bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The involvement of RNA N6‐methyladenosine and histone methylation modification in decidualization and endometriosis‐associated infertility
Authors: Lin Xiang , Dai Yongdong , Gu Weijia , Zhang Yi , Zhuo Feng , Zhao Fanxuan , Jin Xiaoying , Li Chao , Huang Dong , Tong Xiaomei , Zhang Songying
Published: February 2024

Defective decidualization of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in endometriosis (EM) patients leads to inadequate endometrial receptivity and EM‐associated infertility. Hypoxia is an inevitable pathological process of EM and participates in deficient decidualization of the eutopic secretory endometrium. Enhancer of zeste homology 2 (EZH2) is a methyltransferase which catalyses H3K27Me3, leading to decreased expression levels of target genes. Although EZH2 expression is low under normal decidualization, it is abundantly increased in the eutopic secretory endometrium of EM and is induced by hypoxia. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐PCR results revealed that decidua marker IGFBP1 is a direct target of EZH2, partially explaining the increased levels of histone methylation modification in defected decidualization of EM. To mechanism controlling this, we examined the effects of hypoxia on EZH2 and decidualization. EZH2 mRNA showed decreased m6A modification and increased expression levels under hypoxia and decidualization combined treatment. Increased EZH2 expression was due to the increased expression of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 and decreased expression of the m6A reader protein YTHDF2. YTHDF2 directly bind to the m6A modification site of EZH2 to promote EZH2 mRNA degradation in ESCs. Moreover, selective Ezh2 depletion in mouse ESCs increased endometrial receptivity and improved mouse fertility by up‐regulating decidua marker IGFBP1 expression. This is the first report showing that YTHDF2 can act as a m6A reader to promote decidualization by decreasing the stability of EZH2 mRNA and further increasing the expression of IGFBP1 in ESCs. Taken together, our findings highlight the critical role of EZH2/H3K27Me3 in decidualization and reveal a novel epigenetic mechanism by which hypoxia can suppress EM decidualization by decreasing the m6A modification of EZH2 mRNA.
Development of Monte Carlo neutral transport code and the application to methane seeding plasma detachment
Authors: Bian Yu , Wang Yilin , Sang Chaofeng , Wu Yihan , Zhang Mingzhou , Wang Yue
Published: February 2024

The collisions between neutral particles and plasma in the divertor region determine divertor detachment and heat flux to the target. However, the diagnostic of neutral particle information in the tokamak experiment is very lacking. To study the behavior of neutral particles in the boundary region flexibly and comprehensively, a two‐dimensional kinetic neutral transport code based on Monte Carlo method is developed in this work. The code is applied to simulate the neutral particles in the boundary of EAST device. Firstly, the simulation results are compared with EIRENE using an identical plasma background, and good agreement is obtained. Secondly, the transport of methane and the corresponding hydrocarbon compounds is simulated using the developed code. The methane injection case is compared with the injection of carbon and deuterium molecule mixture gas (ratio 1:2) to investigate their impact on detachment and fueling. The simulation reveals that, compared to the direct carbon atom injection case, charge‐exchange collision is the dominant collision of neutral methane (hydrocarbons), which suppresses divertor power radiation and plasma detachment while promoting the improvement of fueling efficiency.
Experimental verification of voltage boost control in a hybrid system using D‐EPC
Authors: Matsuno Hiroki , Akiyama Hiromu , Yoshimoto Kantaro , Yokoyama Tomoki
Published: February 2024

A novel voltage boost system using DC‐inputs direct electric‐power converter (D‐EPC) is proposed. D‐EPC is an inverter that can control the distribution of power from two sources. In this study, a voltage boost system without boost chopper was developed using the power distribution control of D‐EPC. The power distribution control can control the voltage of the smoothing capacitor in the D‐EPC. The effectiveness of the proposed voltage boost system was verified using a prototype of the D‐EPC circuit and controller.
Advances in Liquid Crystal Epoxy: Molecular Structures, Thermal Conductivity, and Promising Applications in Thermal Management
Authors: Zhou Wenying , Wang Yun , Kong Fanrong , Peng Weiwei , Wang Yandong , Yuan Mengxue , Han Xiaopeng , Liu Xiangrong , Li Bo
Published: February 2024

Traditional heat conductive epoxy composites often fall short in meeting the escalating heat dissipation demands of large‐power, high‐frequency, and high‐voltage insulating packaging applications, due to the challenge of achieving high thermal conductivity (k), desirable dielectric performance, and robust thermomechanical properties simultaneously. Liquid crystal epoxy (LCE) emerges as a unique epoxy, exhibiting inherently high k achieved through the self‐assembly of mesogenic units into ordered structures. This characteristic enables liquid crystal epoxy to retain all the beneficial physical properties of pristine epoxy, while demonstrating a prominently enhanced k. As such, liquid crystal epoxy materials represent a promising solution for thermal management, with potential to tackle the critical issues and technical bottlenecks impeding the increasing miniaturization of microelectronic devices and electrical equipment. This article provides a comprehensive review on recent advances in liquid crystal epoxy, emphasizing the correlation between liquid crystal epoxy's microscopic arrangement, organized mesoscopic domain, k, and relevant physical properties. The impacts of LC units and curing agents on the development of ordered structure are discussed, alongside the consequent effects on the k, dielectric, thermal, and other properties. External processing factors such as temperature and pressure and their influence on the formation and organization of structured domains are also evaluated. Finally, potential applications that could benefit from the emergence of liquid crystal epoxy are reviewed.
Effect of Ge Incorporation on Lead‐free Cs‐based Triiodide Sn−Ge Co‐alloy Perovskite Thin Films by Spin Coating
Authors: Li Hongyu , Ye Chao , Yang Jianming , Jiang Yu , Wu Zhifang , Donaev Sardor Burkhanovich , Wang Shenghao
Published: February 2024

A new Sn−Ge co‐alloy perovskite that does not contain toxic Pb is attracting attention due to its excellent predicted optoelectronic properties. However, most current research only focuses on compositions with Ge content up to 50 %, resulting in a limited overall understanding on this material system. In this study, CsSn1–xGexI3 (0≤x≤1) perovskite thin films were fabricated using spin coating method and characterized in terms of crystallographic, morphological and optical characteristics systematically. The results show that the Ge incorporation causes lattice shrinkage and a change in the crystallographic phase from orthorhombic to trigonal. Additionally, the coverage varies much as Ge increases. The Ge incorporation also results in a blueshift of the photoluminescence peak and a decrease in luminescence intensity as compared to the composition with lower Ge content. Moreover, the carrier dynamics measurement shows that the Ge incorporation increases the carrier nonradiative recombination. This work provides important hints for the development of the Sn−Ge alloy‐based perovskite solar cell.
Rational Design of Metallylenes for Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Tiekink Eveline H. , Lekanne Deprez Siebe , Vermeeren Pascal , Hamlin Trevor A.
Published: February 2024

The hydrogenation of alkenes, alkynes, carbonyls, and imines by H2‐activated metallylenes (H3C−EH2−L, CELH2; E=Si, Ge, Sn and L=NMe2, PMe2) was studied using relativistic density functional theory at ZORA‐BP86/TZ2P. By means of activation strain and Kohn–Sham molecular orbital analyses, the physical factors underlying the trends in reactivity were identified and quantified. Firstly, the hydrogenation reactivity increases on descending Group 14, that is from silylenes (E=Si) to stannylenes (E=Sn). This reactivity trend originates primarily from a reduced energy required to break the bonds between the Group 14 atom and the hydrogen atoms because the strength of these bonds decreases from Si−H to Ge−H to Sn−H. Secondly, the reactivity decreases as the Group 15 ligand changes from nitrogen to phosphorus (L=NMe2, PMe2) which stems from the trigonal pyramidal PMe2 geometry compared to the trigonal planar NMe2 geometry. The latter can, therefore, effectively engage in stronger orbital interactions with the substrate than the former, due to a more efficient HOMO–LUMO orbital overlap. By combining our insights, we rationally designed an optimally tuned catalyst (Group 14 atom and ligand) considering the overall catalytic cycle involving H2 activation of the metallylene and subsequent hydrogenation.
Particle focusing mechanisms in λ‐DNA solution flowing in a straight microchannel
Authors: Chen Dalin , Huang Qiang , Ni Zhonghua , Xiang Nan
Published: February 2024

Most biological fluids (such as blood, saliva, and lymph) in nature have certain viscoelasticity and are beginning to be used as the carrying fluids for viscoelastic microfluidics. However, the particle‐focusing mechanisms in these new biological viscoelastic fluids are still unclear. In this work, the particle‐focusing mechanisms in λ‐DNA solutions were systematically explored. We first explored the particle focusing dynamics in a square cross‐section under varied flow rates to uncover the effects of flow rate on particle focusing. Three focusing stages, from the classic five‐position viscoelastic focusing to single‐stream focusing and finally to multiplex‐stream focusing, were clearly demonstrated. In addition, the particle focusing process along the channel length was demonstrated, and a first‐fast‐and‐then‐slow focusing process was clearly observed. Then, the effects of λ‐DNA concentrations on particle focusing were explored and compared using the solutions with 0–25 ppm λ‐DNA. Finally, we discussed the inferences of blockage ratio on particle focusing by changing the particle diameter and cross‐sectional dimensions. Our work may provide a deeper understanding on the particle focusing mechanisms in biological viscoelastic fluids and lays a foundation for the subsequent particle counting and analysis and the development of low‐cost portable flow cytometers.
Online Lifecycle Operating Costs Minimization Strategy for Fuel Cell Buses Considering Power Sources Degradation
Authors: Qin Dongchen , He Kun , Liu Fengdan , Wang Tingting , Chen Jiangyi
Published: February 2024

The high operating costs limit the popularity and development of fuel cell buses (FCBs). To enhance the lifecycle operating economy of FCBs, this article analyzes the impact of power sources degradation on operating costs and proposes an online operating costs minimization strategy, which integrates online state of health (SOH) estimation, online multiobjective optimization, and online adaptive adjustment into the control strategy framework. Specifically, the SOH of the power sources is estimated by cycle life models in real time. The hydrogen consumption, battery energy consumption, and power sources degradation are incorporated into the objective function and adjusted in real time according to the SOH. Under different SOH, the simulation results indicate that compared with the equivalent consumption minimization strategy, the proposed strategy can reduce fuel cell and battery degradation by 13.8% and 5%, and decrease operating costs by 5.3%. Moreover, the adaptability of the control strategy is enhanced throughout the full lifecycle.
Scaffolding future Latinx evaluators toward racial justice: Lessons learned from Stafford
Authors: Sperling Rick , Quetzeri Vanessa , Cuevas Azucena , Martinez Melanie
Published: February 2024

Continuing the journey of culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) requires attending to the ways in which we prepare future evaluators. That means moving beyond treating evaluator education as a one size fits all technical exercise. We must take into consideration student identities and experiences, as well as historical and contemporary ideological currents, many of which are at odds with CRE principles and work against our own values. In this article, we, the program director, two graduates, and one current student in St. Mary's University's academic certificate program in Community‐based Assessment and Evaluation, share our experiences with evaluator education at a Hispanic‐Serving Institution. Collectively, we have come to realize that the pursuit of cultural competence often requires resisting both feigned color‐blindness and outright racism as they exist outside and inside of ourselves. Our success depends on applying core ideas of CRE to the evaluator education process by recognizing and responding to ourselves as actors within a sociopolitical and cultural context. Only by giving ourselves and our positionality the same attention we give community members can we do justice to the evaluator education process. Hopefully, our stories will enliven discussion on how best to amplify the power of our emerging evaluators as they begin their careers.
Tracing the relationship(s) of CRE and LGBTQ+ Evaluation
Authors: Felt Dylan , Phillips Gregory , Miller Robin L.
Published: February 2024

This article explores the close relationships between LGBTQ+ Evaluation (LGBTQ+E) and Culturally Responsive Evaluation (CRE). First, we consider the role of CRE spaces, scholars, and practitioners in supporting LGBTQ+E, including Dr. Stafford Hood, who helped us break through barriers that kept LGBTQ+E practices marginalized in the evaluation canon. We reflect on parallel developmental trajectories, and explore how LGBTQ+E embodies CRE. Finally, we discuss how LGBTQ+E and CRE can evolve through deepening their relationships and attending more meaningfully to intersectional and international work.
Calling it like we see it!: Our reflections, positionality, and vision for CRE's future
Authors: Thomas Veronica G. , Bledsoe Katrina L.
Published: February 2024

This article highlights the reflections and positionality of two African American women evaluators who have unapologetically integrated their professional and personal identities into their culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) scholarship and practice. After a brief overview of culturally responsive evaluation (CRE), the authors describe how their positionality and intersectionality as African American women (among other identities) inevitably frame their evaluative thinking and practice. Subsequently, they describe critical moments in their CRE journey over the past 25 years, particularly illuminating the influence of Stafford Hood. They conclude with a vision for CRE as a tool to help reduce inequalities and improve the lives of individuals and communities, especially those often marginalized and excluded.
Epilogue: The view from here
Authors: Hall Melvin E.
Published: February 2024

This NDE volume has recounted the legacy of Stafford Hood from multiples angles of vision. This Epilogue centers the original 1998 conceptualization of culturally responsive evaluation and discusses how a diverse professional community came together to dialogue, debate, reflect, and create, fleshing out culturally responsive evaluation and assessment in both theory and practice. Three conference themes—from CREA I, CREA V, and CREA VII—illustrate these critical conversations. The Epilogue closes with Stafford's exhortations on our responsibilities as culturally responsive evaluators and assessment specialists.
A novel stabilized nodal integration formulation using particle finite element method for incompressible flow analysis
Authors: Yu Lu‐Jia , Jin Yin‐Fu , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Chen Jian‐Fei
Published: February 2024

In simulations using the particle finite element method (PFEM) with node‐based strain smoothing technique (NS‐PFEM) to simulate the incompressible flow, spatial and temporal instabilities have been identified as crucial problems. Accordingly, this study presents a stabilized NS‐PFEM‐FIC formulation to simulate an incompressible fluid with free‐surface flow. In the proposed approach, (1) stabilization is achieved by implementing the gradient strain field in place of the constant strain field over the smoothing domains, handling spatial and temporal instabilities in direct nodal integration; (2) the finite increment calculus (FIC) stabilization terms are added using nodal integration, and a three‐step fractional step method is adopted to update pressures and velocities; and (3) a novel slip boundary with the predictor–corrector algorithm is developed to deal with the interaction between the free‐surface flow with rigid walls, avoiding the pressure concentration induced by standard no‐slip condition. The proposed stabilized NS‐PFEM‐FIC is validated via several classical numerical cases (hydrostatic test, water jet impinging, water dam break, and water dam break on a rigid obstacle). Comparisons of all simulations to the experimental results and other numerical solutions reveal good agreement, demonstrating the strong ability of the proposed stabilized NS‐PFEM‐FIC to solve incompressible free‐surface flow with high accuracy and promising application prospects.
Age‐related subtypes of late life depression and mortality: A prospective clinical cohort study
Authors: Lugtenburg Astrid , Zuidersma Marij , Rius Ottenheim Nathaly , Rhebergen Didi , Oude Voshaar Richard C.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Late Life Depression (LLD) is associated with increased mortality rates, but it remains unclear which depressed patients are at increased risk. This study examined the mortality risk of previously identified subgroups of depressed older patients based on age‐related clinical features (the presence of physical and cognitive frailty).

Methods

A six‐year follow‐up of a clinical cohort study including 375 depressed older patients and 132 non‐depressed persons (NESDO). Depressed patients were diagnosed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) according to DSM‐IV criteria and classified by latent profile analysis on depressive symptom severity, cognitive domains and physical frailty. We estimated the hazard rate of mortality for the four depressed subgroups compared to non‐depressed persons by applying Cox‐regression analyses. Models were adjusted for age, sex and education as confounders and for explanatory variables per pathway in separate models: somatic burden, lifestyle characteristics, vascular burden or inflammation markers.

Results

A total of 61/375 (16.3%) depressed patients and 8/132 (6.1%) non‐depressed persons died during the 6‐year follow‐up. Two of the four subgroups (n = 186/375 (50%) of the depressed sample) had a higher hazard rate (HR) for mortality compared to non‐depressed participants, that is, frail‐depressed patients (HR = 5.25, [95%‐CI: 2.13–13.0]) and pure mild depressed patients (HR = 3.32 [95%‐CI: 1.46–7.58]) adjusted for confounders. Adding possible underlying pathways did not explain these associations.

Conclusions

Age‐related features (the presence of physical and cognitive frailty) contribute to the increased mortality risk in late‐life depression. Future studies in depressed older patients should study the additional value of a clinical geriatric assessment and integrated treatment aimed to at reduce frailty and ameliorate their mortality risk.
A supervised machine learning model for identifying predictive factors for recommending head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Jiam Max L. , Xin Kevin Z. , Ha Patrick K. , Jiam Nicole T.
Published: February 2024

Background

New patient referrals are often processed by practice coordinators with little‐to‐no medical background. Treatment delays due to incorrect referral processing, however, have detrimental consequences. Identifying variables that are associated with a higher likelihood of surgical oncological resection may improve patient referral processing and expedite the time to treatment. The study objective is to develop a supervised machine learning (ML) platform that identifies relevant variables associated with head and neck surgical resection.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 64 222 patient datapoints from the SEER database.

Results

The random forest ML model correctly classified patients who were offered head and neck surgery with an 81% accuracy rate. The sensitivity and specificity rates were 86% and 71%. The positive and negative predictive values were 85% and 73%.

Conclusions

ML modeling accurately predicts head and neck cancer surgery recommendations based on patient and cancer information from a large population‐based dataset. ML adjuncts for referral processing may decrease the time to treatment for patients with cancer.
Development of a Novel Measurement Setup to Study and Predict Electrostatic Discharges in Agitated Glass‐Lined Vessels
Authors: Brönnimann Benedikt Robert , Egli‐Tedesco Daniel , Schwenzfeuer Klaus , Zogg Andreas
Published: February 2024

Two glass lined reactors in a launch platform facility operated by Syngenta have been damaged during the crystallization of an organic compound due to electrostatic discharges. The goal of this work was to design and commission a novel setup to measure charges and currents generated by this slurry in a laboratory‐scale reactor. An improved and more sophisticated setup was then proposed for possible implementation in Syngenta's own laboratories. With this novel setup, the electrostatic charging of stirred suspensions involving nonconductive solvents could be accurately measured in the context of a case study that involved the suspension that led to liner damages in the production facilities of Syngenta.
A novel tool for risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, assessment, and therapy in postpartum depression
Authors: Sharma Prachi , Khera Kanav
Published: February 2024

Postpartum depression (PPD), as a common condition occurring in women in the postnatal period, is underdiagnosed, seldom identified, and infrequently treated. Undiagnosed PPD can have negative consequences for overall quality‐of‐life outcomes in the mother, psychological growth of the infant, and bonding between the infant and its mother. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of PPD can lead to an improvement in postpartum maternal health and a healthier relationship between the mother and her infant. Additionally, early identification of risk factors in the prenatal and antenatal period can enable preventive treatment and ensure that the expectant or pregnant woman remains free of disease after giving birth. Therefore, we propose a protocol for the risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, assessment, and therapy of postnatal depression (RASDAT). The RASDAT protocol recommends assessment of risk factors for PPD in the perinatal period as well as early diagnosis and treatment in the early‐to‐mid postpartum period. It also recognizes, for the first time, insomnia and anxiety as important predictors, comorbidities, and poor prognostic factors in postpartum depression. Further studies are necessary to determine the feasibility and applicability of this novel tool, including costs of availing health facilities, burden on the health system, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices among physicians and clinical pharmacists regarding PPD and its resolution.
PyRETIS 3: Conquering rare and slow events without boundaries
Authors: Vervust Wouter , Zhang Daniel T. , Ghysels An , Roet Sander , van Erp Titus S. , Riccardi Enrico
Published: February 2024

We present and discuss the advancements made in PyRETIS 3, the third instalment of our Python library for an efficient and user‐friendly rare event simulation, focused to execute molecular simulations with replica exchange transition interface sampling (RETIS) and its variations. Apart from a general rewiring of the internal code towards a more modular structure, several recently developed sampling strategies have been implemented. These include recently developed Monte Carlo moves to increase path decorrelation and convergence rate, and new ensemble definitions to handle the challenges of long‐lived metastable states and transitions with unbounded reactant and product states. Additionally, the post‐analysis software PyVisa is now embedded in the main code, allowing fast use of machine‐learning algorithms for clustering and visualising collective variables in the simulation data.
The optimal cut‐off value of five‐time chair stand test for assessing sarcopenia among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Li Yu‐Hua , Wang Xiu‐Hua , Ya Shi , Jiaoling Huang , Hua Nan
Published: February 2024

Background

The five‐time chair stand test (5CST) as an indicator of muscle strength and physical function is the first step in assessing sarcopenia. We aimed to determine the optimal cut‐off value of the 5CST for assessing older adults with sarcopenia in the Chinese community.

Methods

We used a stratified cluster random sampling method to recruit older adults from Chinese communities. The handgrip strength was assessed using an electronic handgrip dynamometer. The 5CST and gait speed were assessed by the trained researchers. The bioimpedance analysis device was used to evaluate the skeletal muscle index. We used the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia diagnosis criteria as the gold standard. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, we determine the optimal cut‐off value using the Youden index.

Results

A total of 1027 participants were included in this analysis, including 337 men and 690 women with an average age of 70.35 ± 7.24 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia in total participants was 24.9%. The optimal cut‐off value of 5CST in the total population was 10.9 s. Stratified by age and gender, for the older adults aged 60–69 years, the optimal cut‐off values were 9.2 s in men and 10.8 s in women; for the older adults aged 70–79 years, cut‐off values were 10.2 s in men and 10.9 s in women; and for the older adults over 80 years, cut‐off values were 14.0 s in men and 11.5 s in women (all P < 0.001). The areas under the curve of 5CST were 0.632 in men and 0.650 in women (both P < 0.001). Using the newly defined cut‐off values, the prevalence of sarcopenia increased significantly (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We determined the optimal cut‐off value of the 5CST for assessing older adults with sarcopenia in the Chinese community, and this cut‐off can significantly improve the detection rate of sarcopenia. The cut‐off determined in our study will help community workers detect more people with sarcopenia and benefit from early intervention and management of sarcopenia in practice.
Synthesizing a transesterification catalyst via a condensation reaction and assessment of the mechanism using density functional theory
Authors: Wang Jinxia , He Shuiqing , Yuan Hong
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

A solid acid (SPEI–EN–OHCMs) having dendritic –NH2 groups was prepared via oxidation of hydrothermal carbon microspheres (OHCMs) followed by a condensation reaction with the –NH2 groups of polyethyleneimine and sulfonation. The mechanism by which –COOH groups on the surfaces of OHCMs reacted with these –NH2 groups was assessed using density functional theory (DFT).

RESULT

Activation using a combination of 1‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐3‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) was found to promote the formation of amide bonds such that –NH2 groups were bonded to the microsphere surfaces. This effect provided more bonding sites for –SO3H groups. The DFT results indicated that the energy barrier on the potential energy surface in the presence of EDC and NHS was lowered by 18.1 kcal mol−1. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses also confirmed the introduction of –NH2 groups followed by –SO3H groups onto the surfaces of the OHCMs. The concentration of surface acid sites on SPEI–EN–OHCMs was found to be as high as 11.8 mmol g−1. Thermogravimetric data and elemental analysis results showed that the –SO3H groups on the SPEI–EN–OHCM surfaces were thermally stable below 180 °C.

CONCLUSION

The SPEI–EN–OHCMs catalyst was used to promote the transesterification reaction of waste frying oil with methanol. A trial with a methanol‐to‐oil molar ratio of 10:1 at 110 °C for 4 h gave a fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield of 92.3%. After four reuses, an SPEI–EN–OHCMs specimen provided a FAME yield of 54.3%. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Assessing methodological quality in dental education research using MERSQI: Analysis of publications from two journals
Authors: Sukotjo Cortino , Koseoglu Merve , Suwannasin Pitcha , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Park Yoon Soo , Johnson Bradford Ray , Thammasitboon Kewalin , Tekian Ara
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) has been used frequently to assess the methodological quality of medical education but not for dental education. The present study aimed to assess the methodological quality using MERSQI scores of articles published in the Journal of Dental Education (JDE) and the European Journal of Dental Education (EJDE).

Methods

A cross‐sectional assessment of the quality of manuscripts published in 2012, 2017, and 2022 JDE and EJDE was conducted. MERSQI data, numbers of authors, first and corresponding author degrees, geographic origins, and funding information were also extracted for each included study. Descriptive and analytical statistics were conducted, and significance level was set at α < 0.05.

Results

Four hundred ninety‐five articles met the inclusion criteria. The most common study design was a single‐group cross‐sectional or single‐group posttest and conducted in one institution for all studied years. In all journals and years, studies were assessed mainly by participants. The study outcome was mostly satisfaction, attitudes, perceptions, opinions, and general facts. The total mean MERSQI score for each journal and year varied. Year and geographic origin significantly affected the total MERSQI score. Papers originating from Asia had the highest score, followed by South America, Europe, North America, Oceania, and Africa.

Conclusion

MERSQI score is applicable to the assessment of the methodological quality of dental educational research. The MERSQI score for most of the domains was similar for both journals. The MERSQI score was affected by publication years and geographic origins.
The effects of a training package to teach note taking on the formation of equivalence classes
Authors: Frampton Sarah E. , Linehan Emily
Published: February 2024

Effective note taking may enhance learning outcomes for students and serve as a directly observable form of mediation within a test context. Frampton et al. (2023) used stimulus fading to teach note taking in the form of a graphic organizer (GO) during matching‐to‐sample baseline relations training (MTS‐BRT). Moderately high yields were observed with young adults despite the use of linear series training, abstract stimuli, and five‐member classes. The present study taught the same note taking strategy using an intervention package including video illustration, voice‐over instructions, and feedback to eight college students. Participants were taught to construct the GO during MTS‐BRT with three three‐member classes of familiar stimuli. Then the effects of MTS‐BRT alone with three five‐member classes of abstract stimuli was evaluated. Participants efficiently completed training with familiar stimuli and passed the posttest on the first attempt. With the abstract stimuli, participants engaged in GO construction during MTS‐BRT and the six participants that demonstrated high levels of fidelity to the trained note taking strategy passed the posttest on the first attempt. These results replicate findings from Frampton et al. while using a more efficient intervention package. Benefits of teaching overt mediation responses are discussed as well as future directions for translation to applied contexts.
Clinical Bootcamp: Moving toward competency outside of the clinic
Authors: Dugan R. Beth , Yashar Beverly M. , Marvin Monica
Published: February 2024

The COVID‐19 Pandemic placed many challenges on the healthcare system. As healthcare providers were stretched thin and clinics were closed to any non‐essential personnel, including learners, educational programs across the country scrambled to meet the needs of their students. In response to restrictions placed on traditional in‐person clinical training, the University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program (UMGCP) designed a Clinical Bootcamp (Bootcamp); a two‐weeklong, blended educational activity using a framework of case‐based learning (CBL) (McLean, 2016). Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development, 3, JMECD.S20377). Herein is a description of the theory behind the design as well as specific details of the activities and evaluations to aid implementation and ideas for future applications. Activities developed for the Clinical Bootcamp retain relevance when clinical sites and experienced clinical supervisors are limited resources. We believe the Bootcamp can serve as a tool to expedite the transition of clinical skills to a new setting, allowing students to engage more fully upon entering a new clinical space, leading to optimal use of supervisors' time and experience, and allowing students to maximize the benefit of their time in clinic.
Japanese Patient Engagement Promotion Training (J‐PEPT): Learning course on the implementation strategy of patient engagement
Authors: Kurihara Masaru , Kosaka Shintaro , Yasumoto Yusuke , Yamaguchi Akie , Yoshida Tomomi , Iyasu Ayako , Kashiwagi Hideyuki , Kimura Toru , Enomoto Kiichi , Tanno Kiyomi , Inoue Keiko , Ishihara Yaeko , Iwaya Noriko , Takuya Aoki
Published: February 2024

Patient engagement for patient safety is emphasized in recent years. Therefore, the Committee on Quality and Patient Safety of the Japan Primary Care Association developed a Japanese Patient Engagement Promotion Training (J‐PEPT) course. J‐PEPT promotes to facilitate the implementation of PE strategies and contributes to nationwide dissemination for patient safety.
Perspective of radiography science – a document analysis of dissertations
Authors: Törnroos Sanna , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Siekkinen Mervi , Metsälä Eija
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to clarify the perspective of radiography science as an academic discipline. A discipline can be studied by discovering the collective use of concepts, especially core concepts. We have previously identified the core concepts as clinical practices in radiography, radiographers' profession, safe and high‐quality radiation use, and technology in radiography. The relationships between these concepts have not been studied previously. In order to clarify the perspective of radiography science we have investigated further the core concepts, their interrelationships and interdependencies.

Methods

Altogether, 53 dissertations meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for a qualitative document analysis. The data were first analysed deductively using an extraction matrix comprising four core concepts developed from previous studies, then relational statements were synthesised, and the statements were analysed semantically.

Results

Analysis revealed the bilateral interrelationships between the concepts and their dependencies. All the concepts were used within healthcare. The rationale for radiography science research was the clinical practice of radiography and the improvement of services in a complex environment as a part of patients' pathways. Safe and high‐quality radiation use was investigated as a means to deliver optimal services. Technology was studied as being functional or a means to deliver services. The perspective of the discipline was seen as the combination of humanistic interaction with advanced technology, where safety and quality were a necessity.

Conclusions

Defining core concepts and their interrelations clarifies the perspective of the discipline and gives radiography researchers a way to argue their viewpoint.
Moisture sources and pathways during an extreme rainfall event over South Korea and the role of sea surface temperature anomalies in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea
Authors: Cao Yuan , Qiao Zeyu , Li Weidong , Ni Guangheng , Tian Yinglin , Liu Jiahui , Zhong Deyu , Zhang Yu , Wang Guangqian , Hu Xilin , Liu Jiajia
Published: February 2024

On August 8th, 2022, an extreme rainfall event (the 88ER) occurred over South Korea's metropolitan area and resulted in immense losses of human lives and properties. Previous study has attributed the rainfall event to the intersection of warm and cold air induced by a Northeast China Cold Vortex (NCCV) and the persistently northward displacement of the West Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH). However, in addition to dynamic drivers, understanding the moisture transport of the 88ER is likewise crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent rainstorm disasters. In this study, based on the output from a WRF model, the primary moisture sources and transport pathways of the 88ER are investigated in a Lagrangian view. The Yellow Sea and East China Sea (YSECS) are identified as the most significant moisture source region (84.42%), followed by South Korea (KR), the eastern China (EC) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which contribute 12.52%, 1.52% and 1.43% of the released moisture, respectively. Furthermore, to assess the sensitivity of moisture fluxes and heavy rainfall to the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the YSECS, an additional WRF model experiment is conducted in which the SST anomalies are replaced by the average SST over the past 30 years. It is found that the SST anomalies in the YSECS cause differences in atmospheric circulation, and therefore exert a strong influence on moisture transport. The SST anomalies finally enhance the moisture contribution of the YSECS by 1.72%, but decrease that over KR, EC and DPRK by 1.03%, 0.35% and 0.33%, respectively.
The impact and mechanism analysis of preceding sea surface temperature anomalies on summer runoff in the Yangtze River basin and its southern region
Authors: Zhang Siyu , Qin Jun , Ren Hong‐Li
Published: February 2024

The Yangtze River basin (YRB) and its southern region in China (20°–34°N, 104°–123°E, YRBSC) are highly susceptible to climate change and experience extreme hydrological events. To understand the spatial and temporal distribution of summer runoff in these regions, a statistical diagnosis method was applied using monthly mean runoff grid data, global Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data and meteorological reanalysis data from 1980 to 2022. The analysis revealed that variations in the isotropic phase within the YRBSC and the north–south inverse phase with the Yangtze River as the boundary are the main modes of summer runoff. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between winter SST anomalies (SSTAs) and late summer runoff in the YRBSC, as determined through singular value decomposition (SVD). In the first type of positive SSTA years, the eastward advance of the South Asian high pressure (SAH) and westward shift of the subtropical high pressure (SH) result in sufficient water vapour, strong upward movement and increased summer runoff. The second type of positive SSTA years exhibits a westward retreat of the SAH, upward movement north of 28°N, and downward movement between 20°N and 28°N. These conditions, combined with water vapour intermixing and dispersion, lead to a northward increase and southward decrease of summer runoff in the YRBSC, with the boundary at 28°N. Additionally, the study analysed the extreme drought situation observed in the YRB during the summer of 2022. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for ecological environmental protection, water resource planning and management in the region.
Improving the antibiotic duration of therapy with the implementation of antimicrobial lanyard cards and education in a regional hospital
Authors: Ball Lisa , Fowler Tyrone , Daveson Kathryn
Published: February 2024

Background

There is increasing evidence to support reducing antibiotic duration of therapy (DoT). The Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic (version 16 [TG]) have been updated accordingly. However, these recommendations are not consistently followed.

Aim

The project aimed to reduce antibiotic DoT for common infections using antimicrobial lanyard cards and education.

Method

A retrospective pre‐ and post‐implementation audit was undertaken to examine whether antimicrobial stewardship education and lanyard cards defined DoT per infection and severity in accordance with the TG improved antibiotic DoT for common respiratory, urinary, abdominal, and skin infections. Cards were distributed to doctors and pharmacists, with education delivered by an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) pharmacist. This project was exempt due to the local policy requirements that constitute research by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference no: EX/2022/QTDD/86644). The justification for this ethics exemption was as follows: the study conformed with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ethical considerations in quality assurance and evaluation activities; education was incorporated as part of routine, scheduled sessions ran at Toowoomba hospital and staff were provided with information on the project as part of the education; consent was not required from staff to attend the education nor for using the lanyard cards; the research did not include any assessment of the education program, use of lanyard cards, or involvement of staff.

Results

For all patients an improvement was found in the percentage of antibiotics prescribed per the TG (55–72%, p = 0.0095). This included statistically significant differences for respiratory (42–89%, p = 0.0002), but not for urinary (87–91%, p = 0.99), skin (58–77%, p = 0.3039), or abdominal infections (48–44%, p = 0.6990). The mean total excess treatment days decreased across all infections from 1.86 to 0.95 days (p = 0.0036, 95% confidence interval = −1.52 to −0.30).

Conclusion

The introduction of antibiotic DoT cards, with AMS education, can improve antimicrobial prescribing in line with the TG in a regional hospital.
Herbal and dietary supplement induced liver injury leading to hepatitis‐associated severe aplastic anemia: A case report
Authors: Mercedes Rebecca , Harpavat Sanjiv , Hertel Paula M. , Sasa Ghadir , Kirk Susan , Patel Kalyani , Mysore Krupa R.
Published: February 2024

Herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are a common etiology of drug induced liver injury and, specifically, Herbalife® supplements have been implicated. Hepatitis associated aplastic anemia (HAAA) is a rare and potentially fatal complication after acute hepatitis characterized by pancytopenia. While there have been rare cases of HDS leading to HAAA, no cases of Herbalife® induced liver injury leading to HAAA have been reported from this specific HDS. We report a unique case of severe aplastic anemia developing after sub‐fulminant liver failure associated with chronic HDS use. This case illustrates the importance of warning the public about HDS as their use continues to increase. It is not only important to recognize HDS as etiology, but also for healthcare providers to carefully monitor these patients after resolution of liver injury for the development of HAAA.
Influencing factors and mechanisms on consumers' behavior: A case of tea tourism in China
Authors: Li Xiubai , Li Zhaorui , Kim Dongsan , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Jihao , Shui Yu
Published: February 2024

This study explores the factors affecting tea tourism, including the action mechanisms and the impact level of each factor influencing consumer behavior intentions, to contribute to predicting tea tourism consumer behavior. This study surveyed 377 potential tea tourists and constructed a theoretical model of tea tourism consumers' planned behavior using SPSS and AMOS. The results show that: (a) The experiential perception and opportunity perception of tea tourists can significantly affect their attitudes, (b) The self‐efficacy perception and convenience perception of tea tourists can significantly affect their perceptual control, and (c) The attitude of tea tourists can significantly positively influence their behavioral intention. This study not only broadens the applications boundary of the theory of planned behavior, but it also provides a new perspective for research on the behavioral awareness of tea tourism consumers. The findings have implications for predicting and promoting future tea tourism in China and beyond.
Ultrahigh Transverse Mode Purity by Enhanced Modal Filtering in Double‐Clad Single‐Ring Hollow‐Core Photonic Crystal Fiber
Authors: Luo Zhuozhao , Huang Jiapeng , Zheng Yu , Yin Ruochen , Zhang Long , Jiang Xin , Pang Meng
Published: February 2024

Maintaining high fundamental mode purity in low‐loss single‐ring hollow‐core photonic crystal fiber remains a key challenge. Here a double‐clad anti‐resonant‐reflecting design is reported that, through modal filtering, provides high suppression of higher‐order modes while maintaining a low‐loss fundamental mode. The structure consists of a ring of six thin‐walled capillaries fused to the inner wall of a thicker‐walled capillary that is in turn fused at a single point to the silica outer cladding. Greater than 40 dB m−1 suppression of higher order modes over a 6 nm wide window whose central wavelength can be tuned by adjusting the gas pressure is observed. The novel design paves the way to practical applications of such fibers in high‐quality laser beam delivery and low‐noise optical‐signal transmission.
The Isothermal Melting Kinetics of Ultra‐High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Crystals
Authors: Xue Jianwei , Lu Yaguang , Wang Binghua , Chen Jingbo , Shen Changyu , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2024

The isothermal melting behaviors of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with different entangled states (i.e., nascent and melt‐crystallized samples) are studied. For two kinds of UHMWPE samples, the result shows that the relative content of survived crystals (Xs) exponentially decreases with time and reaches a constant value. It is suggested that such a melting behavior is related to the observed nonlinear growth of crystals induced by the kinetically rejected entanglements accumulated at the growth front. Additionally, the exponential decay of Xs with time provides a characteristic melting time (τ) for the melting process. Compared to the melt‐crystallized UHMWPE, the τ value of nascent UHMWPE is generally longer even in a higher temperature range, which is mainly because the former has a larger entanglement density difference. Furthermore, these observations demonstrate that UHMWPEs with different entangled states have an analogous melting mechanism since they exhibit a similar melting activation energy (≈1300 kJ mol−1).