bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Non-R&D Innovation Activities Actually Effective for Innovation Sustainability? Empirical Study from Chinese High-Tech Industry
Authors: Hou Jian , Chen Jiancheng , Song Hongfeng , Wang Gang
Published: December 2018

Compared with developed countries, the paper explores whether non-R&D innovation activities in China actually are effective and provides a guidance on how we can choose a sustainable innovation mode for non-R&D, especially considering the “threshold effect” of the heterogeneity of different regional innovation levels. The dynamic threshold panel models of the non-R&D (NRD) effect on the basis of the threshold of regional innovation level is constructed to verify the complex “threshold effect” characteristics between non-R&D and innovation performance. The empirical results are discussed according to the panel data for 30 provinces in China concerning the high-tech industry. Results argue that the mechanism of non-R&D innovation activities on innovation performance have a significantly different “threshold effect.” Interestingly, when the threshold of regional innovation keeps a low level, the negative effect of non-R&D innovation activities is much larger. When the threshold level of regional innovation increases, reaching the critical mass, the negative impact of non-R&D innovation activities on innovation performance becomes smaller. However, once the regional innovation level crosses the critical mass, the negative impact of non-R&D shows a significantly increasing tendency. Specifically, neither much higher nor much lower regional innovation level is conducive to the promoting effect of non-R&D activities. The negative impact of non-R&D on performance will decrease to the minimum only in the regions within the moderate threshold level (critical mass). The dynamic nonlinear mechanism between non-R&D activities and innovation performance is empirically studied to assist high-tech enterprises for innovation sustainability based on heterogeneity of different regional innovation levels.
Power Density Distribution for Laser Additive Manufacturing (SLM): Potential, Fundamentals and Advanced Applications
Authors: Metel Alexander , Stebulyanin Michael , Fedorov Sergey , Okunkova Anna
Published: December 2018

Problems with the laser additive manufacturing of metal parts related to its low efficiency are known to hamper its development and application. The method of selective laser melting of metallic powders can be improved by the installation of an additional laser beam modulator. This allows one to control the power density distribution optically in the laser beam, which can influence the character of heat and mass transfer in a molten pool during processing. The modulator contributes alternative modes of laser beam: Gaussian, flat top (top hat), and donut (bagel). The study of its influence includes a mathematical description and theoretical characterization of the modes, high-speed video monitoring and optical diagnostics, characterization of processing and the physical phenomena of selective laser melting, geometric characterization of single tracks, optical microscopy, and a discussion of the obtained dependences of the main selective laser melting (SLM) parameters and the field of its optimization. The single tracks were produced using the advanced technique of porosity lowering. The parameters of the obtained samples are presented in the form of 3D graphs. The further outlook and advanced applications are discussed.
Finite-Energy Dressed String-Inspired Dirac-Like Monopoles
Authors: E. Mavromatos Nikolaos , Sarkar Sarben
Published: December 2018

On extending the Standard Model (SM) Lagrangian, through a non-linear Born–Infeld (BI) hypercharge term with a parameter β (of dimensions of [mass] 2 ), a finite energy monopole solution was claimed by Arunasalam and Kobakhidze. We report on a new class of solutions within this framework that was missed in the earlier analysis. This new class was discovered on performing consistent analytic asymptotic analyses of the nonlinear differential equations describing the model; the shooting method used in numerical solutions to boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations is replaced in our approach by a method that uses diagonal Padé approximants. Our work uses the ansatz proposed by Cho and Maison to generate a static and spherically-symmetric monopole with finite energy and differs from that used in the solution of Arunasalam and Kobakhidze. Estimates of the total energy of the monopole are given, and detection prospects at colliders are briefly discussed.
Pre-Existing Dengue Immunity Drives a DENV-Biased Plasmablast Response in ZIKV-Infected Patient
Authors: Bhaumik Siddhartha K. , Priyamvada Lalita , Kauffman Robert C. , Lai Lilin , Natrajan Muktha S. , Cho Alice , Rouphael Nadine , Suthar Mehul S. , Mulligan Mark J. , Wrammert Jens
Published: December 2018

The re-emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the western hemisphere has most significantly affected dengue virus (DENV) endemic regions. Due to the geographical overlap between these two closely related flaviviruses, numerous individuals who suffered ZIKV infection during recent outbreaks may have also previously been exposed to DENV. As such, the impact of pre-existing dengue immunity on immune responses to ZIKV has been an area of focused research and interest. To understand how B cell responses to a ZIKV infection may be modulated by prior dengue exposures, we compared and contrasted plasmablast repertoire and specificity between two ZIKV-infected individuals, one dengue-naïve (ZK018) and the other dengue-experienced (ZK016). In addition to examining serological responses, we generated 59 patient plasmablast-derived monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to define the heterogeneity of the early B cell response to ZIKV. Both donors experienced robust ZIKV-induced plasmablast expansions early after infection, with comparable mutational frequencies in their antibody variable genes. However, notable differences were observed in plasmablast clonality and functional reactivity. Plasmablasts from the dengue-experienced donor ZK016 included cells with shared clonal origin, while ZK018 mAbs were entirely clonally unrelated. Both at the mAb and plasma level, ZK016 antibodies displayed extensive cross-reactivity to DENV1-4, and preferentially neutralized DENV compared to ZIKV. In contrast, the neutralization activity of ZK018 mAbs was primarily directed towards ZIKV, and fewer mAbs from this donor were cross-reactive, with the cross-reactive phenotype largely limited to fusion loop-specific mAbs. ZK016 antibodies caused greater enhancement of DENV2 infection of FcRγ-expressing cells overall compared to ZK018, with a striking difference at the plasma level. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that the breadth and protective capacity of the initial antibody responses after ZIKV infection may depend on the dengue immune status of the individual. These findings have implications for vaccine design, given the likelihood that future epidemics will involve both dengue-experienced and naïve populations.
The Impact of Training Data Sequence on the Performance of Neuro-Fuzzy Rainfall-Runoff Models with Online Learning
Authors: Chang Tak Kwin , Talei Amin , Chua Lloyd H. C. , Alaghmand Sina
Published: December 2018

The learning algorithms in many of conventional Neuro-Fuzzy Systems (NFS) are based on batch or global learning where all parameters of the fuzzy system are optimized off-line. Although these models have frequently been used, they suffer from a reduced flexibility in their architecture as the number of rules need to be predefined by the user. This study uses a Dynamic Evolving Neural Fuzzy Inference System (DENFIS) in which an evolving, online clustering algorithm, the Evolving Clustering Method (ECM), is implemented. This study focused on evaluating the performance of this model in capturing the rainfall-runoff process and rainfall-water level relationship. The two selected study catchments are located in an urban tropical and in a semi-urbanized area, respectively. The first catchment, Sungai Kayu Ara (23.22 km2), is located in Malaysia, with 10-min rainfall-runoff time-series from which 30 major events are used. The second catchment, Dandenong (272 km2), is located in Victoria, Australia, with daily rainfall and river stage (water level) data from which 11 years of data is used. DENFIS results were then compared with two groups of benchmark models: a regression-based data-driven model known as the Autoregressive Model with Exogenous Inputs (ARX) for both study sites, and physical models Hydrologic Engineering Center–Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC–HMS) and Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) for Sungai Kayu Ara and Dandenong catchments, respectively. DENFIS significantly outperformed the ARX model in both study sites. Moreover, DENFIS was found comparable if not superior to HEC–HMS and SWMM in Sungai Kayu Ara and Dandenong catchments, respectively. A sensitivity analysis was then conducted on DENFIS to assess the impact of training data sequence on its performance. Results showed that starting the training with datasets that include high peaks can improve the model performance. Moreover, datasets with more contrasting values that cover wide range of low to high values can also improve the DENFIS model performance.
Treatment of Organics Contaminated Wastewater by Ozone Micro-Nano-Bubbles
Authors: Xia Zhiran , Hu Liming
Published: December 2018

The efficiency of ozone for the treatment of organics contaminated wastewater is limited by its slow dissolution rate and rapid decomposition in the aqueous phase. Micro-nano-bubbles (MNBs) are a novel method to prolong the reactivity of the ozone in the aqueous phase, thereby accelerating the treatment of the contaminant. In this study, the effects of pH and salinity on the treatment efficiency of ozone MNBs were examined. The highest efficiency was observed in weak acidic conditions and an increase in salinity enhanced the treatment efficiency significantly. Furthermore, the treatment of highly saline industrial wastewater as well as multi-contaminant groundwater containing persistent organics were also investigated. Treatment using ozone MNBs had a considerable effect on wastewaters that are otherwise difficult to treat using other methods; hence, it is a promising technology for wastewater treatment.
METHODS OF CONFLICT PROBABILITY ESTIMATION AND DECISION MAKING FOR AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Authors: Babak Vitaly , Kharchenko Volodymyr , Vasylyev Volodymyr
Published: December 2018

This research addresses the issue of conflict detection in Air Traffic Control (ATC) and in Airborne Separation Assurance System (ASAS) domains. Stochastic methods of conflict situation detection and conflict probability evaluation are presented. These methods can be used for air traffic conflict alert and avoidance systems for mid‐range monitoring of air traffic and for flight safety. The mathematical formulation of the problem and the procedure of evaluation are presented. Two methods are introduced. One is based on fast statistical simulation of predicted violations of safe separation standards, and the other gives a closed‐form analytic expression that can be applied to numerical evaluation methods. The next method proposed is a method of sequential evaluation of decision‐making time limit to prevent a dangerous approach of the aircraft for short‐range monitoring. The problem is solved by assuming that the estimation and prediction of trajectory are based on the spline‐function method. The evaluation of the boundary instants for decision‐making is achieved by solving the derived boundary equation for fixed decision‐making distance. The distinguishing feature of this method is transformation of a confidence interval of predicted distance to a confidence interval of predicted time for estimation of the decision‐making time limit.
RESEARCH OF ACOUSTIC EMISSION SIGNALS AT DESTRUCTION OF GRAPHITE
Authors: Babak Vitaly , Filonenko Sergay , Kalita Viktor
Published: December 2018

The results of experimental research of acoustic emission signals at destruction of different diameter graphite cylindrical models are considered. It is stated that dependence of area under the curve of acoustic emission signals is directly proportional to the area of an appearing crack.
ON ONE METHOD OF CORRELATION AND SPECTRUM ESTIMATION DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Denisiuk Volodymyr , Denisiuk Oleg
Published: December 2018

The article deals with a non‐linear method of correlation function and spectrum power density estimation for which analogies of A. Shuster's periodic diagrams have been used. The effect of frequency expansion particularly compensates well‐known aliasing frequency effect. It was shown that if different properties of a random process are taking into account, it will allow to get the estimation of spectrum power density, the order of decrease of which corresponds to these differential properties.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF RIVETING PROCESS USING BLIND RIVET
Authors: Witek Lucjan
Published: December 2018

This paper is concerned with an analysis of the mechanical phenomena occurring in the process of blind riveting. Blind rivets are commonly used in the aviation industry and allow riveting with one‐sided access. To solve this problem, the finite element method was used. In results of the nonlinear computation performed for a joint containing one rivet, the stress distribution in the separate phases of riveting were analyzed. The plots of riveting force in function of rivet core displacement for different friction coefficients between the rivet and the core and the plastic strain distribution also were obtained. The main purpose of this work was to obtain the initial stress distribution occurring in the rivet and sheets after the mandrel was broken. This analysis showed that after finishing the riveting process the initial stresses occurring in the rivet have high values.
ALGORITHMS IMPROVING FLYING QUALITIES OF GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT
Authors: Rogalski Tomasz , Dołęga Boguslaw
Published: December 2018

The dynamic growth of general aviation as a mean of transport over medium distances means that people having no extraordinary qualifications or extraordinary physical or mental abilities more often pilot such types of airplanes. This phenomenon creates the necessity of giving planes flying qualities that allow them to be safely piloted by ordinary people. One way of solving this problem is equipping airplanes with fly‐by‐wire control systems that modify their handling qualities. Then the computer included into such control systems modifies the actions taken by the pilot, making the airplane both easier and more comfortable to control. This paper presents sample software tools – control algorithms that allowing an airplane's handling qualities to be improved. They are prepared by the authors and tested on board an experimental plane. That plane was equipped with a prototypical fly‐by‐wire control system, which can modify a plane's responses to a pilot's actions.
INTERLAMINAR AND INTRALAMINAR DAMAGE MECHANISMS OF IMPACT RESISTANT AIRCRAFT MATERIALS UNDER LOW‐ENERGY IMPACT
Authors: Keršienė Neringa , Žiliukas Antanas
Published: December 2018

For low-velocity impact, drop‐weight impact tests performed by EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) Corporate Research Center Germany have been carried out for 2‐D woven E‐Glass/epoxy composite systems to determine material response as a function of absorbed energy and damaged area. Nondestructive techniques like visual inspection and analysis of impact response of the woven fabric laminates at different energy levels are utilized to assess the initiation and progression of interlaminar and intralaminar damage. The dominant damage modes for woven reinforced composite systems were found to be matrix cracking with branching into the adjacent layers, intralaminar cracking by mixture of localized matrix shear and matrix/fibre interfacial debonding, front face indentation, and back face fibre damage. The use of woven fabrics as opposed to cross‐ply unidirectional prepreg tapes is specifically discussed from the point view of microstructure and property. In the case of low‐energy impact, damage resistance under impact loading of woven and multiaxial non‐crimp fabrics is presented and compared. The assumption that shear‐response dominated for woven reinforced composite systems was found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
STATISTICAL EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF MUTUAL INTERACTION OF COMPONENTS
Authors: Gališanskis Artūras , Giniotis Vytautas
Published: December 2018

One of the most basic methods of reducing maintenance costs in civil aviation is discussed in this paper. This method, which is used by transport carriers, is a reliability programme. The parameters applied in this programme are described in case as they express the numerical evaluation of failure of aircraft components. Nevertheless, such evaluation permits to assess only the selected components. Other statistical methods must be used to assess the reliability of an entire technical system. For this purpose, a correlation and regression analyses are applied to analyse an entire aircraft system, and some results of this investigation are presented here.
MONITORING AND DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR EXPERIMENTAL GENERAL AVIATION FLY‐BY‐WIRE AIRCRAFT
Authors: Rzucidło Paweł
Published: December 2018

A CAN data bus was used in a project of an experimental Fly‐by‐Wire control system (SPS‐1) mounted on board a PZL‐110 “Koliber” general aviation aircraft. This solution allows the free communication between flight control computers and individual modules of the system. The monitoring of the bus state and data frames is useful during particular hardware tests, system integration, laboratory and in‐flight tests. This report intends to present the specific monitor tool developed with the to SPS‐1. The main part of the CAN monitoring system is software. It realizes acquisition, visualization and conversion of stored data. The monitoring software operates with devices used by an experimental control system and connected to the bus. Particular devices are assigned to separate windows. The operator can control the SPS‐1 system through specialized windows or by virtual cockpit. Apart from this, the CAN monitor controls and simulates selected modules of the SPS‐1 system and works as the bus diagnostics tool.
STRESS CONCENTRATION FACTOR OF FOAMED MATERIALS USED FOR CORES OF SANDWICH COMPOSITES
Authors: Zeleniakienė Daiva , Žiliukas Antanas
Published: December 2018

The numerical finite element method was used to identify the stress concentration factor of the structure of foamed polymer material under tensile loading by constant strain and depending on cell form, orientation, and geometrical parameters. It was determined that the value of the stress concentration factor depends upon both the form and the orientation of the cell with respect to the loading direction. It was also determined that the higher ratio of the thickness to the length of the edge of the cell is, the higher the stress concentration factor is. The low stress concentration factor is when the angle between edges is approximately 90° and the rounding radius of this angle is from 0.25R to 0.4R (R is maximal rounding radius), angle between cell edges, and the direction of loading is equal to 45°.
MECHANISM OF TRANSITION OF FRICTION PAIRS TO “QUASIWEARLESS” MODE OF OPERATION
Authors: Babak Vitaly , Filonenko Sergey , Stadnychenko Viacheslav
Published: December 2018

This article describes the results of research of the acoustic emission of friction pairs in the process of their operation. The dependences of the parameters of acoustic emission that correspond to the alteration of the energy dissipation mechanism of the superficial layers of friction pairs at the transition to “quasiwearless” mode of their operation are obtained.
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION FOR CIVIL AVIATION IN THE CR ACCORDING TO EUROPEAN STANDARDS
Authors: Kulčák Ludvík
Published: December 2018

The article describes the educational system in the Faculty of Transportation Sciences at Czech Technical University in Prague. The university education is structured according to European standards. There are three levels of education: bachelor's degree programme, master's degree programme and doctoral degree programme. The article offers profiles of the graduates from all the majors of the Department of Air Transport.
PREFACE
Authors: Biaspamiatnykh Mikalai , Kačerauskas Tomas , Małgorzata Wioletta , Nikiforova Basia
Published: December 2018

„Preface“, LIMES: Cultural Regionalistics, 1(1), p. 3-4
PREFACE
Authors: Barevičiūtė Jovilė
Published: December 2018

„Preface“, LIMES: Cultural Regionalistics, 1(2), p. 1
The Nearby, Young, Argus Association: Membership, Age, and Dusty Debris Disks
Authors: Zuckerman B.
Published: December 2018

The reality of a field Argus Association has been doubted in some papers in the literature. We apply Gaia DR2 data to stars previously suggested to be Argus members and conclude that a true association exists with age 40–50 Myr and containing many stars within 100 pc of Earth; β Leo and 49 Cet are two especially interesting members. Based on youth and proximity to Earth, Argus is one of the better nearby moving groups to target in direct imaging programs for dusty debris disks and young planets.
Investigating the Covering Fraction Distribution of Swift/BAT AGNs with X-Ray and Infrared Observations
Authors: Lanz Lauranne , Hickox Ryan C. , Baloković Mislav , Shimizu Taro , Ricci Claudio , Goulding Andy D. , Ballantyne David R. , Bauer Franz E. , Chen Chien-Ting J. , Moro Agnese del , Farrah Duncan , Koss Michael, J. , LaMassa Stephanie , Masini Alberto , Zappacosta Luca
Published: December 2018

We present an analysis of a sample of 69 local obscured Swift/Burst Alert Telescope active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with X-ray spectra from NuSTAR and infrared (IR) spectral energy distributions from Herschel and WISE. We combine this X-ray and IR phenomenological modeling and find a significant correlation between reflected hard X-ray emission and IR AGN emission, with suggestive indications that this correlation may be stronger than the one between intrinsic hard X-ray and IR emissions. This relation between the IR and reflected X-ray emission suggests that both are the result of the processing of intrinsic emission from the corona and accretion disk by the same structure. We explore the resulting implications on the underlying distribution of covering fraction for all AGNs, by generating mock observables for the reflection parameter and IR luminosity ratio using empirical relations found for the covering fraction with each quantity. We find that the observed distributions of the reflection parameter and IR-to-X-ray ratio are reproduced with broad distributions centered around covering fractions of at least ∼40%–50%, whereas narrower distributions match our observations only when centered around covering fractions of ∼70%–80%. Our results are consistent with both independent estimates of the covering fractions of individual objects and the typical covering fraction obtained on the basis of obscured fractions for samples of AGNs. These results suggest that the level of reprocessing in AGNs, including X-ray reflection, is related in a relatively straightforward way to the geometry of the obscuring material.
The Caltech-NRAO Stripe 82 Survey (CNSS). II. On-the-fly Mosaicking Methodology
Authors: Mooley K. P. , Myers S. T. , Frail D. A. , Hallinan G. , Butler B. , Kimball A. , Golap K.
Published: December 2018

Telescope slew and settle time markedly reduce the efficiency of wide-field multi-epoch surveys for sensitive interferometers with small fields of view. The overheads can be mitigated through the use of on-the-fly mosaicking (OTFM), where the the antennas are driven at a non-sidereal rate and visibilities are recorded continuously. Here we introduce the OTFM technique for the Very Large Array (VLA), and describe its implementation for the Caltech-NRAO Stripe 82 Survey (CNSS), a dedicated five-epoch survey for slow transients at the S band (2–4 GHz). We also describe the OTFSim tool for planning dynamically scheduled OTFM observations on the VLA, the latest imaging capabilities for OTFM in CASA, and present a comparison of OTFM observations with pointed observations. Using the subset of our observations from the CNSS pilot and final surveys, we demonstrate that the wide-band and wide-field OTFM observations with the VLA can be imaged accurately, and that this technique offers a more efficient alternative to standard mosaicking for multi-epoch shallow surveys such as the CNSS and the VLA Sky Survey. We envisage that the new OTFM mode will facilitate new synoptic surveys and high-frequency mapping experiments on the VLA.
A Hyperfine-resolved Rotation–Vibration Line List of Ammonia (NH3)
Authors: Coles Phillip A. , Owens Alec , Küpper Jochen , Yachmenev Andrey
Published: December 2018

A comprehensive, hyperfine-resolved rotation–vibration line list for the ammonia molecule (14NH3) is presented. The line list, which considers hyperfine nuclear quadrupole coupling effects, has been computed using robust, first principles methodologies based on a highly accurate empirically refined potential energy surface. Transitions between levels with energies below 8000 cm−1 and total angular momentum F ≤ 14 are considered. The line list shows excellent agreement with a range of experimental data and will significantly assist future high-resolution measurements of NH3, both astronomically and in the laboratory.
Two Asian egg parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) emerge in northern Italy: Trissolcus mitsukurii (Ashmead) and Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae)
Authors: Sabbatini Peverieri Giuseppino , Talamas Elijah , Bon Marie Claude , Marianelli Leonardo , Bernardinelli Iris , Malossini Giorgio , Benvenuto Luca , Roversi Pio Federico , Hoelmer Kim
Published: December 2018

Halyomorphahalys(Stål) is a severe agricultural pest that is spreading worldwide from its original distribution in Asia. Egg parasitoids from Asia, which play a key role in the population dynamics ofH.halys, are following its host along global pathways. We present the first records ofTrissolcusmitsukuriiin Europe, and ofTrissolcusjaponicusin Italy. Both discoveries were made in northern Italy, whereH.halysis widely present and has reached extremely high population densities in some areas. Given the availability of their host, the distributions and populations of these exotic egg parasitoids are expected to expand, even in the absence of human intervention.
Taxonomic revision of the African genus Greenwayodendron (Annonaceae)
Authors: Lissambou Brandet-Junior , Hardy Olivier J. , Atteke Christiane , Stevart Tariq , Dauby Gilles , Mbatchi Bertrand , Sonke Bonaventure , Couvreur Thomas L.P.
Published: December 2018

Greenwayodendron(Annonaceae) is a tropical African genus of trees occurring mainly in rain forests. Until recently,Greenwayodendroncontained only two species:Greenwayodendronoliverifrom West Africa andGreenwayodendronsuaveolensfrom Central and East Africa.

Genetic data, using chloroplast haplotypes and nuclear microsatellites as well as morphometric analyses, provided important information on the delineation of species.Greenwayodendronnow contains six species, including two new species (GreenwayodendronglabrumLissambou, Hardy & Couvreur,sp. nov.andGreenwayodendronlittoraleLissambou, Dauby & Couvreur,sp. nov.). Greenwayodendronsuaveolensvar.gabonica and Greenwayodendronsuaveolenssubsp.usambaricum are recognised as distinct species:Greenwayodendrongabonicumcomb. nov.andGreenwayodendronusambaricumcomb. nov., respectively. A key, detailed descriptions of morphology and geographic distributions, as well as notes on their ecology and uses are presented for all species. Preliminary conservation assessments following IUCN criteria are also provided. Two species are preliminarily identified as threatened, one as Endangered and one as Vulnerable.
Revision of Muhlenbergia (Poaceae, Chloridoideae, Cynodonteae, Muhlenbergiinae) in Peru: classification, phylogeny, and a new species, M. romaschenkoi
Authors: Peterson Paul M. , Sánchez Vega Isidoro , Romaschenko Konstantin , Giraldo-Cañas Diego , Refulio Rodriguez Nancy F.
Published: December 2018

A taxonomic treatment, phylogeny based on analysis of six DNA sequence markers (ITS, ndhA intron, rpl32-trnL, rps3, rps16 intron and rps16-trnK) and classification of Muhlenbergia for Peru is given. Seventeen species and one presumed hybrid are recognised. Muhlenbergiaromaschenkoisp. nov. is newly described from the Río Huallaga Valley, northeast of Huánuco. The type of Podosemumangustatum [≡ Muhlenbergiaangustata] clearly aligns with what we had been referring to as the hybrid between this species and M.rigida. Therefore, we adopt the next available heterotypic name, Muhlenbergiacoerulea, for what we had been calling M.angustata and change the hybrid designation to M.coerulea × M.rigida. Lectotypes are designated for Epicampescoerulea Griseb., Muhlenbergiaaffinis Trin., Muhlenbergiaberlandieri Trin., Muhlenbergiabeyrichiana Kunth, Muhlenbergiaelegansvar.atroviolacea Kuntze, Muhlenbergiaelegansvar.subviridis Kuntze and Muhlenbergiaphragmitoides Griseb.
New species of Paullinia (Sapindaceae) from continental tropical America
Authors: Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro , Somner Genise Vieira
Published: December 2018

Six new species are described in the large Neotropical genus Paullinia (Sapindaceae), P.cidii, P.decorticans, P.fruticosa, P.hondurensis; P.martinellii and P.wurdackii. In addition, they are illustrated and contrasted to the morphologically most similar species currently known. The new species were discovered while working on a forthcoming revision of the genus.
Neotermes costaseca: a new termite from the coastal desert of Peru and the redescription of N. chilensis (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae)
Authors: Scheffrahn Rudolf H.
Published: December 2018

The imago and soldier castes of a new Neotermes species, N.costaseca, are described. It is only the third termite species known from the Pacific coastal desert of Peru. Neotermescostasecasp. n. is compared with the allopatric Neotermeschilensis from the arid central and southern coastal plain of Chile.
Diurnal Variation of Higher Order Aberrations in Human Eyes
Authors: Srivannaboon Sabong , Reinstein Dan Z , Archer Timothy J
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate diurnal variation of higher order aberrations in human eyes.

METHODS: A prospective study of 20 myopic eyes was performed. Cycloplegic aberrometry (Zywave) and refraction were measured at 2-hour intervals for five time points beginning at 10:00 AM. Changes in measured magnitude for third and fourth order Zernike coefficients were compared over time. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to test for statistically significant differences across time points for each Zernike coefficient. A separate prospective study was performed of 11 myopic eyes to determine and compare diurnal variation with the repeatability coefficient of individual Zernike coefficients measured using the Zywave aberrometer.

RESULTS: Mean refraction was -0.75±1.25 diopters (D) sphere and -0.57±0.43 D cylinder. No statistically significant change (ANOVA) was noted over the period of observation for any individual Zernike coefficients. Only Z^sup -3^
3
(vertical trefoil) showed an average increase of 0.029 µm (P =. 98) towards the end of the day; however, this trend was not statistically significant. The standard deviation of individual Zernike coefficients ranged from 0.035 µm (Z
p 4
4
) to 0.165 µm (Z^sup -1^
3
).

CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant diurnal variation of higher order aberrations was measured by Zywave aberrometer. The trend of Z^sup -3^
3
increasing later in the day was most likely a Zywave measurement error artifact. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:442-446.]
Limbal Relaxing Incisions to Correct Corneal Astigmatism During Phacoemulsification
Authors: Carvalho Mário José , Suzuki Solange Higashitani , Freitas Lincoln Lemes , Branco Bruno Castelo , Schor Paulo , Lima Ana Luiza Hoffling
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of limbal relaxing incisions for the correction of corneal astigmatism during phacoemulsification.

METHODS: Fifty eyes of 37 patients (mean age 66.5 years, range: 45 to 80 years) with cataract and coexisting topographic astigmatism were included in the study. Eyes were randomly divided into two groups: eyes that underwent cataract surgery with limbal relaxing incisions (cataract LRI group) and eyes that underwent cataract surgery only (control group). All limbal relaxing incisions were performed during phacoemulsification. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and corneal topography were recorded preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement in BSCVA was seen in the cataract LRI eyes from 0.9±0.7 preoperatively to 0.1±0.1 at l, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (P<.01). A statistically significant improvement in BSCVA was seen in control eyes from 0.8±0.6 before surgery to 0.2±0.2 at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (P<.01). No difference in postoperative BSCVA was noted between the groups. A statistically significant reduction in the mean topographic astigmatism was seen in the cataract LRI eyes from 1.93±0.58 diopters (D) preoperatively to 1.02±0.60 D 6 months postoperatively (P<.05). The control eyes did not show a statistically significant change in topographic astigmatism.

CONCLUSIONS: Limbal relaxing incisions performed during phacoemulsification surgery appear to be a safe, effective, and stable procedure to reduce pre-existing corneal astigmatism. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:499504.]
Effect on Astigmatism of the Location of Clear Corneal Incision in Phacoemulsification of Cataract
Authors: Altan-Yaycioglu Rana , Akova Yonca A , Akca Sezin , Gur Sirel , Oktem Caglar
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the refractive results of clear corneal incision performed at the steepest meridian of pre-existing corneal astigmatism.

METHODS: One hundred eighty-two patients with astigmatism >0.75 diopters (D) were evaluated. Superior, temporal, nasal, supe rotemporal, or superonasal clear corneal incisions were performed at the steep meridian. Refraction, visual acuity, and topography values were evaluated, and changes in surgically induced astigmatism were calculated by vector analysis using the Fourier formula. Paired t test was used to compare mean values.

RESULTS: Postoperative cylinder va lues showed minor changes in all groups, except the nasal group. Nasal incision increased preoperative cylinder from 1.13 D to 1.83 D 6 months after surgery. Temporal and supe rotemporal incisions resulted only in small astigmatic changes. Conversely, superior, superonasal, and nasal incisions induced more pronounced astigmatism.

CONCLUSIONS: Performing clear corneal incision for phacoemulsification of cataract at the steep meridian resulted in small changes with temporal incisions, whereas nasal incisions resulted in higher surgically induced astigmatism. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:515-518.]
Hyperopic Keratoconus
Authors: Abad Juan Carlos , Awad Abraham , Kurstin Joseph M
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report three patients (four eyes) with hyperopic keratoconus.

METHODS: Patients were evaluated with corneal curvature topography, ultrasonic pachymetry, and rotating Scheimpflug camera.

RESULTS: One patient, without other risk factors, developed unilateral ectasia after LASIK following primary hyperopic ablation in an eye suspicious for keratoconus. Two additional hyperopic patients (three eyes) had curvature and elevation findings compatible with keratoconus.

CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, keratoconus could present in hyperopia. If keratoconus is suspected, we suggest avoidance of LASIK and its potential for development of corneal ectasia. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:520-523.]
Active Eye-tracking Improves LASIK Results
Authors: Lee Yuan-Chieh
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study the advantage of active eye-tracking for photorefractive surgery.

METHODS: In a prospective, double-masked study, LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism was performed in 50 patients using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE version 1007. All patients received LASIK with full comprehension of the importance of fixation during the procedure. All surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon. The eyetracker was turned off in one group (n=25) and kept on in another group (n=25). Preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, patients underwent a standard ophthalmic examination, which included corneal topography.

RESULTS: In the patients treated with the eye-tracker off, all had uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 3=20/40 and 64% had 2=20/20. Compared with the patients treated with the eye-tracker on, they had higher residual cylindrical astigmatism (P<.05). Those treated with the eye-tracker on achieved better UCVA and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (P<.05). Spherical error and potential visual acuity (TMS-II) were not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The flying-spot system can achieve a fair result without active eye-tracking, but active eyetracking helps improve the visual outcome and reduces postoperative cylindrical astigmatism. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:581-585.]
Eye Dryness Sensations After Refractive Surgery: Impaired Tear Secretion or "Phantom" Cornea?
Authors: Belmonte Carlos
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

The cornea is richly innervated by various functional types of sensory nerve fibers. When stimulated, these fibers evoke conscious sensations of different quality including ocular dryness, discomfort, and pain. Refractive surgery involves a variable degree of damage to corneal nerves. This leads to an altered expression of membrane ion channels at the injured and regenerating nerve fibers, giving rise to aberrant spontaneous and stimulus-evoked nerve impulse firing. It is speculated that these abnormal sensory discharges are read by the brain as ocular surface dryness. This would explain the high incidence of eye dryness sensations after photorefractive surgery, which are experienced by a large number of patients despite the often modest disturbance of tear secretion. Therefore, drugs that reduce abnormal activity in injured nerves may represent a therapeutic alternative for eye dryness sensations after refractive surgery. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:598-602.]
Accuracy of Orbscan II in the Assessment of Posterior Curvature in Patients With Myopic LASIK
Authors: Cheng Arthur C K , Rao Srinivas K , Lam Dennis S C
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of Orbscan II measurements in assessing posterior corneal curvature in patients undergoing myopic LASIK.

METHODS: Using the Orbscan II, posterior corneal curvature was assessed pre- and postoperatively in 304 eyes that underwent myopic LASIK. The radius of curvature and corneal refractive power in diopters (D) were compared using the paired sample t test.

RESULTS: The mean pre- and postoperative radius of posterior corneal curvature were 6.49±0.26 mm and 6.35±0.30 mm, respectively. Mean pre- and postoperative posterior corneal power were -6.17±0.25 D and -6.32±0.30 D, respectively, and the difference (0.14±0.14 D) was statistically significant (P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Although the derived value for the power of the postoperative LASIK posterior corneal surface is overestimated using the Orbscan II, this small difference may not be clinically important. Orbscan II measurements can therefore be used (with caution) to measure posterior corneal curvature in patients with myopic LASIK for the assessment of intraocular lens power based on the Gaussian optics formula. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:677-680.]
Topographic Customized Photorefractive Keratectomy for Regular and Irregular Astigmatism After Penetrating Keratoplasty Using the LIGI CIPTA/LaserSight Platform
Authors: La Tegola Maria Gabriella , Alessio Giovanni , Sborgia Carlo
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of a software ablation program (Corneal Interactive Programmed Topographic Ablation [CIPTA]) that provides customized photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to correct astigmatism after keratoplasty.

METHODS: In this prospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series, 44 eyes underwent CIPTA for correction of astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. Eighteen eyes were treated for regular astigmatism and 26 eyes were treated for irregular astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. Orbscan II topography (Bausch & Lomb) and a flying-spot laser (LaserScan 2000; LaserSight) were used. Epithelial debridement with alcohol was performed before PRK in 16 eyes and transepithelial PRK was performed in 28 eyes. Mean target-induced astigmatism was 8.19±2.68 diopters (D) and 7.68±4.50 D in the regular and irregular astigmatism groups, respectively.

RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 25.4±13 months. At last postoperative follow-up, 13 (72.2%) and 18 (69.2%) eyes in the regular and irregular astigmatism groups, respectively, had uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) better than 20/40. Four (22.2%) and 8 (30.7%) eyes in the regular and irregular astigmatism groups, respectively, had UCVA of 20/20. Fourteen (77.7%) and 18 (69.2%) eyes in the regular and irregular astigmatism groups, respectively, were within 1.00 D of attempted correction in spherical equivalent manifest refraction. No eye lost Snellen lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Mean surgically induced astigmatism was 7.66±2.70 D and 6.99±3.80 D for the regular and irregular astigmatism groups, respectively. Index of success of astigmatic correction was 0.138 and 0.137 for the regular and irregular astigmatism groups, respectively. Haze developed in three eyes.

CONCLUSIONS: Topography-driven PRK using CIPTA software is a suitable solution for correcting regular and irregular astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:681-693.]
Fibrocartilaginous Embolization - a Rare Cause of Spinal Cord Infarction: Case Report
Authors: Liskova Zuzana , Lehotska Viera , Liska Michal , Mikula Peter
Published: December 2018

A case of fibrocartilaginous embolization in 24-year-old female as a rare cause of spinal cord infarction is presented. It manifests as infarction syndrome with rapid progression of clinical signs - acute onset of quadriparesis and respiratory insufficiency. Among imaging studies MRI is the most accurate as it readily capable of detection of myelopathy and acute intervertebral disc lesion. Other laboratory tests and imaging modalities are usually normal. The final diagnosis is made by exclusion.
Nota sobre a natureza da mulher na comunidade familiar e política segundo Platão, Aristóteles e Hegel
Authors: Dos Santos Marina
Published: December 2018

Este artigo pretende mapear, comparativamente, o lugar destinado à mulher no interior dos sistemas políticos de Platão, Aristóteles e Hegel a partir de um breve esboço de suas  concepções sobre a natureza humana e a natureza feminina. Pretender-se- á indicar em que medida há uma relação, ora de tensão, ora de complementaridade, nomodo como elementos descritivos e prescritivos operam para circunscrever o espaço da mulher à esfera privada do lar, no caso das perspectivas aristotélica e hegeliana, e como a subordinação de elementos descritivos a elementos prescritivos permitem que a mulher ascenda à esfera pública sob a perspectiva platônica. Após traçar esse esboço, buscar-se- á sugerir como essa tensão, no caso da filosofia política de Hegel, resultará, por um lado,numa explícita negação dos direitos políticos da mulher e, por outro, na possibilidade de vislumbrar a igualdade civil e política entre homens e mulheres a partir de um dispositivo interno e inerente ao sistema hegeliano, a saber, a noção de “segunda natureza” como reposição ética do natural.
Beauvoir e a situação das mulheres: entre subjetividade e facticidade
Authors: De Souza Thana Mara
Published: December 2018

Mostraremos, nesse artigo, que a noção de situação – compreendida como tensão entre subjetividade e facticidade – possibilita a Beauvoir sair do conceitualismo e sua essencialização do que é histórico, e ao mesmo tempo, sair do nominalismo, que recusa a noção mesma de gênero em prol de expressões abstratas e universais. Contra essas duas vertentes, a filósofa francesa aponta a necessidade de pensar a questão de gênero a partir das situações concretas de formação das crianças e jovens para encontrar, ali, as dificuldades que as mulheres encontram para se afirmarem como “nós”, mas também para – ao não anular o papel dessas subjetividades no mundo – buscar ali as possibilidades de luta e modificação das próprias condições históricas.Com base principalmente na Introdução do Primeiro Volume e na última parte do Segundo Volume do livro O segundo sexo, buscaremos compreender que a afirmação de que “há mulheres”, presente no texto, não resulta de um pensamento que essencializa as situações, mas o contrário, resulta de uma adoção da ética existencialista, que pressupõe como ponto de partida a descrição da concretude humana.
TD-DFT calculations, electronic structure, natural bond orbital analysis, nonlinear optical properties electronic absorption spectra and antimicrobial activity application of new bis-spiropipridinon/pyrazole derivatives
Authors: Halim Shimaa Abdel
Published: December 2018

A new bis-spiropipridinon/pyrazole compound and some of its derivatives are characterized in terms of several theoretical parameters such as density of states (DOS), molecular electrostatic potentials (MEPs), non-linear optical (NLO) properties and electrophilicity. The electronic structure and nonlinear optical properties of the studied compounds 1-5 are investigated theoretically at the DFT-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The effect of substituents of different strengths on the geometry and energetic are analyzed and discussed. The static dipole moment (µ), polarizability (α), anisotropy polarizability (Δα), and first order hyperpolarizability (βtot), are parameters for NLO of the studied compounds have been calculated at the same level of theory and compared with the prototype para-nitro-aniline (PNA). The electronic absorption spectra of the studied compounds are recorded in the UV-VIS region, in both ethanol and dioxane solvents. The theoretical spectra computed at a new hybrid exchange-correlation functional using the Coulomb-attenuating method (CAM-B3LYP) at the 6-311G(d,p) bases set in gas phase and with the polarizable continuum model (PCM) in dioxane and ethanol indicate a good agreement with the observed spectra. The antimicrobial activity for studied compounds was investigated. The antimicrobial activity results revealed that compound 4 has a good potency against Gram positive bacteria (E. coli) and Gram negative bacteria (P. vulgaris) in comparison with doxymycin standard. The structure activity relationship SAR has been studied for the studied compounds by DFT calculations, moreover, confirmed practical antimicrobial  activity results.
A mild and efficient method for the deprotection of trimethyl silyl alkynes using sodium ascorbate and copper sulphate
Authors: Siddaraj Ranjith , Ningegowda Raghu , Shivananju Nanjunda Swamy , Priya Babu Shubha
Published: December 2018

A competent and fast method for the deprotection of trimethyl silyl group was attained by using cheap, easily accessible, and nontoxic sodium ascorbate in combination with copper sulphate. The method labored was simple and effective for the cleavage of trimethyl silyl group from the protected trimethyl silyl alkynes to their corresponding alkyne derivatives. Wide functional group tolerance, shorter time period, simple procedure and high yields are the striking features of this protocol.