bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey and Evaluation of Hypertension Machine Learning Research
Authors: du Toit Clea , Tran Tran Quoc Bao , Deo Neha , Aryal Sachin , Lip Stefanie , Sykes Robert , Manandhar Ishan , Sionakidis Aristeidis , Stevenson Leah , Pattnaik Harsha , Alsanosi Safaa , Kassi Maria , Le Ngoc , Rostron Maggie , Nichol Sarah , Aman Alisha , Nawaz Faisal , Mehta Dhruven , Tummala Ramakumar , McCallum Linsay , Reddy Sandeep , Visweswaran Shyam , Kashyap Rahul , Joe Bina , Padmanabhan Sandosh
Published: April 2023

Background

Machine learning (ML) is pervasive in all fields of research, from automating tasks to complex decision‐making. However, applications in different specialities are variable and generally limited. Like other conditions, the number of studies employing ML in hypertension research is growing rapidly. In this study, we aimed to survey hypertension research using ML, evaluate the reporting quality, and identify barriers to ML's potential to transform hypertension care.

Methods and Results

The Harmonious Understanding of Machine Learning Analytics Network survey questionnaire was applied to 63 hypertension‐related ML research articles published between January 2019 and September 2021. The most common research topics were blood pressure prediction (38%), hypertension (22%), cardiovascular outcomes (6%), blood pressure variability (5%), treatment response (5%), and real‐time blood pressure estimation (5%). The reporting quality of the articles was variable. Only 46% of articles described the study population or derivation cohort. Most articles (81%) reported at least 1 performance measure, but only 40% presented any measures of calibration. Compliance with ethics, patient privacy, and data security regulations were mentioned in 30 (48%) of the articles. Only 14% used geographically or temporally distinct validation data sets. Algorithmic bias was not addressed in any of the articles, with only 6 of them acknowledging risk of bias.

Conclusions

Recent ML research on hypertension is limited to exploratory research and has significant shortcomings in reporting quality, model validation, and algorithmic bias. Our analysis identifies areas for improvement that will help pave the way for the realization of the potential of ML in hypertension and facilitate its adoption.
Evaluation of Quantitative Decision‐Making for Rhythm Management of Atrial Fibrillation Using Tabular Q‐Learning
Authors: Barrett Christopher D. , Suzuki Yuto , Hussein Sundos , Garg Lohit , Tumolo Alexis , Sandhu Amneet , West John J. , Zipse Matthew , Aleong Ryan , Varosy Paul , Tzou Wendy S. , Banaei‐Kashani Farnoush , Rosenberg Michael A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Rhythm management is a complex decision for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although clinical trials have identified subsets of patients who might benefit from a given rhythm‐management strategy, for individual patients it is not always clear which strategy is expected to have the greatest mortality benefit or durability.

Methods and Results

In this investigation 52 547 patients with a new atrial fibrillation diagnosis between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively identified. We applied a type of artificial intelligence called tabular Q‐learning to identify the optimal initial rhythm‐management strategy, based on a composite outcome of mortality, change in treatment, and sustainability of the given treatment, termed the reward function. We first applied an unsupervised learning algorithm using a variational autoencoder with K‐means clustering to cluster atrial fibrillation patients into 8 distinct phenotypes. We then fit a Q‐learning algorithm to predict the best outcome for each cluster. Although rate‐control strategy was most frequently selected by treating providers, the outcome was superior for rhythm‐control strategies across all clusters. Subjects in whom provider‐selected treatment matched the Q‐table recommendation had fewer total deaths (4 [8.5%] versus 473 [22.4%], odds ratio=0.32,
P
=0.02) and a greater reward (
P
=4.8×10
−6
). We then demonstrated application of dynamic learning by updating the Q‐table prospectively using batch gradient descent, in which the optimal strategy in some clusters changed from cardioversion to ablation.

Conclusions

Tabular Q‐learning provides a dynamic and interpretable approach to apply artificial intelligence to clinical decision‐making for atrial fibrillation. Further work is needed to examine application of Q‐learning prospectively in clinical patients.
Effects of Dapagliflozin in Chronic Kidney Disease, With and Without Other Cardiovascular Medications: DAPA‐CKD Trial
Authors: Chertow Glenn M. , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo , Vart Priya , Jongs Niels , McMurray John J. V. , Rossing Peter , Langkilde Anna Maria , Sjöström C. David , Toto Robert D. , Wheeler David C. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. ,   for the DAPA‐CKD Trial Committees and Investigators
Published: April 2023

Background

The DAPA‐CKD (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease) trial (NCT03036150) demonstrated that dapagliflozin reduced the risk of kidney and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease and albuminuria with and without type 2 diabetes. We aimed to determine whether baseline cardiovascular medication use modified the dapagliflozin treatment effect.

Methods and Results

We randomized 4304 adults with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate 25 to 75 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio 200 to 5000 mg/g to dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo once daily. The primary end point was a composite of ≥50% estimated glomerular filtration rate decline, end‐stage kidney disease, and kidney or cardiovascular death. Secondary end points included a kidney composite end point (primary composite end point without cardiovascular death), a cardiovascular composite end point (hospitalized heart failure or cardiovascular death), and all‐cause mortality. We categorized patients according to baseline cardiovascular medication use/nonuse. Patients were required by protocol to receive a stable (and maximally tolerated) dose of a renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitor. We observed consistent benefits of dapagliflozin relative to placebo, irrespective of baseline use/nonuse of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors (98.1%), calcium channel blockers (50.7%), β‐adrenergic antagonists (39.0%), diuretics (43.7%), and antithrombotic (47.4%), and lipid‐lowering (15.0%) agents. Use of these drugs in combination with dapagliflozin did not increase the number of serious adverse events.

Conclusions

The safety profile and efficacy of dapagliflozin on kidney and cardiovascular end points in patients with chronic kidney disease were consistent among patients treated and not treated at baseline with a range of cardiovascular medications.

Registration Information

clinicaltrials.gov
. Identifier: NCT03036150.
Hypertension, Blood Pressure Variability, and Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Nugent James T. , Ghazi Lama , Yamamoto Yu , Bakhoum Christine , Wilson F. Perry , Greenberg Jason H.
Published: April 2023

Background

Although hypertensive blood pressure measurements are common in hospitalized children, the degree of inpatient hypertension and blood pressure variability (BPV) associated with end organ complications like acute kidney injury (AKI) is unknown.

Methods and Results

All analyses are based on a retrospective cohort of children aged 1 to 17 years with ≥2 creatinine measurements during admission from 2014 to 2018. We used time‐updated Cox models to evaluate the association between BPV and hypertension with AKI. Time‐varying BPV and hypertension were based on blood pressure in the preceding 72 hours. For the analysis of hypertension and AKI, we excluded patients on vasopressors to ensure comparison between hypertensive and normotensive patients. During 5425 pediatric encounters, 258 430 blood pressure measurements were recorded (median [interquartile range] 22 [11–47] readings per encounter). Among all measurements, 32.7% were ≥95th percentile and 18.9% were ≥99th percentile for age, sex, and height. AKI occurred in 389 (7.2%) encounters. We observed a U‐shaped relationship between mean blood pressure and incident AKI. BPV was associated with AKI, with the largest effect sizes in the systolic and mean arterial pressure variability measures. Multiple hypertension thresholds were associated with AKI after controlling for confounders. In an additional multivariable model adjusted for BPV, the association between hypertension and AKI was attenuated but remained significant for hypertension defined as three stage 2 measurements in 1 day (hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.01–2.01]).

Conclusions

Hypertension and BPV are associated with AKI in hospitalized children. Future studies are needed to determine how pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions modify AKI risk in pediatric inpatients with hypertension.
Association of Multitrajectories of Lipid Indices With Premature Cardiovascular Disease: A Cohort Study
Authors: Tian Xue , Chen Shuohua , Wang Penglian , Zhang Yijun , Zhang Xiaoli , Xu Qin , Wu Shouling , Wang Anxin
Published: April 2023

Background

The multitrajectory model can identify joint longitudinal patterns of different lipids simultaneously, which might help better understand the heterogeneous risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) and facilitate targeted prevention programs. This study aimed to investigate the associations between multitrajectories of lipids with premature CVD.

Methods and Results

The study enrolled 78 526 participants from the Kailuan study, a prospective cohort study in Tangshan, China. Five distinct multitrajectories of triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol over 6‐year exposure were identified on the basis of Nagin's criteria, using group‐based multitrajectory modeling. During a median follow‐up of 6.75 years (507 645.94 person‐years), 665 (0.85%) premature CVDs occurred. After adjustment for confounders, the highest risk of premature CVD was observed in group 4 (the highest and increasing triglyceride, optimal and decreasing LDL‐C, low and decreasing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.13 [95% CI, 1.36–3.32]), followed by group 5 (high and decreasing triglyceride, optimal and increasing LDL‐C, low and decreasing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) (HR, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.45–2.98]), and group 3 (optimal and increasing triglyceride, borderline high and increasing LDL‐C, optimal and decreasing high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) (HR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.32–2.73]).

Conclusions

Our results showed that the residual risk of premature CVD caused by increasing triglyceride levels remained high despite the fact that LDL‐C levels were optimal or declining over time. These findings emphasized the importance of assessing the joint longitudinal patterns of lipids and undertaking potential interventions on triglyceride lowering to reduce the residual risk of premature CVD, even among individuals with optimal LDL‐C levels.
BNT162b2 or CoronaVac Vaccinations Are Associated With a Lower Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke After SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ye Xuxiao , Yan Vincent K. C. , Yiu Hei Hang Edmund , Shami Jessica J. P. , Kang Wei , Ma Tiantian , Qin Xiwen , Chui Celine S. L. , Lai Francisco T. T. , Li Xue , Wan Eric Y. F. , Wong Carlos K. H. , Wong Ian C. K. , Chan Esther W.
Published: April 2023

Background

COVID‐19 vaccines have demonstrated effectiveness against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, hospitalization, and mortality. The association between vaccination and risk of cardiovascular complications shortly after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among patients with cardiovascular disease remains unknown.

Methods and Results

A case–control study was conducted with cases defined as patients who had myocardial infarction or stroke within 28 days after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection between January 1, 2022 and August 15, 2022. Controls were defined as all other patients who attended any health services and were not cases. Individuals without history of cardiovascular disease were excluded. Each case was randomly matched with 10 controls according to sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, and date of hospital admission. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was estimated using conditional logistic regression. We identified 808 cases matched with 7771 controls among all patients with cardiovascular disease. Results showed that vaccination with BNT162b2 or CoronaVac was associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction or stroke after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with a dose–response relationship. For BNT162b2, risk decreased from 0.49 (95% CI, 0.29–0.84) to 0.30 (95% CI, 0.20–0.44) and 0.17 (95% CI, 0.08–0.34) from 1 to 3 doses, respectively. Similar trends were observed for CoronaVac, with risk decreased from 0.69 (95% CI, 0.57–0.85) to 0.42 (95% CI, 0.34–0.52) and 0.32 (95% CI, 0.21–0.49) from 1 to 3 doses, respectively.

Conclusions

Vaccination with BNT162b2 or CoronaVac is associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction or stroke after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among patients with cardiovascular disease.
Catestatin Protects Against Diastolic Dysfunction by Attenuating Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Generation
Authors: Qiu Zeping , Fan Yingze , Wang Zhiyan , Huang Fanyi , Li Zhuojin , Sun Zhihong , Hua Sha , Jin Wei , Chen Yanjia
Published: April 2023

Background

Catestatin has been reported as a pleiotropic cardioprotective peptide. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) was considered a heterogeneous syndrome with a complex cause. We sought to investigate the role of catestatin in HFpEF and diastolic dysfunction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Administration of recombinant catestatin (1.5 mg/kg/d) improved diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular chamber stiffness in transverse aortic constriction mice with deoxycorticosterone acetate pellet implantation, as reflected by Doppler tissue imaging and pressure‐volume loop catheter. Less cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis was observed, and transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of mitochondrial electron transport chain components after catestatin treatment. Catestatin reversed mitochondrial structural and respiratory chain component abnormality, decreased mitochondrial proton leak, and reactive oxygen species generation in myocardium. Excessive oxidative stress induced by Ru360 abolished catestatin treatment effects on HFpEF‐like cardiomyocytes in vitro, indicating the beneficial role of catestatin in HFpEF as a mitochondrial ETC modulator. The serum concentration of catestatin was tested among 81 patients with HFpEF and 76 non–heart failure controls. Compared with control subjects, serum catestatin concentration was higher in patients with HFpEF and positively correlated with E velocity to mitral annular e′ velocity ratio, indicating a feedback compensation role of catestatin in HFpEF.

Conclusions

Catestatin protects against diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF through attenuating mitochondrial electron transport chain–derived reactive oxygen species generation. Serum catestatin concentration is elevated in patients with HFpEF, probably as a relatively insufficient but self‐compensatory mechanism.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Survivors of Critical Illness: Cardiac Abnormalities Are Associated With Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Isaak Alexander , Pomareda Isabel , Mesropyan Narine , Kravchenko Dmitrij , Endler Christoph , Bischoff Leon , Pieper Claus C. , Kuetting Daniel , Attenberger Ulrike , Zimmer Sebastian , Putensen Christian , Schewe Jens‐Christian , Kreyer Stefan , Luetkens Julian A.
Published: April 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate cardiac abnormalities in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors of critical illness and to determine whether temporary acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with more pronounced findings on cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Methods and Results

There were 2175 patients treated in the ICU (from 2015 until 2021) due to critical illness who were screened for study eligibility. Post‐ICU patients without known cardiac disease were prospectively recruited from March 2021 to May 2022. Participants underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance including assessment of cardiac function, myocardial edema, late gadolinium enhancement, and mapping including extracellular volume fraction. Student
t
test, Mann‐Whitney
U
test, and χ
2
tests were used. There were 48 ICU survivors (46±15 years of age, 28 men, 29 with AKI and continuous kidney replacement therapy, and 19 without AKI) and 20 healthy controls who were included. ICU survivors had elevated markers of myocardial fibrosis (T1: 995±31 ms versus 957±21 ms,
P
<0.001; extracellular volume fraction: 24.9±2.5% versus 22.8±1.2%,
P
<0.001; late gadolinium enhancement: 1% [0%–3%] versus 0% [0%–0%],
P
<0.001), more frequent focal late gadolinium enhancement lesions (21% versus 0%,
P
=0.03), and an impaired left ventricular function (eg, ejection fraction: 57±6% versus 60±5%,
P
=0.03; systolic longitudinal strain: 20.3±3.7% versus 23.1±3.5%,
P
=0.004) compared with healthy controls. ICU survivors with AKI had higher myocardial T1 (1002±33 ms versus 983±21 ms;
P
=0.046) and extracellular volume fraction values (25.6±2.6% versus 23.9±1.9%;
P
=0.02) compared with participants without AKI.

Conclusions

ICU survivors of critical illness without previously diagnosed cardiac disease had distinct abnormalities on cardiovascular magnetic resonance including signs of myocardial fibrosis and systolic dysfunction. Findings were more abnormal in participants who experienced AKI with necessity of continuous kidney replacement therapy during their ICU stay.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT 05034588.
Ethogram for blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Authors: Porcher Ila F.
Published: April 2023

The chondrichthyan lineage diverged from the osteichthyan line around 440 million years ago, resulting in a vast evolutionary gulf between modern elasmobranchs and other vertebrates. Though this has supported the assumption that as an ancient line, elasmobranchs are dangerously stupid, intelligent actions including social interactions have been noted in the field, while laboratory studies have confirmed a variety of cognitive capacities. Yet, due to fear of sharks and the difficulties of observing them in their aquatic environments, few ethological studies have been done, so their natural behaviour remains little known. On noting that the blacktip reef shark, Carcharhinus melanopterus, displayed complex actions during incidental meetings, a long-term ethological study of the species was carried out on the north shore of Mo’orea Island, French Polynesia. During the 6.5 years of the study, new behaviours continued to present. The 35 context-specific actions identified as comprising the behavioural repertoire of C. melanopterus are described.
A new species of Acanthocyclops Kiefer, 1927 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) from ephemeral and permanent waterbodies of Sian Ka’an and Calakmul biosphere reserves, Mexico
Authors: Mercado-Salas Nancy F. , Suárez-Morales Eduardo , Khodami Sahar , Martínez Arbizu Pedro
Published: April 2023

A new species of the genus Acanthocyclops is described from temporal freshwater bodies in the Sian Ka’an and Calakmul Biosphere Reserves in Southeast Mexico. Acanthocyclops fiersi n. sp. represents the third species of the genus described from the Neotropics, only after A. rebecae and A. smithae. Acanthocyclops fiersi n. sp., is recognized as a member of the A. vernalis-robustus species-complex, and its clear divergence with respect to its congeners was supported using comparative morphology and molecular methods. The mtCOI marker revealed a 0.54% K2P divergence within populations of A. fiersi n. sp. and 17.6-22.41% with respect to other members of the A. vernalis-robustus species-complex. Acanthocyclops fiersi n. sp. might be restricted to the Yucatán Peninsula. Comments about the likely underestimated regional diversity of Acanthocyclops and the need of further studies in the Neotropics are provided. An identification key to the species of Acanthocyclops distributed in Mexico is included.
Fishery and population characteristics of the Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Decapoda, Dendrobranchiata) in Pulicat Lake, southeast coast of India
Authors: Jesintha N. , Jayakumar N. , Madhavi K. , Karuppasamy K.
Published: April 2023

Fishery and population characteristics of the Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus, were studied in Pulicat Lake, on the southeast coast of India, using the FiSAT software package. The asymptotic length (), growth coefficient (K) and arbitrary origin of growth (t0) were estimated by the ELEFAN method to be 16.18 cm, 0.60 year−1 and −0.18 year, respectively. The asymptotic length () was calculated as 16.09 cm using the Wetherall method. The growth performance index (Ø′) was found to be 2.19. The mortality parameters Z, F and M were computed to be 3.85, 2.30 and 1.55 year−1, respectively. The pattern of recruitment was observed to be year-round, with a peak from June to September. The total stock, annual catch and exploitation rate for P. indicus were estimated to be 1518.43 tonnes, 809.3 tonnes, and 0.59 year−1, respectively. The estimated Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) was found to be 131.95 tonnes less than the annual catch. The stock of P. indicus was found to be over-exploited, so it is suggested that the effort level be reduced by 16.3% in order to sustain this resource in Pulicat Lake.
Varieties of Unionism?
Authors: Nishida Naoki
Published: April 2023

Scholarly evidence on the causes of state-run unemployment insurance development is sometimes contradictory and disconnected, preventing our understanding of union-run unemployment insurance development. A set-theoretic approach based on Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) can model the business–labor interaction in the development of union unemployment funds, revealing two paths by comparing 11 sectors in 20th-century France. In skill-intensive, low-risk firms, union funds developed only when unionization rates were low. In small, low-risk factories, funds developed regardless of workers’ wages. The sociability fostered by small unions and factories allowed for social control, reducing psychological barriers to insurance scheme establishment. By comparing the business–labor combinations in different industries, this study demonstrates the “variety of unionism” hidden beneath the existing macro cross-national evidence.
Does Changing an Electoral System to a Mixed System (Really) Affect Voter Turnout and the Party System?
Authors: Högström John , Dahlberg Stefan
Published: April 2023

In this study the authors aim to add to the understanding of whether, and if so how, a change of electoral system affects factors such as voter turnout and the party system, and the authors’ focus has been on changes that result in mixed electoral systems. They used three country cases (Japan, Italy, and New Zealand) to explore patterns in a before-and-after design. The findings suggest that a country cannot expect a significant effect on voter turnout if it decides to change its electoral system to a mixed system. Regarding party system fragmentation, the results show that the change of the electoral system in New Zealand from a plurality system to a mixed member proportional system had a clear and immediately positive effect on the party system. However, the results do not indicate that the changes of electoral systems in Japan and Italy have had any significant effect on the party system.
The Processes and Problems of Social Integration of Refugees in Greece in the 21st Century
Authors: Vlassopoulos Ioannis
Published: April 2023

Refugee populations constitute a new reality for Greek society. These moving populations contribute to a process of redefining social and cultural status in the countries of reception. The following article was written as part of the author’s PhD thesis. The research method used is that of qualitative research through semi-structured in-depth interviews with refugees and asylum seekers. The article refers to part of field research results that focus on the forms of social integration adopted by refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, as well as how integration or exclusion is perceived by the latter. The aim of this research is to portray the experiences of the refugees on the process of their social integration into Greece.
Comparison of the ecological niche of two closely related toads (Bufo bufo and Bufo verrucosissimus)
Authors: Gül Serkan , Dursun Cantekin , Kutrup Bilal , Üzüm Nazan , Özdemir Nurhayat
Published: April 2023

Understanding climatic variables to determine the ecological niche is crucial to explaining species distributions and revealing how sister species coexist within a geographic area. Here, we used ecological niche modeling to determine the ecological niche patterns of two toad species in Türkiye: Bufo bufo and Bufo verrucosissimus. Thus, we tested the ecological niche divergence and similarity between these species. In our results, the potential distribution of B. verrucosissimus showed high suitability throughout all Caucasus hotspots, and this suitability has been found even along the middle and western coast of Türkiye, but suitability was found to be very weak in the southern part of Türkiye. For B. bufo, the distribution pattern indicated high suitability along the Black Sea and Mediterranean coasts of Türkiye, but this suitability was low throughout Caucasus hotspots. Furthermore, we found that among B. bufo and B. verrucosissimus, the niches are not identical, but this situation is different in the background test. Therefore, we suggested that although there is niche conservatism between the two sister species, this pattern is caused by geographic barriers, not climatic parameters.
Aristotle’s Understanding of Democratic Justice and His Distinction between Two Kinds of Equality: A Response
Authors: Knoll Manuel
Published: April 2023

This short article is a response to Douglas Cairns, Mirko Canevaro, and Kleanthis Mantzouranis, who in Polis 39 (2022) explicitly criticize both of my previous interpretations of Aristotle’s view of democratic justice and of the relation of proportional and numerical equality. Against Cairns et al., I argue that there is no tension or contradiction between Aristotle’s statements on these two kinds of equality and on democratic justice. The paper suggests a new reading of Aristotle’s texts that strictly distinguishes between Aristotle’s own views and his references to ‘respected opinions’ (endoxa). It concludes that Aristotle consistently identifies democratic justice with ‘numerical’ or ‘arithmetic’ equality and not with proportional equality, which he usually identifies with equality ‘according to worth or merit’ (kat’ axian).
‘What’s in a Name?’ Ideology and Language in the Epistulae ad Caesarem
Authors: Paleo-Paz Héctor
Published: April 2023

The following paper offers a study on how contestation over the meaning of language forged the political ideology present in the second of the Epistulae ad Caesarem. ‘Ideology’ being a notoriously malleable concept, Michael Freeden’s theoretical approach is used to focus what it means, how it is manifested in the sources, and how it can be located and analysed. The political thought of the Late Republic is studied by examining the vocabulary contained in one of the disputed letters that Sallust addressed to Julius Caesar. Taking libertas as a case study of an ‘essentially contested concept’, the relation between language, meaning and ideology is dissected, outlining the morphological configuration that underlies the second Epistula. It is argued that the resulting array of political arguments is one iteration of what has been called popularis ideology.
The Model of Voting in Cicero’s Best State
Authors: McConnell Sean
Published: April 2023

In the proposed law-code in De legibus there is a law that votes are to be known by the best citizens (the optimates) but free to the common people (the plebs) (3.10). This law, Cicero claims, grants ‘the appearance of liberty’ (libertatis species), preserves the authority (auctoritas) of the optimates, and promotes harmony between the classes (3.39). The law and the precise meaning of libertatis species remain opaque even with the lengthy commentary (3.33–39), and much scholarly debate and discussion has arisen as a result – most of it very critical of Cicero’s proposal and the arguments supporting it. This paper offers a fresh analysis of the voting law that is more charitable to Cicero. It unpacks the full details of the voting system that is developed in De legibus and sheds new light on developments in Cicero’s thinking about the best state.
New Holocene Radiocarbon Dates from the Heart of the Sangha River Interval, Southwestern Central African Republic
Authors: Schmitt Dave N. , Lupo Karen D. , Amaye Guy T. , Ndanga Jean-Paul , Nguerede Lucien P. , Zana Henri
Published: April 2023

Radiocarbon assay of charcoal from four sites in Nola, Central African Republic, provide new age estimates from the Sangha River Interval and doubles the number of radiocarbon dates from the center of this important and controversial biogeographical tract. The new age estimates mark the occupation of a village ~575 cal BP, two iron-smelting events about 1550 cal BP, and a ~2750–2520 cal BP iron production feature that represents one of the earliest smelting sites in the Congo Basin. Although the numbers of dated sites in the northcentral Sangha River Interval remain unfortunately small, most represent iron production loci that predate 1550 cal BP and suggest Nola supported widespread Early Iron Age smelting on the cusp of a proposed human population collapse. The extant record also indicates this profusion of smelting occurred hundreds of years before intensification in metallurgy in the neighboring Lobaye River basin.
Classifying “Lao” Ethnic Languages Spoken in Central Thailand Using Tonal Criteria: A Case Study of “Chachoengsao Lao”
Authors: Pornpottanamas Warunsiri
Published: April 2023

In the linguistic literature on the languages of ethnic Lao in Thailand, labels such as “Lao” or “Lao Wiang” are often used to identify local dialects as Lao varieties. This study examines patterns of tonal splits and mergers in the linguistic varieties spoken by the so-called “Lao” ethnic groups in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand, to re-identify and reclassify the so called “Lao” languages collected from 124 participants at 50 locations. This study used the tone box concept (Gedney 1972) as a basic tool to analyse tonal patterns. The results indicate that the “Lao” ethnic languages of Chachoengsao can be classified into three main groups, namely Lao, Phuan and Hua Phan Tai Nuea. While the Lao varieties show typical tonal patterns of Lao dialects (B≠DL, C1=DL123 and/or C234=DL4), the other two groups show none of the patterns. The findings show that the patterns of tonal development labels are better criteria than ethnic labels in the identification of Lao groups.
“Dream Boy” and “Hotmale”
Authors: Lucido Santos Joey Andrew , Saisuwan Pavadee
Published: April 2023

Gender and sexuality have gradually become the focus of more semiotic landscape research, however, studies relating specifically to sex tourism spaces are limited and with those in the Thai context even more so. Therefore, this paper examines the discursive construction of Phatphong 2, one of the famous destinations for sex tourism in Bangkok among male homosexuals, as queer space. Drawing on code preference and inscription (Scollon and Scollon 2003) and visual social semiotics (Kress and Van Leeuwen 1996), we analyze the linguistic and semiotic resources in sexed signs. Findings reveal that Englishization, particularly the terms “boy” and “Bangkok” in shop signs, creates a glocalized and international queer identity for Phatphong 2. The salience of the lean male muscular body and marginalization of transwomen in promotional signs unveil the hegemonic masculinity in queer sex tourism spaces. The study concludes that sexed signs in sex tourism spaces are semiotic aggregates of global queer culture.
Thai Actors and Their Methods of Characterization
Authors: Praditthaen Thanyarat , Supasetsiri Prit , Patayanon Porawan
Published: April 2023

This article discusses findings from interviews with 26 Thai actors on their methods of characterization. It was found that Thai actors have two concepts regarding their style and beliefs towards acting: (1) good acting naturally portrays normal characters in a realistic manner, (2) a major component of acting is ‘becoming the character.’ Participants reported needing a character’s actions to be logical, and therefore need to thoroughly analyze a character so they can completely transform into the character. Methods of characterization were found to be consistent with approaches in the works of Stanislavski. This is in part due from Pantoomkomol (1995)’s import of these ideas into Thai performing arts contexts. However, it was also found that participants’ methods were still flexible, and a view of characters as unique was prevalent. In sum, actors were found to focus on the characters rather than the methods as the best means to communicate with an audience.
Influence of Repair Welding on Mechanical Property and Residual Stress of Laser-MIG Hybrid Welded 6082 Aluminum Alloy Butt Joint
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Kan Ying , Han Xiaohui , Ma Yin , Liu Yang , Jiang Yunlu , Chen Jing , Chen Huaining
Published: April 2023

Aluminium welded plate structures are widely used in industry for the sake of the lightweight design. During welding of aluminium plates, unacceptable weld flaws may be found. A gouging and repair welding is usually an economical solution. However, mechanical property and residual stress
changes due to repair welding are not well understood. In this study, the coupled thermo-mechanical welding and repair welding simulations were performed. The welding experiments and residual stress tests were also conducted. Samples were evaluated through metallography, tensile test and hardness.
The results showed that, owing to the composite effect of the decreased hardness in heat affected zone and increased porosity of the weld, the tensile strength of the joint decreased as the times of repair welding increasing. Numerical and experimental residual stresses agree well with each
other. It was showed that, in the original welded joint, the residual stress concentrates in the weld and surrounding of heat affected zone. In the repaired joint, the maximum longitudinal residual stress located in centre of the heat affected zone next to the weld. While the minimum and maximum
transverse residual stress appeared on lower and upper surface of the butt joint, respectively. Both the maximum longitudinal and transverse residual stress increased with repair times.
An Application of Spherical Cavity Expansion Theory in Soft Rock Pile-Base Resistance
Authors: Cai Shiqian , Huang Bin , Zhao Xi , Li Jingjing
Published: April 2023

The failure mode should be taken into account in the analytical solution for pile base resistance. In order to determine the pile’s failure pattern in soft rock, the graphical model test method is used. That the compression zone below the pile base in soft rock is compatible with
the spherical cavity expansion is shown. An improved calculation model for the ultimate base resistance may be developed by considering the force balance of the rigid cone under the pile-end in the ultimate stress state and the limit pressure required to expand a spherical cavity. To account
for the influence of socket length, the limiting pressure for the spherical cavity expansion in infinite space is adjusted to that in semi-infinite space. The ultimate resistance of a base is computed by factoring in the length effect. The normalization of the base resistance-displacement
relation is provided based on the findings of pressure chamber experiments on pile load-settlement, which are independent of socket length and overburden pressure. This semi-empirical technique is verified via the use of pressure chamber experiments and field testing of piles in soft rock.
Treatment Activity on Metastatic Bone Tumor by Methotrexate-Loaded Co(II) Metal–Organic Frameworks Encapsulated in Hydrogels
Authors: Liu Sihan , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2023

In the present study, a new Co(II)-based coordination polymer with the chemical formula of [Co(H3L)(bpe)0.5] · H2O] (1; H3L = 4-(2′,3′-dicarboxylphenoxy) benzoic acid, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene) was prepared and
successfully loaded with methotrexate using the mixed-ligand synthesis approach. Hyaluronic acid/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogels loaded with Co(II) metal–organic frameworks were prepared by chemical synthesis to further control the release of methotrexate. Scanning electron microscopy
showed that the hydrogels had a continuous porous structure with pore sizes concentrated in 206–357 μm. Results of real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that the hydrogels could remarkably reduce the abnormally increased levels of Flt-1 and Flk-1 in bone tumor peripheral
blood vessels. Besides, IGF content was reduced obviously under the treatment of the new hydrogels in a dose and time-dependent manner. Therefore, the hydrogels loaded with Co(II) metal–organic frameworks are expected to be applied in the clinical treatment of bone tumors.
Environmental Remediation via Solution Combustion Route Synthesis of Single-Phase Ferromagnetic Nickel Doped Zinc Oxide (Ni-ZnO) Nanostructure for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Abdullah M. M. , Baker Jalal H. , Albargi Hasan B. , Jagnandan Antalov , Ahmad Mohammad Zaki , Jebahi Samira , Algethami Jari S.
Published: April 2023

To flourish new applications at a low cost to the environment, it is important to develop non-toxic eco-friendly ferromagnetic single-phase zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with nickel (Ni2+) doping. The titled materials were prepared using an easy and rapid solution combustion
synthesis method. XRD, SEM, and TEM were used to figure out the structure and morphology of as-synthesized materials, which confirmed the nanoscale ZnO structure in a single phase. The sample shows a single phase with nickel metal incorporated into the Wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO by
replacing the Zn2+. The ferromagnetic behavior of the as synthesized samples was observed at room temperature. The ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the doped Ni2+ ions facilitate the ferromagnetic behavior, and the magnetic saturation is increased with the Ni2+
doping. As-synthesized samples were shown to have photocatalytic activity. The incorporation of nickel ions in the ZnO structure facilitated the enhancement of the catalytic activity. The improved catalytic activity is attributed to the band gap tuning of the ZnO, which favors the improved
degradation of the Methylene Blue dye under a UV light source. The prepared samples pave the way for recyclable photo-catalysis applications of ZnO, which can be easily separated using a permanent magnet.
The Significance of Lysosome in the Diagnosis and Subclassification of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Chenghao , Zheng Zhuo , Jin Meishan
Published: April 2023

Lysosomes are the main degradation organelles in eukaryotic cells, and their dysfunction is closely related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our goal is to identify the lysosomal molecular subtype of AD and explore the mechanisms. By differential analysis, 50 differentially expressed
lysosomal genes in AD were identified. R-package “ROCR” was used to calculate ROC curves and AUC values for lysosomal genes. “ConsensusClusterPlus” was used for consistent clustering of the AD data set. The contents of 28 kinds of immune cells in AD samples were calculated
using the R-package “GSVA”. The R package “limma” was used to analyze the differences of autophagy genes. R package “WGCNA” carried out weighted co-expression network analysis. Two lysosomes subtypes were identified in AD cohort by lysosome diagnostics molecular,
known as cluster 1/2. The results showed that 13 immune cells were significantly different between cluster 1 and cluster 2. A total of 76 differentially autopaghy genes were identified. The enrichment analysis showed that the key module genes were mainly concentrated in the synapses. We identified
two subtypes based on lysosome gene expressions, preliminarily revealing that the heterogeneity of AD may be mainly caused by lysosomes. The role of lysosomes may be related to autophagy and synapses.
Effect of Chitosan Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles on Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells and Expression of Prdx6 Protein
Authors: Li Wenqin , Zou Chuanxin
Published: April 2023

Since there are many problems in the clinical application of traditional chemotherapy drugs for gastric cancer (GC), including poor water solubility and insufficient targeting, the preparation of docetaxel nanoparticles (NPs) with chitosan (CS) as the carrier under nanotechnology can
improve its water solubility and targeting and thus improve the bioavailability and antitumor effect. GX1 was used as a GC target molecule, N-deoxycholic acid (DCA) hydroxyethyl CS was used as a nanodrug carrier, and docetaxel was used as an antitumor angiogenesis drug to fabricate GC target
NPs. The physical characterization was analyzed, the sustained release performance was further analyzed, and the anticancer performance was tested from in vitro and in vivo perspectives. After the NPs were transfected into GC cells, Prdx6 protein level in the cancer cells was
determined by western blotting, and the survival rate of GC cells was determined by cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). Experiments showed that the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading rate of GC-targeted NPs reached 51.8% and 24.3%, respectively. The average particle size was 148.7
nm, and the surface showed smooth and homogeneous aggregation. docetaxel in the NPs belongs to pH-responsive sustained release, and the drug diffusion type belongs to non-Fickian diffusion. in vitro tests showed that GX1 can improve the uptake rate of the NPs by gastric vascular endothelial
cells, and in vivo tests showed that the NPs can greatly limit the growth rate of GC tumors in nude mice (P < 0.01). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) results of tumor sections showed that NPs could induce a large amount of tumor
cell apoptosis. The expression of Prdx6 protein in GC cells was decreased after transfection with NPs (P < 0.05), and NPs notably inhibited the proliferation of GC cells (P < 0.01).
Perforated Sigmoid Diverticulitis Within a Strangulated Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Chaconas Christen E. , Melmer Patrick D. , Pinnola Aaron D.
Published: April 2023

We present a rare case of perforated diverticulitis within an inguinal hernia sac adjacent to a synthetic mesh from a prior incisional hernia. An 80-year-old-female presented to the ED with abdominal pain. Cross-sectional imaging was significant for a small bowel obstruction with a transition point in the right lower quadrant (RLQ). On physical exam, the patient had palpable bilateral inguinal hernias that were reducible; however, after 48 hours of nonoperative management she failed to progress. Repeat imaging was concerning for incarcerated bowel within the inguinal hernia sac. She was taken to the operating room for exploratory laparotomy where the right inguinal hernia sac was found to contain sigmoid colon with diverticular perforation. A small bowel resection, right hemicolectomy and Hartmann’s procedure were performed. The previously placed synthetic mesh was not contaminated during this operation and was not removed. Her hospital course was otherwise unremarkable but prolonged by the patient’s deconditioned state.
Identifying Disengaged Responding in Multiple-Choice Items: Extending a Latent Class Item Response Model With Novel Process Data Indicators
Authors: Welling Jana , Gnambs Timo , Carstensen Claus H.
Published: April 2023

Disengaged responding poses a severe threat to the validity of educational large-scale assessments, because item responses from unmotivated test-takers do not reflect their actual ability. Existing identification approaches rely primarily on item response times, which bears the risk of misclassifying fast engaged or slow disengaged responses. Process data with its rich pool of additional information on the test-taking process could thus be used to improve existing identification approaches. In this study, three process data variables—text reread, item revisit, and answer change—were introduced as potential indicators of response engagement for multiple-choice items in a reading comprehension test. An extended latent class item response model for disengaged responding was developed by including the three new indicators as additional predictors of response engagement. In a sample of 1,932 German university students, the extended model indicated a better model fit than the baseline model, which included item response time as only indicator of response engagement. In the extended model, both item response time and text reread were significant predictors of response engagement. However, graphical analyses revealed no systematic differences in the item and person parameter estimation or item response classification between the models. These results suggest only a marginal improvement of the identification of disengaged responding by the new indicators. Implications of these results for future research on disengaged responding with process data are discussed.
The Effects of Feeling Envied on Employees’ Psychological Safety and Work Engagement: The Role of Workplace Friendship
Authors: Xu Guang , Huang Dou , Liu Shan , Zhang Xue
Published: April 2023

Despite the increasing interest of feeling envied in recent studies, understanding of its outcome is still limited. Based on the theory of social information processing, this study aims to examine how feeling envied affects work engagement through psychological safety, and how the effect of feeling envied is moderated by workplace friendship. Two rounds of surveys were conducted, and a sample of 340 participants was collected in China. The results show that feeling envied reduces employees’ psychological safety, which in turn impacts their work engagement. Further, the negative effect of feeling envied is mitigated under a higher level of workplace friendship. This study contributes to the literature by further explaining the theoretical mechanism regarding the outcomes of feeling envied. The results can provide managers helpful suggestions to alleviate the negative outcomes of feeling envied.
Output feedback passification of a class of fractional-order static neural networks
Authors: Thuan Mai Viet , Thanh Nguyen Truong , Huyen Nguyen Thi Thanh , Hong Duong Thi
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based design is proposed for the passivity-based output feedback control problem of fractional-order static neural networks (FOSNNs). Different from the current works, the studied model is the static fractional-order neural network. The novel convex Lyapunov function is constructed to obtain new conditions for the existence of output feedback controllers which guarantee the closed-loop systems are passive. In addition, we also extend the obtained results to generalized fractional-order neural networks. A numerical example is presented to verify the proposed results.