bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preprinting is positively associated with early career researcher status in ecology and evolution
Authors: Wolf Jesse F. , MacKay Layla , Haworth Sarah E. , Cossette Marie‐Laurence , Dedato Morgan N. , Young Kiana B. , Elliott Colin I. , Oomen Rebekah A.
Published: September 2021

The usage of preprint servers in ecology and evolution is increasing, allowing research to be rapidly disseminated and available through open access at no cost. Early Career Researchers (ECRs) often have limited experience with the peer review process, which can be challenging when trying to build publication records and demonstrate research ability for funding opportunities, scholarships, grants, or faculty positions. ECRs face different challenges relative to researchers with permanent positions and established research programs. These challenges might also vary according to institution size and country, which are factors associated with the availability of funding for open access journals. We predicted that the career stage and institution size impact the relative usage of preprint servers among researchers in ecology and evolution. Using data collected from 500 articles (100 from each of two open access journals, two closed access journals, and a preprint server), we showed that ECRs generated more preprints relative to non‐ECRs, for both first and last authors. We speculate that this pattern is reflective of the advantages of quick and open access research that is disproportionately beneficial to ECRs. There is also a marginal association between first author, institution size, and preprint usage, whereby the number of preprints tends to increase with institution size for ECRs. The United States and United Kingdom contributed the greatest number of preprints by ECRs, whereas non‐Western countries contributed relatively fewer preprints. This empirical evidence that preprint usage varies with the career stage, institution size, and country helps to identify barriers surrounding large‐scale adoption of preprinting in ecology and evolution.
Environmental DNA reveals a multi‐taxa biogeographic break across the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Berumen Michael L. , Priest Mark A. , De Brauwer Maarten , Coker Darren J. , Sinclair‐Taylor Tane H. , Hay Amanda , Bruss Gerd , Mansour Shawky , Bunce Michael , Goatley Christopher H. R. , Power Matthew , Marshell Alyssa
Published: September 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly being used to assess community composition in marine ecosystems. Applying eDNA approaches across broad spatial scales now provide the potential to inform biogeographic analyses. However, to date, few studies have employed this technique to assess broad biogeographic patterns across multiple taxonomic groups. Here, we compare eDNA‐derived communities of bony fishes and invertebrates, including corals and sponges, from 15 locations spanning the entire length of the Omani coast. This survey includes a variety of habitats, including coral and rocky reefs, and covers three distinct marine ecoregions. Our data support a known biogeographic break in fish communities between the north and the south of Oman; however, the eDNA data highlight that this faunal break is mostly reflected in schooling baitfish species (e.g., sardines and anchovies), whereas reef‐associated fish communities appear more homogeneous along this coastline. Furthermore, our data provide indications that these biogeographic breaks also affect invertebrate communities, which includes corals, sponges, and broader eukaryotic groups. The observed community shifts were correlated with local environmental and anthropogenic differences characteristic of this coastline, particularly for the eDNA‐derived bony fish communities. Overall, this study provides compelling support that eDNA sequencing and associated analyses may serve as powerful tools to detect community differences across biogeographic breaks and ecoregions, particularly in places where there is significant variation in oceanographic conditions or anthropogenic impacts.
Recent Advances in the Development of Blue and Deep‐Blue Emitting Gold(I) and Gold(III) Molecular Systems
Authors: Malmberg Robert , Venkatesan Koushik
Published: September 2021

Highly efficient deep‐blue and blue emitting complexes remain one of the most back‐breaking challenges to overcome for organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices applications. Apart from the well‐investigated emitter systems involving iridium(III) and platinum(II) metal centres, gold(I) and gold(III) systems are gaining increasing attention as emitter systems with remarkable photoluminescence and electroluminescence properties. While most of the investigated Au(I) and Au(III) complexes emit in the green to yellow region, only a handful of examples show blue to deep‐blue emission. One of the main challenges to overcome are to develop ligand frameworks that lead to large triplet energies (ET >2.7 eV), while maintaining high thermal and photostability of the complexes. A number of solutions involving the introduction of strong σ‐donors, sterically demanding ligands as well as bidentate and tridentate ligand frameworks were found in order to stabilise the gold(I) and gold(III) centres, respectively. This minireview summarises the recent advances of deep‐blue and blue‐emitting Au(I) and Au(III) complexes by highlighting the important milestones and the challenges yet to overcome.
Alkali Metal Alkoxides in Noyori‐Type Hydrogenations
Authors: Dub Pavel A.
Published: September 2021

This minireview discusses the accelerative role of alkali metal alkoxides in two important catalytic processes: hydrogenation of ketones and esters with Noyori‐type molecular catalysts. Here I offer my perspective on the unique mechanistic aspects of these reactions – a subject that remains controversial and often misunderstood.
Construction of Si‐Stereogenic Silanes through C−H Activation Approach
Authors: Zheng Long , Nie Xiao‐Xue , Wu Yichen , Wang Peng
Published: September 2021

The asymmetric synthesis of Si‐stereogenic silanes has attracted great attention due to the increasing values of Si‐containing functional molecules in synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and material chemistry. Merging organosilicon chemistry with transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H approach has led to rich sets of new reactions holding great synthetic values. This Minireview aims to summarize the advances in the construction of Si‐stereogenic silanes through the transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H activation approach.
A five‐factor integrative taxonomy of strategic reasoning in dyadic games
Authors: Pulford Briony D. , Krockow Eva M. , Pinto Diana G. , Colman Andrew M.
Published: September 2021

Across two studies, we used verbal protocol analysis to develop a taxonomy of reasoning in dyadic matrix games. Participants were instructed to think aloud as they made decisions in the games. Their comments were recorded, audio files transcribed and the results analysed using a grounded theory approach. Five main strategic reasoning factors emerged: (1) motivation (social value orientations); (2) processing style (global‐analytic vs. local focus); (3) perspective taking (number of steps of iterated perspective taking); (4) regulatory focus (promotion‐seeking vs. prevention‐seeking) and (5) mental representation (gist vs. verbatim representation). Our findings corroborate some elements of previous decision research, and they also suggest that no single existing theory can account for the multimodal reasoning factors found to underlie reasoning even in relatively simple games. We propose a new, five‐factor integrative strategic reasoning taxonomy to explain choices in dyadic games.
Interface Engineering for All‐Inorganic CsPbIBr2 Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Power Conversion Efficiency over 11%
Authors: Wang Jing , Wu Xin , Liu Yizhe , Xue Qifan , Yip Hin-Lap , Jen Alex K. Y. , Zhu Zonglong
Published: September 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) receive great attention due to their excellent photovoltaic performance. Recently, all‐inorganic PVSCs have been extensively studied owing to their superior thermal and photo stability. Among them, CsPbIBr2 perovskite stands out due to its superb phase stability in ambient environment. However, the severe energy loss caused by non‐radiative recombination limits its development. Herein, a facile interface engineering method is employed to modify the electron transporting interface and reduce the energy loss. The insertion of a thin polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) film between SnO2 and the perovskite can simultaneously tune the work function of SnO2 and passivate the defects of the perovskite by the amino group in PEIE. Meanwhile, the PEIE interface serves as a modifier to enhance the crystallinity of the perovskite film, leading to enlarged grain size and reduced grain boundaries. As a result, the power conversion efficiency was enhanced from 8.7% for the SnO2‐based device to 11.2% for the SnO2/PEIE‐based device, with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.29 V, a short‐circuit current of 11.0 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 78.6%. Moreover, the photostability of devices were improved, which retained over 80% of its initial efficiency under continuous one sun illumination for 500 h. This work proves the effectiveness of interface engineering to boost the efficiency and stability of all‐inorganic PVSCs.
An empirical model for the vertical‐to‐horizontal spectral ratios for Italy
Authors: Ramadan Fadel , Smerzini Chiara , Lanzano Giovanni , Pacor Francesca
Published: September 2021

This work presents a novel empirical Ground Motion prediction Model (GMM) for vertical‐to‐horizontal (VH) response spectral amplitudes up to 10 s, peak ground acceleration and velocity for shallow crustal earthquakes in Italy. Being calibrated on the most up‐to‐date strong motion dataset for Italian crustal earthquakes (ITA18), the model is consistent with the ITA18 GMM for the horizontal ground motion. This property makes the model useful in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for Italy to derive compatible vertical and horizontal response spectra. To account for the increase of VH ratios in the proximity of the seismic source, an adjustment term is introduced to improve the prediction capability of the model in near‐source conditions, relying on the worldwide NEar‐Source Strong motion dataset (NESS). The proposed model uses a simple functional form restricted to a limited number of predictor variables, namely, magnitude, source‐to‐site distance, focal mechanism, and site effects, and the variability associated with both VH and V models is provided.
A novel analytical approach to study the charging characteristics of a shell and tube thermal energy storage system
Authors: Agrawal Abhishek , Kumar Ashish , Rakshit Dibakar
Published: September 2021

This study presents a novel analytical solution of the phase change problem in a shell and tube arrangement of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system. The transient melting behavior of phase change material (PCM) is captured using time‐dependent boundary conditions and moving interface energy equation. An approximate mathematical model is developed with the help of dimensionless number (η), exponential integral function, Lambert W function, and Swamee and Oijha approximation. The proposed analytical solution is used for investigating the thermal performance of low, medium, and high melting temperature PCM for building, solar absorption cooling, and concentrated solar power (CSP) applications, respectively. The results obtained from the analytical approach are compared with a numerical model based on the enthalpy method. It is found that the root mean square difference between the average PCM temperature obtained from analytical solution and detailed numerical analysis is 3.3°C, 1.2°C, and 0.1°C for the low, medium, and high‐temperature systems, respectively. The temporal variation of melt front position and the effect of inner tube temperature are further investigated using the analytical solution. The mathematical model could be proposed as an effective tool for the assessment of shell and tube LHTES systems.
Effect of agricultural diversification on dietary diversity in rural households with children under 5 years of age in Zambia
Authors: Nkonde Chewe , Audain Keiron , Kiwanuka‐Lubinda Rebecca N. , Marinda Pamela
Published: September 2021

Micronutrient deficiencies in low‐income countries are associated with the monotonous consumption of nutrient‐deficient crops, contributing to childhood stunting with far‐reaching socioeconomic consequences. To promote nutrition sensitive agriculture, policy makers in such countries have embarked on policy initiatives that encourage agricultural diversification in smallholder farming systems. This paper investigates the link between agricultural diversification and two key indicators of food and nutrition security among children under 5 years in rural Zambia. Data from the 2015 Rural Agricultural Livelihoods Survey and regression models are used to explain household dietary diversity and months of inadequate household food provisioning among 7934 households. Factors associated with the key outcome variables include land cultivated, household size, total livestock units, household head education, households receiving extension information, and use of productivity‐enhancing inputs such as fertilizers. Although the results demonstrate that agricultural diversification is positively associated with the household dietary diversity score, the relationship is not statistically significant. Further, the study findings illustrate that agricultural diversity is negatively associated with months of inadequate household food provisioning but that this relationship is also not statistically significant. The implication for policy is that other interventions such as productivity enhancement and behavioral change communication need to be scaled up.
Ten best practices to strengthen stewardship and sharing of water science data in Canada
Authors: Persaud Bhaleka D. , Dukacz Krysha A. , Saha Gopal C. , Peterson Amber , Moradi Laleh , O'Hearn Stephen , Clary Erin , Mai Juliane , Steeleworthy Michael , Venkiteswaran Jason J. , Kheyrollah Pour Homa , Wolfe Brent B. , Carey Sean K. , Pomeroy John W. , DeBeer Chris M. , Waddington James M. , Van Cappellen Philippe , Lin Jimmy
Published: September 2021

Water science data are a valuable asset that both underpins the original research project and bolsters new research questions, particularly in view of the increasingly complex water issues facing Canada and the world. Whilst there is general support for making data more broadly accessible, and a number of water science journals and funding agencies have adopted policies that require researchers to share data in accordance with the findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable (FAIR) principles, there are still questions about effective management of data to protect their usefulness over time. Incorporating data management practices and standards at the outset of a water science research project will enable researchers to efficiently locate, analyse and use data throughout the project lifecycle, and will ensure the data maintain their value after the project has ended. Here, some common misconceptions about data management are highlighted, along with insights and practical advice to assist established and early career water science researchers as they integrate data management best practices and tools into their research. Freely available tools and training opportunities made available in Canada through Global Water Futures, The Gordon Foundation DataStream, the Digital Research Alliance of Canada Portage Network, Compute Canada, and university libraries, among others are compiled. These include webinars, training videos, and individual support for the water science community that together enable researchers to protect their data assets and meet the expectations of journals and funders. The perspectives shared here have been developed as part of the Global Water Futures programme's efforts to improve data management and promote the use of common data practices and standards in the context of water science in Canada. Ten best practices are proposed that may be broadly applicable to other disciplines in the natural sciences and can be adopted and adapted globally.
Design, production, and validation of the biological and structural performance of an ecologically engineered concrete block mattress: A Nature-Inclusive Design for shoreline and offshore construction
Authors: Sella Ido , Hadary Tomer , Rella Andrew J. , Riegl Bernhard , Swack Denise , Perkol-Finkel Shimrit
Published: September 2021

Over the past decade, the scientific community has studied, experimented, and published a notable body of literature on the ecological enhancement of coastal and marine infrastructure (CMI). The Nature-Inclusive Design (NID) approach refers to methods and technologies that can be integrated into the design and construction of CMI to create a suitable habitat for native species (or communities) whose natural habitat has been degraded or reduced. To examine the compliance of new environmentally sensitive technologies with structural requirements and fiscal restraints, while providing ecosystem and habitat value, this paper presents the findings of a structural–economical–biological analysis of ecologically engineered Articulated Concrete Block Mattresses (ACBMs). To evaluate the structural and biological performance of the Ecological Articulated Concrete Block Mattresses, a pilot project was deployed in April 2017 at Port Everglades, Florida, USA, and evaluated against controls of adjacent artificial structures and smooth-surface concrete blocks and monitored over a period of two years. The elements of ecological enhancement implemented in the fabrication and design of the ecologically enhanced ACBMs were comprised of bio-enhancing concrete additives and science-based designs. Based on the results of this study, these design alterations have increased the richness and diversity of sessile assemblages compared to control blocks and adjacent artificial structures and supported a higher abundance of mobile species. This ecological improvement was achieved within the operational limitations of conventional manufacturing and installation technologies, while complying with strict structural requirements for standard concrete marine construction. The results supported the working hypothesis and demonstrated that modifications of concrete composition, surface texture, and macro-design have the potential to increase the ecological value of concrete-based CMI and promote a more sustainable and adaptive approach to coastal and marine development in an era of climate resilience-building. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:148–162. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Ecological enhancement was achieved within the operational limitations of conventional manufacturing and installation technologies. Ecological Articulated Concrete Block Mattresses comply with the strict structural requirements for coastal and marine construction. Design alterations have increased the richness and diversity of sessile assemblages compared to control blocks and adjacent artificial structures.
Prognostic value of the TCGA molecular classification in uterine carcinosarcoma
Authors: Travaglino Antonio , Raffone Antonio , Raimondo Diego , Arciuolo Damiano , Angelico Giuseppe , Valente Michele , Scaglione Giulia , D’alessandris Nicoletta , Casadio Paolo , Inzani Frediano , Mollo Antonio , Santoro Angela , Seracchioli Renato , Franco Zannoni Gian
Published: September 2021

Background

The TCGA molecular groups of endometrial carcinoma are “POLE‐mutated” (POLEmut), “microsatellite‐instable/mismatch repair‐deficient” (MSI/MMRd), “TP53‐mutated/p53‐abnormal” (TP53mut/p53abn), and “no specific molecular profile” (NSMP).

Objective

Prognostic assessment of the TCGA groups in uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS).

Search strategy

Systematic review from January 2000 to January 2021.

Selection criteria

Studies assessing the TCGA groups in UCS.

Data collection and analysis

Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses (reference: TP53mut/p53abn group) and compared with endometrioid and serous carcinomas (original TCGA cohort), with a significant P < 0.050.

Main results

Five studies with 263 UCS were included. Compared with TP53mut/p53abn UCS, MSI/MMRd UCS showed significantly better PFS (P < 0.001) but similar OS (P = 0.788), whereas NSMP UCS showed similar PFS (P = 0.936) and OS (P = 0.240). Compared with their endometrioid/serous counterparts, NSMP and TP53mut/p53abn UCS showed significantly worse PFS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004) and OS (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), while MSI/MMRd UCS showed similar PFS (P = 0.595) but significantly worse OS (P < 0.001). The POLEmut group showed neither recurrences nor deaths in both the UCS and the endometrioid/serous carcinoma cohorts.

Conclusion

POLEmut UCS show excellent prognosis, whereas TP53mut/p53abn and NSMP UCS show a prognosis even worse than that of TP53mut/p53abn endometrioid/serous carcinomas. The prognosis of MSI/MMRd UCS remains to be defined.
Nutcracker syndrome as the main cause of left renal vein thrombus and pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Hori Kanta , Yamamoto Shota , Kosukegawa Maki , Yamashita Noboru , Shinno Yuichiro
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Left renal vein thrombus complicating nutcracker syndrome is relatively rare. To the best of our knowledge, there have been only four previous case reports. Furthermore, there have been no reports of pulmonary thromboembolism caused by nutcracker syndrome. Herein, we report a rare case of pulmonary thromboembolism caused by nutcracker syndrome and its clinical management.

Case presentation

A 40‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital with acute left flank pain. Computed tomography angiography revealed compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery with a left renal vein thrombus. Furthermore, computed tomography revealed bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism. Rivaroxaban was administered as an anticoagulant. Twenty days after initiation, computed tomography revealed complete resolution of pulmonary thromboembolism and left renal vein thrombus, and repeated computed tomography showed no recurrence.

Conclusion

This case report highlights nutcracker syndrome as a likely cause of pulmonary thromboembolism.
The development of mandatory practices for the testing and maintenance of synthetic turf fields in the National Football League
Authors: Jastifer James R. , McNitt Andrew S. , Mack Christina D. , Kent Richard W. , McCullough Kirk A. , Coughlin Michael J. , Anderson Robert B.
Published: September 2021

Synthetic turf has become an increasingly common playing surface in athletics. Synthetic turf maintenance and athlete health are related and are important considerations at all levels of play. As part of the development of testing practices for the National Football League (NFL) game‐day surfaces, a literature search of MEDLINE and PubMed between the years 1990 and 2018 was conducted. Additionally, a taskforce was convened, and expert opinion was solicited from members through systematic interviews regarding synthetic turf design and maintenance practices in the NFL. All game‐day synthetic turf manufacturers were routinely solicited for input during development and implementation of the mandatory practices. Appropriate maintenance practices can improve the consistency of a synthetic playing surface. Methods for evaluating surface hardness and other aspects of synthetic turf have been developed. The relationships between current hardness testing methods and injury outcomes have been studied but are not well established. Consensus methods for evaluating surface traction and cleat release at potentially injurious loading levels are currently unavailable and needed. Mandatory practices were developed and have been implemented by the NFL, which have resulted in more consistent playing surfaces over the course of a season. Despite the extant gaps in knowledge, a formalized set of testing practices and maintenance has proven effective for reducing surface variability across synthetic surfaces in the NFL. Characteristics such as surface hardness, traction, and shoe–surface interaction, and the effects of surface maintenance procedures should be the focus of future research.
Integrative analysis of hub genes and key pathway in two subtypes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma by bioinformatics and basic experiments
Authors: Li Qian , Meng Ye , Hu Linhui , Charwudzi Alice , Zhu Weiwei , Zhai Zhimin
Published: September 2021

Background

The germinal center B‐cell (GCB) and activated B‐cell (ABC) subtypes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have a significant difference in prognosis. This study aimed to identify potential hub genes, and key pathways involved in them.

Methods

Databases including Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and STRING were accessed to obtain potential crucial genes and key pathways associated with the GCB and ABC. Then qRT‐PCR and Western blot experiments were performed to verify the most clinically significant gene and pathway.

Results

Three cohort datasets from the GEO database were analyzed, including 195 GCB and 169 ABC samples. We identified 1113 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the GCB and ABC subtypes. The DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes (BP). The KEGG analysis showed enrichment in cell cycle and Wnt signaling pathways. We selected the top 10 genes using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. We used 5 calculation methods of the cytoHubba plugin, and found 3 central genes (IL‐10, CD44, CCND2). CCND2 was significantly related to the prognosis of DLBCL patients. Besides, our experimental results demonstrated a significantly higher expression of CCND2 in the ABC‐type cell line than in the GCB‐type; it was proportional to the expression of key proteins in the Wnt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

CCND2 overexpression and Wnt pathway activation might be the main reasons for the poor prognosis of ABC‐DLBCL.
Twelve‐month organizational study examining the associations among behavioral healthcare worker's perceptions of autonomy, decision‐making power, organizational commitment, and burnout: Reconceptualizing the role of commitment in shaping staff member experiences of the work environment
Authors: W. Hales Travis , H. Nochajski Thomas , A. Green Susan , P. Koury Samantha
Published: September 2021

Previous research has demonstrated that behavioral healthcare workers' experiences of autonomy and decision‐making power in the workplace are positively associated with their commitment to the organization and negatively associated with occupational burnout. Models examining the relationships between workplace climate and staff member well‐being generally conceptualize workplace climates as predictors of individual commitment and burnout. However, the relationships among these constructs have primarily been explored in cross‐sectional study designs. The current study adds to the existing literature by examining the relationships among perceived autonomy and decision‐making power in the organizational climate, and individual levels of organizational commitment and burnout over a 12‐month period (N = 43). The study was done in a public hospital's behavioral healthcare department in the Western New York region. Cross‐lagged panel analyses were conducted to assess if time‐one scores on perceived autonomy and decision‐making power predicted time‐two scores of organizational commitment and burnout. Findings indicate that, contrary to popular conceptualization, individual staff member's commitment to the organization predicted future states of perceived autonomy and decision‐making power. Individual commitment to the organization may be a driving factor in how staff members experience and perceive the service environment.
A Model‐Based Framework to Inform the Dose Selection and Study Design of Emicizumab for Pediatric Patients With Hemophilia A
Authors: Yoneyama Koichiro , Schmitt Christophe , Chang Tiffany , Dhalluin Christophe , Nagami Sayaka , Petry Claire , Levy Gallia G.
Published: September 2021

Emicizumab is a bispecific antibody mimicking the cofactor function of activated coagulation factor VIII to prevent bleeds in patients with hemophilia A. The dose selection for the first‐in‐child phase III study of emicizumab was addressed by pediatric pharmacokinetic prediction using an adult/adolescent population pharmacokinetic model developed in phase I‐I/II studies. The model was modified to incorporate functions describing the age‐dependent increase in body weight (BW) with or without clearance maturation to account for the differences in emicizumab pharmacokinetics between adults/adolescents and children. A minimal dose anticipated to achieve in children the same target efficacious exposure as for adults/adolescents was identified when considering BW and clearance maturation. It was the same BW‐based dose as for adults/adolescents and was selected for the starting dose for the pediatric study. Whether considering clearance maturation or not in addition to BW led to uncertainty in the pediatric pharmacokinetic prediction and dose selection, which informed implementation of a dose‐adapting scheme in the study design. Exposure matching to adults/adolescents was ultimately achieved in children with the starting dose, indicating that consideration of clearance maturation in addition to BW provided adequate pediatric pharmacokinetic predictions for emicizumab. This pharmacokinetic finding in conjunction with exposure‐response information served as a basis for the efficacy demonstrated in children, avoiding a time‐consuming process for exploring an optimal pediatric dose of emicizumab. This experience indicates that a model‐based framework helped optimize the pediatric dose selection and study design, thereby streamlining the development process with extrapolation, of emicizumab for children.
Limited, uneven progress in increasing racial and ethnic diversity of dental school graduates
Authors: Salsberg Edward , Brantley Erin , Westergaard Sara , Farrell Jenee , Rosenthal Christina
Published: September 2021

Purpose/objectives

To assess racial and ethnic diversity of graduates of each dental school compared to the diversity of populations they draw from and to assess changes over time nationally and by school.

Methods

We calculated diversity of graduates by school and nationally between 2010–2012 and 2017–2019 using the Integrated Post‐secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and compared the diversity of each state's college age population using data from the American Community Survey. We accounted for differences between in‐state and out‐of‐state students attending public and private schools based on data from the American Dental Association's Survey of Dental Education Series. A diversity index (DI) was calculated for each school. A DI of 0.5 means that the representation of Black or Hispanic individuals among the graduates is half of their representation in the benchmark population.

Results

Among the 63 dental schools analyzed, only seven had a DI of greater than 0.5 for Black graduates (two of which were Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in 2017–2019. For Hispanic graduates, 20 schools had a DI above 0.5. Nationally, while the number of Black graduates increased between 2010–2012 and 2017–2019, the percentage decreased from 5.8% to 5.1%. The percentage of Hispanic graduates increased from 6.4% to 8.7%.

Conclusions

Black and Hispanic individuals are underrepresented among dental school graduates. Increasing the diversity of the dental workforce could help address significant oral health disparities experienced by Black and Hispanic people. More needs to be done by the dental education community to increase racial and ethnic diversity of dental graduates.
Examining clinical training through a bicultural lens: Experiences of genetic counseling students who identify with a racial or ethnic minority group
Authors: Carmichael Nikkola , Redlinger‐Grosse Krista , Birnbaum Shira
Published: September 2021

Biculturals are individuals who have had significant exposure to more than one culture and who possess more than one cultural frame of reference. In the United States, this term has been used to describe both immigrants and members of racial or ethnic minority groups who live within the majority white culture. Biculturals develop a distinct repertoire of social and cognitive skills and have been shown to engage in a process of cultural frame switching in response to salient cultural cues. Through a conceptual lens offered by current research on biculturalism, this article examines transcripts of focus groups we collected for a study on the clinical training experiences of genetic counseling students who identify with a racial or ethnic minority group. We conducted a constructivist grounded theory study, collecting data via 13 videoconference focus groups with 32 recent graduates of genetic counseling training programs who identify with a racial or ethnic minority group. We focus here on two of the thematic categories identified in that study related to participants’ experiences interacting with patients during supervised clinical rotations. We find three ways in which being bicultural influenced these genetic counselors’ patient interactions. First, participants described interactions with both culturally concordant and culturally discordant patients that highlighted the salience of their racial, ethnic, or cultural identity in these encounters. Second, they reported sensitivity to social nuances between and within cultures, reflecting the findings of prior research about heightened cultural awareness in biculturals. Third, they described switching cultural frames in response to their patients’ identities which, at times, created conflict between their professional and culturally concordant frameworks. The results of this study suggest that the influence of a student's racial, ethnic, or cultural identity on interactions with patients should be discussed within the supervisory relationship, and that being bicultural confers advantages in learning to provide culturally responsive care.
Automation and evaluation of the interactive homogenization tool HOMER
Authors: Joelsson L. Magnus T. , Sturm Christophe , Södling Johan , Engström Erik , Kjellström Erik
Published: September 2021

The interactive HOMER is automated by the use of a set of parameters. This approach retains the skill and flexibility of an interactive method, but adds the speed and reproducibility of an automatic method. The automation of the interactive HOMER also enables systematic testing. Its performance is evaluated by the homogenization of the Indecis homogenization benchmark datasets. The overall performance of the interactive HOMER compares well with the methods using the homogenization tools Climatol and ACMANT and surpass the performance of the standard automatic HOMER. All the homogenization methods reduce the initial error. The average residual error and all error percentiles below and including the 99th error percentile do not differ more than 0.3°C between interactive HOMER and the other methods. Interactive HOMER and Climatol report fewer homogeneity breaks than the true number, while standard automatic HOMER and ACMANT report more homogeneity breaks. Across the methods, a higher number of reported homogeneity breaks renders a higher share of the true homogeneity breaks to be detected, but also a higher share of the reported breaks to be false positives. On average the differences in the corrected times series are small between the methods implying that the choice of homogenization method is a matter of preference.
Agreement among international periodontal experts using the 2017 World Workshop classification of periodontitis
Authors: Ravidà Andrea , Travan Suncica , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Greenwell Henry , Papapanou Panos N. , Sanz Mariano , Tonetti Maurizio , Wang Hom‐Lay , Kornman Kenneth
Published: September 2021

Background

A new periodontitis classification was recently introduced involving multidimensional staging and grading. The aim of the study was to assess if individuals well‐trained in periodontics consistently used the new classification for patients with severe periodontitis. The secondary goal was to identify “gray zones” related to classifications.

Methods

Participants (raters) individually classified 10 pre‐selected severe periodontitis cases using the 2017 World Workshop classification. An internet case‐based study was conducted after inviting members from American Academy of Periodontology and European Federation of Periodontology. Gold‐standard diagnoses were determined by five experts who developed the new periodontitis classification. Inter‐reliability agreement among raters was assessed using Fleiss Kappa index with the jackknife method for linearly weighted kappa calculations. McNemar test was used to determine symmetry between raters and gold‐standard panel.

Results

A total of 103 raters participated and classified nine clinical cases. Fleiss Kappa values showed moderate inter‐examiner consistency among raters for stage (K value: 0.49; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.79), grade (K value: 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.70) and extent (K value: 0.51; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.77). When analyzed as composite (stage, grade, extent) a moderate inter‐reliability was present among raters, k = 0.479 (K value: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.442 to 0.515). Agreement between raters and gold‐standard panel was staging 76.6%; grading 82%; and extent 84.8%. In six of nine cases 77% to 99% of raters consistently agreed with gold‐standard panel, and the other three cases had gray zone factors that reduced rater consistency.

Conclusions

Clinicians trained in the 2017 World Workshop periodontitis classification demonstrated moderate concordance in classifying nine severe periodontitis cases, and in six of nine cases raters consistently agreed with the gold‐standard panel.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of materials found in rock art shelters in Piedra Parada valley, Chubut province, Argentinian Patagonia
Authors: Rousaki Anastasia , Bellelli Cristina , Carballido Calatayud Mariana , Vargas Emmanuel , Hajduk Adam , Palacios Oscar , Vázquez Cristina , Moens Luc , Vandenabeele Peter
Published: September 2021

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy was employed for the analysis of samples collected from the shelters Campo Cerda 1, Angostura Blanca and Campo Moncada 1 located in Piedra Parada valley, Chubut province, Argentinian Patagonia. Different coloured layers, degradation products and rock supports were analysed. Haematite (α‐Fe2O3), goethite (α‐FeOOH), green earth and gypsum (CaSO4 ·2H2O) were responsible for the main colouration of the pigmented layers together with other components. Gypsum, Ca‐oxalates and calcite were the major degradation materials affecting the rock paintings and the rock support. Different types of silicates, apatite [Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)] and goethite were positively characterized in the rock support. Point analysis and micro‐Raman mappings contributed towards a better understanding of the materials and layer sequencing of the samples extracted.
Ultrasound Screening for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis Risk Stratification Using Standardized Criteria in Structured Reporting: A Validation Study
Authors: Fananapazir Ghaneh , LaRoy Jennifer R. , Navarro Shannon M. , Corwin Michael T. , Carney Benjamin , Troppmann Christoph
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of templated ultrasound reports using transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) risk stratification (RS), particularly with regard to utilization of downstream angiographic studies and angiographic presence of TRAS.

Methods

Ultrasounds with TRAS‐RS templated reports from August 2017 to May 2020 were included. Studies were excluded if performed <28 days posttransplant and where TRAS was not clinically considered. A total of 530 ultrasounds met inclusion/exclusion criteria. TRAS‐RS criteria were recorded (renal artery velocity ≥300 cm/s, spectral broadening in the renal artery, and intraparenchymal acceleration time ≥0.1 second). Depending on the number of criteria present, recipients were stratified into low (0/3), intermediate (1/3), high (2/3), and very high (3/3) risk for TRAS. Student's t‐test was performed to identify whether the TRAS‐RS category was associated with 1) performance of angiography to assess for TRAS and 2) angiographic presence of TRAS.

Results

Of the 530 ultrasounds, 74 (14%) underwent angiography. Of these, 41 (55%) were positive for TRAS (overall positive rate, 8%). Number of ultrasounds, angiograms, and angiograms positive for TRAS, respectively, in each of the TRAS‐RS categories for the 530 cases were: low probability: n = 370 (70% of all studied reports), 7 angiograms (2%), and 0 (0%) positive for TRAS; intermediate: n = 87 (16%), 24 angiograms (28%), and 8 (33%) positive; high: n = 46 (9%), 23 angiograms (50%), and 14 (61%) positive; and very high: n = 27 (5%), 20 angiograms (74%), and 19 (95%) positive. TRAS‐RS score was associated with subsequent performance of angiography and positive rate for TRAS (P < .01).

Conclusion

Implementing a defined ultrasound screening tool with templated reporting for TRAS allowed for effective selection of those requiring an angiogram.
Measuring knowledge management in supplier development: A knowledge chain perspective
Authors: Chen Liang
Published: September 2021

Knowledge management has been extensively studied in various fields such as strategic management, project management, and supply chain management. As a result, numerous measurements have been developed to measure knowledge management processes, strategies, capabilities, or activities. However, a review of existing measurement instruments from 17 studies demonstrates that those instruments vary greatly in the number of measurement items, ranging from 1 to 59, and that none of them, with one exception, covers all the nine distinct classes of knowledge management activities identified by the knowledge chain theory. This study aims at using the knowledge chain theory to measure knowledge management activities in supply chain management. As a starting point, our instrument begins with the nine classes of knowledge chain activities, including knowledge acquisition, selection, generation, assimilation, emission, measurement, control, coordination, and leadership. This new instrument is tested via an online survey of 156 supply chain professionals in the United States. Evidence of construct validity and reliability is provided by both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Both theoretical and practical contributions are also discussed.
Fully Automated Measurement of Cochlear Duct Length From Clinical Temporal Bone Computed Tomography
Authors: Neves Caio A. , Tran Emma D. , Cooperman Shayna P. , Blevins Nikolas H.
Published: September 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To present and validate a novel fully automated method to measure cochlear dimensions, including cochlear duct length (CDL).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The computational method combined 1) a deep learning (DL) algorithm to segment the cochlea and otic capsule and 2) geometric analysis to measure anti‐modiolar distances from the round window to the apex. The algorithm was trained using 165 manually segmented clinical computed tomography (CT). A Testing group of 159 CTs were then measured for cochlear diameter and width (A‐ and B‐values) and CDL using the automated system and compared against manual measurements. The results were also compared with existing approaches and historical data. In addition, pre‐ and post‐implantation scans from 27 cochlear implant recipients were studied to compare predicted versus actual array insertion depth.

Results

Measurements were successfully obtained in 98.1% of scans. The mean CDL to 900° was 35.52 mm (SD, 2.06; range, [30.91–40.50]), the mean A‐value was 8.88 mm (0.47; [7.67–10.49]), and mean B‐value was 6.38 mm (0.42; [5.16–7.38]). The R2 fit of the automated to manual measurements was 0.87 for A‐value, 0.70 for B‐value, and 0.71 for CDL. For anti‐modiolar arrays, the distance between the imaged and predicted array tip location was 0.57 mm (1.25; [0.13–5.28]).

Conclusion

Our method provides a fully automated means of cochlear analysis from clinical CTs. The distribution of CDL, dimensions, and cochlear quadrant lengths is similar to those from historical data. This approach requires no radiographic experience and is free from user‐related variation.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:449–458, 2022
Tumor detection with transoral use of flexible endoscopy for unknown primary head and neck cancer
Authors: Ebisumoto Koji , Sakai Akihiro , Maki Daisuke , Robinson Kevin , Murakami Tomoaki , Iijima Hiroaki , Yamauchi Mayu , Saito Kosuke , Watanabe Takane , Okami Kenji
Published: September 2021

Objectives

With the advent of new optical technologies, early pharyngolaryngeal cancerous lesions can be better visualized. Although the conventional transnasal approach offers great views of the hypopharynx and larynx, the visualization of the oropharynx and palatine tonsils is limited. Through the transoral insertion of a flexible video‐laryngoscope, direct views of the oropharynx and oral cavity can be obtained. Thus, transoral examination may contribute to primary detection of cancers of unknown primary (CUP).

Methods

Eighty‐five CUP patients from Tokai University were included retrospectively in this study, from 2006 to 2017. Starting in 2010, we employed the transoral examination in addition to our conventional method. The primary detection rates were compared before and after 2010. Oropharyngeal primaries were further analyzed for tumor subsite and p16 status.

Results

The overall primary detection rate did not improve with the addition of transoral examination. However, greater numbers of oropharyngeal primaries were detected. The oropharyngeal lesions detected by transoral examination were mainly p16 positive, located on the palatine tonsil.

Conclusion

Transoral examination is a noninvasive, easy method to adopt in an outpatient setting, and a promising technique to improve tumor detection in this era of human papillomavirus‐associated head and neck cancers.

Level of Evidence

3.
Molecular Mechanism of Rabbit Hair Keratin Hydrogel Fabricated via Cryoablation
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing , Shi Zhiming , Tian Zhan , Tang Henglong , Li Qingchun , Shen Xianyi
Published: September 2021

Keratins are highly attractive natural biomaterials for medical applications due to their inherent self‐assembly characteristics and biocompatibility. In this study, the molecular mechanism of rabbit hair keratin (RHK) gelation during cryogelation is investigated and the influence of cryogelation parameters on the gelation of keratin is systematically evaluated. Re‐xidation of free cysteine thiols and formation of hydrogen bond are determined to be the main stabilizing forces in self‐assembly of RHK gel, and ionic bonds are found to affect the uniformity of keratin hydrogels. pH affects the gelation by changing the electrostatic interaction between keratin molecules. Keratin will accumulate when pH is too low, but the stability of keratin hydrogels becomes worse when the pH is too high. With successive freezing–thawing (FT) cycles, the storage modulus of RHK cryogels substantially improved from 240.66 Pa at FT cycle 3 to 2483.3 Pa at FT cycle 9. Maintaining the balance of the interactive force between keratin molecules and between keratin molecules and water molecules is the basis of preparing uniform and stable keratin hydrogels.