bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Slurry Pressure Balance with a Long Short‐Term Memory Recurrent Neural Network in Difficult Ground Condition
Authors: Wang Qiang , Xie Xiongyao , Yu Hongjie , Mooney Michael A
Published: February 2021

The safety of tunneling with shield tunnel boring machines largely depends on the tunnel face pressure, which is currently decided by human operators empirically. Face pressure control is vulnerable to human misjudgment and human errors can cause severe consequences, especially in difficult ground conditions. From a practical perspective, it is therefore beneficial to have a model capable of predicting the tunnel face pressure given operation and the changing geology. In this paper, we propose such a model based on deep learning. More specifically, a long short‐term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network is employed for tunnel face pressure prediction. To correlate with PLC data, linear interpolation is employed to transform the borehole geological data into sequential geological data according to the shield machine position. The slurry pressure in the excavation chamber (SPE) is taken as the output in the case study of Nanning Metro, which is confronted with the clogging problem due to the mixed ground of mudstone and round gravel. The LSTM‐based SPE prediction model achieved an overall MAPE and RMSE of 3.83% and 10.3 kPa, respectively, in mudstone rich ground conditions. Factors that influence the model, including different kinds and length of input data and comparison with the traditional machine learning‐based model, are also discussed.
The Distinct Functions of Dopaminergic Receptors on Pain Modulation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wang Xia-qing , Mokhtari Tahmineh , Zeng Yu-xuan , Yue Lu-peng , Hu Li
Published: February 2021

Chronic pain is considered an economic burden on society as it often results in disability, job loss, and early retirement. Opioids are the most common analgesics prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. However, chronic exposure to these drugs can result in opioid tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. On pain modulation strategies, exploiting the multitarget drugs with the ability of the superadditive or synergistic interactions attracts more attention. In the present report, we have reviewed the analgesic effects of different dopamine receptors, particularly D1 and D2 receptors, in different regions of the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, striatum, nucleus accumbens (NAc), and periaqueductal gray (PAG). According to the evidence, these regions are not only involved in pain modulation but also express a high density of DA receptors. The findings can be categorized as follows: (1) D2-like receptors may exert a higher analgesic potency, but D1-like receptors act in different manners across several mechanisms in the mentioned regions; (2) in the spinal cord and striatum, antinociception of DA is mainly mediated by D2-like receptors, while in the NAc and PAG, both D1- and D2-like receptors are involved as analgesic targets; and (3) D2-like receptor agonists can act as adjuvants of μ-opioid receptor agonists to potentiate analgesic effects and provide a better approach to pain relief.
Damping Energy Dissipation and Parameter Identification of the Bellows Structure Covered with Elastic‐Porous Metal Rubber
Authors: Shen Guojian , Li Min , Xue Xin
Published: February 2021

In order to improve damping energy dissipation of a U‐shaped bellows structure, elastic‐porous metal rubber as a cover layer was adopted and the corresponding vibration parameters were identified. First, the evolution of energy dissipation characteristics with respect to the changes of amplitude and frequency was investigated through a dynamic experimental test in the bending direction of the covered bellows structure. Second, the conspicuous hysteresis loop characteristics were described while the nonlinear constitutive relation was analytically modelled based on the exact decomposition method. Third, the corresponding parameters on dynamic properties of the covered bellows structure were determined by generalized least‐squares estimation. Finally, the prediction results were compared with the measured displacement‐restoring force curves to verify the accuracy of the developed dynamic model. The results indicate that the proposed dynamic model associated with the nonlinear constitutive relation for the covered bellows structure can well describe the evolution of the restoring force in terms of amplitude and frequency.
Impact of the 8th Edition of the AJCC-TNM Staging System on Estimated Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients Aged 45–54 Years at Diagnosis with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: A Single Center Report
Authors: Maggiore Riccardo , Perticone Francesca , Mari Gilberto , Pasquali Riccardo , Bosi Emanuele , Scavini Marina , Lanzi Roberto , Rosati Riccardo
Published: February 2021

Background. The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system changed the age cutoff for risk stratification of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), downgrading patients between 45 and 54 years to stage I or II. The aim of our study was to assess cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients aged 45–54 years, in order to document the prognostic capability of the last edition of the staging system. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 172 patients that from January 1st, 2005, to May 31st, 2017, were diagnosed at our institution with DTC when aged 45–54 years. We restaged patients according to the 8th edition of the staging system and estimated CSS. Results. 101 out of 172 patients (58.7%) were reallocated to a lower stage. Of the 101 downstaged patients, 88 (88.9%) showed a high or intermediate American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk of recurrence. We recorded no cancer-specific deaths. Conclusions. Risk of cancer-specific mortality in patients aged 45–54 years with DTC is low, supporting the prognostic capability of the 8th edition of the staging system. However, we recommend to consider carefully the significant proportion of patients at intermediate or high risk of recurrence in this group of patients.
Identification of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Patients with Pulmonary Diseases in Gyeongnam, Korea, Using Multiplex PCR and Multigene Sequence-Based Analysis
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Kim Kyu-Min , Shin Jeong-Ih , Ha Jong-Hun , Lee Dong-Hae , Choi Jeong-Gyu , Park Jin-Sik , Byun Jung-Hyun , Yoo Jung-Wan , Eum Seokyong , Jung Myunghwan , Baik Seung Chul , Lee Woo Kon , Kang Hyung Lyun , Shin Min-Kyoung
Published: February 2021

Background. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widely present in environments, such as soil and water, and have recently been recognized as important pathogenic bacteria. The incidence of NTM-related infections is steadily increasing. As the diagnosis and treatment of NTM infection should be distinguished from tuberculosis, and the treatment should be specific to the species of NTM acquired, accurate species identification is required. Methods. In this study, two-step multiplex PCR (mPCR) and multigene sequence-based analysis were used to accurately identify NTM species in 320 clinical isolates from Gyeongsang National University Hospital (GNUH). In particular, major mycobacterial strains with a high isolation frequency as well as coinfections with multiple species were diagnosed through two-step mPCR. Multigene sequencing was performed to accurately identify other NTM species not detected by mPCR. Variable regions of the genes 16S rRNA, rpoB, hsp65, and 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer were included in the analysis. Results. Two-step mPCR identified 234 (73.1%) cases of M. intracellulare, 26 (8.1%) cases of M. avium subsp. avium, and 13 (4.1%) cases of M. avium subsp. hominissuis infection. Additionally, 9 (2.8%) M. fortuitum, 9 (2.8%) M. massiliense, 2 (0.6%) M. abscessus, and 4 (1.2%) M. kansasii isolates were identified. Coinfection was identified in 7 (2.2%) samples. The sixteen samples not classified by two-step mPCR included 6 (1.9%) cases of M. chimaera, 4 (1.3%) M. gordonae, 1 (0.3%) M. colombiense, 1 (0.3%) M. mageritense, and 1 (0.3%) M. persicum identified by sequence analysis. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest a strategy for rapid detection and accurate identification of species using two-step mPCR and multigene sequence-based analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report the identification of NTM species isolated from patients in Gyeongnam/Korea.
Redox Imbalance Associates with Clinical Worsening in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Dennis Almaguer-Gotay , Almaguer-Mederos Luis E. , Raúl Rodríguez-Aguilera , Roberto Rodríguez-Labrada , Luis Velázquez-Pérez , Dany Cuello-Almarales , Yanetza González-Zaldívar , Yaimeé Vázquez-Mojena , Annelié Estupiñán-Domínguez , Arnoy Peña-Acosta , Reydenis Torres-Vega
Published: February 2021

Background. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a neurodegenerative disease presenting with redox imbalance. However, the nature and implications of redox imbalance in SCA2 physiopathology have not been fully understood. Objective. The objective of this study is to assess the redox imbalance and its association with disease severity in SCA2 mutation carriers. Methods. A case‐control study was conducted involving molecularly confirmed SCA2 patients, presymptomatic individuals, and healthy controls. Several antioxidant parameters were assessed, including serum thiol concentration and the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S‐transferase enzymatic activities. Also, several prooxidant parameters were evaluated, including thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species and protein carbonyl concentrations. Damage, protective, and OXY scores were computed. Clinical correlates were established. Results. Significant differences were found between comparison groups for redox markers, including protein carbonyl concentration (F = 3.30; p = 0.041), glutathione S‐transferase activity (F = 4.88; p = 0.009), and damage (F = 3.20; p = 0.045), protection (F = 12.75; p < 0.001), and OXY (F = 7.29; p = 0.001) scores. Protein carbonyl concentration was positively correlated with CAG repeat length (r = 0.27; p = 0.022), while both protein carbonyl concentration (r = −0.27; p = 0.018) and OXY score (r = −0.25; p = 0.013) were inversely correlated to the disease duration. Increasing levels of antioxidants and decreasing levels of prooxidant parameters were associated with clinical worsening. Conclusions. There is a disruption of redox balance in SCA2 mutation carriers which depends on the disease stage. Besides, redox changes associate with markers of disease severity, suggesting a link between disruption of redox balance and SCA2 physiopathology.
Comprehensive Mutational Analysis of the BRCA1-Associated DNA Helicase and Tumor-Suppressor FANCJ/BACH1/BRIP1
Authors: Calvo Jennifer A. , Fritchman Briana , Hernandez Desiree , Persky Nicole S. , Johannessen Cory M. , Piccioni Federica , Kelch Brian A. , Cantor Sharon B.
Published: February 2021

FANCJ (BRIP1/BACH1) is a hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) gene encoding a DNA helicase. Similar to HBOC genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, FANCJ is critical for processing DNA inter-strand crosslinks (ICL) induced by chemotherapeutics, such as cisplatin. Consequently, cells deficient in FANCJ or its catalytic activity are sensitive to ICL-inducing agents. Unfortunately, the majority of FANCJ clinical mutations remain uncharacterized, limiting therapeutic opportunities to effectively use cisplatin to treat tumors with mutated FANCJ. Here, we sought to perform a comprehensive screen to identify FANCJ loss-of-function (LOF) mutations. We developed a FANCJ lentivirus mutation library representing approximately 450 patient–derived FANCJ nonsense and missense mutations to introduce FANCJ mutants into FANCJ knockout (K/O) HeLa cells. We performed a high-throughput screen to identify FANCJ LOF mutants that, as compared with wild-type FANCJ, fail to robustly restore resistance to ICL-inducing agents, cisplatin or mitomycin C (MMC). On the basis of the failure to confer resistance to either cisplatin or MMC, we identified 26 missense and 25 nonsense LOF mutations. Nonsense mutations elucidated a relationship between location of truncation and ICL sensitivity, as the majority of nonsense mutations before amino acid 860 confer ICL sensitivity. Further validation of a subset of LOF mutations confirmed the ability of the screen to identify FANCJ mutations unable to confer ICL resistance. Finally, mapping the location of LOF mutations to a new homology model provides additional functional information.

Implications:

We identify 51 FANCJ LOF mutations, providing important classification of FANCJ mutations that will afford additional therapeutic strategies for affected patients.
Transient development of MHD natural convection flow in vertical concentric annulus
Authors: Jha Basant K. , Yusuf Taiwo S.
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the role of magnetic field on fully developed natural convection flow in an annulus due to symmetric of surfaces. The transport equations concerned with the model under consideration are rendered non-dimensional and transformed into the ordinary differential equation using Laplace transform technique. The solution obtained is then transformed to time domain using the Riemann-sum approximation approach. The governing equations are also solved using implicit finite difference method so as to establish the accuracy of the Riemann-sum approximation approach at transient as well as at steady state solution. The solutions obtained are graphically represented and the effects of pertinent parameters on the flow formation are investigated in detail. The Hartmann number (M), is seen to have a retarding effect on the velocity, skin-frictions and the mass flow rate. Also, skin-friction at both surfaces and the mass flow rate within the annulus are found to be directly proportional to the radii ratio (λ).
Simulation and experimental validation of single-phase series active power filter using PI and backstepping nonlinear controllers
Authors: Abdelkhalek Othmane , Soumeur Mohammed Amine , Hafsi Oussama , Chakar Abdeselem
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, power distribution networks are focus mainly on power quality issues. Among the power disturbances, sag, swell and voltage harmonics are studied and deliberated in this research paper. These problems have negative impacts especially on the sensitive load, which have to be protected and secured against these problems. Therefore, to solve such disturbances, the series active power filter (SAPF) can be an efficient solution, which is used to compensate the voltage difference and to reduce the problem’s effects on the power system. In this paper, the SAPF is simulated and experimentally validated, where two control methods are used to control the applied disturbances; which are classical proportional integral PI and nonlinear backstepping controllers. The control structure of the SAPF aims to reduce the error of the injection voltage closed loop, in addition to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) values below 5% and within the specified ranges of the international IEEE-519 standard. From simulation results, the backstepping nonlinear controller has reacted more robustly and efficiently than the conventional PI controller.
Recent Advances in Hypertension
Authors: Oliveira Vanessa , Kwitek Anne E. , Sigmund Curt D. , Morselli Lisa L. , Grobe Justin L.
Published: February 2021

Obesity represents the single greatest ongoing roadblock to improving cardiovascular health. Prolonged obesity is associated with fundamental changes in the integrative control of energy balance, including the development of selective leptin resistance, which is thought to contribute to obesity-associated hypertension, and adaptation of resting metabolic rate (RMR) when excess weight is reduced. Leptin and the melanocortin system within the hypothalamus contribute to the control of both energy balance and blood pressure. While the development of drugs to stimulate RMR and thereby reverse obesity through activation of the melanocortin system has been pursued, most of the resulting compounds simultaneously cause hypertension. Evidence supports the concept that although feeding behaviors, RMR, and blood pressure are controlled through mechanisms that utilize similar molecular mediators, these mechanisms exist in anatomically dissociable networks. New evidence supports a major change in molecular signaling within AgRP (Agouti-related peptide) neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus during prolonged obesity and the existence of multiple distinct subtypes of AgRP neurons that individually contribute to control of feeding, RMR, or blood pressure. Finally, ongoing work by our laboratory and others support a unique role for AT
1
(angiotensin II type 1 receptor) within one specific subtype of AgRP neuron for the control of RMR. We propose that understanding the unique biology of the AT
1
-expressing, RMR-controlling subtype of AgRP neurons will help to resolve the selective dysfunctions in RMR control that develop during prolonged obesity and potentially point toward novel druggable antiobesity targets that will not simultaneously cause hypertension.
Polygenic Risk Scores Predict Hypertension Onset and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Vaura Felix , Kauko Anni , Suvila Karri , Havulinna Aki S. , Mars Nina , Salomaa Veikko , FinnGen  , Cheng Susan , Niiranen Teemu
Published: February 2021

Although genetic risk scores have been used to predict hypertension, their utility in the clinical setting remains uncertain. Our study comprised N=218 792 FinnGen participants (mean age 58 years, 56% women) and N=22 624 well-phenotyped FINRISK participants (mean age 50 years, 53% women). We used public genome-wide association data to compute polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). Using time-to-event analysis, we then assessed (1) the association of BP PRSs with hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in FinnGen and (2) the improvement in model discrimination when combining BP PRSs with the validated 4- and 10-year clinical risk scores for hypertension and CVD in FINRISK. In FinnGen, compared with having a 20 to 80 percentile range PRS, a PRS in the highest 2.5% conferred 2.3-fold (95% CI, 2.2–2.4) risk of hypertension and 10.6 years (95% CI, 9.9–11.4) earlier hypertension onset. In subgroup analyses, this risk was only 1.6-fold (95% CI, 1.5–1.7) for late-onset hypertension (age ≥55 years) but 2.8-fold (95% CI, 2.6–2.9) for early-onset hypertension (age <55 years). Elevated systolic BP PRS also conferred 1.3-fold (95% CI, 1.2–1.4) risk of CVD and 2.3 years (95% CI, 1.6–3.1) earlier onset. In FINRISK, systolic and diastolic BP PRSs improved clinical risk prediction of hypertension (but not CVD), increasing the C statistics by 0.7% (95% CI, 0.3–1.1). We demonstrate that genetic information improves hypertension risk prediction. BP PRSs together with traditional risk factors could improve prediction of hypertension and particularly early-onset hypertension, which confers substantial CVD risk.
Clinical Course Long After Atrial Switch: A Novel Risk Score for Major Clinical Events
Authors: Woudstra Odilia I. , Zandstra Tjitske E. , Vogel Rosanne F. , van Dijk Arie P. J. , Vliegen Hubert W. , Kiès Philippine , Jongbloed Monique R. M. , Egorova Anastasia D. , Doevendans Pieter A. F. M. , Konings Thelma C. , Mulder Barbara J. M. , Tanck Michael W. T. , Meijboom Folkert J. , Bouma Berto J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients with transposition of the great arteries corrected by an atrial switch operation experience major clinical events during adulthood, mainly heart failure (HF) and arrhythmias, but data on the emerging risks remain scarce. We assessed the risk for events during the clinical course in adulthood, and provided a novel risk score for event‐free survival.

Methods and Results

This multicenter study observed 167 patients with transposition of the great arteries corrected by an atrial switch operation (61% Mustard procedure; age, 28 [interquartile range, 24–36] years) for 13 (interquartile range, 9–16) years, during which 16 (10%) patients died, 33 (20%) had HF events, defined as HF hospitalizations, heart transplantation, ventricular assist device implantation, or HF‐related death, and 15 (9%) had symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. Five‐year risk of mortality, first HF event, and first ventricular arrhythmia increased from 1% each at age 25 years, to 6% (95% CI, 4%–9%), 23% (95% CI, 17%–28%), and 5% (95% CI, 2%–8%), respectively, at age 50 years. Predictors for event‐free survival were examined to construct a prediction model using bootstrapping techniques. A prediction model combining age >30 years, prior ventricular arrhythmia, age >1 year at repair, moderate or greater right ventricular dysfunction, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and mild or greater left ventricular dysfunction discriminated well between patients at low (<5%), intermediate (5%–20%), and high (>20%) 5‐year risk (optimism‐corrected C‐statistic, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.82–0.90]). Observed 5‐ and 10‐year event‐free survival rates in low‐risk patients were 100% and 97%, respectively, compared with only 31% and 8%, respectively, in high‐risk patients.

Conclusions

The clinical course of patients undergoing atrial switch increasingly consists of major clinical events, especially HF. A novel risk score stratifying patients as low, intermediate, and high risk for event‐free survival provides information on absolute individual risks, which may support decisions for pharmacological and interventional management.
Aeschynanthus rejieae (Gesneriaceae), a new species of lipstick vine from Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Authors: OLIMPOS SHIELLA MAE B. , MANSIBANG JAYSON A.
Published: February 2021

Aeschynanthus rejieae from Panglima Sugala, one of the few remaining forested areas in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, is illustrated and described as a new species. It resembles A. obconicus and A. ovatus by the ovate leaves and dense indumentum in the external calyx and corolla. However, A. rejieae is distinguished by having leaves that have persistent sparse pubescence, campanulate calyx with dense hirsute indumentum both internally and externally, and ovary with a glandular cilia. This species is named after Rejie Sahali-Generale, who initiated the biodiversity conservation in Panglima Sugala. This new discovery further highlights the urgent need to study and conserve the remaining forests of Tawi-Tawi.
Excluding the species Monoon fragrans (Annonaceae) from the flora of China

Authors: XUE BINE , NURMAWATI SUBEKTI , XU YUAN , LI YONG-QUAN
Published: February 2021

The distribution of Monoon fragrans (≡ Polyalthia fragrans) in China was first recorded in Flora of China in 2011. According to detailed specimen investigation, we found that the Chinese specimens identified previously as Polyalthia fragrans actually represent Monoon simiarum (≡ Polyalthia simiarum). Extensive field investigation also fails to discover the distribution of Monoon fragrans in China. Thus, results from field investigation and specimen examination suggest that M. fragrans is an endemic species to India and its distribution in China should be excluded. Morphologically, M. fragrans can be distinguished from M. simiarum by its tomentose peduncles, narrowly linear petals which are puberulous on both sides, ovoid puberulous monocarp with puberulous stipes and brittle pericarp, as well as the orbicular-ovoid seed.
Crassula ×mortii (Crassulaceae subfam. Crassuloideae), a new natural hybrid between C. perforata and C. rubricaulis from South Africa’s southern Cape
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , CROUCH NEIL R.
Published: February 2021

In terms of species-level diversity, the genus Crassula Linnaeus (1753: 282) is by far the most diverse in the Crassulaceae within the Flora of Southern Africa region [Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, South Africa] (Tölken 1977a, b, 1985). In this region diversity is highest in the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo Biomes, both of which straddle the southern Cape, an area represented in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
Phylogenetic relationships of the poorly known treefrog Boana hobbsi (Cochran & Goin, 1970) (Anura: Hylidae), systematic implications and remarks on morphological variations and geographic distribution
Authors: DE ALMEIDA ALEXANDRE P. , MORAES LEANDRO J.C.L. , ROJAS ROMMEL R. , ROBERTO IGOR J. , CARVALHO VINICIUS TADEU DE , ÁVILA ROBSON W. , FRAZÃO LUCIANA , SILVA ARIANE A.A. , MENIN MARCELO , WERNECK FERNANDA P. , HRBEK TOMAS , FARIAS IZENI P. , GORDO MARCELO
Published: February 2021

Boana hobbsi is a poorly known hylid frog currently placed within the Boana punctata group. Yet, morphological, ecological and bioacoustic traits do not support this placement, with no molecular data being available to date to test this hypothesis. Based on newly collected mitochondrial DNA sequences, morphological data review and field observations, we provide new insight into the phylogenetic relationships, morphological variations and geographic distribution of B. hobbsi. Our findings reveal that B. hobbsi is nested (with strong support) within the Boana benitezi group, recovering once more a polyphyletic Boana punctata group. Supported by this new genetic, morphological and ecological evidence, we propose a new taxonomic arrangement which includes B. hobbsi as a member of the Boana benitezi group. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of conducting biological inventories in remote Amazonian areas, where many taxonomic and geographic knowledge gaps persist with regards to Amphibian diversity.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Klossnema viguerasi n. sp. (Nematoda: Oxyuridomorpha: Hystrignathidae) from a Cuban passalid beetle (Coleoptera: Passalidae), first record of the genus for Cuba
Authors: MORFFE JANS , GARCÍA NAYLA , HASEGAWA KOICHI , BREUGELMANS KARIN
Published: February 2021

Klossnema viguerasi n. sp. (Nematoda: Oxyuridomorpha: Hystrignathidae) is described from the passalid beetle Antillanax pertyi (Kaup, 1869), endemic to Cuba. The females of K. viguerasi n. sp. are morphologically similar but slightly longer than K. repentina Cordeiro & Artigas, 1983 (1.143 mm vs. 1.000 mm). Both species differ in that K. viguerasi n. sp. has a longer procorpus (139 µm vs. 110 µm), isthmus (39 µm vs. 24 µm), and tail length (28 µm vs. 21 µm). The distance from the vulva to the anterior end is also longer in the new species (0.748 mm vs. 0.650 mm). The males of K. viguerasi n. sp. are larger than K. repentina (0.980 mm vs. 0.800 mm), but their isthmus is shorter (38 µm vs. 48 µm). New features of the cephalic end of both sexes, and copulatory papillae pattern of the males were observed by SEM and the generic diagnosis is emended in order to include such features. The phylogeny of K. viguerasi n. sp. is inferred by the analysis of the D2–D3 domains of the 28S rDNA and the 18S rDNA. This constitutes the first record of the genus Klossnema for the Cuban archipelago and the West Indies.
Three new species of Mileewa (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Mileewinae) from Tibet, China
Authors: YU XIAO-FEI , HE HONG-LI , YANG MAO-FA
Published: February 2021

Three new species of Mileewini, Mileewa digitata sp. nov., M. furcata sp. nov., M. nigricincta sp. nov., from Tibet, China are described and illustrated.
Fifteen new Andrena species from little-visited arid, Mediterranean, and mountainous parts of the Old World (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)
Authors: WOOD THOMAS JAMES
Published: February 2021

Andrena is the second most speciose genus of bees, with around 1,500 species known globally. It is predominantly distributed through the Holarctic with severely limited diversity in other biogeographical regions, and with the greatest species richness in arid and Mediterranean areas. Despite a long history of study, many species remain undescribed. As part of an ongoing revision of undetermined Old World material, many new species have been discovered in museum collections. Andrena (Micrandrena) atlantea spec. nov. from Morocco, Andrena (Carandrena) hoggara spec. nov. from Algeria, Andrena (Aciandrena) plumbea spec. nov., Andrena (Carandrena) inflata spec. nov., Andrena (Chrysandrena) rubricorpora spec. nov., Andrena (Orandrena) densissima spec. nov. from Tunisia, Andrena (?Aciandrena) badiyah spec. nov., Andrena (Micrandrena) convexifrons spec. nov. from Jordan, Andrena (?Aciandrena) palmyriae spec. nov., Andrena (Graecandrena) virguladivina spec. nov., Andrena (Suandrena) inaquosa spec. nov., Andrena (Truncandrena) syriensis spec. nov. from Syria, Andrena karia spec. nov. (incertae sedis) from Turkey, and Andrena (Pallandrena) persica spec. nov. and Andrena (Pallandrena) zagrosa spec. nov. from Iran are described. The description of these 15 new species confirms the extent to which our understanding of this genus remains incomplete in the arid, Mediterranean, and mountainous parts of the Old World.
Review of the Oriental genus Pompographa Gozmány (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae), with description of a new species from Thailand
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK
Published: February 2021

A small Oriental genus Pompographa Gozmány, 1971 is reviewed, with three known species including a new species P. concaviella Park, sp. nov. described from Thailand. The recently described species from Laos, Torodora barathrona Park, 2020 is transferred to Prompographa, P. barathrona Park, comb. nov. Adult images of the three known species and genitalia of the two species, except the type species, are given.
Two new spiders of the genus Belisana (Araneae: Pholcidae) from Xishuangbanna Rainforest, China
Authors: ZHU WENHUI , LI SHUQIANG
Published: February 2021

Two new species of Belisana Thorell, 1898 from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China, are described and illustrated: Belisana bubeng sp. nov. (male, female) and Belisana xiaolongha sp. nov. (male).
Insights From the Virtual Team Science: Rapid Deployment During COVID-19
Authors: Kilcullen Molly , Feitosa Jennifer , Salas Eduardo
Published: February 2021

Objective

To provide insights for organizations that must rapidly deploy teams to remote work.

Background

Modern situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are rapidly accelerating the need for organizations to move employee teams to virtual environments, sometimes with little to no opportunities to prepare for the transition. It is likely that organizations will continually have to adapt to evolving conditions in the future.

Method

This review synthesizes the literature from several sources on best practices, lessons learned, and strategies for virtual teams. Information from each article deemed relevant was then extracted and de-identified. Over 64 best practices were independently and blindly coded for relevancy for the swift deployment of virtual teams.

Results

As a result of this review, tips for virtual teams undergoing rapid transition to remote work were developed. These tips are organized at the organization, team, and individual levels. They are further categorized under six overarching themes: norm setting, performance monitoring, leadership, supportive mechanisms, communication, and flexibility.

Conclusion

There is a significant deficit in the literature for best practices for virtual teams for the purposes of rapid deployment, leaving it to organizations to subjectively determine what advice to adhere to. This manuscript synthesizes relevant practices and provides insights into effective virtual team rapid deployment.
Characterizing the Effects of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations on the Human Body While Wearing Heavy Personal Protective Equipment
Authors: Wu Yi-Ning , Norton Adam , Zielinski Michael R. , Kao Pei-Chun , Stanwicks Andrew , Pang Patrick , Cring Charles H. , Flynn Brian , Yanco Holly A.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To provide a comprehensive characterization of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personal protective equipment (PPE) by evaluating its effects on the human body, specifically the poses, tasks, and conditions under which EOD operations are performed.

Background

EOD PPE is designed to protect technicians from a blast. The required features of protection make EOD PPE heavy, bulky, poorly ventilated, and difficult to maneuver in. It is not clear how the EOD PPE wearer physiologically adapts to maintain physical and cognitive performance during EOD operations.

Method

Fourteen participants performed EOD operations including mobility and inspection tasks with and without EOD PPE. Physiological measurement and kinematic data recording were used to record human physiological responses and performance.

Results

All physiological measures were significantly higher during the mobility and the inspection tasks when EOD PPE was worn. Participants spent significantly more time to complete the mobility tasks, whereas mixed results were found in the inspection tasks. Higher back muscle activations were seen in participants who performed object manipulation while wearing EOD PPE.

Conclusion

EOD operations while wearing EOD PPE pose significant physical stress on the human body. The wearer’s mobility is impacted by EOD PPE, resulting in decreased speed and higher muscle activations.

Application

The testing and evaluation methodology in this study can be used to benchmark future EOD PPE designs. Identifying hazards posed by EOD PPE lays the groundwork for developing mitigation plans, such as exoskeletons, to reduce physical and cognitive stress caused by EOD PPE on the wearers without compromising their operational performance.
Complicating the Reception of Lonergan on ‘Sacralization and Secularization’
Authors: Olkovich Nicholas
Published: February 2021

The core of Bernard Lonergan’s 1973 lecture entitled ‘Sacralization and Secularization’ is his fourfold distinction between: (a) a sacralization to be dropped; (b) a sacralization to be fostered; (c) a secularization to be welcomed; and (d) a secularization to be resisted. Drawing on elements found in Lonergan’s broader corpus, noted scholars Robert Doran and John Dadosky have presented detailed interpretations of this work. Conversant with both approaches as well as with contemporary debates in political philosophy and theology, my response aims to complicate their insightful albeit relatively heuristic treatments. More specifically, my interpretation of Lonergan’s fourfold distinction culminates with an account of democracy and human rights that clarifies and expands Dadosky’s notion of a fourth stage of meaning and Doran’s conception of social grace.
Africana Studies, 21st Century Black Student Activism, and High Impact Educational Practices: A Biographical Sketch of David C. Turner, III
Authors: Claybrook M. Keith
Published: February 2021

This article examines the relationship between academia and activism. It explores the undergraduate experience of veteran 21st century Black student activist, David C. Turner, III, revealing the foundations of his academic and activist career in higher education. Framed in the context of student engagement and high impact educational practices, this paper argues that 21st century Black student activists are motivated by a belief in a society and world free from overt, insidious, and institutional racism. Furthermore, it argues that activism offers academically relevant learning opportunities. The article draws upon informal conversations and interactions, formal interviews, and Turner’s published and unpublished writings. It chronicles Turner’s undergraduate experiences at CSU, Dominguez Hills majoring in Africana Studies, president of the Organization of Africana Studies, and research and conference opportunities revealing the foundations of his pursuit of cultural grounding, academic excellence, and social responsibility. Furthermore, it highlights the links between intellectual and academic work, with activism and organizing.
A history of technological hype
Authors: Cain Victoria E.M. , Laats Adam
Published: February 2021

Education leaders frequently turn to technological solutions to improve schools, often without evidence of their effectiveness. According to Victoria Cain and Adam Laats, this pattern of leaders pouring money into new technological systems and then being disappointed in the results goes back centuries. They describe how, in the early 1800s, Lancastrian schoolrooms captured the public imagination and how, in the 1950s and ‘60s, were seen as a solution to current educational ills. These examples provide a warning to those who see online education as a silver bullet.
Ed tech’s failure during the pandemic, and what comes after
Authors: Reich Justin
Published: February 2021

For decades, technology advocates have claimed that we are on the cusp of a complete transformation in education. But, as Justin Reich explains, such transformations have not yet come to pass. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers did not use technology to significantly alter their teaching. Instead, technology enabled them to maintain many of their classroom routines (using learning management systems or video conferencing) or supplement their usual instruction (using gamified apps). Teachers did, however, tinker with their methods throughout the pandemic, gradually improving over time. Reich suggests that this tinkering framework is a more realistic way to think about ed tech’s potential to support teaching and learning.
First Person: Rita and Julia: Contrasts in the art of teaching excellence
Authors: Graseck Paul
Published: February 2021

When Paul Graseck hired Rita and Julia to teach 7th-grade English, they presented a study in contrasts, with their different temperaments, classroom designs, and understandings of the teaching art. Both knew how to cultivate a safe haven for students and enrich student life, and their extremely different classroom approaches demonstrate that the art of teaching eludes simple description and cannot be replaced with lockstep adherence to a script.
Media Reports as a Tool for Timely Monitoring of COVID-19–Related Deaths Among First Responders—United States, April 2020
Authors: Kelly-Reif Kaitlin , Rinsky Jessica L. , Chiu Sophia K. , Burrer Sherry , de Perio Marie A. , Trotter Alexis Grimes , Miura Sarah Selica , Seo Jennifer Y. , Hong Rick , Friedman Lee , Hand Julie , Richardson Gillian , Sokol Theresa , Sparer-Fine Emily H. , Laing James , Oliveri Anthony , McGreevy Katharine , Borjan Marija , Harduar-Morano Laurel , Luckhaupt Sara E.
Published: February 2021

We aimed to describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths among first responders early in the COVID-19 pandemic. We used media reports to gather timely information about COVID-19–related deaths among first responders during March 30–April 30, 2020, and evaluated the sensitivity of media scanning compared with traditional surveillance. We abstracted information about demographic characteristics, occupation, underlying conditions, and exposure source. Twelve of 19 US public health jurisdictions with data on reported deaths provided verification, and 7 jurisdictions reported whether additional deaths had occurred; we calculated the sensitivity of media scanning among these 7 jurisdictions. We identified 97 COVID-19–related first-responder deaths during the study period through media and jurisdiction reports. Participating jurisdictions reported 5 deaths not reported by the media. Sixty-six decedents worked in law enforcement, and 31 decedents worked in fire/emergency medical services. Media reports rarely noted underlying conditions. The media scan sensitivity was 88% (95% CI, 73%-96%) in the subset of 7 jurisdictions. Media reports demonstrated high sensitivity in documenting COVID-19–related deaths among first responders; however, information on risk factors was scarce. Routine collection of data on industry and occupation could improve understanding of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among all workers.
Psychometric Validation of Adapted Inventory of Virtues and Strengths
Authors: Kim Jeong Han , Lee Jaehoon , Richardson Taryn V. , Lee Dong Hun , McMahon Brian T. , Kim Hyeyoung , Sametz Rebecca R.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to validate the Adapted Inventory of Virtues and Strengths (AIVS). AIVS is a unique instrument that operationalizes virtues in terms of character traits that are specially designed for psychosocial adaptation and rehabilitation. Data were collected from 464 individuals with disabilities and analyzed via the combination of exploratory ( n = 256) and confirmatory analyses ( n = 208). Although the results suggest dropping some items, the original five-virtue structure was supported and confirmed via both analyses. The construct validity of AIVS was further analyzed via correlation analyses between AIVS and other measures, including Values in Action Inventory of Strengths 72-Item, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Connor-Davison Resilience Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. The results suggest that with continuing research to document reliability and validity, AIVS has potential in the context of rehabilitation research. Further discussion on psychometric information of AIVS and future implications were presented.
The Prospective Association of Personality Traits and Successful Aging
Authors: Heid Allison R. , Pruchno Rachel , Wilson-Genderson Maureen , Cartwright Francine P.
Published: February 2021

We used data ( N = 928) from ORANJ BOWL, a six-wave panel of adults (aged 50–74 at baseline) to address the association between personality and successful aging at two points in time, 8 years apart. Regressions examined the associations between Wave 2 neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness and Wave 3 subjective success, functional ability, pain, and chronic conditions. Models tested personality traits independently and then simultaneously, with interactions. Confirmatory analyses used Waves 5/6 data. All traits but openness were individually associated with successful aging at both time points. When testing traits simultaneously, only neuroticism and extraversion were consistently associated with subjective success, with an interaction at Waves 2/3. Neuroticism (Waves 2/3) and conscientiousness (Waves 5/6) were associated with functional ability. Neuroticism was associated with pain (Waves 2/3). Personality was not associated with chronic conditions. These analyses set up future work examining relationships between change in personality and change in successful aging.
Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault: Stranger Rape, Acquaintance Rape, and Intra-Familial Child Sexual Assaults
Authors: Sorochinski Marina
Published: February 2021

This article reviews the recently published book by M. B. Johnson— Wrongful conviction in sexual assault: Stranger rape, acquaintance rape, and intra-familial child sexual assaults. The focus of the book is on the unique combination of factors specifically within sexual crime investigation and legislation that lead to the overrepresentation of this type of crimes within wrongful convictions. The book presents a detailed analysis of social context, and historical backdrop specific to wrongful convictions in sexual crimes. It is a highly informative and well-written book.
Quadratic programming-based cooperative adaptive cruise control under uncertainty via receding horizon strategy
Authors: Coskun Serdar , Huang Cong , Zhang Fengqi
Published: February 2021

Cooperative longitudinal motion control can greatly contribute to safety, mobility, and sustainability issues in today’s transportation systems. This article deals with the development of cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) under uncertainty using a model predictive control strategy. Specifically, uncertainties arising in the system are presented as disturbances acting in the system and measurement equations in a state-space formulation. We aim to design a predictive controller under a common goal (cooperative control) such that the equilibrium from initial condition of vehicles will remain stable under disturbances. The state estimation problem is handled by a Kalman filter and the optimal control problem is formulated by the quadratic programming method under both state and input constraints considering traffic safety, efficiency, as well as driving comfort. In the sequel, adopting the CACC system in four-vehicle platoon scenarios are tested via MATLAB/Simulink for cooperative vehicle platooning control under different disturbance realizations. Moreover, the computational effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified with respect to different platoon sizes for possible real-time deployment in next-generation cooperative vehicles.
Political Ideology and Moral Dilemma Judgments: An Analysis Using the CNI Model
Authors: Luke Dillon M. , Gawronski Bertram
Published: February 2021

Many real-world dilemmas involve disagreement about whether decisions should follow moral norms in an unconditional manner ( deontology) or be based on the consequences for the greater good ( utilitarianism). To examine how political ideology may account for some of these disagreements, the current research used a formal modeling approach to investigate the associations between political ideology and (a) sensitivity to consequences, (b) sensitivity to moral norms, and (c) general preference for inaction versus action in responses to moral dilemmas. Across three studies ( N = 996) with samples from the United States (Studies 1 and 3) and the United Kingdom (Study 2), conservatives were less influenced by overall consequences for the greater good in comparison with liberals. Political ideology was not significantly associated with sensitivity to moral norms and general action tendencies. The findings provide more nuanced insights into how political ideology may contribute to disagreements on real-world moral dilemmas.
Case report: Pulmonary artery thrombosis in cyanotic congenital heart disease
Authors: Shan Ali , Zubairi Suha , Mirza Hassan , Amanullah Muneer , Khan Mubashir Zareen
Published: February 2021

Cyanotic congenital cardiac anomalies increase the risk of thrombosis. In pediatric congenital heart disease, the diagnosis of pulmonary artery thrombosis is rare. We reported an 11-year-old male child who developed progressive shortness of breath over six months. He was subsequently referred to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan. The child was diagnosed as a case of double outlet left ventricle, levo-transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect and thrombus in the main pulmonary artery with extension into the branch pulmonary arteries. He underwent thromboendarterectomy with a Glenn shunt and made an uneventful postoperative recovery.
Survival benefit from a second arterial conduit to the circumflex circulation persists in elderly after coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Luthra Suvitesh , Leiva-Juárez Miguel M , Malvindi Pietro G , Billing John S , Ohri Sunil K
Published: February 2021

Background

This retrospective propensity matched study investigated the impact of age on the survival benefit from a second arterial conduit to the left-sided circulation.

Methods

Data for isolated coronary artery bypass surgery were collected from October 2004 to March 2014. All patients with an internal mammary artery graft to left anterior descending artery and additional arterial or venous graft to the circumflex circulation were included. Propensity matching was used to balance co-variates and generate odds of death for each observation. Odds ratios (venous vs. arterial) were charted against age.

Results

The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.12% (arterial) vs. 1.24% (venous) (p = 0.77). The overall 10-year survival was 74.6% (venous) vs. 82.6% (arterial) (p = 0.001). A total of 1226 patients were successfully matched to the venous or arterial (second conduit to circumflex territory after left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery) cohorts. Odds ratio for death (venous to arterial) showed a linear decremental overall survival benefit for the second arterial graft to circumflex circulation with increasing age.

Conclusions

The survival benefit of a second arterial graft persists through all age groups with a gradual decline with increasing age over the decades. Elderly patients should not be denied a second arterial graft to the circumflex circulation based on age criterion alone.