bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Based on Kalman Filter and Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Ullah Inam , Su Xin , Zhang Xuewu , Choi Dongmin
Published: June 2020

For more than two decades, the issue of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) has gained more attention from researchers and remains an influential topic in robotics. Currently, various algorithms of the mobile robot SLAM have been investigated. However, the probability-based mobile robot SLAM algorithm is often used in the unknown environment. In this paper, the authors proposed two main algorithms of localization. First is the linear Kalman Filter (KF) SLAM, which consists of five phases, such as (a) motionless robot with absolute measurement, (b) moving vehicle with absolute measurement, (c) motionless robot with relative measurement, (d) moving vehicle with relative measurement, and (e) moving vehicle with relative measurement while the robot location is not detected. The second localization algorithm is the SLAM with the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Finally, the proposed SLAM algorithms are tested by simulations to be efficient and viable. The simulation results show that the presented SLAM approaches can accurately locate the landmark and mobile robot.
Bit-Error-Rate Analysis of Raptor Codes over Rician Fading Channels
Authors: Dai Jingke
Published: June 2020

The bit-error-rate expressions of nonsystematic Raptor (NR) codes and systematic Raptor (SR) codes over Rician fading channels are first derived using a Gaussian approximation (GA) approach. These BER expressions provide a significant reduction in computational complexity for analyzing system performance when compared with simulation and discretized density evolution (DDE). As shown by the asymptotic analysis, the NR codes originally designed for binary erasure channels still have good performance on Rician fading channels but SR codes do not. Therefore, the degree distributions of SR codes are specifically optimized on Rician channels which are superior to the existing SR codes and comparable to NR codes.
Effective Data Transmission and Control Based on Social Communication in Social Opportunistic Complex Networks
Authors: Yang Weiyu , Wu Jia , Luo Jingwen
Published: June 2020

In opportunistic complex networks, information transmission between nodes is inevitable through broadcast. The purpose of broadcasting is to distribute data from source nodes to all nodes in the network. In opportunistic complex networks, it is mainly used for routing discovery and releasing important notifications. However, when a large number of nodes in the opportunistic complex networks are transmitting information at the same time, signal interference will inevitably occur. Therefore, we propose a low-latency broadcast algorithm for opportunistic complex networks based on successive interference cancellation techniques to improve propagation delay. With this kind of algorithm, when the social network is broadcasting, this algorithm analyzes whether the conditions for successive interference cancellation are satisfied between the broadcast links on the assigned transmission time slice. If the conditions are met, they are scheduled at the same time slice, and interference avoidance scheduling is performed when conditions are not met. Through comparison experiments with other classic algorithms of opportunistic complex networks, this method has outstanding performance in reducing energy consumption and improving information transmission efficiency.
Stability Analysis of a Reaction-Diffusion Heroin Epidemic Model
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xing Yifan
Published: June 2020

A reaction-diffusion (R-D) heroin epidemic model with relapse and permanent immunization is formulated. We use the basic reproduction numberR0to determine the global dynamics of the models. For both the ordinary differential equation (ODE) model and the R-D model, it is shown that the drug-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable ifR0≤1, and ifR0>1, the drug-addiction equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. Some numerical simulations are also carried out to illustrate our analytical results.
Multiplicative Valency-Based Descriptors for Silicon Carbides Si2C3 − I[p, q], Si2C3 − II[p, q], Si2C3 − III[p, q], and SiC3 − III[p, q] in Drug Applications
Authors: Xu Jin , Javaid Nasir , Bilal Shamas , Rafaqat Muhammad , Tlili Iskander
Published: June 2020

Topological indices help us to collect information about algebraic graphs and give us a mathematical approach to understand the properties of algebraic structures. In literature, there are more than 148 topological indices, but none of them can completely describe all properties of chemical compounds. Together, they do it to some extent, so there is always room to define new topological indices. In this paper, we introduced the multiplicative version of Shingali and Kanabour indices and computed these indices for Silicon Carbides Si2C3−Ip,q, Si2C3−IIp,q, Si2C3−IIIp,q, and SiC3−IIIp,q.
Big Data Management and Analytics in Scientific Programming: A Deep Learning-Based Method for Aspect Category Classification of Question-Answering-Style Reviews
Authors: Wu Hanqian , Liu Mumu , Zhang Shangbin , Wang Zhike , Cheng Siliang
Published: June 2020

Online product reviews are exploring on e-commerce platforms, and mining aspect-level product information contained in those reviews has great economic benefit. The aspect category classification task is a basic task for aspect-level sentiment analysis which has become a hot research topic in the natural language processing (NLP) field during the last decades. In various e-commerce platforms, there emerge various user-generated question-answering (QA) reviews which generally contain much aspect-related information of products. Although some researchers have devoted their efforts on the aspect category classification for traditional product reviews, the existing deep learning-based approaches cannot be well applied to represent the QA-style reviews. Thus, we propose a 4-dimension (4D) textual representation model based on QA interaction-level and hyperinteraction-level by modeling with different levels of the text representation, i.e., word-level, sentence-level, QA interaction-level, and hyperinteraction-level. In our experiments, the empirical studies on datasets from three domains demonstrate that our proposals perform better than traditional sentence-level representation approaches, especially in the Digit domain.
Potential Biomarkers of Peripheral and Central Fatigue in High-Intensity Trained Athletes at High-Temperature: A Pilot Study with Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon)
Authors: Kwak Jae-Jun , Yook Jang Soo , Ha Min-Seong
Published: June 2020

Among potent dietary supplements, Momordica charantia, commonly called bitter melon, has various biological effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and improves energy metabolism and fatigue recovery. However, it is unknown whether Momordica charantia extract (MCE) induces antifatigue effects during exercise training in high-temperature environments. This study aimed at investigating the efficacy of MCE by examining 10 male tennis players consuming 100 mL MCE/dose (6 times a day over 4 weeks) during the summer training season. Peripheral (ammonia and uric acid) and central (serotonin, dopamine, and prolactin) fatigue parameters were measured before and after MCE consumption; before, during, and after exercise; and the next morning. After consuming MCE supplements, ammonia levels were higher during and after exercise and recovered the next morning, whereas uric acid levels did not change at any time point. Serotonin levels were lower during exercise. Dopamine levels were higher, especially during exercise. Prolactin levels were lower at all time points, especially during and after exercise. Although high-intensity training in a hot environment causes accumulation of fatigue-related metabolites, our results indicate that 4 weeks of MCE intake positively influenced fatigue parameters, suggesting that MCE can efficiently combat fatigue.
Anticancer and Antibacterial Activity of Cadmium Sulfide Nanoparticles byAspergillus niger
Authors: Alsaggaf Mohammed S. , Elbaz Ashraf F. , El Badawy- Sherin , Moussa Shaaban H.
Published: June 2020

Cadmium-tolerant (6 mM)Aspergillus niger(RCMB 002002) biomass was challenged with aqueous cadmium chloride (1 mM) followed by sodium sulfide (9 mM) at 37°C for 96 h under shaking conditions (200 rpm), resulting in the formation of highly stable polydispersed cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdSNPs). Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of spherical particles measuring approximately 5 nm. A light scattering detector (LSD) showed that 100% of the CSNPs measure from 2.7 to 7.5 nm. Structural analyses by both powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of cubic CdS nanoparticles (CdSNPs) capped with fungal proteins. These CdSNPs showed emission spectra with a broad fluorescence peak at 420 nm and UV absorption onset at 430 nm that shifted to 445 nm after three months of incubation. The CdSNPs showed antimicrobial activity againstE. coli,Pseudomonas vulgaris,Staphylococcus aureus, andBacillus subtilis, and no antimicrobial activity was detected againstCandida albicans. The biosynthesized CdSNPs have cytotoxic activity, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 190 μg mL-1against MCF7, 246 μg mL-1against PC3, and 149 μg mL-1against A549 cell lines.
A Real-Time Image Encryption Method of Networked Inverted Pendulum Visual Servo Control System
Authors: Li Xue , Liu Bing , Zhang Changda
Published: June 2020

In the real-time control of networked inverted pendulum visual servo control system (NIPVSCS), how to achieve safe and efficient image transmission is an important and challenging problem. Generally, the inverted pendulum images are directly transmitted via the network, while these images are not secure because they may be attacked by the hacker. To solve the problem, a fast image encryption method by combining image scaling and improved self-diffusion image encryption (ISDIE) algorithm is firstly proposed, which is employed to encrypt the captured images after they are scaled. The security performance of the proposed algorithm, the characteristics of different delays, and the control performance of the NIPVSCS are then analyzed. Finally, simulation and real-time control experiments confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Nonexistence of Global Weak Solutions of a System of Nonlinear Wave Equations with Nonlinear Fractional Damping
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Kirane Mokhtar , Samet Bessem
Published: June 2020

We consider the system of nonlinear wave equations with nonlinear time fractional dampingutt+−Δmu+CD0,tαtσuq=vp,t>0,x∈ℝN,vtt+−Δmv+CD0,tβtδvr=vs,t>0,x∈ℝN,u0,x,ut0,x=u0x,u1x,x∈ℝN,u0,x,ut0,x=u0x,u1x,x∈ℝN,whereu,v=ut,x,vt,x,mandNare positive natural numbers,p,q,r,s>1,σ,δ≥0,0<α,β<1, and CD0,tκ,0<κ<1, is the Caputo fractional derivative of orderκ. Namely, sufficient criteria are derived so that the system admits no global weak solution. To the best of our knowledge, the considered system was not previously studied in the literature.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Adrenal Insufficiency: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Garrahy Ian , Nicholas Peter , Oladiran Oreoluwa , Nazir Salik
Published: June 2020

We report a case of a middle-aged female who presented with altered mental status, hypotension, and hypoglycemia and was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency. She was also found to have elevated troponin I on initial evaluation with diffuse T wave inversions on electrocardiogram. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed ejection fraction of 38% with apical akinesia. Subsequent left heart catheterization revealed clean coronary arteries. She was diagnosed with typical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to adrenal insufficiency. She was managed with IV hydrocortisone with resolution of symptoms. This article adds to the select few cases in the literature of the association of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy resulting from secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Environmental Factors and Ventilation Affect Concentrations of Microorganisms in Hospital Wards of Southern Thailand
Authors: Onmek Nutthajit , Kongcharoen Jinda , Singtong Ailada , Penjumrus Angkana , Junnoo Siripich
Published: June 2020

Hospitals tend to have high density of occupancy. Poor indoor environmental quality in hospital buildings can exacerbate the health problems of patients and also harm visitors and staff. This study investigated the environmental characteristics and ventilation affecting the concentration of microorganisms in multiple-bed hospital wards. The measurements were accomplished by using a biosampler and an open plate method at four wards, different positions of electric fans, and different times. Data were analyzed by t-test and MANOVA. The results revealed that the concentrations of airborne bacteria were higher than the concentrations of fungi. There were significant differences in the concentrations of bacteria and fungi between sampling times and between hospital wards (p<0.05), while no difference was observed by positions of electric fans. Correlations between the concentrations and other environmental parameters indicate that temperature, number of occupants, and humidity were physical factors associated with the concentrations of microorganisms. In addition, mostly, Gram-positive bacteria were observed. This indicates the conditions in buildings in the tropical climate, and regular housekeeping of all room areas is needed to prevent the growth of airborne contaminants and the related risks to patients, visitors, and staff.
Using RNA-Seq to Explore the Repair Mechanism of the Three Methods and Three-Acupoint Technique on DRGs in Sciatic Nerve Injured Rats
Authors: Lv Tao-tao , Mo Yan-jun , Yu Tian-yuan , Shao Shuai , Lu Meng-qian , Luo Yu-ting , Shen Yi , Zhang Yu-mo , Steven Wong
Published: June 2020

Objective. To study the effects of the three methods and three-acupoint technique on DRG gene expression in SNI model rats and to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the three methods and three-acupoint technique on promoting recovery in peripheral nerve injury. Methods. 27 male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a Sham group, the SNI group, and the Tuina group. The Tuina group was treated with a tuina manipulation simulator to simulate massage on points, controlling for both quality and quantity. Point-pressing, plucking, and kneading methods were administered quantitatively at Yinmen (BL37), Chengshan (BL57), and Yanglingquan (GB34) points on the affected side once a day, beginning 7 days after modeling. Intervention was applied once a day for 10 days, then 1 day of rest, followed by 10 more days of intervention, totally equaling 20 times of intervention. The effect of the three methods and three-point technique on the recovery of injured rats was evaluated using behavior analysis. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of differentially expressed genes in DRGs of the three groups of rats was also performed. GO and KEGG enrichment was analyzed and verified using real-time PCR. Results. RNA-Seq combined with database information showed that the number of differentially expressed genes in DRG was the largest in the Tuina group compared with the SNI group, totaling 226. GO function is enriched in the positive regulation of cell processes, ion binding, protein binding, neuron, response to pressure, response to metal ions, neuron projection, and other biological processes. GO function is also enriched in the Wnt, IL-17, and MAPK signaling pathways in the KEGG database. PCR results were consistent with those of RNA sequencing, suggesting that the results of transcriptome sequencing were reliable. Conclusion. The three methods and three-acupoint technique can promote the recovery of SNI model rats by altering the gene sequence in DRGs.
Flow Management with Differentiated Classes of Service and Quality of Experience
Authors: Silva João , Ponte João , Lopes João Pedro , Souto Nuno
Published: June 2020

Recently, mobile networks have been overloaded with a considerable amount of data traffic. This paper proposes a brokerage service for mobile environments, using policies and quality metrics and ensuring better usage of network resources with more fine-grained management based on flows, and expands previous work (Silva, et al.) with the novel addition of differentiated classes of service. A closed innovative control loop included in a flexible brokerage service in the network, as well as agents at the mobile terminals, detects and counteracts an abnormal data load in any access technology. This allows the terminals to make well-informed decisions about their connections to improve the number of connected flows per technology and the individual service level offered to each flow. Simulation results indicate that the current proposed management solution optimizes the usage of available 4G/5G network resources among a high number of flows in several usage scenarios where the technologies are extremely overloaded, while at the same time, protecting the higher classes of service.
An Age-Related Hearing Protection Locus on Chromosome 16 of BXD Strain Mice
Authors: Zheng Qing Yin , Kui Lihong , Xu Fuyi , Zheng Tihua , Li Bo , McCarty Melinda , Sun Zehua , Zhang Aizheng , Liu Luying , Starlard-Davenport Athena , Stepanyan Ruben , Hu Bo Hua , Lu Lu
Published: June 2020

Inbred mouse models are widely used to study age-related hearing loss (AHL). Many genes associated with AHL have been mapped in a variety of strains. However, little is known about gene variants that have the converse function—protective genes that confer strong resistance to hearing loss. Previously, we reported that C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) strains share a common hearing loss allele in Cdh23. The cadherin 23 (Cdh23) gene is a key contributor to early-onset hearing loss in humans. In this study, we tested hearing across a large family of 54 BXD strains generated from B6 to D2 crosses. Five of 54 strains maintain the normal threshold (20 dB SPL) even at 2 years old—an age at which both parental strains are essentially deaf. Further analyses revealed an age-related hearing protection (ahp) locus on chromosome 16 (Chr 16) at 57~76 Mb with a maximum LOD of 5.7. A small number of BXD strains at 2 years with good hearing correspond roughly to the percentage of humans who have good hearing at 90 years old. Further studies to define candidate genes in the ahp locus and related molecular mechanisms involved in age-related resilience or resistance to AHL are warranted.
Acute Kidney Injury due to Anticoagulant-Related Nephropathy : A Suggestion for Therapy
Authors: Zeni Letizia , Manenti Chiara , Fisogni Simona , Terlizzi Vincenzo , Verzeletti Federica , Gaggiotti Mario , Cancarini Giovanni
Published: June 2020

The relationship between kidneys and anticoagulation is complex, especially after introduction of the direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). It is recently growing evidence of an anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN), a form of acute kidney injury caused by excessive anticoagulation. The pathogenesis of kidney damage in this setting is multifactorial, and nowadays, there is no established treatment. We describe a case of ARN, admitted to our Nephrology Unit with a strong suspicion of ANCA-associated vasculitis due to gross haematuria and haemoptysis; the patient was being given dabigatran. Renal biopsy excluded ANCA-associated vasculitis and diagnosed a red blood cell cast nephropathy superimposed to an underlying IgA nephropathy. Several mechanisms are possibly responsible for kidney injury in ARN: tubular obstruction, cytotoxicity of heme-containing molecules and free iron, and activation of proinflammatory/proﬁbrotic cytokines. Therefore, the patient was given a multilevel strategy of treatment. A combination of reversal of coagulopathy (i.e., withdrawal of dabigatran and infusion of its specific antidote) along with administration of fluids, sodium bicarbonate, steroids, and mannitol resulted in conservative management of AKI and fast recovery of renal function. This observation could suggest a prospective study aiming to find the best therapy of ARN.
Rare Tumors Presenting as a Mastoid Mass
Authors: Lee Jiyeon , Han Kyujin , Kim Chang-Hee
Published: June 2020

In terms of diagnosis, a painless isolated mass lesion around the mastoid area is rarely encountered in general practice. In the present study, we report two cases of painless benign mastoid tumors located in the postauricular region. The first patient visited our department with a painless progressing mass lesion behind the right ear, which was later revealed as an intramuscular lipoma in the mastoid origin site of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The second patient similarly presented to our department with a chief complaint of a painless, palpable mass in the mastoid region. Biopsy results confirmed the diagnosis of an osteoma. In both cases, the tumor was surgically removed by a postauricular approach. Although osteoma and lipoma are benign tumors rarely involved in the mastoid area, presenting without symptoms, it is recommended of complete excision, especially in cases with symptoms or cosmetic deformity.
A High-Input Voltage Two-Phase Series-Capacitor DC-DC Buck Converter
Authors: Ahmed Rmila Salahaldein , Ang Simon S.
Published: June 2020

A high-input voltage 2-phase series-capacitor (2-pscB) DC-DC buck converter is theoretically analyzed, designed, and implemented. A new design approach for an automatic current sharing scheme was presented for a 2-phase series-capacitor synchronous buck converter. The series-capacitor voltage is used to achieve current sharing between phases without a current sensing circuit or external control loop as each phase inductor charges and discharges the series capacitor to maintain its average capacitor voltage constant. A novel isolated gate driver circuit to accommodate an energy storage capacitor is proposed to deliver isolated gate voltages to the switching transistors. An I2 control scheme that uses only one feedback path control for the four gate drivers is proposed to enable higher voltage conversion. An experimental 110-12 V 6 A load prototype converter was designed, and its current sharing characteristics were experimentally verified.
Generation of Tunable Microwave Frequency Comb Utilizing a Semiconductor Laser Subject to Optical Injection from an SFP Module Modulated by an Arbitrary Periodic Signal
Authors: Zhao Qingchun , Zhai Maohai , Shi Wenbo , Wu Bin
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a microwave frequency comb (MFC) is generated from a semiconductor laser subject to optical injection from a commercial small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical module which is modulated by an arbitrary periodic signal. A sinusoidal signal or square wave signal is employed as the arbitrary periodic signal instead of the electric pulse signal adopted in the former references. When the frequency of the modulated signal is 1 GHz, the MFC with a maximal bandwidth of 15 GHz can be obtained. In addition, taking a sinusoidal signal as an example, the influence of the injection optical power to the slave laser and the modulation frequency of the optical module on the generation of the MFC is analyzed in detail. Finally, the results of MFC generated with a square wave signal injection are presented. The experimental results of this paper provide an important reference for the practical applications of MFC.
The INPP4B Tumor Suppressor Modulates EGFR Trafficking and Promotes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Hui , Paddock Marcia N. , Wang Haibin , Murphy Charles J. , Geck Renee C. , Navarro Adrija J. , Wulf Gerburg M. , Elemento Olivier , Haucke Volker , Cantley Lewis C. , Toker Alex
Published: June 2020

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor lipid phosphatase INPP4B is common in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We generated a genetically engineered TNBC mouse model deficient in INPP4B. We found a dose-dependent increase in tumor incidence in INPP4B homozygous and heterozygous knockout mice compared with wild-type (WT), supporting a role for INPP4B as a tumor suppressor in TNBC. Tumors derived from INPP4B knockout mice are enriched for AKT and MEK gene signatures. Consequently, mice with INPP4B deficiency are more sensitive to PI3K or MEK inhibitors compared with WT mice. Mechanistically, we found that INPP4B deficiency increases PI(3,4)P2 levels in endocytic vesicles but not at the plasma membrane. Moreover, INPP4B loss delays degradation of EGFR and MET, while promoting recycling of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), thus enhancing the duration and amplitude of signaling output upon growth factor stimulation. Therefore, INPP4B inactivation in TNBC promotes tumorigenesis by modulating RTK recycling and signaling duration.

Significance:

Inactivation of the lipid phosphatase INPP4B is frequent in TNBC. Using a genetically engineered mouse model, we show that INPP4B functions as a tumor suppressor in TNBC. INPP4B regulates RTK trafficking and degradation, such that loss of INPP4B prolongs both PI3K and ERK activation.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1079
RBMS1 Suppresses Colon Cancer Metastasis through Targeted Stabilization of Its mRNA Regulon
Authors: Yu Johnny , Navickas Albertas , Asgharian Hosseinali , Culbertson Bruce , Fish Lisa , Garcia Kristle , Olegario John Paolo , Dermit Maria , Dodel Martin , Hänisch Benjamin , Luo Yikai , Weinberg Ethan M. , Dienstmann Rodrigo , Warren Robert S. , Mardakheh Faraz K. , Goodarzi Hani
Published: June 2020

Identifying master regulators that drive pathologic gene expression is a key challenge in precision oncology. Here, we have developed an analytic framework, named PRADA, that identifies oncogenic RNA-binding proteins through the systematic detection of coordinated changes in their target regulons. Application of this approach to data collected from clinical samples, patient-derived xenografts, and cell line models of colon cancer metastasis revealed the RNA-binding protein RBMS1 as a suppressor of colon cancer progression. We observed that silencing RBMS1 results in increased metastatic capacity in xenograft mouse models, and that restoring its expression blunts metastatic liver colonization. We have found that RBMS1 functions as a posttranscriptional regulator of RNA stability by directly binding its target mRNAs. Together, our findings establish a role for RBMS1 as a previously unknown regulator of RNA stability and as a suppressor of colon cancer metastasis with clinical utility for risk stratification of patients.

Significance:

By applying a new analytic approach to transcriptomic data from clinical samples and models of colon cancer progression, we have identified RBMS1 as a suppressor of metastasis and as a post-transcriptional regulator of RNA stability. Notably, RBMS1 silencing and downregulation of its targets are negatively associated with patient survival.

See related commentary by Carter, p. 1261.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1241
Translational Scoring of Candidate Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Approach
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2020

Background: There are many failures in treatment development for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Some of these failures are the result of development programs that lacked critical information about candidate drugs as these were advanced from one phase of development to the next. Translational scoring (TS) has been proposed as a means of increasing the rigor with which treatment development programs are executed. Previously, these approaches were not specific to AD or to the phase of drug development. Detailed information on the characteristics needed to advance a candidate agent from one phase to the next is the basis for success in subsequent phases. Summary: The TS approach is presented with a score range of 0–25 for agents entering phases 1, 2, and 3 of development and those that have completed phase 3 and are being considered for regulatory review. Each phase has 5 essential categories scored from 0–5 indicating the completeness of the data available when the agent is being considered for promotion to the next phase. Lower scores suggest that the development program should be reexamined for missing information while higher scores increase the confidence that the agent has the potential to succeed in the next phase. Scoring guidelines are provided and examples of scores for drugs in recent development programs are provided to illustrate the principles of TS. Key Messages: Successful development of drugs for AD treatment requires disciplined informed decision-making at each phase of development. TS is a methodology for more rigorous drug development to help ensure that inadequately characterized drugs are not advanced and that the development platform at each phase is optimal to support success at the next phase.
Third-Party Impact of Dual Sensory Loss on Neuropsychiatric Symptom-Related Distress among Friends and Family
Authors: Kiely Kim M. , Mortby Moyra E. , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: June 2020

Background: Vision loss and hearing loss are common in later life and are associated with cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms. There is a need to better understand how individual characteristics, such as poor sensory functioning, are linked with familial well-being. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether, among persons with neuropsychiatric symptoms, age-related sensory loss is related to increased emotional distress reported by their family and friends. Methods: The sample comprised 537 participant-informant dyads from the Personality and Total Health through Life (PATH) study, a community-based cohort. Participants were aged between 72 and 79 years (56% men), and all were reported to exhibit at least 1 neuropsychiatric symptom. Informants were participants’ spouse (50%), child (35%), friend (7%), or other relatives (7%). Neuropsychiatric symptom-related distress of friends and family was assessed with the distress subscale of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Sensory functioning in participants was assessed by visual acuity and self-reported hearing difficulties. Ordinal logistic regression analyses estimated the association between sensory problems and NPI distress. Results: In models adjusted for informant dyadic relationship and socio-demographics, both lower visual acuity (B = 0.23, SE = 0.10) and self-reported hearing difficulty (B = 0.15, SE = 0.06) were associated with increased levels of distress. The increased informant distress associated with poor visual acuity was attenuated after adjusting for neurocognitive disorder and health conditions (p = 0.069). A significant interaction between vision and hearing remained after multivariable adjustment (χ2(1) = 6.73, p = 0.010). Conclusions: Friends and family of persons with poor visual acuity and perceived hearing difficulties report elevated levels of neuropsychiatric symptom-related distress relative to friends and family of persons with poor sensory functioning in only 1 sensory domain or unimpaired levels of vision and hearing. These findings provide evidence of the third-party effects of sensory loss in the context of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and in particular show how dual sensory loss can confer additional challenges over and above the effects of a single sensory loss.
Emotional Rescue: The Emotional Turn in the Study of History
Authors: Lewis Joanna
Published: June 2020

For the last twenty years, an “emotional turn” in the study of history has been gathering momentum, building on other disciplines. Fifty years ago, neuroscientists started to trace brain activity that linked reason and emotion. Psychologists—early pioneers in the study of emotions—had already begun investigating the power and universality of emotional drivers. Social scientists took notice first, and historians have followed. The upshot to this trajectory is that the study of emotions in history has become fundamentally interdisciplinary; as a result, historians have become the new pathbreakers.
Newly reported genus Batracomorphus Lewis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) from Pakistan with description of a new species
Authors: NAVEED HASSAN , SOHAIL KAMRAN , ISLAM WAQAR , ZHANG YALIN
Published: June 2020

The leafhopper genus Batracomorphus Lewis, 1834 is reported for the first time from Pakistan. A new species Batracomorphus pakistanicus sp. nov. is described with photographic illustrations.
The Treatment of Horizontal Agreements Aimed at Solving Incentive Problems
Authors: Hviid Morten
Published: June 2020

If a group of horizontal rivals gets together to agree on a way to structure efficient production, are they violating competition law? The issue could arise where a group of producers of agricultural products gets together to form a cooperative or even where professionals in the same field get together in a partnership. On the face of it, each supply agreement between the producer and the cooperative or partnership is vertical, but the design of the collective rules, which govern for all, involves horizontal coordination. This article takes as the starting point the example of dairy cooperatives as they emerged in the later part of the nineteenth century as a solution to a challenge offered by new technology. We use the landmark contract law case of McEllistrim v. Ballymacelligott Cooperative to illustrate the ways in which competition law could be engaged when cooperatives are formed. Comparisons of Ireland and Denmark in the period leading up to the decision suggest that not only might the restraint be ancillary, but if not, it reduced costs, increased quality, and was welcomed by consumers (though these were in England rather than in Denmark or Ireland). The restraint also appears essential in some form, suggesting that either ancillarity or the application of Art. 101(3) Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union would have allowed the restraint to be used.
Capture of Phenylalanine and Phenylalanine-Terminated Peptides Using a Supramolecular Macrocycle for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection
Authors: Olson Jacob E. , Braegelman Adam S. , Zou Lei , Webber Matthew J. , Camden Jon P.
Published: June 2020

The cucurbit[n]uril (CB[ n]) family of macrocycles are known to bind a variety of small molecules with high affinity. These motifs thus have promise in an ever-growing list of trace detection methods. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection schemes employing CB[ n] motifs exhibit increased sensitivity due to selective concentration of the analyte at the nanoparticle surface, coupled with the ability of CB[ n] to facilitate the formation of well-defined electromagnetic hot spots. Herein, we report a CB[7] SERS assay for quantification of phenylalanine (Phe) and further demonstrate its utility for detecting peptides with an N-terminal Phe. The CB[7]–guest interaction improves the sensitivity 5–25-fold over direct detection of Phe using citrate-capped silver nanoparticle aggregates, enabling use of a portable Raman system. We further illustrate detection of insulin via binding of CB[7] to the N-terminal Phe residue on its B-chain, suggesting a general strategy for detecting Phe-terminated peptides of clinically relevant biomolecules.
Manipulating Structure in Institutional Complexity Scenarios: The Case of Strategic Planning in Nonprofits
Authors: Sharp Ziva
Published: June 2020

Emergent structural approaches to institutional complexity tend to inhibit the role of agency in addressing logic multiplicity scenarios. Prior studies of logic multiplicity have documented a diverse set of outcomes, ranging from domination through hybridization, and characterized by various levels of conflict. A new stream of research has emerged that seeks to explain this heterogeneity through the structural components of complexity. These studies tend to minimize the role of agency in institutional complexity scenarios, positing that outcome diversity, and the organization’s ability to exert agency, can be accounted for by the interaction of exogenously determined parameters, such as centrality, compatibility, prioritization, and jurisdictional overlap. This article revisits the role of agency in these models, suggesting that agency is not only framed by, but may itself shape, structure. The article draws on a comparative case study in five Israeli nonprofit organizations, focusing on the introduction of the business logic through a strategic planning process, and the challenge that this represents for the legacy social logic. The case studies demonstrate that organizations regularly use a set of distinctive mechanisms to manipulate the structural components of complexity, and, in so doing, agentically regulate logic multiplicity outcomes.
Teachers’ Interpretation of the Cultural Relevancy of MoneySKILL®
Authors: Lucey Thomas A. , White Elizabeth S. , André Aline
Published: June 2020

A comprehensive approach to financial literacy education necessitates an understanding of the degree to which curriculum is relevant for students from various cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the cultural relevancy of MoneySKILL®, an online financial literacy program designed for high school students. A convenience sample of teachers enrolled in a graduate course on student diversity completed 12 MoneySKILL modules and participated in online group discussions. Using a consensual qualitative research (CQR) method, the authors identified themes related to cultural relevancy in participants’ discussions. The results indicated that participants questioned the relevance of module content to marginalized social groups, noting exclusions based on social class, language, and family structure. They also reported a lack of consideration for geographical differences that affect financial practices, stereotypes in module examples, and assumptions in module content regarding America as a meritocracy. These findings indicate the need for more representative curricular materials and greater consideration of the social processes and sociopolitical contexts affecting financial practices. Findings also demonstrate the value of including teachers in the development of financial education curricular materials, as teachers have insights regarding pedagogy and relevancy to current and former students to make informed recommendations about possible curricular modifications.
A Study on the Relationship Between Preservice STEM Teachers’ Beliefs About Migrant Students and Teachers’ Roles in Chinese Urban Schools
Authors: Wang Jingying , Yang Mingyue
Published: June 2020

The survival and development of migrant students in urban areas were always the focus of all sectors of society. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects are most likely to cause learning difficulties for migrant students, and the beliefs of STEM teachers about migrant students and their role closely affect classroom teaching and after-school support and tutoring. This study focuses on 268 STEM-oriented preservice teachers majoring in elementary education in a normal university in Beijing, China. A questionnaire investigation has been conducted on their beliefs about migrant students’ and teachers’ role in urban elementary schools with metaphor method. The results show that there are significant differences among all the preservice STEM teachers at grade levels, and most of them hold the reality of development and the possibility of development beliefs about migrant students, and the facilitating orientation beliefs about teachers’ role as well. Grade factors are influenced by their curriculum, and beliefs about migrant students show an excessive trend from existence orientation to development orientation with the increasing grade levels. There is a significant correlation between beliefs about migrant students’ and teachers’ role, and preservice teachers with the reality of development beliefs about students are more inclined to the facilitating orientation beliefs about teachers’ role.
China’s diplomacy and changing the COVID-19 narrative
Authors: Verma Raj
Published: June 2020

The world has declared COVID-19 (a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or novel coronavirus) to be a pandemic. China has been chastised by various countries, especially the United States, for suppressing information and not taking necessary measures which could have helped in controlling the spread of and/or eradicating the disease in the earlier stages. Consequently, China has undertaken numerous measures to change the COVID-19 narrative and disassociate itself from COVID-19. It launched a campaign to question the origins of SARS-CoV-2, blamed the United States for spreading COVID-19, claimed victory in combating COVID-19 domestically, and provided aid (“mask diplomacy”) to countries. These actions betray China’s concern about its image. The country wants to portray itself as a Good Samaritan, a responsible and reliable partner, and an essential global power. Additionally, China has grave concerns about regime stability and survival. President Xi’s legitimacy is built on technocratic competence. The outbreak has the potential to seriously dent his personal legacy.
An Exploration of the Relationship Between Culture and Resilience Capacity in Trauma Survivors
Authors: Zheng Ping , Gray Matt J. , Duan Wen-Jie , Ho Samuel M. Y. , Xia Mian , Clapp Joshua D.
Published: June 2020

Resilience capacity has been found to be associated with individuals’ flexibility and adaptability when dealing with adversity-related stress. Previous research suggested that resilience capacity may play an important role in moderating the relationships between exposure to traumatic events and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and cultural factors may be associated with that process. However, adequate research of the mechanisms on how culture may relate to the relationship between resilience and PTSD is still lacking. The present study attempted to explore potential mediators associated with the relationship between culture and resilience capacity among trauma survivors and focused on the potential mediating associations of cultural variables (independent/interdependent self-construal, dialectical thinking, and familism). Levels of culture-related variables among three cultural regions (America, Hong Kong, and Mainland China) were assessed and analyzed. The results of a bootstrapping analysis indicated that independent self-construal and dialectical thinking each significantly mediated the relationship between culture and resilience capacity. Cultural and clinical implications of these findings and suggestions for future research were explored.
The geographic concentration of use of force incidents at subway stations mimics the law of crime concentration bandwidths: A research note
Authors: Sorg Evan T , Houser Kimberly A , Lewandowski Carla , Schell-Busey Natalie
Published: June 2020

The Law of Crime Concentration states that a small percent of microplaces will account for large portions of crime. In this research, we demonstrate that police use of force incidents likewise occur at a small percentage of subway stations in Philadelphia, a category of ‘risky facilities’, where crime concentration is also expected. Those percentages mimic the bandwidths of the Law of Crime Concentration. We sketch pertinent data collection needs and future research questions that should be explored if a crime and place perspective is to play a role in understanding and informing policies geared toward reducing the extent to which police use force against the public.
Fostering Democratic Participation at Community Colleges: Understanding the Relationship Between Voting and Student, Institutional, and Environmental Factors
Authors: McNaughtan Jon , Brown Michael
Published: June 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between organizational characteristics, state political climate, and student civic engagement at community colleges, operationalized in this article as student voting. Method: Utilizing a unique cross-sectional dataset compiled by the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education for the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections that merges student voting data, enrollment records from the National Student Clearinghouse, and institutional data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, we employed multi-level binary logistic regression to account for individual and organizational influences. Results: The relationship between voting and student characteristics aligns with national voting trends, in that students who are female, older, and White had higher odds of voting. However, there was one notable exception in 2012 where Black students had higher odds of voting than their White peers. We also found that students enrolled full-time and those enrolled at colleges in electoral battleground states were more likely to vote in 2012 and 2016. Weak or mixed relationships emerged between voting and environmental factors such as campaign spending, ballot initiatives, get-out-the-vote programs, restrictive voter laws, and compositional diversity of the student body. Conclusion: This study provides insight for community college leaders on potential ways to engage students in an effort to promote voter turnout in a presidential election year on their campuses. Specifically, we posit that institutions could highlight the salience of public policy issues for students, lobby for less restrictive voting laws, and implement evaluation programs of their civic engagement initiatives.
Is Risk-Need-Responsivity Enough? Examining Differences in Treatment Response Among Male Incarcerated Persons
Authors: Lester Michael E. , Batastini Ashley B. , Davis Riley , Bourgon Guy
Published: June 2020

Research examining the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing recidivism has paid little attention to treatment factors contributing to response variability. Using an archival sample of 448 participants exposed to a risk-need-responsivity (RNR)-informed CBT program or no treatment, a multigroup latent profile analysis yielded a four-profile solution: a treatment-nonresponsive group and three treatment-responsive groups. Among the treatment-responsive profiles, reduced criminal attitudes were most predictive of desistance from reoffending. Elevated rates of recidivism and negligible gains following treatment were associated with pretreatment elevations in antisocial traits, risk level, and negative attitudes toward treatment. These findings underscore a greater need for individualized assessment of risk and treatment motivation, the importance of altering criminal sentiments to prevent reentry into the system upon release, and challenge the idea that 200 hours of treatment is sufficient for lasting change. Study limitations and further directions are discussed, including the need for correctional treatment outcome research to better isolate individual differences.
Dalit Chembur: Spatializing the Caste Question in Bombay, c. 1920s-1970s
Authors: Thatra Geeta
Published: June 2020

Studying the spatial exclusion of Dalits is distinct from looking at caste as an axis of spatial organization in the city. The “urban” is not just a location for mapping the social geography, but a mode that engenders spatial inequality. This article probes the spatial strategies of urban planning, between the 1920s and 1970s, which produced exclusionary spaces and masked the dynamics of caste within its techno-managerial rationality. It refocuses the lens of scholarship on Bombay from the urban periphery moving beyond the three popular sites of Bombay’s historiography: the factory, the neighborhoods of mill district, and the Island City. Exploring the politics of urban expansion, it illustrates how the planning regime reproduced hegemonic caste-class relations, which relegated Dalit migrants to the city’s fringes, on low-quality lands, and in segregated neighborhoods. Based on life histories, this article shows how Dalits created spaces for living, linked inextricably to their labor, and contests the abstract notions of space like “slum” that identify and mark people and their spaces. It also explores the affective relations nurtured and solidarities forged in the Dalit neighborhood on the terrain of urban politics, which recognizes Dalit actors and their struggles for redistribution and dignity.