bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell Type–specific Adaptive Signaling Responses to KRASG12C Inhibition
Authors: Solanki Hitendra S. , Welsh Eric A. , Fang Bin , Izumi Victoria , Darville Lancia , Stone Brandon , Franzese Ryan , Chavan Sandip , Kinose Fumi , Imbody Denis , Koomen John M. , Rix Uwe , Haura Eric B.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Covalent inhibitors of KRASG12C specifically target tumors driven by this form of mutant KRAS, yet early studies show that bypass signaling drives adaptive resistance. Although several combination strategies have been shown to improve efficacy of KRASG12C inhibitors (KRASi), underlying mechanisms and predictive strategies for patient enrichment are less clear.

Experimental Design:

We performed mass spectrometry–based phosphoproteomics analysis in KRASG12C cell lines after short-term treatment with ARS-1620. To understand signaling diversity and cell type–specific markers, we compared proteome and phosphoproteomes of KRASG12C cells. Gene expression patterns of KRASG12C cell lines and lung tumor tissues were examined.

Results:

Our analysis suggests cell type–specific perturbation to ERBB2/3 signaling compensates for repressed ERK and AKT signaling following ARS-1620 treatment in epithelial cell type, and this subtype was also more responsive to coinhibition of SHP2 and SOS1. Conversely, both high basal and feedback activation of FGFR or AXL signaling were identified in mesenchymal cells. Inhibition of FGFR signaling suppressed feedback activation of ERK and mTOR, while AXL inhibition suppressed PI3K pathway. In both cell lines and human lung cancer tissues with KRASG12C, we observed high basal ERBB2/3 associated with epithelial gene signatures, while higher basal FGFR1 and AXL were observed in cells/tumors with mesenchymal gene signatures.

Conclusions:

Our phosphoproteomic study identified cell type–adaptive responses to KRASi. Markers and targets associated with ERBB2/3 signaling in epithelial subtype and with FGFR1/AXL signaling in mesenchymal subtype should be considered in patient enrichment schemes with KRASi.
The B7-H3–Targeting Antibody–Drug Conjugate m276-SL-PBD Is Potently Effective Against Pediatric Cancer Preclinical Solid Tumor Models
Authors: Kendsersky Nathan M. , Lindsay Jarrett , Kolb E. Anders , Smith Malcolm A. , Teicher Beverly A. , Erickson Stephen W. , Earley Eric J. , Mosse Yael P. , Martinez Daniel , Pogoriler Jennifer , Krytska Kateryna , Patel Khushbu , Groff David , Tsang Matthew , Ghilu Samson , Wang Yifei , Seaman Steven , Feng Yang , Croix Brad St. , Gorlick Richard , Kurmasheva Raushan , Houghton Peter J. , Maris John M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Patients with relapsed pediatric solid malignancies have few therapeutic options, and many of these patients die of their disease. B7-H3 is an immune checkpoint protein encoded by the CD276 gene that is overexpressed in many pediatric cancers. Here, we investigate the activity of the B7-H3–targeting antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) m276-SL-PBD in pediatric solid malignancy patient-derived (PDX) and cell line–derived xenograft (CDX) models.

Experimental Design:

B7-H3 expression was quantified by RNA sequencing and by IHC on pediatric PDX microarrays. We tested the safety and efficacy of m276-SL-PBD in two stages. Randomized trials of m276-SL-PBD of 0.5 mg/kg on days 1, 8, and 15 compared with vehicle were performed in PDX or CDX models of Ewing sarcoma (N = 3), rhabdomyosarcoma (N = 4), Wilms tumors (N = 2), osteosarcoma (N = 5), and neuroblastoma (N = 12). We then performed a single mouse trial in 47 PDX or CDX models using a single 0.5 m/kg dose of m276-SL-PBD.

Results:

The vast majority of PDX and CDX samples studied showed intense membranous B7-H3 expression (median H-score 177, SD 52). In the randomized trials, m276-SL-PBD showed a 92.3% response rate, with 61.5% of models showing a maintained complete response (MCR). These data were confirmed in the single mouse trial with an overall response rate of 91.5% and MCR rate of 64.4%. Treatment-related mortality rate was 5.5% with late weight loss observed in a subset of models dosed once a week for 3 weeks.

Conclusions:

m276-SL-PBD has significant antitumor activity across a broad panel of pediatric solid tumor PDX models.
A Decade of Cancer Discovery
Authors: Diaz Luis A. , Cantley Lewis C.
Published: February 2021

As Cancer Discovery turns 10, we reflect on the journal's success and look ahead to the future.
Differential Expression of CD49a and CD49b Determines Localization and Function of Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Melssen Marit M. , Lindsay Robin S. , Stasiak Katarzyna , Rodriguez Anthony B. , Briegel Amanda M. , Cyranowski Salwador , Rutkowski Melanie R. , Conaway Mark R. , Melief Cornelis J.M. , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Eyo Ukpong , Slingluff Craig L. , Engelhard Victor H.
Published: February 2021

CD8+ T-cell infiltration and effector activity in tumors are correlated with better overall survival of patients, suggesting that the ability of T cells to enter and remain in contact with tumor cells supports tumor control. CD8+ T cells express the collagen-binding integrins CD49a and CD49b, but little is known about their function or how their expression is regulated in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we found that tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells initially expressed CD49b, gained CD49a, and then lost CD49b over the course of tumor outgrowth. This differentiation sequence was driven by antigen-independent elements in the TME, although T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation further increased CD49a expression. Expression of exhaustion markers and CD49a associated temporally but not mechanistically. Intratumoral CD49a-expressing CD8+ T cells failed to upregulate TCR-dependent Nur77 expression, whereas CD69 was constitutively expressed, consistent with both a lack of productive antigen engagement and a tissue-resident memory-like phenotype. Imaging T cells in live tumor slices revealed that CD49a increased their motility, especially of those in close proximity to tumor cells, suggesting that it may interfere with T-cell recognition of tumor cells by distracting them from productive engagement, although we were not able to augment productive engagement by short-term CD49a blockade. CD49b also promoted relocalization of T cells at a greater distance from tumor cells. Thus, our results demonstrate that expression of these integrins affects T-cell trafficking and localization in tumors via distinct mechanisms, and suggests a new way in which the TME, and likely collagen, could promote tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T-cell dysfunction.
Testosterone and Exercise in Middle-to-Older Aged Men
Authors: Chasland Lauren C. , Naylor Louise H. , Yeap Bu B. , Maiorana Andrew J. , Green Daniel J.
Published: February 2021

The endothelium is integral to the maintenance of vascular health in humans, and advancing age and low testosterone levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction in men. We compared the impacts of testosterone and exercise training, alone and in combination, on endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation % and endothelium-independent glyceryl trinitrate % responses. In this 2×2 factorial 12-week randomized controlled trial, 80 men aged 50 to 70 years with waist girth ≥95 cm and low-normal serum testosterone levels (6–14 nmol/L) were randomized to transdermal AndroForte5 (testosterone 5.0% w/v, 100 mg/2 mL; testosterone), or matching placebo; and to supervised centre-based exercise or no additional exercise. Testosterone increased serum testosterone levels (testosterone×time,
P
=0.003) to the extent that 62% of subjects in testosterone groups increased levels to >14 nmol/L, whereas placebo treatment had no impact on testosterone levels. Exercise training increased flow-mediated dilation % (exercise×time,
P
=0.033; testosterone+exercise: +0.5, placebo+exercise: +1.0 versus testosterone+no additional exercise: −0.7, placebo+no additional exercise: +0.2%), whereas testosterone did not impact flow-mediated dilation, nor was it additive to exercise (all
P
>0.05). There were no significant exercise or drug main effects on glyceryl trinitrate responses (all
P
>0.05). Exercise training improved endothelium-dependent vasodilator function, whereas administration of testosterone at therapeutic doses did not impact flow-mediated dilation % or add to the exercise benefit. Vascular smooth muscle sensitivity to nitric oxide was not modified by exercise, testosterone, or their combination. In middle-to-older-aged men with central adiposity and low/normal testosterone levels, we observed no evidence that testosterone added to the beneficial impact of exercise on vascular function and health.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368611
; Unique identifier: ACTRN12615000600549.
Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Children
Authors: van Es Adriaan C.G.M. , Hunfeld Maayke A.W. , van den Wijngaard Ido , Kraemer Ulrike , Engelen Marc , van Hasselt Boudewijn A.A.M. , Fransen Puck S.S. , Dippel Diederik W.J. , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , van der Lugt Aad , Emmer Bart J. ,   for the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

Multiple trials have shown the efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke in adults. Trials in children are lacking and only case reports and case series exist. However, the long-term outcome of children with acute ischemic stroke can be devastating with significant mortality and morbidity. In this study, we describe the safety and efficacy of EVT in children with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who were included in the MR CLEAN Registry (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands).

Methods:

Patients under the age of 18 years who were treated with EVT for acute ischemic stroke between March 2014 and July 2017 were retrospectively reviewed up to 6 months after EVT. Nine children, aged 13 months to 16 years (median 14 years, interquartile range, 3–15 years), underwent EVT. Stroke cause was thromboembolism in children with end-stage heart failure on left ventricular assist device (4 of these 9 cases). Median time from onset to imaging was 133 minutes. Four children received intravenous alteplase before EVT, with median onset to needle time of 165 minutes. In all but one patient, EVT was technically successful. No major periprocedural complications occurred.

Results:

At 24 hours after EVT, 3 children completely recovered and 4 children showed partial recovery (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, 3.5), whereas 2 patients on left ventricular assist device died within the first week due to the occurrence of multiple strokes. One patient on left ventricular assist device developed a fatal massive intracranial hemorrhage and another child died due to left ventricular assist device-related complications. Among the 5 stroke survivors, all had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) at 6 months follow-up.

Conclusions:

EVT of children with acute ischemic stroke seems safe and feasible. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution as more and larger studies are needed to clarify the trade-off between risks and benefits of this treatment.
Brain Glucose Metabolism in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Bergeret Sébastien , Queneau Mathieu , Rodallec Mathieu , Landeau Brigitte , Chetelat Gaël , Hong Young T. , Dumurgier Julien , Hugon Jacques , Paquet Claire , Farid Karim , Baron Jean-Claude
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

The in vivo diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is currently based on the Boston criteria, which largely rely on hemorrhagic features on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Adding to these criteria
18
F-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography, a widely available imaging modality, might improve their accuracy. Here we tested the hypothesis that FDG uptake is reduced in posterior cortical areas, particularly the primary occipital cortex, which pathologically bear the brunt of vascular Aβ deposition.

Methods:

From a large memory clinic database, we retrospectively included all patients in whom both brain magnetic resonance imaging and FDG positron emission tomography had been obtained as part of routine clinical care and who fulfilled the Boston criteria for probable CAA. None had a history of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. FDG data processing involved (1) spatial normalization to the Montreal Neurology Institute/International Consortium for Brain Mapping 152 space and (2) generation of standardized FDG uptake (relative standardized uptake value; relative to the pons). The relative standardized uptake value data obtained in 13 regions of interest sampling key cortical areas and the cerebellum were compared between the CAA and age-matched control groups using 2 separate healthy subject databases and image-processing pipelines. The presence of significant hypometabolism (2-tailed
P
<0.05) was assessed for the bilaterally averaged regions-of-interest relative standardized uptake values.

Results:

Fourteen patients fulfilling the Boston criteria for probable CAA (≥2 exclusively lobar microbleeds) were identified. Significant hypometabolism (
P
range, 0.047 to <0.0001) consistently affected the posterior cortical areas, including the superior and inferior parietal, primary visual, lateral occipital, lateral temporal, precuneus, and posterior cingulate regions of interest. The anterior cortical areas were marginally or not significantly hypometabolic, and the cerebellum was spared.

Conclusions:

Supporting our hypothesis, significant glucose hypometabolism predominantly affected posterior cortical regions, including the visual cortex. These findings from a small sample may have diagnostic implications but require replication in larger prospective studies. In addition, whether they generalize to CAA-related symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage warrants specific studies.
Translation Mining: Definiteness across Languages (A Reply to Jenks 2018)
Authors: Bremmers David , Liu Jianan , van der Klis Martijn , Le Bruyn Bert
Published: February 2021

We present a parallel corpus study that compares the distribution of German contracted/uncontracted articles and Mandarin bare nouns/demonstratives. Work by Schwarz (2009) and Jenks (2018) leads us to predict that German contracted articles pattern with Mandarin bare nouns and German uncontracted articles with Mandarin demonstratives. We show that these predictions are only partly borne out and argue for a more fine-grained typology of definiteness.
Simplicial and topological descriptions of human brain dynamics
Authors: Billings Jacob , Saggar Manish , Hlinka Jaroslav , Keilholz Shella , Petri Giovanni
Published: February 2021

While brain imaging tools like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) afford measurements of whole-brain activity, it remains unclear how best to interpret patterns found amid the data’s apparent self-organization. To clarify how patterns of brain activity support brain function, one might identify metric spaces that optimally distinguish brain states across experimentally defined conditions. Therefore, the present study considers the relative capacities of several metric spaces to disambiguate experimentally defined brain states. One fundamental metric space interprets fMRI data topographically, that is, as the vector of amplitudes of a multivariate signal, changing with time. Another perspective compares the brain’s functional connectivity, that is, the similarity matrix computed between signals from different brain regions. More recently, metric spaces that consider the data’s topology have become available. Such methods treat data as a sample drawn from an abstract geometric object. To recover the structure of that object, topological data analysis detects features that are invariant under continuous deformations (such as coordinate rotation and nodal misalignment). Moreover, the methods explicitly consider features that persist across multiple geometric scales. While, certainly, there are strengths and weaknesses of each brain dynamics metric space, wefind that those that track topological features optimally distinguish experimentally defined brain states.
The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime 20 Years from Its Adoption
Authors: Mejía Tania Bañuelos
Published: February 2021

In view of the approaching 20th anniversary, in 2020, of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the present paper identifies and discusses the key strengths and achievements of this international legal instrument and challenges that lie ahead. The paper was written in the context of an academic seminar entitled The Palermo Convention against Transnational Organized Crime 2003–2018: Implementing the Treaty System organized by the University of Ferrara. The paper offers a reflection on what the Convention, the Conference of the Parties thereto, States parties themselves, and the Conference Secretariat have achieved in terms of implementation of the Convention, as well as some food for thought on remaining challenges in this regard.
International Cooperation for the Repression of Core Crimes
Authors: Annoni Alessandra
Published: February 2021

The burden of ensuring the repression of crimes that shock the conscience of mankind lies primarily with States. National prosecution of core crimes, however, relies heavily on inter-State cooperation. The obligation to cooperate in order to bring to justice the authors of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity may well be considered as a corollary of the erga omnes obligation to investigate and punish these crimes. The international instruments devoted to the repression of core crimes, however, fail to provide a sufficient regulatory framework for horizontal cooperation in this field, leaving it to States to make use of the tools established under domestic law, or provided by other existing treaties. The UNTOC and its Supplementing Protocols may prove useful in this framework. Even though these instruments were not expressly designed to tackle core crimes, some of the offences covered by them may indeed qualify as crimes against humanity or war crimes, if assisted by the ‘contextual element’ which characterizes the latter crimes. The UNTOC, moreover, can be used to further the prosecution of criminal groups that aid the commission of core crimes for profit.
What is Muscari massayanum and what is not? Second species born of confusion: Muscari erzincanicum (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a new species from Turkey

Authors: EKER İSMAİL
Published: February 2021

In the Flora of Turkey, the taxonomic concept of Muscari massayanum sensu Davis & Stuart was given based on five herbarium specimens and a photograph. In the original study, type location of the species was not specified, but its photograph and brief morphological features were included. In current study, herbarium samples given by Davis & Stuart under the description of the species in the Flora of Turkey were examined, and as a result of field studies conducted at the locations where these samples were collected, it was determined that the aforementioned description included M. massayanum, as well as the later published M. erdalii, and a new taxon yet to be named. As a result of comparative and detailed morphological studies to solve this confusion, a new species, Muscari erzincanicum (Asparagaceae) from Turkey, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to M. massayanum and M. erdalii, but differs from both by the flower, fruit and seed characteristics.
Addition to Micropeltidaceae: Micropeltis goniothalamicola sp. nov. and new record of Scolecopeltidium menglaense from Chiang Rai, Thailand
Authors: MARASINGHE DIANA S. , HONGSANAN SINANG , BOONMEE SARANYAPHAT , XIE NING
Published: February 2021

A novel species, Micropeltis goniothalamicola and a new record Scolecopeltidium menglaense were collected from Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens, Thailand. Our new taxon is different from other species in Micropeltis in having relatively smaller ascomata, 6–8-spored asci and 4–5-septate ascospores covering with mucilaginous sheath. Our new record, S. menglaense is the first host recorded from Jasmine grandiflorum (Oleaceae). Morphological comparison coupled with phylogenetic analysis of combined LSU and ITS sequence data provide evidence for the new species and new host record.
Two new species of the leafhopper tribe Mileewini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Mileewinae) from Hainan Island, China, with a key to species
Authors: HE HONG-LI , YAN BIN , YANG MAO-FA
Published: February 2021

Two new Mileewini leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Mileewinae), Mileewa triloba sp. nov. and Ujna cavipenis sp. nov. are described from Hainan Island, China. Habitus images and figures of both male and female genitalia are provided together with a key to species of Mileewini from Hainan.
Yanomamius n. gen., a new genus of tarantula from Brazilian and Venezuelan Amazon (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with description of three new species
Authors: BERTANI ROGÉRIO , ALMEIDA MARLUS QUEIROZ
Published: February 2021

The new genus Yanomamius n. gen. from Brazilian and Venezuelan Amazon is described, with three new species from Brazil: Y. franciscoi n. sp. (type species), Y. raonii n. sp., and Y. neblina n. sp. The enigmatic Venezuelan species described as Holothele waikoshiemi Bertani & Araújo, 2006 and presently included in Guyruita Guadanucci et al. (2007) is transferred to the new genus, making the new combination Y. waikoshiemi (Bertani & Araújo, 2006) n. comb. Yanomamius n. gen. is closely related with the schismatotheline genera Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 and Euthycaelus Simon, 1889 sharing as probable synapomorphies a group of short spines on the retrolateral distal tibia of male palp and the shape of bulb. They differ by the position of the spines in a compact group instead of in rows and by a tapering embolus. Females differ from Schismatothele and Euthycaelus by the spermathecae weakly sclerotized. A series of recent phylogenies based on molecular data suggested a close relationship between schimatothelines and psalmopoeines. The male tibia I of Yanomamius n. gen. species have a series of ridges or a single protuberance behind the tibial apophyses that resemble those of psalmopoeines and strengthen the idea of close relationship of the two subfamilies.
Diagnostics and updated checklist of Oriental Pseudopostega (Opostegidae), including the matrona species group with a new, extralimital species discovered in the Mediterranean
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , REMEIKIS ANDRIUS , SOLIS M. ALMA , KARSHOLT OLE
Published: February 2021

We provide diagnostics for eight species groups of Oriental Pseudopostega Kozlov (Lepidoptera: Opostegidae) and a pictorial key for their identification. We designate three new species groups, P. frigida and P. strigulata groups, and the P. auritella group for two Palaearctic species, and rename the P. nigrimaculella group as the P. matrona group. We assign P. euryntis (Meyrick), P. zelopa (Meyrick), and P. subviolaceae (Meyrick), three formerly unplaced species, to species groups based on re-examination of male and female genitalia. We list 22 currently known Oriental Pseudopostega species, and synonymize Pseudopostega spilodes (Meyrick), syn. nov., with P. machaerias (Meyrick). One new Mediterranean species with affiliations to the Oriental fauna, P. matrona Karsholt & Remeikis, sp. nov., is described. The new species is illustrated with photographs of the adults and male genitalia. Additionally, we provide a distribution map of the P. matrona group, now extralimital to the Oriental region.
A new species of Oligodon H. Boie in Fitzinger, 1826 (Squamata: Colubridae) from Hainan Island, China
Authors: QIAN TIANYU , QI SHUO , SHI JINGSONG , LU YUYAN , JENKINS ROBERT W. G. , MO YANNI , LI PIPENG
Published: February 2021

A new species of the kukri snake genus Oligodon H. Boie in Fitzinger, 1826 is described based on two specimens collected from Shangxi Nature Reserve, Hainan Island, China. Oligodon bivirgatus sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of having 15/15/15 dorsal scale rows, eight maxillary teeth, divided nasal, 3 temporals (1+2), 7 supralabials and 7 infralabials; divided anal plate; reddish-brown dorsum with two distinct dark stripes, and reddish ventral surface (in life) with irregular dark blotches on edge cream. This is the first new Oligodon species described from a type-locality in Hainan Island of China.
Description of a new species of the genus Didrepanephorus Wood-Mason, 1878 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) from China with notes on allied species
Authors: QIU JIAN-YUE , ZHAO MING-ZHI , XU HAO
Published: February 2021

Four Chinese species of the genus Didrepanephorus Wood-Mason, 1878 with dense setae on dorsal surface are illustrated, including D. heterocolor Qiu, Zhao & Xu, new species from Guizhou. Didrepanephorus mucronatus Arrow, 1921 and D. subvittatus Benderitter, 1922 are newly recorded from China in Yunnan and Guangxi respectively. Detailed descriptions, intraspecific variations, and natural history are provided for the aforementioned species. Previously unknown female of D. nishiyamai Muramoto, 2006 is documented for the first time.
Stratospheric and Tropospheric Flux Contributions to the Polar Cap Energy Budgets
Authors: Cardinale Christopher J. , Rose Brian E. J. , Lang Andrea L. , Donohoe Aaron
Published: February 2021

The flux of moist static energy into the polar regions plays a key role in the energy budget and climate of the polar regions. While usually studied from a vertically integrated perspective (Fwall), this analysis examines its vertical structure, using the NASA-MERRA-2 reanalysis to compute climatological and anomalous fluxes of sensible, latent, and potential energy across 70°N and 65°S for the period 1980–2016. The vertical structure of the climatological flux is bimodal, with peaks in the middle to lower troposphere and middle to upper stratosphere. The near-zero flux at the tropopause defines the boundary between stratospheric (Fstrat) and tropospheric (Ftrop) contributions toFwall. Especially at 70°N,Fstratis found to be important to the climatology and variability ofFwall, contributing 20.9 W m−2toFwall(19% ofFwall) during the winter and explaining 23% of the variance ofFwall. During winter, an anomalous poleward increase inFstratpreceding a sudden stratospheric warming is followed by an increase in outgoing longwave radiation anomalies, with little influence on the surface energy budget of the Arctic. Conversely, a majority of the energy input by an anomalous poleward increase inFtropgoes toward warming the Arctic surface. Overall,Ftropis found to be a better metric thanFwallfor evaluating the influence of atmospheric circulations on the Arctic surface climate.
Free and Forced Components of Shoaling Long Waves in the Absence of Short-Wave Breaking
Authors: Contardo Stephanie , Lowe Ryan J. , Hansen Jeff E. , Rijnsdorp Dirk P. , Dufois François , Symonds Graham
Published: February 2021

Long waves are generated and transform when short-wave groups propagate into shallow water, but the generation and transformation processes are not fully understood. In this study we develop an analytical solution to the linearized shallow-water equations at the wave-group scale, which decomposes the long waves into a forced solution (a bound long wave) and free solutions (free long waves). The solution relies on the hypothesis that free long waves are continuously generated as short-wave groups propagate over a varying depth. We show that the superposition of free long waves and a bound long wave results in a shift of the phase between the short-wave group and the total long wave, as the depth decreases prior to short-wave breaking. While it is known that short-wave breaking leads to free-long-wave generation, through breakpoint forcing and bound-wave release mechanisms, we highlight the importance of an additional free-long-wave generation mechanism due to depth variations, in the absence of breaking. This mechanism is important because as free long waves of different origins combine, the total free-long-wave amplitude is dependent on their phase relationship. Our free and forced solutions are verified against a linear numerical model, and we show how our solution is consistent with prior theory that does not explicitly decouple free and forced motions. We also validate the results with data from a nonlinear phase-resolving numerical wave model and experimental measurements, demonstrating that our analytical model can explain trends observed in more complete representations of the hydrodynamics.
Analysis of Pollution Patterns in Regions of Kolkata
Authors: Roy Subhrajyoty , Sengupta Debasis , Rudra Kalyan , Saha Udit Surya
Published: February 2021

This article analyses various patterns in the pollution levels of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] at various locations in Kolkata, India. Our analysis is based on a data set recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board of India and the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, comprising of about 15 years of irregular time series observations, due to the higher cost of precise and accurate measurements of pollution. We perform some exploratory analysis concerning the variations in trend, seasonal, and shift-specific seasonal levels. As well as a statistical model for forecasting pollution levels for two to three days in advance is also obtained, along with an analysis of the effects of festivities such as Kali Puja and Diwali on the level of the pollutants across different locations.
Parent Perceptions of the Advocacy Expectation in Special Education
Authors: Rossetti Zach , Burke Meghan M. , Hughes Oscar , Schraml-Block Kristen , Rivera Javier I. , Rios Kristina , Aleman Tovar Janeth , Lee James D.
Published: February 2021

Although the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) mandates parent participation in their children’s education programs, the implementation of IDEA results in parent effort beyond participation, specifically, an expectation of advocacy. To date, research on the advocacy expectation is mixed, with some parents perceiving advocacy as an obligation to ensure appropriate services for their children, whereas others argue it is unreasonable and has cultural dissonance, disadvantaging some parents. We examined parent perspectives of the advocacy expectation in special education through 19 focus groups with 127 parents of children with disabilities across four states. Findings included a nuanced understanding of the advocacy expectation, with participants reporting the importance of advocacy and some describing that advocacy was part of their social role. However, under adversarial circumstances with school personnel, participants described feeling overwhelmed because the advocacy expectation felt more difficult than it needed to be. We discuss implications for policy and practice.
Ships over Troubled Waters: Examining Naval Development in Asia
Authors: Crisher Brian Benjamin
Published: February 2021

What accounts for the growth of naval power in Asia, and are we witnessing a new naval arms race? Through a unique quantitative assessment of naval development in Asia, I show that economic and geostrategic factors are driving naval development in the region. Additionally, I examine the growth of naval might in China, Japan, India, and South Korea, and find evidence of a potential naval arms race in Asia. The article’s findings point to the importance of testing for regional variation in naval development and using specific weapons systems to test for evidence of an arms race.
Impact of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) on mental health
Authors: Sunil Shweta , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Anand Nitin
Published: February 2021

Online gaming has become a concern for health professionals due to its dysfunctional effects. This study aimed to conceptualise and summarise the impact that gaming platforms like PUBG can have on an individual’s mental health. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA model. A total of five papers were shortlisted and reviewed for the purpose of this study. The results indicated the use of gaming platforms like PUBG by players to address and cope with anxiety and depression, and it also highly influences the presence of other concerns like ADHD and suicidality, self-harm and aggressive behaviours. While the literature points to the detrimental effects of PUBG, this study highlights the importance of undertaking more research to establish the causal patterns in PUBG use and how to address the issues posed from both psychological and legal perspectives.
Developing accomplished writers: Lessons from recent research
Authors: Benjamin Steve , Wagner Michael
Published: February 2021

When we examine the state of writing instruction in many schools and classrooms, we find that few teachers are actually teaching students to become better writers in large part because they are relying on process models that do not accurately reflect the complex task of creating good writing and that are out of step with current research. Merely providing prompts for writing, noting a few comments in the margins of first drafts, awarding a letter grade for the second draft, and then moving on to the next piece of writing does not create an environment wherein students will develop as confident and effective writers. Steven Benjamin and Michael Wagner explain that students will develop as better writers when teachers allocate sufficient time to the endeavor, emphasize the importance of multiple feedback-thinking-revision cycles applied to the current piece of writing, set high expectations for students, and provide opportunities for writing in multiple genres and disciplines.
Bookshelf: Kappan authors on their favorite reads
Authors: Cain Victoria E.M.
Published: February 2021

In this monthly column, Kappan authors discuss books and articles that have informed their views on education. Victoria Cain recommends The Big Test: The Secret History of the American Meritocracy by Nicholas Lemann. Nancy Gutiérrez recommends Subtractve Schooling: U.S.-Mexican Youth and the Politics of Caring. And Justin Reich recommends the Sociology of Education article, “Comment: The first and second digital divides” by Paul Attewell.
A single-step identification strategy for the coupled TITO process using fractional calculus
Authors: Kothari Kajal , Mehta Utkal , Prasad Ravneel
Published: February 2021

The reliable performance of a complete control system depends on accurate model information being used to represent each subsystem. The identification and modelling of multivariable systems are complex and challenging due to cross-coupling. Such a system may require multiple steps and decentralized testing to obtain full system models effectively. In this paper, a direct identification strategy is proposed for the coupled two-input two-output (TITO) system with measurable input–output signals. A well-known closed-loop relay test is utilized to generate a set of inputs–outputs data from a single run. Based on the collected data, four individual fractional-order transfer functions, two for main paths and two for cross-paths, are estimated from single-run test signals. The orthogonal series-based algebraic approach is adopted, namely the Haar wavelet operational matrix, to handle the fractional derivatives of the signal in a simple manner. A single-step strategy yields faster identification with accurate estimation. The simulation and experimental studies depict the efficiency and applicability of the proposed identification technique. The demonstrated results on the twin rotor multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system (TRMS) clearly reveal that the presented idea works well with the highly coupled system even in the presence of measurement noise.
Marine current energy assessment and the hydrodynamic design of the hydrokinetic turbine for the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast
Authors: Hazim Salma , Salih Abdelouahab , Taha Janan Mourad , Ouatouati Ahmed El , Ghennioui Abdellatif
Published: February 2021

Generating electricity through renewable energies is growing increasingly to reduce the huge demand on electricity and the impact of fossil energies on the environment, the most common sources forms used are: the wind, the sun, the photovoltaic and the thermal, without forgetting hydropower by the bays of dams. Fortunately, 70% of our planet is covered by the seas and oceans, this area constitutes a huge potential for electricity production to be exploited. The scientific advances of recent years allow a better exploitation of these resources especially the marine current due to its reliability and predictability. The marine current energy is extracted using a hydrokinetic turbine (HKT) which transform the kinetic energy of water into an electrical energy. The exploitation of this resource needs in the first step the assessment of marine currents in the study area for implementing the HKT, and the second step is designing an adequate technology. The main goal of this study is the assessment of the marine current resource on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast to evaluate the suitable area to implement the HKT, and to determine the marine current speed intensities at different depths. As well as, to estimate an average potential existing in the site. Moreover, we will conduct a study based on the results of the assessment that was made to design a horizontal axis marine current turbine (HAMCT). Two hydrofoil profile were considered to design a HAMCT using the Blade Element Theory (BEM) and calculating their performances adapted to the site conditions Naca4415 and s8052. In addition, a comparison was made between this two HAMCT hydrofoil profile for deciding the best one for implementing in the studied area.
Impact of oil price volatility on state-level consumption of the United States: The role of oil dependence
Authors: van Eyden Reneé , Gupta Rangan , Sheng Xin , Wohar Mark E
Published: February 2021

In this study, we analyse the impact of oil price uncertainty (as measured by an observable measure of oil price volatility, i.e. realised volatility) on United States state-level real consumption by accounting for oil dependency. We account for both the long- and short-run dynamics of the state-level consumption function using the panel Pooled Mean Group estimator. The analysis makes use of a novel dataset including housing and stock market wealth at the state level covering the quarterly period 1975:Q1 to 2012:Q2, supplemented with an annual dataset up to 2018. We simultaneously estimate the long-run relationship and short-run impact of oil price volatility at the state-level conditional upon their oil dependency. We find that the negative impact of volatility is most severe for the states of Wyoming, Alaska and New Mexico, while the negative impact is least for Illinois, New York and Nebraska. States with lower per capita income and consumption expenditure, notably in the Southeast and Southwest region of the country are exposed to be more vulnerable to the negative impact of adverse developments and uncertainty in the oil market, as they may have less access to a stock of wealth and other means as recourse. Heterogenous responses, therefore, necessitate additional state-level response besides the national response to oil uncertainty.
Is Openness in Taste Directly Associated with Tolerance? Exploring a Relationship between Openness in Taste in Leisure Consumption and Attitudes toward Immigrants
Authors: Paredes Cristian L.
Published: February 2021

Openness in taste—presented in this study as the “backbone” of cultural omnivorousness—represents a standard of sophistication typical of cosmopolitan societies in accordance with the inclusive standards of cultural omnivorousness. In this study, I explore whether a specific case of openness in taste corresponds to a greater tolerance toward immigrants in the metropolitan research setting of Houston, Texas. This case study focuses on two different types of leisure activities: attendance at museums and live theaters, and attendance at sport events as highbrow and lowbrow activities, respectively. Using regression analysis, I examine whether the expected direct association between attendance at museums and live theaters and attendance at sport events varies by different degrees of tolerance toward immigrants. I find that openness in taste is not associated with a greater tolerance toward immigrants. Consequently, this case exemplifies how the sophistication attributed to openness in taste founded on cosmopolitan standards could be banal. I propose an alternative conceptual approach for discussing cases of openness in taste founded on entertainment such as the presented in this study, which might be useful for studying culture consumption and omnivorousness.
Infrastructures as colonial beachheads: The Central Arizona Project and the taking of Navajo resources
Authors: Curley Andrew
Published: February 2021

Colonial difference is a story of national infrastructures. To understand how colonialism works across Indigenous lands, we need to appreciate the physical, legal, and political factors involved in the building and expanding of national infrastructures in different historical contexts; infrastructures that arrive in some places while denied in others. Using archival documents, this article accounts for the colonial politics necessary to bring Colorado River water into Phoenix and Tucson. It highlights how the following moments worked to enlarge Arizona’s population and power while denying Diné water claims: the 1922 Colorado Compact, Arizona’s 1960s campaign for the Central Arizona Project, and recent Indian water settlements between Arizona and Navajo Nation. The infrastructures that emerged from these events formed a coal–energy–water nexus reliant on Navajo coal while constructing Arizona’s water network. In sum, these projects served as colonial beachheads—temporal encroachments on Indigenous lands and livelihoods that augment material and political difference over time and exacerbate inequalities.
Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as an adjunct to selected physical therapy exercise program on male patients with pudendal neuralgia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eid Marwa M , Rawash Mohamed F , Sharaf Moussa A , Eladl Hadaya Mosaad
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) combined with selected physical therapy exercise program on male patients with pudendal neuralgia.

Design:

A double-blinded randomized controlled study.

Setting:

Out-patient setting.

Participants:

Fifty-two male participants with pudendal neuralgia (30–50 years) were allocated randomly into two groups; study and control. The same physical therapy exercises were applied to all participants, plus the same prescribed analgesic medication (Etodolac). Participants in the study group received additional TENS and sham TENS were given to those in control group.

Intervention:

Intervention lasted for 12 weeks, three sessions per week (60 minutes/session).

Outcome measures:

Numerical pain rating scale and daily Etodolac intake dose were measured before and after intervention.

Results:

Statistically significant differences were detected in numerical pain rating scale and daily Etodolac intake in favor of the study group ( P < 0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, the mean ± SD for numerical pain rating scale and daily Etodolac intake were 4.25 ± 1.9 and 259.25 ± 84.4 mg, in the study group, and 6.22 ± 2.22 and 355.55 ± 93.36 mg in the control group, respectively. The mean difference (95% CI) for numerical pain rating scale and daily Etodolac intake was −1.97 (−3.09: −0.83) and −96.3 (−144.9: −47.69), between groups post treatment, respectively.

Conclusion:

Adding TENS to physical therapy exercise program is more effective than physical therapy program alone in improving pain in male patients with pudendal neuralgia as measured by numerical pain rating scale and daily analgesic intake dose.
A Time to Throw Away Stones: Qohelet’s Enigmatic Reference to Stones as a Hinge for the Themes of War and Peace in the Time Poem
Authors: Dunham Kyle C.
Published: February 2021

The time poem in Eccl 3.1–8 reflects a marked structure and progression of themes. These connections suggest that the initial lines of vv. 2, 5, and 8 open their respective stanzas by focusing on a similar theme: war and peace. This thread clarifies the meaning of Qohelet’s enigmatic throwing and gathering stones, activities for which no fewer than nine interpretations have been suggested. While interpreters have favored a reference to sexual intercourse, this view is unlikely. I contend that a preferable solution modifies an earlier interpretation relating the throwing and gathering of stones to acts of wartime and peacetime. The throwing away of stones relates to the demobilization of the military, while the gathering of stones relates to the mobilization for war (1 Sam 17.40; 2 Chron 26.14–15). This interpretation offers a more consistent approach to the themes of war and peace developed in the poem’s stanzas.
A ‘complementarist’ approach to the group as matrix and as psychic apparatus
Authors: Vollon Clarisse , Gimenez Guy
Published: February 2021

This article presents an epistemological reflection on two models of the group: S.H. Foulkes’ matrix model and René Kaës’ less well-known group psychic apparatus model. These two models are viewed as complementary, in the sense of George Devereux’s ‘complementarist’ approach, provided that each is conceived of as constituting a ‘vertex’, as Bion used this term. After showing that the two models are neither in competition nor coextensive, we explore their complementarity. The concepts of the ‘internal group’ and ‘unconscious alliances’ proposed by Kaës provide a way to understand how communication networks emerge and are structured in the matrix. Conversely, the concept of the network of communication can also be thought of as a metaphor for the psychic spaces of the group psychic apparatus. A clinical illustration involving a group supervision session is presented in support of these proposals.
Teaching Problem Posing to Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Yang Xuan , Xin Yan Ping
Published: February 2021

During the past 20 years, numerous studies examining the use of problem posing in mathematics instruction have documented positive outcomes in terms of students’ problem-solving skills, creativity, and attitudes and beliefs regarding the study of mathematics. However, despite these promising results, problem posing in mathematics instruction has rarely been studied in the population of students with learning disabilities (LD). This study describes a problem-posing intervention that draws on an existing Conceptual Model–based Problem-Solving program (COMPS, Xin) into the problem posing task. The COMPS-based problem posing intervention is designed to teach word problem posing skills to students with LDs under structured posing situations. The study used a multiple baseline across participants design and found the intervention was effective in improving students’ problem solving and posing skills. It provided implications for future research and teaching regarding the use of problem posing interventions in mathematics for students with LDs.