bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving early phase oncology clinical trial design: A case study
Authors: Phillips Alan J. , Clark Timothy P. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis short communication presents a first in human Bayesian Optimal Interval design case study. The study design and associated operating characteristics are discussed, together with study amendments proposed whilst the study was ongoing. Simulations investigating the impact of the amendments on the operating characteristics of the study design are presented. Lessons learnt from the case study, including providing practical advice when designing smarter early phase oncology trials to identify the maximum tolerate dose are also summarised. It is argued that model‐assisted designs are simple to implement, flexible and perform significantly better than the commonly used “3 + 3” design, and thus should become the go to design for statisticians when limited information is known about the dose toxicity curve.
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

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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractResearch SummaryWe 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 SummaryAn 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.
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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractInput 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

AbstractSilver 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

AbstractSeveral 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

AbstractHerein, 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractBeekeepers 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

AbstractThe 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.