bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The fatigue of multilateralism: A new hope for international law—Afterword to the Foreword by Karen Alter
Authors: Puig Sergio 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Karen J. Alter’s Foreword describes how the history of international law is, to a large extent, the history of modern capitalism. Her regime complexity approach shows the political nature of international law and its distributional consequences. But international law also is a cultural product. In this sense, international law is dynamic and can be responsive to rapid social change. Any potential change of international law, therefore, must be understood historically and within the context of the changes in the ideas that led to an American “world order.” Hence, I argue that the current transformation of international law is not caused solely by changing power imbalances and geopolitics, but also by cultural change. In this Afterword, I use Alter’s provocatively ambitious Foreword to sketch what international law may say about social changes and pose that these changes also signal a breakdown in the structures that supported Alter’s multilateral international law: a contrived view of the state; the use of law to normalize colonial inequities; the deployment of international organizations to advance the idea of individual choice; and international law as a primarily spatial (rather than temporal) phenomenon.
In the Möbius strip of global economic law: Afterword to the Foreword by Karen Alter
Authors: Vauchez Antoine 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This Afterword emphasizes the analytical value of Karen Alter’s Foreword, which brings together a much-welcomed interdisciplinary syllabus on “law, globalization and capitalism.” The Foreword provides a rich historical account of the almost inexhaustible reservoir of legal techniques through which (colonial or post-colonial) states and firms have managed to secure capitalist-friendly legal environments, as well as asymmetrical rights and prerogatives. It also paints a fresh portrait of global economic law as an inextricable multilayering of national and international, but also public and private, legal regimes—something akin to the Möbius strip, a surface with only one side and no possible distinction between the inside and the outside. This Afterword questions, however, the rather neglected role of sociology in this new syllabus and discusses the political and democratic costs as well as possible ways out of this conundrum.
Which antithrombotic strategy provides the best outcomes after mitral valve repair in patients who remain in sinus rhythm?
Authors: Trevis Jason , Akowuah Enoch 
Published: April 2022

Summary
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘in the first 3-months after mitral valve repair (MVRep) which antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant strategy should be instigated in patients who remain in normal sinus rhythm’. Altogether 77 papers were found using the reported search, of which 8 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that there remains a lack of high-quality randomized studies, controlling for postoperative cardiac rhythm, comparing vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and antiplatelet therapy in the early postoperative period following isolated MVRep. Current guidelines are based on limited evidence or expert consensus alone. Based on the currently available evidence, the authors conclude that antiplatelet therapy (e.g. aspirin) is safe and appropriate to use in the 3-month postoperative period following isolated MVRep, in those without preoperative, or postoperative atrial fibrillation. Rates of thromboembolic events are comparable between these patient groups (i.e. VKA versus aspirin), whilst VKA therapy is associated with increased rates of major bleeding events and mortality.
Changes in mortality rate of the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time series study in Korea
Authors: Han Changwoo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Unlike other countries, South Korea did not implement a large-scale lockdown or closure of businesses to manage the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but relied on changes in population behaviours and early isolation and treatment of patients. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of such alternative strategies on the mortality of the general population.

Methods
Mortality and monthly population data from 2013 to 2020 were obtained. A quasi-Poisson regression model adjusting for age structure, seasonality and time was used to evaluate whether underlying trends for monthly mortality rate have changed with the pandemic. Stratification analyses based on sex and location of deaths (inside vs outside of medical facilities) were conducted.

Results
The risk estimates showed no changes in non-accidental mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic [relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval, 95% CI), slope change: 1.00 (1.00, 1.01), step change: 0.99 (0.97, 1.01)] compared with those before the pandemic. In cause-specific analysis, there was an abrupt and sustained decrease in the mortality rate of respiratory diseases [RR (95% CI), step change: 0.81 (0.77, 0.84)]. In the analysis of deaths by location, an increase in non-accidental mortality [RR (95% CI), slope change: 1.01 (1.01, 1.02), step change: 1.16 (1.11, 1.22)] and several cause-specific mortalities was observed outside of medical facilities.

Conclusions
The non-accidental mortality rate in South Korea for the first year of the pandemic followed the historical trends. However, there was a decrease in mortality associated with respiratory diseases, and an increase in mortality occurring outside of medical facilities. The findings may be attributed to changes in public behaviours, and availability of medical resources during the pandemic.
Elevated Serum Purine Levels in Schizophrenia: A Reverse Translational Study to Identify Novel Inflammatory Biomarkers
Authors: Kristóf Zsüliet , Baranyi Mária , Tod Pál , Mut-Arbona Paula , Demeter Kornél , Bitter István , Sperlágh Beáta 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Immunological markers and related signaling molecules in the blood are altered in schizophrenia mouse models, in acutely relapsed patients with schizophrenia, and in persons at a clinically high risk for subsequently developing psychosis, highlighting their potential as prognostic and theranostic biomarkers. Therefore, we herein aimed to identify novel potential biomarkers in the serum that are associated with purinergic signaling.

Methods
To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the correlations among the levels of human serum adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP), adenosine, P2X7 receptor, and disease activity in patients hospitalized due to an acute relapse of schizophrenia (n = 53) and healthy controls (n = 47). In addition, to validate these findings using a reverse translational approach, we examined the same parameters in an acute phencyclidine-induced schizophrenia mouse model.

Results
We found consistently elevated levels of ATP, ADP, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in both schizophrenia groups compared with the controls. The levels of adenosine, IL-1β, IL-12, and C-reactive protein were also increased in the human patient samples. Moreover, ATP and ADP were significantly positively correlated with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale item “lack of judgment and insight”; IL-1β, IL-12, and tumour necrosis factor alpha were significantly positively correlated with “tension” and “depression”; and “disorientation” and “poor attention” were correlated significantly with IL-6 and IL-8.

Conclusions
Our study suggests the promising potential of blood purines and inflammatory markers as future prognostic tools.
Finite-time H∞ control of linear singular fractional differential equations with time-varying delay
Authors: Niamsup Piyapong , Thanh Nguyen T , Phat Vu N 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we propose an efficient analytical approach based on fractional calculus and singularity value theory to designing the finite-time $H_\infty $ controller for linear singular fractional differential equations with time-varying delay. By introducing new fractional-order $H_\infty $ norm, the state feedback controller is designed to guarantee that the closed-loop system is singular, impulse-free and finite-time stable with prescribed $H_\infty $ performance. New sufficient conditions for designing the $H_\infty $ finite-time controller are presented. The results of this paper improve the corresponding ones of integer-order singular systems with time-varying delay. Finally, a numerical example demonstrates the validity and effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Semi-Polarized Meromorphic Hitchin and Calabi–Yau Integrable Systems
Authors: Lee Jia Choon , Lee Sukjoo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
It was shown by Diaconescu, Donagi, and Pantev that Hitchin systems of type ADE are isomorphic to certain Calabi–Yau integrable systems. In this paper, we prove an analogous result in the setting of meromorphic Hitchin systems of type A, which are known to be Poisson integrable systems. We consider a symplectization of the meromorphic Hitchin integrable system, which is a semi-polarized integrable system in the sense of Kontsevich and Soibelman. On the Hitchin side, we show that the moduli space of unordered diagonally framed Higgs bundles forms an integrable system in this sense and recovers the meromorphic Hitchin system as the fiberwise compact quotient. Then we construct a family of quasi-projective Calabi–Yau three-folds and show that its relative intermediate Jacobian fibration, as a semi-polarized integrable system, is isomorphic to the moduli space of unordered diagonally framed Higgs bundles.
Period Collapse in Characteristic Quasi-Polynomials of Hyperplane Arrangements
Authors: Higashitani Akihiro , Tran Tan Nhat , Yoshinaga Masahiko 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Given an integral hyperplane arrangement, Kamiya–Takemura–Terao [11, 12] introduced the notion of characteristic quasi-polynomial, which enumerates the cardinality of the complement of the arrangement modulo a positive integer. The most popular candidate for periods of the characteristic quasi-polynomials is the lcm period. In this paper, we initiate a study of period collapse in characteristic quasi-polynomials stemming from the concept of period collapse in the theory of Ehrhart quasi-polynomials. We say that period collapse occurs in a characteristic quasi-polynomial when the minimum period is strictly less than the lcm period. Our first main result is that in the non-central case, with regard to period collapse anything is possible: period collapse occurs in any dimension $\ge 1$, occurs for any value $\ge 2$ of the lcm period, and the minimum period when it is not the lcm period can be any proper divisor of the lcm period. Our second main result states that in the central case, however, no period collapse is possible in any dimension, that is, the lcm period is always the minimum period.
L-Orthogonal Elements and L-Orthogonal Sequences
Authors: Avilés Antonio , Martínez-Cervantes Gonzalo , Rueda Zoca Abraham 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Given a Banach space $X$, we say that a sequence $\{x_n\}$ in the unit ball of $X$ is $L$-orthogonal if $\Vert x+x_n\Vert \rightarrow 1+\Vert x\Vert $ for every $x\in X$. On the other hand, an element $x^{**}$ in the bidual sphere is said to be $L$-orthogonal (to $X$) if $\|x+x^{**}\|= 1+\Vert x\Vert $ for every $x\in X$. The aim of this paper is to clarify the relation between $L$-orthogonal sequences and $L$-orthogonal elements. Namely, we study whether every $L$-orthogonal sequence contains $L$-orthogonal elements in its weak*-closure. We provide an affirmative answer whenever the ambient space has small density character. Nevertheless, we show that, surprisingly, the general answer is independent of the usual axioms of set theory.
Beyond the Sottile–Sturmfels Degeneration of a Semi-Infinite Grassmannian
Authors: Feigin Evgeny , Makhlin Igor , Popkovich Alexander 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We study toric degenerations of semi-infinite Grassmannians (a.k.a. quantum Grassmannians). While the toric degenerations of the classical Grassmannians are well studied, the only known example in the semi-infinite case is due to Sottile and Sturmfels. We start by providing a new interpretation of the Sottile–Sturmfels construction by finding a poset such that their degeneration is the toric variety of the order polytope of the poset. We then use our poset to construct and study a new toric degeneration in the semi-infinite case. Our construction is based on the notion of poset polytopes introduced by Fang–Fourier–Litza–Pegel. As an application, we introduce semi-infinite PBW-semistandard tableaux, giving a basis in the homogeneous coordinate ring of a semi-infinite Grassmannian.
Generalized Whittaker Quotients of Schwartz Functions onG-Spaces
Authors: Gourevitch Dmitry , Sayag Eitan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLet $G$ be a reductive group over a local field $F$ of characteristic zero. Let $X$ be a $G$-space. In this paper we study the existence of generalized Whittaker quotients for the space of Schwartz functions on $X$, considered as a representation of $G$. We show that the set of nilpotent elements of the dual space to the Lie algebra such that the corresponding generalized Whittaker quotient does not vanish contains the nilpotent part of the image of the moment map and lies in the closure of this image. This generalizes recent results of Prasad and Sakellaridis. Applying our theorems to symmetric pairs $(G,H)$ we show that there exists an infinite-dimensional $H$-distinguished representation of $G$ if and only if the real reductive group corresponding to the pair $(G,H)$ is non-compact. For quasi-split $G$ we also extend to the Archimedean case the theorem of Prasad stating that there exists a generic $H$-distinguished representation of $G$ if and only if the real reductive group corresponding to the pair $(G,H)$ is quasi-split. In the non-Archimedean case our result also gives rather sharp bounds on the wave-front sets of distinguished representations. Finally, we deduce a corollary on vanishing of period integrals of automorphic forms with certain Whittaker supports. This corollary, when combined with the restrictions on the Whittaker support of cuspidal automorphic representations proven by Gomez–Gourevitch–Sahi, implies many of the vanishing results on periods of automorphic forms proved by Ash–Ginzburg–Rallis.
International Bureaucrats and Organizational Performance. Country-Specific Knowledge and Sectoral Knowledge in World Bank Projects
Authors: Heinzel Mirko 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
International organizations (IOs) try to incorporate policy-specific best practices and country-specific knowledge to increase well-informed decision-making. However, the relative contribution of the two kinds of knowledge to organizational performance is insufficiently understood. The article addresses this gap by focusing on the role of staff in World Bank performance. It posits that country-specific knowledge, sectoral knowledge, and their combination positively contribute to World Bank projects. The argument is tested drawing on a novel database on the tenure, nationality, and educational background of World Bank Task Team Leaders. Three findings stand out. First, country-specific knowledge seems to matter on average, while sectoral knowledge does not. Second, there is some evidence that staff that combine both kinds of knowledge are empowered to make more positive contributions to performance. Third, the diversity and relevance of experience, not length of tenure, are associated with more success. The findings contribute to discussions on international bureaucracies by highlighting how differences between the knowledge of individual staff shape their decision-making and performance. IOs could better tap into the existing resources in their bureaucracies to enhance their performance by rotating staff less frequently between duty stations.
Removal of doravirine by haemodialysis in people living with HIV with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Moltó José , Graterol Fredzzia , Curran Adrian , Ramos Natalia , Imaz Arkaitz , Sandoval Diego , Pérez Francisco , Bailón Lucía , Khoo Saye , Else Laura , Paredes Roger 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the effect of haemodialysis on doravirine concentrations in people living with HIV (PLWH) undergoing routine haemodialysis.

Methods
An exploratory clinical trial that included PLWH undergoing intermittent haemodialysis was undertaken. After enrolment (day 1), doravirine 100 mg once daily was added to stable combined ART for 5 days. On day 6, blood samples were collected from each participant at the beginning and at the end of a dialysis session. Additionally, paired samples of blood entering (‘in’) and leaving (‘out’) the dialyser and the resulting dialysate were collected during the dialysis session to evaluate drug removal during dialysis. Doravirine concentrations in plasma and in the dialysate were determined by LC-MS/MS. The ratio of doravirine concentrations in plasma after/before the haemodialysis session and the haemodialysis extraction coefficient were calculated for each participant. The study was registered at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04689737).

Results
Eight participants (six male) were included. The median (range) age and BMI were 49.5 (28–67) years and 23.6 (17.9–34.2) kg/m2, respectively. The doravirine dialysis extraction ratio was 34.3% (25.8%–41.4%). The ratio of doravirine concentrations in plasma after/before the haemodialysis session was 0.8 (0.6–1.0). At the end of the haemodialysis session (time post-dose 20.8–27.3 h), doravirine concentrations in plasma were 785 (101–1851) ng/mL.

Conclusions
Despite moderate removal of doravirine by haemodialysis, trough doravirine concentrations in plasma after the haemodialysis sessions remained in excess of the protein-binding-adjusted EC50 (5 ng/mL). Doravirine dosage adjustments are unnecessary in PLWH undergoing intermittent haemodialysis.
In vivo exposure–response relationship of meropenem against metallo-β-lactamase-harbouring Pseudomonas aeruginosa: an assessment using MICs from conventional and zinc-limited broth
Authors: Kois Abigail K , Nicolau David P , Asempa Tomefa E 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Previous investigations into metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-harbouring Enterobacterales suggest that susceptibility testing in zinc-limited media may be more appropriate in predicting β-lactam in vivo activity. There are limited data with MBL-harbouring Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methods
Forty-three MBL-harbouring P. aeruginosa isolates (IMP, n = 11; VIM, n = 12; NDM, n = 10; SPM, n = 10) and two P. aeruginosa control isolates (KPC, n = 1; WT, n = 1) were evaluated. Meropenem activity was evaluated in the murine neutropenic thigh model using humanized exposures. Susceptibility testing was conducted in conventional CAMHB, EDTA-supplemented CAMHB (3–300 mg/L EDTA) and Chelex-treated CAMHB (0–1.0 mg/L re-supplemented zinc), resulting in a range of meropenem MIC values for each isolate. A sigmoidal Emax model was fitted to fT&gt;MIC versus change in log10 cfu/thigh to estimate the goodness of fit (R2).

Results
Increasing EDTA concentrations or limiting the amount of zinc in broth resulted in several-fold reductions in MIC among the majority of the MBL-harbouring P. aeruginosa while the MICs for the KPC and WT isolates were unchanged. Bacterial killing in vivo was variable, with the range of killing spanning −3.29 to +4.81 log10 change in cfu/thigh. Addition of 30 mg/L EDTA and Chelex-treated CAMHB (with no zinc supplementation) provided broth conditions for susceptibility testing that best predicted in vivo efficacy (R2 &gt; 0.7).

Conclusions
Among MBL-harbouring P. aeruginosa, meropenem in vivo efficacy is best represented by the pharmacodynamic profile generated using MICs determined in EDTA-supplemented or zinc-limited broth. In addition to previous data with Enterobacterales, antibiotic susceptibility testing in media that approximates physiological conditions makes it possible to uncover potential and existing therapeutic agents.
Nitrofurantoin and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: a safety review
Authors: Recht Judith , Chansamouth Vilada , White Nicholas J. , Ashley Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Nitrofurantoin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic available since 1953, is used widely for the treatment of urinary tract infections as it often retains activity against drug-resistant uropathogens. It is contraindicated in pregnant women at term, and in neonates. Like trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin carries a warning for patients with known sensitivity to oxidant drugs, notably glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, in whom it may cause haemolytic anaemia. This is a barrier to uptake in tropical regions where there is a high burden of antimicrobial resistance and where G6PD deficiency is common. Early studies of erythrocyte survival following nitrofurantoin suggest it is less likely to cause oxidant haemolysis in individuals with G6PD deficiency than primaquine. Here we review reports of haemolysis associated with nitrofurantoin from the published literature and from USA (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System; FAERS) and European (VigiBase) pharmacovigilance databases. In total, 318 episodes of haemolytic anaemia were reported and 10 deaths, with 42 (13%) in individuals with confirmed or highly probable G6PD deficiency, out of at least 245 million exposures. A causal link between death and exposure was not reported and a precise risk estimation in G6PD-deficient individuals was not possible as there are few reports from regions where this enzymopathy is most prevalent. The evidence suggests a total daily dose of 200 mg nitrofurantoin may be used for short (3–5 day) course urinary tract infection treatment without G6PD screening when accompanied by appropriate advice. Pharmacovigilance in countries with high prevalence of G6PD-deficiency is recommended to monitor for serious adverse events.
Structural Change, Productivity Growth and Labour Market Turbulence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mensah Emmanuel , Owusu Solomon , Foster-McGregor Neil , Szirmai Adam 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a shift-share decomposition of the role of structural change in driving labour productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The paper further examines the effect that the observed structural change has had upon the dynamics of labour markets in SSA. The analysis is based on a newly constructed dataset, the Extended Africa Sector Database. This database updates and extends the Africa Sector Database of the Groningen Growth and Development Centre. It includes eighteen countries covering the period 1960–2015. Overall, the database shows that productivity growth has been slow, with large and persistent sectoral productivity gaps present. The extent of structural change has been higher than that observed in previous studies, however. But while the share of employment and value added in agriculture has declined, resources have been pulled into certain service sectors that have relatively low productivity, thus limiting aggregate productivity improvements. The general direction of structural change has not been towards the most productive sectors. Results of the labour market analysis complement this analysis, providing suggestive evidence of a role for labour market institutional arrangements in many SSA countries in affecting these outcomes.