bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EIGENTIME IDENTITY OF THE WEIGHTED KOCH NETWORKS
Authors: SUN YU , ZOU JIAHUI , DAI MEIFENG , WANG XIAOQIAN , TANG HUALONG , SU WEIYI
Published: March 2018

The eigenvalues of the transition matrix of a weighted network provide information on its structural properties and also on some relevant dynamical aspects, in particular those related to biased walks. Although various dynamical processes have been investigated in weighted networks, analytical research about eigentime identity on such networks is much less. In this paper, we study analytically the scaling of eigentime identity for weight-dependent walk on small-world networks. Firstly, we map the classical Koch fractal to a network, called Koch network. According to the proposed mapping, we present an iterative algorithm for generating the weighted Koch network. Then, we study the eigenvalues for the transition matrix of the weighted Koch networks for weight-dependent walk. We derive explicit expressions for all eigenvalues and their multiplicities. Afterwards, we apply the obtained eigenvalues to determine the eigentime identity, i.e. the sum of reciprocals of each nonzero eigenvalues of normalized Laplacian matrix for the weighted Koch networks. The highlights of this paper are computational methods as follows. Firstly, we obtain two factors from factorization of the characteristic equation of symmetric transition matrix by means of the operation of the block matrix. From the first factor, we can see that the symmetric transition matrix has at least [Formula: see text] eigenvalues of [Formula: see text]. Then we use the definition of eigenvalues and eigenvectors to calculate the other eigenvalues.
ON THE BROADBAND POWER LINE COMMUNICATION SIGNALS’ DYNAMIC FEATURES
Authors: ZHAI MING-YUE
Published: March 2018

For the purpose of transmitting data in smart grids, broadband communication over power lines (PLC) is considered to be one of the feasible technologies. Due to the multi-path effect of the signal propagation in complicate electrical networks, PLC signals present some dynamic features in time and space domains. The mono-fractal and multi-fractal theories are introduced to understand such dynamic features in PLC signals. Four common methods, namely, re-scaled range analysis, variance–time plot method, periodic diagram analysis and wavelet-based method are used to study the nonlinear properties and self-similarity. Fractal analysis at different frequencies and times is also performed to verify further. The paper also tests multi-fractal properties of PLC signals by the means of multi-fractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA). The multi-fractal spectrum of power low exponents is estimated from the measured PLC signals. We also proposed a new algorithm to improve the performance of the traditional MFDFA, where wavelet theory is integrated. By simulations, the better performance of the proposed method is verified.
FRACTALS FROM NONLINEAR IFSs OF THE COMPLEX MAPPING FAMILY f(z) = zn + c
Authors: CHEN NING , CHEN YINUO , CHUNG K. W.
Published: March 2018

To generate exotic fractals, we investigate the construction of nonlinear iterated function system (IFS) using the complex mapping family [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). A set of [Formula: see text]-values is chosen from the period-1 bulb of the Mandelbrot set, so that each mapping has an attracting fixed point in the dynamic plane. Computer experiments show that a set of arbitrarily chosen [Formula: see text]-values may not be able to generate a fractal. We prove a sufficient condition that if the [Formula: see text]-values are chosen from a specific region related to a circle in the period-1 bulb, the nonlinear IFS with such complex mappings is able to generate exotic fractal. Furthermore, if the set of [Formula: see text]-values possesses a specific symmetry in the Mandelbrot set, then the fractal also exhibits the same symmetry. We present a method of generating aesthetic fractals with [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] symmetry for [Formula: see text] and with [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] symmetry for [Formula: see text].
A Fourier Transform Analysis of Convergence Properties of Multigrid V-Cycle Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Y. , Li M. , Liu G. R.
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to provide an insight on the mechanism for the fast convergence of multigrid (MG) V-cycle algorithms. With this goal, the Fourier transform analysis is implemented to compute quantitatively the frequency spectrum of components of the residual resulted from the MG iterations. MG method has been extensively employed to solve large-scale systems of algebraic equations. Hence, one needs to understand its fast convergence property and scalability mechanism before applying MG method to a system equation, which affects the computational efficiency directly. In a first step, a number of novel features of the MG algorithm are studied, including the relationships among the iteration numbers needed for converged solutions, condition number of the system matrix and the grid-spacing in this paper. In a second step, the complexity of the MG method is researched, and various numerical experiments have been conducted in solving algebraic equations of models in finite element method for both heat transfer problems and solid mechanics problems. It is found that if the number of iterations in different grids is fixed, the optimal iteration mode is determined according to the attenuation of the high-frequency and low-frequency components of the residual. Our results also show that the complexity of the MG method is close to [Formula: see text], meaning that it is a close-to-linear scalable solver, which echoes the findings given by other literature. This study has revealed an important insight that the linear scalability is achieved by mitigating the negative effects (stagnation in convergence) of the large condition number of the system matrix created on the finest grid, using a sequence of coarser grids with smaller and smaller condition numbers.
"Open-domain question answering using a knowledge graph and web corpus" by Uma Sawant, Soumen Chakrabarti and Ganesh Ramakrishnan with Martin Vesely as coordinator
Authors: Sawant Uma , Chakrabarti Soumen , Ramakrishnan Ganesh
Published: March 2018

In Web search, entity-seeking queries often trigger a special Question Answering (QA) system. It uses syntactic patterns to extract structure from the query, identify a semantic interpretation and then return direct entity responses from a knowledge graph (KG). Such QA systems tend to be brittle. Minor query variations may fail to trigger the QA system. Moreover, KG coverage is patchy at best. Rather than fall off the "structure cliff" in such cases, we propose a more robust approach that degrades gracefully on a "structure ramp". Our system, called AQQUCN, accepts a broad spectrum of queries, between well-formed questions to short "telegraphic" keyword sequences. In the face of inherent query ambiguities, AQQUCN aggregates signals from KGs and large corpora to directly rank KG entities, rather than commit to one semantic interpretation of the query. AQQUCN models the ideal interpretation as an unobservable or latent variable. Pairs of interpretations and candidate entity responses are scored as pairs, by combining signals from multiple convolutional networks that operate collectively on the query, KG and corpus. On four public query workloads amounting to over 8,000 queries in different query formats, we see 16--18% absolute improvement in mean average precision (MAP), compared to recent systems. Our system is also competitive when compared to recent KBQA systems.
Antagonistic Phenomena in Network Dynamics
Authors: Motter Adilson E. , Timme Marc
Published: March 2018

Recent research on the network modeling of complex systems has led to a convenient representation of numerous natural, social, and engineered systems that are now recognized as networks of interacting parts. Such systems can exhibit a wealth of phenomena that not only cannot be anticipated from merely examining their parts, as per the textbook definition of complexity, but also challenge intuition even when considered in the context of what is now known in network science. Here, we review the recent literature on two major classes of such phenomena that have far-reaching implications: (a) antagonistic responses to changes of states or parameters and (b) coexistence of seemingly incongruous behaviors or properties—both deriving from the collective and inherently decentralized nature of the dynamics. They include effects as diverse as negative compressibility in engineered materials, rescue interactions in biological networks, negative resistance in fluid networks, and the Braess paradox occurring across transport and supply networks. They also include remote synchronization, chimera states, and the converse of symmetry breaking in brain, power-grid, and oscillator networks as well as remote control in biological and bioinspired systems. By offering a unified view of these various scenarios, we suggest that they are representative of a yet broader class of unprecedented network phenomena that ought to be revealed and explained by future research.
Topological Materials: Quantum Anomalous Hall System
Authors: He Ke , Wang Yayu , Xue Qi-Kun
Published: March 2018

The quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE) is a quantized Hall effect that occurs at zero magnetic field. Its mechanism and properties are different from those of conventional quantum Hall effects (QHEs) induced by magnetic field. The first theory of a QHE without a magnetic field was proposed in 1988. Yet, it has taken 25 years to be experimentally realized, which has now happened thanks to the development of the topological insulator—a conceptually new topological state of matter. Here, we review QAHE, beginning with the original theoretical idea and concluding with its final implementation using experimentally accessible materials. The current status and future direction of the field are also discussed.
High-Performance Piezoelectric Crystals, Ceramics, and Films
Authors: Trolier-McKinstry Susan , Zhang Shujun , Bell Andrew J. , Tan Xiaoli
Published: March 2018

Piezoelectric materials convert between electrical and mechanical energies such that an applied stress induces a polarization and an applied electric field induces a strain. This review describes the fundamental mechanisms governing the piezoelectric response in high-performance piezoelectric single crystals, ceramics, and thin films. While there are a number of useful piezoelectric small molecules and polymers, the article focuses on inorganic materials displaying the piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectricity is first defined, and the mechanisms that contribute are discussed in terms of the key crystal structures for materials with large piezoelectric coefficients. Exemplar systems are then discussed and compared for the cases of single crystals, bulk ceramics, and thin films.
Influence of Yeast β-Glucan on Cookies Sensory Characteristics and Bioactivities
Authors: Bacha Umar , Nasir Muhammad , Iqbal Sanaullah , Anjum Aftab Ahmad
Published: March 2018

β-Glucan is biologically active polysaccharide, ubiquitously found in many grains, bacteria, and fungi and much yeast. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of substituting wheat flour by 1, 2, and 4% yeast isolated β-glucan in cookies on the sensory acceptance, antioxidants, oxidative stability, and quality evaluation which were investigated. According to the results, cookies supplemented at 2% yeast β-glucan were proved satisfactory on sensory quality perspective. During the storage study it was found that cookies made with 2 and 4% β-glucan have effectively (p>0.05) kept the peroxide value (PV) within acceptable range, demonstrating the promising role of β-glucan in deterring oxidative. It is further noted that 2 or 4% β-glucan incorporated cookies assimilated highest absorption spectra, suggesting the retardation in freshness losses, with having minimum microbial loads, showing microbiological safety. β-Glucan fortification in foods is technologically and economically feasible, suggesting that a significant prospect of β-glucan as low-cost food ingredient in formulating cookies at 2% offers exciting new use of β-glucan of yeast origin.
Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Secondary Metabolite Profiling of Oil Palm Seedlings Treated with Combination of NPK Fertilizers Infected withGanoderma boninense
Authors: Sahebi Mahbod , Hanafi Mohamed M. , Mohidin Hasmah , Rafii M. Y. , Azizi Parisa , Idris Abu Seman , Fariz A. , Abiri Rambod , Taheri Sima , Moradpoor Mehdi
Published: March 2018

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensisJacq) is one of the major sources of edible oil. Reducing the effect ofGanoderma,main cause of basal stem rot (BSR) on oil palm, is the main propose of this study. Understanding the oil palm defense mechanism againstGanodermainfection through monitoring changes in the secondary metabolite compounds levels before/after infection byGanodermaunder different fertilizing treatment is required. Oil palm requires macro- and microelements for growth and yield. Manipulating the nutrient for oil palm is a method to control the disease. The 3-4-month-old oil palm seedlings were given different macronutrient treatments to evaluate induction of defense related enzymes and production of secondary metabolite compounds in response toG. boninenseinoculation. The observed trend of changes in the infected and uninfected seedlings was a slightly higher activity forβ-1,3-glucanases, chitinase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase during the process of pathogenesis. It was found that PR proteins gave positive response to the interaction between oil palm seedlings andGanodermainfection. Although the responses were activated systematically, they were short-lasting as the changes in enzymes activities appeared before the occurrence of visible symptoms. Effect of different nutrients doses was obviously observed among the results of the secondary metabolite compounds. Many identified/unidentified metabolite compounds were presented, of which some were involved in plant cell defense mechanism against pathogens, mostly belonging to alkaloids with bitter-tasting nitrogenous-compounds, and some had the potential to be used as new markers to detect basal stem rot at the initial step of disease.
Bilateral Carotid and Vertebral Artery Dissection from Blunt Trauma
Authors: Coss Catherine , Jones Jeffrey
Published: March 2018

Carotid and vertebral artery injuries are rare following blunt trauma. They can, however, lead to severe consequences with a significant associated rate of stroke and intracranial hemorrhage, particularly if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. We report a case of a 23-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Department with bilateral carotid and vertebral artery dissection following a motor vehicle collision (MVC).
Radiofrequency versus Cryoballoon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Evaluation Using ECG, Holter Monitoring, and Implantable Loop Recorders to Monitor Absolute and Clinical Effectiveness
Authors: Davtyan Karapet , Shatakhtsyan Victoria , Poghosyan Hermine , Deev Alexandr , Tarasov Alexey , Kharlap Maria , Serdyuk Svetlana , Simonyan Georgy , Boytcov Sergey
Published: March 2018

Introduction. While several studies have compared the radiofrequency current (RFC) and cryoablation for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), no study has monitored the long-term outcomes with the usage of implantable loop recorders (ILRs). Methods. We enrolled 89 consecutive patients with nonvalvular paroxysmal AF (N=44 for RFC and N=45 for cryoballoon). The primary efficacy end point was the assessment of effectiveness for each group (RFC versus cryoballoon) when examining freedom from arrhythmia by monitoring with ECG, Holter, and implantable loop recoder (ILR). The primary safety end point compared rates of adverse events between both groups. The secondary efficacy end point examined the duration of the postablation blanking period from ILR retrieved data. Results. The mean age of the study population was 56.6±10.2 years, and the follow-up duration was 12 months. There were no differences in baseline patient characteristics between groups. At 12 months, the absolute effectiveness (measured by ILR) was 65.9% in the RFC group and 51.1% in the cryoballoon group (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.79–4.35; p=0.157), and the clinical effectiveness (measured by ECG and Holter) was 81.8% in the RFC group and 55.6% in the cryoballoon group (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.37–9.46; p=0.008). There was no difference in safety between both groups. Asymptomatic episodes were significantly more present in the RFC group as measured by ILRs (p<0.010). In cryoballoon group, arrhythmia episodes were recorded equally irrespective of the follow-up method (i.e., ECG and Holter versus ILR (p>0.010)). The blanking period does not seem to be as important in cryoballoon as compared to RFC. Conclusion. RFC and cryoballoon ablation had similar absolute effectiveness at 12 months. ECG and Holter were effective when assessing the efficacy of the cryoballoon ablation; however, in the RFC group, ILR was necessary to accurately assess long-term efficacy.
Urethral Duplication with a Cystic Phallic Urethra Associated with a Uterus Didelphys, Partial Agenesis of the Tibia, and an Equinovarus Foot
Authors: Kafando Edwige , Moifo Boniface , Mbouche Landry , Ndangoh Derek , Mah Evelyn , Mouafo Tambo Faustin
Published: March 2018

Urethral duplication is a rare congenital malformation, especially in females. It may be associated with complex urogenital malformations, but the association with a cystic phallic urethra and a uterus didelphys is exceptional. We report a case of a newborn with urethral duplication, with the accessory urethra exteriorized by a large cyst, associated with a uterus didelphys and bone malformations. We discuss the clinical, radiographic, and therapeutic aspects as well as a literature review.
Molecular Typing and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusIsolated from Bovine Milk in Tanzania
Authors: Mohammed Jibril , Ziwa Michael Henry , Hounmanou Yaovi Mahuton Gildas , Kisanga Adela , Tuntufye Huruma Nelwike
Published: March 2018

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in raw milk can be transmitted from animals to humans, and in Tanzania raw milk is sold in local markets and consumed as purchased. This study was performed to determine the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of MRSA strains isolated from raw bovine milk sold at local markets in Tanzania. A total of 117 raw milk samples were cultured on Baird-Parker medium to isolateS. aureusand PCR was used for amplification ofgltBgene forS. aureusidentification and the presence ofmecAgene for methicillin-resistant strains. Coagulase-negative (CN)S. aureuswere reconfirmed using tube coagulase, DNase, and API Staph tests. MRSA isolates werespatyped whereas antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disc diffusion method. Forty-six coagulase positives (CP) and two CNS. aureuswere identified. Most strains were resistant to penicillin (72%), and 3 isolates: 2 CNS. aureusand 1 coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS), were phenotypically resistant to vancomycin, oxacillin, and cefoxitin and were confirmed to carrymecA.Resistance to clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline was 23.9%, 30.4%, and 41.3%, respectively. Twelve isolates exhibited multidrug resistance; however, only onemecApositive strain among the three was typeable and belonged tospatype t2603. This study reports for the first time the presence of CN variant of MRSA, which was assigned the spa type t2603, and the presence of multidrug resistantS. aureusisolates from bovine milk in Morogoro, Tanzania.
Anthocyanins Function as Anti-Inflammatory Agents in a Drosophila Model for Adipose Tissue Macrophage Infiltration
Authors: Valenza Alice , Bonfanti Carola , Pasini Maria Enrica , Bellosta Paola
Published: March 2018

Epidemiological and preclinical studies have demonstrated that bioactive foods like flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds derived from fruits and vegetables, exert a protective action against obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and Adipocyte Tissue Macrophage infiltration (ATM). All these pathologies are characterized by increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in proinflammatory cytokines that have been shown to favor the migration of immune cells, particularly of macrophages, in metabolically active organs like the liver and adipose tissue, that in Drosophila are constituted by a unique organ: the fat body. This study, using a unique Drosophila model that mimics human ATM, reveals the beneficial effects of flavonoids to reduce tissue inflammation. Our data show that anthocyanin-rich food reduces the number of hemocytes, Drosophila macrophages, infiltrating the fat cells, a process that is associated with reduced production of ROS and reduced activation of the JNK/SAPK p46 stress kinase, suggesting a fundamental function for anthocyanins as antioxidants in chronic inflammation and in metabolic diseases.
Does Listening to Music during Tonsillectomy Affect Sevoflurane Consumption?
Authors: Doğan Bakı Elif , Ulu Şahin , Yüksek Ahmet , Arıcan Hüseyin , Sıvacı Remziye
Published: March 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of listening to music on the consumption of an anesthetic agent as well as postoperative recovery and pain in children undergoing elective tonsillectomy. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients were randomized into those to whom music was played during surgery (group M) and a control group to whom music was not played (group C). The depth of anesthesia was provided by entropy levels of 50 ± 5 in both groups. Demographic characteristics and hemodynamic parameters were recorded perioperatively. The duration of surgery, sevoflurane consumption, eye opening time, and extubation time were also recorded. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Surgical pleth index values measured intraoperatively were statistically lower in group M than in group C. In the postanesthesia care unit children in the music group felt less pain than those in the control group according to the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (p = 0.035). The heart rates of the patients in the music group were statistically lower at 30 min intraoperatively and at the end of the procedure compared to the values of the control group (p = 0.015). The consumption of sevoflurane was lower in group M than in group C but the difference was not statistically significant. The need for additional fentanyl was significantly lower in group M than in group C. Conclusion: In this study, the children exposed to music intraoperatively needed less analgesia during surgery, and reported less pain postoperatively, but there was no difference in sevoflurane requirements.
Cadaver Dissection Is Obsolete in Medical Training! A Misinterpreted Notion
Authors: Memon Ismail
Published: March 2018

Cadaver dissection (CD) is considered a tool for studying the structural details of the human body. Lately, conflicting opinions regarding the utility of this modality in medical training have been published in medical literature. This review of the literature examines the status of anatomy teaching with CD in traditional, modern, and postgraduate medical training across the world. Literature published in the En­glish language on topics related to CD in the past 3 decades was scrutinized using different search engines. About 200 full texts were reviewed. We describe how medical schools have continued to include CD in anatomy teaching in the traditional or modified form. Medical schools that stopped or decreased CD have learnt from their experiences, and have restarted it in modified forms by integrating it vertically with medical training. In addition, CD activities have increased in postgraduate anatomy courses, surgery training, and voluntary/optional CD programs. CD, when integrated vertically, still has a part to play in medical training in modified ways. This overview may help curriculum designers to place CD in medical curricula and training programs in a justified manner.
Ankle Nerve Block Adjuvant to General Anesthesia Reduces Postsurgical Pain and Improves Functional Outcomes in Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Kir Mustafa C. , Kir Gulay
Published: March 2018

Objective: Postoperative pain is a frequent problem after orthopedic procedures like hallux valgus surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ankle block improves early and mid-term functional outcomes and postoperative pain management after hallux valgus surgery in patients receiving general anesthesia. Subjects and Methods: This randomized controlled trial investigated 60 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were prospectively randomized into 2 groups: general anesthesia only (group A) and ankle block added to general anesthesia (group B). Age, body-mass index, tourniquet time, duration of surgery, first analgesic need time, perioperative analgesic regimen, visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), and length of hospital stay were recorded. Independent variables were analyzed by t test. Nonparametric data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Patient age, demographics, and body mass indices were similar between the 2 groups. The average length of hospital stay was significantly longer in group A (p < 0.01). Group B had a longer time to first analgesic need than group A (p < 0.01). Patients in group B required less analgesic during the postoperative period. Preoperative VAS and AOFAS scores were not statistically dif ferent between the 2 groups. The postoperative day 1 VAS score was significantly lower in group B than in group A. Follow-up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months showed significantly lower VAS and higher AOFAS scores in group B than group A. Conclusion: Ankle block added to general anesthesia may improve early and mid-term postoperative functional outcomes and postoperative pain management in patients who undergo hallux valgus surgery.
Atrofia muscular espinhal tipo I: aspectos clínicos e fisiopatológicos
Authors: Chrun Lucas Rossato , Rossato Chrun Costa Larissa , Da Silva Miranda Gilson , Monteiro Almeida Felipe
Published: March 2018

Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a etiologia, diagnóstico, tratamento e perspectivas futuras sobre a atrofia muscular espinhal tipo I (doença de Werdnig-Hoffmann). Métodos: Utilizando o banco de dados Medline, Lilacs e Scielo, os artigos mais relevantes foram selecionados, por meio das palavras-chave: atrofia muscular espinhal; atrofia muscular espinhal infantil; doenças neuromusculares; doenças da medula espinhal; doença de Werdnig-Hoffmann. Resultados: Foram localizados 68 artigos, e após análise, 43 estudos, que abordavam os aspectos clínicos e/ou fisiopatológicos, foram selecionados. Discussão: A doença de Werdnig-Hoffmann, atrofia muscular espinhal tipo I, é uma doença hereditária caracterizada pela atrofia e fraqueza muscular progressiva, resultando em elevada e precoce mortalidade. As atrofias musculares espinhais são doenças neuromusculares caracterizadas pela degeneração dos motoneurônios inferiores e são transmitidas seguindo o padrão mendeliano autossômico recessivo. Suas manifestações clínicas são: hipotonia, atrofia, debilidade muscular e diminuição ou ausência dos reflexos osteotendinosos. O tratamento inclui medidas de suporte e medicação específica, o Nusinersen (Spinraza®), administrado por via intratecal, e pode retardar ou até impedir a evolução da doença, caso seja iniciado precocemente. Conclusão: A doença tem características semelhantes na maioria dos casos e evolui de forma grave. Entretanto, o tratamento emergencial e intensivo, incluindo a medicação específica e atuação de equipe multidisciplinar, pode redefinir e prolongar a sobrevida dos pacientes.
Lesão neoplásica em couro cabeludo: relato de caso
Authors: Azevedo Pedro Henrique Ferreira de , Côrtes Júnior João Carlos de Souza , Garcia Humberto José Portella , Souza Maria Cristina Almeida de , Souza Edsneider Pires Rocha de , Côrtes Paula Pitta Resende
Published: March 2018

Introdução: o carcinoma espinocelular consiste em uma neoplasia maligna dos queratinócitos epidérmicos supra basais, que frequentemente crescem em áreas fotoexpostas, sendo a exposição cumulativa à radiação ultravioleta o principal fator de risco. O carcinoma espinocelular contribui anualmente para os óbitos atribuídos ao câncer de pele não melanoma. É um tumor maligno das células espinhosas da epiderme, de evolução rápida, altamente invasivo e metastático. Objetivo: relatar um caso de carcinoma espinocelular, moderadamente diferenciado, na região de couro cabeludo com acometimento da calota craniana em indivíduo do gênero masculino, 68 anos, diabético, leucoderma, tabagista e etilista, que durante 10 anos exerceu atividades de ambulante na praia, sem utilização de qualquer proteção química ou mecânica contra o sol. Conclusão: ações de educação em saúde sobre proteção solar são essenciais para prevenção ao câncer de pele e devem ser incorporadas ao cotidiano da prática médica. O diagnóstico precoce está diretamente relacionado ao prognóstico da doença e à qualidade de vida do portador.
Constraint Handling Guided by Landscape Analysis in Combinatorial and Continuous Search Spaces
Authors: Malan Katherine M. , Moser I.
Published: March 2018

The notion and characterisation of fitness landscapes has helped us understand the performance of heuristic algorithms on complex optimisation problems. Many practical problems, however, are constrained, and when significant areas of the search space are infeasible, researchers have intuitively resorted to a variety of constraint-handling techniques intended to help the algorithm manoeuvre through infeasible areas and toward feasible regions of better fitness. It is clear that providing constraint-related feedback to the algorithm to influence its choice of solutions overlays the violation landscape with the fitness landscape in unpredictable ways whose effects on the algorithm cannot be directly measured. In this work, we apply metrics of violation landscapes to continuous and combinatorial problems to characterise them. We relate this information to the relative performance of six well-known constraint-handling techniques to demonstrate how some properties of constrained landscapes favour particular constraint-handling approaches. For the problems with sampled feasible solutions, a bi-objective approach was the best performing approach overall, but other techniques performed better on problems with the most disjoint feasible areas. For the problems with no measurable feasibility, a feasibility ranking approach was the best performing approach overall, but other techniques performed better when the correlation between fitness values and the level of constraint violation was high.
Scholarly-Judicial Dialogue in International Law
Authors: Helmersen Sondre Torp
Published: March 2018

Much has been written about “judicial dialogue” in international law. This article explores a related, but much less studied, concept: “dialogue” between judges and scholars. Through examples taken from the International Court of Justice, the article proposes a classification of such dialogue and argues that it plays an important role in the development of international law.
Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. XXVIII. Cystopteridaceae
Authors: SMITH ALAN R. , KESSLER MICHAEL
Published: March 2018

We provide a synopsis to the fern family Cystopteridaceae in Bolivia, comprising only the genus Cystopteris, with two species. By far the commonest species is C. diaphana; the subcosmopolitan C. fragilis s.l. is represented by only a few collections, at the highest elevations.
Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. XXXVI. Lomariopsidaceae
Authors: KESSLER MICHAEL , SMITH ALAN R.
Published: March 2018

We provide a synopsis to the fern family Lomariopsidaceae in Bolivia, comprising three genera with six species.
Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. XIX. Plagiogyriaceae
Authors: KESSLER MICHAEL , SMITH ALAN R.
Published: March 2018

We provide a synopsis to the fern family Plagiogyriaceae in Bolivia, consisting of the single polymorphic species Plagiogyria pectinata.
A new species of Merostachys (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Bambuseae: Arthrostylidiinae) with the northernmost distribution of the genus

Authors: RUIZ-SANCHEZ EDUARDO , CLARK LYNN G. , MEJÍA-SAULÉS TERESA , LOREA-HERNÁNDEZ FRANCISCO
Published: March 2018

With 52 described species, Merostachys is the most diverse genus in the Arthrostylidiinae; 50 of the species are present in South America and only two, M. latifolia and M. pauciflora, are distributed in Central America and Mexico. Previous collections of vegetative Merostachys specimens from El Triunfo, Chiapas, Mexico, were identified as M. pauciflora. However, new flowering collections from the state of Tabasco, Mexico, allowed us to differentiate the Mexican populations from M. latifolia and M. pauciflora. A detailed study of samples from the Tabasco population, and a review of the previous collections from Chiapas, confirmed the existence of a new Merostachys species, which we here describe and illustrate as M. mexicana. This new species is endemic to Mexico and represents the northernmost extension of the genus.
New and poorly known Meligethes Stephens from China, with bionomical data on some species (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Meligethinae)
Authors: LIU MEIKE , HUANG MIN , CLINE ANDREW RICHARD , AUDISIO PAOLO
Published: March 2018

Meligethes (Odonthogethes) trapezithorax sp. n., M. (O.) tricuspidatus sp. n., and M. (O.) luteomaculatus sp. n. are described from Hubei Province, China, based on a series of recently collected specimens. The new species appear morphologically closely related to M. (O.) brassicogethoides Audisio, Sabatelli & Jelínek, 2015 from Yunnan [M. (O.) trapezithorax sp. n.], M. (O.) occultus Audisio, Sabatelli & Jelínek, 2015 from Yunnan [M. (O.) tricuspidatus sp. n.], as well as M. (O.) pallidoelytrorum Chen & Kirejtshuk, 2013 from Sichuan and M. (O.) simulator Audisio, Sabatelli & Jelínek, 2015 from Shaanxi and Gansu [M. (O.) luteomaculatus sp. n.]. The new species clearly differ from their closely related taxa by details of body shape and color, and the distinct shape of the male and/or female genitalia. The previously unknown male of the rare and localized M. (M.) elytralis Audisio, Sabatelli & Jelínek, 2015 from Sichuan is described for the first time, and new distributional data of other Chinese species of the genus are presented, including M. (M.) semenovi Kirejtshuk, 1979 from Hubei, M. (M.) macrofemoratus Liu, Yang, Huang, Jelínek & Audisio, 2016 from Hubei, M. (M.) auropilosus Liu,Yang, Huang, Jelínek & Audisio, 2016 from Hubei, M. (O.) flavicollis Reitter, 1873 from Chongqing, M. (O.) wagneri Rebmann, 1956 from Shaanxi, M. (O.) pectoralis Rebmann, 1956 from Guizhou, and M. (O.) pseudopectoralis Audisio, Sabatelli & Jelínek, 2015 from Sichuan. Meligethes (M.) cinereoargenteus is moved from the Meligethes nepalensis species group to the Meligethes auripilis species group. Additional data on geographic distribution and larval ecology of other species in the genus are also reported. An updated species checklist of the genus Meligethes is presented.
Surface Irradiances of Edition 4.0 Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Energy Balanced and Filled (EBAF) Data Product
Authors: Kato Seiji , Rose Fred G. , Rutan David A. , Thorsen Tyler J. , Loeb Norman G. , Doelling David R. , Huang Xianglei , Smith William L. , Su Wenying , Ham Seung-Hee
Published: March 2018

The algorithm to produce the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Edition 4.0 (Ed4) Energy Balanced and Filled (EBAF)-surface data product is explained. The algorithm forces computed top-of-atmosphere (TOA) irradiances to match with Ed4 EBAF-TOA irradiances by adjusting surface, cloud, and atmospheric properties. Surface irradiances are subsequently adjusted using radiative kernels. The adjustment process is composed of two parts: bias correction and Lagrange multiplier. The bias in temperature and specific humidity between 200 and 500 hPa used for the irradiance computation is corrected based on observations by Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). Similarly, the bias in the cloud fraction is corrected based on observations by Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) and CloudSat. Remaining errors in surface, cloud, and atmospheric properties are corrected in the Lagrange multiplier process. Ed4 global annual mean (January 2005 through December 2014) surface net shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) irradiances increase by 1.3 W m−2 and decrease by 0.2 W m−2, respectively, compared to EBAF Edition 2.8 (Ed2.8) counterparts (the previous version), resulting in an increase in net SW + LW surface irradiance of 1.1 W m−2. The uncertainty in surface irradiances over ocean, land, and polar regions at various spatial scales are estimated. The uncertainties in all-sky global annual mean upward and downward shortwave irradiance are 3 and 4 W m−2, respectively, and the uncertainties in upward and downward longwave irradiance are 3 and 6 W m−2, respectively. With an assumption of all errors being independent, the uncertainty in the global annual mean surface LW + SW net irradiance is 8 W m−2.
Diurnal Cycle of Surface Air Temperature within China in Current Reanalyses: Evaluation and Diagnostics
Authors: Du Jizeng , Wang Kaicun , Wang Jiankai , Jiang Shaojing , Zhou Chunlüe
Published: March 2018

Diurnal cycle of surface air temperature T is an important metric indicating the feedback of land–atmospheric interaction to global warming, whereas the ability of current reanalyses to reproduce its variation had not been assessed adequately. Here, we evaluate the daily maximum temperature Tmax, daily minimum temperature Tmin, and diurnal temperature range (DTR) in five reanalyses based on observations collected at 2253 weather stations over China. Our results show that the reanalyses reproduce Tmin very well; however, except for Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2), they substantially underestimate Tmax and DTR by 1.21°–6.84°C over China during the period of 1980–2014. MERRA-2 overestimates Tmax and DTR by 0.35° and 0.81°C, which are closest with observation. The reanalyses are skillful in reproducing the interannual variability of Tmax and Tmin but relatively poor for DTR. All reanalyses underestimate the warming trend of Tmin by 0.13°–0.17°C (10 yr)−1 throughout China during 1980–2014, and underestimate the warming trend of Tmax by 0.24°–0.40°C (10 yr)−1 in northwestern China while overestimating this quantity by 0.18°–0.33°C (10 yr)−1 in southeastern China. These trend biases in Tmax and Tmin introduce a positive trend bias in DTR of 0.01°–0.26°C (10 yr)−1 within China, especially in the north China plain and southeastern China. In the five reanalyses, owing to the sensitivity discrepancies and trend biases, the surface solar radiation Rs and precipitation frequency (PF) are notable deviation sources of the diurnal cycle of air temperature, which explain 31.0%–38.7% (31.9%–37.8%) and 9.8%–22.2% (7.4%–15.3%) of the trend bias in Tmax (DTR) over China, respectively.
Africanus Princeps? The Emperor Caracalla and the Question of His African Heritage
Authors: Imrie Alex
Published: March 2018

This article responds to a recent publication in the Journal of Black Studies regarding the emperor Caracalla, who ruled the Roman Empire between AD 211 and 217, following the murder of his younger brother, Geta. In addition to offering an exploration of his career, the recent essay attempts to investigate the importance of Caracalla’s African heritage to the historical portrait of him that survives into modernity, claiming that both ancient sources and modern scholars have downplayed the emperor’s origin and ancestry. Unfortunately, the publication is beset by factual errors that serve to undermine its case. This article addresses these shortcomings and attempts to explain the scholarly approach to Caracalla’s ethnicity, showing that there was some recognition of Caracalla’s African roots, even in antiquity. Furthermore, this article considers the question of modern Africa’s relationship with the emperor, noting the symbolism of the Severan family within Libya under the dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
The Effect of Housing Demolitions on Crime in Buffalo, New York
Authors: Wheeler Andrew P. , Kim Dae-Young , Phillips Scott W.
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

From 2010 through 2015, the city of Buffalo demolished over 2,000 residences. This study examines whether those demolitions resulted in crime reductions.

Methods:

Analysis was conducted at microplaces matching demolished parcels to comparable control parcels with similar levels of crime. In addition, spatial panel regression models were estimated at the census tract and quarterly level, taking into account demographic characteristics of neighborhoods.

Results:

We find that at the microplace level, demolitions cause a steep drop in reported crime at the exact parcel and result in additional crime decreases at buffers of up to 1,000 feet away. At the census tract level, results indicated that demolitions reduced part 1 crimes, but the effect was not statistically significant across different models.

Conclusions:

While concerns over crime and disorder are common for vacant houses, the evidence that housing demolitions are an effective crime reduction solution is only partially supported by the analyses here. Future research should compare demolitions in reference to other neighborhood revitalization processes.
Lethal fat embolism complicating Sotos syndrome
Authors: Gilbert John D , Byard Roger W
Published: March 2018

Sotos syndrome is a rare congenital syndrome caused by deletions or mutations in the NSD1 gene (chromosome 5q35) which results in overgrowth. A wide range of manifestations may result in unexpected and/or early death, including congenital cardiac malformations and tumours, epilepsy, intra-tumoural haemorrhage or embolism and bleeding diatheses. A case of lethal pulmonary fat embolism complicating revision of a left total hip replacement following spontaneous fracture is reported in a 39-year-old man with Sotos syndrome. This case demonstrates that orthopaedic problems later in life may be added to potential causes of premature death in this syndrome.
Perpetrating Violence Increases Identification With Violent Groups: Survey Evidence From Former Combatants
Authors: Littman Rebecca
Published: March 2018

Heightened group identification motivates individuals to perpetrate violence, but can perpetrating violence—in and of itself—increase identification with violent groups? I test this idea using archival surveys of ex-combatants. In Liberia, where many combatants joined their violent group willingly, the data show a positive association between perpetrating violence and identification with one’s violent group (Study 1). These results hold even when controlling for potentially confounding variables such as being abducted into the group versus joining willingly, length of time in the group, and personally experiencing violence. Study 2 replicates and extends this finding with data from ex-combatants in Uganda who were abducted into their group, using a natural experiment in which some abductees were forced to perpetrate violence whereas other abductees were not. These findings support a cycle of violence in which perpetrating violence increases identification with violent groups and heightened identification increases future violent behavior.
Parental Divorce, Social Capital, and Postbaccalaurate Educational Attainment Among Young Adults
Authors: Devor Camron S. , Stewart Susan D. , Dorius Cassandra
Published: March 2018

Educational attainment is lower among children with divorced parents than those with continuously married parents. Most research has focused on the educational outcomes of children and little research has examined the effect of parental divorce on educational attainment beyond a bachelor’s degree. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, we investigated how parental divorce affects young adult postbaccalaureate educational attainment, measured by graduate/professional school enrollment and attainment of a graduate/professional degree. We also examined the role of social capital, measured by parental educational expectations. Parental divorce was negatively associated with enrolling in a graduate/professional program and obtaining a degree. Parental educational expectations were positively related to children’s postbaccalaureate educational attainment, but the expectations of divorced and continuously married parents were similar and did not explain the negative effect of parental divorce. More work is needed to investigate explanations for lower postbaccalaureate educational attainment among children of divorce.
Occupational therapists' contributions to fostering older adults' social participation: A scoping review
Authors: Turcotte Pier-Luc , Carrier Annie , Roy Vanessa , Levasseur Mélanie
Published: March 2018

Introduction

To promote active and healthy ageing, it is important to foster social participation. Although well positioned to do so, few community occupational therapists intervene to address social participation, and no review of promising and current practices is available. This study synthesised knowledge on community occupational therapy practices fostering older adults' social participation.

Method

A scoping review involved searches in eight databases using 49 keywords. Studies were selected by two reviewers and content-analysed following PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Of the 32 selected studies, most involved descriptive ( n = 11; 34%), randomised controlled trial ( n = 9; 28%) or quasi-experimental ( n = 7; 22%) designs, and were conducted mainly in the USA ( n = 8; 25%), Canada ( n = 6; 19%) and Sweden ( n = 6; 19%). Twenty promising practices combined multi-component interventions ( n = 11; 55%), or involved group ( n = 5; 25%) or individual ( n = 4; 20%) sessions. Promising practices improved participation in social activities ( n = 13; 65%), social interactions ( n = 6; 30%), self-rated health ( n = 6; 30%) and quality of life ( n = 6; 30%), and reduced health-care costs ( n = 4; 20%). Facing organisational and systemic barriers, current practices rarely incorporated these possibilities.

Conclusion

Efforts to foster older adults' social participation appear to be cost-effective but need to be further incorporated into practice. Research should engage community stakeholders in implementing these possibilities.
Reasons for readmission to hospital after hip fracture: Implications for occupational therapy
Authors: Lockwood Kylee J , Harding Katherine E , Boyd Jude N , Taylor Nicholas F
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of readmission to hospital after hip fracture. The relationship between readmission to hospital and a range of social and functional variables, including receiving a home visit by an occupational therapist prior to discharge from hospital, was explored.

Method

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 154 patients returning to community living following hip fracture. Multivariate logistic regression identified variables associated with risk of readmission to hospital.

Results

One in three patients was readmitted to hospital within 12 months after discharge, with 7% readmitted within 30 days. The most common reason for readmission was another fall. A low level of mobility prior to hip fracture was the strongest independent predictor of risk of readmission to hospital. There was no association between receiving a pre-discharge home visit by an occupational therapist and risk of readmission to hospital.

Conclusion

Rates of readmission to hospital are high after hip fracture, and falls are the single most common reason for readmission. Interventions provided by occupational therapists, including home visits, should emphasise and incorporate evidence-based falls prevention strategies.