Complementary Frequency-Varying Awareness Network for Open-Set Fine-Grained Image Recognition

Open-set image recognition is a challenging topic in computer vision. Most of the existing works in literature focus on learning more discriminative features from the input images, however, they are usually insensitive to the high- or low-frequency components in features, resulting in a decreasing performance on fine-grained image recognition. To address this problem, we propose a Complementary Frequency-varying Awareness Network that could better capture both high-frequency and low-frequency information, called CFAN. The proposed CFAN consists of three sequential modules: (i) a feature extraction module is introduced for learning preliminary features from the input images; (ii) a frequency-varying filtering module is designed to separate out both high- and low-frequency components from the preliminary features in the frequency domain via a frequency-adjustable filter; (iii) a complementary temporal aggregation module is designed for aggregating the high- and low-frequency components via two Long Short-Term Memory networks into discriminative features. Based on CFAN, we further propose an open-set fine-grained image recognition method, called CFAN-OSFGR, which learns image features via CFAN and classifies them via a linear classifier. Experimental results on 3 fine-grained datasets and 2 coarse-grained datasets demonstrate that CFAN-OSFGR performs significantly better than 9 state-of-the-art methods in most cases

Recursive Counterfactual Deconfounding for Object Recognition

Image recognition is a classic and common task in the computer vision field, which has been widely applied in the past decade. Most existing methods in literature aim to learn discriminative features from labeled images for classification, however, they generally neglect confounders that infiltrate into the learned features, resulting in low performances for discriminating test images. To address this problem, we propose a Recursive Counterfactual Deconfounding model for object recognition in both closed-set and open-set scenarios based on counterfactual analysis, called RCD. The proposed model consists of a factual graph and a counterfactual graph, where the relationships among image features, model predictions, and confounders are built and updated recursively for learning more discriminative features. It performs in a recursive manner so that subtler counterfactual features could be learned and eliminated progressively, and both the discriminability and generalization of the proposed model could be improved accordingly. In addition, a negative correlation constraint is designed for alleviating the negative effects of the counterfactual features further at the model training stage. Extensive experimental results on both closed-set recognition task and open-set recognition task demonstrate that the proposed RCD model performs better than 11 state-of-the-art baselines significantly in most cases

Spatial-Temporal Attention Network for Open-Set Fine-Grained Image Recognition

Triggered by the success of transformers in various visual tasks, the spatial self-attention mechanism has recently attracted more and more attention in the computer vision community. However, we empirically found that a typical vision transformer with the spatial self-attention mechanism could not learn accurate attention maps for distinguishing different categories of fine-grained images. To address this problem, motivated by the temporal attention mechanism in brains, we propose a spatial-temporal attention network for learning fine-grained feature representations, called STAN, where the features learnt by implementing a sequence of spatial self-attention operations corresponding to multiple moments are aggregated progressively. The proposed STAN consists of four modules: a self-attention backbone module for learning a sequence of features with self-attention operations, a spatial feature self-organizing module for facilitating the model training, a spatial-temporal feature learning module for aggregating the re-organized features via a Long Short-Term Memory network, and a context-aware module that is implemented as the forget block of the spatial-temporal feature learning module for preserving/forgetting the long-term memory by utilizing contextual information. Then, we propose a STAN-based method for open-set fine-grained recognition by integrating the proposed STAN network with a linear classifier, called STAN-OSFGR. Extensive experimental results on 3 fine-grained datasets and 2 coarse-grained datasets demonstrate that the proposed STAN-OSFGR outperforms 9 state-of-the-art open-set recognition methods significantly in most cases

Four new crane fly species of the subgenus Vestiplex (Diptera: Tipulidae: Tipula) from Tibet and Yunnan, China

Four new crane fly species of the subgenus Tipula (Vestiplex) Bezzi, 1924, T. (V.) medialobata sp. nov. (Yunnan), T. (V.) singularis sp. nov. (Yunnan), T. (V.) cibagouensis sp. nov. (Tibet) and T. (V.) paramonovi sp. nov. (Tibet) are described and illustrated. Redescription and detailed illustrations of T. (V.) nestor Alexander, 1934 are provided with first distributional record in mainland China

Libnotes (Libnotes) pseudonohirai Men 2015

3.1 Libnotes (Libnotes) pseudonohirai 3.1. 1 Male reproductive system Hypopygium. Ninth tergite rounded at caudal margin in dorsal view (Fig. 1). Gonocoxite thin in dorsal view but broad in lateral view (Figs 1, 3), slightly longer than inner gonostylus, with finger-shaped ventromesal lobe broad and elongate, almost reaching end of aedeagus (Figs 1–3). Inner gonostylus with two parts in lateral view, the ventral part triangular, and the dorsal part bifurcated forming two prominences, the upper prominence long with a wisp of long setae at apex, the lower prominence short, densely covered with strong setae (Fig. 3). Outer gonostylus hook-shaped, curved at end, expanded at basal one-third (Figs 1–3). Paramere leaf-shaped with a median ridge, straight at inner margins (Fig. 4). Aedeagus relatively thick, bifid at apex (Fig. 4). Internal reproductive system. Consisting of a pair of accessory glands generating from the distal end of ejaculatory duct, a pair of seminal vesicles, a pair of vasa deferentia linking to paired testes (Fig. 5). Ejaculatory duct relatively short, flexible, basally slender and gradually thick to apical end. Seminal vesicle paired, relatively thick and expanded, leading to the proximal end of vas deferens, running posterior to a narrowed duct which arising from the apex of ejaculatory duct. Accessory glands being a pair of tubular purses, simple, expanded medially, arising from base of seminal vesicle, subequal to seminal vesicle in length. Vas deferens flexible, tough, slightly shorter than seminal vesicle. Testis, an elliptical structure with grided surface, arising from the termination of vas deferens (Fig. 5).Published as part of Men, Qiulei, Sun, Mengwei & Starkevich, Pavel, 2018, Comparative morphological study of reproductive system between Tipulidae and Limoniidae (Diptera: Tipuloidea), pp. 89-102 in Zoological Systematics 43 (1) on page 91, DOI: 10.11865/zs.201808, http://zenodo.org/record/536396

Reproductive outcomes of women with cesarean scar pregnancy after uterine artery chemoembolization combined with evacuation

Objective To retrospectively analyze the reproductive outcome of patients after undergoing uterine artery chemoembolization (UACE) due to cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), and to explore the risk factors for CSP. Methods The clinical data and follow-up information were retrospectively collected from the women who had diagnosed with CSPs and treated by UACE combined with evacuation in our hospital between January 2010 and December 2017. Their conditions of pregnancy and reproductive outcome were analyzed. The clinical manifestations and ultrasonographic features were compared between these pregnant women and those with normal pregnancy. Results Of the 396 cases with follow-up data, 118 cases (29.8%) wished to give a birth again and finally 96 cases (88.1%) were successfully pregnant, with a total of 104 pregnancies. Among them, 62 pregnancies (59.6%) were intrauterine pregnancy while 26 pregnancies (25.0%) were RCSP. Although 278 cases (70.2%) had no pregnancy plans, there were 42 cases (16.9%) having subsequent pregnancies, with a total of 47 pregnancies. Among them, 2 pregnancies (4.3%) were intrauterine pregnancy while 6 pregnancies (12.7%) were RCSP. In all pregnancies, the incidence of RCSP was 21.2% (32/151). Between the intrauterine pregnancy and RCSP groups, the latter group had older gestational age (P=0.020), thinner remnant myometrial thickness of lower uterine segment of previous CSP (P=0.010) and larger times of abortion (P=0.029). Conclusion Women with CSP could be pregnant again after UACE combined with evacuation. It is apt to form RCSP in the subsequent pregnancy after the previous CSP. The gestational age and the remnant myometrial thickness of lower uterine segment of the previous CSP and the number of abortions are associated with RCSP

The Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy

Objective. To evaluate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Methods. Clinical data from 92 patients with lower uterine segment pregnancy, who underwent conventional ultrasound and CEUS examination in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, were collected by Xinqiao Hospital Third Military Medical University from March 2014 to March 2015. The parameters of ultrasound contrast time-intensity curve (TIC), including arrival time, time to peak, time from peak to one half, basic intensity, peak intensity, and wash-in slope, were analyzed. Results. Of the 92 cases of patients with pregnancy in the lower uterine segment, 52 cases were CSP, and 40 cases were intrauterine pregnancy. CEUS was significantly better than conventional ultrasound in terms of sensitivity, negative predictive value, Youden index, and diagnostic accuracy (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in specificity and positive predictive value (P>0.05). Conclusion. CEUS has a higher accuracy than conventional ultrasound in diagnosis of CSP

Reducing GEF-H1 Expression Inhibits Renal Cyst Formation, Inflammation, and Fibrosis via RhoA Signaling in Nephronophthisis

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is the most prevalent monogenic disease leading to end-stage renal failure in childhood. RhoA activation is involved in NPHP pathogenesis. This study explored the role of the RhoA activator guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF)-H1 in NPHP pathogenesis. We analyzed the expression and distribution of GEF-H1 in NPHP1 knockout (NPHP1KO) mice using Western blotting and immunofluorescence, followed by GEF-H1 knockdown. Immunofluorescence and renal histology were used to examine the cysts, inflammation, and fibrosis. A RhoA GTPase activation assay and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of downstream GTP-RhoA and p-MLC2, respectively. In NPHP1 knockdown (NPHP1KD) human kidney proximal tubular cells (HK2 cells), we detected the expressions of E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In vivo, increased expression and redistribution of GEF-H1, and higher levels of GTP-RhoA and p-MLC2 in renal tissue of NPHP1KO mice were observed, together with renal cysts, fibrosis, and inflammation. These changes were alleviated by GEF-H1 knockdown. In vitro, the expression of GEF-H1 and activation of RhoA were also increased, with increased expression of α-SMA and decreased E-cadherin. GEF-H1 knockdown reversed these changes in NPHP1KD HK2 cells. Thus, the GEF-H1/RhoA/MLC2 axis is activated in NPHP1 defects and may play a pivotal role in NPHP pathogenesis

Effect of acupuncture on the genetic expression of myocardial endothelin-1 and atrial natriuretic peptide in rats with stress-induced prehypertension

Objective: To explore the protective effect of acupuncture against myocardial injury in rats with stress-induced prehypertension (SIPH) by observing the genetic expression of myocardial endothelin-1 (ET-1) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: the control group, model group, and model + acupuncture (AP) group (n = 12 rats per group). During the 11-day modeling period, the model group and the model + AP group experienced plantar electric stimulation in combination with noise exposure, and daily acupuncture intervention was applied simultaneously in the model + AP group; the control group did not experience modeling or acupuncture. Systolic pressure (SP) was measured the day before modeling began, and on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th day after modeling initiation. On the 12th day, histopathological observation of the left ventricle was made with hematoxylin-eosin staining and quantitative genetic expression of myocardial ET-1, and ANP was tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: SP was higher in the model group than the control group on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th days (all P < .01). SP in the model + AP group was lower than that in the control group on the 5th and 7th days (respectively, P = .008, P = .002) and on the 9th and 11th days (P = .029, P = .039). Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed normal myocardial cellular structure in the control group. The model group showed disordered arrangement of cardiac cells with morphological changes in some nuclei, including enlargement or dissolution; there was also infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of collagen fibers. In the model + AP group, most of the myocardial cells were normally structured, and only part of the cells had morphological changes with enlarged nuclei or dissolution. Real-time PCR showed that expression of ET-1 and ANP mRNA in the model group was greater than the control group (respectively, P = .024, P = .000101). The model + AP group had lower expression of ET-1 and ANP mRNA compared with the model group (respectively, P = .033, P = .043). Conclusion: Acupuncture may lower blood pressure and downregulate the genetic expression of myocardial ET-1 and ANP in SIPH rats, suggesting a protective effect of acupuncture against myocardial damage