bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the effect of design asymmetry in vehicular communication using visible light communication technology
Authors: Tomas Boris , Vrcek Neven 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNature of visible light communication (VLC) in vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) communication is such that it does involve certain aspects of asymmetry. This concept is known issue in wireless networking systems, and it is one of the reasons for the famous node deafness issue. It degrades network performance and it is addressed in various network layers and protocols, especially media access control protocol. This paper investigates effects of asymmetry on communication performance in V2V networks using VLC. Scientific community has recognized asymmetry as an issue that causes communication performance degradation, even in VLC communication. Furthermore, this paper defines different types of asymmetry in V2V communication networks using VLC technology. Finally, simulation experiment is conducted in a controlled environment, which tests the specific types of asymmetry (design) as a cause of network performance degradation. Data and results are analyzed and interpreted; they show that asymmetry (design) is not a significant issue in vehicular communication using VLC. However, results are strictly referring to specific domain, ie, vehicular communication using VLC technology in dense urban environments.
Decline in mortality in patients with dementia: Results from a nationwide cohort of 44 258 patients in the Netherlands during 2000 to 2008
Authors: van de Vorst Irene E. , Vaartjes Ilonca , Bots Michiel L. , Koek Huiberdina L. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate whether mortality and readmission risk have changed over the last decade.MethodsProspective hospital‐based cohort of 44 258 patients with dementia admitted to hospital or visiting a day clinic between 2000 and 2008. Absolute risks (ARs) of 1‐ and 3‐year mortality and 1‐year hospital readmission were quantified and stratified by type of care (day clinic or inpatient care). Cox models were used to compare hazard ratios (HRs), adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, of death, and readmission across the years using 2000 as the reference group.ResultsOne‐year mortality declined among men visiting a day clinic (AR in 2008 versus 2000: 13.0%, 29.9%; HR 0.41, 95% CI, 0.30‐0.55). Among inpatients, these ARs were 48.7%, 53.0% (HR 0.85, 95% CI, 0.77‐0.94). Three‐year mortality also declined (AR for men visiting a day clinic: 37.5%, 58.4%, HR 0.53, 95% CI, 0.43‐0.64; for inpatients: 74.4%, 78.9%, HR 0.80, 95% CI, 0.73‐0.88). Whereas 1‐year readmission risk decreased among men visiting a day clinic (AR 44.1%, 65.9%, HR 0.52, 95% CI, 0.43‐0.63), the risk increased among inpatients (AR 36.9%, 27.6%, HR 1.48, 95% CI, 1.28‐1.72).ConclusionOne‐ and 3‐year mortality remarkably declined. One‐year hospital readmission risk increased among inpatients and decreased among patients visiting a day clinic. The results should raise awareness for the increased survival with dementia, as this has direct consequences for patients and (in)formal caregivers, and probably also for health care costs.
Policy of prevention: Medical utilization under a wellness plan
Authors: Danagoulian Shooshan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWellness programs constitute central components of disease prevention efforts under the Affordable Care Act and are likely to remain a component of employer provided health insurance. This paper evaluates the impact of such programs on medical utilization 4 to 7 years after enrollment in the plan. Using a unique suited data provided by a large private employer, I analyze medical expenditure and utilization for individuals enrolled in a wellness plan. The analysis compares expenditures and visits between wellness members and nonmembers who are matched through propensity score methods. The results show that although the wellness program increases utilization of preventive and outpatient care, by as much as 1.57 visits per year, there is no comparable decline in emergency or inpatient care, resulting in an overall increase in medical expenditure of around $507 per person per year. The increase in medical expenditure persists even 6 to 7 years of continued enrollment in wellness. I find some evidence of improved health, as diagnoses of diabetes decline 0.8 percentage points among wellness members. The results suggest that employer savings stemming from improved health and more judicious use of medical services are not likely to materialize in this wellness program.
Supporting the Narrative Agency of a Marginalized Engineering Student
Authors: Secules Stephen , Gupta Ayush , Elby Andrew , Tanu Emilia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundQuantitative researchers have noted the impact of mentoring and support programming for students from underrepresented groups in engineering. Qualitative researchers have also noted the importance of student agency in persistence through marginalization. Nevertheless, challenges and questions remain in identifying practices which are effective in supporting underrepresented students.PurposeThe study applies scholarship from critical theory and narrative as a new resource for approaching and understanding the process of supporting marginalized student agency.MethodA longitudinal interview study with a female undergraduate engineering student, Emilia, developed into a way for her to process marginalizing educational experiences and to develop new narratives that expanded her agency. After an in‐depth member check, Emilia became a co‐author contributing a post hoc account of the impact of these discussions.ResultsOur analysis indicates that naming one's own oppression and creating narratives that repurpose and resituate stereotypical stories of oppression was a liberatory act for Emilia. We trace three marginalizing themes of the participant's experience that are subverted and resisted through the student co‐constructed narrative.ConclusionsThe paper builds theory for diversity support, suggesting critical theorizing may present a new form of agency not yet represented in the literature. It also points to possible value for student participants from qualitative methodologies exploring student experiences. Finally, it suggests supporting critical theorizing as a potential new orientation for diversity practitioners.
State of the UK climate 2017
Authors: Kendon Mike , McCarthy Mark , Jevrejeva Svetlana , Matthews Andrew , Legg Tim 
Published: July 2018

INTRODUCTIONThis report provides a summary of the UK weather and climate through the calendar year 2017, alongside the historical context for a number of essential climate variables. This is the fourth in a series of annual “State of the UK climate” publications and an update to the 2016 report (Kendon et al., ). It provides an accessible, authoritative and up‐to‐date assessment of UK climate trends, variations and extremes based on the most up to date observational datasets of climate quality.The majority of this report is based on observations of temperature, precipitation, sunshine and wind speed from the UK land weather station network as managed by the Met Office and a number of key partners and co‐operating volunteers. The observations are carefully managed such that they conform to current best practice observational standards as defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The observations also pass through a range of quality assurance procedures at the Met Office before application for climate monitoring. In addition, time series of near‐coast sea‐surface temperature and sea‐level rise are also presented.The report presents summary statistics for year 2017 and the most recent decade (2008–2017) against 1961–1990 and 1981–2010 averages. 2008–2017 is a non‐standard reference period, but it provides a 10‐year “snapshot” of the most recent experience of the UK’s climate and how that compares to historical records. This means differences between 2008–2017 and the baseline reference averages may reflect shorter‐term decadal variations as well as long‐term trends. These data are presented to show what has happened in recent years, not necessarily what is expected to happen in a changing climate.The majority of maps in this report show year 2017 against the 1981–2010 baseline reference averaging period—i.e., they are anomaly maps which show the spatial variation in this difference from average. Maps of actual values are not displayed because these are dominated by the underlying climatology, which for this report is of a lesser interest than the year‐to‐year variability.Throughout the report’s text the terms “above normal” and “above average” etc. refer to the 1981–2010 baseline reference averaging period unless otherwise stated. Values quoted in tables throughout this report are rounded, but where the difference between two such values is quoted in the text (for example comparing the most recent decade with 1981–2010), this difference is calculated from the original unrounded values.
New fast response in‐plane switching liquid crystal mode
Authors: Matsushima Toshiharu , Seki Kenta , Kimura Shunichi , Iwakabe Yasushi , Yata Tatsuya , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Komura Shinichi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study aims to develop a novel in‐plane switching liquid crystal display with a fast response time, known as short‐range lurch control in‐plane switching (SLC‐IPS) mode. We found that the distance l, which is orthogonal to the liquid crystal layer thickness, affects the response properties of the liquid crystal display mode. The distance l was obtained using a simple electrode structure. The SLC‐IPS obtained by this structure exhibits a response that is approximately three times faster than that of a conventional IPS. We applied the SLC‐IPS to virtual reality head‐mounted displays and confirmed that its response properties satisfy the requirements for moving picture quality.
Rapid characterization and identification of the chemical constituents and rat metabolites of Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Guo Xin , Lin Shan , Yang Peiming , Ye Ji , Du Jiang , Mu Xuemei , Mi Nan , Qi Xiaopo , Lei Huibo , Zhang Weidong , Tian Xinhui 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDeng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine prescription for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebral vessel diseases. However, there have been few reports on its chemical constituents and metabolic pathway, which has blocked its further quality control and studies on its pharmacology and mechanism of action. In this study, an integrative method was established to rapidly explore the chemical constituents and metabolites of Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and the UNIFI™ software combined with multiple data processing approaches. As a result, a total of 40 compounds, including 9 flavonoids and 31 phenolic acids were identified or tentatively characterized, and five compounds were first reported in Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection. Under the same analysis conditions, 70 compounds have been detected in rats, including 25 prototypes and 45 metabolites. This was the first systematic research study on the metabolic profiling of Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection. This study provides valuable chemical information for the quality control and research on pharmacology and mechanism of action of Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection. Moreover, it provides a valuable strategy for analyzing the chemical components and metabolites of other traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.
Quantification of artesunate and its metabolite, dihydroartemisinin, in animal products using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Weijia , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Kim Seong‐Kwan , Choi Jeong‐Min , Hacımüftüoğlu Ahmet , Shim Jae‐Han , Kang Young‐Sun , Shin Ho‐Chul 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAn analytical approach using a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction method followed by liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was developed herein for the determination of artesunate and its metabolite, dihydroarteminsinin in porcine muscle, egg, eel, flatfish, and shrimp. 10% trichloroacetic acid in acetonitrile mixed with ethyl acetate was used as an extraction solvent. To obtain a good separation, a Phenomenex Kinetex reversed‐phase analytical column was selected with mobile phase consisting of distilled water (A) and acetonitrile (B), both containing 0.05% formic acid. Good linearity was achieved using matrix‐matched calibrations constructed from six concentrations (5–50 μg/kg) with determinant coefficients ≥0.9918. Recoveries estimated from three spiking concentrations (5, 10, and 20 μg/kg) ranged between 71.3 and 104.7% in all matrixes with relative standard deviations ≤8.3%. A variety of samples purchased from markets in Seoul were tested following the protocol described herein. The artesunate and dihydroarteminsinin were not detected in any matrix. The methodology proposed could be used for routine determination of artesunate and its metabolite, dihydroartemisinin in various animal products having variable percentages of fat and protein.
Assessment of land cover and land use change impact on soil loss in a tropical catchment by using multitemporal SPOT‐5 satellite images and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model
Authors: Nampak Haleh , Pradhan Biswajeet , Mojaddadi Rizeei Hossein , Park Hyuck‐Jin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSoil erosion is a common land degradation problem and has disastrous impacts on natural ecosystems and human life. Therefore, researchers have focused on detection of land cover–land use changes (LCLUC) with respect to monitoring and mitigating the potential soil erosion. This article aims to appraise the relationship between LCLUC and soil erosion in the Cameron Highlands (Malaysia) by using multitemporal satellite images and ancillary data. Land clearing and heavy rainfall events in the study area has resulted in increased soil loss. Moreover, unsustainable development and agricultural practices, mismanagement, and lack of land use policies increase the soil erosion rate. Hence, the main contribution of this study lies in the application of appropriate land management practices in relation to water erosion through identification and prediction of the impacts of LCLUC on the spatial distribution of potential soil loss in a region susceptible to natural hazards such as landslide. The LCLUC distribution within the study area was mapped for 2005, 2010, and 2015 by using SPOT‐5 temporal satellite imagery and object‐based image classification. A projected land cover–land use map was also produced for 2025 through integration of Markov chain and cellular automata models. An empirical‐based approach (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) coupled with geographic information system was applied to measure soil loss and susceptibility to erosion over the study area for four periods (2005, 2010, 2015, and 2025). The model comprises five parameters, namely, rainfall factor, soil erodibility, topographical factor, conservation factor, and support practice factor. Results exhibited that the average amount of soil loss increased by 31.77 t ha−1 yr−1 from 2005 to 2015 and was predicted to dramatically increase in 2025. The results generated from this research recommends that awareness of spatial and temporal patterns of high soil loss risk areas can help deploy site‐specific soil conservation measures and erosion mitigation processes and prevent unsystematic deforestation and urbanization by the authorities.
Poly(Pentafluorophenyl Methacrylate)‐Based Nano‐Objects Developed by Photo‐PISA as Scaffolds for Post‐Polymerization Functionalization
Authors: Couturaud Benoit , Georgiou Panagiotis G. , Varlas Spyridon , Jones Joseph R. , Arno Maria C. , Foster Jeffrey C. , O'Reilly Rachel K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe preparation of a functional fluorine‐containing block copolymer using reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer dispersion polymerization in DMSO as a “platform/scaffold” is explored. The nanostructures, comprised of poly(ethyleneglycol)‐b‐poly(pentafluorophenyl methacrylate) or PEG‐b‐P(PFMA), are formulated via photo‐initiated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) followed by post‐polymerization modification using different primary amines. A combination of light scattering and microscopy techniques are used to characterize the resulting morphologies. It is found that upon varying the degree of polymerization of the core‐forming block of PFMA, only uniform spheres (with textured surfaces) are obtained. These nanostructures are subsequently modified by cross‐linking using a non‐responsive and a redox‐responsive diamine, thus imparting stability to the particles in water. In response to intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentration, destabilization of the micelles occurs as evidenced by dynamic light scattering. The well‐defined size, inherent reactivity of the nanoparticles toward nucleophiles, and GSH‐responsiveness of the nanospheres make them ideal scaffolds for drug delivery to intracellular compartments with reductive environments.
Spectrochemical Properties and Solvatochromism of Tetradentate Schiff Base Complex with Nickel: Calculations and Experiments
Authors: Gonciarz Agnieszka , Żuber Marian , Zwoździak Jerzy 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe nickel(II) complex with a tetradentate Schiff base ligand obtained by condensation of 1,3‐propanediamine with salicylaldehyde (H2salpn) was studied in a variety of solvents at room temperature. The product, that is, the N′,N′′‐propylenebis(salicylaldiminato)nickel(II) ([Ni(salpn)]) complex, is brown in color in the solid state. The properties of the ligand and complex were characterized by elemental analysis, solubility in common solvents, molar conductivities, and ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) spectroscopy. The [Ni(salpn)] complex is easily soluble in common solvents such as chloroform, methanol, ethanol, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile, dioxane, acetone, 2‐propanol, and toluene—a necessary condition for observing solvatochromism. The molar conductivity values, equal to 0.0 S mol‐1 cm2 in these solvents, point to a typical non‐electrolyte behavior for this complex. Spectroscopic measurements were used to confirm the square‐planar geometry of the species in solution and to determine the coordination properties of the donor atoms and their bonding abilities (CFM/AOM parameters), as well as trichromaticity coordinate calculations. The results obtained show that the interactions of the metal with the donors depend on the polarity of the solvent.
Induced pluripotent stem cells for treating cystic fibrosis: State of the science
Authors: Pollard Bette S. , Pollard Harvey B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInduced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a recently developed technology in which fully differentiated cells such as fibroblasts from individual CF patients can be repaired with [wildtype] CFTR, and reprogrammed to differentiate into fully differentiated cells characteristic of the proximal and distal airways. Here, we review properties of different epithelial cells in the airway, and the in vitro genetic roadmap which iPSCs follow as they are step‐wise differentiated into either basal stem cells, for the proximal airway, or into Type II Alveolar cells for the distal airways. The central theme is that iPSC‐derived basal stem cells, are penultimately dependent on NOTCH signaling for differentiation into club cells, goblet cells, ciliated cells, and neuroendocrine cells. Furthermore, given the proper matrix, these cellular progenies are also able to self‐assemble into a fully functional pseudostratified squamous proximal airway epithelium. By contrast, club cells are reserve stem cells which are able to either differentiate into goblet or ciliated cells, but also to de‐differentiate into basal stem cells. Variant club cells, located at the transition between airway and alveoli, may also be responsible for differentiation into Type II Alveolar cells, which then differentiate into Type I Alveolar cells for gas exchange in the distal airway. Using gene editing, the mutant CFTR gene in iPSCs from CF patients can be repaired, and fully functional epithelial cells can thus be generated through directed differentiation. However, there is a limitation in that the lung has other CFTR‐dependent cells besides epithelial cells. Another limitation is that there are CFTR‐dependent cells in other organs which would continue to contribute to CF disease. Furthermore, there are also bystander or modifier genes which affect disease outcome, not only in the lung, but specifically in other CF‐affected organs. Finally, we discuss future personalized applications of the iPSC technology, many of which have already survived the “proof‐of‐principle” test. These include (i) patient‐derived iPSCs used as a “lung‐on‐a‐chip” tool for personalized drug discovery; (ii) replacement of mutant lung cells by wildtype lung cells in the living lung; and (iii) development of bio‐artificial lungs. It is hoped that this review will give the reader a roadmap through the most complicated of the obstacles, and foster a guardedly optimistic view of how some of the remaining obstacles might one day be overcome.
Successful management of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in commercial apple orchards with an attract‐and‐kill strategy
Authors: Morrison William R , Blaauw Brett R , Short Brent D , Nielsen Anne L , Bergh James C , Krawczyk Greg , Park Yong‐Lak , Butler Bryan , Khrimian Ashot , Leskey Tracy C 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIntroduction of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) in the USA has disrupted many established integrated pest management programs for specialty crops, especially apple. While current management heavily relies on insecticides, one potential alternative tactic is attract‐and‐kill (AK), whereby large numbers of H. halys are attracted to and retained in a circumscribed area using attractive semiochemicals and removed from the foraging population with an insecticide. The goal of this study was to evaluate if AK implementation in commercial apple orchards can result in levels of H. halys damage that are equal to or less than those from grower standard management programs.RESULTSOver 2 years at farms in five Mid‐Atlantic USA states, we found that the use of AK resulted in 2–7 times less damage compared with grower standard plots, depending on year and period. At selected trees on which AK was implemented, over 10,000 H. halys individuals were killed in two growing seasons, and the use of AK reduced the crop area treated with insecticide against H. halys by 97%. Using AK had no impact on the natural enemy or secondary pest community over the same period.CONCLUSIONSOverall, the use of AK was effective at managing low to moderate H. halys populations in apple orchards, but must be optimized to increase economic feasibility for grower adoption. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Observer‐based H∞ control for Markovian jump systems with time‐varying delays and incomplete transition rates
Authors: Shu Feng , Li Min , Huang Qinzhen , Wang Jun 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThis paper addresses the observer‐based H∞ control of Markovian jump systems with interval time‐varying delays and incomplete transition rates. To reduce the conservatism of proposed results, a modified Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional is constructed, where an improved delay partitioning method is used by partitioning the delay interval into multiple segments with a geometric sequence. Moreover, the Jensen‐based integral inequality and the reciprocally convex technique are used to tackle the time‐varying delays. Some less conservative stochastic stability criteria are derived in the framework of linear matrix inequalities. Then, the observer‐based H∞ controller is designed. Finally, three numerical examples are given to demonstrate the merit and effectiveness of the proposed method.