable electric power supplies. In addition, all the power devices can commutate by ZCS with the aid of single‐auxiliary switch‐based edge‐resonant cells, thereby the switching power losses can be minimized. The effectiveness of the proposed BDC and its steady‐state characteristics including the voltage conversion ratio and actual efficiency are verified experimentally with a 500 W‐50 kHz prototype.
Effect of vegetation and its succession on water repellency in sandy soils
Authors: Lichner Lubomir , Felde Vincent J.M.N.L. , Büdel Burkhard , Leue Martin , Gerke Horst H. , Ellerbrock Ruth H. , Kollár Jozef , Rodný Marek , Šurda Peter , Fodor Nándor , Sándor Renáta 
Published: May 2018

AbstractVegetation and its succession can change the parameters of soil water repellency (SWR) due to the change in amount and composition of soil organic matter. This hypothesis was tested in natural and agricultural environments in Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. The parameters investigated were the extent (determined by the repellency indices RI, RIc, and RIm) and persistence (determined by the water drop penetration time and water repellency cessation time) of SWR, as well as the potential wettability index of organic matter in sandy soils. The SWR parameters and soil organic carbon (SOC) content increased in the course of primary succession at Mehlinger Heide, Germany, and Sekule, Slovakia. Dye tracer experiments undertaken at Sekule revealed contrasting flow patterns: (a) preferential flow in water‐repellent soil under biological soil crust and grass and (b) piston flow in wettable soil that consists almost of pure quartz sand. The effective flow cross section decreased, and the degree of preferential flow increased in the course of primary succession at Sekule. No consistent trend of the SWR parameters and SOC was observed in the course of secondary succession at Csólyospálos, Hungary. This is the first time that differences between trends in SWR parameters due to primary and secondary successions were observed and related to the composition of SOC and extracellular polymeric substances. It can be concluded that dynamics of soil organic matter composition during the succession controls SWR.
Fatty Acid Composition and Sterol Contents of Some Origanum Seed Oils
Authors: Matthäus Bertrand , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Doğu Süleyman 
Published: May 2018

The aim of this present study is to determine oil content, fatty acid composition, and sterol profile of several Origanum species from Turkey to show the usefulness of this unusual raw material for oil processing. The oil content of Origanum seeds are found between 7.8% (O. brevides) and 27.2% (O. majorana). Linoleic [10.7% (O. brevidens) to 20.8% (O. vulgare subsp. viride)] and α‐linolenic acid [34.4% (O. brevidens) and 67.4% (O. minutiflorum)] are the predominant fatty acids of Origanum seed oils. The seed oils of Origanum samples only contain low levels of saturated fatty acids with palmitic and stearic acid as the main saturated fatty acids. Among all oil samples, the highest phytosterol content is found for ß‐sitosterol ranging between 2462 mg kg−1 (O. vulgare subsp hirtum) and 5280 mg kg−1 (O. minutiflorum). Most of the Origanum species are very similar to O. vulgare regarding fatty acid and phytosterol composition, only O. brevidens shows a fatty acid composition with oleic and linoleic acid as predominant.Practical application: Today the search for new raw materials for oil processing is an ongoing task to solve the world‐wide increasing demand for edible oil. From several investigations it is known that seed oil from Origanum vulgare is a good source of edible oil and essential fatty acids. The present work also gives some new information about the oil content as well as the composition of fatty acids and phytosterols of other members of the genus Origanum to evaluate their usefulness for the production of edible oil.In this study, oil content, fatty acid composition and sterol profile of several Origanum species collected from several provinces (Antalya, Bilecik, Bolu, Burdur, Hatay, Isparta, Karaman, Mersin and Osmaniye) of Turkey are determined. Most of the Origanum species are very similar to O. vulgare regarding fatty acid and phytosterol composition. Only O. brevidens shows a fatty acid composition with oleic and linoleic acid as predominant.
Cardanol‐Based and Formaldehyde‐Free Flexible Phenolic Networks
Authors: Briou Benoit , Caillol Sylvain , Robin Jean‐Jacques , Lapinte Vincent 
Published: May 2018

Commercial novolac‐type phenolic thermosets are mainly synthesized from highly toxic precursors such as phenol and formaldehyde. Herein, the phenolic chemistry is renewed with bio‐based and non‐toxic precursors such as cardanol and nonanal to elaborate flexible phenolic thermosets. The two‐step novolac strategy involves the synthesis of a cardanol nonanal pre‐polymer (PCN) prior to its cross‐linking in presence of a supplementary amount of nonanal hardener. The curing process is optimized by rheology measurement and thermogravimetry analysis. The alkyl chains of this phenolic network induces soft mechanical properties acting as internal plasticizers. The softening of the resulting networks do not induce a loss of thermal stability. Showing a good compromise between softness and high thermal resistance, cardanol‐nonanal networks (RCN) seem to be relevant examples of an innovative and biobased approach for phenolic chemistry to design bio‐sourced materials without any petro‐based or hazardous molecules.Practical Applications: Various practical applications where smooth and soft coatings are employed can be considered.Novolac chemistry for bio‐based and notoxic resources: cardanol and nonanal. Softness and high thermal resistance phenolic resins are elaborated. These materials are based on internal plasticized cross‐linked materials.
Seizure in cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis
Authors: Mehvari Habibabadi Jafar , Saadatnia Mohammad , Tabrizi Nasim 
Published: May 2018

SummaryMany conflicting issues exist about seizure in the setting of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis (CVST). In this article we aimed to address the existing data regarding incidence, characteristics, predictors, treatment, and prognosis of acute and late seizures in patients with CVST and to prepare more practical information for clinicians. PubMed, Embase, Web of science and Cochrane databases were searched within 1966–2016 using relevant keywords. A total of 63 papers met the inclusion criteria. Seizures are classified as acute symptomatic seizures (ASS; first 14 days) and post‐CVST epilepsy (PCE; after 14 days). The incidence had been reported in a wide range of 6.9–76% for ASS and 4–16% for PCE. Focal and generalized seizures were observed with different predominance. ASS commonly occurred in patients with loss of consciousness, focal neurological deficits, supratentorial lesions and thrombosis in superior sagittal sinus, straight sinus, and cortical veins. PCE had been predisposed by occurrence of ASS, motor deficit, and supratentorial lesions, particularly hemorrhage. Most experts believe that primary prophylaxis with antiepileptic drugs in the acute phase is not indicated. However, the initiation of prophylaxis after the first seizure in patients with supratentorial lesions or focal neurological deficit should be recommended. The quality of current evidence is low and most conclusions are based on expert opinions. More accurate reports of seizure semiology, detailed antiepileptic treatment plans, and outcomes are necessary to answer the existing questions.
Acetylation of Amaranthus viridis starch: Modeling and process parameters optimization
Authors: Fasuan Temitope Omolayo , Akanbi Charles Taiwo , Betiku Eriola 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe optimum reaction conditions for the derivation of acetylated (esterified) starch using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were studied. All the independent variables (starch solids, acetic anhydride concentration, and reaction time) were of significant (p < .05) importance in achieving esterified starch of Amaranthus viridis. Optimum conditions of 152.46 g of starch, 11 ml of acetic anhydride and time of 2.92 min with corresponding acetyl content and degree of substitution (DS) of 1.74% and 0.06, respectively, were established for ANN. The RSM gave optimum conditions of 149.57 g (starch), 10.38 ml (acetic anhydride) and 3 min (time) with corresponding acetyl content and DS of 1.61% and 0.06, respectively. The order of priority of the process variables was established as acetic anhydride (42.59%), starch solids (33.90%), and reaction time (23.51%). The results provided useful information on development of economic and efficient acetylation process for modification of A. viridis starch.
Fit Reduced GUTS Models Online: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Baudrot Virgile , Veber Philippe , Gence Guillaume , Charles Sandrine 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Mechanistic modeling approaches, such as the toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) framework, are promoted by international institutions such as the European Food Safety Authority and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to assess the environmental risk of chemical products generated by human activities. TKTD models can encompass a large set of mechanisms describing the kinetics of compounds inside organisms (e.g., uptake and elimination) and their effect at the level of individuals (e.g., damage accrual, recovery, and death mechanism). Compared to classical dose–response models, TKTD approaches have many advantages, including accounting for temporal aspects of exposure and toxicity, considering data points all along the experiment and not only at the end, and making predictions for untested situations as realistic exposure scenarios. Among TKTD models, the general unified threshold model of survival (GUTS) is within the most recent and innovative framework but is still underused in practice, especially by risk assessors, because specialist programming and statistical skills are necessary to run it. Making GUTS models easier to use through a new module freely available from the web platform MOSAIC (standing for MOdeling and StAtistical tools for ecotoxIClogy) should promote GUTS operability in support of the daily work of environmental risk assessors. This paper presents the main features of MOSAIC_GUTS: uploading of the experimental data, GUTS fitting analysis, and LCx estimates with their uncertainty. These features will be exemplified from literature data. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:625–630. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
GUTS models (both reduced versions, SD and IT) can be fitted to survival data collected under either constant or time-variable exposure profiles, through a user-friendly web interface available for free at http://pbil.univ-lyon1.fr/software/mosaic/guts. Any x% lethal concentration at the end of the experiment is provided, which can account for the uncertainty in the GUTS parameter estimates and can be used to better address risks of time-variable exposures. Without wasting time on extensive mathematical and statistical technicalities, users are given the most advanced and innovative methods for a valuable quantitative environmental risk assessment based on TKTD models for survival (GUTS). Considering the recommendations from authorities, there is no doubt that GUTS models will be more widely used to assess the safety of chemicals; the GUTS module of the web platform MOSAIC will support risk assessors in their daily work.
Effects of phosphatidylserine‐containing supported lipid bilayers on the polarization of macrophages
Authors: Quan Hongxuan , Kim Yongjoon , Park Hee Chul , Yang Hyeong‐Cheol 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPlacement of dental implants initiates inflammatory foreign body response, in which macrophages play a central role and affect the subsequent tissue healing process such as bone formation. The purpose of this study was to fabricate phosphatidylserine (PS)‐containing supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) on a titanium surface to regulate the polarization of macrophages, a critical factor that affects following tissue healing and regeneration. The fluorescent recovery after photobleaching images showed that the percentage of PS had a critical influence on the fluidity, and 20% PS had the highest fluidity. Furthermore, more expanded and elongated cells were observed in the SLB‐coated groups. transforming growth factor‐β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor, the key cytokine markers of M2 macrophage polarization, were increased in the SLB‐coated groups, especially in the 20% PS group. Consistently, cells cultured on the SLB‐coated titanium exhibited the distribution of CD206+, which is a M2 macrophage specific maker. The results of this study demonstrated M2 polarization of macrophages on PS‐SLB‐coated titanium discs, which suggests the application of PS‐SLB as an immune‐regulating coating material to improve tissue reactions to dental implants. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2625–2633, 2018.
Learning to provide children with a secure base and a safe haven: The Circle of Security‐Parenting (COS‐P) group intervention
Authors: Kim Monica , Woodhouse Susan S. , Dai Chenchen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInsecure attachment is linked to a host of negative child outcomes, including internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Circle of Security‐Parenting (COS‐P) is a manualized, video‐based, eight unit, group parenting intervention to promote children's attachment security. COS‐P was designed to be easily implemented, so as to make attachment interventions more widely available to families. We present the theoretical background of COS‐P, research evidence supporting the COS approach, as well as a description of the COS‐P intervention protocol. The case example of “Alexa,” mother of three children (aged 7, 6, and 4 years), illustrates how parents can make use of the COS‐P intervention to better understand children's needs, build skills in observing and interpreting children's signals, learn to recognize and regulate their own responses to their children, and learn new ways of responding to children's needs.
Working with Video‐feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP‐SD): A case study
Authors: Juffer Femmie , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractVideo‐feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP‐SD), based on attachment theory and social learning theory, is an intervention aimed at enhancing sensitivity and firm limit setting in parents, and reducing behavior problems in children. The VIPP‐SD program has been tested in populations of vulnerable children and parents at risk in twelve randomized controlled trials, and shows significant effects on both positive parenting and child outcomes. Here, we present a case study of an adoptive mother and her two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old adopted daughter. During the VIPP‐SD program, including one introduction visit and six intervention sessions with video feedback, the mother–child interaction revealed important changes in positive parenting and child outcomes. By describing the intervention process in some detail we hope to shed light on how the VIPP‐SD program can be used by clinicians and practitioners who support families in need of parenting support.