bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simplistic Global Median Filtering Forensics Based on Frequency Domain Analysis of Image Residuals
Authors: Gupta Abhinav , Singhal Divya
Published: August 2019

Sophisticated image forgeries introduce digital image forensics as an active area of research. In this area, many researchers have addressed the problem of median filtering forensics. Existing median filtering detectors are adequate to classify median filtered images in uncompressed mode and in compressed mode at high-quality factors. Despite that, the field is lacking a robust method to detect median filtering in low-resolution images compressed with low-quality factors. In this article, a novel feature set (four feature dimensions), based on first-order statistics of frequency contents of median filtered residuals (MFRs) of original and median filtered images, has been proposed. The proposed feature set outperforms handcrafted features-based state-of-the-art detectors in terms of feature set dimensions and detection results obtained for low-resolution images at all quality factors. Also, results reveal the efficacy of proposed method over deep-learning-based median filtering detector. Comprehensive results expose the efficacy of the proposed detector to detect median filtering against other similar manipulations. Additionally, generalization ability test on cross-database images support the cross-validation results on four different databases. Thus, our proposed detector meets the current challenges in the field, to a great extent.
Subtitle Region Selection of S3D Images in Consideration of Visual Discomfort and Viewing Habit
Authors: Yue Guanghui , Hou Chunping , Zhou Tianwei
Published: August 2019

Subtitles, serving as a linguistic approximation of the visual content, are an essential element in stereoscopic advertisement and the film industry. Due to the vergence accommodation conflict, the stereoscopic 3D (S3D) subtitle inevitably causes visual discomfort. To meet the viewing experience, the subtitle region should be carefully arranged. Unfortunately, very few works have been dedicated to this area. In this article, we propose a method for S3D subtitle region selection in consideration of visual discomfort and viewing habit. First, we divide the disparity map into multiple depth layers according to the disparity value. The preferential processed depth layer is determined by considering the disparity value of the foremost object. Second, the optimal region and coarse disparity value for S3D subtitle insertion are chosen by convolving the selective depth layer with the mean filter. Specifically, the viewing habit is considered during the region selection. Finally, after region selection, the disparity value of the subtitle is further modified by using the just noticeable depth difference (JNDD) model. Given that there is no public database reported for the evaluation of S3D subtitle insertion, we collect 120 S3D images as the test platform. Both objective and subjective experiments are conducted to evaluate the comfort degree of the inserted subtitle. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can obtain promising performance in improving the viewing experience of the inserted subtitle.
Eigenvector-Based Distance Metric Learning for Image Classification and Retrieval
Authors: Wang Zhangcheng , Li Ya , Hong Richang , Tian Xinmei
Published: August 2019

Distance metric learning has been widely studied in multifarious research fields. The mainstream approaches learn a Mahalanobis metric or learn a linear transformation. Recent related works propose learning a linear combination of base vectors to approximate the metric. In this way, fewer variables need to be determined, which is efficient when facing high-dimensional data. Nevertheless, such works obtain base vectors using additional data from related domains or randomly generate base vectors. However, obtaining base vectors from related domains requires extra time and additional data, and random vectors introduce randomness into the learning process, which requires sufficient random vectors to ensure the stability of the algorithm. Moreover, the random vectors cannot capture the rich information of the training data, leading to a degradation in performance. Considering these drawbacks, we propose a novel distance metric learning approach by introducing base vectors explicitly learned from training data. Given a specific task, we can make a sparse approximation of its objective function using the top eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of a predefined integral operator on the reproducing kernel Hilbert space. Because the process of generating eigenvectors simply refers to the training data of the considered task, our proposed method does not require additional data and can reflect the intrinsic information of the input features. Furthermore, the explicitly learned eigenvectors do not result in randomness, and we can extend our method to any kernel space without changing the objective function. We only need to learn the coefficients of these eigenvectors, and the only hyperparameter that we need to determine is the number of eigenvectors that we utilize. Additionally, an optimization algorithm is proposed to efficiently solve this problem. Extensive experiments conducted on several datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
A Relational Theory of Locality
Authors: Yuan Liang , Ding Chen , Smith Wesley , Denning Peter , Zhang Yunquan
Published: August 2019

In many areas of program and system analysis and optimization, locality is a common concept and has been defined and measured in many ways. This article aims to formally establish relations between these previously disparate types of locality. It categorizes locality definitions in three groups and shows whether and how they can be interconverted. For the footprint, a recent metric, it gives a new measurement algorithm that is asymptotically more time/space efficient than previous approaches. Using the conversion relations, the new algorithm derives with the same efficiency different locality metrics developed and used in program analysis, memory management, and cache design.
Application Study on Building Information Model (BIM) Standardization of Chinese Engineering Breakdown Structure (EBS) Coding in Life Cycle Management Processes
Authors: Zhang Liye , Dong Lijuan
Published: August 2019

The successful adoption of building information modelling (BIM) technology has led to an ever‐increasing need for improving management practices in both construction and operation stages of highway project engineering. The most significant aspect of applying BIM technology is establishing the rationality and concise engineering breakdown structure (EBS) coding. However, China has no uniform EBS coding standard for highways, which limits BIM technology development in different construction projects and at different stages of the same construction project. The purpose of this study is to propose an EBS standard that embodies a coding system for highways and at the same time meets the requirements of BIM management, project management (PM), and operation management (OM) in life cycle management process. This paper presents an EBS standard based on three classifications: (1) project‐level construction, (2) project‐level operation, and (3) network‐level operation. A case study is given to illustrate the proposed EBS standard’s coding system. The new EBS system will have better adaptability in both the design and construction stages. The proposed EBS coding system has been applied in many projects and is undergoing both improvement and standardization in China. The presented EBS coding standard provides successful implementation references for the future adoption and use of BIM on PM and OM in highway projects.
On Farm Evaluation of Eucalyptus globulus Labill Leaf and Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Whole Plant Powder against Storage Insect Pests in Stored Maize at Sokoru District in Jimma Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Dufera Lelise Tilahun , Tadesse Abebe Yimer , Gobena Waktole Sori , Kuyu Chala Gowe
Published: August 2019

Maize is the second most widely grown cereal and gaining importance as a highly nutritious crop in Ethiopia. However, it is severely destroyed by storage insect pests and needs further research to minimize losses. In line with this, research was initiated to evaluate the efficacy of two botanical plant powders (Eucalyptus globulus Labill leaf and Chenopodium ambrosioides L. whole plant) against storage insect pests of maize grains of two maize varieties (BH-661 and Limu) in polypropylene sacks storage conditions at Jimma Zone, Sokoru district. The plant powders were compared with untreated control, and completely randomized design was used in the experiment with three replications for each treatment. Germination capacity, thousand grain weights, percent of insect damage, and weight loss of the stored grains were evaluated and reported in the range of 69.67–94.33%, 318.7–339.3 g, 3.67–50%, and 0.2843–5.22%, respectively, after five months of storage for grains treated with botanicals. However, germination capacity of 10% and 65.33%, percent insect damage of 80.33% and 48%, and weight loss of 23.53% and 5.89% were observed for BH-661 and Limu varieties, respectively, after five months of storage for untreated control. The result indicated that both tested botanicals were effective in protecting the storage insect pests and maintaining the quality of the grains tested in comparison with control and Chenopodium ambrosioides L. whole plant powder is more effective. Although there was significant protective effect compared to untreated control, their effectiveness was decreased drastically after five and three months of storage for Chenopodium ambrosioides L. whole plant powder and Eucalyptus globulus Labill leaf powder, respectively. It is recommended that further research should be done to check if the increasing rate of application increases protection duration of these botanicals and the toxicity of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. should be further studied to use it as a storage insect protectant of maize grains intended for food purpose.
An Economic Analysis of the Systematic Use of Mapping Systems during Catheter Ablation Procedures: Single Center Experience
Authors: Marini Massimiliano , Ravanelli Daniele , Martin Marta , Del Greco Maurizio , Guarracini Fabrizio , Quintarelli Silvia , Coser Alessio , Valentini Aldo , Bonmassari Roberto
Published: August 2019

Introduction. In this study we estimated the cost-effectiveness of adopting 3D Nonfluoroscopic Mapping Systems (NMSs) for catheter ablation (CA). Methods. This study includes patients who underwent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) CA and atrial fibrillation (AF) CA from 2007 to 2016. A comparison was conducted between a reference year (2007) and the respective years for the two types of procedure in which the maximum optimization of patients’ exposure using NMSs was obtained. We compared the data of all SVT CA performed solely using fluoroscopy in 2007 (Group I) and all SVT CA procedures performed using fluoroscopy together with an NMS in 2011 (Group II). There was also an important comparison made between AF CA procedures performed in 2007 (Group III) and AF CA in 2012 (Group IV), where patients’ treatment in both years included the use of an NMS but where the software and hardware versions of the NMS were different. Two cost-effectiveness analyses were carried out. The first method was based on the alpha value (AV): the AV is a monetary reference value of avoided unit of exposure and is expressed as $/mansievert. The second one was based on the value of a statistical life (VSL): the VSL does not represent the cost value of a person’s life, but the amount that a community would be willing to pay to reduce the risk of a person’s death. The costs estimated from these two methods were compared to the real additional cost of using an NMS during that type of procedure in our EP Lab. Results. The use of NMS reduced the effective dose of about 2.3 mSv for SVT and 23.8 mSv for AF CA procedures. The use of NMS, applying directly AV or VSL values, was not cost-effective for SVT CA for the most countries, whereas the use of an NMS during an AF CA seemed to be cost-effective for most of them. Conclusions. In our analysis the cost-effectiveness of the systematic use of NMSs strongly depended on the AV and VSL values considered. Nonetheless, the approach seemed to be cost-effective only during AF CA procedures.
Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Chinese Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Qin Xiaoling , Li Xue , Xin Zai’e , Li Zaili
Published: August 2019

Purpose. To observe the occurrence and influencing factors of the symptoms related to the digestive system of people at the early and middle stages of PD and of healthy controls (HCs) using a questionnaire. Method. The questionnaire was given to 108 PD patients at early and middle stages. Twelve symptoms related to the digestive system, of which seven were listed on the Parkinson’s Disease Non-Motor Symptom Scale (PD-NMSS) and the Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson’s disease-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT) (dysgeusia, dysphagia/choking, salivation, early satiety, constipation, loose stools, and fecal incontinence) and five symptoms used in the diagnosis and treatment of PD (loss of appetite, dry mouth, mouth pain, nausea and vomiting), were used. The questionnaire was also given to HCs. Results. There was no significant difference in age, sex, height, weight, or body mass index (BMI) between the PD group and HCs. Of the 108 people at the early and middle stages of PD, the most common symptoms related to the digestive system were 64 cases of dry mouth (59.26%), 53 cases of constipation (49.07%), and 40 cases of dysgeusia (37.04%). Multivariate binary logistics regression revealed that dysgeusia (P<0.001), dysphagia (P=0.004), early satiety (P=0.001), and constipation (P=0.007) were more likely to occur in males. BMI, disease duration, and motor symptoms had no significant correlation with the symptoms related to the digestive system (P>0.05 for all). Conclusions. Dry mouth, constipation, dysgeusia, loss of appetite, early satiety, and dysphagia are the most common (and possibly characteristic symptoms) related to the digestive system in people at the early and middle stages of PD. Being male is a risk factor for dysgeusia, dysphagia, early satiety, and constipation.
Severe Type B Lactic Acidosis in a Rare and Aggressive HIV-Related Lymphoma
Authors: Scott John Harwood , Bains Ashish P. S. , Lindsay Timothy D. , Zhao Xiaofeng , Bromberg Michael E.
Published: August 2019

We describe the prognostic implication and aggressive clinical course of lymphoma-related lactic acidosis in a rare HIV-related lymphoma. Patient was diagnosed with plasmablastic lymphoma and developed severe lactic acidosis, and was treated on the medical floor and in the medical intensive care unit. Her lactic acidosis was considered to be type B, secondary to her underlying lymphoma since she never had an infectious source, hypovolemic state, or low/high cardiac-output state. The mechanism of the lymphoma-related lactic acidosis is from altered cellular metabolism, thought to aid in lymphoma proliferation, rather than tissue hypoperfusion. It is a rare complication of aggressive lymphomas and signifies a poor prognosis. Patients having this complication should be considered for close monitoring and management in an intensive care unit until definitive treatment (i.e., chemotherapy) can be implemented.
Oxidative Stress and TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Are Involved in Rosa roxburghii Fruit Extract Alleviating Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Zhan Jihong , Liu Mingjie , Pan Lijun , He Liqun , Guo Yinxue
Published: August 2019

Fibrosis is involved in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. We previously discovered that Rosa roxburghii fruit (Cili) possesses antifibrosis property in chronic renal disease, but the mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that Cili might prevent fibrosis development through mediating TGF-β/Smads signaling, which is known to be involved in renal fibrosis. This study aimed to confirm the effects of freeze-dried Cili powder in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and examine TGF-β/Smads signaling. Rats were randomized to (n=12/group): sham operation, UUO, UUO with losartan, UUO with moderate Cili dose (3 g/kg/d), and UUO with high Cili dose (6 g/kg/d). The rats were sacrificed after 14 days of treatment. Collagen deposition was tested using Masson’s staining. TGF-β/Smads signaling was examined by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Rats in the UUO group showed excessive deposition of collagen in kidney interstitium, accompanied with high levels of renal 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, renal malondialdehyde, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and proteinuria (all P<0.05). Cili powder efficiently alleviated the pathological changes and oxidative stress in the kidneys of UUO rats, and decreased BUN, Scr and proteinuria (all P<0.05). Cili powder also inhibited the upregulation of TGFB1, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD2, and SMAD3 and reversed the downregulation of SMAD7 in obstructed kidneys (mRNA and protein) (all P<0.05). In summary, the results suggest that Cili freeze-dried powder effectively prevents renal fibrosis and impairment in UUO rats, which is associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress and TGF-β1/Smads signaling.
Out Lag Synchronization of Fractional Order Delayed Complex Networks with Coupling Delay via Pinning Control
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Cao Jinde , Chen Dingyuan , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: August 2019

This paper discusses the out lag synchronization of fractional order complex networks (FOCN) including both internal delay and coupling delay and with the employment of pinning control scheme. Using comparison theorem and constructing the auxiliary function, several synchronization criterions by linear feedback pinning control are presented. The model and the obtained results in this work are more general than the previous works. Correctness and effectiveness of the theoretical results are validated through numerical simulations.
Design and Experimental Verification of a 1/20 Scale Model of Quayside Container Crane Using Distortion Theory
Authors: Li Zhe , Ye Fangping , Wu Shiying
Published: August 2019

The scale model is an effective method to research the performance of quayside container crane (QCC) under the seismic condition, but the model distortion usually exists in the similar design process which leads to the incomplete similarity between the scale model and prototype. In this investigation, the distortion theory and the prediction coefficient correction method are used to upgrade the quality of 1/20 QCC scale model and, then, the seismic response of the QCC prototype is obtained from the shake table scale model test. In the first step, the similarity ratio of the 1/20 QCC scale model is calculated by the similitude law and the size of scale model is obtained from the similarity constants. In the second step, the bending stiffness is selected and determined as the distortion term and, then, the relationship between the distortion coefficient and the prediction coefficient is obtained by the finite element prediction coefficient method. Furthermore, the three different scale models are manufactured and tested in the shake table experiment under different seismic conditions. It is found that the experimental test results are consistent with the numerical simulation results of the QCC prototype. It can be concluded that the QCC scale model can be used to predict the performance of the prototype under the different seismic conditions after corrected by distortion theory, and the distortion theory is an effective method to solve the incomplete similarity between the scale model and prototype.
Severe ARDS Complicating an Acute Intentional Cresol Poisoning
Authors: Doughmi Djoudline , Bennis Lamiae , Berrada Aicha , Derkaoui Ali , Shimi Abdelkrim , Khatouf Mohammed
Published: August 2019

Cresol is a phenol derivative used as a disinfectant that may cause gastrointestinal corrosive injury, central nervous system, cardiovascular disturbances, renal, and hepatic injury following intoxication. We present a case of a female patient who was admitted to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown amount of cresol; she was admitted with tachypnea, shortness of breath with low oxygen level in the blood. She did not develop hepatic or renal dysfunction. The gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and showed esophagus and gastric erosins only. The patient was sedated and ventilated for 7 days. After receiving supportive intensive care, the patient recovered and was sent for psychiatric evaluation. Cresol intoxication can be fatal, and cause a respiratory failure with an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), hepatic, and renal injury. This shows the importance of intensive care in the management of cresol poisoning.
Comparison of Different Intubation Methods in Difficult Airways during Simulated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Continuous Chest Compression: A Randomized Cross-Over Manikin Trial
Authors: Evrin Togay , Smereka Jacek , Gorczyca Damian , Bialka Szymon , Ladny Jerzy Robert , Katipoglu Burak , Szarpak Lukasz
Published: August 2019

Introduction. Airway management is one of key elements of resuscitation. Endotracheal intubation is still considered the gold standard for airway management during resuscitation. Aim. The aim of the study was to compare success rates and intubation time of different endotracheal intubation methods during emergency intubation with difficult airways in the conditions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a standardized manikin model. Methods. The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, cross-over simulation study. It involved 46 paramedics with at least 5 years of experience in Emergency Medical Service. The participants performed endotracheal intubation under difficult airway conditions during continuous chest compression, implemented with the LUCAS3 chest compression system. Three methods of tracheal intubation were applied: (1) standard Macintosh laryngoscope without a bougie stylet; (2) standard laryngoscope and a standard bougie stylet; (3) standard laryngoscope and a new bougie stylet. Results. The overall intubation success rate was 100% in the standard bougie and new bougie groups and lower (86.9%) when no bougie stylet was used (P=0.028). The intubation success rate with the 1st attempt equalled 91.3% for the new bougie group, 73.9% for standard bougie, and only 23.9% in the no-bougie group. The median intubation time was shortest in the new bougie group, where it amounted to 29 s (interquartile range [IQR]: 25–38); the time equalled 38s (IQR:31–44.5) in the standard bougie group and 47.5s (IQR:36–58) in the no-bougie group. The ease of use was lowest in the no-bougie group (85, IQR:63–88), average in the standard bougie group (44, IQR:30–51), and highest in the new bougie stylet group (32, IQR:19–41). Conclusion. In this manikin-based study, paramedics were able to perform endotracheal intubation with higher efficacy and in a shorter time using the new bougie stylet as compared with the standard bougie stylet.
Study on Strength Variation of Permeable Concrete Based on Differential Calorimetry Method and Multi-Index Test
Authors: Yang Sanqiang , Guo Meng , Duan Shichao , Liu Na , Wu Haonan , Du Erxia , Liang Meichen
Published: August 2019

With the implementation of the Xiongan New Area and the urbanization construction plan surrounding the Beijing-Tianjin satellite, it is urgent to study and apply the sponge-permeable paving materials to solve the “urban waterlogging and heat island effect.” In this paper, the hydration microscopic characteristics of cementitious materials are analyzed by means of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test. The test of water-cement ratio, porosity, and gradation structure on the strength and permeability coefficient is emphasized, and the strength change rule of porous permeable concrete is obtained. The research results are shown as follows: (1) The DSC test shows that the effect of temperature on the hydration process of cement is obvious. With the increase of temperature, the two exothermic peaks of cement hydration increase significantly and tend to overlap and the exothermic process is shortened. At 85°C, only one exothermic peak appeared, indicating that C3S hydration and ettringite formation process were completed at the same time in a relatively short time. (2) The optimal water-binder ratio of pervious concrete ranges from 0.24 to 0.30, and the optimal porosity ranges should be controlled within the range of 15%–25%. Moreover, the open gradation of pervious concrete mix ratio design is selected, and the cement content should be within the range of 20%–25%. (3) The mathematical model of permeability coefficient and porosity ratio of permeable concrete is established: k=−0.0003n2+0.0057n−0.0044; the mathematical model of permeability coefficient and compressive strength of open-graded pervious concrete: k=0.99006−0.05389c+8.02×10−4c2. The research results can provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the design and construction of permeable materials of sponge cities in Xiongan New Area and surrounding ring new area, which are of great engineering value.
Distributed Stochastic Subgradient Projection Algorithms Based on Weight‐Balancing over Time‐Varying Directed Graphs
Authors: Zhu Junlong , Xie Ping , Zhang Mingchuan , Zheng Ruijuan , Xing Ling , Wu Qingtao
Published: August 2019

We consider a distributed constrained optimization problem over graphs, where cost function of each agent is private. Moreover, we assume that the graphs are time‐varying and directed. In order to address such problem, a fully decentralized stochastic subgradient projection algorithm is proposed over time‐varying directed graphs. However, since the graphs are directed, the weight matrix may not be a doubly stochastic matrix. Therefore, we overcome this difficulty by using weight‐balancing technique. By choosing appropriate step‐sizes, we show that iterations of all agents asymptotically converge to some optimal solutions. Further, by our analysis, convergence rate of our proposed algorithm is O(ln Γ/Γ) under local strong convexity, where Γ is the number of iterations. In addition, under local convexity, we prove that our proposed algorithm can converge with rate . In addition, we verify the theoretical results through simulations.
Three Different Spectrophotometric Methods for Simultaneous Determination of Pyriproxyfen and Chlorothalonil Residues in Cucumber and Cabbage Samples
Authors: Omer Shilan A. , Fakhre Nabil A.
Published: August 2019

In this study, three simple and accurate spectrophotometric methods for simultaneous determination of pyriproxyfen and chlorothalonil residues in cucumbers and cabbages grown in experimental greenhouse were studied. The first method was based on the zero-crossing technique measurement for first and second derivative spectrophotometry. The second method was based on the first derivative of the ratio spectra. However, the third method was based on mean centering of ratio spectra. These procedures lack any previous separation steps. The calibration curves for three spectrophotometric methods are linear in the concentration range of 1–30 μg·mL−1and 0.5–7 μg·mL−1for pyriproxyfen and chlorothalonil successively. The recoveries ranged from 82.12–97.40% for pyriproxyfen and 81.51–97.04% for chlorothalonil with relative standard deviations less than 4.95% and 5.45% in all instances for pyriproxyfen and chlorothalonil, respectively. The results obtained from the proposed methods were compared statistically by using one-way ANOVA, and the results revealed there were no significant differences between ratio spectra and mean centering methods with the zero-crossing technique. The proposed methods are successfully applied for the simultaneous estimation of the residue of both pesticides in cucumber and cabbage samples.
Preliminary Evaluation of Gaofen-3 Quad-Polarized SAR Imagery for Longbao Protected Plateau Wetland Reserve
Authors: Wei Qiufang , Shao Yun , Wang Xiaochen
Published: August 2019

The Chinese Gaofen-3 (GF-3) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite launched by the China Academy of Space Technology is under continuous operating mode at C-band since September 2016. The main objective of this study was to present a preliminary evaluation of GF-3 quad-polarized SAR imagery for protected wetland classification. Four scenes of GF-3 quad-polarized SAR imageries were collected in this study and analyzed systematically. Besides, the GF-2 optical imagery and in situ survey results were also collocated as reference data. It was verified that the polarized features including double bounce scattering component Pdbl, odd bounce scattering component Podd, and volume scattering component Pvol from Freeman decomposition algorithm were well applied in distinguishing typical coverage of Longbao protected plateau wetland. In consideration of robustness of classifier, the method of Maximum Likelihood Classification was investigated for classification based on selected polarized features. The Kappa coefficient and overall accuracy of classification mapping are 0.75 and 82.16%, respectively, which revealed that the GF-3 quad-polarized SAR can provide a satisfying mapping for classification of Longbao protected plateau wetland.
Saddle‐Node Bifurcation and Homoclinic Persistence in AFMs with Periodic Forcing
Authors: Gutiérrez Gutiérrez Alexánder , Cortés Zapata Daniel , Castro Guevara Diego Alexánder
Published: August 2019

We study the dynamics of an atomic force microscope (AFM) model, under the Lennard‐Jones force with nonlinear damping and harmonic forcing. We establish the bifurcation diagrams for equilibria in a conservative system. Particularly, we present conditions that guarantee the local existence of saddle‐node bifurcations. By using the Melnikov method, the region in the space parameters where the homoclinic orbits persist is determined in a nonconservative system.
Risk versus Benefit of Chemoprevention among Raloxifene and Tamoxifen Users with a Family History of Breast Cancer
Authors: Anderson Chelsea , Nichols Hazel B. , House Melissa , Sandler Dale P.
Published: August 2019

Tamoxifen and raloxifene have been approved for the primary prevention of breast cancer in high-risk women, but are associated with an increased risk of serious side effects. Few studies have characterized risk–benefit profiles for chemoprevention among women who initiate tamoxifen or raloxifene outside of a clinical trial setting. Use of raloxifene and tamoxifen for chemoprevention was self-reported in 2014 to 2016 by participants in The Sister Study, a prospective cohort of women with a sister who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. After exclusions, 432 current raloxifene users and 96 current tamoxifen users were matched to 4,307 and 953 nonusers, respectively, on age and year of cohort enrollment. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate characteristics associated with chemoprevention use. Risk–benefit profiles were examined using published indices that assess the level of evidence (none, moderate, strong) that the benefits of chemoprevention outweigh the risk of serious side effects. Among current chemoprevention users, 44% of tamoxifen users and 5% of raloxifene users had no evidence of a net benefit. In analyses of factors associated with chemoprevention use, having strong evidence of benefit was a significant predictor of raloxifene use, but not of tamoxifen use. In our sample of women with a first-degree family history of breast cancer, raloxifene was more commonly used for breast cancer prevention than tamoxifen. Most raloxifene users, but <60% of tamoxifen users, were likely to benefit. Use of risk–benefit tables can help women and their healthcare providers make an informed decision about breast cancer chemoprevention.
Sex Differences and Similarities in Hippocampal Cellular Proliferation and the Number of Immature Neurons during Adolescence in Rats
Authors: Siddiqui Alina , Romeo Russell D.
Published: August 2019

Adolescence is associated with significant reductions in hippocampal cellular proliferation and neurogenesis, the physiological and behavioral implications of which are unclear. Though sex differences exist in these proliferative processes in adulthood, relatively little is known about the role sex plays in these adolescent-related changes. To address this gap, we examined cross-sectional area of the dentate gyrus and cellular proliferation, as measured by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry, in pre- (30 days), mid- (45 days), and post-adolescent (70 days) male and female rats. We also investigated the number of immature neurons using doublecortin (DCX) immunohistochemistry in pre- and post-adolescent males and females. Despite increases in the size of the dentate gyrus during adolescence, we found significant adolescent-related decreases in hippocampal proliferation in both males and females, with a more dramatic decrease in males, indicating both age- and sex-dependent changes in the dentate gyrus. We also found an adolescent-related decline in the number of immature neurons in the dentate gyrus of male rats and a female-biased sex difference in the number of immature neurons in adults. Given these significant changes in the dentate gyrus, these data suggest that this period in development might be particularly sensitive to internal and external factors known to modulate neurogenesis, with potential sex-specific neurobehavioral ramifications.
Unresectable Advanced Gastric Cancer with Skin Invasion followed by Total Gastrectomy after Second-Line Chemotherapy
Authors: Maki Hidenori , Yuasa Yasuhiro , Fujiwara Satoshi , Fukuta Mizuki , Takeuchi Taihei , Fujimoto Keisuke , Tsuneki Takao , Matsuo Yuta , Mori Osamu , Eto Shohei , Tomibayashi Atsushi , Ishikura Hisashi
Published: August 2019

Conversion surgery has been reported but few cases have undergone surgical R0 resection after second-line chemotherapy. We report a case of an unresectable locally advanced gastric cancer in a patient who finally underwent the operation (R0) after second-line chemotherapy. The 77-year-old male was diagnosed with gastric cancer (cT4 [SI; Skin, Liver] N0M0 c Stage IIIA) with invasion to the skin of the abdominal wall, and chemotherapy was initially performed because of his poor performance status and due to the large defect in the abdominal wall that might occur if an operation was performed. Partial response (PR) was observed after S-1+CDDP (SP) therapy, which was then stopped after which progressive disease (PD) was observed. Ramucirumab+Paclitaxel (RAM/PTX) therapy was chosen as second-line therapy, and PR was obtained again, following which total gastrectomy was performed (D2 dissection of lymph nodes, Roux-en-Y reconstruction, and combined resection of the partial skin and the affected region of the liver). At 30 months postoperatively, no recurrence has occurred and the patient is alive after the operation without chemotherapy.
“As Grandes Paixões”, de Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893): Tradução e Comentário
Authors: Bedê Ana Luiza Reis
Published: August 2019

O niilismo maupassantiano há muito recebe a atenção da crítica. Vários estudos já analisaram como a influência de Schopenhauer está presente nos diferentes temas que o interessaram como a infância, os camponeses, o meio burguês, a vida aristocrática, a guerra, as cortesãs. Na crônica, que ora traduzimos, lemos uma reflexão cáustica sobre um dos males mais angustiantes do século XIX e ainda de nosso tempo: o tédio.
Tradutor remixador: a experiência de traduzir “Amanhã Numa Boa”, de Faïza Guène
Authors: Nogueira Luciana Persice
Published: August 2019

Esse é um relato de minha experiência, enquanto tradutora profissional, no trabalho de tradução do romance Amanhã numa boa (Nova Fronteira, 2006), escrito pela jovem escritora francesa de origem magrebina Faïza Guène, a partir do original Kiffe kiffe demain (Hachette Littératures, 2004). O texto de Faïza é escrito num francês coloquial que mistura registro familiar (usado pelos franceses de uma maneira geral) e diferentes tipos de gíria – da mais amplamente e nacionalmente conhecida, ao FCC (Français contemporain des cités), passando pelo falar específico do universo beur – num ambiente verbal típico dos subúrbios das grandes cidades, urbano e popular. Faz-se aqui o exame das dificuldades de se encontrar um registro local exatamente equivalente no Brasil (mesmo nas grandes cidades), da tentativa de se criar esse equivalente, entre outros aspectos da transposição de uma língua a outra e de uma cultura a outra.
Le symbolisme de l’analogie proustienne
Authors: Adham Mouad
Published: August 2019

Les figures d’analogie dans À la recherche du temps perdu de Marcel Proust sont un support du symbolisme implicite et de ce qui n’est pas exprimé au sens propre. En effet, la plume proustienne recourt à des métaphores qui se réfèrent au règne animal pour décrire la médiocrité et l’absurdité du mode de vie des aristocrates et de la haute société européenne. Lorsque le thème de la métaphore représente un aristocrate, le phore de la même figure désigne un animal et invite le lecteur par conséquent à déchiffrer les intentions implicites du texte. Grâce au classement des figures animales recensées, nous avons constaté que la critique implicite des aristocrates et des grands bourgeois se fait par une identification aux corps des animaux, à des parties de leur corps ou à leur geste. Le symbolisme de ces figures permet d’insinuer une pensée cachée dans le texte et qui peut être celle de Proust lui-même qui vivait et admirait jadis les grandes réceptions aristocratiques avant de se retirer de ce monde et se consacrer à la réalisation de son œuvre.
A realização de uma verdade: a literatura na filosofia de Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Corrêa Éder
Published: August 2019

A fenomenologia merleau-pontyana não é tão célebre como a de seus conterrâneos, tais como Jean-Paul Sartre e Emanuel Levinas. Contudo, foi um dos primeiros que refletiu o corpo não apenas como uma ruptura do dualismo cartesiano, mas como uma posição do sujeito no mundo. O filósofo falou sobre a experiência humana em um mundo fenomenal, de conceitos que são adquiridos por meio da experiência em relação aos objetos que se dispõem no entorno dos sujeitos. Entre essas relações, a filosofia merleau-pontyana dedicou especial apreço à arte, que para o filósofo é semelhante à própria filosofia ao desenvolver questões que são caras ao pensamento e aos seres humanos. Embora nunca tenha escrito um grande texto dedicado exclusivamente ao tema, suas proposições encontram-se espalhadas em suas obras, de maneira que é possível esboçar um entendimento da arte por meio da leitura das obras de Merleau-Ponty. Este artigo, portanto, propõe debater as posições do filósofo sobre a arte e a literatura.
Nomenclatural revision of Ficus sect. Americanae (Moraceae): Typification of Ficus crocata and allied species

Authors: PEDERNEIRAS LEANDRO CARDOSO , DUSSÁN CAMILA MONJE , MITIDIERI NICOLE , ROMANIUC-NETO SERGIO , DA COSTA ANDREA FERREIRA , MANSANO VIDAL DE FREITAS
Published: August 2019

Lectotypes are designated for 17 names in the genus Ficus: Ficus ajajuensis, F. alvareziana, F. bullenei, F. crocata, F. galeata, F. gramalotensis, F. havanensis, F. juruensis, F. leavensii var. thinophila, F. matiziana, F. rufa, F. squamulosa, F. standleyana, F. trigona, F. venosissima, F. vulpina and F. wuiana.
The correct spelling of the nomen of the lost shark Carcharhinus obsolerus White, Kyne & Harris, 2019 (Chondrichthyes, Carcharhinidae)
Authors: WHITE WILLIAM T. , KYNE PETER M. , HARRIS MARK
Published: August 2019

White et al. (2019) described a new species of whaler shark represented by only three specimens from South-east Asia, all collected prior to 1934. They proposed the nomen Carcharhinus obsolerus with the justification of: “The specific name is Latin for ‘extinct’ (obsolerus) in allusion to the fact that the species has not been recorded in many decades.” Dubois & Séret (2019) stated that the epithet obsolerus was “doubtless” an incorrect spelling which must be corrected to obsoletus. However, the Dubois & Séret (2019) publication becomes confusing in its discussion around the wording of the related Articles in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (32.2, 33.2 and 32.5) and lacks a clear conclusion.
First record of Hamacantha (Porifera, Demospongiae, Merliida, Hamacanthidae) from Japan, with description of two new species
Authors: ISE YUJI , WOO SAU PINN , TAN SHAU HWAI , FUJITA TOSHIHIKO
Published: August 2019

Two new species of thinly encrusting sponge Hamacantha (Demospongiae, Merliida, Hamacanthidae) are described from Japan. Hamacantha (Vomerula) mamoi sp. nov. was collected from Sagami Bay, and Hamacantha (Vomerula) umisachii sp. nov. from off Hachijo Island. This is the first record of Hamacantha and the Hamacanthidae from Japan. H. (V.) mamoi sp. nov. is characterized by having styles, two types of diancistras and one of sigmas. Only two known species have the same spicule composition: H. (V.) acerata Lévi, 1993 and H. (V.) esperioides Ridley & Dendy, 1886, described from New Caledonia, and south-west Africa and south-east South America, respectively. H. (V.) acerata has larger diancistras and much smaller sigmas compared with those of H. (V.) mamoi sp. nov. H. (V.) esperioides can be separated by having larger styles and smaller sigmas than those of H. (V.) mamoi sp. nov. H. (V.) umisachii sp. nov is characterized by having styles, diancistras, cyrtancistra-like diancistras and sigmas. Hamacantha (V.) carteri Topsent, 1904 seems to have similar spicule composition, however the size of all spicule types is different.
Three new species of Ochyrocera (Araneae, Ochyroceratidae) from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: CASTANHEIRA PEDRO DE SOUZA , PÉREZ-GONZÁLEZ ABEL , PRADO ANDRÉ WANDERLEY DO , BAPTISTA RENNER LUIZ CERQUEIRA
Published: August 2019

Three new species of the six-eyed  haplogyne and ecribellate spiders from the genus Ochyrocera Simon, 1891 are illustrated and described based on males and females from southeastern Brazil: Ochyrocera tinocoi new species (Sooretama, Espírito Santo state), Ochyrocera garayae new species (Linhares and Sooretama, Espírito Santo state) and Ochyrocera itatinga new species (Rio de Janeiro city, Rio de Janeiro state). The new species expand the distribution range of Ochyrocera in Brazil and increase to 50 the total number of species described, from which hitherto 33 species occur in South America, acknowledging the high diversity of the genus for the region.
Revision of the species-group of Mischocyttarus (Omega) filiformis (de Saussure 1854), with description of three new species (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)
Authors: BORGES RAFAEL CABRAL , SILVEIRA ORLANDO TOBIAS
Published: August 2019

A taxonomic revision of the species-group related to M. filiformis (Saussure 1854) is presented along with an identification key to species. After Richards (1978) and following the rearrangement of the subgenus Omega de Saussure by Silveira (2008), the species-group considered herein included three species in addition to M. filiformis; i.e. M. buyssoni (Ducke 1906), M. napoensis Richards 1978 and M. omicron Richards 1978.  In the present work, three new species are added: M. nazgul sp. nov.; M. asahi sp. nov.; M. kallindusfloren sp. nov.; the male of M. filiformis is also described here in detail for the first time, and new distributional records are provided for the included species.
Bringing Machiavelli and Kant Back in on Morality and World Politics
Authors: Kumar Pavan
Published: August 2019

This article is an attempt to understand the idea of morality in two of the most influential philosophers Niccolo Machiavelli ( The Prince and Discourses) and Immanuel Kant ( Perpetual Peace and Metaphysical Elements of Justice). Machiavelli and Kant are chosen because both of them are the most cherished philosophers in their fields. Machiavelli’s name is associated with realism, and he got a bad name because of his alleged cruel advice to maintain the state. His name is equalled with cunningness, murder, treachery. On the other hand, Kant is the founding figure of idealism in politics. His focus on categorical imperative and human capabilities to attain the higher moral goals made him one of the most well-known philosophers on idealism. To understand the ethical problems of the day emphasis is given to the classic writings of scholars who have written extensively on morality, justice, state, power, human rights and individual freedom. This article is an attempt to answer the following questions: Is the state in itself a highest moral actor? Can there be an individual morality above the state? What should be the yardstick to judge an act—the act in itself or the outcome of the act? What are the duties and rights of the individual in domestic society and can there be a similarity of morality at the level of political leaders in international politics? The paper argues that both Machiavelli and Kant were dealing with different contexts and societies, and morality for them had different meanings. However, the end justifies the means dictum is not the right way to understand Machiavelli on morality.
Ties That Bind and Grind? Investor Reactions to Politician Appointments to Corporate Boards
Authors: El Nayal Omar , van Oosterhout J. (Hans) , van Essen Marc
Published: August 2019

Although the appointment of politicians to corporate boards is a highly prevalent corporate political strategy, empirical evidence remains inconclusive as to whether and how such appointments create value for firms and their shareholders. Drawing on the director role literature, we argue that politician-directors are likely to serve as valuable resource providers but are less likely to serve as guardians of shareholder interests. In light of this trade-off, investors will infer the expected value of politician appointments on the basis of the director role that they perceive as most needed by a particular firm within the specific institutional context in which it is embedded. We test our predictions using an extensive data set of 345 separate appointment events across 14 countries over a period of 10 years. Our findings show that politician appointments are associated with both resource-provisionary benefits and governance-based costs but that the perceived level of corruption in a country critically conditions both. Specifically, perceived corruption can be seen to function as a double-edged sword that increases both the expected benefits and the expected costs of politician appointments.
Atlas of Normal Microanatomy, Procedural and Processing Artifacts, Common Background Findings, and Neurotoxic Lesions in the Peripheral Nervous System of Laboratory Animals
Authors: Pardo Ingrid D. , Weber Klaus , Cramer Sarah , Krinke Georg J. , Butt Mark T. , Sharma Alok K. , Bolon Brad
Published: August 2019

The ability to differentiate among normal structures, procedural and processing artifacts, spontaneous background changes, and test article–related effects in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is essential for interpreting microscopic features of ganglia and nerves evaluated in animal species commonly used in toxicity studies evaluating regulated products and chemicals. This atlas provides images of findings that may be encountered in ganglia and nerves of animal species commonly used in product discovery and development. Most atlas images are of tissues from control animals that were processed using routine methods (ie, immersion fixation in neutral-buffered 10% formalin, embedding in paraffin, sectioning at 5 µm, and staining with hematoxylin and eosin) since these preparations are traditionally applied to study materials produced during most animal toxicity studies. A few images are of tissues processed using special procedures (ie, immersion or perfusion fixation using methanol-free 4% formaldehyde, postfixation in glutaraldehyde and osmium, embedding in hard plastic resin, sectioning at 1 µm, and staining with toluidine blue), since these preparations promote better stabilization of lipids and thus optimal resolution of myelin sheaths. Together, this compilation provides a useful resource for discriminating among normal structures, procedure- and processing-related artifacts, incidental background changes, and treatment-induced findings that may be seen in PNS tissues of laboratory animals.