bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Passivity‐based state synchronization of homogeneous multiagent systems via static protocol in the presence of input saturation
Authors: Liu Zhenwei , Saberi Ali , Stoorvogel Anton A. , Zhang Meirong 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper studies semiglobal and global state synchronization of homogeneous multiagent systems with partial‐state coupling (ie, agents are coupled through part of their states) via a static protocol. We consider 2 classes of agents, ie, G‐passive and G‐passifiable via input feedforward, which are subjected to input saturation. The proposed static protocol is purely decentralized, ie, without an additional channel for the exchange of controller states. For semiglobal synchronization, a static protocol is designed for an a priori given set of network graphs with a directed spanning tree. In other words, the static protocol only needs rough information on the network graph, ie, a lower bound for the real part and an upper bound for the modulus, of the nonzero eigenvalues of the corresponding Laplacian matrix. Whereas for global synchronization, only strongly connected and detailed balanced network graphs are considered. In this case, for G‐passive agents, the static protocol does not need any network information, whereas for G‐passifiable agents via input feedforward, the static protocol only needs an upper bound for the modulus of the eigenvalues of the corresponding Laplacian matrix.
Guaranteed‐cost consensus for multiagent networks with Lipschitz nonlinear dynamics and switching topologies
Authors: Xi Jianxiang , Fan Zhiliang , Liu Hao , Zheng Tang 
Published: January 2018

SummaryGuaranteed‐cost consensus for high‐order nonlinear multiagent networks with switching topologies is investigated. By constructing a time‐varying nonsingular matrix with a specific structure, the whole dynamics of multiagent networks is decomposed into the consensus and disagreement parts with nonlinear terms, which is the key challenge to be dealt with. An explicit expression of the consensus dynamics, which contains the nonlinear term, is given and its initial state is determined. Furthermore, by the structure property of the time‐varying nonsingular transformation matrix and the Lipschitz condition, the impacts of the nonlinear term on the disagreement dynamics are linearized, and the gain matrix of the consensus protocol is determined on the basis of the Riccati equation. Moreover, an approach to minimize the guaranteed cost is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the numerical simulation is shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Discontinuities, competition, and cooperation: Coopetitive dynamics between incumbents and entrants
Authors: Cozzolino Alessio , Rothaermel Frank T. 
Published: January 2018

Research Summary: We advance an integrative model in which distinct types of technological discontinuities (core‐knowledge vs. complementary‐asset) are combined with different appropriability regimes (strong vs. weak) to predict competitive and cooperative dynamics between incumbents and entrants. We posit that incumbents ally with entrants following a core‐knowledge discontinuity when the appropriability regime is strong. When the appropriability regime is weak, incumbents are more likely to acquire entrants. We submit that the additional consideration of complementary‐asset discontinuities reveals a more integrated theoretical model of competition and cooperation between incumbents and entrants. In particular, incumbents tend to cooperate among themselves following complementary‐asset discontinuities, although we highlight theoretical nuances due to different appropriability regimes. We provide falsifiable propositions, and introduce contingencies such as firm‐level heterogeneity and time dynamics.
Managerial Summary: Interfirm cooperation is one possible avenue for existing firms to address the challenge of responding to discontinuous technological changes. What is not clear, however, is who should the incumbent ally with: other incumbents or new entrants? We provide an integrative framework to help managers to decide when to cooperate with competitors and when to cooperate with new entrants. When the core knowledge of incumbent firms is made obsolete by technological advances and intellectual property is fairly well protected, managers of existing firms should search out collaboration with new entrants. If intellectual property protection is weak, managers of incumbents firms are better off acquiring new entrants. When the downstream complementary resources such manufacturing, distribution, and sales are replaced by radically new technologies, then incumbents best option is cooperate with other incumbents in order to compete against new entrants.
Ultrasmall Transition Metal Carbide Nanoparticles Encapsulated in N, S‐Doped Graphene for All‐pH Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Liping , Yang Hongbin , Wanigarathna Darshika K. J. A. , Liu Bin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNoble metal free catalysts with high catalytic activity and excellent durability have long been pursued as alternatives of noble metal catalysts for renewable energy technologies. Herein, a facile one‐step method is reported to prepare ultrasmall transition metal carbide nanoparticles encapsulated in N, S‐doped graphene as noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for all‐pH hydrogen evolution, in which, high‐density MoCx (≈2.8 nm) or WCx (≈2.0 nm) nanoparticles are encapsulated in porous N, S‐doped graphene matrix. Both catalysts exhibit excellent hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activity and durability in a wide range of pH from 0 to 14.
Systems biology of embryonic development: Prospects for a complete understanding of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo
Authors: Murray John Isaac 
Published: January 2018

The convergence of developmental biology and modern genomics tools brings the potential for a comprehensive understanding of developmental systems. This is especially true for the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo because its small size, invariant developmental lineage, and powerful genetic and genomic tools provide the prospect of a cellular resolution understanding of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and regulation across the organism. We describe here how a systems biology framework might allow large‐scale determination of the embryonic regulatory relationships encoded in the C. elegans genome. This framework consists of two broad steps: (a) defining the “parts list”—all genes expressed in all cells at each time during development and (b) iterative steps of computational modeling and refinement of these models by experimental perturbation. Substantial progress has been made towards defining the parts list through imaging methods such as large‐scale green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter analysis. Imaging results are now being augmented by high‐resolution transcriptome methods such as single‐cell RNA sequencing, and it is likely the complete expression patterns of all genes across the embryo will be known within the next few years. In contrast, the modeling and perturbation experiments performed so far have focused largely on individual cell types or genes, and improved methods will be needed to expand them to the full genome and organism. This emerging comprehensive map of embryonic expression and regulatory function will provide a powerful resource for developmental biologists, and would also allow scientists to ask questions not accessible without a comprehensive picture.This article is categorized under:

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms
Technologies > Analysis of the Transcriptome
Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics
Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy (E‐Vac): A Treatment Option in Oesophagogastric Surgery
Authors: Pournaras D. J. , Hardwick R. H. , Safranek P. M. , Sujendran V. , Bennett J. , Macaulay G. D. , Hindmarsh A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundLeaks from the upper gastrointestinal tract often pose a management challenge, particularly when surgical treatment has failed or is impossible. Vacuum therapy has revolutionised the treatment of wounds, and its role in enabling and accelerating healing is now explored in oesophagogastric surgery.MethodsA piece of open cell foam is sutured around the distal end of a nasogastric tube using a silk suture. Under general anaesthetic, the foam covered tip is placed endoscopically through the perforation and into any extra‐luminal cavity. Continuous negative pressure (125 mmHg) is then applied. Re‐evaluation with change of the negative pressure system is performed every 48–72 h depending on the clinical condition. Patients are fed enterally and treated with broad‐spectrum antibiotics and anti‐fungal medication until healing, assessed endoscopically and/or radiologically, is complete.ResultsSince April 2011, twenty one patients have been treated. The cause of the leak was postoperative/iatrogenic complications (14 patients) and ischaemic/spontaneous perforation (seven patients). Twenty patients (95%) completed treatment successfully with healing of the defect and/or resolution of the cavity and were subsequently discharged from our care. One patient died from sepsis related to an oesophageal leak after withdrawing consent for further intervention following a single endoluminal vacuum (E‐Vac) treatment. In addition, two patients who were successfully treated with E‐Vac for their leak subsequently died within 90 days of E‐Vac treatment from complications that were not associated with the E‐Vac procedure. In two patients, E‐Vac treatment was complicated by bleeding. The median number of E‐Vac changes was 7 (range 3–12), and the median length of hospital stay was 35 days (range 23–152).ConclusionsE‐Vac therapy is a safe and effective treatment for upper gastrointestinal leaks and should be considered alongside more established therapies. Further research is now needed to understand the mechanism of action and to improve the ease with which E‐Vac therapy can be delivered.
A note on variable selection in functional regression via random subspace method
Authors: Smaga Łukasz , Matsui Hidetoshi 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Variable selection problem is one of the most important tasks in regression analysis, especially in a high-dimensional setting. In this paper, we study this problem in the context of scalar response functional regression model, which is a linear model with scalar response and functional regressors. The functional model can be represented by certain multiple linear regression model via basis expansions of functional variables. Based on this model and random subspace method of Mielniczuk and Teisseyre (Comput Stat Data Anal 71:725–742, 2014), two simple variable selection procedures for scalar response functional regression model are proposed. The final functional model is selected by using generalized information criteria. Monte Carlo simulation studies conducted and a real data example show very satisfactory performance of new variable selection methods under finite samples. Moreover, they suggest that considered procedures outperform solutions found in the literature in terms of correctly selected model, false discovery rate control and prediction error.
“Transcriptomics”: molecular diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism via RNA‐sequencing
Authors: Kremer Laura S. , Wortmann Saskia B. , Prokisch Holger 
Published: January 2018

AbstractExome wide sequencing techniques have revolutionized molecular diagnostics in patients with suspected inborn errors of metabolism or neuromuscular disorders. However, the diagnostic yield of 25–60% still leaves a large fraction of individuals without a diagnosis. This indicates a causative role for non‐exonic regulatory variants not covered by whole exome sequencing. Here we review how systematic RNA‐sequencing analysis (RNA‐seq, “transcriptomics”) lead to a molecular diagnosis in 10–35% of patients in whom whole exome sequencing failed to do so. Importantly, RNA‐sequencing based discoveries cannot only guide molecular diagnosis but might also unravel therapeutic intervention points such as antisense oligonucleotide treatment for splicing defects as recently reported for spinal muscular atrophy.
Association of Low Bone Mineral Density with Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibody Positivity and Disease Activity in Established Rheumatoid Arthritis: Findings from a US Observational Cohort
Authors: Ahmad Harris A. , Alemao Evo , Guo Zhenchao , Iannaccone Christine K. , Frits Michelle L. , Weinblatt Michael , Shadick Nancy A. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Introduction
To assess the relationship between low bone mineral density (BMD), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide-2 (anti-CCP2) antibodies, and disease activity in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
Patients enrolled in a single-center, observational cohort registry of patients with RA. Eligible patients had known BMD, as measured by digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR–BMD), and anti-CCP2 antibody measurements at the same time point or within 6 months. Anti-CCP2–immunoglobulin (Ig)G-positive (+) patients (≥ 20 U/mL) were distributed into three equal groups (Gp1–3), representing increasing anti-CCP2 antibody concentrations. Associations between BMD and anti-CCP2 antibody status and titer were explored in multivariate regression analyses controlling for covariates (including age, duration of RA, use of steroids, use of osteoporosis medication). Association between disease activity (DAS28 [CRP] < 2.6) and bone loss was also explored.

Results
A total of 149 patients (all women) were included (47 anti-CCP2 antibody negative [−], 102 anti-CCP2+ [34\titer group]). Mean disease duration was greater in the three anti-CCP2+ groups vs. the anti-CCP2− group. DXR–BMD was lower in the anti-CCP2+ vs. the anti-CCP2− groups (Gp1–3 vs. anti-CCP2−: P < 0.0001 for left and right hands). DXR–BMD decreased with increasing anti-CCP2 titer (P < 0.001 for left and right hands). Patients with low DXR–BMD were less likely to have a DAS28 (CRP) < 2.6 (P = 0.0181).

Conclusion
Among patients with established RA, data suggest that anti-CCP2+ patients, particularly those with high anti-CCP2 antibody titers, have lower hand BMD, and patients with lower hand BMD are less likely to have low disease activity.

Funding
Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Trial Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01793103.
First Trimester Diagnosis of Cloacal Exstrophy: A Discordant Anomaly in Monochorionic Monoamniotic (MCMA) Twins—Case Report
Authors: Shah Nupur 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCloacal exstrophy is a rare anomaly, with a severe disruption of the urogenital tract resulting in a central mass of exstrophic bowel field flanked by two hemibladders. The reported case highlights the diagnosis of this discordant anomaly in monochorionic monoanmniotic twins as early as 12 weeks. It underscores the major ultrasound criteria like non visualisation of fetal bladder and infra-umbilical protruberant heterogenous mass which have an important role in early prenatal diagnosis of the anomaly.
The emergence of the grammatical paradigm of nominal determiners in French and in Romance: Comparative and diachronic perspectives
Authors: Carlier Anne , Lamiroy Béatrice 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article is devoted to the emergence of a new paradigm in French and Romance: that of nominal determiners. Latin had no articles, and although possessives, demonstratives and indefinites could determine the noun, they could also be used as pronouns or adjectives, so that the morpho-syntactic category of nominal determiners did not exist as such. We first examine the diachronic evolution of French, where a far-reaching grammaticalization process took place. Syntagmatically, all determiners end up in the NP-initial position as the only available syntactic slot, contributing to the highly configurational NP pattern characteristic of Modern French. From a paradigmatic viewpoint, determiners no longer correspond to a syntactic function, but to a separate morpho-syntactic category. We also evaluate to what extent this evolution took place in two other Romance languages, Italian and Spanish. Through the analysis of this particular evolution, based on parallel corpora consisting of a Latin text and its translations in Old, Middle, and Modern French on the one hand, and in Spanish and Italian on the other, our study also provides evidence for more general mechanisms, analogy in particular, at work in the creation of new paradigms.
Topic and focus in Old French V1 and V2 structures
Authors: Labelle Marie , Hirschbühler Paul 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe hypothesis that Old French was not a verb-second (V2) language, but rather a Topic-initial language, is evaluated in a corpus of verb initial (V1) and V2 matrix clauses extracted from a corpus of 12th- and 13th-century texts. It is shown that the initial constituent of V2 clauses is not always a Topic; it may be part of the informational Focus, or it could be an element that is neither Topic nor Focus. In addition, in V1 and V2 sentences with subject inversion, the postverbal subject may be an informational Topic, contrary to the hypothesis that subjects must move to the preverbal position to avoid being interpreted as part of the informational Focus. Therefore, from an Information-Structure point of view, Old French is similar to a standard V2 language like German. However, certain differences between 12th- and 13th-century texts could suggest that the use of the left periphery evolved during the period considered.
Quenched stochastic stability for eventually expanding-on-average random interval map cocycles
Authors: FROYLAND GARY , GONZÁLEZ-TOKMAN CECILIA , MURRAY RUA 
Published: January 2018

The paper by Froyland, González-Tokman and Quas [Stability and approximation of random invariant densities for Lasota–Yorke map cocycles.Nonlinearity27(4) (2014), 647] established fibrewise stability of random absolutely continuous invariant measures (acims) for cocycles of random Lasota–Yorke maps under a variety of perturbations, including ‘Ulam’s method’, a popular numerical method for approximating acims. The expansivity requirements of Froylandet alwere that the cocycle (or powers of the cocycle) should be ‘expanding on average’ before applying a perturbation, such as Ulam’s method. In the present work, we make a significant theoretical and computational weakening of the expansivity hypotheses of Froylandet al, requiring only that the cocycle be eventually expanding on average, and importantly,allowing the perturbation to be applied after each single step of the cocycle. The family of random maps that generate our cocycle need not be close to a fixed map and our results can handle very general driving mechanisms. We provide a detailed numerical example of a random Lasota–Yorke map cocycle with expanding and contracting behaviour and illustrate the extra information carried by our fibred random acims, when compared to annealed acims or ‘physical’ random acims.
Screening for Asymptomatic Clostridium difficile Among Bone Marrow Transplant Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study of Intervention Effectiveness and Feasibility
Authors: Barker Anna K. , Krasity Benjamin , Musuuza Jackson , Safdar Nasia 
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVETo identify facilitators and barriers to implementation of a Clostridium difficile screening intervention among bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients and to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the intervention on the rate of hospital-onset C. difficile infection (HO-CDI).DESIGNBefore-and-after trialSETTINGA 505-bed tertiary-care medical centerPARTICIPANTSAll 5,357 patients admitted to the BMT and general medicine wards from January 2014 to February 2017 were included in the study. Interview participants included 3 physicians, 4 nurses, and 4 administrators.INTERVENTIONAll BMT patients were screened within 48 hours of admission. Colonized patients, as defined by a C. difficile–positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) stool result, were placed under contact precautions for the duration of their hospital stay.METHODSInterview responses were coded according to the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety conceptual framework. We compared pre- and postintervention HO-CDI rates on BMT and general internal medicine units using time-series analysis.RESULTSStakeholder engagement, at both the person and organizational level, facilitates standardization and optimization of intervention protocols. While the screening intervention was generally well received, tools and technology were sources of concern. The mean incidence of HO-CDI decreased on the BMT service postintervention (P<.0001). However, the effect of the change in the trend postintervention was not significantly different on BMT compared to the control wards (P=.93).CONCLUSIONSWe report the first mixed-methods study to evaluate a C. difficile screening intervention among the BMT population. The positive nature by which the intervention was received by front-line clinical staff, laboratory staff, and administrators is promising for future implementation studies.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:177–185
Offer and Use of Smoking-Cessation Support by Depression/Anxiety Status: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: McGowan Jennifer A. L. , Brown Jamie , West Robert , Brose Leonie S. , Shahab Lion 
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Higher levels of anxiety and depression have been found to be associated with greater difficulty in stopping smoking. This raises the question as to whether mood disturbance may be associated with exposure to, and use of, quitting support.Aims: This study examined whether General Practitioner (GP) advice and/or offer of support, or stop-smoking service use differed between smokers reporting or not reporting depression/anxiety.Methods: Data came from the Smoking Toolkit Study. Participants were 1,162 English adults who reported currently smoking or having stopped within the past 12 months, aged 40+ years, surveyed between April and September 2012. Anxiety/depression was assessed by the mood disturbance item of the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D). This was compared to recall of GP quit advice and/or support, and stop-smoking aid use adjusting for age, gender, and social grade.Results/Findings: Smokers reporting depression/anxiety were more likely to recall being offered advice and support to stop smoking by their GP (OR = 1.50, 95% C.I. = 1.05–2.13). However, there were no significant differences in use of stop-smoking aids during the past year.Conclusions: Smokers reporting depression/anxiety are more likely to be offered stop-smoking support by their GPs, but this does not appear to translate into stop-smoking aid use, despite high motivation to quit. Given higher nicotine dependence in this group, mental health specific support may need to be offered, and more needs to be done to make this offer of aid attractive.