bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Language attitudes and L2 pronunciation
Authors: Roberts Gillian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSince pronunciation serves as a vehicle for both intelligibility and identity, exploring learners’ attitudes towards different accent varieties can allow both pedagogical and sociolinguistic insights into second language acquisition. This study investigates the attitudes of Flemish secondary school students towards RP and General American and the relation between these attitudes and the students’ actual pronunciation in English. Participants rated British and American accents in a verbal guise experiment, and speech recordings provided a sample of respondents’ own pronunciation. Results diverged from previous findings: while participants had more positive attitudes towards RP, they spoke with a higher proportion of GA phonological features. Almost half of the participants did not aim to speak with either a British or an American accent.
Teaching general physics in a COVID-19 environment: insights from Taiwan
Authors: White Jonathon David 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 has upset the traditional ways of teaching and looks set to continue to have an impact in the coming years. The situation in Taiwan—partial disruption and then an early return to classes—allows for a comparison of student performance in a conventional teaching and testing environment with the non-contact teaching/testing environment caused by COVID-19. For the part of the general physics class delivered remotely, test marks dropped uniformly across the whole class from 69% to 46% from the previous year. Poorer knowledge acquisition was not just limited to poor students but surprisingly equally affected those at the top of the class as well. In contrast, remote testing resulted in a higher overall grade—due to ∼5% of the ∼70 students enrolled scoring significantly better on unsupervised tests (>93% vs ∼40% on three supervised tests). The marks for the remaining 95% of students were consistent with their overall performance. An advantage of moving to online lectures is the ability to archive lectures. Our research indicates that students take advantage of these online lectures: both in reviewing in the days immediately after the class and immediately prior to testing.
High-density electron–ion bunch formation and multi-GeV positron production via radiative trapping in extreme-intensity laser–plasma interactions
Authors: Capdessus R , Gremillet L , McKenna P 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Multi-petawatt laser systems will open up a novel interaction regime mixing collective plasma and quantum electrodynamic processes, giving rise to prolific generation of gamma-ray photons and electron–positron pairs. Here, using particle-in-cell simulations, we investigate the physics of the interaction of a 1024 W cm−2 intensity, 30 fs duration, circularly polarized laser pulse with a long deuterium plasma at classically overcritical electron density (1022 cm−3). We show that radiative trapping of the plasma electrons causes a high-density (∼5 × 1023 cm−3), quasineutral electron–ion bunch to form inside the laser pulse. This phenomenon is accompanied by up to ∼40% energy conversion efficiency of the laser into gamma rays. Moreover, we find that both the radiation-modified Laplace force and the longitudinal electric field exerted on the positrons created by the multiphoton Breit–Wheeler process can accelerate them to GeV-range energies. We develop a theoretical model, the predictions of which provide a good match to the simulation results. Finally, we address the influence of the ion mass, showing that the laser absorption and positron acceleration is enhanced with deuterons compared to protons.
Chiral magnetic effect at finite temperature in a field-theoretic approach
Authors: Beneventano C G , Nieto M , Santangelo E M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We investigate the existence (or lack thereof) of the chiral magnetic effect (CME) in the framework of finite temperature field theory, studied through the path integral approach and regularized via the zeta function technique. We show that, independently of the temperature, gauge invariance implies the absence of the effect, a fact proved, at zero temperature and in a Hamiltonian approach, by Yamamoto. Indeed, the effect only appears when the manifold is finite in the direction of the magnetic field and gauge-invariance breaking boundary conditions are imposed. We present an explicit calculation for antiperiodic and periodic boundary conditions, which do allow for a CME, since only ‘large’ gauge transformations are, then, an invariance of the theory. In both cases, the associated current does depend on the temperature, a well as on the size of the sample in the direction of the magnetic field, even for a temperature-independent chiral chemical potential. In particular, for antiperiodic boundary conditions, the value of this current only agrees with the result usually quoted in the literature on the subject in the zero-temperature limit, while it decreases with the temperature in a well-determined way.
Doravirine/Lamivudine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) Versus Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/TDF in Treatment-naive Adults With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection: Week 96 Results of the Randomized, Double-blind, Phase 3 DRIVE-AHEAD Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Orkin Chloe , Squires Kathleen E , Molina Jean-Michel , Sax Paul E , Sussmann Otto , Lin Gina , Kumar Sushma , Hanna George J , Hwang Carey , Martin Elizabeth , Teppler Hedy 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Doravirine (DOR) is a nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor. In the phase 3 DRIVE-AHEAD trial in treatment-naive adults with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, DOR demonstrated noninferior efficacy compared with efavirenz (EFV) and superior profiles for neuropsychiatric tolerability and lipids at 48 weeks. We present data through week 96.

Methods
DRIVE-AHEAD is a phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, noninferiority trial in antiretroviral treatment-naive adults with HIV-1 RNA ≥1000 copies/mL. Participants were randomized to a daily fixed-dose tablet of DOR (100 mg), lamivudine (3TC; 300 mg) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; 300 mg) (DOR/3TC/TDF) or EFV (600 mg), emtricitabine (FTC; 200 mg) and TDF (300 mg) (EFV/FTC/TDF). The efficacy end point of interest at week 96 was the proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA levels &lt;50 copies/mL (Food and Drug Administration Snapshot Approach) with a predefined noninferiority margin of 10% to support week 48 results. Safety end points of interest included prespecified neuropsychiatric adverse events and the mean change in fasting lipids at week 96.

Results
Of 734 participants randomized, 728 received study drugs and were included in analyses. At week 96, HIV-1 RNA &lt;50 copies/mL was achieved by 77.5% of DOR/3TC/TDF vs 73.6% of EFV/FTC/TDF participants, with a treatment difference of 3.8% (95% confidence interval, –2.4% to 10%). Virologic failure rates were low and similar across treatment arms, with no additional resistance to DOR observed between weeks 48 and 96. Prespecified neuropsychiatric adverse events and rash were less frequent in DOR/3TC/TDF than in EFV/FTC/TDF participants through week 96. At week 96, fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased in the EFV/FTC/TDF group but not in the DOR/3TC/TDF group; the mean changes from baseline in total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio were similar.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT02403674.
Assessing Clinical Disease Recurrence Using Laboratory Data in Surgically Resected Patients From the TOPPIC Trial
Authors: Waljee Akbar K , Cohen-Mekelburg Shirley , Liu Yumu , Liu Boang , Zhu Ji , Higgins Peter D R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Machine learning methodologies play an important role in predicting progression of disease or responses to medical therapy. We previously derived and validated a machine learning algorithm to predict response to thiopurines in an inflammatory bowel disease population. We aimed to apply a modified algorithm to predict postsurgical treatment response using clinical trial data.

Methods
TOPPIC was a multicenter randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial of 240 patients, evaluating the effectiveness of 6-mercaptopurine in preventing or delaying postsurgical Crohn disease recurrence. We adapted a well-established machine learning algorithm to predict clinical recurrence postresection using age and multiple laboratory-specific covariates, and compared this to the thiopurine metabolite, 6-thioguanine.

Results
The random forest machine learning algorithm demonstrates a mean under the receiver operator curve (AuROC) of 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47, 0.78]. Similar results were evident when adding thiopurine metabolite (6-thioguanine) results. Alanine aminotransferase/mean corpuscular volume (ALT/MCV) and potassium × alkaline phosphatase (POT × ALK) predicted endoscopic and biologic recurrence, respectively, with AuROCs of 0.714 (95% CI 0.601, 0.827) and 0.730 (95% CI 0.618, 0.841).

Conclusions
A machine learning algorithm with laboratory data from within the first 3 months postsurgically does not discriminate clinical recurrence well. Alternative noninvasive measures should be considered and further evaluated.
Hannah Lowe and Sarah Howe: Multicultural Heritage and Questions of Identity
Authors: Wong Jennifer 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In their respective debut collections Chick and Loop of Jade, Hannah Lowe and Sarah Howe explore the questions of identity and cultural hybridity through semi-autobiographical family narratives. Conscious of their partial Chinese ancestry, their poetry reflects what it means or feels to self-perceive or be taken as ‘the Other’. In this article, I analyse and compare their poetry to shed light on the significance and representation of multicultural heritage in contemporary women’s poetry, with reference to the multiple identities of the female figure. In particular, their different writing approaches explore the questions of identity for a multicultural poet and the necessity of exoticism and self-exoticism. Through close reading of their poetry and interviews with these authors, I examine the experimentation of poetic form and language in their work, the role of imagination in connecting personal with collective history, and the complexities that underlie the relationship between poetic language, racial, and class barriers.
Evolution of the monitoring and evaluation strategies to support the World Health Organization's Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis
Authors: Lammie Patrick J , Gass Katherine M , King Jonathan , Deming Michael S , Addiss David G , Biswas Gautam , Ottesen Eric A , Henderson Ralph 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) was established with the ambitious goal of eliminating LF as a public health problem. The remarkable success of the GPELF over the past 2 decades in carrying out its principal strategy of scaling up and scaling down mass drug administration has relied first on the development of a rigorous monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework and then the willingness of the World Health Organization and its community of partners to modify this framework in response to the practical experiences of national programmes. This flexibility was facilitated by the strong partnership that developed among researchers, LF programme managers and donors willing to support the necessary research agenda. This brief review summarizes the historical evolution of the GPELF M&E strategies and highlights current research needed to achieve the elimination goal.
A disparity in the number of studies related to COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 between low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries
Authors: Usuzaki Takuma , Chiba Shuji , Shimoyama Minoru , Ishikuro Mami , Obara Taku 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
There may be a difference in the number of articles about COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs).

Methods
We analyzed authors’ affiliations from 36 432 articles related to COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. We introduced logarithmic density and compared the number of articles and logarithmic density of LMICs with those of HICs.

Results
The number of articles and the logarithmic density of LMICs were lower than those of HICs (p&lt;0.0001 for both).

Conclusions
There was a disparity in the number of articles related to COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 between LMICs and HICs.
Eight weeks of resistance training with blood flow restriction improve cardiac function and vascular endothelial function in healthy young Asian males
Authors: Zhao Yan , Lin Aicui , Jiao Long 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) is a physiological ischaemic training method. Before it is applied to patients with coronary artery disease, it must be proven safe and effective.

Methods
Twenty-four healthy adult males were randomly assigned to three groups: the resistance training (RT) group, low-pressure BFR and resistance training (LP-RT) group and high-pressure BFR and resistance training (HP-RT) group. The training protocol was 20 times/min/set, with a 2-min break, five sets/day and 5 d/week for 8 weeks. Cardiac function, haemodynamics and vascular endothelial function were evaluated before and after the first training and the last training.

Results
There were no significant differences among groups before and after training. After 8 weeks of training, the resting heart rate (p&lt;0.05) of the three groups significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05). The rate–pressure product in the LP-RT group significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05) compared with before training. Just after the last training, heart rate (p&lt;0.05) and cardiac output (p&lt;0.05) in the LP-RT and HP-RT groups significantly decreased compared with those just after the first training. At the end of the experiment, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; p&lt;0.01), soluble VEGF receptor (VEGFR) (p&lt;0.05) and interleukin-6 (p&lt;0.01) significantly increased, except for soluble VEGFR in the RT group.

Conclusions
Low-intensity resistance training with BFR moderately alters cardiac function. The expression levels of proteins related to vascular endothelial function have significantly changed. Both findings suggest that low-intensity resistance training with BFR may be safely and effectively applied to patients with coronary artery disease.
Ancient colonialism and the economic geography of the Mediterranean
Authors: Chronopoulos Dimitris K , Kampanelis Sotiris , Oto-Peralías Daniel , Wilson John O S 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the legacy of ancient Phoenician, Greek and Etruscan colonialism in shaping the economic geography of the Mediterranean region. Utilising historical data on ancient colonies and current data on population density and night light emissions (as a proxy for economic activity), we find that geographical areas colonised by these ancient civilisations have higher population density and economic activity in the present day. We also find that ancient colonialism affected the origin and evolution of the urban system of cities and settlements prevalent in the Mediterranean region.
LectomeXplore, an update of UniLectin for the discovery of carbohydrate-binding proteins based on a new lectin classification
Authors: Bonnardel François , Mariethoz Julien , Pérez Serge , Imberty Anne , Lisacek Frédérique 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Lectins are non-covalent glycan-binding proteins mediating cellular interactions but their annotation in newly sequenced organisms is lacking. The limited size of functional domains and the low level of sequence similarity challenge usual bioinformatics tools. The identification of lectin domains in proteomes requires the manual curation of sequence alignments based on structural folds. A new lectin classification is proposed. It is built on three levels: (i) 35 lectin domain folds, (ii) 109 classes of lectins sharing at least 20% sequence similarity and (iii) 350 families of lectins sharing at least 70% sequence similarity. This information is compiled in the UniLectin platform that includes the previously described UniLectin3D database of curated lectin 3D structures. Since its first release, UniLectin3D has been updated with 485 additional 3D structures. The database is now complemented by two additional modules: PropLec containing predicted β-propeller lectins and LectomeXplore including predicted lectins from sequences of the NBCI-nr and UniProt for every curated lectin class. UniLectin is accessible at https://www.unilectin.eu/
Malignant transformation of WHO grade I meningiomas after surgery or radiosurgery: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Nakasu Satoshi , Notsu Akifumi , Na Kiyong , Nakasu Yoko 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The incidence and clinical features of the malignant transformation of benign meningiomas are poorly understood. This study examined the risk of the malignant transformation of benign meningiomas after surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery.

Methods
We systematically reviewed studies published between 1979 and 2019 using PubMed, Scopus, and other sources. We analyzed pooled data according to the PRISMA guideline to clarify the incidence rate of malignant transformation (IMT) and factors affecting malignant transformation in surgically or radiosurgically treated benign meningiomas.

Results
IMT was 2.98/1000 patient-years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9–4.3) in 13 studies in a single-arm meta-analysis. Although the evidence level of the included studies was low, the heterogeneity of the incidence was mostly explained by the tumor location. In meta-regression analysis, skull base tumors had a significantly lower IMT than non-skull base tumors, but no gender association was observed. IMT after radiosurgery in 9 studies was 0.50/1000 person-years (95% CI = 0.02–1.38). However, a higher proportion of skull base tumors, lower proportion of males, and lower salvage surgery rate were observed in the radiosurgery group than in the surgery group. The median time to malignant change was 5 years (interquartile range = 2.5–8.2), and the median survival after malignant transformation was 4.7 years (95% CI = 3.7–8) in individual case data.

Conclusion
IMT of benign meningioma was significantly affected by the tumor location. Radiosurgery did not appear to increase IMT, but exact comparisons were difficult because of differences in study populations.
Use of Smokeless Tobacco Before Conception and Its Relationship With Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Pregnancy in Thatta, Pakistan: Findings From Women First Study
Authors: Aziz Ali Sumera , Khan Umber , Abrejo Farina , Vollmer Brandi , Saleem Sarah , Hambidge K Michael , Krebs Nancy F , Westcott Jamie E , Goldenberg Robert L , McClure Elizabeth M , Pasha Omrana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionSmokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption during pregnancy has adverse consequences for the mother and fetus. We aimed to investigate the effects of maternal pre-pregnancy SLT consumption on maternal and fetal outcomes in the district of Thatta, Pakistan.Aims and MethodsWe conducted a secondary data analysis of an individual randomized controlled trial of preconception maternal nutrition. Study participants were women of reproductive age (WRA) residing in the district of Thatta, Pakistan. Participants were asked questions regarding the usage of commonly consumed SLT known as gutka (exposure variable). Study outcomes included maternal anemia, miscarriage, preterm births, stillbirths, and low birth weight. We performed a cox-regression analysis by controlling for confounders such as maternal age, education, parity, working status, body mass index, and geographic clusters.ResultsThe study revealed that 71.5% of the women reported using gutka, with a higher proportion residing in rural areas as compared with urban areas in the district of Thatta, Pakistan. In the multivariable analysis, we did not find a statistically significant association between gutka usage and anemia [(relative risk, RR: 1.04, 95% confidence interval, CI (0.92 to 1.16)], miscarriage [(RR: 1.08, 95% CI (0.75 to 1.54)], preterm birth [(RR: 1.37, 95% CI (0.64 to 2.93)], stillbirth [(RR: 1.02, 95% CI (0.39 to 2.61)], and low birth weight [(RR: 0.96, 95% CI (0.72 to 1.28)].ConclusionsThe study did not find an association between gutka usage before pregnancy and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. In the future, robust epidemiological studies are required to detect true differences with a dose–response relationship between gutka usage both before and during pregnancy and adverse fetomaternal outcomes.ImplicationsWhile most epidemiological studies conducted in Pakistan have focused on smoking and its adverse outcomes among males, none of the studies have measured the burden of SLT among WRA and its associated adverse outcomes. In addition, previously conducted studies have primarily assessed the effect of SLT usage during pregnancy rather than before pregnancy on adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. The current study is unique because it provides an insight into the usage of SLT among WRA before pregnancy and investigates the association between pre-pregnancy SLT usage and its adverse fetomaternal outcomes in rural Pakistan.
Poverty Alleviation and Interhousehold Transfers: Evidence from BRAC’s Graduation Program in Bangladesh
Authors: Gulesci Selim 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Poor households often rely on transfers from their social networks for consumption smoothing, yet there is limited evidence on how antipoverty programs affect informal transfers. This paper exploits the randomized rollout of BRAC’s ultra-poor graduation program in Bangladesh and panel data covering over 21,000 households over seven years to study the program’s effects on interhousehold transfers. The program crowds out informal transfers received by the targeted households, but this is driven mainly by outside-village transfers. Treated ultra-poor households become more likely to both give and receive transfers to/from wealthier households within their village; and less likely to receive transfers from their employers. As a result, the reciprocity of their within-village transfers increases. The findings imply that, within rural communities, there is positive assortative matching by socio-economic status. A reduction in poverty enables households to engage more in reciprocal transfer arrangements and lowers the interlinkage of their labor with informal insurance.