bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating started sample size, completed sample size and drop‐out rate in 10 252 phase III clinical trials: Insights from ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Chen Henian , Pang Jinyong , Zhao Yayi , Cao Biwei , Valente Matthew J. , Cen Weiliang , Valkanova Elena 
Published: February 2025

AimsThis study investigated the started sample size, completed sample size and drop‐out rate of 10 252 published and unpublished phase III clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov over the past 20 years.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search on ClinicalTrials.gov for all phase III clinical trials with registered results before 26 May 2023. We retrieved and downloaded 10 252, which covered a period of more than 20 years.ResultsOut of the 10 252 trials analysed, 889 (8.7%) were sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health/US Federal agencies (NIH/US Fed), 8429 (82.2%) were sponsored by industry. The overall median started sample size was 302. The overall median completed sample size was 228. The median completed sample sizes were 258 for industry‐sponsored trials, and 194 for NIH/US Fed‐sponsored trials. The median completed sample sizes were 321 for biological interventions and 223 for drug interventions. The overall median drop‐out rate was 11%. Statistically significant differences were observed in sample sizes between industry‐sponsored trials and NIH/US Fed‐sponsored trials (P < 0.0001). Neither the started sample sizes nor the completed sample sizes have shown any change over the course of the past 20 years.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that a majority of the analysed trials lack sufficient statistical power (80%) to detect small effect sizes, and approximately half of the trials did not have 80% power to detect medium effect sizes. Notably, trials funded by NIH/US Fed exhibit significantly smaller sample sizes compared to trials sponsored by industry. When conducting sample size calculations for clinical trials, it is crucial to consider the anticipated effect size, variability and drop‐out rate.
Vulnerable Narcissism and Sense of Community Among Adolescents: The Role of Self‐Esteem and Use of Social Media
Authors: Novara Cinzia , Di Napoli Gaetano , Marino Iva , Ruggieri Stefano 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the relationships among vulnerable narcissism, the use of social network sites (SNSs), self‐esteem, and sense of community among adolescents. Based on a sample of 381 high school students, we explored whether vulnerable narcissism, exacerbated by the use of SNSs and low self‐esteem, contributes to difficulties in establishing community relationships. Hypotheses were tested to examine the associations among narcissism, sense of community, and self‐esteem, with the use of SNSs as a moderating factor. The results indicated a negative relationship between narcissism and sense of community, with self‐esteem mediating this relationship. Furthermore, the low or high use of SNSs moderates the negative relationship between narcissism and sense of community and self‐esteem such that with high use of social media, the relationship becomes positive. These findings suggest that vulnerable‐narcissist adolescents use social sites as facilitators of community relationships and support of their self‐esteem. Conversely, adolescents with low usage are less inclined to support real‐life comparisons, perceiving the community as a dangerous testing ground to avoid. This study highlights the importance of addressing vulnerable narcissism and the use of SNSs in interventions aimed at promoting community involvement and well‐being among adolescents.
Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of Nickel‐Rich Layered Cathode Material (NMC 622) for Lithium‐ion Batteries by Ultrathin Conductive Ceria‐Surface Coating
Authors: Seotsanyana-Mokhosi Itumeleng , Ozoemena Kenneth Ikechukwu 
Published: February 2025

Layered LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) has been lauded as robust and fitting candidates for the development of the next generation lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles and other high energy demanding applications. However, widespread commercialization of NMC622 cathode material has been frustrated by its poor cycling performance which is due to structural instability. This work shows that the electrochemical performance of the NMC622 can be greatly enhanced by surface‐coating with CeO2. A commercial NMC622 is chemically modified with a very low amount of CeO2 (~2%) to form an ultrathin CeO2‐coated NMC622 surface (NMC622‐c). The coated electrode material exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance compared to its pristine counterpart, especially in terms of Li‐ion diffusion kinetics and capacity retention. This enhancement has been made possible by the NMC622‐c overcoming the destructive H2/H3 phase transition, reduced Ni/Li mixing, and improved ordered hexagonal structure. Improved Li diffusion rate has also been improved for long battery life. This work provides excellent insight to researchers and entrepreneurs working hard to overcome the inherent challenges of the NMC622 and related NMC layered cathode materials.
Digital Finance and Reduction of Pollution and Carbon Emissions: A Case Study of China by Considering the Mediating, Moderating and Spatial Spillover Effects
Authors: Qiu Haiyang , Li Xin , Kang Jiaqian , Zhang Long , Lei Boyan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn the digital age, using digital tools to promote environmental governance has gained significant attention. Digital finance (DF) integrates financial systems with digital technologies, offering a new financing channel and mechanism for collaboratively reducing pollutants and carbon emissions (RPCEs). This paper explores the multifaceted impact of DF on RPCE, using China as a case study. Utilising panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021, the study applies benchmark regression, mediation, moderation and spatial econometric models to empirically analyse DF's effects and mechanisms on RPCE. The findings revealed that: (1) DF positively influences RPCE, with industrial structure upgrading playing a key role in this process. (2) DF's impact on RPCE varies across regions and e‐government demonstration zones in China, showing stronger effects in central China and e‐government zones. (3) DF's impact on RPCE can be strengthened by increasing green fiscal expenditure. (4) The negative spillover effect of DF on RPCE in neighbouring areas was witnessed, where local DF development inhibited DF growth in adjacent areas through a ‘siphon effect’. As a result, the modern financial system should be tailored to regional characteristics while accelerating industrial structure upgrading. By leveraging green fiscal expenditure regulations, DF's potential can be fully realised, creating a synergistic effect on RPCE.
Composing comics as activism: Leveraging preservice teachers' multimodal and graphic narrative conventions
Authors: Cook Mike P. , Chisholm James S. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis study examines the ways pre‐service English language arts teachers (PSTs) conceptualized activism and experimented with visual and multimodal approaches to composing about activism. Drawing on qualitative methods, we examined 22 PSTs' graphic narratives completed as part of their teacher preparation coursework, and center our discussion on three focal students' compositions. We frame our inquiry within the scholarship on critical literacies to address the research question: How do PSTs draw on multimodality and comic conventions to compose graphic narratives about activism? Findings suggest that these focal students leveraged the affordances of multimodal composing to engage readers in their narratives about activism. Specifically, PSTs created multiple perspectives and movement as rhetorical moves that influenced how readers interacted with both their graphic compositions and the activist themes developed therein. After a discussion of the findings, we highlight the potential of PSTs' activist literacies and corresponding implications for the field.
Evaluation of fumaric copolymer/clays composites as base asphalt modifiers
Authors: Botto Iribarne Juan , Aparicio Francisca , Alvarez Vera , Ollier Primiano Romina , Larsen Diego , Oberti Tamara G. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPolymer‐modified asphalts (PMA) are known to improve pavement performance, but they have limitations, such as poor storage stability, oxidation susceptibility, low compatibility, and weak adhesion to mineral aggregates. To address these issues, recent studies have explored the use of nanomaterials to enhance asphalt properties. Particularly in this research, the specific polymer was designed to compatibilize with an Argentinian base asphalt. The copolymer shows 54% of alkyl fraction and 46% of aromatic fraction in its structure demonstrated by 1H‐NMR and FTIR analyses. In addition, native bentonite and benzalkonium chloride‐modified organobentonite were employed as thermally stable asphalt modifiers suitable for this application. Fluorescence analysis determined that only 180 min were sufficient to achieve a homogeneous distribution of the modifiers on the samples. A comprehensive analysis of the rheological behavior as a function of temperature, combined with routine standardized rapid tests, led us to conclude that the incorporation of clays increases the hardness of the samples, which in turn improves their resistance to permanent deformation. This effect, although expected, also implies higher energy consumption during processing.Highlights
Polymer was designed to compatibilize with base asphalt.
Copolymer structure confirmed: 54% alkyl and 46% aromatic fractions by 1H‐NMR.
Native and organobentonite enhance thermal stability and asphalt modification.
Fluorescence analysis shows homogeneity achieved in 180 min.
Clays increase hardness but reduce susceptibility to permanent deformation.
Drone‐based polarization imaging system for leaf spot severity determination in peanut plants
Authors: Larsen Joshua , Dunne Jeffrey. , Austin Robert , Newman Cassondra , Kudenov Michael 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn this study, we introduce a new approach for enhancing peanut phenotyping through a polarization imaging platform. With leaf spot disease posing significant threats to peanut (Arachis hypogae L.) crops, our research addresses the need for accurate and efficient detection methods. Polarization imaging offers unique advantages over more traditional spectral imaging solutions. Polarization correlates strongly with the geometric properties of an object, such as surface roughness or its orientation relative to the sensor or light source. Leveraging a drone‐based system, we conducted extensive field trials, collecting approximately 30,184 images over two growing seasons and locations. Images were processed for panchromatic (400–800 nm wavelengths) degree of linear polarization (DOLP) and compared to conventional red, green, and blue (RGB) imagery against conventional visual severity scores (modified nine‐point scale). Results indicated that when attempting to determine ground truth infection severity, panchromatic DOLP alone provided 1.34 root mean square error, RGB alone provided 1.09 root mean square error accuracy, and both modalities provided 1.03 root mean square error, indicating that adding a polarization capability can enhance or augment conventional RGB scoring pipelines. We expect that polarization may allow for phenotypic scoring models to mitigate—or leverage—confounding factors related to a leaf's geometric properties without the need for 3D imaging.
XPS and p‐ARXPS Analysis of Nanometric‐Thick Polyphosphazene Film on Undoped n‐InP 1015/cm3
Authors: Visagli Gianluca , Etchberry Arnaud , Frégraux Mathieu , Gonçalves Anne‐Marie 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn this study, we investigate the formation and characterization of an ultrathin polyphosphazene (PPP) film on undoped n‐type indium phosphide semiconductor (InP) through electrochemical passivation in liquid ammonia (NH₃). The passivation process, driven by photogenerated holes, results in a protective PPP layer on the InP surface. Using a combination of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and parallel angle‐resolved XPS (p‐ARXPS), we analyze and discuss the chemical composition and atomic arrangement of the passivating film. The XPS results confirm the presence of phosphorus and nitrogen species forming the PPP layer, while the p‐ARXPS data provide a detailed relative depth profile, revealing an ordered atomic structure perpendicular to the surface. This study reveals at least three different chemical environments of nitrogen depending on the molecular arrangement in PPP.
Analysis and prediction of the short‐term flexural stiffness of a steel‐Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite bar‐reinforced concrete beam
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhu Dexiang , Gu Jian , Huang Long , Yi Jin , Song Zhaoping 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSteel‐fiber‐reinforced plastics composite bars (SFCBs) are a new material that can effectively solve the problems of low stiffness and poor ductility in fiber‐reinforced plastics (FRP)‐reinforced concrete members. To study the flexural performance of SFCB concrete beams, flexural testing of SFCB test beams is carried out in this study, and the flexural stiffness and failure mode of SFCB concrete beams are studied in detail. The results indicate that the failure process of SFCB‐reinforced concrete beams can be divided into three main stages: elastic, cracking, and failure. Due to the presence of external fiber layers, the load‐carrying capacity can continue to increase steadily after the yielding of the steel core, exhibiting stable secondary stiffness and good ductility characteristics. At the same reinforcement ratio, the flexural stiffness of SFCB concrete beams is between that of steel‐reinforced concrete beams and FRP‐reinforced concrete beams. Increasing the steel content of SFCB can effectively improve the flexural stiffness of the test beams, while the influence of concrete strength on flexural stiffness is relatively weak. The existing codes or stiffness calculation models cannot accurately predict the short‐term flexural stiffness of SFCB concrete beams. Based on existing research studies, this paper further determines and proposes a calculation formula for the flexural stiffness of SFCB concrete beams and verifies it with the test results. The results show that the proposed formula is in good agreement with the experimental results.
Evaluation of abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscles thickness and relation to endurance, pain, fatigue and functional mobility in patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome: a case-control study
Authors: Mirza Yasemin , Sari Fulden , Yılmaz Pınar Diydem , Küçük Adem 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
The aim of present study was to compare abdominal (transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and external oblique (EO)) and lumbar multifidus muscles (LM) evaluated with ultrasonographic (US) imaging in patients with FM (Fibromyalgia) and asymptomatic individuals and to examine the relationship between these muscle thickness and endurance, pain, fatigue and functional mobility.

Methods
Women with FM group (n: 53, age: 45.96 ± 9.96 years), and asymptomatic control group (n: 49, age: 45.12 ± 7.28), were included in this study. Pain severity, disease activity, physical activity level, fatique, thickness of TrA, IO, EO and LM muscles and endurance, and functional mobility were evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), US imaging, McGill core endurance tests, and physical fitness tests, respectively. FM patients were classified according to the FSS score.

Results
The thickness of the IO (right side) (p = 0.013) and LM (both sides) (p < 0.001) muscles, lumbopelvic muscle endurance (all p < 0.001) and physical fitness tests (all p < 0.001) were lower in FM group compared to the asymptomatic group. No statistically significant differences were found in TrA, IO (left side), EO muscles thickness between the two groups (all p > 0.05). LM muscle thickness was significantly correlated with lumbopelvic muscle endurance (all p < 0.05), physical fitness tests (all p < 0.001) and fatique (p = 0.001). Moreover, significant differences in LM muscle thickness (p = 0.007), trunk flexor muscle endurance (p = 0.016), left trunk lateral flexor muscle endurance (p = 0.045) and 30-s chair stand test (p = 0.025) in favor of the low-fatigue group were detected.

Conclusion
The thickness of LM muscle, lumbopelvik endurance and functional mobility in FM patients have been affected negatively. These findings should be considered in management of FM.
Association between the use of proton pump inhibitors and serum PSA levels in the general U.S. population
Authors: Bioletto Fabio , Calleris Giorgio , Aversa Luigi Simone , Oderda Marco , Marra Giancarlo , Parasiliti-Caprino Mirko , Gesmundo Iacopo , Granata Riccarda , Gontero Paolo , Ghigo Ezio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed drugs that have been associated with increased prostate cancer (PCa) cell proliferation in vitro and worse oncological outcomes in vivo. However, data on their influence on PSA levels in the general population are lacking.

Methods
We extracted individual participant data from the 2001–2010 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), in which PSA levels were measured in all male participants aged 40 years or older. The association of PPI use with total PSA levels and free/total PSA ratio was evaluated through multivariable linear regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results
A total of 7366 subjects were included (median age: 53 years; median serum PSA: 0.9 ng/mL), of whom 746 were receiving PPI treatment at the time of the study. After adjustment for potential confounders, ongoing PPI use was associated with lower total PSA levels (-0.24 ng/mL, 95%CI: [-0.37,-0.11], p < 0.001), while no significant association with free/total PSA ratio was found (p = 0.881). A significant effect modification was observed according to age, with the association being limited to older participants (≥ 60 years) at stratified analyses.

Conclusions
Contrary to the available data in the context of PCa, we found no evidence of increased PSA levels in PPI users with no prostate malignancy. Instead, PPI use was associated with a decrease of total PSA in older adults. This adds knowledge on how PPIs may influence PSA in population-based screening programs.
A reparameterization-invariant Bayesian framework for uncertainty estimation and calibration of simple materials
Authors: Wollner Maximilian P. , Rolf-Pissarczyk Malte , Holzapfel Gerhard A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this work, we attempt to formalize the many concepts involved in the calibration of constitutive models to experimental data, restricting ourselves to the class of simple materials and spatially-homogeneous experiments. To begin with, we revisit the widely used method of least-squares and discuss its ambiguities and shortcomings. Here, Bayesian inference presents an alternative and closely-related approach to parameter identification, which we introduce with the help of a simple mechanical example using Student’s t-distribution. We then derive a reparameterization-invariant posterior for the probabilistic calibration of a simple material given a general collection of spatially-homogeneous experiments, which constitutes the main result of the work. The proposed Bayesian framework is subsequently applied to a simple but illustrative example: parameter identification in a three-term Ogden model to the classic Treloar data on rubber. Finally, the general properties of the posterior and the results of its application invite a discussion about the subtleties and consequences of model calibration in continuum mechanics, such as the information content of different experimental setups or the interaction between number of experimental data versus number of material parameters.
Radiation-induced changes in salivary metabolite profile and pathways in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Ramsay Saga , Hyvärinen Eelis , González-Arriagada Wilfredo , Salo Tuula , Ajudarte Lopes Marcio , Mikkonen Jopi J. W. , Kashyap Bina , Kullaa Arja M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
This longitudinal study assessed the salivary metabolic profile in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy (RT). This study aims to investigate salivary metabolites and biological oral pathways induced by RT.

Methods
Clinical data and unstimulated whole-mouth saliva (USWMS) were obtained from 45 HNC patients before, during, and one week after the RT. Data was also collected from 30 healthy controls. NMR spectroscopy identified and quantified 24 metabolites. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis and pathway enrichment analysis (MetaboAnalyst 6.0) was performed to check the effect of cancer therapy on the correlation and pathways of different salivary metabolites.

Results
Of 24 metabolites identified, 17 salivary metabolites showed a consistent decrease in the concentration during and after treatment of HNC patients. The metabolite proline decreased, whereas fucose and 1,2-Propanediol were increased in the saliva causing altered redox balance and abnormal fucosylation in HNC patients compared to controls. Spearman correlation analysis indicated changes between pyruvate and some other metabolites, including alanine, trimethylamine, choline, taurine, and succinate, during RT. Five pathways (Pyruvate metabolism; Glycolysis / Gluconeogenesis; Glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; and Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism) are affected, demonstrating the metabolic dysregulation due to RT. The pyruvate metabolism was overpresented with the high Pathway Impact score.

Conclusion
Salivary metabolomics analysis revealed significant alterations in the metabolic profile of HNC patients undergoing RT, providing valuable insights into treatment-induced oral pathobiological changes. Alterations in salivary pathways during RT suggest disturbances in redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The ability to monitor salivary metabolites and pathways non-invasively holds promise to personalized medicine in HNC treatment by enabling early detection of treatment-related toxicities, monitoring treatment response, and tailoring interventions to patient needs.