bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An IGWOCNN Deep Method for Medical Education Quality Estimating
Authors: Shi Lin , Zheng Lei
Published: August 2022

The deep learning and mining ability of big data are used to analyze the shortcomings in the teaching scheme, and the teaching scheme is optimized to improve the teaching ability. The convolution neural network optimized by improved grey wolf optimization is used to train the data so as to improve the efficiency of searching the optimal value of the algorithm and prevent the algorithm from tending to the local optimal value. In order to solve the shortcoming of grey wolf optimization, an improved grey wolf optimization, that is, grey wolf optimization with variable convergence factor, is used to optimize the convolution neural network. The grey wolf optimization with variable convergence factor is to balance the global search ability and local search ability of the algorithm. The testing results show that the quality estimating accuracy of convolutional neural networks optimized by improved grey wolf optimization is 100%, the quality estimating accuracy of convolutional neural networks optimized by grey wolf optimization is 93.33%, and the quality estimating accuracy of classical convolutional neural networks is 86.67%. We can conclude that the medical education quality estimating ability of convolutional neural network optimized by improved grey wolf optimization is the best among convolutional neural networks optimized by improved grey wolf optimization and classical convolutional neural networks.
Immunogenomic-Based Analysis of Hierarchical Clustering of Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Wang Longhao , Yuan Wei , Li Lifeng , Shen Zhibo , Geng Qishun , Zheng Yuanyuan , Zhao Jie
Published: August 2022

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most usual types of adult lymphoma with heterogeneousness in histological morphology, prognosis, and clinical indications. Prior to this, several studies were carried out to determine the DLBCL subtype based on the analysis of the genome profile. However, classification based on assessment of genes related to the immune system has limited clinical significance for DLBCL. We systematically explored the DLBCL gene expression dataset and provided publicly available clinical information on patients with GEO. In this research, 928 DLBCL samples were applied, and we calculated 29 immune-related genomes’ enrichment levels in each sample and stratified them into high immunity (Immunity_H,

n
=
135

, 28.7%), moderate immunity (Immunity_M,

n
=
135

, 28.7%), and low immunity (Immunity_L,

n
=
12

, 2.6%) that was based on ssGSEA score. The ESTIMATE algorithm was used to calculate stromal scores (range 586.88 to 1982.43), immune scores, estimated scores (range 2,618.2 to 8,098.14), and tumor purity (range 0.216 to 0.976). All of them were significantly correlated with immune subtypes (Kruskal-Wallis test,

p
<
0.001

). At the same time, the correlation of related genes was analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining. In addition, DLBCL cells were cultured in transfected and in vitro with siRNA to verify correlation analysis and gene expression. Finally, human peripheral blood lymphocytes were incubated with DLBCL cells and stained. Flow cytometry was applied to analyze genes’ influence on immune function. By analysis, immune checkpoint and HLA gene expression levels were higher in the Immunity_H group (Kruskal-Wallis test,

p
<
0.05

). The levels of Tfhs (follicular helper T cells), monocytes, CD8+ T cells, M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, and CD4+ memory-activated T cells were the most excellent in Immunity_H, and the total survival rate was higher in the Immunity_L. Through analysis, IRF4 (MUM1) was identified by us as immunotherapeutic target and a potential prognostic marker for DLBCL, which was made sure by using molecular biology experimentations. To conclude, immunosignature made a connection between DLBCL subtypes playing a position in DLBCL prognostic stratification. Immunocharacteristics-related DLBCL subtypes’ construction predicts expected patient results and supplies conceivable immunotherapy candida.
Study on the Stress–Strain Relationships and Deterioration Modes of HTPB Propellant with Prefabricated Cracks
Authors: Gao Bo , Li Zhuo
Published: August 2022

Penetrating cracks with different crack angles were prefabricated in viscoelastic hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene propellant specimens. Microphotography was performed while tensile tests were conducted on a universal testing machine at tensile rates of 2 mm/min, 10 mm/min, and 500 mm/min. Specimen measurements were obtained by digital image correlation (DIC). The strain fields on the surfaces and around the cracks were studied, and the crack propagation trends for precracked specimens with angles of 0°, 45°, and 75° with respect to the horizontal plane were investigated. Stress–strain curves, tensile microscopic images (50x magnification), and fracture microscopic images (100x magnification) were obtained for different prefabricated crack angles and different stretching rates. It was observed that under low-rate stretching, the propellant crack growth exhibited three stages: a linear stage, a yield stage, and a failure stage. However, the crack propagation in the propellant under high-speed stretching had no yield stage. When there were no prefabricated cracks, a greater tensile rate led to a greater ultimate strain. The maximum strains at the crack tips measured by DIC decreased from group C1 to groups C2, C3, and S. The specimens corresponding to different crack inclination angles are pulled off. It was seen that the closer a crack was to positive breaking, the straighter was the edge notch of the specimen.
Computational Methods for Physiological Signal Processing and Data Analysis
Authors: Wu Yunfeng , Krishnan Sridhar , Ghoraani Behnaz
Published: August 2022

Biomedical signal processing and data analysis play pivotal roles in the advanced medical expert system solutions. Signal processing tools are able to diminish the potential artifact effects and improve the anticipative signal quality. Data analysis techniques can assist in reducing redundant data dimensions and extracting dominant features associated with pathological status. Recent computational methods have greatly improved the effectiveness of signal processing and data analysis, to support the efficient point-of-care diagnosis and accurate medical decision-making. This editorial article highlights the research works published in the special issue of Computational Methods for Physiological Signal Processing and Data Analysis. The context introduces three deep learning applications in epileptic seizure detection, human exercise intensity analysis, and lung nodule CT image segmentation, respectively. The article also summarizes the research works on detection of event-related potential in the single-trial electroencephalogram (EEG) signals during the auditory tests, along with the methodology on estimating the generalized exponential distribution parameters using the simulated and real data produced under the Type I generalized progressive hybrid censoring schemes. The article concludes with perspectives and discussions on future trends in biomedical signal processing and data analysis technologies.
Aspiration versus Stent Retriever Thrombectomy in Posterior Circulation Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fan Zhili , Li Fei , Chen Hanyao , Zhang Le , Ji Bing
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The management of posterior circulation stroke is primarily carried out by endovascular approaches including aspiration or stent retrevier thrombectomy. Existing reviews have attempted to comparatively evaluate their efficacy in terms of morbidity and mortality-related outcomes, however, with several limitations. Therefore, in this review, we attempt to address the gap in the existing literature by evaluating the comparative impact of stent retriever-based and aspiration-based thrombectomy interventions in posterior circulation stroke patients on the following parameters: overall procedure duration, recanalization time, rescue therapy usage, complication risk, and mortality risk. Methods: A systematic search of the academic literature was performed according to PRISMA guidelines across five databases. We conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to evaluate comparative outcomes, including procedural duration, time to recanalization, risk of complications, use of rescue therapy, and risk of mortality in patients with posterior circulation stroke undergoing stent retriever- and aspiration-based thrombectomies. We also performed comparative subgroup analyses to evaluate differences in outcomes between contact and manual aspiration interventions. Results: From 963 studies, we found nine eligible studies containing data on 840 patients. Meta-analysis revealed a large-to-medium size positive effect for stent retriever-based thrombectomy on overall procedure duration and recanalization compared to aspiration-based thrombectomy. Additional analysis revealed higher risk of complications and mortality in posterior circulation stroke patients undergoing stent retriever-based thrombectomy as compared to aspiration-based thrombectomy. We also observed that the use of rescue therapy was elevated in patients undergoing aspiration-based thrombectomy compared to stent retriever-based thrombectomy. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for improved morbidity and mortality outcomes in posterior circulation stroke patients undergoing aspiration-based thrombectomies as compared to stent retriever-based thrombectomy. The study also provides evidence for improved endovascular outcomes for patients undergoing aspiration-based thrombectomies. The findings from this study can have implications in developing awareness among neurosurgeons for stratifying patients to manage posterior circulation stroke according to the risks associated with aspiration and stent retriever-based thrombectomies.
Refining Therapy in Patients with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer with Central Nervous System Metastasis
Authors: Batista Marta Filipa Freire Vaz , Eiriz Inês , Fitzpatrick Amanda , Le Du Fanny , Braga Sofia , Alpuim Costa Diogo
Published: August 2022

Background: Brain metastasis (BM) is a major clinical problem in metastatic breast cancer (MBC), occurring in 50% of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. Historically omitted from clinical trials, recent studies of novel HER2-targeted agents have focused on HER2+ BM patients, addressing stable but also progressing BM and leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC). Summary: This review aimed to summarize the most relevant data on treating patients with HER2+ BM and LMC. Key Messages: The treatment paradigm for patients with HER2+ MBC has changed. Local therapies play an important role, but accumulating evidence on the intracranial activity and clinical benefit of anti-HER2 targeting therapies might lead to a shift in the paradigm on treating BM in the next few years towards more widespread use of systemic therapy.
Injected power control for grid-connected converter based on particle swarm optimization
Authors: Oleiwi Safa Sfoog , Humod Abdulrahim Thiab , Hasan Fadhil Abbas
Published: August 2022

Inductance–capacitance–inductance (LCL) filters are very attractive candidates for renewable energy system applications due to their high efficiency, high harmonic reduction, small bulk, and improved harmonic distortion (THD). These papers take advantage of the capabilities of renewable energy sources and inject them into the network by using an inverter when it enters work at high loads at certain times. Therefore, it is necessary to control power with certain controllers. The proportional-integral controller (PI) is used; conventional methods for tuning the controller parameters cannot give satisfactory performance due to the high instability of the closed-loop system. This paper presents the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method for tuning the controller's parameters to achieve optimum performance associated with sufficient stability margin. The mathematical models for the LCL filter and the frequency response were investigated by using the bode-plot. The proposed approach shows effective results for both power control and harmonic reduction. The proposed PI-PSO controller gives overshoot (1.08%), settling time (0.03 sec), rise time (0.00035 sec) and improved THD from 10.29% to 1.67% with compared to using the trial and error method, which gives (1.035%), (0.015) and (0.003) and THD from 10.23% to 1.575%, respectively.
Design intelligent maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic at Universitas Airlangga
Authors: Setiadi Herlambang , Firmansyah Firdaus Bima , Megantoro Prisma , Amrillah Tahta , Trilaksana Herri , Bangga Galih , Abdillah Muhammad , Krismanto Awan Uji
Published: August 2022

Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) plant is one ot the independent electricity that us favorable in recent year. Rooftop PV plant can be used as the source of smart building as well as fast charging station. Although rooftop PV plant could provide clean and sustainable energy from solar, they also come with disadvantages in term of intermittent power output. This intermittent power output is due to the uncertainty of the source. To tackle this problem, maximum power point tracking method is essential. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method can be used to extract maximum power from the solar cell in all conditions. This paper proposes an intelligent method for designing DC-DC MPPT based on fruit fly optimization (FFO) on realistic rooftop PV plant. Practical rooftop PV plant in Universitas Airlangga is employed as the testing system. The proposed method's efficacy is evaluated using time domain simulation. According to the simulation results, the proposed method can significantly extract power from PV.
Ca8MgY(PO4)7:Eu2+,Mn2+ for better angular chromatic harmony and high lumen for white diode
Authors: Dang Huu Phuc , Ton That Phung , Xuan Le Phan , Le Thai Nguyen
Published: August 2022

The multifunctional phosphor Ca8MgY(PO4)7doping with Eu2+ and Mn2+ ions (CaMn) is utilized to stimulate the rate of light extraction and color harmony of the white light-emitting diode (WLED) package using remote phosphor design with two sheets of phosphor. The CaMn sheet helps to reduce the color variation and light scattering backward mainly caused by high concentration of yellow phosphor YAG:Ce3+ film. The experimental results show a gradual increase of luminous flux and significant reduction of chromatic deviation in direct proportion to the increasing concentration of CaMn phosphor. Meanwhile, with more than 9% wt of CaMn concentration, the reduction of color rendering properties is presented because of the redundant green emission, leading to the lack of blue and yellow emission energies. Good color quality scale that peaks at 63 can be achieved with 2-4%wt. CaMn in the WLED packages. It is advisable to manage the concentration the green phosphor CaMn to attain desirable optical objectives.
Human visualization system based intensive contrast improvement of the collected COVID-19 images
Authors: Kadhim Oleiwi Bashra , H. Abood Layla , Issa Al Tameemi Maad
Published: August 2022

Enhancement and color correction of images play an important role and can be considered as one of the fundamental and basic operations in image analysis for the purpose of speeding up the diagnosis of the medical images. Improving the quality and contrast of the medical image is the basic requirement for clinicians for obtaining an accurate and accurate medical diagnosis. Thus, getting a clear X-ray image reduces the effort and time-wasting. In this study a new idea will be applied for improving image contrast of the collected COVID-19 X-ray images, this idea is based on using Wiener filter, multilevel of histogram equalization (HE) technique with OpenCV library and then using contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) techniques with OpenCV library. The proposed methodology programmed in MATLAB software and then implemented using Rasperry Pi 3 model B. The size and resolution of images are different as inputted images and this difference succeeded in proving the strength of the proposed idea. The collected X-ray images have undergone experiential evaluations which clearly showed the effective performance of the proposed methodology.
Design a MIMO printed dipole antenna for 5G sub-band applications
Authors: Najim Haider Saad , Mosleh Mahmood Farhan , Abd-Alhameed Raed A.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a planar multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) dipole antenna for a future sub-6 GHz 5G application is proposed. The planar MIMO structure consists of 4 antenna elements with an overall size of 150×82×1 mm3. The single antenna element is characterized by a size of 32.5×33.7×1 mm3 printed on an FR-4 dielectric substrate with εr=4.4 and tanδ=0.02. The suggested antenna structure exhibits good impedance bandwidth equal to 3.24 GHz starting from 3.3 to 6.6 GHz with an S11 value of less than -10 dB (S11≤-10 dB) with antenna gain varying from 5.2 up to 7.05 dB in the entire band, which covers all the sub-6 GHz frequency band of the 5G application. Good isolation is achieved between the MIMO elements due to low surface waves inside the MIMO antenna substrate. The radiation of the MIMO antenna structure can be manipulated and many beam-types can be achieved as desired. The high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software package is used to design and simulate the proposed structure, while the CST MWS is used to validate the results.
A responsividade do corpo próprio e a racionalidade prática do eu posso
Authors: Oliveira Josiana Hadlich de
Published: August 2022

Seria a responsividade de Waldenfels uma continuidade eficaz para fundamentar a ética fundada em Merleau-Ponty? Seria possível a construção de uma ética que fosse irredutível às diferenças sem tornar o Eu transcendental husserliano em algo absoluto? Essas são algumas das perguntas que compõem o texto presente, no qual será abordada a importância do corpo próprio no entrelaçamento entre o eu e o outro, entre aquilo que é próprio e o que é impróprio, na busca de elucidar uma possível ética responsiva emergida da experiência sensível do Lebenswelt que desperta a racionalidade prática do eu posso.
A “questão feminina” e uma questão feminista: identidade
Authors: Lacerda Tessa Moura
Published: August 2022

Trata-se de pensar como uma questão tradicional na História da Filosofia ocidental reaparece como problema nos estudos de gênero: a identidade. A maneira como a Filosofia constituiu, desde Descartes, o sujeito e a identidade do sujeito implica a exclusão de outros sujeitos possíveis, que passam a ser desumanizados e considerados como o “Outro”. Para pensar essa relação entre um sujeito e muitos outros excluídos desse lugar, recuperamos algumas reflexões de J. Butler, A. Mbembe, Paul Preciado, G. Spivak e Denise Ferreira da Silva.
Políticas da inimizade, de Achille Mbembe
Authors: Reis Diego dos Santos
Published: August 2022

Resenha de Políticas da Inimizade, de Achille Mbembe.
Riqueza e desafios das políticas públicas de cultura: o programa cultura viva e os diálogos com a América Latina
Authors: Calabre Lia
Published: August 2022

O presente artigo pretende revisitar alguns dos elementos referentes aos dez primeiros anos do Cultura Viva (2004-2014) dentro do conjunto das políticas públicas de cultura brasileiras, assim como analisar parte dos processos de diálogo, “contaminação” e interação das ideias do Programa com outras políticas públicas de cultura da América Latina. Essa, certamente, pode ser apontada como uma das mais importantes experiências de diálogo e ação cultural que marca o início do século XXI nesse lado do hemisfério sul do planeta. O Programa nasce em 2004 com a ideia básica de fomentar por um determinado período iniciativas culturais já realizadas nas diversas comunidades, nas áreas periféricas ou, ainda, voltadas para o atendimento a grupos em situação de vulnerabilidade social. Em 2014, quando o Programa Cultura Viva completou dez anos, havia “transbordado” para além das fronteiras do país. Esta análise se dá a partir de uma série de relatórios e documentos disponíveis, que permitem a recomposição da trajetória trilhada nacional e internacionalmente.
Circulação de pessoas e patrimônio cultural no MERCOSUL como dimensões para a consolidação de uma comunidade regional
Authors: Barão Giulia , Rodríguez Marysol
Published: August 2022

A partir de uma perspectiva teórica institucional-construtivista, este artigo visa trazer novas contribuições para o estudo do Mercosul como processo de consolidação de uma comunidade regional, analisando as propostas institucionais e os fundamentos de uma narrativa cultural comum promovidas durante o ciclo progressista da América Latina no século XXI em dois campos políticos associados, embora não usualmente estudados em conjunto: a circulação de pessoas e o patrimônio cultural. A abordagem metodológica é qualitativa, baseada na revisão de artigos acadêmicos e documentos oficiais, consulta a funcionários públicos brasileiros e argentinos e observação direta das reuniões do Mercosul. Nosso argumento é que as políticas de circulação de pessoas e o trabalho da Comissão de Patrimônio Cultural do Mercosul contribuem para consolidar a existência de uma comunidade regional, por meio da construção de um espaço sociocultural comum e do aprofundamento da interdependência cognitiva entre os cidadãos do bloco. Essas esferas de integração devem enfrentar os desafios e constrangimentos inerentes ao intergovernamentalismo e ao modelo moderno de Estado-nação, como a persistência de certos aspectos da dicotomia nacional-estrangeiro; situação a ultrapassar na prossecução da construção da cidadania e da identidade numa chave regional, assente no interesse e envolvimento dos cidadãos no processo de regionalização.
Blood Pressure Intervention and Control in SPRINT
Authors: Cushman William C. , Ringer Robert J. , Rodriguez Carlos J. , Evans Gregory W. , Bates Jeffrey T. , Cutler Jeffrey A. , Hawfield Amret , Kitzman Dalane W. , Nasrallah Ilya M. , Oparil Suzanne , Nord John , Papademetriou Vasilios , Servilla Karen , Van Buren Peter , Whelton Paul K. , Whittle Jeff , Wright Jackson T. ,   for the SPRINT Research Group
Published: August 2022

Background:

The SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) demonstrated reductions in major cardiovascular disease events and mortality with an intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) goal intervention. However, a detailed description of the blood pressure intervention, antihypertensive medication usage, blood pressure levels, and rates and predictors of blood pressure control has not been reported previously.

Methods:

Hypertensive participants (n=9361) 50 years and older with elevated cardiovascular disease risk were randomized 1:1 to SBP goal <120 mm Hg or SBP goal <140 mm Hg. Guideline-recommended antihypertensive medications and dosing were provided at no cost. Intensive group participants were started on at least 2 medications, and medications were adjusted monthly until SBP goal was achieved, if feasible. Standard group participants were treated to achieve SBP 135 to 139 mm Hg.

Results:

Baseline blood pressure (median±interquartile range) was 138±19/78±16 mm Hg. For intensive group participants, percent at goal rose from 8.9% at baseline to 52.4% at 6 months and average antihypertensive medications rose from 2.2 to 2.7; SBP was <120 mm Hg in 61.6% and <130 mm Hg in 80.0% at their final visit. For the standard group participants, percent at goal rose from 53.0% at baseline to 68.6% at 6 months, while antihypertensive medications fell from 1.9 to 1.8. From 6 to 36 months, median SBP was stable at 119±14 mm Hg for intensive and 136±15 mm Hg for standard participants, with stable numbers of medications. Few predictors of SBP control were found in multiple regression models.

Conclusions:

These results may inform and help replicate the benefits of SPRINT in clinical practice.

Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01206062.
How to Improve Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Africa, and How to Reduce Its Consequences: A Call to Action From the World Hypertension League
Authors: Parati Gianfranco , Lackland Daniel T. , Campbell Norman R.C. , Ojo Owolabi Mayowa , Bavuma Charlotte , Mamoun Beheiry Hind , Dzudie Anastase , Ibrahim M. Moshen , El Aroussy Wafaa , Singh Sandhya , Varghese Cherian V. , Whelton Paul K. , Zhang Xin-Hua ,   on behalf of the World Hypertension league
Published: August 2022

Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and disability globally. In low- and middle-income countries hypertension has a major social impact, increasing the disease burden and costs for national health systems. The present call to action aims to stimulate all African countries to adopt several solutions to achieve better hypertension management. The following 3 goals should be achieved in Africa by 2030: (1) 80% of adults with high blood pressure in Africa are diagnosed; (2) 80% of diagnosed hypertensives, that is, 64% of all hypertensives, are treated; and (3) 80% of treated hypertensive patients are controlled. To achieve these aims, we call on individuals and organizations from government, private sector, health care, and civil society in Africa and indeed on all Africans to undertake a few specific high priority actions. The aim is to improve the detection, diagnosis, management, and control of hypertension, now considered to be the leading preventable killer in Africa.
Antenatal Dexamethasone Exposure Impairs Vascular Contractile Functions via Upregulating IP3 Receptor 1 and Cav1.2 in Adult Male Offspring
Authors: Xu Ting , Ji Bingyu , Li Lingjun , Lei Jiahui , Zhao Meng , Sun Miao , Xu Zhice , Gao Qinqin
Published: August 2022

Background:

Administration of antenatal glucocorticoids remains common practice for treating preterm delivery. Antenatal glucocorticoid exposure increased the risk of developing vascular diseases in later life, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of antenatal exposure to clinically relevant doses of dexamethasone (synthetic glucocorticoids) on vascular functions in adult male offspring.

Methods:

Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received dexamethasone or vehicle during the last week of pregnancy. Male offspring were killed at gestational day 21 (Fetus) or postnatal day 120 (adult offspring). Mesenteric arteries were collected for vascular function, electrophysiology, target gene expression, and promotor methylation studies.

Results:

Antenatal dexamethasone exposure increased phenylephrine-mediated vascular contractility in offspring, which was resulted by the activated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor and L-type Ca
2+
channels. Specifically, increases of IP3R1 (IP3 receptor 1) and Cav1.2 (L-type Ca
2+
channels subunit alpha1 C) were responsible for an activated IP3-Ca
2+
pathway in the vasculature, and eventually predisposed the antenatal dexamethasone offspring to vascular hypercontractility. In addition, IP3R1 and Cav1.2 was upregulated through transcriptional mechanism; the overall changes in promotor histone modifications were consistent with the corresponding changes in transcriptional levels of the 2 genes, suggesting that antenatal dexamethasone exposure activated the transcription of IP3R1 and Cav1.2 via altering promotor histone modifications.

Conclusions:

Taken together, this study demonstrated that antenatal dexamethasone exposure resulted in vascular adverse outcomes in male offspring that is linked to the increases of IP3R1 and Cav1.2 mediated by epigenetic modifications in the vasculature.
Acetaminophen, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and Hypertension
Authors: Spence J. David , Grosser Tilo , FitzGerald Garret A.
Published: August 2022

Acetaminophen is widely regarded as a safe therapy for pain and fever in patients with cardiovascular disease and those taking anticoagulants. However, recent studies report that acetaminophen, like most other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, increases blood pressure, and a formulation containing sodium increases cardiovascular risk. Those findings call into question guidelines recommending acetaminophen for patients with cardiovascular disease and pain, and those taking anticoagulants. We review evidence that acetaminophen has effects in common with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and its influence on coagulation via effects on vitamin K metabolism. Possible alternatives to acetaminophen for patients with pain are discussed.
Seasonal Variation in Day-by-Day Home Blood Pressure Variability and Effect on Cardiovascular Disease Incidence
Authors: Narita Keisuke , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: August 2022

Background:

Although day-by-day home blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, it remains unclear whether this association differs from season to season. The present study aimed to assess seasonal variation in day-by-day home BP variability and its association with CVD risk.

Methods:

We analyzed the data from a nationwide, prospective observational study, the J-HOP study (Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure), in which 14 consecutive days of home BP monitoring were conducted. The values of SD (SD
systolic BP [SBP]
), coefficient of variation
SBP
, and average real variability
SBP
of home SBP were used as indices of day-by-day home BPV.

Results:

Among 4231 participants (mean age, 64.9±10.9 years, 46.7% male, 91.5% hypertensives), all 3 day-by-day home BPV indices were lower in summer than winter after adjusting for confounding factors. In winter, SD
SBP
, coefficient of variation
SBP
, and average real variability
SBP
were significantly associated with increased risk of CVD events (coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and aortic dissection; adjusted hazard ratio [95%CI] per 1-SD of SD
SBP
, 1.26 [1.02–1.54]; coefficient of variation
SBP
, 1.24 [1.02–1.52]; average real variability
SBP
, 1.44 [1.17–1.77]). These relationships were also observed in the analysis of quartiles of BPV parameters (adjusted hazard ratio [95%CI] compared to the first quartile, fourth quartile of SD
SBP
2.26 [1.06–4.85]; coefficient of variation
SBP
2.96 [1.43–6.15]; average real variability
SBP
2.73 [1.25–5.93]). In other seasons, however, there were no significant associations between day-by-day home BPV and CVD event risk.

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that day-by-day home BPV measured in winter is more strongly associated with future CVD incidence than that measured in other seasons.
Temporal Changes, Patient Characteristics, and Mortality, According to Microbiological Cause of Infective Endocarditis: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Østergaard Lauge , Voldstedlund Marianne , Bruun Niels Eske , Bundgaard Henning , Iversen Kasper , Køber Nana , Christensen Jens Jørgen , Rosenvinge Flemming Schønning , Jarløv Jens Otto , Moser Claus , Andersen Christian Østergaard , Coia John , Marmolin Ea Sofie , Søgaard Kirstine K. , Lemming Lars , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup
Published: August 2022

Background

Monitoring of microbiological cause of infective endocarditis (IE) remains key in the understanding of IE; however, data from large, unselected cohorts are sparse. We aimed to examine temporal changes, patient characteristics, and in‐hospital and long‐term mortality, according to microbiological cause in patients with IE from 2010 to 2017.

Methods and Results

Linking Danish nationwide registries, we identified all patients with first‐time IE. In‐hospital and long‐term mortality rates were assessed according to microbiological cause and compared using multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard analysis, respectively. A total of 4123 patients were included.
Staphylococcus aureus
was the most frequent cause (28.1%), followed by
Streptococcus
species (26.0%),
Enterococcus
species (15.5%), coagulase‐negative staphylococci (6.2%), and “other microbiological causes” (5.3%). Blood culture–negative IE was registered in 18.9%. The proportion of blood culture–negative IE declined during the study period, whereas no significant changes were seen for any microbiological cause. Patients with
Enterococcus
species were older and more often had a prosthetic heart valve compared with other causes. For
Streptococcus
species IE, in‐hospital and long‐term mortality (median follow‐up, 2.3 years) were 11.1% and 58.5%, respectively. Compared with
Streptococcus
species IE, the following causes were associated with a higher in‐hospital mortality:
S aureus
IE (odds ratio [OR], 3.48 [95% CI, 2.74–4.42]),
Enterococcus
species IE (OR, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.11–1.97]), coagulase‐negative staphylococci IE (OR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.21–2.65]), “other microbiological cause” (OR, 1.47 [95% CI, 0.95–2.27]), and blood culture–negative IE (OR, 1.99 [95% CI, 1.52–2.61]); and the following causes were associated with higher mortality following discharge (median follow‐up, 2.9 years):
S aureus
IE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.39 [95% CI, 1.19–1.62]),
Enterococcus
species IE (HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.11–1.54]), coagulase‐negative staphylococci IE (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.85–1.36]), “other microbiological cause” (HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.13–1.85]), and blood culture–negative IE (HR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.89–1.25]).

Conclusions

This nationwide study showed that
S aureus
was the most frequent microbiological cause of IE, followed by
Streptococcus
species and
Enterococcus
species. Patients with
S aureus
IE had the highest in‐hospital mortality
.
THE POLITICAL MARKET IN THE FRAMEWORK OF MARKET FAILURE THEORY: AN ANALYTICAL APPROACH
Authors: EMİN BENLİ Hande
Published: August 2022

The political market is a mechanism as like the traditional economic market in which the players act within the framework of the utility function, the exchange process and formed market strategies. Although the economic necessity of political markets is obvious, it should be called an economic market in terms of the effect it has on social welfare. The effectiveness of the political market depends on whether it has the characteristics of a perfectly competitive market. A perfectly competitive market refers to a market of goods and services with the lowest possible price and the lowest cost, from which the players in the market benefit from. However, when the market mechanism has difficulties in providing an optimal level of resource allocation in the current system, it begins to lose its perfectly competitive market feature and loses its effectiveness in economic terms. Since the market mechanism cannot balanced naturally itself, it needs legal regulations that called as non-market intervention and that have economic consequences, in order to regulate the market functions. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the economic market nature of the concept of political market. The political market is explained theoretically through the theory of market failures and the political market mechanism revealed based upon the conventional market logic.
Augustine’s Spirituality
Authors: van Oort Johannes
Published: August 2022

This essay reviews the two types of spirituality present in Augustine’s Confessions: on the one hand his former Manichaean-Christian belief and its practices, on the other hand his newly won Catholic-Christian mindset. More than ever thought, throughout the Confessions both forms of spirituality appear to be engaged in a breath-taking dialogue. Many examples of this unexpected discourse are given in the course of this exposition covering the entire Confessions. Its author argues that the most famous work of the African born Augustine should be read anew from its original perspective.
Buddhist Ethics: A Pragmatist Account
Authors: Oda Takaharu
Published: August 2022

This article will consider how and why a pragmatist way of thinking is inferred in the Buddhist ethical discourse of curing the sick. This medical analogy, where the Buddha as a medical doctor acts upon the sick, contains a profound implication that the sick need not understand the reason for their sickness, insofar as they are cured or enlightened. What is taken to be pragmatism is critically clarified in this Buddhist context. There being a dissimilarity in terms of the respective ends (ultimate nirvāṇa vs. end as a means to further ends), the two types of moral discourse—Buddhist ethics and American pragmatism—have a common ground. That is, the human is receptive to the utility of a moral end, in which truth works regardless of one’s understanding of its absolute, abstruse reason.
Five Imāmī Credal Texts Written during the Transition from the Bahshamiyya to the School of Abū l-Ḥusayn al-Baṣrī: Editio Princeps and Introduction
Authors: Ansari Hassan , Mousavi Razieh S.
Published: August 2022

This paper provides critical editions of five unstudied Imāmī credal texts written between the late fifth/eleventh and early seventh/thirteenth centuries. The paper begins with an account of the importance of this period, as it witnessed the beginning of a pivotal turn in Imāmī thought from Bahshamite viewpoints to those of Abū l-Ḥusayn al-Baṣrī. The historical trajectory of this doctrinal shift has been well explored, but it has rarely been portrayed through textual evidence from credal texts. The paper also discusses the authorship and production dates of these five treatises.
Introduction: Language and Society in Taiwan
Authors: Klöter Henning , Wasserfall Julia
Published: August 2022

This topical section brings together five essays that cover different aspects in the intersection of language and society in contemporary Taiwan. Briefly outlining the contents of each essay, this introduction focuses on the question how the essays complement each other in terms of level of analysis, empirical basis, and interdisciplinary approach. It shows how research on language planning on the national level and its underlying ideology ties in with analyses of the language choice behaviour of individual speakers at the receiving end of language planning. Claims derived from individual case studies in turn require quantitative data to allow for generalisability. Finally, interdisciplinary research in the intersection of language and media studies helps us to understand how language standards and dominant language ideologies are disseminated, reproduced, and challenged.
Language Politics and Recognition under Tsai Ing-wen
Authors: Dupré Jean-François
Published: August 2022

This paper surveys developments in language politics and policy in Taiwan under Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency (2016–present). Drawing on historical-institutionalist premises, it shows that recent language policy developments were path-dependent and built upon initiatives proposed under Chen Shui-bian’s presidency (2000–2008). The paper argues that the comparative success of Tsai’s initiatives owed not only to her party forming a legislative majority, but also to a broad sociopolitical consensus on transitional and historical justice, and to an incrementalist strategy that consisted in legislating on minority languages before laying out a comprehensive multilingual legal framework. Although recent language developments do fall within the purview of identity politics, these factors have enabled the Tsai administration to justify and legitimise measures towards language recognition and revitalisation as intrinsic to Taiwan’s democratic consolidation, rather than as tools for identity building.
From Mandarin Monopoly to Sinitic Polypoly: The Story of Dubbing (Peiyin) in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Spencer C.
Published: August 2022

This paper takes a historical anthropological approach to charting the intricate relationships between the industry of peiyin (dubbing, voice-over), the state institutions, and the public in shaping Taiwan’s sociolinguistic soundscape since 1945. Grounded in multi-year ethnographic research with the peiyin industry and archival sources, this paper discerns three stages—industrialisation, popularisation, and diversification—through which the industry not only facilitated the state in establishing the Mandarin monopoly, but also contributed to the disestablishment of that very monopoly by introducing Sinitic polypoly to the public over time. In so doing, this article contributes to the anthropological and sociolinguistic literature on Mandarin in Taiwan with a dynamic account of peiyin both as a sociolinguistic practice and a social force.
Language Visibility and Invisible Languages: The Street Name Signs of Taipei City
Authors: Klöter Henning
Published: August 2022

This article examines the street name signs of Taipei City in their ideological, linguistic, and semiotic dimensions. These different levels of analysis correlate with different processes of sign development. Combining critical toponymy and linguistic landscape research, it is claimed that in ideological and linguistic terms the post-war period has been one of the fundamental changes that has been arguably unparalleled elsewhere. By contrast, the ideological about-turn after the 1980s has had relatively little influence on the contents of street name signs. Alluding to Western-style modernity, semiotic features like the colour of the signs and the direction of writing are later innovations. It is also argued that in the broader context of their multilingual environment, there is an enormous discrepancy between visible normativity and audible multilingualism.
Soviet Avant-Gardes and Socialist Realism
Authors: Garth Maria
Published: August 2022

This article examines the history of photography in the Soviet Union through the work of three women photographers from different generations and republics: Olga Ignatovich (1905–1984), Valentina Kulagina (1902–1987), and Zenta Dzividzinska (1944–2011). It traces how these photographers, whose work in Russia and Latvia spanned from the 1920s through the 1970s, reconciled their oeuvres with the complex—and often competing—legacies of art and photography movements under socialism. Their choices of subject matter, form, and means of distribution present a case study of how women photographers shaped the creation of the Soviet photographic aesthetic through a combination of post-revolutionary avant-garde practices and elements of Socialist Realism.
Dionysian Fury and Vibrating Voice
Authors: Syrén Essi
Published: August 2022

This article concerns Hugo Ball’s artistic practice in performing arts, extending from his prewar years in Expressionist theater to his performances at the Cabaret Voltaire in 1916–1917. In it, I examine how discourses on the crisis of modernity emerge in Ball’s theatrical practice, focusing on the performer’s physical presence in Ball’s performances and theoretical writings. To scrutinize these themes in a wider context of political and cultural discourses on modernity, I discuss the notions conceptualized by Ball and other avant-gardists concerning time and history, illustrating Ball’s view on modernity and German society while providing insight into his performative practice.
Systematics of the Central African Spiny Reed Frog Afrixalus laevis (Anura: Hyperoliidae), with the description of two new species from the Albertine Rift
Authors: GREENBAUM ELI , PORTIK DANIEL M. , ALLEN KAITLIN E. , VAUGHAN EUGENE R. , BADJEDJEA GABRIEL , BAREJ MICHAEL F. , BEHANGANA MATHIAS , CONKEY NANCY , DUMBO BONNY , GONWOUO LEGRAND N. , HIRSCHFELD MAREIKE , HUGHES DANIEL F. , IGUNZI FÉLIX , KUSAMBA CHIFUNDERA , LUKWAGO WILBER , MASUDI FRANCK M. , PENNER JOHANNES , REYES JESÚS M. , RÖDEL MARK-OLIVER , ROELKE COREY E. , ROMERO SORAYA , DEHLING J. MAXIMILIAN
Published: August 2022

The geographically widespread species Afrixalus laevis (Anura: Hyperoliidae) currently has a disjunct distribution in western Central Africa (Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and possibly adjacent countries) and the area in and near the Albertine Rift in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries. At least two herpetologists have previously suggested that these disjunct populations represent distinct species, and herein, we utilize an integrative taxonomic approach with molecular and morphological data to reconcile the taxonomy of these spiny reed frogs. We sequenced 1554 base pairs of the 16S and RAG1 genes from 34 samples of A. laevis and one sample of A. orophilus (sympatric with eastern populations of A. laevis), and combined these data with previously sequenced GenBank Afrixalus samples via the bioinformatics toolkit SuperCRUNCH. Phylogenetic trees, dated phylogenetic analyses, and species-delimitation analyses were generated with RAxML, BEAST, and BPP, respectively. Eleven mensural characters were taken from multiple specimens of A. laevis and A. orophilus, and compared with paired t-tests and analyses of covariance. These combined results suggested populations of A. laevis in western Central Africa (Cameroon and Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea) represent one species, whereas populations from the Albertine Rift and nearby forests represent two undescribed taxa that are sister to A. dorsimaculatus. The two new species (A. lacustris sp. nov. and A. phantasma sp. nov.) are distinguished by our phylogenetic and species-delimitation analyses, significant differences in several mensural characters, qualitative morphological differences, and by their non-overlapping elevational distribution.
Psectrascelis senex sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), a new species from the southern Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: VILLABLANCA-MIRANDA VICENTE , VILLABLANCA JAVIER , ZÚÑIGA-REINOSO ÁLVARO
Published: August 2022

Psectrascelis Solier, 1836 is the most specious South American genus of Nycteliini, which inhabit arid and semiarid regions. Recent expeditions to the southern part of the Atacama Desert collected specimens of Psectrascelis which do not fit with any other described species belonging to this genus. These specimens are morphologically close to P. penai Kulzer, 1955 but the presence of carinae on the elytra easily differentiates this taxon from this mentioned above. Here, we analyzed external morphology, both male and female genitalia, and sequences from a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene with that of morphologically close species. Our study supports the description of Psectrascelis senex sp. nov. and suggests that P. senex sp. nov. is the sister species of P. penai.
Knowledge Gaps Regarding Indigenous Health in Occupational Therapy: A Delphi Process
Authors: Jacek Claire C. , Fritz Kassandra M. , Lizon Monique E. , Packham Tara L.
Published: August 2022

Background. The occupational therapy profession needs to respond to the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to engage in the process of reconciliation with Indigenous populations. Purpose. To inform development of a survey intended to determine the knowledge gaps of occupational therapists in relation to Indigenous health. Method. A Delphi process engaging 18 occupational therapists with membership in an Indigenous health network was used to prioritize and refine potential themes identified via literature review. Findings. Results of three consensus rounds and Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc testing demonstrated three statistically distinct hierarchical tiers of 10 priority themes to inform survey development. Implications. The consensus prioritized themes from the literature to underpin further research on occupational therapists’ knowledge in relation to Indigenous health and can provide a learning scaffold for occupational therapists to support a continued response to the TRC calls to action.