bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An application niche for finite mixture models in forest resource surveys
Authors: Magnussen Steen , Næsset Erik , Gobakken Terje
Published: August 2019

We propose design-based inference with finite mixture models (FMM) in settings where heterogeneity cannot be addressed by more conventional modelling. In FMM, a model is estimated for each of K latent model subgroups in a population under study. We evaluated the FMM approach with a difference estimator with K = 2 in 600 replications of simulated equal probability sampling from 12 artificial populations. An example with a forest population in southern Norway demonstrated a practical implementation. The artificial populations were composed of one, two, three, or four actual model subgroups generated from models that were either of the same form as the estimation model or different. We compare bias and variance in estimates of a population mean with standard results for K = 1. All estimates with K = 2 were nearly unbiased. Bias was largest when actual subgroups were clustered on y. Variances in sample means with K = 1 were 60% larger than with K = 2. An important reduction in variance with K = 2 was confirmed in the case study. A reliable estimate of variance requires a medium to large sample size.
Study of vehicle crashes into a rigid barrier
Authors: Kostek Robert , Aleksandrowicz Piotr
Published: August 2019

This study presents the results of both a computer simulation of a vehicle crash into a rigid barrier obtained with V-SIM4 software and an experimental crash test published by ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club). The results were obtained using the same initial conditions, which provides an opportunity to compare results and evaluate the reliability of simulation results. Observed errors and adopted models are discussed. The sensitivity of the post-impact motion to the overlap and engaged gear was studied, which is a result of non-linear phenomena occurring during the crashes. Expert witnesses (accident reconstructionists) often face such problems. Consequently, the important factor of any accident reconstruction is the knowledge of the expert and the identification of pre-impact conditions, which are uncertain. This study also addresses practical issues related to traffic collision reconstruction, employment of CCTV (closed-circuit television) in crash reconstruction, and directions in which software should be improved. The following results are useful for collision experts.
Cosmological and thermodynamics consequences of viscous modified theories of gravity
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Qummer Saba , Rani Shamaila , Younas M.
Published: August 2019

The illustration of cosmic acceleration is being presented in the framework of DGP braneworld and dynamical Chern–Simons modified gravity in the presence of casual Israel–Stewart formalism. In this way, we discuss the evolution parameter which leads to the accelerated expansion of the universe in the phantom as well as quintessence region for both gravities. The squared speed of sound [Formula: see text] leads to the stable behavior of the current physical system in both gravities in the later epoch. Also, the entropy variation, as well as thermal equilibrium condition, remains valid in both frameworks at the present and later epoch.
Construction of bright–dark solitons and ion-acoustic solitary wave solutions of dynamical system of nonlinear wave propagation
Authors: Iqbal Mujahid , Seadawy Aly R. , Lu Dianchen , Xia Xianwei
Published: August 2019

The nonlinear (2 + 1)-dimensional Zakharov–Kuznetsov (ZK) equations deal with the nonlinear behavior of waves in collision-less plasma, which contains non-isothermal cold ions and electrons. Two-dimensional dust acoustic solitary waves (DASWs) in magnetized plasma, which consist of trapped electrons and ions are leading to (2 + 1)-dim (ZK) equation by using the perturbation technique. We found the solitary wave solutions of (2 + 1)-dimensional (ZK)-equation, generalized (ZK)-equation and generalized form of modified (ZK)-equation by implementing the modified mathematical method. As a result, we obtained the bright–dark solitons, traveling wave and solitary wave solutions. The physical structure of obtained solutions is represented in 2D and 3D, graphically with the help of Mathematica.
Dynamics Analysis in a Gierer–Meinhardt Reaction–Diffusion Model with Homogeneous Neumann Boundary Condition
Authors: Yan Xiang-Ping , Ding Ya-Jun , Zhang Cun-Hua
Published: August 2019

A reaction–diffusion Gierer–Meinhardt system with homogeneous Neumann boundary condition on one-dimensional bounded spatial domain is considered in the present article. Local asymptotic stability, Turing instability and existence of Hopf bifurcation of the constant positive equilibrium are explored by analyzing in detail the associated eigenvalue problem. Moreover, properties of spatially homogeneous Hopf bifurcation are carried out by employing the normal form method and the center manifold technique for reaction–diffusion equations. Finally, numerical simulations are also provided in order to check the obtained theoretical conclusions.
Existence of Chaos in the Chen System with Linear Time-Delay Feedback
Authors: Tian Kun , Ren Hai-Peng , Grebogi Celso
Published: August 2019

It is mathematically challenging to analytically show that complex dynamical phenomena observed in simulations and experiments are truly chaotic. The Shil’nikov lemma provides a useful theoretical tool to prove the existence of chaos in three-dimensional smooth autonomous systems. It requires, however, the proof of existence of a homoclinic or heteroclinic orbit, which remains a very difficult technical problem if contigent on data. In this paper, for the Chen system with linear time-delay feedback, we demonstrate a homoclinic orbit by using a modified undetermined coefficient method and we propose a spiral involute projection method. In such a way, we identify experimentally the asymmetrical homoclinic orbit in order to apply the Shil’nikov-type lemma and to show that chaos is indeed generated in the Chen circuit with linear time-delay feedback. We also identify the presence of a single-scroll attractor in the Chen system with linear time-delay feedback in our experiments. We confirm that the Chen single-scroll attractor is hyperchaotic by numerically estimating the finite-time local Lyapunov exponent spectrum. By means of a linear scaling in the coordinates and the time, such a method can also be applied to the generalized Lorenz-like systems. The contribution of this work lies in: first, we treat the trajectories corresponding to the real eigenvalue and the image eigenvalues in different ways, which is compatible with the characteristics of the trajectory geometry; second, we propose a spiral involute projection method to exhibit the trajectory corresponding to the image eigenvalues; third, we verify the homoclinic orbit by experimental data.
Simple Chaotic Systems with Specific Analytical Solutions
Authors: Faghani Zahra , Nazarimehr Fahimeh , Jafari Sajad , Sprott Julien C.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a new structure of chaotic systems is proposed. There are many examples of differential equations with analytic solutions. Chaotic systems cannot be studied with the classical methods. However, in this paper we show that a system that has a simple analytical solution can also have a strange attractor. The main goal of this paper is to show examples of chaotic systems with a simple analytical solution that is unstable so that the chaotic orbit does not track it. We believe the structures presented here are new. Two categories of chaotic systems are described, and their dynamical properties are investigated. The proposed systems have analytic solutions that exist far from the equilibrium. Of course, all strange attractors are dense in unstable periodic orbits, but mostly the equations that describe these orbits are unknown and difficult to calculate. The analytical solutions provide examples where the orbits can be calculated despite their instability.
ECM-IBS: A Chebyshev Map-Based Broadcast Authentication for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Luo Yuling , Liu Yunqi , Liu Junxiu , Ouyang Xue , Cao Yi , Ding Xuemei
Published: August 2019

As a basic and crucial security requirement for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), authentication is generally used to prevent various communication attacks such as Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack. A novel broadcast authentication framework is proposed in this paper, where an Identity-Based Signature scheme by using the Extended Chaotic Maps (ECM-IBS) is designed to authenticate all broadcast messages and specifically, a chaos-based hash function is used for message authentication in the WSNs. It is implemented using a WSN hardware device of CC2530 and its performance is analyzed under various methods. Performance analysis and experimental results show that the proposed ECM-IBS scheme has a quick signature generation speed, low energy consumption and short verification delay, and can be applied to WSN applications.
Dynamic Behavioral Analysis of an HIV Model Incorporating Immune Responses
Authors: Luo Jianfeng , Zhao Yi
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we incorporate immune systems into an HIV model, which considers both logistic target-cell proliferation and viral cell-to-cell transmission. We study the dynamics of this model including the existence and stability of equilibria. Based on the existence of equilibria, we focus on the backward bifurcation and forward bifurcation. Considering the stability of equilibria, Hopf bifurcation is discussed by identifying the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] as bifurcation parameter. The direction and stability of Hopf bifurcation are investigated by computing the first Lyapunov exponent. Specially, the effects of immune response on the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] and viral dynamics are addressed by deriving the sensitivity analysis. As a result, we find that the removal rate of infected cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), [Formula: see text], is the predominant factor of [Formula: see text]. However, we conclude from numerical results that it is unfeasible to decrease [Formula: see text] by increasing the value of [Formula: see text] constantly. Numerical simulation is also presented to demonstrate the applicability of the theoretical predictions. These dynamics are investigated by the proposed model to point out the importance and complexity of immune responses in fighting HIV replication.
Chaotic Binary Sensing Matrices
Authors: Gan Hongping , Xiao Song , Liu Feng
Published: August 2019

As an emerging field for sampling paradigms, compressive sensing (CS) can sample and represent signals at a sub-Shannon–Nyquist rate. To realize CS from theory to practice, the random sensing matrices must be substituted by faster measurement operators that correspond to feasible hardware architectures. In recent years, binary matrices have attracted much research interest because of their multiplier-less and faster data acquisition. In this work, we aim to pinpoint the potential of chaotic binary sequences for constructing high-efficiency sensing implementations. In particular, the proposed chaotic binary sensing matrices are verified to meet near-optimal theoretical guarantees in terms of both the restricted isometry condition and coherence analysis. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed chaotic constructions have considerable sampling efficiency comparable to that of the random counterparts. Our framework encompasses many families of binary sensing architectures, including those formed from Logistic, Chebyshev, and Bernoulli binary chaotic sequences. With many chaotic binary sensing architectures, we can then more easily apply CS paradigm to various fields.
A Pseudorandom Number Generator Based on a 4D Piecewise Logistic Map with Coupled Parameters
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Zhiqiang , Wang Guodong , Liu Dong
Published: August 2019

The piecewise logistic map (PLM) is an improved version of logistic map, which is specifically designed for cryptographic application. However, the probability density distribution of PLM is not uniform. To overcome this shortage, a parameter-coupled piecewise logistic map (PCPLM) is presented. Using the PCPLM as a basic unit, we construct a four-dimensional chaotic model, which has even probability density distribution. The four-dimensional chaotic model based on PCPLMs also has a parallel structure, which is beneficial to enhancing the running efficiency. Finally, a novel pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) is presented based on this four-dimensional chaotic model. The security analysis and simulation tests on the proposed PRNG are performed. The results both confirm that the proposed PRNG is secure and efficient. Therefore, it can be used as a candidate for data security.
Sensitivity and Transitivity of Systems Satisfying the Large Deviations Theorem in a Sequence
Authors: Li Risong , Lu Tianxiu , Waseem Anwar
Published: August 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a continuous selfmap of a nontrivial compact metric space [Formula: see text]. This paper derives the large deviations theorem in a sequence. It is shown that if [Formula: see text] satisfies the large deviations theorem in a sequence then it is an E-system which implies that [Formula: see text] is syndetically transitive, and that if the pair [Formula: see text] satisfies the large deviations theorem in a sequence and [Formula: see text] is an infinite space, then [Formula: see text] is syndetically sensitive, which implies that [Formula: see text] is ergodically sensitive. Moreover, it is proved that if the pair [Formula: see text] satisfies the large deviations theorem in a syndetic sequence, then [Formula: see text] is an ergodic measure with supp[Formula: see text]. Our main results extend and improve the corresponding results in the literature.
Coexistence of Two-Dimensional Attractors in Border Collision Normal Form
Authors: Wong Chi Hong , Yang Xue
Published: August 2019

The two-dimensional border collision normal form is considered. It is known that multiple attractors can exist in this piecewise smooth system. We show that in appropriate parameter regions there can be a robust transition from a stable fixed point to multiple coexisting attractors with toological dimensions equal to two.
Sharp Block–Sharkovsky Type Theorem for Multivalued Maps on the Circle and Its Application to Differential Equations and Inclusions
Authors: Andres Jan , Pastor Karel
Published: August 2019

This is a final part of the series of our papers devoted to a multivalued version of the (Sharkovsky type) Block cycle coexistence theorem. It improves our last general result in the sense that its part related to the usual ordering of positive integers becomes a full analogy of the standard single-valued case, while the alternative part related to the Sharkovsky ordering of positive integers is an analogy of the multivalued case for interval maps, provided there exists a fixed point. That is why we call the obtained theorem here as “sharp”. This theorem is still applied via the associated Poincaré translation operators to differential equations and inclusions on the circle. All the deterministic results are also randomized in an advantageous way.
Bifurcations and Exact Solutions of Generalized Two-Component Peakon Type Dual Systems
Authors: Liang Jianli , Li Jibin , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates two generalized two-component peakon type dual systems, which can be reduced to the same planar dynamical systems via the dynamical system approach and the theory of singular traveling wave systems, where one of them contains the two-component Camassa–Holm system. By bifurcation analysis on the corresponding traveling wave system, we obtain the phase portraits and derive possible exact traveling wave solutions that include solitary wave solution, peakon and anti-peakon, pseudo-peakon, periodic peakon, compacton and periodic wave solution. Our results are also applicable to the two-component Camassa–Holm equation.
Evolution, Microbes, and Changing Ocean Conditions
Authors: Collins Sinéad , Boyd Philip W. , Doblin Martina A.
Published: August 2019

Experimental evolution and the associated theory are underutilized in marine microbial studies; the two fields have developed largely in isolation. Here, we review evolutionary tools for addressing four key areas of ocean global change biology: linking plastic and evolutionary trait changes, the contribution of environmental variability to determining trait values, the role of multiple environmental drivers in trait change, and the fate of populations near their tolerance limits. Wherever possible, we highlight which data from marine studies could use evolutionary approaches and where marine model systems can advance our understanding of evolution. Finally, we discuss the emerging field of marine microbial experimental evolution. We propose a framework linking changes in environmental quality (defined as the cumulative effect on population growth rate) with population traits affecting evolutionary potential, in order to understand which evolutionary processes are likely to be most important across a range of locations for different types of marine microbes.
Ocean Acidification and Coastal Marine Invertebrates: Tracking CO2Effects from Seawater to the Cell
Authors: Melzner Frank , Mark Felix C. , Seibel Brad A. , Tomanek Lars
Published: August 2019

In the last few decades, numerous studies have investigated the impacts of simulated ocean acidification on marine species and communities, particularly those inhabiting dynamic coastal systems. Despite these research efforts, there are many gaps in our understanding, particularly with respect to physiological mechanisms that lead to pathologies. In this review, we trace how carbonate system disturbances propagate from the coastal environment into marine invertebrates and highlight mechanistic links between these disturbances and organism function. We also point toward several processes related to basic invertebrate biology that are severely understudied and prevent an accurate understanding of how carbonate system dynamics influence organismic homeostasis and fitness-related traits. We recommend that significant research effort be directed to studying cellular phenotypes of invertebrates acclimated or adapted to elevated seawater pCO2using biochemical and physiological methods.
Glacial–Interglacial Precipitation Changes
Authors: McGee David
Published: August 2019

Glacial–interglacial cycles have constituted a primary mode of climate variability over the last 2.6 million years of Earth's history. While glacial periods cannot be seen simply as a reverse analogue of future warming, they offer an opportunity to test our understanding of the response of precipitation patterns to a much wider range of conditions than we have been able to directly observe. This review explores key features of precipitation patterns associated with glacial climates, which include drying in large regions of the tropics and wetter conditions in substantial parts of the subtropics and midlatitudes. I describe the evidence for these changes and examine the potential causes of hydrological changes during glacial periods. Central themes that emerge include the importance of atmospheric circulation changes in determining glacial–interglacial precipitation changes at the regional scale, the need to take into account climatic factors beyond local precipitation amount when interpreting proxy data, and the role of glacial conditions in suppressing the strength of Northern Hemisphere monsoon systems.
Fecal DNA Testing for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Carethers John M.
Published: August 2019

Fecal (or stool) DNA examination is a noninvasive strategy recommended by several medical professional societies for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in average-risk individuals. Fecal DNA tests assay stool for human DNA shed principally from the colon. Colonic lesions such as adenomatous and serrated polyps and cancers exfoliate cells containing neoplastically altered DNA that may be detected by sensitive assays that target specific genetic and epigenetic biomarkers to discriminate neoplastic lesions from non-neoplastic tissue. Cross-sectional validation studies confirmed initial case-control studies’ assessment of performance of an optimized multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test, leading to approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2014. Compared to colonoscopy, mt-sDNA showed sensitivity of 92% for detection of CRC, much higher than the 74% sensitivity of another recommended noninvasive strategy, fecal immunochemical testing (FIT). Detections of advanced adenomas and sessile serrated polyps were higher with mt-sDNA than FIT (42% versus 24% and 42% versus 5%, respectively), but overall specificity for all lesions was lower (87% versus 95%). The mt-sDNA test increases patient life-years gained in CRC screening simulations, but its cost relative to other screening strategies needs to be reduced by 80–90% or its sensitivity for polyp detection enhanced to be cost effective. Noninvasive CRC screening strategies such as fecal DNA, however, have the potential to significantly increase national screening rates due to their noninvasive nature and convenience for patients.
Emphysematous Aortitis due to Clostridium septicum in an 89-Year-Old Female with Ileus
Authors: Urgiles Susana , Matos-Casano Harold , Win Kyaw Zin , Berardo Jeronimo , Bhatt Utpal , Shah Jilan
Published: August 2019

Emphysematous aortitis is a rare but lethal form of infectious vasculitis. This condition was found incidentally on computed tomography of the chest during the evaluation of a patient presenting with pneumonia coincident with adynamic ileus. The patient did not have a history of malignancy. While colon cancer could not be ruled out, it is possible that ileus may have contributed to or resulted in bacterial translocation in this case. Appropriate investigations and empirical therapy against Clostridium septicum should be initiated in the presence of clinical and radiological findings suggestive of emphysematous aortitis.
Invasive Aspergillosis in a Patient with Stage III (or 3a or 3b) Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Durvalumab
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Tun Aung , Ticona Katy , Baqui Aam , Guevara Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

Durvalumab is a therapeutic monoclonal antibody that blocks the checkpoint inhibitor, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), resulting in T-cell activation and an antitumor response. Durvalumab is approved for patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which has not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiotherapy. A 63-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 15-day history of increasing shortness of breath. Several months previously, he had been diagnosed with a poorly differentiated stage IIIB NSCLC. He had completed six cycles of chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin and four cycles of immunotherapy with durvalumab 13 days before his emergency hospital admission. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed a large left-sided loculated hydropneumothorax suggestive of empyema, patchy opacification of the left lung, and a left upper lobe lung mass. Histology of the cell block from the pleural fluid and decorticated lung tissue showed hyphae suggestive of invasive Aspergillus fumigatus. Treatment with voriconazole resulted in clinical improvement. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pleural aspergillosis in a patient treated with durvalumab. However, the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in oncology requires increased awareness by clinicians of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to opportunistic infection.
Optimization of LED Lighting for Clinical Settings
Authors: Soltic Snjezana , Chalmers Andrew
Published: August 2019

The advent of the LED light source has promoted the concept of human-centric lighting (HCL). The LED has also been responsible for increases in the electrical efficiency of lighting systems, coupled with recent improvements in their colour properties. We have found that it is also possible to create a lit environment with enhanced clinical attributes by providing a source spectrum that meets the requirements of the Cyanosis Observation Index (COI). This paper describes the use of a differential evolution (DE) algorithm for the spectral design of a mixed LED light source capable of meeting COI recommendations as well as HCL performance criteria.
“Gut Microbiota-Circadian Clock Axis” in Deciphering the Mechanism Linking Early-Life Nutritional Environment and Abnormal Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Zhou Liyuan , Kang Lin , Xiao Xinhua , Jia Lijing , Zhang Qian , Deng Mingqun
Published: August 2019

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasing dramatically worldwide, but the pathogenesis is still unknown. A growing amount of evidence suggests that an abnormal developmental environment in early life increases the risk of developing metabolic diseases in adult life, which is referred to as the “metabolic memory” and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. The mechanism of “metabolic memory” has become a hot topic in the field of DM worldwide and could be a key to understanding the pathogenesis of DM. In recent years, several large cohort studies have shown that shift workers have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and worse control of blood glucose levels. Furthermore, a maternal high-fat diet could lead to metabolic disorders and abnormal expression of clock genes and clock-controlled genes in offspring. Thus, disorders of circadian rhythm might play a pivotal role in glucose metabolic disturbances, especially in terms of early adverse nutritional environments and the development of metabolic diseases in later life. In addition, as a peripheral clock, the gut microbiota has its own circadian rhythm that fluctuates with periodic feeding and has been widely recognized for its significant role in metabolism. In light of the important roles of the gut microbiota and circadian clock in metabolic health and their interconnected regulatory relationship, we propose that the “gut microbiota-circadian clock axis” might be a novel and crucial mechanism to decipher “metabolic memory.” The “gut microbiota-circadian clock axis” is expected to facilitate the future development of a novel target for the prevention and intervention of diabetes during the early stage of life.
A Correction Method for the Underwater Shock Signals of Floating Shock Platforms Based on a Combination of FFT and Low‐Frequency Oscillator
Authors: Wang Peng , Yan Ming , Zhang Lei , Zhang Mingyuan
Published: August 2019

Accurate shock loading is required for evaluating and analyzing the shock resistance of warship equipment. However, measured shock acceleration signals contain trend term errors, which cause serious low‐frequency distortion of the shock response spectrum (SRS). We propose a combination method of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and low‐frequency oscillator for correcting the underwater shock signals. Based on the equal displacement line fitted by the measured displacement response data, the Fourier transform spectrum of the shock acceleration signal is corrected for eliminating low‐frequency errors. The results of underwater explosion tests on a floating platform indicate that the average difference between the equal displacement line and SRS in the low‐frequency band (4∼20 Hz) can be reduced from 14.7% to 3.5%, and the mid‐high‐frequency band without the trend term is nearly unaffected. The corrected SRS can faithfully reflect the actual shock environment of the warship equipment at a specific installation location of the floating shock platform.
Effects of Aging on the Tensile Properties of Polyethylene Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Slag-Based Composite
Authors: Choi Jeong-Il , Park Se-Eon , Kang Su-Tae , Lee Bang Yeon
Published: August 2019

Information on the effect of age on the tensile behavior of fiber-reinforced alkali-activated slag-based composite is fairly limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the effect of age on the compressive strength and tensile properties of the fiber-reinforced alkali-activated slag-based composite. A binder including slag and alkali activators, chemical admixtures, and a reinforcing fiber were selected, and the mixture proportion was determined to make a fiber-reinforced alkali-activated slag-based composite with high ductility. Compressive strength and tensile strength tests were performed, and values were measured at 3, 5, 7, 14, 28, and 90 days. Test results showed that the compressive strength increased as the age increased. Although the first-cracking strength increased like the compressive strength, the increases of tensile strength and tensile strain capacity were not significant compared with those of compressive strength and first-cracking strength.
Optimal Pricing Strategies in a Product and Service Supply Chain with Extended Warranty Service Competition considering Retailer Fairness Concern
Authors: Zhao Du , Zhang Xumei , Ren Tinghai , Fu Hongyong
Published: August 2019

This paper examines optimal pricing in a two‐tier product and service supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer in the context of vertical competition in extended warranty in two cases: one considering the retailer’s fairness concerns and one without considering the retailer’s fairness concerns. A manufacturer‐dominated product and service supply chain game‐theoretic model on the Stackelberg model is developed to analyse how the level of vertical competition in extended warranty service and the intensity of a retailer’s fairness concerns influence the optimal pricing of products and extended warranties for the manufacturer and retailer. This study finds the following: (i) Two parties of the supply chain employ differential pricing strategies for extended warranties when the retailer has fairness concerns. (ii) Compared to the same pricing strategies for extended warranty service when the retailer has no fairness concerns, the increase of competition intensity of vertical extended warranty service will enlarge the price difference of extended warranty service. Meanwhile, it is the intensity of fairness concerns that determines the influences of retailer’s fairness concerns on the price difference of extended warranties. (iii) If no fairness concerns are raised, an increase in the level of vertical competition in extended warranty service would benefit both supply chain parties, rather than hurting their profit. If the retailer is fair‐minded, its fairness utility increases when the intensity of the fairness concerns rises in a reasonable range and decreases when the intensity exceeds the reasonable range, but for the manufacturer, its profits will be damaged as long as the retailer raises fairness concerns.
Analysis of Criteria for Assessing Safety Distance for Focused Warhead Fragments Based on CDEM
Authors: Bai Chunhua , Wang Haozhe , Feng Chun
Published: August 2019

This study uses the continuum‐based discrete element method (CDEM) to build a new model for warhead safety distance, simulating the fragment fields over space and time for tungsten alloy and steel fragment focused warheads to derive respective safety distances for personnel. Regarding the effects of different warhead attitudes and fragment effectiveness definitions, it is found that, for single‐shot focused warheads, the fragmentation risk is significantly higher for horizontal placement than for vertical placement; the fragment safety distance inneed increases nonlinearly as the threshold energy decreases. Meanwhile, the safety distance is less affected by the threshold energy for high‐density‐casing charges than for low density.
Existence and Multiplicity of Solutions for Sublinear Schrödinger Equations with Coercive Potentials
Authors: Wu Dong-Lun
Published: August 2019

In this study, we consider the following sublinear Schrödinger equations where f(x, u) satisfies some sublinear growth conditions with respect to u and is not required to be integrable with respect to x. Moreover, V is assumed to be coercive to guarantee the compactness of the embedding from working space to Lp(ℝN) for all p ∈ [1, 2∗). We show that the abovementioned problem admits at least one solution by using the linking theorem, and there are infinitely many solutions when f(x, u) is odd in u by using the variant fountain theorem.
Douching, Talc Use, and Risk for Ovarian Cancer and Conditions Related to Genital Tract Inflammation
Authors: Gabriel Iwona M. , Vitonis Allison F. , Welch William R. , Titus Linda , Cramer Daniel W.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Douching is associated with disorders involving genital tract inflammation and genital talc use with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but their joint effects are infrequently considered.

Methods:

From 2,040 cases of EOC and 2,100 controls enrolled in eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire, we used unconditional logistic regression to estimate risk for EOC associated with douching and/or talc use. In subsets of cases and controls, we also collected information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and cervical neoplasia to estimate risk for these events from douching and/or talc use.

Results:

The adjusted OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for all EOC was 0.94 (0.76–1.16) in women who douched but never used talc and 1.28 (1.09–1.51) in women who used talc but never douched. Compared with women who never regularly douched or used talc, ORs (95% CIs) were 0.83 (0.52–1.33) for women who both used talc and homemade douches and 1.53 (1.11–2.10) for women who both used talc and store-bought douches. Cases who both douched and used talc were more likely to have had PID compared with cases who had used neither [OR = 5.03 (95% CI, 1.61–15.7)].

Conclusions:

Douching is not an independent risk factor for ovarian cancer, but the combination of talc use and store-bought douches may modestly increase the risk for EOC beyond that for talc use alone.

Impact:

The joint effect of talc use and douching, especially with commercial products, should be considered in evaluating risks associated with disorders involving genital tract inflammation or EOC.
Localized Treatment with Oncolytic Adenovirus Delta-24-RGDOX Induces Systemic Immunity against Disseminated Subcutaneous and Intracranial Melanomas
Authors: Jiang Hong , Shin Dong Ho , Nguyen Teresa T. , Fueyo Juan , Fan Xuejun , Henry Verlene , Carrillo Caroline C. , Yi Yanhua , Alonso Marta M. , Collier Tiara L. , Yuan Ying , Lang Frederick F. , Gomez-Manzano Candelaria
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Intratumoral injection of oncolytic adenovirus Delta-24-RGDOX induces efficacious antiglioma immunity in syngeneic glioma mouse models. We hypothesized that localized treatment with the virus is effective against disseminated melanomas.

Experimental Design:

We tested the therapeutic effect of injecting Delta-24-RGDOX into primary subcutaneous (s.c.) B16-Red-FLuc tumors in s.c./s.c. and s.c./intracranial (i.c.) melanoma models in C57BL/6 mice. Tumor growth and in vivo luciferase-expressing ovalbumin-specific (OT-I/Luc) T cells were monitored with bioluminescence imaging. Cells were profiled for surface markers with flow cytometry.

Results:

In both s.c./s.c. and s.c./i.c. models, 3 injections of Delta-24-RGDOX significantly inhibited the growth of both the virus-injected s.c. tumor and untreated distant s.c. and i.c. tumors, thereby prolonging survival. The surviving mice were protected from rechallenging with the same tumor cells. The virus treatment increased the presence of T cells and the frequency of effector T cells in the virus-injected tumor and mediated the same changes in T cells from peripheral blood, spleen, and brain hemispheres with untreated tumor. Moreover, Delta-24-RGDOX decreased the numbers of exhausted T cells and regulatory T cells in the virus-injected and untreated tumors. Consequently, the virus promoted the in situ expansion of tumor-specific T cells and their migration to tumors expressing the target antigen.

Conclusions:

Localized intratumoral injection of Delta-24-RGDOX induces an in situ antovaccination of the treated melanoma, the effect of which changes the immune landscape of the treated mice, resulting in systemic immunity against disseminated s.c. and i.c. tumors.
Sorafenib Population Pharmacokinetics and Skin Toxicities in Children and Adolescents with Refractory/Relapsed Leukemia or Solid Tumor Malignancies
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Panetta John C. , Pounds Stanley B. , Wang Lei , Li Lie , Navid Fariba , Federico Sara M. , Eisenmann Eric D. , Vasilyeva Aksana , Wang Yong-Dong , Shurtleff Sheila , Pui Ching-Hon , Gruber Tanja A. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Baker Sharyn D.
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

To determine the pharmacokinetics and skin toxicity profile of sorafenib in children with refractory/relapsed malignancies.

Patients and Methods:

Sorafenib was administered concurrently or sequentially with clofarabine and cytarabine to patients with leukemia or with bevacizumab and cyclophosphamide to patients with solid tumor malignancies. The population pharmacokinetics (PPK) of sorafenib and its metabolites and skin toxicities were evaluated.

Results:

In PPK analysis, older age, bevacizumab and cyclophosphamide regimen, and higher creatinine were associated with decreased sorafenib apparent clearance (CL/f; P < 0.0001 for all), and concurrent clofarabine and cytarabine administration was associated with decreased sorafenib N-oxide CL/f (P = 7e−4). Higher bilirubin was associated with decreased sorafenib N-oxide and glucuronide CL/f (P = 1e−4). Concurrent use of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 inhibitors was associated with increased sorafenib and decreased sorafenib glucuronide CL/f (P < 0.003). In exposure–toxicity analysis, a shorter time to development of grade 2–3 hand–foot skin reaction (HFSR) was associated with concurrent (P = 0.0015) but not with sequential (P = 0.59) clofarabine and cytarabine administration, compared with bevacizumab and cyclophosphamide, and with higher steady-state concentrations of sorafenib (P = 0.0004) and sorafenib N-oxide (P = 0.0275). In the Bayes information criterion model selection, concurrent clofarabine and cytarabine administration, higher sorafenib steady-state concentrations, larger body surface area, and previous occurrence of rash appeared in the four best two-predictor models of HFSR. Pharmacokinetic simulations showed that once-daily and every-other-day sorafenib schedules would minimize exposure to sorafenib steady-state concentrations associated with HFSR.

Conclusions:

Sorafenib skin toxicities can be affected by concurrent medications and sorafenib steady-state concentrations. The described PPK model can be used to refine exposure–response relations for alternative dosing strategies to minimize skin toxicity.
The Effect of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogue on Final Adult Height in Children with Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Khawaja Nahla , Owaineh Hala , Batieha Anwar , Frahid Oraib , EL-Khateeb Mohammed , Ajlouni Kamel M.
Published: August 2019

Objective: To assess final adult height (FAH) in children with short stature treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa). Methods: All patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS) with normally timed puberty and a Tanner stage between 2 and 3, who achieved their FAH between 2005 and 2015, were included in this clinical historical cohort study. Height gain, FAH, and mid-parental height of 28 children with ISS who received GnRHa treatment for 1.8 ± 1.0 years to delay their puberty were compared to 31 untreated children. Results: The FAHs of the treated and the untreated girls were 151.3 ± 5.1 and 146.8 ± 3.8 cm (p = 0.01), respectively. The FAHs of the treated and the untreated boys were 156.4 ± 4.7 and 152.3 ± 5.7 cm (p = 0.111), respectively. The height gain in the treated and the untreated girls was 1.6 ± 7.8 and –3.6 ± 5.7 cm (p = 0.036), respectively. Height gain in the treated and the untreated boys was –5.1 ± 13.6 and –11.5 ± 8.4 cm (p = 0.171), respectively. Conclusion: GnRHa therapy has a modest effect in improving FAH in adolescent females with ISS but not in boys.
Restoration of Height after 11 Years of Letrozole Treatment in 11β-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Atay Zeynep , Turan Serap , Buğdaycı Onur , Guran Tulay , Bereket Abdullah
Published: August 2019

11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD) is the second most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Males with 11β-OHD CAH are often diagnosed late with a significantly advanced bone age leading to a poor height prognosis due to early closure of epiphysis. Delaying epiphyseal fusion by treatment of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) might be a useful strategy in patients with very advanced bone ages. However, there are limited data regarding the effect on final height and long-term safety of this approach. We report our experience with 11 years of letrozole treatment and 17 years of follow-up in a boy with 11β-OHD. He presented at 2 years and 11 months of age with a bone age of 13 years (predicted adult height, PAH, 129.5 cm). Letrozole was added after 1 year of glucocorticoid treatment due to no improvement in height prognosis (130 cm), and continued until the age of 14 years and 11 months. He also received GnRH analog treatment at 10 years and 3 months of age for 2.5 years due to central activation of puberty. He reached a final height of 165.2 cm (35.2 cm above his PAH). This long-term treatment with letrozole was associated with changes in vertebral morphology such as vertebral body end-plate changes, Schmorl nodes, and mild protrusions in the intervertebral discs. Testicular volumes, gonadotropins, testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone were normal at age 20 years. A spermiogram showed a normal count but impaired sperm motility and morphology. This unique case represents the longest duration of AI treatment reported in CAH and the first case in which letrozole was started before puberty with the final height reported. We conclude that AIs may restore height in selected patients with CAH with very advanced bone age and severely compromised height prognosis.
Life-Threatening Extreme Methemoglobinemia during Standard Dose Nitric Oxide Therapy
Authors: Centorrino Roberta , Shankar-Aguilera Shivani , Foligno Silvia , De Luca Daniele
Published: August 2019

We report the first case of life-threatening extreme neonatal-acquired methemoglobinemia that occurred during inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) at the standard 20 ppm dose in a neonate with early onset sepsis and suprasystemic pulmonary hypertension. Life-threatening methemoglobinemia has been efficaciously treated with methylene blue and ascorbic acid, while stopping iNO and starting iloprost and sildenafil. The patient was subjected to various tests (including gene sequencing and hemoglobin electrophoresis) and did not have any known genetic cause or predisposition for methemoglobinemia. Neuroimaging and the 2-year clinical follow-up were completely normal.
Bridging the Gaps in Personalized Medicine Value Assessment: A Review of the Need for Outcome Metrics across Stakeholders and Scientific Disciplines
Authors: Bush William S. , Cooke Bailey Jessica N. , Beno Mark F. , Crawford Dana C.
Published: August 2019

Despite monumental advances in genomics, relatively few health care provider organizations in the United States offer personalized or precision medicine as part of the routine clinical workflow. The gaps between research and applied genomic medicine may be a result of a cultural gap across various stakeholders representing scientists, clinicians, patients, policy makers, and third party payers. Scientists are trained to assess the health care value of genomics by either quantifying population-scale effects, or through the narrow lens of clinical trials where the standard of care is compared with the predictive power of a single or handful of genetic variants. While these metrics are an essential first step in assessing and documenting the clinical utility of genomics, they are rarely followed up with other assessments of health care value that are critical to stakeholders who use different measures to define value. The limited value assessment in both the research and implementation science of precision medicine is likely due to necessary logistical constraints of these teams; engaging bioethicists, health care economists, and individual patient belief systems is incredibly daunting for geneticists and informaticians conducting research. In this narrative review, we concisely describe several definitions of value through various stakeholder viewpoints. We highlight the existing gaps that prevent clinical translation of scientific findings generally as well as more specifically using two present-day, extreme scenarios: (1) genetically guided warfarin dosing representing a handful of genetic markers and more than 10 years of basic and translational research, and (2) next-generation sequencing representing genome-dense data lacking substantial evidence for implementation. These contemporary scenarios highlight the need for various stakeholders to broadly adopt frameworks designed to define and collect multiple value measures across different disciplines to ultimately impact more universal acceptance of and reimbursement for genomic medicine.
Documentário O Processo
Authors: Oliveira Luiz Ademir de , Santos Déborah Luísa Vieira dos , Carvalho Willian José de
Published: August 2019

Os meios de comunicação participam da construção da realidade, da cultura de uma sociedade e moldam visões de mundo. O desenvolvimento do campo midiático faz com que ele se torne central para os demais, alterando sua a lógica e funcionamento, o que não é diferente para o campo político. Os produtos midiáticos podem contribuir para a disseminação de visões hegemônicas ou oferecer outras formas de se ver o mundo, por meio de representações contra hegemônicas. Nesse sentido, este artigo traz uma análise de conteúdo do documentário O processo que retrata todo o processo de impeachment sofrido pela presidenta Dilma Rousseff (do Partido dos Trabalhadores – PT) em 2016, trazendo os bastidores e as discussões que permeavam os discursos dos agentes que encabeçaram a defesa e a acusação no processo contra a presidenta.
Subjetividade
Authors: Moraes Fabiana
Published: August 2019

O jornalismo foi criado, desenvolvido e reproduzido em uma sociedade desigual, marcada por questões como o racismo, o classismo e o machismo. Dessa maneira, historicamente, contribuiu frequentemente para a reprodução desses fenômenos. Porém, usando o manto da objetividade, neutralidade e isenção, esse campo do conhecimento se notabilizou como lugar da verdade, da mediação confiável. Neste artigo, discutimos como esse manto, agora esgarçado, não dá conta de uma série de questões que receberam mais visibilidade nos últimos anos e tornaram possível revelar alguns dos limites dessa falsa objetividade jornalística. Propomos explorar o que chamamos de jornalismo de subjetividade como um instrumento que subverte critérios da noticiabilidade, amplia espaço para novas (ou sufocadas) representações e que pode se assumir ativista sem que haja uma recusa da apuração profunda e da checagem de dados. Entendemos, assim, a subjetividade como caminho para um jornalismo mais íntegro e integral.
Da tensão ao sublime
Authors: Coração Cláudio Rodrigues , Souza Francielle De
Published: August 2019

Este trabalho busca apreender o espírito da canção “Mulher do fim do mundo” e seu vínculo com a renovação estética das imagens de artistas negras na música popular brasileira. A hipótese é de que a canção interpretada por Elza Soares alimenta – e é alimentada por – um movimento que busca substituir estigmas sociais construídos desde a escravidão por imagens que, de fato, representem a diversidade de identidades que podem ser assumidas por essas mulheres. Essa potência transformadora, anunciada pela canção em análise, aponta três manifestações estéticas que extrapolam o universo da canção popular e ensejam mudanças na maneira como as minorias são encaradas no espaço público brasileiro, a saber, a reivindicação do gesto da altivez, a crítica à potência de morte e a reflexão subjetiva do horror.