bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prolonging network lifetime and optimizing energy consumption using swarm optimization in mobile wireless sensor networks
Authors: M. Sangeetha , A. Sabari 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to provide prolonging network lifetime and optimizing energy consumption in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs). Forming clusters of mobile nodes is a great task owing to their dynamic nature. Such clustering has to be performed with a higher consumption of energy. Perhaps sensor nodes might be supplied with batteries that cannot be recharged or replaced while in the field of operation. One optimistic approach to handle the issue of energy consumption is an efficient way of cluster organization using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper two improved versions of centralized PSO, namely, unequal clustering PSO (UC-PSO) and hybrid K-means clustering PSO (KC-PSO), are proposed, with a focus of achieving various aspects of clustering parameters such as energy consumption, network lifetime and packet delivery ratio to achieve energy-efficient and reliable communication in MWSNs.

Findings
Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that improved PSO algorithms provide a balanced energy consumption among the cluster heads and increase the network lifetime effectively.

Research limitations/implications
In this work, each sensor node transmits and receives packets at same energy level only. In this work, focus was on centralized clustering only.

Practical implications
To validate the proposed swarm optimization algorithm, a simulation-based performance analysis has been carried out using NS-2. In each scenario, a given number of sensors are randomly deployed and performed in a monitored area. In this work, simulations were carried out in a 100 × 100 m2 network consisting 200 nodes by using a network simulator under various parameters. The coordinate of base station is assumed to be 50 × 175. The energy consumption due to communication is calculated using the first-order radio model. It is considered that all nodes have batteries with initial energy of 2 J, and the sensing range is fixed at 20 m. The transmission range of each node is up to 25 m and node mobility is set to 10 m/s.

Practical implications
This proposed work utilizes the swarm behaviors and targets the improvement of mobile nodes’ lifetime and energy consumption.

Originality/value
PSO algorithms have been implemented for dynamic sensor nodes, which optimize the clustering and CH selection in MWSNs. A new fitness function is evaluated to improve the network lifetime, energy consumption, cluster formation, packet transmissions and cluster head selection.
Density regulation in Northeast Atlantic fish populations: Density dependence is stronger in recruitment than in somatic growth
Authors: Zimmermann Fabian , Ricard Daniel , Heino Mikko 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Population regulation is a central concept in ecology, yet in many cases its presence and the underlying mechanisms are difficult to demonstrate. The current paradigm maintains that marine fish populations are predominantly regulated by density‐dependent recruitment.

While it is known that density‐dependent somatic growth can be present too, its general importance remains unknown and most practical applications neglect it. This study aimed to close this gap by for the first time quantifying and comparing density dependence in growth and recruitment over a large set of fish populations.

We fitted density‐dependent models to time‐series data on population size, recruitment and age‐specific weight from commercially exploited fish populations in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. Data were standardized to enable a direct comparison within and among populations, and estimated parameters were used to quantify the impact of density regulation on population biomass.

Statistically significant density dependence in recruitment was detected in a large proportion of populations (70%), whereas for density dependence in somatic growth the prevalence of density dependence depended heavily on the method (26% and 69%). Despite age‐dependent variability, the density dependence in recruitment was consistently stronger among age groups and between alternative approaches that use weight‐at‐age or weight increments to assess growth. Estimates of density‐dependent reduction in biomass underlined these results: 97% of populations with statistically significant parameters for growth and recruitment showed a larger impact of density‐dependent recruitment on population biomass.

The results reaffirm the importance of density‐dependent recruitment in marine fishes, yet they also show that density dependence in somatic growth is not uncommon. Furthermore, the results are important from an applied perspective because density dependence in somatic growth affects productivity and catch composition, and therefore the benefits of maintaining fish populations at specific densities.
Use of atropine in four‐dimensional hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography: Does it suppress pain during infertility examination?
Authors: Ma Yunfei , Du Lianfang , Li Fan , Zhu Zhengqiu 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis study aimed to ascertain if atropine is useful for suppressing the pain suffered during four‐dimensional hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (4D‐HyCoSy) when assessing infertility in women. A total of 252 patients were divided into 2 groups to receive or not receive atropine (0.5 mg) injection 30 minutes before 4D‐HyCoSy. Pain was evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS): during 4D‐HyCoSy; upon 2‐dimensional transvaginal sonography; before catheter insertion; upon insertion and fixation of the catheter into the uterine cavity; 30 minutes after 4D‐HyCoSy. According to the degree of patency of Fallopian tubes, the 6 patterns observed were integrated further into 3 patient groups: all‐negative (both Fallopian tubes were negative), positive‐and‐negative (one Fallopian tube showed patency and the other showed stenosis or non‐patency), and all‐positive (both Fallopian tubes showed stenosis or non‐patency). We compared the NRS scores and prevalence of side‐effects other than pain between the atropine‐injection and non‐atropine‐injection groups within the three groups mentioned above. The NRS score showed no significant differences among the groups at any time point (all P > .05). The different prevalence of side‐effects other than pain was significant between the atropine‐injection and atropine‐non‐injection groups (P = .012). These data suggest that atropine does not reduce pain in patients during 4D‐HyCoSy. However, atropine may reduce the prevalence of other side‐effects during 4D‐HyCoSy, which needs a further, large, prospective, multi‐cohort study to verify.
A Comparison of Care Delivered in Hospital‐based and Freestanding Emergency Departments
Authors: Pines Jesse M. , Zocchi Mark S. , Black Bernard S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe compare case mix, hospitalization rates, length of stay (LOS), and resource use in independent freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) and hospital‐based emergency departments (H‐EDs).MethodsData from 74 FSEDs (2013–2015) in Texas and Colorado were compared to H‐ED data from the 2013–2014 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. In the unrestricted sample, large differences in visit characteristics (e.g., payer and case mix) were found between patients that use FSEDs compared to H‐EDs. Therefore, we restricted our analysis to patients commonly treated in both settings (<65 years, privately insured, nonambulance) and used inverse propensity score weighting (IPW) to balance the two settings on observable patient characteristics. We then compared ED LOS and as well as hospital admission rates and resource utilization rates in the IPW‐weighted samples.ResultsBefore balancing, FSEDs saw more young adults (age 25–44) and fewer older adults (age 45–64) than H‐EDs. FSED patients had fewer comorbidities, more injuries and respiratory infections, and fewer diagnoses of chest or abdominal pain. In balanced samples, LOS for FSED visits was 46% shorter (60 minutes) than H‐ED patients. Hospital admission rates were 37% lower overall (95% confidence interval = –51% to –23%) in FSEDs and varied considerably by primary discharge diagnosis. X‐ray and electrocardiogram use was significantly lower at FSEDs while others measures of resource utilization were similar (ultrasound, computed tomography scans, and laboratory tests).ConclusionIn this sample of FSEDs, a greater proportion of younger patients with fewer comorbidities and more injuries and respiratory system diseases were evaluated, and almost all patients had private health insurance. When restricted to < 65 years, privately insured, and nonambulance patients in both samples, LOS was considerably shorter and hospital admission rates lower at FSEDs, as well as the use of some diagnostic testing. This study is limited as diagnoses codes may not fully capture severity and patients who perceived greater need of hospital admission may have chosen a H‐ED over FSEDs.
Impaired sperm function in infertile men relies on the membrane sterol pattern
Authors: Garolla A. , Šabović I. , Tescari S. , De Toni L. , Menegazzo M. , Cosci I. , De Filippis V. , Giarola M. , Foresta C. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryMembrane cholesterol removal appears a key step for the gain of fertility potential during sperm maturation. However, the membrane sterol pattern in sperm cells from infertile patients, with impaired sperm parameters, has been poorly investigated. To elucidate a causative link between sperm membrane composition in male fertility, here we have investigated the levels of cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives 7β‐hydroxycholesterol and 7‐keto‐cholesterol in sixteen infertile patients with oligo‐asthenozoospermia and 16 normozoospermic (N) fertile subjects. Furthermore, ten of 16 N fertile subjects agreed to receive a defined testicular thermal challenge by adhering to a programme of sauna sessions for 1 month. Semen samples were obtained from each of the participants, and sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization criteria. Sperm levels of cholesterol, 7β‐hydroxycholesterol and 7‐keto‐cholesterol were quantified by ultra‐pressure liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The results showed that oligo‐asthenozoospermia patients had a huge amount of cholesterol content compared with fertile subjects (12.40 ± 6.05 μg/106 cells vs. 0.45 ± 0.28 μg/106 cells, p < 0.001, N and oligo‐asthenozoospermia, respectively). Also, oxidized derivatives were significantly higher in oligo‐asthenozoospermia patients (7β‐hydroxycholesterol: 1.96 ± 1.03 ng/106 cells vs. 0.075 ± 0.05 ng/106 cells, p < 0.001 and 7‐keto‐cholesterol: 1.11 ± 0.72 ng/106 cells vs. 0.005 ± 0.003 ng/106 cells, p < 0.001). Moreover, sauna exposure, in parallel with a progressive worsening of sperm motility parameters, was associated with a reversible increase in sperm cholesterol after the third and fourth week of treatment, whilst 7β‐hydroxycholesterol and 7‐keto‐cholesterol levels showed an earlier enhancement starting from the second week. Our data show for the first time in humans a strong difference in the cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives of infertile and fertile subjects. These findings suggest a strict biochemical link relating testis function, sperm membrane status and male fertility potential.
Categorization of fetal external findings in developmental toxicology studies by the Terminology Committee of the Japanese Teratology Society
Authors: Izumi Yuko , Ooshima Yojiro , Chihara Kazuhiro , Fujiwara Michio , Katsumata Yoshihiro , Shiota Kohei 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTCategorization of fetal external findings in common laboratory animals, intended to make the agreement at Berlin Workshop in 2014 more practical, was proposed by the Terminology Committee of the Japanese Teratology Society at the Workshop in the 55th Japanese Teratology Society Annual Meeting in 2015. In the Workshop, 73 external findings, which had been categorized as “Gray zone” anomalies but not as “Malformation” or “Variation” in the 2014 Berlin Workshop, were discussed and classified as Malformation, “Non‐structural abnormality,” Variation, and “Not applicable.” The proposal was based on the results of a survey conducted in 2014, where 20 facilities (including pharmaceutical, chemical, and pesticide companies and contract laboratories) and 2 selected expert teratologists in Japan were asked for their opinions on the categorization of these findings. Based on the discussion, Japanese Teratology Society members have agreed that 42 out of the 73 findings can be classified as Malformations (38), Non‐structural abnormalities (3), Malformations/Non‐structural abnormalities (1), and Variations (0), while the remaining 31 findings were recommended to be categorized as Not applicable for fetuses. The details of the classification are shown on the website of the Japanese Teratology Society (http://www.umin.ac.jp/cadb/External.pdf).
Evaluation of primary stability in modified implants: Analysis by resonance frequency and insertion torque
Authors: Sciasci Plínio , Casalle Nicole , Vaz Luís Geraldo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundChanges in the macrogeometry of dental implants are known to influence primary stability and the osseointegration process.PurposeThe purpose of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of geometric changes in the apex region of dental implants.MethodsThirty‐five cylindrical dental implants (Titamax Ti; Neodent) were machined at the apical third to reproduce the experimental groups: without apical cut (Wc), apical bi‐split cut, apical tri‐split cut, apical quadri‐split cut (Qs). One (control group) (Titamax Ti Ex) (n = 7) without any modifications was added. The implants had the same final dimensions (4.1 x 11 mm2). All implants were inserted into artificial bone blocks and were evaluated by insertion torque and resonance frequency by ISQ values (Osstell). Two‐tailed analysis of variance (One‐way ANOVA) and Tukey's post‐test (P < .05).ResultsControl and Qs implants showed a significant increase of the insertion torque (P < .001). For the resonance frequency, Wc and (control) implants had the greatest ISQ values. However, there's no significant difference between (control) and Qs for the ISQ values (P < .001).ConclusionWithin the limitations of the present study, the proposed geometries at the apical third of dental implants greatly influenced its insertion torque and primary stability in vitro.
When conservation goes viral: The diffusion of innovative biodiversity conservation policies and practices
Authors: Mascia Michael B. , Mills Morena 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDespite billions of dollars invested, “getting to scale” remains a fundamental challenge for conservation donors and practitioners. Occasionally, however, a conservation intervention will “go viral,” with rapid, widespread adoption that transforms the relationship between people and nature across large areas. The factors that shape rates and patterns of conservation interventions remain unclear, puzzling scientists and hindering evidence‐based policymaking. Diffusion of innovation theory—the study of the how and why innovations are adopted, and the rates and patterns of adoption—provides a novel lens for examining rates and patterns in the establishment of conservation interventions. Case studies from Tanzania and the Pacific illustrate that characteristics of the innovation, of the adopters, and of the social‐ecological context shape spatial and temporal dynamics in the diffusion of community‐centered conservation interventions. Differential trends in adoption mirrored the relative advantage of interventions to local villagers and villager access to external technical assistance. Theories of innovation diffusion highlight new arenas for conservation research and provide critical insights for conservation policy and practice, suggesting the potential to empower donors and practitioners with the ability to catalyze conservation at scale—and to do so at less cost and with longer‐lasting impacts.
Kidney allograft subclinical rejection modulates systemic inflammation measured by C‐reactive protein at 1 year after transplantation
Authors: García‐Carro Clara , Dörje Christina , Åsberg Anders , Midtvedt Karsten , Scott Helge , Reinholt Finn P. , Holdaas Hallvard , Reisæter Anna V. , Seron Daniel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractKidney allograft inflammation is associated with proinflammatory modifications of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting that renal inflammation contributes to systemic inflammation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical inflammation in surveillance biopsies performed at 1 year and systemic inflammation assessed by C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels at the time of biopsy. We analyzed 544 surveillance biopsies performed at 1 year that were classified as normal (n = 368), borderline (n = 148), or subclinical rejection (SCR) (n = 28). CRP levels were divided into quartiles. Patients in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quartile were classified as low CRP (n = 408) and patients in the 4th quartile as high CRP (n = 136). Univariate analysis showed that the proportion of patients with SCR was higher in the high CRP group (10.3% vs 3.4%, P = 0.0067). Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of high CRP were body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.072 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.027‐1.119), a positive urine culture at the day of the biopsy (OR 2.760 and 95% CI 1.205‐6.323), and the presence of SCR at 1‐year surveillance biopsy (OR 7.260 and 95% CI 3.530‐14.935). In summary, we describe that subclinical acute rejection constitutes an independent predictor of systemic inflammation as measured by CRP.
Preferences for treatment among adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: a national study using a discrete choice experiment model
Authors: Forsander G. , Stallknecht S. , Samuelsson U. , Marcus C. , Bøgelund M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo test the possibility of using a discrete choice experiment model, on a national level in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, in order to obtain a better understanding of drivers of and barriers to diabetes self‐care.MethodsA survey instrument was constructed and tested on a small group of the target population: adolescents aged 15 to <18 years with Type 1 diabetes. All individuals in Sweden belonging to this target group (N=2112) were then identified via the Swedish paediatric diabetes quality registry SWEDIABKIDS, and were sent an invitation to answer an online questionnaire. A valid response for the discrete choice experiment analyses was achieved from 431 individuals.ResultsThe included respondents were not statistically different from non‐participants in terms of age and duration of diabetes, but more young women entered the study and the participants had (on average) a significantly lower HbA1c value than the non‐participants. Participants regarded as undesirable both non‐severe hypoglycaemic events (day and night) and hyperglycaemic events. Avoiding weight gain and even achieving weight loss were the most important aspects among female respondents, who were willing to trade off a substantial level of glycaemic control [13 mmol/mol (1.2%)] to avoid a weight gain of 3 kg. Hypothetical equipment improvements were desired.ConclusionsThe responses may provide useful indications of the aspects that the respondents would prioritize given a real‐life dilemma. For treatment effects, stratification along gender lines was important, whereas the treatment administration aspects were stratified according to treatment type because these aspects are closely related.
Behavioural signatures of backward planning in animals
Authors: Afsardeir Arsham , Keramati Mehdi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGoal‐directed planning in behavioural and neural sciences is theorized to involve a prospective mental simulation that, starting from the animal's current state in the environment, expands a decision tree in a forward fashion. Backward planning in the artificial intelligence literature, however, suggests that agents expand a mental tree in a backward fashion starting from a certain goal state they have in mind. Here, we show that several behavioural patterns observed in animals and humans, namely outcome‐specific Pavlovian‐to‐instrumental transfer and differential outcome effect, can be parsimoniously explained by backward planning. Our basic assumption is that the presentation of a cue that has been associated with a certain outcome triggers backward planning from that outcome state. On the basis of evidence pointing to forward and backward planning models, we discuss the possibility of brain using a bidirectional planning mechanism where forward and backward trees are expanded in parallel to achieve higher efficiency.
The role of alpha oscillations in distractor inhibition during memory retention
Authors: Schroeder Svea C. Y. , Ball Felix , Busch Niko A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOnly small amounts of visual information, as determined by the capacity of working memory, can be held in an active and accessible state. Thus, it is important to select and maintain information that is relevant while ignoring irrelevant information. However, the underlying neural mechanism of these processes has yet to be identified. One potential candidate are alpha oscillations (8–14 Hz), which have been shown to inhibit stimulus processing in perceptual tasks. During memory maintenance, alpha power increases with set size suggesting that alpha oscillations are involved either in memory maintenance or in the inhibition of task‐irrelevant information to protect relevant information from interference. The need for such a protection should increase with the amount of distracting information, but most previous studies did not show any distractors. Therefore, we directly tested whether alpha oscillations are involved in inhibition of distractors during memory maintenance. Participants memorized the orientation of one or two target lines embedded among irrelevant distractors. Distractors were either strong or weak and were present during the retention interval after which participants reported the orientation of probed targets. Computational modeling showed that performance decreased with increasing set size and stronger distraction. Alpha power in the retention interval generally increased with set size, replicating previous studies. However, here stronger distractors reduced alpha power. This finding is in clear contradistinction to previous suggestions, as alpha power decrease indicates higher neuronal excitability. Thus, our data do not support the suggested role of alpha oscillations in inhibition of distraction in working memory.