bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Two Similar Novel HIV-1 Recombinant Forms (CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC) among Intravenous Drug Users in Guangxi, China
Authors: Zhang Fei , Yang Yao , Liang Bingyu , Yang Yuan , Wei Qiuyu , Pan Peijiang , Ye Li , Liang Hao
Published: June 2021

New kinds of HIV-1 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) earn a great prevalence in China nowadays. In this study, we identified 2 similar URFs (2016GXNNIDU037 and 2019QZLSIDU253) both isolated from intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Guangxi, China. Phylogenetic analysis of the near full-length genome (NFLG) revealed 2 URFs both clustered with CRF01_AE but setting up a monophyletic branch, supporting a high bootstrap value. Bootscan analysis and subregional recombinant analysis found that the NFLG of 2016GXNNIDU037 and 2019QZLSIDU253 were both composed of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC, with 3 CRF07_BC mosaic segments inserted into CRF01_AE backbones. The CRF01_AE segments of the 2 URFs clustered with a previously reported cluster 2 lineage of CRF01_AE. The 5 recombinant breakpoints of the 2 URFs were quite similar. Distinct from CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC URFs reported before, 2016GXNNIDU037 and 2019QZLSIDU253 are new evidence of a high genetic variety of HIV-1 in Guangxi, which may pose new challenges to HIV-1 prevention and molecular epidemiological surveillance in China.
Programming Directional Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Prospective Trial Comparing Early versus Delayed Stimulation Steering
Authors: Maciel Ricardo , Soh Derrick , Munhoz Renato P. , Poon Yu-Yan , Kalia Suneil K. , Hodaie Mojgan , Lozano Andres M. , Fasano Alfonso
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Programming directional leads poses new challenges as the optimal strategy is yet to be established. We designed a randomized control study to establish an evidence-based programming algorithm for patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation with directional leads. Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients were randomized to programming with either early or delayed (i.e., starting with a “ring mode”) steered stimulation. Motor scores, number of programming visits, calls to the clinic, battery consumption, and stimulation adjustments required were recorded and compared between groups, using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, after 3 months of open-label programming. Results: Thirteen patients (25 electrodes) were included, of which 23 were steerable. Nine out of 14 electrodes allocated to delayed steered stimulation were changed to steered mode due to side effects during the course of the study. No patients (11 electrodes) initially allocated to early steered stimulation were converted to ring mode. The 2 study arms did not differ in any of the considered measures at 3 months. Conclusion: Programming with early or delayed steered stimulation is equally effective in the short term. However, delayed steering is less time consuming and is not always needed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Sustain the Antidepressant Effects of Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wilkinson Samuel T. , Rhee Taeho Greg , Joormann Jutta , Webler Ryan , Ortiz Lopez Mayra , Kitay Brandon , Fasula Madonna , Elder Christina , Fenton Lisa , Sanacora Gerard
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Ketamine has emerged as a rapid-acting antidepressant. While ongoing treatment can prevent relapse, concerns exist regarding long-term exposure. Objective: We conducted a randomized trial to examine the feasibility and efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) following intravenous ketamine in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods: Subjects with TRD were recruited and treated with 6 intravenous infusions of ketamine over 3 weeks. Subjects who experienced a clinical response (≥50% improvement in depression severity) were then randomized to receiving CBT or treatment as usual (TAU) for an additional 14 weeks, using a sequential treatment model. Results: Of the 42 patients who signed consent, 28 patients achieved a response and were randomized to CBT or TAU. When measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (primary outcome measure), the effect size at the end of the study was moderate (Cohen d = 0.65; 95% CI –0.55 to 1.82), though the group-by-time interaction effect was not significant. There was a significant group-by-time interaction as measured by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (F = 4.58; p = 0.033), favoring a greater sustained improvement in the CBT group. This corresponded to a moderate-to-large effect size of the Cohen d = 0.71 (95% CI –0.30 to 1.70) at the end of the study (14 weeks following the last ketamine infusion). In a subset of patients (N = 20) who underwent cognitive testing using the emotional N-back assessments before and after ketamine, ketamine responders showed improvement in the accuracy of emotional N-back (t[8] = 2.33; p < 0.05) whereas nonresponders did not (t[10] <1; p ns). Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides preliminary data indicating that CBT may sustain the antidepressant effects of ketamine in TRD. Further study and optimization of this treatment approach in well-powered clinical trials is recommended.
Sexual dimorphism in the South American water snake Helicops polylepis (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)
Authors: Camargo Isla Carol Marialva , Veras Jackeline Cristina Palma , Ribeiro Síria , Kawashita-Ribeiro Ricardo A. , Fraga Rafael de , Santos Junior Alfredo P.
Published: June 2021

Sexual selection, fecundity selection and ecological divergence have been the main explanations proposed for the origin and maintenance of sexual dimorphism. In this study we provide evidence of sexual dimorphism in the South American aquatic snake Helicops polylepis, which is mainly determined by body and head sizes. Males have longer tails and more subcaudal scales, and females have larger body and head and more ventral scales. The sexual dimorphism observed in different morphological characters of H. polylepis occurs in other species of xenodontine snakes and is interpreted as a consequence of sexual selection pressures. Data on growth rates associated with prey availability and female size-related offspring size are necessary to refine our analyzes and test specific hypotheses about the ecological and evolutionary bases of sexual dimorphism in H. polylepis.
Phylogenetic position of “Cochranella” megista (Anura: Centrolenidae) and first records for Ecuador
Authors: Traseger Scott J. , Maynard Ross J. , Culebras Jaime , Kohn Sebastian , Quezada Amanda , Guayasamin Juan M.
Published: June 2021

“Cochranella” megista is an Endangered and rarely encountered species of glass frog that, until now, had been only registered in the Colombian Andes. Here we report this species for the first time in Ecuador, expanding its known distribution ca. 530 km south of its original range. Additionally, we include C. megista in a molecular phylogeny for the first time and unambiguously place the species in the genus Nymphargus, resulting in a new combination. Habitat in both countries is fragmented and is threatened by mining concessions and agriculture.
Genetic Evidence for Repurposing of GLP1R (Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor) Agonists to Prevent Heart Failure
Authors: Daghlas Iyas , Karhunen Ville , Ray Devleena , Zuber Verena , Burgess Stephen , Tsao Philip S. , Lynch Julie A. , Lee Kyung Min , Voight Benjamin F. , Chang Kyong‐Mi , Baker Emma H. , Damrauer Scott M. , Howson Joanna M. M. , Vujkovic Marijana , Gill Dipender
Published: June 2021

Background

This study was designed to investigate the genetic evidence for repurposing of GLP1R (glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor) agonists to prevent heart failure (HF) and whether the potential benefit exceeds the benefit conferred by more general glycemic control.

Methods and Results

We applied 2‐sample Mendelian randomization of genetically proxied GLP1R agonism on HF as the main outcome and left ventricular ejection fraction as the secondary outcome. The associations were compared with those of general glycemic control on the same outcomes. Genetic associations were obtained from genome‐wide association study summary statistics of type 2 diabetes mellitus (228 499 cases and 1 178 783 controls), glycated hemoglobin (n=344 182), HF (47,309 cases and 930 014 controls), and left ventricular ejection fraction (n=16 923). Genetic proxies for GLP1R agonism associated with reduced risk of HF (odds ratio per 1 mmol/mol decrease in glycated hemoglobin 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64–0.87;
P
=1.69×10
−4
), and higher left ventricular ejection fraction (SD change in left ventricular ejection fraction per 1 mmol/mol decrease in glycated hemoglobin 0.22%; 95% CI, 0.03–0.42;
P
=0.03). The magnitude of these benefits exceeded those expected from improved glycemic control more generally. The results were similar in sensitivity analyses, and we did not find evidence to suggest that these associations were mediated by reduced coronary artery disease risk.

Conclusions

This genetic evidence supports the repurposing of GLP1R agonists for preventing HF.
Time‐Efficient Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Endothelial Function, NO Bioavailability, and Oxidative Stress in Midlife/Older Adults With Above‐Normal Blood Pressure
Authors: Craighead Daniel H. , Heinbockel Thomas C. , Freeberg Kaitlin A. , Rossman Matthew J. , Jackman Rachel A. , Jankowski Lindsey R. , Hamilton Makinzie N. , Ziemba Brian P. , Reisz Julie A. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Brewster L. Madden , DeSouza Christopher A. , You Zhiying , Chonchol Michel , Bailey E. Fiona , Seals Douglas R.
Published: June 2021

Background

High‐resistance inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) is a novel, time‐efficient physical training modality.

Methods and Results

We performed a double‐blind, randomized, sham‐controlled trial to investigate whether 6 weeks of IMST (30 breaths/day, 6 days/week) improves blood pressure, endothelial function, and arterial stiffness in midlife/older adults (aged 50–79 years) with systolic blood pressure ≥120 mm Hg, while also investigating potential mechanisms and long‐lasting effects. Thirty‐six participants completed high‐resistance IMST (75% maximal inspiratory pressure, n=18) or low‐resistance sham training (15% maximal inspiratory pressure, n=18). IMST was safe, well tolerated, and had excellent adherence (≈95% of training sessions completed). Casual systolic blood pressure decreased from 135±2 mm Hg to 126±3 mm Hg (
P
<0.01) with IMST, which was ≈75% sustained 6 weeks after IMST (
P
<0.01), whereas IMST modestly decreased casual diastolic blood pressure (79±2 mm Hg to 77±2 mm Hg,
P
=0.03); blood pressure was unaffected by sham training (all
P
>0.05). Twenty‐four hour systolic blood pressure was lower after IMST versus sham training (
P
=0.01). Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation improved ≈45% with IMST (
P
<0.01) but was unchanged with sham training (
P
=0.73). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured with subject serum sampled after versus before IMST exhibited increased NO bioavailability, greater endothelial NO synthase activation, and lower reactive oxygen species bioactivity (
P
<0.05). IMST decreased C‐reactive protein (
P
=0.05) and altered select circulating metabolites (targeted plasma metabolomics) associated with cardiovascular function. Neither IMST nor sham training influenced arterial stiffness (
P
>0.05).

Conclusions

High‐resistance IMST is a safe, highly adherable lifestyle intervention for improving blood pressure and endothelial function in midlife/older adults with above‐normal initial systolic blood pressure.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03266510.
Convergence Analysis of the Hessian Estimation Evolution
Strategy
Authors: Glasmachers Tobias , Krause Oswin
Published: June 2021

The class of algorithms called Hessian Estimation Evolution Strategies (HE-ESs) update the covariance matrix of their sampling distribution by directly estimating the curvature of the objective function. The approach is practically efficient, as attested by respectable performance on the BBOB testbed, even on rather irregular functions. In this article, we formally prove two strong guarantees for the (1 + 4)-HE-ES, a minimal elitist member of the family: stability of the covariance matrix update, and as a consequence, linear convergence on all convex quadratic problems at a rate that is independent of the problem instance.
Ancestral Symbol: Musically Organizing Unpredictable Interactions to Create the Sound of a Paleolithic Cave Sign
Authors: Zampronha Edson
Published: June 2021

This article explains how visitors’ unpredictable movements are transformed into a consistent narrative musical form by using electronic devices with no central software to control them in the interactive installation, Ancestral Symbol. The installation uses a paleolithic cave sign as the basis for the connection of sounds and images through the visitors’ movements in the installation room, thus connecting art, archaeology, and interactivity This text explains the technology and sounds and visual materials used for the piece. It also describes how the visual elements work as loudspeakers and the strategic spatial distribution of all the elements to organize the installation.
Constructing an Artworld Influencer Network by Mining Social Media
Authors: Foka Amalia
Published: June 2021

The author demonstrates a methodology for constructing a network map of the artworld. She uses tweets posted by a manually composed set of exemplar artworld actors and Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods to identify significant artworld actors, including those without Twitter accounts. Identified artworld actors form communities detected using the Louvain method, and their authority is evaluated with the HITS centrality method. The resulting artworld network exhibits the ability to proceed from a small original set of exemplar actors to identify new artworld actors and provides a wealth of data that would be difficult to collect otherwise.
Mathematical Inspiration for Color Choices in Oblique, Open-Work Weaving
Authors: Knoll Eva , Taylor Tara
Published: June 2021

The authors propose a connection between mathematical and aesthetic reasoning for the case of color selection in oblique, open-work woven artifacts. The general approach is first modeled on a set of open-work squares. Rotational symmetries of the square provide a mathematica starting point for a set of four open-work mats woven with paper strips. A mathematical eye, guided by concepts such as symmetries and equivalence relations, helps determine aesthetic choices for the set, specifically with respect to color. This color selection algorithm is then applied to a more complicated woven artifact.
Games, Music and Ludus Melothedicus
Authors: Rajchenberg Ceceña Jerónimo
Published: June 2021

From educational to entertainment devices, games have the power to alter our sense of time as much as our priorities and perception. The first recorded musical games in modern history were a series of publications that appeared in Europe during the second half of the eighteenth century. This article discusses the nature of musical games and tries to present a definition of game as it applies to musical activities. Based on this discussion, the article analyzes an anonymous work called Ludus Melothedicus, published in Paris around 1758. It also provides information on how to play the work.
A Computational Study of Empty Space Ratios in Chinese Landscape Painting, 618–2011
Authors: Wang Guoyan , Shen Jiafei , Yue Mengmeng , Ma Yena , Wu Shuyang
Published: June 2021

The use of empty space (ES) is ubiquitous in Asian art. The authors use a computational method to quantitatively assess the amount of ES in Chinese landscape painting (CLP). The data show that 56.8% of ancient CLPs contain mostly ES, while only 9.4% from modern times do. ES reached its peak during the Yuan dynasty (1271–-1368) and its lowest point in the 1960s. Chan culture, literati ink play, the “exhibition hall effect,” and Maoist politics, as well as other social factors, may have had an impact on this shift. This empirical study indicates that art keeps abreast of current developments: The philosophy, culture, politics and general education of a specific era influence artists’ perception, aesthetics and creative output.
The Right to Enter One’s Own Country: The Conflict between the Jurisprudence of the Human Rights Committee and the Travaux Préparatoires of Article 12(4) of the iccpr
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil Ddamulira
Published: June 2021

Article 12(4) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (iccpr) provides that ‘[n]o one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country.’ The jurisprudence of the Human Rights Committee shows that Committee members have often disagreed on the question of whether the right under Article 12(4) is reserved for citizens only or it can be claimed by non-citizens who consider the countries in which they were born or they have lived for longer periods as their own. In its earlier case law, the Committee held that Article 12(4) is applicable to nationals only. Since 1999, when General Comment No.27 was adopted, the Committee has moved towards extending the right under Article 12(4) to non-nationals. Its latest case law appears to have supported the Committee’s position that Article 12(4) is applicable to non-nationals. Central to both majority and minority decisions in which the Committee has dealt with Article 12(4), is whether the travaux préparatoires of Article 12(4) support either view. This article relies on the travaux préparatoires of Article 12(4) to argue that it does not support the view that Article 12(4) is applicable to non-nationals.
Advances and challenges in bryophyte biology after 50 years of International Association of Bryologists
Authors: STECH MICHAEL , CÂMARA PAULO E.A.S. , MEDINA RAFAEL , MUÑOZ JESÚS
Published: June 2021

Research on bryophyte biology has made exciting advances during the last 10 to 15 years since the publications of Goffinet & Shaw (2008) and Frey & Stech (2009) that summarized the knowledge of the field. New fossils provided insights into past bryophyte diversity and integrative taxonomic approaches combine the ever increasing molecular data with thorough assessments of morphology and anatomy. Patterns of speciation, diversity at population level and geographic distributions are becoming better understood, and the interactions of bryophytes with their biotic and abiotic environment are increasingly being revealed. Nevertheless, important knowledge gaps remain, and anthropogenic threats such as habitat alterations and global climate change on bryophyte diversity increase the urgency of further research.
The diversity of the Polytrichopsida—a review
Authors: BELL NEIL , KARIYAWASAM ISURU , FLORES JORGE , HYVÖNEN JAAKKO
Published: June 2021

The class Polytrichopsida are a phylogenetically isolated moss lineage of around 200 species. The nematodontous peristome found in most species has a fundamentally different structure from the arthrodontous peristome of the Bryopsida and may be independently evolved from an ancestral type of spore dehiscence apparatus. Within the class generic circumscriptions and relationships are now fairly confidently resolved and more or less congruent with the most developed pre-molecular taxonomy. Drawing on previously published datasets, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of a novel matrix of terminals representing diversity across the Polytrichopsida. The class comprises 17 extant genera and two known only from fossils. Most of these are numerically small, the most notable exception being Pogonatum with over 50 species. Considering current phylogenetic hypotheses in the light of morphology and global distributions, Alophosia, Bartramiopsis and Lyellia, the earliest diverging lineages according to recent phylogenetic analyses, appear to be relicts, with scattered and disjunct distributions. All of these genera lack peristomes, while all later originating lineages have nematodontous peristomes developed from bundles of “u-shaped” whole cells. The genus Dawsonia, sister to all other peristomate taxa, differs in its unique peristome composed of long, bristle-like teeth arranged in concentric layers. Many members of some traditional genera found to be polyphyletic in recent studies are part of a southern hemisphere grade and only distantly related to the superficially similar northern hemisphere species with which they were historically classified. A large apical clade including eight genera accounts for the majority of the diversity, these being most speciose in northern temperate regions or the Asian tropics. Many of the Polytrichopsida are relatively large plants with well-developed vasculature and a “pseudo-mesophyll” capable of supporting relatively high rates of photosynthesis in moist, well-illuminated environments. With ten described species, Cenozoic fossils of Polytrichopsida are fairly numerous compared with other mosses. Records of fossils from older sediments have been rare, but recently several well-preserved fossils of Polytrichopsida have been found, most of which still await detailed description.
Checklist, new records, and taxonomic annotations of freshwater thecate dinoflagellate (Dinophyceae) in Colombia
Authors: BUSTAMANTE-GIL CAROLINA , BOLTOVSKOY ANDRÉS , RENGEFORS KARIN , TAVERA ROSALUZ , AMAT EDUARDO , RAMÍREZ-RESTREPO JHON J.
Published: June 2021

A study on the freshwater dinoflagellate (Dinophyceae) of Colombia was carried out based on samples from four swamps, nine reservoirs, a small insular lake, and additional specimens deposited in the phycological collection of Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia, and the collection of Universidad de La Plata, Argentina. For most species, detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided. Moreover, the geographical distribution of the species is updated. Durinskia spp., Glochidinium penardiforme, Naiadinium polonicum, Peridiniopsis elpatiewskyi, Peridiniopsis quadridens, and Sphaerodinium fimbriatum, are reported for the first time in Colombia. Furthermore, the correct sulcal plate pattern was determined for Naidinium polonicum which has been misinterpreted in earlier literature.
Two new species of Homidia (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Eastern China
Authors: PAN ZHI-XIANG , MA YI-TONG
Published: June 2021

Two new species of Homidia are described from Eastern China: H. hangzhouensis sp. nov. and H. wanensis sp. nov. The former is characterised by smooth chaetae e and l1 on labial base, two irregular transverse stripes on Abd. IV, absence of blue pigment on Ant. I−II and Abd. I−II and presence on Ant. III−IV, 7−9 macrochaetae on Abd. IV posteriorly and 24−34 smooth inner spines on dens. The latter can be identified by reduced blue body pigment, smooth chaeta e on labial base and having some posterior labial chaetae modified, appearing leaflike, 8−9 macrochaetae on Abd. IV posteriorly and 83 smooth inner spines on dens.
Description of two new species of Rhamphus related to R. oxyacanthae (Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Rhamphini) from Italy based on a morphological study supported by molecular data
Authors: DIOTTI LUCIANO , CALDARA ROBERTO , TOŠEVSKI IVO
Published: June 2021

Two new species of the weevil genus Rhamphus from Italy are herein described: R. bavierai n. sp. (Sicily) and R. hampsicora n. sp. (Sardinia). Both are morphologically and from a molecular perspective close to R. oxyacanthae (Marsham, 1802) and R. monzinii Pesarini & Diotti, 2012. Aside from a diagnostic description and a synoptic key, distribution data and notes on the host plants of the four species are reported. Whereas R. monzinii can be distinguished by several morphological characters, the other three species are morphologically very similar to each other and separable only by the combination of a few subtle characters. On the contrary, a preliminary molecular study revealed substantial divergences of mtCOI from 6.2 to 14.9% between the species, confirming the importance of an integrative taxonomy.
Description of a new species of giant guitarfish, Glaucostegus younholeei sp. nov. (Rhinopristiformes: Glaucostegidae) from the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: HABIB KAZI AHSAN , ISLAM MD JAYEDUL
Published: June 2021

A new species of giant guitarfish, Glaucostegus younholeei sp. nov., is described from 13 specimens, 730–933 mm total length, collected from fish landing center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation in Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. The new species is distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of characters: Body brownish or greyish in color with a narrowly wedge-shaped disc, and long narrow bluntly pointed snout (angle 31–40°), and broad oblique nostrils with the narrow anterior opening. Nostrils about half of the mouth width, subequal (0.98–1.33) to internasal width; ~55–57 nasal lamellae; anterior nasal flaps slightly penetrating into internasal space, their interspace 2.20– 2.61 in length of the posterior nasal aperture. Orbit very small in adults, diameter 8.19–11.62 in preorbital length, 2.25–2.69 in interorbital space. Rostral ridges almost joined along their entire length; margin of cranium sharply demarcated before eyes. Spiracular folds very short and widely separated. Skin rough, densely covered with small denticles, more coarsely granular on the dorsal surface than ventrally, enlarged between orbits and in a distinct band between nape and first dorsal fin. Tail relatively longer, length 1.15–1.48 in disc length; dorsal fins narrowly spaced, interspace 1.32–2.11 in base length of the first dorsal fin. Clasper length in adult male 4.37–5.70 in total length. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA barcode sequences also shows the clear divergence of Glaucostegus younholeei from other congeneric species obtained from GenBank. A key is provided to the 8 known members including new species of the genus Glaucostegus.
Patronage, Repression, and Co-Optation: Bobi Wine and the Political Economy of Activist Musicians in Uganda
Authors: Friesinger Julian
Published: June 2021

In recent decades, musicians have figured prominently on Africa’s political stage. Popular Ugandan musician Bobi Wine moved beyond protest singer and ventured into politics by entering parliament in 2017 and challenging long-term President Yoweri Museveni at the presidential polls in 2021. To push for social change, Wine created the People Power movement and built an alliance with fellow musicians. This article studies Wine’s movement and his alliance with musicians by taking a political economy approach. I posit that the political activism of musicians reaches its limits when a sitting government can easily threaten the economic base of its oppositional challengers. Alliances become fragile once the government can demonstrate that challenging a ruling elite has severe consequences for one’s livelihood whereas aligning with the government ensures economic prosperity. The article uses ethnographic data, interviews, and newspaper articles to demonstrate this argument.
A rapid LC-MS/MS assay for the measurement of serum methotrexate in patients who have received high doses for chemotherapy
Authors: McTaggart Malcolm P , Keevil Brain G
Published: June 2021

Background

Methotrexate is used in high doses to treat a number of cancers, particularly certain haematological malignancies. Monitoring of serum methotrexate concentration is important due to the potential toxicity of methotrexate and the variation in methotrexate pharmacokinetics in different patients on the same treatment regimen.

Objective

To develop a rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for monitoring serum methotrexate in patients on high-dose chemotherapy.

Method

Isotopically labelled internal standard was added to sample prior to protein precipitation with methanol. Diluted supernatant was injected into a Waters Acquity UPLC system linked to a TQS-Micro mass spectrometer. Separation by chromatography was achieved with a Waters Phenyl Vanguard with a retention time of approximately 0.5 min. The quantifier and qualifier transitions for methotrexate were 455.2>134.1 and 455.2>175.2, respectively.

Results

Mean recovery was 111% for three different concentrations of methotrexate spiked into seven different patient samples, with ion suppression <1%. Between-batch and within-batch coefficient of variations were <5% at three different concentrations of methotrexate in fresh frozen plasma. The lower limit of quantification was 0.02 µmol/L and the assay was shown to be linear to approximately 25 µmol/L. The LC-MS/MS assay showed a mean bias of –8.6% compared to an immunoassay, while mean bias compared to weighed in targets in external quality assessment samples was 1.6%.

Discussion

A rapid LC-MS/MS assay for methotrexate has been developed and validated. The LC-MS/MS method is likely to offer superior accuracy and specificity to more widely available immunoassays.
Technological Risk and Policy Preferences
Authors: Gallego Aina , Kuo Alexander , Manzano Dulce , Fernández-Albertos José
Published: June 2021

Despite recent attention to the economic and political consequences of automation and technological change for workers, we lack data about concerns and policy preferences about this structural change. We present hypotheses about the relationships among automation risk, subjective concerns about technology, and policy preferences. We distinguish between preferences for compensatory policies versus “protectionist” policies to prevent such technological change. Using original survey data from Spain that captures multiple measures of automation risk, we find that most workers believe that the impact of new technologies in the workplace is positive, but there is a concerned minority. Technological concern varies with objective vulnerability, as workers at higher risk of technological displacement are more likely to negatively view technology. Both correlational and experimental analyses indicate little evidence that workers at risk or technologically concerned are more likely to demand compensation. Instead, workers concerned about technological displacement prefer policies to slow down technological change.
Baptising Pandita Ramabai: Faith and religiosity in the nineteenth-century social reform movements of colonial India
Authors: Bhagabati Dikshit Sarma , Sinha Prithvi , Garg Sneha
Published: June 2021

This essay aims to understand the role of religion in the social work of Pandita Ramabai (1858-1922). By focusing on a twenty-five-year period commencing with her conversion to Christianity in 1883, we argue that religion constructed a political framework for her work in Sharada Sadan and Mukti Mission. There is a lacuna in the conventional scholarship that underplays the nuances of religion in Ramabai’s reform efforts, which we try to fill by conceptualising faith and religiosity as two distinct signifiers of her private and public religious presentations respectively. Drawing on her published letters, the annual reports of the Ramabai Association in America, and a number of evangelical periodicals published during her lifetime, we analyse how she explored Christianity not just as a personal faith but also as a conduit for funds. The conversion enabled her access to American supporters, concomitantly consolidating their claim over her social work. Her peculiar religious identity—a conflation of Hinduism and Christianity—provoked strong protests from the Hindu orthodoxy while leading to a fall-out with the evangelists at the same time. Ramabai shaped the public portrayal of her religiosity to maximise support from American patrons, the colonial state, and liberal Indians, resisting the orthodoxy’s oppositions with these material exploits. Rather than surrendering to patriarchal cynicism, she capitalised on the socio-political volatilities of colonial India to further the nascent women’s movement.
Racial Disparities in Incidence of Legionnaires’ Disease and Social Determinants of Health: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hunter Candis M. , Salandy Simone W. , Smith Jessica C. , Edens Chris , Hubbard Brian
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease have been documented for the past 2 decades; however, the social determinants of health (SDH) that contribute to these disparities are not well studied. The objective of this narrative review was to characterize SDH to inform efforts to reduce disparities in the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review of articles published from January 1979 through October 2019 that focused on disparities in the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease and pneumonia (inclusive of bacterial pneumonia and/or community-acquired pneumonia) among adults and children (excluding articles that were limited to people aged <18 years). We identified 220 articles, of which 19 met our criteria: original research, published in English, and examined Legionnaires’ disease or pneumonia, health disparities, and SDH. We organized findings using the Healthy People 2030 SDH domains: economic stability, education access and quality, social and community context, health care access and quality, and neighborhood and built environment.

Results

Of the 19 articles reviewed, multiple articles examined disparities in incidence of Legionnaires’ disease and pneumonia related to economic stability/income (n = 13) and comorbidities (n = 10), and fewer articles incorporated SDH variables related to education (n = 3), social support (none), health care access (n = 1), and neighborhood and built environment (n = 6) in their analyses.

Conclusions

Neighborhood and built-environment factors such as housing, drinking water infrastructure, and pollutant exposures represent critical partnership and research opportunities. More research that incorporates SDH and multilevel, cross-sector interventions is needed to address disparities in Legionnaires’ disease incidence.
Toward a (Re)Integrated Application of Bourdieuan Theory
Authors: McDonough Patricia , Abrica Elvira J.
Published: June 2021

Bourdieu’s critical analysis of capital (BCAC) is a useful tool for unmasking how schools legitimate class structure and identifying the institutional, societal, and cultural forces that structure class reproduction and oppression. In this paper, we examine the ways educational researchers have constrained the critical application of Bourdieu’s concepts. We highlight the utility of BCAC for exposing the symbolic violence that educational systems enact upon students and families who are unfamiliar with the “culture of power.” Our purpose is to engage in a revitalized critique against the reproduction of educational inequalities and explicate how BCAC is useful toward these ends.
“I’m Not Letting Nothing Stop Me This Time”: Transitions Among Adult Learners Using the Tennessee Reconnect Grant
Authors: Collom Gresham D. , Biddix J. Patrick , Svoboda Britta L.
Published: June 2021

Objective: States increasingly create promise programs to increase college enrollment and degree attainment. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of adult learners using the Tennessee Reconnect Grant (TN Reconnect) as they transitioned to becoming college students. Methods: Drawing upon interviews with 23 adult learners, this longitudinal qualitative study applied Schlossberg’s Transition Theory to explore the experience of transitioning to college. Results: Findings revealed students who used the TN Reconnect, many of whom were first-generation and low-income students, faced insurmountable barriers that contributed to their decision to initially not enroll in college or drop out of college. Access to TN Reconnect provided an unexpected opportunity for them to return to college. However, participants still faced barriers often associated with adult, first-generation, and low-income students. Contributions: Findings suggest state and institutional policy, and practice must adapt to fit the unique needs of adult learners to maximize degree completion outcomes. As currently structured, promise programs may not provide substantial benefits to student groups who face significant barriers to success, such as adult learners. State policymakers must explore the benefits of adopting a more equitable policy structure and/or implement additional services and resources for adult learners.
Net Tuition, Unmet Financial Need, and Cooling Out: A National Study of Degree Aspirations Among First-Time Community College Students
Authors: Sublett Cameron , Taylor Jason
Published: June 2021

Objective:

This study examined the statistical association between net tuition and changes in degree aspirations among community college students. In addition, the study explored the moderating influence of unmet financial need.

Method:

Analyses relied on data from the most recent iteration of the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study. Estimates were derived from a series of robust multinomial models controlling for student, institutional, and state-level covariates.

Results:

Net tuition was consistently associated with decreased risks of experiencing a “cool out,” regardless of model specification. Yet, this main effect of net tuition was moderated by unmet need, such that net tuition increased cool out risks among students with greater unmet need.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that net reductions in tuition alone may not fully reduce or eliminate barriers to college access and student success. Future financial aid policies should focus on the full cost of college attendance.
Decentralized time-delay controller design for systems described by delay differential-algebraic equations
Authors: Erol H. Ersin , İftar Altuğ
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a complete approach for designing stabilizing linear time-invariant decentralized finite-dimensional or retarded time-delay output feedback controllers for linear time-invariant systems of delay differential-algebraic equations. The proposed approach is based on the sequential design of the local controllers by using a centralized controller design algorithm. In this sequential design approach, the local controller to be designed at each step is determined depending on the mobility of the rightmost modes with respect to the controllers that have not yet been designed and closed with the system. Since no predefined sequence is followed, a sequence that can target the least effort and dimension for each agent can be aimed. Also, in the proposed approach, a base controller effort can be targeted for each control agent, so that the effort required to stabilize the system can be distributed among the local controllers. In the centralized controller design algorithm used for the design of each local controller, the parameters of the controllers are changed stepwise in a quasi-continuous way to shift the targeted rightmost modes towards the stable area. For a time-delay controller, the desired mode placement can be achieved by applying small changes stepwise to the elements of the matrices and the time-delays of the controller while time-delays remain always non-negative. The effect of small perturbations on the time-delays in the open-loop system or to be added by the controller to be designed is taken into account to ensure some degree of robustness against all possible perturbations on the delays. The effectiveness of the proposed design approach is demonstrated by a numerical example.
Event-triggered H∞ control for active seat suspension systems with state delay
Authors: Li Wenxing , Wei Jumei , Du Haiping , Ning Donghong , Li Weihua , Zhu Xunlin
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the event-triggered control issue for active seat suspension systems is investigated, which considers the problem of the signal collection and control input in discrete time. An active seat suspension system, a discrete-time event-triggered scheme, and an [Formula: see text] controller are designed at first. Some Lyapunov functions are chosen so that the stability criteria of the considered system are established and the event-triggered scheme and [Formula: see text] controller are obtained. The event-triggered scheme can reduce the workload of data transmission. Both simulation and experimental tests illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed control approach to improve driving comfort and reduce data transmission compared with the uncontrolled seat suspension system.
Model development and control of an auto-refrigerated polystyrene polymerization reactor
Authors: Mokhtarname Reyhane , Safavi Ali Akbar , Urbas Leonhard , Salimi Fabienne , Zerafat Mohammad M , Harasi Nasser
Published: June 2021

Dynamic model development and control of an existing operating industrial continuous bulk free radical styrene polymerization process are carried out to evaluate the performance of auto-refrigerated CSTRs (continuous stirred tank reactors). One of the most difficult tasks in polymerization processes is to control the high viscosity reactor contents and heat removal. In this study, temperature control of an auto-refrigerated CSTR is carried out using an alternative control scheme which makes use of a vacuum system connected to the condenser and has not been addressed in the literature (i.e. to the best of our knowledge). The developed model is then verified using some experimental data of the real operating plant. To show the heat removal potential of this control scheme, a common control strategy used in some previous studies is also simulated. Simulation results show a faster dynamics and superior performance of the first control scheme which is already implemented in our operating plant. Besides, a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is developed for the polymerization process under study to provide a better temperature control while satisfying the input/output and the heat exchanger capacity constraints on the heat removal. Then, a comparison has been also made with the conventional proportional-integral (PI) controller utilizing some common tuning rules. Some robustness and stability analyses of the control schemes investigated are also provided through some simulations. Simulation results clearly show the superiority of the NMPC strategy from all aspects.
Anatomical Variations Associated With Maxillary Sinus Fungal Ball
Authors: Basurrah Mohammed , Lee Il Hwan , Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won , Kim Soo Whan
Published: June 2021

Objective:

We investigated the anatomical and dental factors associated with unilateral maxillary sinus fungal ball (MSFB). Also, we evaluated the effect of combinations of those factors on the incidence of MSFB.

Methods:

Three hundred patients were divided into MSFB, normal, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) groups. We reviewed paranasal computed tomography scans for the presence of deviated nasal septum, concha bullosa (CB), Haller cells, and various dental factors. Also, we measured the ethmoid infundibulum, maxillary natural ostium, and CB.

Results:

Maxillary sinus fungal ball showed a more significant association with CB compared to the other 2 groups (37%, P < .05). The MSFB group had a lower rate of Haller cells than the normal group (10% vs 22%, respectively; P < .05). Also, the MSFB group had a wider maxillary sinus ostium than the normal group (7.07 ± 1.8 vs 5.48 ± 1.3 mm; P < .01). Moreover, the combination of CB and Haller cells was significantly associated with a decreased rate of the fungal ball ( P = .047, odds ratio = 0.694). The dental factors were more prevalent in the MSFB and CRS groups (73% and 75%, respectively) than in the normal group (32%, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Maxillary sinus fungal ball is significantly associated with CB, Haller cells, an increased maxillary sinus ostium size, and dental factors.
Domains of Ongoing Communication Between Former Spouses: Associations With Parenting Stress and Children’s Post-Divorce Well-Being
Authors: Beckmeyer Jonathon J. , Markham Melinda S. , Troilo Jessica
Published: June 2021

Using data from 708 divorced parents (52.4% mothers), we examined how ongoing communication (i.e., topics and frequency of communication) with former spouses was associated with parenting stress and child internalizing and externalizing behavior. Based on hierarchical multiple regression models, ongoing communication was not associated with parenting stress but was associated with child externalizing and internalizing behavior. Specifically, communicating about sex/romance was associated with more child externalizing behavior. Communication about self and family and communication about sex/romance were associated with more, but coparenting communication with less, child internalizing behavior. Overall, the results support recent suggestions by family scientists and clinicians that divorced parents should limit their communication to shared parenting issues. Discussing non-coparenting topics may lead to a post-divorce family system that undermines children’s well-being. Talking about having a sexual or romantic relationship with their former spouses may be harmful for children’s well-being.
Item Response Theory for Psychometric Properties of the SNOT‐22 (22‐Item Sinonasal Outcome Test)
Authors: Liu David T. , Phillips Katie M. , Speth Marlene M. , Besser Gerold , Mueller Christian A. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: June 2021

Objective

The SNOT‐22 (22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test) is a high‐quality outcome measure that assesses chronic rhinosinusitis–specific quality of life. The aim of this study was to gain greater insight into the information provided by the SNOT‐22 by determining its item‐based psychometric properties.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care academic centers.

Methods

This study used a previously described data set of the SNOT‐22 completed by 800 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Item response theory graded response models were used to determine parameters reflecting item discrimination, difficulty, and information provided by each item toward the SNOT‐22 subdomain to which it belonged.

Results

The unconstrained graded response model fitted the SNOT‐22 data best. Item discrimination parameters and total information provided showed the greatest variability within the nasal subdomain, and the item related to sense of smell/taste demonstrated the lowest discrimination and provided the least amount of information overall. The dizziness item provided disparately lower total information and discrimination in the otologic/facial pain subdomain. Items in the sleep and emotional subdomains generally provided high discrimination. While items in the nasal, sleep, and otologic/facial pain subdomains spanned all levels of difficulty, emotional subdomain items covered higher levels of difficulty, indicating greater information provided at higher levels of disease severity.

Conclusion

The item‐specific psychometric properties of the SNOT‐22 support it as a high‐quality instrument. Our results suggest the need and possibility for revision of the smell/taste dysfunction item, for example its wording, to improve its ability to discriminate among the different levels of disease burden.