bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust control design for teleoperation of multiple mobile manipulators under time delays
Authors: Ahmad Usman , Pan Ya‐Jun , Shen Henghua
Published: July 2020

This article addresses a novel multilateral teleoperation control scheme for single‐master multiple slave systems, which can be extended to n masters and n slaves without the loss of generality, where the master is a m degrees of freedom (DOF) manipulator arm and the slaves are m DOF mobile manipulators. The human operator operates the master robot to remotely control the slaves handling a target object. The master position signal is transmitted to the slave side to generate a desired object trajectory as well as the reference mobile base velocity. An adaptive robust controller is designed for the slaves to follow the desired trajectory from the master, which not only provides the excellent trajectory tracking but also optimize the internal force distribution of the object. A null space controller is designed for the mobile platforms of the mobile manipulators to achieve the velocity consensus while achieving the main task of object transportation. The novel control design uses the transmission of the environmental force feedback over the communication channel by the estimated parameters of the environment, which helps retain the stability of the overall system. The environmental force is predicted on the master side based on the estimated environmental parameters. The proposed control design can simultaneously achieve the objectives of stability, synchronization, and optimal internal force distribution. The simulation results of a single‐master and three slaves teleoperation system validate the efficacy of the proposed control algorithm.
Cell-based and antibody-mediated immunotherapies directed against leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia: Perspectives and open issues
Authors: Valent Peter , Bauer Karin , Sadovnik Irina , Smiljkovic Dubravka , Ivanov Daniel , Herrmann Harald , Filik Yüksel , Eisenwort Gregor , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Rabitsch Werner
Published: July 2020

Despite new insights in molecular features of leukemic cells and the availability of novel treatment approaches and drugs, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a major clinical challenge. In fact, many patients with AML relapse after standard therapy and eventually die from progressive disease. The basic concept of leukemic stem cells (LSC) has been coined with the goal to decipher clonal architectures in various leukemia-models and to develop curative drug therapies by eliminating LSC. Indeed, during the past few years, various immunotherapies have been tested in AML, and several of these therapies follow the strategy to eliminate relevant leukemic subclones by introducing LSC-targeting antibodies or LSC-targeting immune cells. These therapies include, among others, new generations of LSC-eliminating antibody-constructs, checkpoint-targeting antibodies, bi-specific antibodies, and CAR-T or CAR-NK cell-based strategies. However, responses are often limited and/or transient which may be due to LSC resistance. Indeed, AML LSC exhibit multiple forms of resistance against various drugs and immunotherapies. An additional problems are treatment-induced myelotoxicity and other side effects. The current article provides a short overview of immunological targets expressed on LSC in AML. Moreover, cell-based therapies and immunotherapies tested in AML are discussed. Finally, the article provides an overview about LSC resistance and strategies to overcome resistance.
Effect of the dosage of MWCNT's on deterioration resistant of concrete subjected to combined freeze–thaw cycles and sulfate attack
Authors: Gao Fangfang , Tian Wei , Wang Yawei , Wang Feng
Published: July 2020

In this study, the deterioration resistant of concrete with and without multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) against combined freeze–thaw cycles and sulfate attack was studied, and concretes incorporating MWCNTs (i.e., 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 wt%) as partial replacement of Portland cement were exposed to 5% sodium sulfate solution under freeze–thaw cycles. The performance, including compressive strength, relative dynamic elastic modulus, mass loss, microstructure, deterioration resistant coefficient of concretes were evaluated. Results show that when exposed to 5% sodium sulfate solution, MWCNTs could enhance the mechanical and durability properties of concrete subjected to combined freeze–thaw cycles and sulfate attack, regardless of the dosage of MWCNTs. The deterioration resistant of MWCNTs concrete was not increase with the increase dosage of MWCNTs. And the best resistance performance was obtained in concrete containing lower dosage of MWCNTs. In addition, MWCNTs could promote formation of hydration and corrosion products, and delay deterioration of concrete was demonstrated by SEM and thermogravimetric analysis.
A comparative study on rumen ecology of water buffalo and cattle calves under similar feeding regime
Authors: Wang Qiyan , Gao Xiaomei , Yang Yunyan , Zou Caixia , Yang Yingbai , Lin Bo
Published: July 2020

In all, 12 male water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves and Holstein (Bos taurus) calves of similar age (10 ± 5 days) were selected to explore the mechanism underlying the differences in growth performance and feed conversion ratio between the two species. The experiment contains 33 days of sucking period and 40 days of post‐weaning period. Both calves were fed the same amounts of milk in sucking period, and starter and oat grass were supplied ad libitum both before and after the weaning period. Feed intake, growth performance, ruminal fermentation parameters and the ruminal microbial community were measured the during experiment period. Results showed no differences in growth performance and feed intake between the two species in sucking period; however, the feed/gain ratio (F/G) of the water buffalo was higher than that of Holstein calve (p > 0.05). After weaning, the intake of starter by the Holstein calf was higher while intake of grass by the water buffalo was higher resulting in higher growth performance of and a lower F/G ratio for Holstein (p < 0.05). The rumen of Holstein calf showed higher levels of propionate, lower levels of acetate and branched‐chain fatty acids than that of water buffalo during both periods (p < 0.05). The rumen of water buffalo showed a higher number of observed bacterial species and Shannon diversity as compared with that of Holstein calf. The members belonging to the bacterial phylum Bacteroides and genus Prevotella in the rumen of Holstein calf were higher (p < 0.05), while Firmicutes and fibrolytic bacteria Ruminobacter and Ruminococcus were lower (p < 0.05) than that of water buffalo. In conclusion, the water buffalo calves demonstrated clearly of having significant population of bacterial community and better fibre digestion than those of cattle calves.
Preferential flow of surface‐applied solutes: Effect of lysimeter design and initial soil water content
Authors: Williams Mark R. , Coronel Oscar , McAfee Scott J. , Sanders Laura L.
Published: July 2020

Undisturbed lysimeters are widely used to study water and solute transport, where both natural and unnatural preferential flow can greatly influence leaching rates. The objective of this study was to use chemical and isotopic tracers to quantify the effect of initial soil water content and lysimeter design on preferential flows. Ten undisturbed lysimeters (900 cm2) were collected from an agricultural field, with the gap between the soil and lysimeter casing sealed with petroleum jelly for five lysimeters. Lysimeters were subjected to two rainfall simulations (3.3 cm h−1) under contrasting initial soil water contents, and leachate near the soil‐casing interface was collected separately from leachate through the bulk soil. Three‐component hydrograph separation revealed that event water comprised 21–59% of total leachate irrespective of initial soil water content and lysimeter design. Sealing the edges of the lysimeters with petroleum jelly greatly reduced but did not eliminate edge flow during rainfall simulations. Although water and solute transport were similar in both sealed and unsealed lysimeters under dry antecedent conditions due to the formation of shrinkage cracks on the soil surface, edge flow was substantially greater for the unsealed lysimeters under wet antecedent conditions. Unsealed edges under wet antecedent conditions facilitated the preferential transport of both event and pre‐event water, resulting in greater solute leaching. Using multiple tracers to contrast lysimeter designs under different initial soil water contents not only allowed for rigorous testing of a commonly used edge‐flow suppression technique but also provided new insights into preferential flow processes and patterns.
Pseudo-Riemannian structures in Pati-Salam models
Authors: Bochniak A. , Williams T.E. , Zalecki P.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We discuss the role of the pseudo-Riemannian structure of the finite spectral triple for the family of Pati-Salam models. We argue that its existence is a very restrictive condition that separates leptons from quarks, and restricts the whole family of Pati-Salam models into the class of generalized Left-Right Symmetric Models.
Universal dynamics of heavy operators in CFT2
Authors: Collier Scott , Maloney Alexander , Maxfield Henry , Tsiares Ioannis
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We obtain an asymptotic formula for the average value of the operator product expansion coefficients of any unitary, compact two dimensional CFT with c > 1. This formula is valid when one or more of the operators has large dimension or — in the presence of a twist gap — has large spin. Our formula is universal in the sense that it depends only on the central charge and not on any other details of the theory. This result unifies all previous asymptotic formulas for CFT2 structure constants, including those derived from crossing symmetry of four point functions, modular covariance of torus correlation functions, and higher genus modular invariance. We determine this formula at finite central charge by deriving crossing kernels for higher genus crossing equations, which give analytic control over the structure constants even in the absence of exact knowledge of the conformal blocks. The higher genus modular kernels are obtained by sewing together the elementary kernels for four-point crossing and modular transforms of torus one-point functions. Our asymptotic formula is related to the DOZZ formula for the structure constants of Liouville theory, and makes precise the sense in which Liouville theory governs the universal dynamics of heavy operators in any CFT. The large central charge limit provides a link with 3D gravity, where the averaging over heavy states corresponds to a coarse-graining over black hole microstates in holographic theories. Our formula also provides an improved understanding of the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis (ETH) in CFT2, and suggests that ETH can be generalized to other kinematic regimes in two dimensional CFTs.
Threshold factorization of the Drell-Yan process at next-to-leading power
Authors: Beneke Martin , Broggio Alessandro , Jaskiewicz Sebastian , Vernazza Leonardo
Published: July 2020

Abstract

We present a factorization theorem valid near the kinematic threshold $$ z={Q}^2/\hat{s}\to 1 $$
z
=

Q
2

/

s
̂

→
1
of the partonic Drell-Yan process $$ q\overline{q}\to {\gamma}^{\ast }+X $$
q

q
¯

→

γ
∗

+
X
for general subleading powers in the (1 − z) expansion. We then consider the specific case of next-to-leading power. We discuss the emergence of collinear functions, which are a key ingredient to factorization starting at next-to-leading power. We calculate the relevant collinear functions at $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s\right) $$
O

α
s

by employing an operator matching equation and we compare our results to the expansion-by- regions computation up to the next-to-next-to-leading order, finding agreement. Factorization holds only before the dimensional regulator is removed, due to a divergent convolution when the collinear and soft functions are first expanded around d = 4 before the convolution is performed. This demonstrates an issue for threshold resummation beyond the leading-logarithmic accuracy at next-to-leading power.
Preventable Trauma Deaths and Corrective Actions to Prevent Them: A 10‐Year Comparative Study at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Konadu‐Yeboah Dominic , Kwasi Kusi , Donkor Peter , Gudugbe Senyo , Sampen Ossei , Okleme Augustus , Boakye Frank Nketiah , Osei‐Ampofo Maxwell , Okrah Helena , Mock Charles
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the rate of preventable trauma deaths in an African hospital, identify the potential effect of improvements in trauma care over the past decade and identify deficiencies in care that still need to be addressed.

Methods

A multidisciplinary panel assessed pre‐hospital, hospital, and postmortem data on 89 consecutive in‐hospital trauma deaths over 5 months in 2017 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The panel judged the preventability of each death. For definitely and potentially preventable deaths, the panel identified deficiencies in care.

Results

Thirteen percent (13%) of trauma deaths were definitely preventable, 47% potentially preventable, and 39% non‐preventable. In comparison with a panel review in 2007, there was no change in total preventable deaths, but there had been a modest decrease in definitely preventable deaths (25% in 2007 to 13% in 2017, p = 0.07) There was a notable change in the pattern of deficiency (p = 0.001) with decreases in pre‐hospital delay (19% of all trauma deaths in 2007 to 3% in 2017) and inadequate resuscitation (17 to 8%), but an increase in delay in treatment at the hospital (23 to 40%).

Conclusions

Over the past decade, there have been improvements in pre‐hospital transport and in‐hospital resuscitation. However, the preventable death rate remains unacceptably high and there are still deficiencies to address. This study also demonstrates that preventable death panel reviews are a feasible method of trauma quality improvement in the low‐ and middle‐income country setting.
Prediction Model Based on the Combination of Cytokines and Lymphocyte Subsets for Prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Luo Ying , Mao Liyan , Yuan Xu , Xue Ying , Lin Qun , Tang Guoxing , Song Huijuan , Wang Feng , Sun Ziyong
Published: July 2020

Background

There are currently rare satisfactory markers for predicting the death of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study is to establish a model based on the combination of serum cytokines and lymphocyte subsets for predicting the prognosis of the disease.

Methods

A total of 739 participants with COVID-19 were enrolled at Tongji Hospital from February to April 2020 and classified into fatal (n = 51) and survived (n = 688) groups according to the patient’s outcome. Cytokine profile and lymphocyte subset analysis was performed simultaneously.

Results

The fatal patients exhibited a significant lower number of lymphocytes including B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells and remarkably higher concentrations of cytokines including interleukin-2 receptor, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α on admission compared with the survived subjects. A model based on the combination of interleukin-8 and the numbers of CD4+ T cells and NK cells showed a good performance in predicting the death of patients with COVID-19. When the threshold of 0.075 was used, the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction model were 90.20% and 90.26%, respectively. Meanwhile, interleukin-8 was found to have a potential value in predicting the length of hospital stay until death.

Conclusions

Significant increase of cytokines and decrease of lymphocyte subsets are found positively correlated with in-hospital death. A model based on the combination of three markers provides an attractive approach to predict the prognosis of COVID-19.
The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Menstrual Abnormalities—a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Różańska-Walędziak Anna , Bartnik Paweł , Kacperczyk-Bartnik Joanna , Czajkowski Krzysztof , Walędziak Maciej
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Obesity is associated with hyperestrogenism along with other hormonal abnormalities affecting the menstrual cycle. The most effective and decisive method of obesity treatment is bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of bariatric surgery on menstrual cycle, the incidence of menstrual abnormalities, hyperandrogenism manifestation, and contraception use.

Materials and Methods

It was a cross-sectional study of 515 pre-menopausal women who had undergone bariatric surgery between 1999 and 2017 in a bariatric center. Data was collected via anonymous questionnaire, and the questions covered a 1-year period before the surgery and the last year before questionnaire completion.

Results

Before the surgery, 38.6% of the patients reported irregular menstruations in comparison with 25.0% after bariatric surgery (RR = 0.65; 95%CI 0.53–0.79). The mean number of menstruations per year did not differ before and after surgery (10.2 ± 3.9 vs 10.4 ± 3.3; p < .45). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of prolonged menstruations, acne, and hirsutism prevalence. A total of 14.4% of patients before surgery reported estrogen-based contraception use in comparison with 15.0% after the surgery (p < .95). There were no significant differences in the frequency of OC use (11.0% before surgery vs 13.6% 12 months after the surgery vs 11.5% at the moment of survey administration; p < 0.46).

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery improves the regularity of the menstrual cycle in obese women in reproductive age. The lack of any changes in the combined hormonal contraception (CHC) use, especially OC, before and after bariatric surgery may be a result of a possibly low level of contraception counseling.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Circadian Rhythm of Blood Pressure in Normotensive Subjects
Authors: Lecarpentier Yves , Schussler Olivier , Hébert Jean-Louis , Vallée Alexandre
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

Blood pressure (BP) follows a circadian rhythm (CR) in normotensive subjects. BP increases in the morning and decreases at night. This review aims at providing an up-to-date overview regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the circadian regulation of BP.

Recent Findings

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the regulatory center for CRs. In SCN astrocytes, the phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (pGSK-3β) also follows a CR and its expression reaches a maximum in the morning and decreases at night. pGSK-3β induces the β-catenin migration to the nucleus. During the daytime, the nuclear β-catenin increases the expression of the glutamate excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) and glutamine synthetase (GS). In SCN, EAAT2 removes glutamate from the synaptic cleft of glutamatergic neurons and transfers it to the astrocyte cytoplasm where GS converts glutamate into glutamine. Thus, glutamate decreases in the synaptic cleft. This decreases the stimulation of the glutamate receptors AMPA-R and NMDA-R located on glutamatergic post-synaptic neurons. Consequently, activation of NTS is decreased and BP increases. The opposite occurs at night.

Despite several studies resulting from animal studies, the circadian regulation of BP appears largely controlled in normotensive subjects by the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway involving the SCN, astrocytes, and glutamatergic neurons.
Affect and Arousal in Insomnia: Through a Lens of Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Schiel Julian E. , Holub Florian , Petri Roxana , Leerssen Jeanne , Tamm Sandra , Tahmasian Masoud , Riemann Dieter , Spiegelhalder Kai
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

Previous research has struggled with identifying clear-cut, objective counterparts to subjective distress in insomnia. Approaching this discrepancy with a focus on hyperarousal and dysfunctional affective processes, studies examining brain structures and neural networks involved in affect and arousal are reviewed and conclusions for an updated understanding of insomnia are drawn.

Recent Findings

Recent studies found that amygdala reactivity, morphometry and adaptation in insomnia are altered, indicating that processing of negative stimuli is intensified and more lasting. Also, patients with insomnia show aberrant connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN), which is associated with subjective sleep disturbances, hyperarousal, maladaptive emotion regulation and disturbed integration of emotional states. The limbic circuit is assumed to play a crucial role in enhanced recall of negative experiences.

There is reason to consider insomnia as a disorder of affect and arousal. Dysregulation of the limbic circuit might perpetuate impaired connectivity in the DMN and the SN. However, the interplay between the networks is yet to be researched.
Nlrp3 Inflammasome Signaling Regulates the Homing and Engraftment of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSPCs) by Enhancing Incorporation of CXCR4 Receptor into Membrane Lipid Rafts
Authors: Adamiak Mateusz , Abdel-Latif Ahmed , Bujko Kamila , Thapa Arjun , Anusz Krzysztof , Tracz Michał , Brzezniakiewicz-Janus Katarzyna , Ratajczak Janina , Kucia Magda , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: July 2020

Fast and efficient homing and engraftment of hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) is crucial for positive clinical outcomes from transplantation. We found that this process depends on activation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome, both in the HSPCs to be transplanted and in the cells in the recipient bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. For the first time we provide evidence that functional deficiency in the Nlrp3 inflammasome in transplanted cells or in the host microenvironment leads to defective homing and engraftment. At the molecular level, functional deficiency of the Nlrp3 inflammasome in HSPCs leads to their defective migration in response to the major BM homing chemoattractant stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and to other supportive chemoattractants, including sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP). We report that activation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome increases autocrine release of eATP, which promotes incorporation of the CXCR4 receptor into membrane lipid rafts at the leading surface of migrating cells. On the other hand, a lack of Nlrp3 inflammasome expression in BM conditioned for transplantation leads to a decrease in expression of SDF-1 and danger-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs), which are responsible for activation of the complement cascade (ComC), which in turn facilitates the homing and engraftment of HSPCs.
Tactile discrimination of material properties: application to virtual buttons for professional appliances
Authors: De Pra Yuri , Papetti Stefano , Fontana Federico , Järveläinen Hanna , Simonato Michele
Published: July 2020

An experiment is described that tested the possibility to classify wooden, plastic, and metallic objects based on reproduced auditory and vibrotactile stimuli. The results show that recognition rates are considerably above chance level with either unimodal auditory or vibrotactile feedback. Supported by those findings, the possibility to render virtual buttons for professional appliances with different tactile properties was tested. To this end, a touchscreen device was provided with various types of vibrotactile feedback in response to the sensed pressing force and location of a finger. Different virtual buttons designs were tested by user panels who performed a subjective evaluation on perceived tactile properties and materials. In a first implementation, virtual buttons were designed reproducing the vibration recordings of real materials used in the classification experiment: mainly due to hardware limitations of our prototype and the consequent impossibility to render complex vibratory signals, this approach did not prove successful. A second implementation was then optimized for the device capabilities, moreover introducing surface compliance effects and button release cues: the new design led to generally high quality ratings, clear discrimination of different buttons and unambiguous material classification. The lesson learned was that various material and physical properties of virtual buttons can be successfully rendered by characteristic frequency and decay cues if correctly reproduced by the device.
Water quality assessment along Tigris River (Iraq) using water quality index (WQI) and GIS software
Authors: Chabuk Ali , Al-Madhlom Qais , Al-Maliki Ali , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Hussain Hussain Musa , Laue Jan
Published: July 2020

Most of the third world countries having rivers passing through them suffer from the water contaminant problem. This problem is considered so difficult to get the water quality within the standard allowable limits for drinking, as well as for industrial and agricultural purposes. This research aims to assess the water quality of the Tigris River using the water quality index method and GIS software. Twelve parameters (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4, HCO3, TH, TDS, BOD5, NO3, and EC) were taken from 14 stations along the river. The weighted arithmetic method was applied to compute the water quality index (WQI). The interpolation method (IDW) was applied in ArcGIS 10.5 to produce the prediction maps for 12 parameters at 11 stations along the Tigris River during the wet and dry seasons in 2016. The regression prediction was applied on three stations in the Tigris River between observed values and predicted values, from the prediction maps, in both seasons. The results showed that the regression prediction for all parameters was given the acceptable values of the determination coefficient (R2). Furthermore, the state of water quality for the Tigris River was degraded downstream of the Tigris River, especially at the station (8) in Aziziyah in the wet and dry seasons and increase degradation clearly at Qurnah (Basrah province) in the south of Iraq. This paper considers the whole length of the Tigris River for the study. This is important to give comprehensive knowledge about the contamination reality of the river. Such that it becomes easier to understand the problem of contamination, analyze it, and then find the suitable treatments and solutions.
COVID-19 in the Greater Mekong Subregion: how resilient are rural households?
Authors: Waibel Hermann , Grote Ulrike , Min Shi , Nguyen Trung Thanh , Praneetvatakul Suwanna
Published: July 2020

In this paper we submit some thoughts on the possible implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for rural people in the countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). We base our observations and conclusions on our long-term research experience in the region. The paper focuses on the economics of rural households during this crisis period and its aftermath. We conclude that country differences clearly exist due to their different stages of development. However, while rural households belong to the Corona risk groups, they are also resilient to such a shock. We submit that Governments in the GMS should strengthen policies that conserve the safety-net function of rural villages.
The magnetic method as a tool in groundwater investigation in a basement complex terrain: Modomo Southwest Nigeria as a case study
Authors: Oni Ademakinwa George , Eniola Ponmile Japheth , Olorunfemi Martins Olusola , Okunubi Michael Olajide , Osotuyi Gaius Abayomi
Published: July 2020

A detailed ground magnetic survey was carried out in a basement complex underlain Modomo community in southwestern Nigeria with a view to delineating the subsurface structures, estimate the overburden thicknesses and assess the relevance of the geophysical method in groundwater investigation in the locality. The total field component of the earth’s magnetic field was measured at station intervals of 10–100 m along access routes within the study area. The data were corrected for diurnal variation and offset and subsequently reduced to the magnetic equator (RTE). Data enhancement techniques including the second vertical derivative, total horizontal derivative and Euler deconvolution were applied to the RTE data to map edges and estimate depths to the structures. Overburden thicknesses were estimated from 2D magnetic subsurface modeling along eight profiles. The magnetic survey derived lineaments (structures) and overburden thicknesses were validated with resistivity survey derived 2D structures and overburden thicknesses and borehole log data from the study area. Twenty-four lineaments with lengths ranging from 150 to 777 m were identified from the magnetic map. The lineament orientations were E–W, ENE–WSW, WNW–ESE, NNW–SSE, NW–SE and NE–SW directions. Many of the identified lineaments correlated significantly with structures derived from the 2D resistivity images. Comparable thicknesses were observed between correlated magnetic derived overburden thicknesses (4.41–29.4 m) and depths from wells and boreholes (5.48–27.1 m). The study concluded that the magnetic method could be reliably used for overburden thickness estimation and structure mapping required in groundwater potential assessment in a typical basement complex terrain.
Evaluation of natural support capacity of water resources using principal component analysis method: a case study of Fuyang district, China
Authors: Cao Feifeng , Lu Yi , Dong Shaojun , Li Xiaolong
Published: July 2020

The natural support capacity (NSC) of water resources is a key aspect of the regional carrying capacity of water resources, and it can reflect the quality and quantity of water resources in a region. This paper aims to evaluate the NSC of water resources using a model based on the principal component analysis (PCA) to benefit the development and utilization of regional water resources. A case study in the Fuyang district, Zhejiang Province, China, was carried out. First, water resources, as dependent variables, were assumed to be linearly influenced by the indicators affecting the NSC of water resources. These indicators were regarded as independent variables for multivariate analysis in this study. Then, the available water resources data for the Fuyang district between 1995 and 2003 were inputted to the model to analyze NSC levels of water resources. The results indicated that the most important parameters influencing the NSC of water resources could be shortlisted to water resources availability, surface water resources, groundwater resources, allowable withdrawal of water resources, and emission intensity of chemical oxygen demanding. Our findings revealed that the NSC of water resources in the Fuyang district fluctuated between 1995 and 1999 and generally declined after 2000, indicating that the issue of water pollution has worsened since 2000. These results are consistent with the field observations and thus shall provide new potential applications of a PCA-based model in evaluating the NSC of water resources and the relevant water resource carrying capacity for similar areas.
SHANK2 is a frequently amplified oncogene with evolutionarily conserved roles in regulating Hippo signaling
Authors: Xu Liang , Li Peixue , Hao Xue , Lu Yi , Liu Mingxian , Song Wenqian , Shan Lin , Yu Jiao , Ding Hongyu , Chen Shishuang , Yang Ailing , Zeng Yi Arial , Zhang Lei , Jiang Hai
Published: July 2020

Dysfunction of the Hippo pathway enables cells to evade contact inhibition and provides advantages for cancerous overgrowth. However, for a significant portion of human cancer, how Hippo signaling is perturbed remains unknown. To answer this question, we performed a genome-wide screening for genes that affect the Hippo pathway in Drosophila and cross-referenced the hit genes with human cancer genome. In our screen, Prosap was identified as a novel regulator of the Hippo pathway that potently affects tissue growth. Interestingly, a mammalian homolog of Prosap, SHANK2, is the most frequently amplified gene on 11q13, a major tumor amplicon in human cancer. Gene amplification profile in this 11q13 amplicon clearly indicates selective pressure for SHANK2 amplification. More importantly, across the human cancer genome, SHANK2 is the most frequently amplified gene that is not located within the Myc amplicon. Further studies in multiple human cell lines confirmed that SHANK2 overexpression causes deregulation of Hippo signaling through competitive binding for a LATS1 activator, and as a potential oncogene, SHANK2 promotes cellular transformation and tumor formation in vivo. In cancer cell lines with deregulated Hippo pathway, depletion of SHANK2 restores Hippo signaling and ceases cellular proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that SHANK2 is an evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway regulator, commonly amplified in human cancer and potently promotes cancer. Our study for the first time illustrated oncogenic function of SHANK2, one of the most frequently amplified gene in human cancer. Furthermore, given that in normal adult tissues, SHANK2’s expression is largely restricted to the nervous system, SHANK2 may represent an interesting target for anticancer therapy.
Photocarcinogenesis
Authors: Subhadarshani Sweta , Athar Mohammad , Elmets Craig A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

Skin cancers account for more than 40% of all cancers in the USA and continue to rise in incidence. It is prudent to understand the current burden and pathogenesis of photocarcinogenesis and preventive measures.

Recent Findings

Insights into recently discovered mechanisms have paved way for potential targets for prevention and therapeutics. Nicotinamide has shown promising results as an oral chemopreventive agent. UVB affects the DHODH pathway of pyrimidine synthesis via STAT 3. DHODH inhibition by leflunomide may be a potential targeted chemoprevention strategy. A photolyase containing sunscreen, which repairs UV-damaged DNA, effectively reduced new precancerous lesions. Several antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents including many phytochemicals ameliorate the process of photocarcinogenesis in preclinical and clinical studies, e.g., green tea polyphenols, Polypodium leucotomos extract, and Timosaponin A III. Diet can potentially affect skin cancer risk by its ability to modify oxidative stress and cell signaling pathways.

Photocarcinogenesis is a multi-step process. An in-depth understanding is instrumental in development of novel agents for prevention and treatment of skin cancers.
Sequence stratigraphy, paleogeography, and coal accumulation regularity of major coal-accumulating periods in China
Authors: Shao Longyi , Wang Xuetian , Wang Dongdong , Li Mingpei , Wang Shuai , Li Yingjiao , Shao Kai , Zhang Chao , Gao Caixia , Dong Daxiao , Cheng Aiguo , Lu Jing , Ji Congwei , Gao Di
Published: July 2020

There are 9 major coal-accumulating periods during geological history in China, including the Early Carboniferous, Late Carboniferous-Early Permian, Middle Permian, Late Permian, Late Triassic, Early-Middle Jurassic, Early Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene. The coal formed in these periods were developed in different coal-accumulating areas (CAA) including the North China, South China, Northwest China, Northeast China, the Qinghai–Tibet area, and China offshore area. In this paper, we investigated depositional environments, sequence stratigraphy, lithofacies paleogeography and coal accumulation pattern of five major coal-accumulating periods including the Late Carboniferous to Middle Permian of the North China CAA, the Late Permian of the South China CAA, the Late Triassic of the South China CAA, the Early-Middle Jurassic of the North and Northwest China CAA, and the Early Cretaceous in the Northeast China CAA. According to distribution of the coal-bearing strata and the regional tectonic outlines, we have identified distribution range of the coal-forming basins, sedimentary facies types and coal-accumulating models. The sequence stratigraphic frameworks of the major coal-accumulating periods were established based on recognition of a variety of sequence boundaries. The distribution of thick coals and migration patterns of the coal-accumulating centers in the sequence stratigraphic framework were analyzed. The lithofacies paleogeography maps based on third-order sequences were reconstructed and the distribution of coal accumulation centers and coal-rich belts were predicted.
Messung medienpädagogischer Kompetenz von Lehrenden in der Weiterbildung
Authors: Schmidt-Hertha Bernhard , Rott Karin Julia , Bolten Ricarda , Rohs Matthias
Published: July 2020

Vor dem Hintergrund einer zunehmenden Digitalisierung wird ein Modell medienpädagogischer Kompetenz für Professionelle in der Weiterbildung vorgestellt. Dieses Modell knüpft an Vorarbeiten aus der Erwachsenenbildungsforschung und Schulforschung an und wurde empirisch geprüft. Das entwickelte Testinstrument wurde an einer Stichprobe von 622 Lehrenden aus der Erwachsenenbildung erprobt und die Ergebnisse bestätigen im Wesentlichen dessen Struktur, die medienpädagogische Kompetenz in vier Teilfacetten unterteilt. Die Daten ermöglichen darüber hinaus erstmals Aussagen über die medienpädagogische Kompetenz unterschiedlicher Teilgruppen von Lehrenden zu machen und verweisen auf diesbezügliche Differenzen in Abhängigkeit von soziodemografischen und erwerbsbiografischen Variablen.
A Comparative Study of the Experience of Boredom in the L2 and L3 Classroom
Authors: Kruk Mariusz , Zawodniak Joanna
Published: July 2020

This study investigates whether there is a significant difference in experiencing boredom between the L2 and L3 classroom. It begins with a comparison between L2 and L3 acquisition, after which the phenomenon of boredom is highlighted, including its definition, typology, causes, and related research. This is followed by a description of the study intended to qualitatively and quantitatively examine the English majors’ perceptions of boredom in learning the L2 (English) and the L3 (German). Gathered data enabled the authors to comparatively approach changes in the levels of boredom in the L2 and L3 classroom as well as single out the factors responsible for student boredom in those two learning contexts. The main contributors to this problematic condition encompassed, among others, insufficient teacher engagement, the repeated use of the same teaching tools, uninteresting topics, and a lack of meaning in learning. Although the feelings of L2 and L3 boredom were not found to significantly differ, the overall level of this experience turned out to be higher in the L2 classroom. Finally, the authors formulate their own definition of boredom based on the analysis of obtained results and propose a handful of pedagogical implications.
An Introduction to Formal Logic
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: July 2020

Formal logic provides us with a powerful set of techniques for criticizing some arguments and showing others to be valid. These techniques are relevant to all of us with an interest in being skilful and accurate reasoners. In this very accessible book, extensively revised and rewritten for the second edition, Peter Smith presents a guide to the fundamental aims and basic elements of formal logic. He introduces the reader to the languages of propositional and predicate logic, and develops natural deduction systems for evaluating arguments translated into these languages. His discussion is richly illustrated with worked examples and exercises, and alongside the formal work there is illuminating philosophical commentary. This book will make an ideal text for a first logic course and will provide a firm basis for further work in formal and philosophical logic.
Social network change after moving into permanent supportive housing: Who stays and who goes?
Authors: Rhoades Harmony , Hsu Hsun-ta , Rice Eric , Harris Taylor , La Motte-Kerr Wichada , Winetrobe Hailey , Henwood Benjamin , Wenzel Suzanne
Published: July 2020

Social relationships are important among persons experiencing homelessness, but there is little research on changes in social networks among persons moving into permanent supportive housing (PSH). Using data collected as part of a longitudinal study of 405 adults (aged 39+) moving into PSH, this study describes network upheaval during this critical time of transition. Interviews conducted prior to and after three months of living in PSH assessed individual-level (demographics, homelessness history, health, and mental health) and social network characteristics, including network size and composition (demographics, relationship type, and social support). Interviewers utilized network member characteristics to assess whether network members were new or sustained between baseline and three months post-housing. Multilevel logistic regression models assessed characteristics of network members associated with being newly gained or persisting in networks three months after PSH move-in. Results show only one-third of social networks were retained during the transition to PSH, and veterans, African Americans, and other racial/ethnic minorities, and those living in scattered site housing, were more likely to experience network disruption. Relatives, romantic partners, and service providers were most likely to be retained after move-in. Some network change was moderated by tie strength, including the retention of street-met persons. Implications are discussed.
CHRONOLOGY OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF PLAYA DEL MANGO, RIO CAUTO, GRANMA, CUBA
Authors: Chinique de Armas Yadira , González Herrera Ulises M , Buhay William M , Yero Masdeu José M , Viera Sanfiel Luis M , Burchell Meghan , Crann Carley , Grau González-Quevedo Esteban R , Roksandic Mirjana
Published: July 2020

Fewer than 200 radiocarbon (14C) dates with secure contextual information are available for Cuba, making it challenging to reconstruct Caribbean indigenous population dynamics, their identities and interactions. In this paper, we discussed 21 accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dates from two mounds (M1 and M2) at the Playa del Mango site (Granma province, Cuba), traditionally associated with the Banwaroid stone tool tradition. The ΔR calculated for the site was –132.0 ± 176 and –164.0 ± 68. The chronology of burials from the peripheral area of M2 suggested that the cemetery was continuously used from at least cal BC 116–AD 241 (2 σ). The domestic area of M2 was used at minimum between cal BC 55–AD 435 (2 σ), which encompasses the use of the funerary areas. An isolated human tooth from M1 [cal AD 125–435 (2 σ)] suggested that this funerary area is later than the one at the periphery of M2, and possibly contemporaneous with the later formation of the M2 shell midden. The archaeological assemblage of the “Banwaroid tradition” is widely distributed in Cuba, and mixed with other archaeological traditions, supporting that a complex web of human interactions took place in the Caribbean in precolonial times.
Jones v. Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bodansky Daniel , Steinerte Elina , Wallace Rebecca M. M.
Published: July 2020

Jones v. Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Case No. [2006] UKHL 26. At .

House of Lords, June 14, 2006.

The House of Lords handed down judgment in Jones v. Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 14, 2006. The case concerns an action in damages brought by Jones and three other applicants, all UK citizens, falsely accused of involvement in bombings in Riyadh in 2001 and 2002. The four allege that they were repeatedly tortured while in prison in Saudi Arabia and that they suffered severe psychological and physical harm as a result. Seeking aggravated and exemplary damages from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of the Interior and the Saudi officials allegedly responsible, the applicants filed claims of, inter alia, torture, assault and battery, trespass to the person, and unlawful imprisonment. In the proceedings before the Court of Appeal, Saudi Arabia claimed immunity on its own behalf and on that of its officials. The Court of Appeal agreed with the former but denied the latter; all the involved parties appealed the decision. The House of Lords agreed with Saudi Arabia by upholding state immunity in civil proceedings brought against a state and its officials in a different country for alleged torture.
Using an adoption design to test genetically based differences in risk for child behavior problems in response to home environmental influences
Authors: Cree Robyn A. , Liu Chang , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Leve Leslie D. , Connell Christian M. , Shaw Daniel S. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Ganiban Jody M. , Beekman Charles , Smith Megan V. , Reiss David
Published: July 2020

Differential susceptibility theory (DST) posits that individuals differ in their developmental plasticity: some children are highly responsive to both environmental adversity and support, while others are less affected. According to this theory, “plasticity” genes that confer risk for psychopathology in adverse environments may promote superior functioning in supportive environments. We tested DST using a broad measure of child genetic liability (based on birth parent psychopathology), adoptive home environmental variables (e.g., marital warmth, parenting stress, and internalizing symptoms), and measures of child externalizing problems (n= 337) and social competence (n= 330) in 54-month-old adopted children from the Early Growth and Development Study. This adoption design is useful for examining DST because children are placed at birth or shortly thereafter with nongenetically related adoptive parents, naturally disentangling heritable and postnatal environmental effects. We conducted a series of multivariable regression analyses that included Gene × Environment interaction terms and found little evidence of DST; rather, interactions varied depending on the environmental factor of interest, in both significance and shape. Our mixed findings suggest further investigation of DST is warranted before tailoring screening and intervention recommendations to children based on their genetic liability or “sensitivity.”
Improving Information Extraction From Simulated Discharge Using Sensitivity‐Weighted Performance Criteria
Authors: Guse B. , Pfannerstill M. , Fohrer N. , Gupta H.
Published: July 2020

Due to seasonal or interannual variability, the relevance of hydrological processes and of the associated model parameters can vary significantly throughout the simulation period. To achieve accurately identified model parameters, temporal variations in parameter dominance should be taken into account. This is not achieved if performance criteria are applied to the entire model output time series. Even when using complementary performance criteria, it is often only possible to identify some of the model parameters precisely. We present an innovative approach to improve parameter identifiability that exploits the information available regarding temporal variations in parameter dominance. Using daily parameter sensitivity time series, we construct a set of sensitivity‐weighted performance criteria, one for each parameter, whereby periods of higher dominance of a model parameter and its corresponding process are assigned higher weights in the calculation of the associated performance criterion. These criteria are used to impose constraints on parameter values. We demonstrate this approach by constraining 12 model parameters for three catchments and examine ensemble hydrological simulations generated using these constrained parameter sets. The sensitivity‐weighted approach improves in particular the identifiability for parameters whose corresponding processes are dominant only for short periods of time or have strong seasonal patterns. This results overall in slight improvement of model performance for a set of 10 contrasting performance criteria. We conclude that the sensitivity‐weighted approach improves the extraction of hydrologically relevant information from data, thereby resulting in improved parameter identifiability and better representation of model parameters.