bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspiration of excess follicles before intrauterine insemination in high response cycles
Authors: Prieto Begoña , Diaz‐Nuñez Maria , Lainz Lucia , Vendrell Alberto , Rabanal Aintzane , Iglesias Maria , Jauregui Teresa , Corcostegui Beatriz , Matorras Ana , Perez Silvia , Matorras Roberto
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To assess the outcome of excess follicle aspiration before intrauterine insemination (EFABI) in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles with 4–6 follicles ≥14 mm.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study with 1559 patients undergoing IUI (donor and husband's sperm), of whom 86 underwent EFABI. We studied also an historical series of 2213 patients before EFABI implementation. For 3.5 years, all women undergoing IUI developing 4–6 follicles ≥14 mm were offered EFABI on the day of hCG administration. Pregnancy rates (PRs), multiple PRs, and adverse effects were measured.

Results

EFABI was associated with a similar multiple PR (17.8% vs 17.5% in non‐EFABI cases), with no triplets in EFABI patients. Live birth rates were significantly higher in EFABI cycles in IUI overall (25.5% vs 15.2%). When considered separately, the performance of EFABI resulted in significantly increased live birth rates in IUI‐donor cycles (32.5% vs 18.5%), whereas the differences in IUI‐husband cycles (19.5% vs 12.9%) did not reach statistical significance. The PR was 21.2% during the EFABI implementation period and 19.4% in the pre‐EFABI period.

Conclusions

EFABI in cycles in which 4–6 follicles reach ≥14 mm is a simple option that reduces cycle cancellation rates, results in higher PRs than cycles with 1–3 follicles, and lowers the risk of multiple pregnancy.
Reduced‐order robust nonlinear sliding mode fault‐tolerant control for linear systems with disturbances: A prescribed practical sliding surface approach
Authors: Tu Weiwei , Dong Jiuxiang
Published: June 2022

This article studies the fault‐tolerant control for linear systems with disturbances through sliding mode scheme. Compared with the existing results, by means of a nonlinear sliding function with an exponential term, a reduced‐order sliding motion can be obtained while the reaching phase of conventional sliding mode control is eliminated. On the other side, with the help of an exponentially decaying barrier Lyapunov functions, a continuous sliding mode algorithm is established. Within the proposed framework, the trajectories of closed‐loop systems can be forced to a prescribed practical sliding surface, and then, both the transient as well as steady‐state performances are guaranteed despite the occurrence of abrupt actuator faults. Under the Lyapunov direct method, a sufficient condition is derived such that the sliding motion is uniformly bounded with time‐varying performance constraints. Finally, an electric amplidyne system is considered to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Rediscovering, reevaluating, and restoring Entiatqua: Identifying pre‐Anthropocene valleys in North Cascadia, USA
Authors: Powers Paul , Staab Brian , Cluer Brian , Thorne Colin
Published: June 2022

A maturing body of evidence suggests that anthropogenic impacts on river‐wetland corridors (RWCs) are greater and more widespread than previously recognized. Partly, this stems from the difficulty of differentiating between legacy anthropogenic impacts and channel evolution resulting from natural disturbances. Here, we apply the geomorphic grade line (GGL) relative elevation model (REM) method to reveal pre‐Anthropocene fluvial features for a 42‐km reach of Entiatqua (English translation—the Entiat River) in the North Cascade Mountains, USA. We began by long profiling the entire length of the river valley and defining distinct valley segments based on breaks in profile. Next, we developed models of the valley profile for each segment, known as GGLs, and used them to develop high‐resolution REMs by detrending LiDAR‐derived digital elevation models. We then used the GGL‐REMs to map relict fluvial features in the valley floor. Validating the GGL‐REMs using surficial geologic maps, 14Cdated soil profiles, and the identifiable remnants of historic dams allows us to differentiate surfaces associated with the pre‐Anthropocene from those resulting from anthropogenic activities, including splash damming, channel straightening, large wood removal, and beaver extirpation. Our findings reveal 1–2.5 m of anthropogenically‐driven channel incision in unconfined and partially‐confined valley segments, wherein fluvial sediment balances transitioned from being net depositional to erosive, and later neutral, with river environments in these segments shifting from being complex, ecologically‐rich, RWCs to simpler, ecologically‐impoverished, single‐thread channels, like those found in confined valley segments. The adverse impacts of post‐Anthropocene fluvial responses on salmon habitats were likely profound and may help explain historical and ongoing declines in populations of listed species, including Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Our study of Entiatqua, together with evidence from other western US rivers, demonstrates that the GGL‐REM approach can be used to re‐envisage pre‐Anthropocene fluvial process‐form domains including identifying valley segments wherein fluvial responses to human development have disconnected RWCs. Once the pre‐Anthropogenic conditions of rivers like Entiatqua have been recognized, the case for restoring lost RWCs to unlock their ecological potential becomes compelling.
Revisiting managerial “style”: The replicability and falsifiability of manager fixed effects for firm policies
Authors: Jarosiewicz Victor Esteban , Ross David Gaddis
Published: June 2022

Research Summary

We attempt to replicate Bertrand and Schoar (2003), who used manager fixed effects to provide evidence for managerial “style” as measured by metrics such as leverage, R&D spending, and Tobin's Q. We find that the statistical and economic significance of manager fixed effects is generally lower in our results than in theirs. This discrepancy motivated us to conduct placebo tests in which we randomize managers' spells at their firms. The results with the randomized data are generally as strong as those with the real data, suggesting (a) that the apparent explanatory power of manager fixed effects may be largely a statistical artifact and (b) that managerial “style” may manifest itself in more complex ways than can be ascertained from examining financial statement metrics.

Managerial Summary

An influential body of research uses large datasets of firm financial information to study whether individual top managers have a “style” as measured by metrics such as leverage and R&D spending. We attempt to replicate a leading paper in this body of research but obtain quite different, usually weaker results. We also try repeating the analysis using artificial datasets where managers are randomly assigned to firms other than those at which they really worked. These randomized datasets produce results that are generally as strong as those with the real data. The implications are that the statistical methodology used in this body of research may be generating spurious results and that managerial “style” may be too complex to ascertain from examining financial statement metrics.
Numerical Investigation of the Galvanic Corrosion Behavior of a Joint between Steel and Aluminum Alloys Produced by Friction Stir Joining
Authors: Anaman Sam Yaw , Kim Jaekook , Lee Jong-Sook , Choi Jeong-Mook , Cho Hoon-Hwe , Hong Sung-Tae
Published: June 2022

This study establishes a numerical model to study the galvanic corrosion behaviors of four galvanic couples located along the front and the back surfaces of a friction stir welded joint of dual‐phase steel and aluminum alloys joined at an offset of 0.5 mm and exposed to a neutral environment. The results are initially validated with the experimental methods and are found to be in good agreement. The galvanic corrosion behaviors of the couples are further explored by subjecting the model to some electrochemical scenarios, such as the effects of electrolyte depth and cathode‐to‐anode surface area ratios. Furthermore, the model is capable of tracking the moving boundaries of the corroding surfaces of the galvanic couples. This overall approach presented herein provides a suitable framework for understanding the galvanic corrosion behavior that exists along a heterogeneous joint involving multiple galvanic couples.
FDTD Simulation of the Influence of Reinforced‐Concrete on Lightning‐Induced Surges in an Apartment Building
Authors: Kawaguchi Atsuya , Baba Yoshihiro , Nagaoka Naoto , Saito Mikihisa
Published: June 2022

When lightning strikes an apartment building, transient voltages are generated or induced in electrical and telecommunication wires in the building. The transient voltages may cause malfunctions or failures of electronic or telecommunication appliances. Therefore, it is necessary to know the spatial distribution of voltage, generated by typical lightning, in the building. Although there are several works studying lightning‐generated voltages in buildings, they do not consider the presence of concrete that accommodates steel structures. In this paper, lightning‐induced voltages between wires in a simplified apartment building struck by lightning are computed using the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method, taking into account the presence of reinforced concrete. On the basis of the computed results, the effect of the presence of concrete is discussed. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Silence behind the Veil: An Exploratory Investigation into the Reticence of Female Saudi Arabian Learners of English
Authors: Al‐Ahmadi Shatha Talib , King Jim
Published: June 2022

This study explores the complexity of language learner silence in the female Saudi Arabian university English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. To this end, a combination of two methodologies was used. First, a total of 296 students from 12 EFL classrooms were observed using the COPS structured observation scheme (King, 2013a, b) to measure the extent of silence and to identify relevant patterns of learner reticence. Second, to gain deeper insights into the participants' attitudes and feelings about silence in the EFL classroom, we used two complementary qualitative methods: semi‐structured interviews and stimulated recall sessions. The results suggest the existence of three interrelated groups of factors associated learner silence in the study's research context —(i) factors related to prevailing EFL teaching styles in Saudi Arabia; (ii) socio‐psychological factors; and (iii) underlying cultural factors associated with the value of silence and the role of women in Saudi society. The findings highlight the complexity of Saudi Arabian female students' silence and emphasize the need to view language learner silence as a multi‐dimensional phenomenon.
“The Best Way to Learn a Language is Not to Learn it!”: Hedonism and Insights Into Successful EFL Learners' Experiences in Engagement With Spoken (Listening) and Written (Reading) Input
Authors: Tsang Art
Published: June 2022

Input is indispensable for language learning. Although opportunities for listening and reading, the two only channels of language input, can be scarce outside class in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts, highly proficient learners often expose themselves to input aplenty. Their experiences of immersing themselves in input and their perceptions of these experiences have received very little attention, yet they bear significant theoretical and practical implications for EFL teaching and learning, especially with regard to less‐successful learners. The present study examined the experiences and perceptions of eight successful EFL learners. The data from the qualitative questionnaire and in‐depth interviews were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings that are particularly enlightening, and even surprising, include the prevalence of hedonism (the pursuit of pleasure itself), the specific value of spoken input (listening), the non‐necessity for abundant exposure to both forms of input in outside‐class contexts, and the challenge to the ossified conventional belief that only reading improves writing and only listening improves speaking. The article culminates with a discussion of these novel, significant findings.
The potential curative role of Avena sativa extract against oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis induced by acute hepatotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in rats
Authors: Tousson Ehab , Alashmouni Sarah , El‐Atrash Afaf , El‐Gharbawy Doaa M.
Published: June 2022

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs or nanosilver) have pulled in expanding interest because of their novel physical, substance, and organic properties contrasted with their full scale scaled partners. The goal of this study was to investigate if Avena sativa (AVS) extract could ameliorate Ag NPs toxicity‐induced alterations in liver structure and function, DNA damage, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Twenty adult male rats were assigned randomly to four groups: control, AVS (intragastrically, 5 g/Kg body weight/day) for 2 weeks, Ag NPs (400 mg/kg body weight/day) for 1 week as acute toxicity and Ag NPs + AVS (same therapy of Ag NPs as acute toxicity with AVS). This study demonstrated a statistical significant increase in serum levels of liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP and globulin), liver DNA damage, apoptotic P53 and Malondialdehyde after Ag NPs administration when compared to control group. Conversely, statistical significant decreases were detected in serum albumin, total proteins, liver reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S‐transferase and anti‐apoptotic Bcl2 in Ag NPs group as compared to control group. Interestingly, treatment of Ag NPs with AVS (Ag Nps + AVS) was associated with significant improvements of the studied parameters, liver structure and functions. Avena sativa (AVS) extract could scavenge free radicals producing beneficial effects against acute Ag NPs hepatotoxicity in rats induced through activation of oxidative stress and apoptosis.
The decarbonization transition and U.S. electricity markets: Impacts and innovations
Authors: Banks John P.
Published: June 2022

Several factors in recent years have converged in the U.S. to spur a focused effort on decarbonizing the electricity sector. First, in response to the threat of climate change, policy at all levels of governance is increasingly promoting and incentivizing the deployment of zero carbon solutions, especially variable renewable energy (VRE) sources such as utility‐scale wind and solar PV, as well as distributed energy resources (DERs) such as rooftop solar PV and battery energy storage systems. Second, the costs of these technologies have declined to result in major increases in their market penetration. Finally, in response to greater access to cheaper, clean technology solutions, customers have become more engaged and proactive in their energy choices, both as a way to lower energy costs and to be more environmentally responsible. These de‐carbonization dynamics are impacting electricity markets—those where competition has been introduced (restructured markets), as well as those where vertically integrated utilities maintain a monopoly (regulated markets). For example, increasing penetration of VRE has influenced wholesale market prices, and many of the organized wholesale markets have implemented initiatives to add greater flexibility in their market operations to accommodate larger amounts of VRE. In regulated markets, policy makers and regulators in many states are assessing a variety of changes in the existing regulatory framework to adapt to more DERs. This overview identifies the impacts of more VREs and DERs on each market structure, and describes key adaptations and changes in each market to accommodate these de‐carbonization trends.

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Environment > Net Zero Planning and Decarbonization

Energy and Power Systems > Energy Infrastructure

Policy and Economics > Energy Transitions
Organoaluminum Catalyzed Guanylation and Hydroboration Reactions of Carbodiimides
Authors: Nayak Deepak Kumar , Sarkar Nabin , Sampath Chabathula Manoj , Sahoo Rajata Kumar , Nembenna Sharanappa
Published: June 2022

Herein, we report the guanylation of carbodiimides with primary and secondary alkyl/aryl amines and the reduction of CDIs via hydroboration using molecular conjugated bis‐guanidinate (CBG) aluminum alkyl catalysts. The first example of structurally characterized unsymmetrical tetra‐aryl substituted CBG (LH) is reported. The reaction of LH; (L={(Ar1NH)(ArN)−C=N−C=(NAr)(NHAr1)}; Ar1=2,6‐iPr2−C6H3, Ar=2,6‐Me2−C6H3) with AlMe3 solution afforded a LAlMe2 (1) complex. The ligand (LH) and compound 1 were thoroughly characterized, including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. More importantly, compounds 1 and L'AlMe2 (2); (L’={(ArNH)(ArN)−C=N−C=(NAr)(NHAr)}; Ar=2,6‐Et2−C6H3) are utilized as catalysts for N−H and B−H addition to symmetrical aryl or alkyl carbodiimides to obtain the corresponding guanidines and N‐boryl formamidines in excellent yields. The developed catalytic methods are effectively used for the large‐scale synthesis of guanidine and formamidine derivatives under mild reaction conditions.
Optimization of process parameters for friction stir welding of dissimilar aluminum alloys using different Taguchi arrays
Authors: Abd Elnabi Mohamed Mohamed , El Mokadem Alaa , Osman Tarek
Published: June 2022

A statistical optimization based on experimental work was conducted to consider ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation of dissimilar joints between AA5454 and AA7075 by friction stir weld (FSW). The goal of this work is to develop a comparative study of the optimization of FSW parameters using different orthogonal arrays, i.e., L12 and L16. Four parameters correlated to softening and forging requirements (rotational speed, traverse speed, tilt angle, and plunge depth), one parameter associated with the location of base metal in the dissimilar joint, and two parameters related to an FSW tool (pin profile and Dshoulder/dpin ratio) were considered and arranged in the employed arrays. Moreover, the investigation explored the microstructure and fractography of dissimilar joints and base metals by using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The results showed that the L16OA is more accurate than L12OA for the optimization of seven parameters due to the small statistical errors. For UTS, the errors range from 0.78 to 24% for L16OA and from 27.23 to 44.14% for L12OA. For elongation, the errors run from 11 to 12.9% for L16OA and from 33.77 to 49.73% for L12OA. The accuracies of generated models range from 50 to 99.5% for L16OA and range from 30.7 to 94.9% for L12OA. Tightening the levels (narrow domain) is the main reason for switching some optimum levels between both arrays. The highest UTS obtained is 221 MPa based on the optimum levels attained from L16OA, and the highest elongation is 12.83% according to the optimum levels acquired from L12OA. Despite the deficiency of effective intermixing, the study revealed that FSW acceptably could assemble joints between AA5454 and AA7075, presenting the proficiency of FSW with welding dissimilar aluminum alloys.
Critical node/edge detection problems on trees
Authors: Di Summa Marco , Faruk Syed Md Omar
Published: June 2022

We consider the problem of removing a limited subset of nodes and/or edges from a graph in order to minimize the so-called pairwise connectivity of the residual graph, which is defined as the total cost of the pairs of nodes still connected by a path. This is a well-studied version of a family of problems known as critical node or edge detection problems. However, while most of the literature focuses on deleting nodes or edges separately, we allow the simultaneous removal of nodes and edges. We consider both the case in which the nodes and edges removed must satisfy a joint weight limit, and the case in which two separate weight limits are given for nodes and edges. We study the complexity of several problems of this type when the given graph is a tree, providing NP-hardness results or polynomial-time algorithms for the different cases that we analyze.
Spatial clusters of Varroa destructor control strategies in Europe
Authors: Brodschneider Robert , Schlagbauer Johannes , Arakelyan Iliyana , Ballis Alexis , Brus Jan , Brusbardis Valters , Cadahía Luis , Charrière Jean-Daniel , Chlebo Robert , Coffey Mary F. , Cornelissen Bram , da Costa Cristina Amaro , Danneels Ellen , Danihlík Jiří , Dobrescu Constantin , Evans Garth , Fedoriak Mariia , Forsythe Ivan , Gregorc Aleš , Johannesen Jes , Kauko Lassi , Kristiansen Preben , Martikkala Maritta , Martín-Hernández Raquel , Mazur Ewa , Mutinelli Franco , Patalano Solenn , Raudmets Aivar , Simon Delso Noa , Stevanovic Jevrosima , Uzunov Aleksandar , Vejsnæs Flemming , Williams Anthony , Gray Alison
Published: June 2022

Beekeepers have various options to control the parasitic mite Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies, but no empirical data are available on the methods they apply in practice. We surveyed 28,409 beekeepers maintaining 507,641 colonies in 30 European countries concerning Varroa control methods. The set of 19 different Varroa diagnosis and control measures was taken from the annual COLOSS questionnaire on honey bee colony losses. The most frequent activities were monitoring of Varroa infestations, drone brood removal, various oxalic acid applications and formic acid applications. Correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components showed that six Varroa control options (not necessarily the most used ones) significantly contribute to defining three distinctive clusters of countries in terms of Varroa control in Europe. Cluster I (eight Western European countries) is characterized by use of amitraz strips. Cluster II comprises 15 countries from Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Central-Southern Europe. This cluster is characterized by long-term formic acid treatments. Cluster III is characterized by dominant usage of amitraz fumigation and formed by seven Eastern European countries. The median number of different treatments applied per beekeeper was lowest in cluster III. Based on estimation of colony numbers in included countries, we extrapolated the proportions of colonies treated with different methods in Europe. This suggests that circa 62% of colonies in Europe are treated with amitraz, followed by oxalic acid for the next largest percentage of colonies. We discuss possible factors determining the choice of Varroa control measures in the different clusters.
Clinical use of mean nocturnal baseline impedance and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index for the diagnosis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease
Authors: Visaggi Pierfrancesco , Mariani Lucia , Svizzero Federica Baiano , Tarducci Luca , Sostilio Andrea , Frazzoni Marzio , Tolone Salvatore , Penagini Roberto , Frazzoni Leonardo , Ceccarelli Linda , Savarino Vincenzo , Bellini Massimo , Gyawali Prakash C. , Savarino Edoardo V. , de Bortoli Nicola
Published: June 2022

The clinical diagnosis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based on the presence of typical esophageal troublesome symptoms. In clinical practice, heartburn relief following a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) trial or endoscopy can confirm a diagnosis of GERD. In cases of diagnostic uncertainty or before anti-reflux interventions, combined impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) provides a comprehensive assessment of both physical and chemical properties of the refluxate, allowing to achieve a conclusive diagnosis of GERD. Recently, the Lyon Consensus proposed the use of mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index (PSPW-I) as novel MII-pH metrics to support the diagnosis of GERD. The calculation of MNBI and PSPW-I currently needs to be performed manually, but artificial intelligence systems for the automated analysis of MII-pH tracings are being developed. Several studies demonstrated the increased diagnostic yield MNBI and PSPW-I for the categorization of patients with GERD at both on- and off-PPI MII-pH monitoring. Accordingly, we performed a narrative review on the clinical use and diagnostic yield of MNBI and PSPW-I when the diagnosis of GERD is uncertain. Based on currently available evidence, we strongly support the evaluation of PSPW-I and MNBI as part of the standard assessment of MII-pH tracings for the evaluation of GERD, especially in patients with endoscopy-negative heartburn.
Tailored gamification in education: A literature review and future agenda
Authors: Oliveira Wilk , Hamari Juho , Shi Lei , Toda Armando M. , Rodrigues Luiz , Palomino Paula T. , Isotani Seiji
Published: June 2022

Gamification has been widely used to design better educational systems aiming to increase students’ concentration, motivation, engagement, flow experience, and others positive experiences. With advances in research on gamification in education, over the past few years, many studies have highlighted the need to tailor the gamification design properties to match individual students’ needs, characteristics and preferences. Thus, different studies have been conducted to personalize the gamification in education. However, the results are still contradictory and need to be better understood to advance this field. To provide a complete understanding of this research domain, we conducted a systematic literature review to summarize the results and discussions on studies that cover the field of tailored gamified education. Following a systematic process, we analysed 2108 studies and identified 19 studies to answer our research questions. The results indicate that most of the studies only consider students’ gamer types to tailor the systems, and most of the experiments do not provide sufficient statistical evidence, especially regarding learning performance using tailored gamified systems. Based on the results, we also provided an agenda with different challenges, opportunities, and research directions to improve the literature on tailored gamification in education. Our study contributes to the field of gamification design in education.
Split N application and DMP based nitrification inhibitors mitigate N2O losses in a soil cropped with winter wheat
Authors: Guzman-Bustamante Ivan , Schulz Rudolf , Müller Torsten , Ruser Reiner
Published: June 2022

Nitrogen (N) fertilization to crops might lead to formation and release of reactive N—e.g. nitrate, ammonium, ammonia, nitrous oxide (N2O) —, contributing to eutrophication, atmospheric pollution, and climate change. Use of nitrification inhibitors and splitting of N fertilizer may reduce the N2O emission from arable soils cropped with winter wheat. We tested different N fertilizers treated with 3,4-dimethylpyrazol phosphate (DMPP) and 3,4-dimethylpyrazol succinic acid (DMPSA) by applying 180 kg N ha−1 in different N splitting strategies in a full annual field experiment on a loamy soil in Southwest Germany. A threefold split fertilization led to an emission of 2.3 kg N2O–N ha−1 a−1 (corresponding to a reduction of 19%) compared to a single application of ammonium sulphate nitrate (ASN) (p = 0.07). A single application rate of ASN with DMPP resulted in an emission of 1.9 kg N2O–N ha−1 a−1 and reduced N2O emissions from an ASN treatment without NI by 33%. Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) with DMPSA reduced N2O emissions during the vegetation period by 38% compared to CAN without a nitrification inhibitor, but this was offset by high emissions after harvest, which was driven by soil tillage with an annual reduction of 26% (CAN: 2.9 kg N2O–N ha−1 a−1; CAN + DMPSA: 2.1 kg N2O–N ha−1 a−1; p = 0.11). Among our tested treatments, a twofold split application of ASN with DMPP efficiently reduced N2O emissions and maintained grain yield when compared to the traditional system with threefold application without nitrification inhibitor. Despite resulting in lower protein contents in the twofold split application, this treatment should be further investigated as a potential compromise between wheat yield and quality optimization and climate protection.
Weight dependence in BCM leads to adjustable synaptic competition
Authors: Albesa-González Albert , Froc Maxime , Williamson Oliver , Rossum Mark C. W. van
Published: June 2022

Models of synaptic plasticity have been used to better understand neural development as well as learning and memory. One prominent classic model is the Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro (BCM) model that has been particularly successful in explaining plasticity of the visual cortex. Here, in an effort to include more biophysical detail in the BCM model, we incorporate 1) feedforward inhibition, and 2) the experimental observation that large synapses are relatively harder to potentiate than weak ones, while synaptic depression is proportional to the synaptic strength. These modifications change the outcome of unsupervised plasticity under the BCM model. The amount of feed-forward inhibition adds a parameter to BCM that turns out to determine the strength of competition. In the limit of strong inhibition the learning outcome is identical to standard BCM and the neuron becomes selective to one stimulus only (winner-take-all). For smaller values of inhibition, competition is weaker and the receptive fields are less selective. However, both BCM variants can yield realistic receptive fields.
Defining Explanation and Explanatory Depth in XAI
Authors: Buijsman Stefan
Published: June 2022

Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) aims to help people understand black box algorithms, particularly of their outputs. But what are these explanations and when is one explanation better than another? The manipulationist definition of explanation from the philosophy of science offers good answers to these questions, holding that an explanation consists of a generalization that shows what happens in counterfactual cases. Furthermore, when it comes to explanatory depth this account holds that a generalization that has more abstract variables, is broader in scope and/or more accurate is better. By applying these definitions and contrasting them with alternative definitions in the XAI literature I hope to help clarify what a good explanation is for AI.
Tracking the legacy of early industrial activity in sediments of Lake Zurich, Switzerland: using a novel multi-proxy approach to find the source of extensive metal contamination
Authors: Roethlin Remo Luis , Gilli Adrian , Wehrli Bernhard , Gilli Robin Sue , Wiederhold Jan Georg , Dubois Nathalie
Published: June 2022

Historical industrial activities at the Horn Richterwil, on the shore of Lake Zurich (Switzerland), caused widespread metal contamination on land and in the adjacent lake sediments. This study provides an estimation of the age and source of the contamination by using XRF core scanning, ICP-OES, and Hg-AFS for quantitative measurements of trace metals and MC-ICP-MS for the stable isotope analysis of mercury. Radiometric dating ($$^{137}$$

137

Cs, $$^{210}$$

210

Pb, and Pu dating) of two proximal cores and varve chronology in a distal core suggest two different contaminations, one stemming from around 1960 (Zn, Cd) and an earlier one from 1880 (Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sn). The XRF data suggest two different contamination pathways: one by landfill of contaminated soil and another one by industrial wastewater effluents. Maximum concentrations found within all samples are in the range of per mil (dry weight) for Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sn, and Zn and lie within the top 10 cm of the sediment cores. The analysis of the mercury isotopic composition ($$\delta ^{202}$$

δ
202

Hg and $$\Delta ^{199}$$

Δ
199

Hg) shows a significantly different signature for one of the cores, indicating a second mercury source. We could not identify the exact source or process leading to the isotopic fractionation of mercury, but the isotopic data confirm two different sources.
Multi-endpoint effects of derelict tubular mussel plastic nets on Tigriopus fulvus
Authors: Parlapiano Isabella , Biandolino Francesca , Grattagliano Asia , Ruscito Andrea , Lofrano Giusy , Libralato Giovanni , Trifuoggi Marco , Albarano Luisa , Prato Ermelinda
Published: June 2022

Microplastic debris from direct and indirect human activities is considered a major threat to the marine biodiversity mainly due to its abundance, durability, persistence, and ability to accumulate contaminants from the environment. Derelict tubular plastic nets of various colours (blue (BN), yellow (YN), green (GN), pink (PN), and white (WN) net), used to distinguish mussel farming owners, were collected by scuba-dive from the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea). All nets were made of polypropylene. Investigations looked for potential acute (mortality) and sub-chronic (mortality, larval development and moult release number, and adult percentage after 5–9 days) effects on Tigriopus fulvus nauplii considering both whole plastics (microplastic (MP), 50 mg/L) and leachates (12.5–100%). Acute test determined a median lethal concentration (LC50) only for BN for both MPs (107 mg/L) and leachates (50.1%). The prolonged exposure (5 days) to microplastics did not affect the T. fulvus survival. After 9 days, YN and BN decreased of approximately 100% larval development.

Graphical abstract
Antitumour effects of apatinib in progressive, metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)
Authors: Shi Liang , You Qinqin , Wang Jun , Wang Hanjin , Li Shaohua , Tian Rui , Yao Xiaocheng , Wu Wenyu , Zhang Lele , Wang Feng , Lin Yansong , Li Shuren
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Management of progressive, metastatic radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) has been a great challenge due to its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recently, apatinib, an orally anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is reported to be useful for treatment of progressive RAIR-DIC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumour effect of apatinib and the combination therapy with radioactive iodine (RAI) in patients with progressive metastatic DTC.

Methods

Five patients (all female, mean age 62 ± 8 years, ranged from 51 to 69 years) with distant metastatic DTC (dmDTC) after total thyroidectomy (TTE) and neck lymph node dissection were treated with apatinib at a dose 500 mg per day after 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT. The effects of apatinib on DTC were evaluated at 4 ± 1 months after treatment with apatinib. RAI therapy was then initiated. The response to apatinib and the combination therapy with RAI treatment was evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST, version 1.1) and metabolic activity using serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Results

Positive 18F-FDG PET/CT results were found in all patients before apatinib therapy. The immunohistochemical analysis of primary tumour tissues showed high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Four patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) showed partial response (PR) with significant decrease in tumour size and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) after 4 ± 1 month’s treatment with apatinib. Further significant reduction of tumour size and SUVmax were observed in three patients after combination therapy with apatinib and RAI. Only one patient with both FTC and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) demonstrated progressive disease (PD) after treatment with apatinib alone, however, a decrease in tumour size and SUVmax as well as serum Tg levels was achieved after the combination with RAI therapy and apatinib.

Conclusions

Apatinib had significant antitumour effects on progressive distant metastatic DTC. Moreover, beneficial synergistic and complementary effects were shown when apatinib combined with RAI therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT 04180007, Registered November 26, 2019.
Simplified vortex methods to model wake vortex roll-up in real-time simulations for fuel-saving formation flight
Authors: Spark Henrik , Luckner Robert
Published: June 2022

One possibility for reducing fuel consumption is to fly in the upwind field of the wake vortex generated by an aircraft that is flying ahead. Migratory birds use this principle. Manually flying an aircraft at the point of optimal fuel reduction is not suited for routine flight operations as the pilot workload is excessively high. Hence, an autopilot function has to carry out this task. For designing the autopilot, a flight mechanical simulation with a wake vortex velocity model is required that has the ability to calculate the vortex-induced velocity fields. This paper contributes to the choice of a real-time simulation method for modelling vortex-induced velocities that the wake vortex of a leading aircraft generates and that the trailing aircraft shall use during fuel-saving formation flight.Two different wake vortex velocity models are introduced and compared during steady, horizontal flight. One model is based on the Lifting Line Method (LLM) and the other on the unsteady Vortex Lattice Method (VLM). Both models are able to calculate the wake vortex roll-up phase for arbitrary lift distributions, whereas the commonly used Single Horseshoe Vortex Model (SHVM) ignores the near-field roll up. The differences in the induced upwind distribution and vortex filament position are analysed for coarse spatial and temporal discretisation that the real-time constraint requires. Despite the more stringent simplifications of LLM, both methods yield similar filament positions and similar velocity fields for the same discretisation of the lifting surfaces. Finally, the influence of the discretisation parameters is discussed and parameter values are recommended for using VLM and LLM in real-time flight simulations.
Case report. Successful conservative treatment in a symptomatic postmenopausal woman with a urethral prolapse
Authors: Vreeburg Manon T. A. , Wiltink Judith
Published: June 2022

A 75 years old female presented at the department of Urology with vaginal bleeding, urinary tract symptoms and a protruding mass. Pelvic examination showed a urethral prolapse. There was no recurrence of the urethral prolapse after a combination of manual reduction, a pessary, a transurethral catheter for 10 days and estrogen cream for three months. Literature describes some cases concerning conservative treatment in women with symptomatic urethral prolapse. The best reasonable treatment option for this group of women would be surgical excision. This case report shows a symptomatic urethral prolapse in a post-menopausal woman with good results after non-surgical treatment, a combination of manual reduction, a transurethral catheter and a pessary, with a follow up of eight months.
Azobenzene-Based Solar Thermal Fuels: A Review
Authors: Zhang Bo , Feng Yiyu , Feng Wei
Published: June 2022

The energy storage mechanism of azobenzene is based on the transformation of molecular cis and trans isomerization, while NBD/QC, DHA/VHF, and fulvalene dimetal complexes realize the energy storage function by changing the molecular structure. Acting as “molecular batteries,” they can exhibit excellent charging and discharging behavior by converting between trans and cis isomers or changing molecular structure upon absorption of ultraviolet light. Key properties determining the performance of STFs are stored energy, energy density, half-life, and solar energy conversion efficiency. This review is aiming to provide a comprehensive and authoritative overview on the recent advancements of azobenzene molecular photoswitch system in STFs fields, including derivatives and carbon nano-templates, which is emphasized for its attractive performance. Although the energy storage performance of Azo-STFs has already reached the level of commercial lithium batteries, the cycling capability and controllable release of energy still need to be further explored. For this, some potential solutions to the cycle performance are proposed, and the methods of azobenzene controllable energy release are summarized. Moreover, energy stored by STFs can be released in the form of mechanical energy, which in turn can also promote the release of thermal energy from STFs, implying that there could be a relationship between mechanical and thermal energy in Azo-STFs, providing a potential direction for further research on Azo-STFs.
A qualitative assessment of nonclinical drivers of pediatric outpatient antibiotic prescribing: The importance of continuity
Authors: Spencer Hillary J. J. , Katz Sophie , Staub Milner , Audet Carolyn M. , Banerjee Ritu
Published: June 2022

Background and objectives:

Antibiotic overuse is common in outpatient pediatrics and varies across clinical setting and clinician type. We sought to identify social, behavioral, and environmental drivers of outpatient antibiotic prescribing for pediatric patients.

Methods:

We conducted semistructured interviews with physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) across diverse outpatient settings including pediatric primary, urgent, and retail care. We used the grounded theory constant comparative method and a thematic approach to analysis. We developed a conceptual model, building on domains of continuity to map common themes and their relationships within the healthcare system.

Results:

We interviewed 55 physicians and APPs. Clinicians across all settings prioritized provision of guideline-concordant care but implemented these guidelines with varying degrees of success. The provision of guideline-concordant care was influenced by the patient–clinician relationship and patient or parent expectations (relational continuity); the clinician’s access to patient clinical history (informational continuity); and the consistency of care delivered (management continuity). No difference in described themes was determined by setting or clinician type; however, clinicians in primary care described having more reliable relational and informational continuity.

Conclusions:

Clinicians described the absence of long-term relationships (relational continuity) and lack of availability of prior clinical history (informational continuity) as factors that may influence outpatient antibiotic prescribing. Guideline-concordant outpatient antibiotic prescribing was facilitated by consistent practice across settings (management continuity) and the presence of relational and informational continuity, which are common only in primary care. Management continuity may be more modifiable than informational and relational continuity and thus a focus for outpatient stewardship programs.
Appropriateness of prescribed oral antibiotic duration at the time of hospital discharge
Authors: Sedlock Carly E. , Cavaretta Marissa J. , Haines Alexander J. , Nguyen Kevin B. , Agarwal Neelesh , Gallagher Jason C.
Published: June 2022

Antibiotic stewardship initiatives usually occur in the inpatient setting and should be optimized during transitions of care. In this study, we assessed the appropriateness of oral antibiotic treatment duration at the time of discharge from our institution based on national guidelines and clinical parameters for common infections.
Russia: Fascist or Conservative?
Authors: Orenstein Mitchell A.
Published: June 2022

When I cracked open Marlene Laruelle’s new book, Is Russia Fascist?, I immediately wondered, who really thinks Russia is fascist? I was aware of Timothy Snyder’s study of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s glorification of the debatably fascist political theorist Ivan Ilyin, but fascist? Really? But Laruelle quickly shows in the introduction that this is not a canard or a straw man. Many reputable scholars and public intellectuals have drawn parallels between the Putin regime, its actions, and European fascism, including Snyder, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Alexander Motyl, Vladimir Inozemtsev, Gary Kasparov, Anna Politkovskaya, Madeline Albright, and Hillary Clinton. The term “fascism” has become part of the Western discussion on the nature of the Putin regime, even more so since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Immigration, Policy Exclusion, and State-Level Inequality in TANF Usage
Authors: Xu Ping , Zhu Ling
Published: June 2022

The relationship between immigration and welfare provision is at the heart of welfare politics research. While prior studies have examined how immigration affects welfare generosity, less is known about the consequences of exclusive welfare policies and immigration on social inequality. In this paper, by using TANF as the policy context, we offer a systematic examination of how immigration combined with state immigrant welfare policies affect inequality in welfare usage between citizens and immigrants. Using data across the fifty American states from 2001 to 2016, we find evidence that exclusive state immigrant TANF policies are a key source of decreased immigrant TANF caseload rate and enlarged citizen-immigrant TANF caseload gap. Moreover, states’ immigrant population density moderates the effect of state immigrant welfare eligibility policies on immigrant TANF caseload rate and citizen-immigrant TANF caseload gap. Our robustness checks by using alternative measures of the dependent variable and key independent variable verify these findings.
Cartography and Breaking News: Mapping the Great Siege of Malta
Authors: Maier Jessica
Published: June 2022

This article explores Renaissance news maps and their cultural impact, focusing on works produced during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, a media event of unprecedented scope that became a laboratory for the genre's development. News maps were a key early form of reporting—a visual form—that, much like their textual counterparts, aimed to shape public views about conflict. Ultimately, these relatively modest items even influenced commemorative battle murals in halls of state. This study of news maps suggests an emerging media landscape that was highly pluralistic and experimental, going well beyond the written word.
The origin of Patagonia: insights from Permian to Middle Triassic magmatism of the North Patagonian Massif
Authors: Falco Juan Ignacio , Hauser Natalia , Scivetti Nicolás , Reimold Wolf Uwe , Folguera Andres
Published: June 2022

We conducted a U–Pb–Hf isotope study on zircon crystals from ignimbrites of the Changhsingian to Olenekian (253–248 Ma) Los Menucos Basin in the North Patagonian Massif (NPM), Argentina, in order to evaluate the age and petrogenesis of the magmas. Additionally, a compilation of whole-rock geochemistry and U–Pb–Hf in zircon isotope data for the Permian to Middle Triassic rocks of the NPM, for comparison with our data, was made to assess whether Patagonia would have been an exotic terrane accreted to SW Gondwana during the late Palaeozoic. We interpret the available U–Pb–Hf data to suggest that northern Patagonia experienced eastward arc expansion from the early Permian, about 273 Ma ago. This ∼820 km arc expansion event involved crustal shortening and magmatism with high-silica adakitic affinity, resulting in Hf-isotopic pull-down. At 253 Ma, slab steepening became associated with the coeval emplacement of ignimbrites of the Los Menucos Basin, which involved post-orogenic to intraplate magmatism. During the Middle Triassic, a slab break-off triggered uplift and basaltic underplating, promoting the emplacement of dike swarms with C-type adakitic signature at 246–244 Ma. The Hf isotope data for SW Gondwana for the same period indicate distinct trends that are explained here by differential slab roll-back since the Guadalupian, in a slab-tearing setting. Therefore, Permian to Middle Triassic magmatism is interpreted as having been associated with an eastward-directed proto-Pacific subduction system, which ultimately supports an autochthonous origin for Patagonia.