bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methods and timing of curricular integration in U.S. dental education in preparation for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination
Authors: van der Hoeven Dharini , Hachem Lea El , Chaudhry Samyia , Holland Julian Nathaniel , Shepherd Kathi R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeTo characterize methods, timing, faculty training, and barriers pertaining to curricular integration in preparation for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) at U.S. dental schoolsMethodsAcademic deans at 67 U.S. dental schools were emailed an online survey consisting of questions on the time frame and methods of curricular integration, faculty training, and barriers to curricular integrationResultsApproximately 86% of schools have implemented (∼39%) or will implement (∼61%) changes in curriculum in preparation for the INBDE. Curricular integration was completed in 3‐4 years in most schools, with those schools with larger class sizes taking longer. While 56% of respondents reported avoiding a complete curricular overhaul, 79% reported course sequencing changes, adding, subtracting, or combining courses, and making some changes in existing courses. Curriculum committees had the most input in curricular changes, while individual instructors had the least influence. Sixty seven percent of respondents reported faculty being trained to teach in an integrated curriculum. Problem/case‐based learning and clinical case presentations are being used more for incorporation of biomedical sciences in clinical curriculum; use of clinical examples was the most used mechanism to integrate clinical information in biomedical sciences curriculum. Eighty two percent of respondents indicated that lack of faculty time to prepare courses as the primary barrier for implementing an integrated curriculum.ConclusionsOur results show that most U.S. dental schools are implementing integrated teaching models to prepare their students for the INBDE. However, lack of faculty time and training need to be addressed for more successful curricular integration.
Psychometry and estimation of cutoff points of Jefferson Scale of empathy in dental students
Authors: Díaz Víctor P. , Reyes Alejandro , Calzadilla Aracelis , Torres Pilar A. , González Eugenia , Bilbao Jorge L. , González Farith , Estrada Nuvia , Fortich Natalia , Sepúlveda Wilmer , Silva‐Vetri María G. , Bullen Miriam , Erazo Ana M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the 3‐dimensional latent model of empathy on the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy instrument (version S), and to verify the existence of cutoff points capable of differentiating empathy measures classified as: “high,” “medium,” and “low” using data collected from observations of students from 11 dental faculties of 5 Central American and Caribbean countries (n = 3082) between 2015 and 2019.MethodsThis is an exploratory, “a posteriori,” and non‐experimental study. Factor structure and factor invariance by country and gender were analyzed. Hierarchical cluster analysis and bifactorial analysis were applied, and the data were normalized by cluster and by percentiles within them.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis showed that the original model was replicable and fit the data, while multigroup analysis allowed assuming an invariant factor structure by country and by gender. There is reliability in the measurement made by the scale and its dimensions.ConclusionsThe instrument has adequate psychometric properties, and cutoff values obtained allow people with lower or higher levels of empathy and its components to be classified. Therefore, these results solve the problem of comparing the scores and observed levels of empathy between dental schools within and between countries and between genders. Such comparisons were only possible since the original data of each study were made available for traditional statistical methods.
A longitudinal study of the relation between creative potential and academic achievement at an engineering university in Korea
Authors: Kim Jin‐Young 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundFuture scientists in engineering fields are expected, and even demanded, to be creative and innovative. Longitudinal studies pertaining to how creativity and academic achievement grow and develop over time remain limited.PurposeThis study examines (a) relationships between the creative potential of first‐year engineering students and their graduation grades as well as between the creative potential and graduation grades in nonmajor liberal arts courses, (b) the role of gender in creative potential, and (c) changes in creative potential after 4 years of college life.MethodIn this exploratory study, the participants included 57 students from an engineering college in Korea. Data were first collected from 90 first‐year engineering students in August 2013. More than 4 years later in October 2017, 57 of these students were contacted again for follow‐up.ResultsA positive relationship was found between the creative potential of engineering students and their academic achievement. Female students exhibited higher creative potential scores than the male students at both time points. Creative potential increased after 4 years, particularly in total creativity score, fluency, and originality.ConclusionsThe findings from this study are different from the findings of Western engineering schools in their depiction of a positive relationship between creative potential and grades. This study indicated the possibility of developing creative potential even in adulthood. However, the results should be carefully interpreted not only because of the small sample size but also because of limitations of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking.
Enhancement Characteristics of Middle Cerebral Arterial Atherosclerotic Plaques Over Time and Their Correlation With Stroke Recurrence
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Chen Luguang , Li Shuai , Shi Zhang , Tian Xia , Peng Wenjia , Chen Shiyue , Zhan Qian , Liu Qi , Lu Jianping 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe progression of atherosclerotic plaque is a dynamic process; however, the natural evolution process of plaque enhancement on MRI remains unclear.PurposeTo evaluate changes in enhancement characteristics of middle cerebral arterial (MCA) atherosclerotic plaques over time using MRI and to explore the relationship between the changes in plaque enhancement and stroke recurrence.Study TypeProspective.PopulationFifty‐four patients with MCA atherosclerotic plaque underwent initial and follow‐up examinations with a median interval of 519 days (range 84–1820 days), including 37 males and 16 patients with recurrent stroke.Field Strength/SequenceTime‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography, diffusion‐weighted imaging, T2‐weighted imaging, pre‐ and postcontrast T1‐weighted imaging at 3 T.AssessmentClinical characteristics and differences in the changes in plaque enhancement among acute, subacute and chronic stroke groups and the changes in the degree of stenosis and plaque enhancement between the patients with and without recurrent stroke were compared. Risk factors for patients with recurrent stroke were assessed. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement in initial and the changes in plaque enhancement and stenosis, and the correlation between changes in plaque enhancement and recurrent stroke, were evaluated.Statistical TestsIndependent‐samples t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐squared test, Spearman correlation, logistic regression and Cohen's kappa test.ResultsThere were significant differences in the changes in stenosis and plaque enhancement (P < 0.05) between the patients with and without recurrent stroke. A significant correlation was observed between the changes in plaque enhancement and stroke recurrence (r = 0.415, P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that a change in plaque enhancement was an independent factor for stroke recurrence after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio [OR] = 5.797, P < 0.05). There was excellent intra‐ and interobserver agreement in evaluating plaque enhancement and stenosis.Data ConclusionStable or increased enhancement of MCA plaque was related to recurrent stroke events at follow‐up. Change in plaque enhancement on MRI may be an important indicator for predicting recurrent stroke.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage2
Impact of the Choice of Native T1 in Pixelwise Myocardial Blood Flow Quantification
Authors: Kräuter Corina , Reiter Ursula , Reiter Clemens , Nizhnikava Volha , Schmidt Albrecht , Stollberger Rudolf , Fuchsjäger Michael , Reiter Gert 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundQuantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) from dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI can be performed using a signal intensity model that incorporates T1 values of blood and myocardium.PurposeTo assess the impact of T1 values on pixelwise MBF quantification, specifically to evaluate the influence of 1) study population‐averaged vs. subject‐specific, 2) diastolic vs. systolic, and 3) regional vs. global myocardial T1 values.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsFifteen patients with chronic coronary heart disease.Field Strength/Sequence3T; modified Look–Locker inversion recovery for T1 mapping and saturation recovery gradient echo for DCE imaging, both acquired in a mid‐ventricular short‐axis slice in systole and diastole.AssessmentMBF was estimated using Fermi modeling and signal intensity nonlinearity correction with different T1 values: study population‐averaged blood and myocardial, subject‐specific systolic and diastolic, and segmental T1 values. Myocardial segments with perfusion deficits were identified visually from DCE series.Statistical TestsThe relationships between MBF parameters derived by different methods were analyzed by Bland–Altman analysis; corresponding mean values were compared by t‐test.ResultsUsing subject‐specific diastolic T1 values, global diastolic MBF was 0.61 ± 0.13 mL/(min·g). It did not differ from global MBF derived from the study population‐averaged T1 (P = 0.88), but the standard deviation of differences was large (0.07 mL/(min·g), 11% of mean MBF). Global diastolic and systolic MBF did not differ (P = 0.12), whereas global diastolic MBF using systolic (0.62 ± 0.13 mL/(min·g)) and diastolic T1 values differed (P < 0.05). If regional instead of global T1 values were used, segmental MBF was lower in segments with perfusion deficits (bias = −0.03 mL/(min·g), −7% of mean MBF, P < 0.05) but higher in segments without perfusion deficits (bias = 0.01 mL/(min·g), 1% of mean MBF, P < 0.05).Data ConclusionWhereas cardiac phase‐specific T1 values have a minor impact on MBF estimates, subject‐specific and myocardial segment‐specific T1 values substantially affect MBF quantification.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage3
The mode‐conversion coefficient of ELF wave propagation due to land‐to‐sea transition
Authors: Xu Hong Lei , Gu Ting Ting , Zhu Yong , Yin Hong Cheng , Yang Li Xia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe mode‐conversion coefficient is studied to investigate the ELF wave propagation over a mixed land‐to‐sea path. As partition by the consideration of reflection influence from the ionosphere layer, we assume the propagation can be regarded as being subjected to two different models over mixed paths, in terms of the propagation distance in the range of ELF far‐field and near‐field regions, respectively. Both of the mentioned stratified models can be represented as cascaded transmission networks at the abrupt junctions. In conformity with previous study to formulate the far‐field propagation as a cascaded terrestrial waveguide with abrupt height and ground impedance changes, the presented study proposed an equivalent cascaded network to exploit the concept of mode‐conversion for near‐field propagation across discontinuity. Representative parameters of ground types in contrast are supportive to demonstrate the interference of abrupt impedance‐change at ELF band. The presented analysis provide with computational schemes to obtain synthetic fields of ELF wave propagation, which could be extended to more realistic model over multi‐segmental mixed paths.
Interdecadal summer warming of the Tibetan Plateau potentially regulated by a sea surface temperature anomaly in the Labrador Sea
Authors: Gao Kailun , Duan Anmin , Chen Deliang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDownward clear‐sky longwave radiation, which is related to atmospheric water vapour content, has been suggested as an important factor causing an interdecadal increase in boreal summer surface temperature over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). We reveal the relationship between the 2 m air temperature (t2m) and water vapour over the TP in boreal summer, as well as the mechanism modulating the change in atmospheric water vapour. In recent decades, spatiotemporal variations between water vapour and t2m in boreal summer over the TP have shown synchronicity at the decadal scale. Moreover, Rossby wave trains which originate over the Northwest Atlantic and trigger an anomalous anticyclone between the northeastern TP and Baikal Lake are suggested to play a crucial role in decadal warming over the TP. First, the anomalous anticyclone, with an equivalent barotropic structure, can directly heat near‐surface air across the northeastern TP. Second, it promotes net water vapour input into the northeastern TP, leading to an increase of the total water vapour content over the entire TP, ultimately contributing to warming. Finally, a linear baroclinic model experiment further indicates that the Rossby wave trains are mainly associated with interdecadal increases in sea surface temperature (SST) in the Labrador Sea, with the SST in Baffin Bay playing a secondary role.
Molecular profiling of bone remodeling occurring in musculoskeletal tumors
Authors: Nakajima Kosei , Kidani Teruki , Miura Hiromasa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMusculoskeletal malignancy is often accompanied by aberrant bone remodeling, leading to tumor cell invasion into skeletal tissues and causing severe pain. BMPs, FGF‐2, and RANKL have been identified as promising regulators in physiological bone remodeling. In this study, we explored the expressional profile of BMPs, FGF‐2, and RANKL in 1361 patients with 22 varieties of musculoskeletal tumors. Notably, the expression of FGF‐2 and RANKL was under detected in all patients. Among BMP1 to BMP15, we found that BMP1, BMP2, BMP4, BMP5, BMP6, and BMP7 were prevalent. In comparison with normal bones, osteosarcoma highly expressed BMP1, BMP2, BMP4, and BMP7 with statistical significance. Synovial sarcoma upregulated BMP4, BMP5, and BMP7; rhabdomyosarcoma increased BMP1 and BMP4; and alveolar soft part sarcoma upregulated BMP1, BMP4, and BMP7. To visualize the BMP‐oriented interactions in a bone tumor microenvironment, we have developed novel software that analyzes numerous cell‐to‐cell and ligand‐to‐receptor interactions, that is, Environmentome, delineating that osteosarcoma‐secreted BMP‐4 and synovial sarcoma‐secreted BMP7 potently interact with osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclast precursors, and mature osteoclasts. Specifically, quantification analysis revealed that the relationship between osteosarcoma and mature osteoclast/precursor, BMP4–BMPR2 and BMP4–ACVR2A interactions were most potent. Regarding the association between osteosarcoma and osteocyte/osteoblast, BMP4–ACVR1 and BMP4–BMPR2 were the key interactions. In the connection between synovial sarcoma and mature osteoclast/precursor, BMP7–ACVR2A and BMP7–BMPR2 interactions were most remarkable. With regard to the cellular link between synovial sarcoma and osteocyte/osteoblast, BMP7–BMPR2 was identified as a potent interaction. In conclusion, our new outlook suggests delivering the pathological events that clinically underlie behind severe skeletal pain or fracture in musculoskeletal tumors.
Approach for using measured soil gas diffusion coefficients in Hydrus 1D with examples from forest soils
Authors: Haas Christoph , Paulus Sinikka , Maier Martin , Jochheim Hubert , Gerke Horst H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe use of Hydrus‐1D for modeling soil gas fluxes can be improved by introducing a parameter f obtained by fitting the Millington–Quirk (MQ) tortuosity model to measured gas diffusion coefficients. The approach was tested for data from soil horizons of two sandy forest sites located in Northeast‐Germany. f‐values ranged between 0.41 and 0.54, indicating a more tortuous pore systems than predicted by MQ model (f = 1). The parameter optimization procedure can be carried out by using the statistical software R and the enclosed R‐script.
Effects of mid‐stage nitrogen application timing on the morphological structure and physicochemical properties of japonica rice starch
Authors: Hu Qun , Liu Qiuyuan , Jiang Weiqin , Qiu Shi , Wei Haiyan , Zhang Hongcheng , Liu Guodong , Xing Zhipeng , Hu Yajie , Guo Baowei , Gao Hui 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDNitrogen management of crops, especially when mid‐stage nitrogen is applied, is a key factor affecting the yield and grain quality of rice (Oryza sativa). Here, the timing of mid‐stage nitrogen application was evaluated for its effect on rice grain quality by assessing the morphological structure and physicochemical properties of starch from two japonica rice cultivars growing in fields (Nangeng 9108 and Nangeng 5055).RESULTSThe experiment was arranged in a split‐plot design, with the two rice cultivars as the main plot factor and three timings of mid‐stage nitrogen application as the within‐plot factor. Briefly, three applications were made: at the emergence of the top‐sixth‐leaf (ahead), the top‐fourth‐leaf (normal), and the top‐second‐leaf (delayed) of the main stem. Delaying mid‐stage nitrogen application caused the starch granule surface to become uneven and significantly reduced its particle size, whereas it increased the polished rice rate, chalkiness degree, and protein content. Furthermore, the apparent amylose content decreased with a delay in mid‐stage nitrogen application, thereby resulting in higher relative crystallinity, swelling power, water solubility, gelatinization enthalpy, and low retrogradation. Finally, we also found that delaying this nitrogen application lowered the characteristic values of rice flour viscosities, leading to cooking quality deterioration.CONCLUSIONThese results therefore suggest that delaying mid‐stage nitrogen application enhances the processing and nutritional qualities of japonica rice but evidently has an adverse effect upon its appearance and cooking qualities. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Prediction of Stress Urinary Incontinence Using the Retrovesical (β) Angle in Transperineal Ultrasound
Authors: Keshavarz Elham , Pouya Ensi Khalili , Rahimi Maryam , Bozorgan Tayebeh Jahed , Saleh Masoumeh , Tourzani Zahra Mehdizadeh , Kabir Kourosh , Bakhtiyari Mahmood 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThe accurate, rapid diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women can profoundly improve their sexual and psychosocial life. In this study, the diagnostic power of SUI was assessed by transperineal ultrasound.MethodsIn this hospital‐based case‐control study, married women who were referred to the gynecologic and ultrasound wards with negative urinalysis and culture results were enrolled by random sampling. Patients with positive cough signs based on the urodynamic testing data were considered cases, whereas control women showed no cough symptoms and were recruited from the same ward.ResultsThere was a significant difference (P < .001) in bladder neck descent (mean ± SD, 10.89 ± 5.51 versus 7.08 ± 2.60 mm, respectively; P = .0001) and the retrovesical (β) angle with the Valsalva maneuver (144.22° ± 19.63° versus 111.81° ± 24.47°; P < .001) between the case and control groups. Also, the β angle without the Valsalva maneuver was higher in the case group (112.35° ± 23.10°) than the control group (120.17° ± 25.16°; P = .001). There was no case of a urinary leak, urethral diverticulitis, a bladder stone or mass, and cystourethrocele in the patients of each group. The results of multivariate logistic regression with a backward method showed that bladder neck descent (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.40), the β angles with and without the Valsalva maneuver (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.06–1.13; and OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06) were the predictors of SUI. A β angle higher than 127° with the Valsalva maneuver, with an area under the curve of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.75–0.96), could very well predict the SUI response. This finding shows that it can be very well used to distinguish between normal and non‐normal responses, with 89% sensitivity and 79% specificity.ConclusionsThe β angle with the Valsalva maneuver could very well predict the SUI response.
Investigating equations for measuring dissolved inorganic nutrient uptake in oligotrophic conditions
Authors: Stukel Michael R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMultiple different equations have been used to quantify nutrient uptake rates from stable isotope tracer label incorporation experiments. Each of these equations implicitly assumes an underlying model for phytoplankton nutrient uptake behavior within the incubation bottle and/or pelagic environment. However, the applicability of different equations remains in question and uncertainty arising from subjective choices of which equation to use is never reported. In this study, I use two approaches to investigate the conditions under which different nutrient uptake equations should be used. First, I utilized a moderate‐complexity pelagic ecosystem model that explicitly models the δ15N values of all model compartments (NEMURO + 15N) to conduct simulated nitrate uptake and ammonium uptake incubations and quantify the accuracy of different nutrient uptake equations. Second, I used results of deckboard diel nutrient uptake experiments to quantify the biases of 24‐h incubations relative to six consecutive 4‐h incubations. Using both approaches, I found that equations that account for nutrient regeneration (i.e., isotope dilution) are more accurate than equations that do not, particularly when nutrient concentrations are low but uptake is relatively high. Furthermore, I find that if the goal is to estimate in situ uptake rates it is appropriate to use an in situ correction to standard equations. I also present complete equations for quantifying uncertainty in nutrient uptake experiments using each nutrient uptake equation and make all of these calculations available as Excel spreadsheets and Matlab scripts.
Creating a flexible business credit rating model using multicriteria decision analysis
Authors: Katsimperis Valentinos , Andrikopoulos Athanasios 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo decide for the approval or rejection of a business loan application, banks are following a rating procedure. However, in many cases this procedure is not simply and properly structured. This may lead to unpleasant results so, for a long time, banks are struggling to find quite flexible and simple rating methods, widely applicable, easily comprehensible, and modifiable from their analysts. This study presents an empirical model of mass business rating with the use of multicriteria analysis (AHP method) and other techniques. Two main scenarios of a two‐stage evaluation procedure will be analysed that demonstrate its flexibility, stability, and simplicity. The performance of this method is measured for both presented scenarios showing its capability. Furthermore, this method saves time and sources while ensuring the quality of the produced results. The outcome will be a list of rated businesses which, depending on the score they succeed in each of the two scenarios, will be approved or rejected for a business loan.