bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exponential Synchronization of Dynamical Network with Distributed Delays Via Intermittent Control
Authors: He Sulan , Yi Guisheng , Wu Zhaoyan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this paper, the exponential synchronization of dynamical network with distributed time delays is investigated. The intermittent controllers are designed to achieve the exponential synchronization. Based on the Lyapunov function method and the mathematical analysis technique, some synchronization criteria with respect to the system parameters, control gain and control rate are presented. From the criteria, for any given dynamical network, the needed values of control gains and rate can be easily estimated. Finally, two numerical simulations are performed to verify the derived theoretical results.
Altered white matter connectivity associated with visual hallucinations following occipital stroke
Authors: Rafique Sara A. , Richards John R. , Steeves Jennifer K. E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionVisual hallucinations that arise following vision loss stem from aberrant functional activity in visual cortices and an imbalance of activity across associated cortical and subcortical networks subsequent to visual pathway damage. We sought to determine if structural changes in white matter connectivity play a role in cases of chronic visual hallucinations associated with visual cortical damage.MethodsWe performed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and probabilistic fiber tractography to assess white matter connectivity in a patient suffering from continuous and disruptive phosphene (simple) visual hallucinations for more than 2 years following right occipital stroke. We compared these data to that of healthy age‐matched controls.ResultsProbabilistic tractography to reconstruct white matter tracts suggests regeneration of terminal fibers of the ipsilesional optic radiations in the patient. However, arrangement of the converse reconstruction of these tracts, which were seeded from the ipsilesional visual cortex to the intrahemispheric lateral geniculate body, remained disrupted. We further observed compromised structural characteristics, and changes in diffusion (measured using diffusion tensor indices) of white matter tracts in the patient connecting the visual cortex with frontal and temporal regions, and also in interhemispheric connectivity between visual cortices.ConclusionsCortical remapping and the disruption of communication between visual cortices and remote regions are consistent with our previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data showing imbalanced functional activity of the same regions in this patient (Rafique et al, 2016, Neurology, 87, 1493–1500). Long‐term adaptive and disruptive changes in white matter connectivity may account for the rare nature of cases presenting with chronic and continuous visual hallucinations.
Stable Carboxylate‐Terminated Gold Surfaces Produced by Spontaneous Grafting of an Alkyltin Compound
Authors: Ortiz Mayreli , Debela Ahmed M. , Méthivier Christophe , Thorimbert Serge , Hasenknopf Bernold , O'Sullivan Ciara K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSelf‐assembled monolayers formed by chemisorption of thiolated molecules on gold surfaces are widely applied for biosensing. Moreover, and due to the low stability of thiol–gold chemistry, contributions to the functionalisation of gold substrates with linkers that provide a more stable platform for the immobilisation of electroactive or biological molecules are highly appreciated. Herein, it is demonstrated that a carboxylated organotin compound can be successfully grafted onto gold substrates to form a highly stable organic layer with reactivity for subsequent binding to an aminated molecule. A battery of techniques were used to characterise the surface chemistry. The grafted layer was used to anchor aminoferrocene and subjected to both thermostability tests and long‐term stability studies over a period of one year, demonstrating thermostability up to 90 °C and storage stability for at least 12 months at 4 °C protected from light. The stable surface tethering of molecules on gold substrates can be exploited in a plethora of applications, including molecular techniques, such as solid‐phase amplification and solid‐phase melting curve analysis, that require elevated temperature stability, as well as biosensors, which require long‐term storage stability.
When Power Hurts: Task‐dependent Resource Control Creates Temporary Discomfort that Motivates Helping Behaviour
Authors: Poile Christopher 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study investigated why workers in a position of power are motivated to help their dependent co‐workers. Previous research has assumed that powerful workers would experience increased behavioural approach and disinhibition, leading to selfishness and lower levels of help. However, this assumption fails to explain the helping behaviour often observed at work. In this study, 563 participants were placed in situations of power across three experiments, which measured helpfulness, discomfort, and behavioural approach and inhibition. The results suggest that power creates psychological discomfort, which mediates helping behaviour. Providing help reduced feelings of discomfort. This study helps reconcile previous mixed findings when applying power theories to work situations, and tested a new discomfort‐reduction explanation for helping behaviour. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rate pressure product and the components of heart rate and systolic blood pressure in hospitalized heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction: Insights from ASCEND‐HF
Authors: Verma Amanda K. , Sun Jie‐Lena , Hernandez Adrian , Teerlink John R. , Schulte Phillip J. , Ezekowitz Justin , Voors Adriaan , Starling Randall , Armstrong Paul , O'Conner Christopher M. , Mentz Robert J. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundHeart rate and systolic blood pressure (SBP) are prognostic markers in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Their combination in rate pressure product (RPP) as well as their role in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unclear.HypothesisRPP and its components are associated with HFpEF outcomes.MethodsWe performed an analysis of Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Subjects With Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND‐HF; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00475852), which studied 7141 patients with acute HF. HFpEF was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%. Outcomes were assessed by baseline heart rate, SBP, and RPP, as well as the change of these variables using adjusted Cox models.ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment, in‐hospital change but not baseline heart rate, SBP, and RPP were associated with 30‐day mortality/HF hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.17 per 5‐bpm heart rate, HR: 1.20 per 10‐mm Hg SBP, and HR: 1.02 per 100 bpm × mm Hg RPP; all P < 0.05). Baseline SBP was associated with 180‐day mortality (HR: 0.88 per 10‐mm Hg, P = 0.028). Though change in RPP was associated with 30‐day mortality/HF hospitalization, the RPP baseline variable did not provide additional associative information with regard to outcomes when compared with assessment of baseline heart rate and SBP variables alone.ConclusionsAn increase in heart rate and SBP from baseline to discharge was associated with increased 30‐day mortality/HF hospitalization in HFpEF patients with acute exacerbation. These findings suggest value in monitoring the trend of vital signs during HFpEF hospitalization.
PSA screening, prostate biopsy, and treatment of prostate cancer in the years surrounding the USPSTF recommendation against prostate cancer screening
Authors: Kearns James T. , Holt Sarah K. , Wright Jonathan L. , Lin Daniel W. , Lange Paul H. , Gore John L. 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUNDThe 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against screening for prostate cancer has impacted rates of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening and appears to be associated with declining prostate cancer incidence. Our objective was to characterize health care utilization that may explain these observed trends.METHODSMarketScan claims, which capture >30 million privately insured patients in the United States, were queried for all men aged 40‐64 years for the years 2008‐2014. PSA testing, prostate biopsy, prostate cancer diagnosis, and definitive local treatment were determined using associated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Current Procedural Terminology, Fourth Edition codes.RESULTSThere were approximately 6 million qualifying men with a full year of data. PSA testing, prostate biopsy, and prostate cancer detection declined significantly between 2009 and 2014, most notably after 2011. The prostate biopsy rate per 100 patients with a PSA test decreased over the study period from 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92‐1.97) to 1.52 (95% CI, 1.50‐1.54). Prostate cancer incidence per prostate biopsy increased over the study period from 0.36 (95% CI, 0.35‐0.36) to 0.39 (95% CI, 0.39‐0.40). Of new prostate cancer diagnoses, the proportion managed with definitive local treatment decreased from 69% (95% CI, 69%‐70%) to 54% (95% CI, 53%‐55%). Both PSA testing and prostate cancer incidence decreased significantly after 2011 (P < .001).CONCLUSIONIn a large cohort of privately insured men, PSA testing, prostate biopsy, prostate cancer incidence, and local definitive treatment for prostate cancer decreased between 2008 and 2014, most notably after 2011. This decrease may be driven by differential referral patterns from primary care providers to urologists. Cancer 2018;124:2733‐2739. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Functionalization of Carbon Spheres with a Porphyrin−Ferrocene Dyad
Authors: Possanza Fabio , Limosani Francesca , Tagliatesta Pietro , Zanoni Robertino , Scarselli Manuela , Ciotta Erica , Pizzoferrato Roberto 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMeso‐tetraphenylporphyrin connected with a ferrocene molecule in the beta‐position of the macrocycle through a triple carbon−carbon bond has been bound to carbon spheres using the Prato−Maggini reaction. The ethynyl or/and phenylene ethynylene subunits were chosen as a linking bridge to give a high conjugation degree between the donor (i. e., ferrocene), the photoactive compound (i. e., porphyrin), and the acceptor (i. e., carbon spheres). The molecular bridges have been directly linked to the beta‐pyrrole positions of the porphyrin ring, generating a new example of a long‐range donor−acceptor system. Steady‐state fluorescence studies together with Raman and XPS measurements helped understanding the chemical and physical properties of the porphyrin ring in the new adduct. The spectroscopic characteristics were also compared with those obtained from a similar compound bearing fullerene instead of carbon spheres.
Characterization and Singlet Oxygen Oxidation of 1‐Alkyl Cyclohexenes Encapsulated Within a Water‐Soluble Organic Capsule
Authors: Gupta Shipra , Ramamurthy Vaidhyanathan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrompted by the selectivity observed during the oxidation of 1‐methylcyclohexene included within a water‐soluble capsule by singlet oxygen, we conducted oxidation of a number of 1‐alkylcyclohexene derivatives. Of the three possible allylic hydrogens that could be abstracted by the attacking singlet oxygen, there was a preference for one of them but not to the extent that is observed with 1‐methylcyclohexene. The observed high selectivity with 1‐methylcyclohexene and moderate to low selectivity observed with longer n‐alkyl substituted cyclohexenes is rationalized on the basis of the available free space around the three allylic hydrogens. A comparison of the behavior of eight 1‐alkylcyclohexenes reveals that the behavior of confined reactant molecules cannot be extended based on a single model compound. The results presented demonstrate that the chemistry within supramolecular assemblies could be unique for each molecule just like in an enzyme.
Design of a reconfigurable front‐end for a multistandard receiver for the frequency range of 800 MHz to 2.5 GHz
Authors: Zare Fatin G. , Koozehkanani Z.D. , Fotowat‐Ahmady Ali , Sobhi Jafar , Farrell Ronan 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a reconfigurable receiver front‐end for the frequency range of 800 MHz to 2.5 GHz is presented. The radio frequency front‐end is realized in wideband form with reconfigurable baseband filter. The proposed front‐end targets the GSM, WLAN, WCDMA, and GPS standards residing in the aimed frequency range. The necessary specifications for each individual standard have been revisited and recalculated. The interaction of the different standards and their interoperability has been thoroughly investigated and extra specifications derived for the multistandard receiver. The multistandard receiver has been designed, layouted, and simulated in RFCMOS 0.18‐μm process.
A new integrated high step‐up quasi‐resonant flyback‐forward converter
Authors: Salehi Dobakhshari S. , Taheri M. , Banaiemoghadam Amin , Milimonfared J. , Fathi S.H. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis study presents a new high step‐up, high efficiency, flyback‐forward converter. The proposed converter employs 2 transformers, operating in flyback and forward modes at different intervals, to achieve the high voltage gain. In favor of high power density, transformers have been installed on 1 core. Furthermore, all switches are turned on under zero voltage switching condition, and all diodes are turned off under zero current switching condition. Also, the proposed converter utilizes resonant operation that leads to a reduction in switching loss, turning the converter to a highly efficient one. A 150‐W prototype has been implemented to verify the theoretical analysis, and a complete analysis has been done to investigate the effect of transformers integration.
An authenticated re‐encryption scheme for secure file transfer in named data networks
Authors: Tseng Yi‐Fan , Fan Chun‐I , Cho Yan‐Fu 
Published: May 2018

SummaryWith the fast progress of the Internet and communication technologies, the digital communication is increasingly based on the architecture of TCP/IP. Nevertheless, in TCP/IP's architecture, there are limitations such as data uncertainty and flow overloading. In response to this, a novel architecture has been proposed, which is known as the named data network (NDN). Named data network is an alternative network architecture based on the data each user accesses. Users gain accesses to the data by using an adjacent router (node) that verifies the correctness of the data. In NDN, the router has the capability to store and search for the data. Hence, this architecture largely improves the disadvantages in TCP/IP's architecture. Named data network is a new proposal and relatively under‐researched now. Thus far, an adequate secure file transfer protocol is still unavailable for NDN. In some cases, files are broken or the source fails to authenticate, which results in the need to discover the owner of the file. Furthermore, we believe that NDN should involve an authentication mechanism in the secure file transfer protocol. In view of the above, this paper presents an authenticated re‐encryption scheme for NDN, which offers sender authentication, data confidentiality, and support for potential receivers. Finally, we also propose a security model for sender authentication and prove that the proposed scheme is secure.
A novel approach of user existence awareness using adaptive spectrum sensing controllers in emergency‐based cognitive radio adhoc networks
Authors: Sudhakaran Chitra , Suganthi M. 
Published: May 2018

SummarySpectrum sharing can be considered as an alternative solution to overcome spectrum limitation. Cognitive radio is the most important spectrum sharing technique in wireless communication system, which aims to enhance the utilization of radio frequency spectrum. Identification of spectrum environments like location of both licensed and unlicensed users has been considered in cognitive radio technology. In this paper, cognitive controller is an emergency repairing unit, which is introduced to maximize the number of connected users in an emergency situation. The analysis shows that the sensing efficiency of fixed sensing controller to identify users is limited to its sensing region. A hybrid technique with overlay and underlay accessing to perform data offloading in emergency situations and to connect the disconnected users is proposed to enhance the location sensing efficiency of the controller. A cognitive user node located at the interference region of controller experiences hidden node problem and causes interference to other users. In order to identify such users, an adaptive and cooperative sensing‐based controller is proposed, and efficiency of which is compared with the efficiency of fixed sensing controller. Theoretical and simulation analysis explores that the sensing capacity of adaptive sensing controller provides 42% of higher efficiency than the fixed sensing method.
Abundance of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoids on vegetables and cassava plants in Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: Romba Rahim , Gnankine Olivier , Drabo Samuel Fogné , Tiendrebeogo Fidèle , Henri Hélène , Mouton Laurence , Vavre Fabrice 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a pest of many agricultural and ornamental crops worldwide and particularly in Africa. It is a complex of cryptic species, which is extremely polyphagous with hundreds of host plants identified around the world. Previous surveys in western Africa indicated the presence of two biotypes of the invasive MED species (MED‐Q1 and MED‐Q3) living in sympatry with the African species SSA and ASL. This situation constitutes one of the rare cases of local coexistence of various genetic entities within the B. tabaci complex. In order to study the dynamics of the distribution and abundance of genetic entities within this community and to identify potential factors that could contribute to coexistence, we sampled B. tabaci populations in Burkina Faso in 2015 and 2016 on various plants, and also their parasitoids. All four genetic entities were still recorded, indicating no exclusion of local species by the MED species. While B. tabaci individuals were found on 55 plant species belonging to eighteen (18) families showing the high polyphagy of this pest, some species/biotypes exhibited higher specificity. Two parasitoid species (Eretmocerus mundus and Encarsia vandrieschei) were also recorded with E. mundus being predominant in most localities and on most plants. Our data indicated that whitefly abundance, diversity, and rate of parasitism varied according to areas, plants, and years, but that parasitism rate was globally highly correlated with whitefly abundance suggesting density dependence. Our results also suggest dynamic variation in the local diversity of B. tabaci species/biotypes from 1 year to the other, specifically with MED‐Q1 and ASL species. This work provides relevant information on the nature of plant–B. tabaci‐parasitoid interactions in West Africa and identifies that coexistence might be stabilized by niche differentiation for some genetic entities. However, MED‐Q1 and ASL show extensive niche overlap, which could ultimately lead to competitive exclusion.
Ecosystem‐based management of coral reefs under climate change
Authors: Harvey Bethany J. , Nash Kirsty L. , Blanchard Julia L. , Edwards David P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCoral reefs provide food and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people as well as harbour some of the highest regions of biodiversity in the ocean. However, overexploitation, land‐use change and other local anthropogenic threats to coral reefs have left many degraded. Additionally, coral reefs are faced with the dual emerging threats of ocean warming and acidification due to rising CO2 emissions, with dire predictions that they will not survive the century. This review evaluates the impacts of climate change on coral reef organisms, communities and ecosystems, focusing on the interactions between climate change factors and local anthropogenic stressors. It then explores the shortcomings of existing management and the move towards ecosystem‐based management and resilience thinking, before highlighting the need for climate change‐ready marine protected areas (MPAs), reduction in local anthropogenic stressors, novel approaches such as human‐assisted evolution and the importance of sustainable socialecological systems. It concludes that designation of climate change‐ready MPAs, integrated with other management strategies involving stakeholders and participation at multiple scales such as marine spatial planning, will be required to maximise coral reef resilience under climate change. However, efforts to reduce carbon emissions are critical if the long‐term efficacy of local management actions is to be maintained and coral reefs are to survive.
Spatiotemporal and gender‐specific parasitism in two species of gobiid fish
Authors: Karvonen Anssi , Lindström Kai 
Published: May 2018

AbstractParasitism is considered a major selective force in natural host populations. Infections can decrease host condition and vigour, and potentially influence, for example, host population dynamics and behavior such as mate choice. We studied parasite infections of two common marine fish species, the sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus) and the common goby (Pomatoschistus microps), in the brackish water Northern Baltic Sea. We were particularly interested in the occurrence of parasite taxa located in central sensory organs, such as eyes, potentially affecting fish behavior and mate choice. We found that both fish species harbored parasite communities dominated by taxa transmitted to fish through aquatic invertebrates. Infections also showed significant spatiotemporal variation. Trematodes in the eyes were very few in some locations, but infection levels were higher among females than males, suggesting differences in exposure or resistance between the sexes. To test between these hypotheses, we experimentally exposed male and female sand gobies to infection with the eye flukeDiplostomum pseudospathaceum. These trials showed that the fish became readily infected and females had higher parasite numbers, supporting higher susceptibility of females. Eye fluke infections also caused high cataract intensities among the fish in the wild. Our results demonstrate the potential of these parasites to influence host condition and visual abilities, which may have significant implications for survival and mate choice in goby populations.