bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A practical guide for conducting qualitative research in medical education: Part 3—Using software for qualitative analysis
Authors: Clarke Samuel O. , Coates Wendy C. , Jordan Jaime 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe process of performing qualitative analysis can be a daunting task. Technology can be employed to ease the burden of the work; however, the researcher may not fully appreciate how and when computer software can assist in conducting qualitative analysis. In this, the third installment of our “how‐to” series on qualitative research methods, we describe basic concepts and approaches to using both simple word processing programs and specific qualitative research software programs to assist in coding and analysis. We hope that the concepts put forth in this paper will help qualitative researchers become more familiar with available technological approaches and that they will, in turn, enhance the efficiency of the research process as well as the depth, clarity and richness of research findings.
Maintaining procedural skills for academic emergency medicine faculty: A needs assessment
Authors: Clyne Brian , Barber Doucet Hannah , Brown Linda , Musits Andrew , Jacobs Elizabeth , Merritt Christopher , Merritt Rory , Allister Lauren , Petrone Gianna , Musisca Nicholas , Smith Jessica L. , Baird Janette , Mello Michael J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundEmergency physicians require competence performing critical and routine procedures. The clinical practice of emergency medicine (EM) alone may be insufficient for the acquisition and maintenance of skills. Prior studies suggest the presence of trainees in academic settings and/or the low frequency of procedures increase the risk of skills attrition among faculty. We sought to develop a valid needs assessment survey to inform a faculty procedural skills (FPS) maintenance curriculum.MethodsA Web‐based FPS survey was designed to assess experiences performing procedures, self‐reported confidence with procedures, and learning preferences for skills maintenance. The survey was administered at a large academic department of EM. Responses were analyzed to determine survey construct validity, faculty attitudes about procedural attrition, and preferred learning methods.ResultsAmong EM faculty, confidence was significantly higher for common versus uncommon procedures (p < 0.001). EM faculty respondents reported significantly greater confidence than pediatric EM (PEM) faculty for both common adult procedures (EM mean = 3.7 [±0.3], PEM = 3.0 [±0.4], p < 0.001), and uncommon adult procedures (EM = 2.7 [±0.4], PEM = 2.1 [±0.5], p < 0.001). PEM faculty reported significantly greater confidence with pediatric procedures than EM faculty (PEM mean [±SD] = 3.5 [±0.8], EM = 2.2 [±0.8], p < 0.001). Nearly all faculty (93% [52/56]) agreed that procedural attrition is a concerning problem, and 80% (44/56) had personally experienced it. The most preferred learning methods were task trainers and simulation. Faculty preferred learning environments with faculty peers (91%) over mixed groups with trainees (50%).ConclusionsSignificant differences in procedural skills confidence between common and uncommon procedures, and between EM and PEM faculty, indicate that the FPS survey displayed appropriate construct validity. The finding that skills attrition is prevalent among EM and PEM faculty highlights the need for skill maintenance programming, preferably in peer groups employing task trainers and simulation.
Simulated dew increases volatility of dicamba from soybean leaves
Authors: Henry Jerri Lynn , Lin Chung‐Ho , Smeda Reid J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAdoption of dicamba tolerant soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] accompanied by postemergence applications of dicamba resulted in off‐target movement and damage to nearby crops. The underlying cause, in some cases, has been attributed to weather‐related phenomena such as temperature inversions, which are often accompanied by the formation of dew. The objective of this controlled study was to determine if the formation of simulated dew on soybean leaves treated with dicamba led to increased short‐term dicamba volatility. Over a 48‐h period after the application of dicamba, dicamba volatility concentrations quantified in air samples increased by 20% when soybeans were exposed to simulated dew for 3 h compared with soybeans that were not exposed to dew. Concentrations of volatilized dicamba were elevated in the first (0–24 h) and second (24–48 h) 24‐h period after initiating collection of air samples. Dew may alter the stability of dicamba, ultimately contributing to increased off‐target movement.
Effects of different tillage practices on rill distribution of sloping farmland
Authors: Li Taotao , Wang Yu , Wu Faqi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTo better understand how surface roughness affects soil erosion, we investigated the rill distribution of sloping farmland under tillage practices in China's Loess Plateau region. Four tillage treatments (three tillage practices and a non‐tillage control) were simulated manually using five slope gradient levels (3°–20°) and two rainfall intensities (90 and 120 mm h–1). The spatial distribution of rills was extracted and four indices were derived based on Strahler's stream ordering. With increasing slope gradient, random roughness exhibited a decreasing effect on sediment yield, and the interaction effect changed from negative to positive at a critical slope gradient of ∼10°. Low‐order rills gradually merged into high‐order rills, forming a complete rill network toward higher slope gradients. The bifurcation ratio of different treatments did not differ considerably. With increasing surface roughness, the length of first‐order rills and their longitudinal river slope decreased. For example, on the 10° slope under 90 mm h–1 rainfall intensity, the longitudinal river slope of contour plowing, manual hoeing, and contour drilling treatments decreased respectively by 29.4, 38, and 48.9% relative to the value of smooth surface (control) with a rise in rill order. Yet a greater surface roughness had the least effect on the number, length, and longitudinal river slope of third‐order rills. A similar result was obtained in that correlation between sediment yield and the length of third‐order rills was the weakest overall. The results indicate that surface roughness affects rill distribution and soil erosion on sloping farmland via its effect upon low‐orderrill development.
Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy for forage nutritive value analysis in sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Balehegn Mulubrhan , Varijakshapanicker Padmakumar , Zampaligre Nouhoun , Blummel Michael , Ayantunde Augustine , Jones Chris , Prasad Kodukula Venkata Subrahamanya Vara , Duncan Alan , Dejene Mesfin , Adesogan Adegbola T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLimited supply of quality feed is the most common problem limiting livestock productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Routine feed evaluation is indispensable for formulating balanced rations, feed characterization, safety, and minimizing the environmental impact of livestock. Traditional wet chemistry has not met this demand in SSA because it is time consuming, expensive, reliant on imported reagents and equipment that requires regular maintenance. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid and accurate alternative. The NIRS can help meet the need to characterize locally available forages and feeds on the continent, thus allowing formulation of optimally balanced and safe rations, facilitating establishment of nutritive value‐based pricing, and improving feed marketing and environmental stewardship. Though several NIRS systems have been purchased in many SSA countries, few are currently used. Reasons include high upfront costs, lack of requisite technical capacity, lack of access to comprehensive wet chemistry‐based databases to develop and validate robust and accurate predictive equations, lack of access to or relevance of existing validated equations, and limited awareness about the value of NIRS. Recently developed portable devices can dramatically reduce cost, while providing flexibility and comparable accuracy to benchtop systems. Formation of NIRS consortia and communities of practice including public–private partnerships that link equipment, pool resources, and provide periodic training and troubleshooting, can address many of these problems. This paper elaborates the potential for using NIRS to improve feed analysis in SSA countries, the reasons for the low use of existing systems, and strategies to improve the adoption and use of NIRS.
Temperature‐controlled radiofrequency device treatment of the nasal valve for nasal airway obstruction: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Silvers Stacey L. , Rosenthal Jon N. , McDuffie Chad M. , Yen David M. , Han Joseph K. 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundNasal valve collapse is one of several causes of nasal obstruction. The safety and efficacy of a temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (RF) device for the treatment of the nasal valve for nasal airway obstruction (NAO) has been established in single‐arm studies. The objective of this trial was to compare active device treatment against a sham procedure (control).MethodsIn a prospective, multicenter, single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT), patients were assigned to bilateral temperature‐controlled RF treatment of the nasal valve (n = 77) or a sham procedure (n = 41), in which no RF energy was transferred to the device/treatment area. The device was applied to the mucosa over the lower lateral cartilage on the lateral nasal wall. The primary endpoint was responder rate at 3 months, defined as a ≥20% reduction in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE)‐scale score or ≥1 reduction in clinical severity category.ResultsAt baseline, patients had a mean NOSE‐scale score of 76.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 73.8 to 79.5) and 78.8 (95% CI, 74.2 to 83.3) (p = 0.424) in the active treatment and sham‐control arms, respectively. At 3 months, the responder rate was significantly higher in the active treatment arm (88.3% [95% CI, 79.2%‐93.7%] vs 42.5% [95% CI, 28.5%‐57.8%]; p < 0.001). The active treatment arm had a significantly greater decrease in NOSE‐scale score (mean, −42.3 [95% CI, −47.6 to −37.1] vs −16.8 [95% CI, −26.3 to −7.2]; p < 0.001). Three adverse events at least possibly related to the device and/or procedure were reported, and all resolved.ConclusionThis RCT shows temperature‐controlled RF treatment of the nasal valve is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of NAO in short‐term follow‐up.
An insight on established retinal injury mechanisms and prevalent retinal stem cell activation pathways in vertebrate models
Authors: Sherpa Rinchen Doma , Hui Subhra Prakash 
Published: July 2021

AbstractImplementing different tools and injury mechanisms in multiple animal models of retina regeneration, researchers have discovered the existence of retinal stem/progenitor cells. Although they appear to be distributed uniformly across the vertebrate lineage, the reparative potential of the retina is mainly restricted to lower vertebrates. Regenerative repair post‐injury requires the creation of a proliferative niche, vital for proper stem cell activation, propagation, and lineage differentiation. This seems to be lacking in mammals. Hence, in this review, we first discuss the many forms of retinal injuries that have been generated using animal models. Next, we discuss how they are utilized to stimulate regeneration and mimic eye disease pathologies. The key to driving stem cell activation in mammals relies on the information we can gather from these models. Lastly, we present a brief update about the genes, growth factors, and signaling pathways that have been brought to light using these models.
Localization of different types of organoclay montmorillonite in the compatibilized polyamide 6/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber nanocomposites: Morphology and rheological properties
Authors: Azizli Mohammad Javad , Barghamadi Mohammad , Rezaeeparto Katayoon , Mokhtary Masoud , Parham Somayeh , Molavi Fatemeh Khademeh , Soltani Sedigheh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, nanocomposites based on polyamide 6/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (PA6/XNBR) reinforced by the clay montmorillonite (OMMT) (Cloisite 20A and Cloisite 30B) were prepared by melt mixing. Glycidyl methacrylate‐grafted XNBR (XNBR‐g‐GMA) compatibilizer was used for immiscible blends of PA6/XNBR. The results illustrated that OMMT wanted to be selectively present in the more hydrophilic PA6 phase. Also, by adding the XNBR‐g‐GMA compatibilizer and increasing OMMT content, tensile strength, rheological and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, a few layers of OMMT (Cloisite 20A) in the XNBR‐g‐GMA compatibilizer phase was observed. The results of X‐ray diffractometry and TEM analyses demonstrated that the formation of intercalated or exfoliated structures for both types of OMMT nanocomposites. In end of all analysis was found PA6/XNBR reinforced by the Cloisite 30B could be substantially improved by adding XNBR‐g‐GMA as a compatibilizer when compared to those reinforced by Cloisite 20A.
A spatial analysis of birth defects in Texas, 1999–2011
Authors: Tang Ian W. , Langlois Peter H. , Vieira Verónica M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe etiologies of major birth defects are still unclear and few spatial analyses have been conducted in the United States. Spatial analyses of individual‐level data can help elucidate environmental and social risk factors.MethodsWe used generalized additive models to analyze 52,955 cases of neural tube defects, congenital heart defects (CHDs), gastroschisis, and orofacial cleft defects, and sampled from 642,399 controls born between 1999 and 2011 in Texas. The effect of geographic location was measured using a bivariable smooth term of geocoded birth address within a logistic regression framework. We calculated and mapped odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for birth defects subtypes across Texas, and adjusted for maternal characteristics, environmental indicators, and community‐level covariates. We also performed time‐stratified spatiotemporal analyses for more prevalent birth defects.ResultsLocation was significantly associated with crude odds of all birth defects except hypoplastic left heart syndrome. After adjusting for maternal characteristics, environmental indicators, and community‐level factors, ORs in many geographic areas were no longer statistically significant for most defects, especially CHDs. However, areas of significant and insignificant elevated risk remained for defects in all groups in North and South Texas, with ORs for ventricular septal defects increasing over time. Low risk of birth defects was often present in the northern part of East Texas.ConclusionSignificant spatial patterns of birth defects were identified and varied depending on adjustment of different categories of covariates. Further investigation of areas with increased risks may aid in our understanding of birth defects.
Overexpression of claspin promotes docetaxel resistance and is associated with prostate‐specific antigen recurrence in prostate cancer
Authors: Babasaki Takashi , Sentani Kazuhiro , Sekino Yohei , Kobayashi Go , Thang Pham Quoc , Katsuya Narutaka , Akabane Shintaro , Taniyama Daiki , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Shiota Masaki , Oue Naohide , Teishima Jun , Matsubara Akio , Yasui Wataru 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlthough docetaxel (DTX) confers significant survival benefits in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), resistance to DTX inevitably occurs. Therefore, clarifying the mechanisms of DTX resistance may improve survival in patients with CRPC. Claspin plays a pivotal role in DNA replication stress and damage responses and is an essential regulator for the S‐phase checkpoint. CLSPN is an oncogenic gene that contributes to tumor proliferation in several human solid tumors. However, the clinical significance of claspin in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been examined. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of claspin and its relationship with DTX resistance in PCa. We immunohistochemically analyzed the expression of claspin in 89 PCa cases, of which 31 (35%) were positive for claspin. Claspin‐positive cases were associated with higher Gleason score, venous invasion, and perineural invasion. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that high claspin expression was related to poor prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) relapse‐free prognosis. In a public database, high CLSPN expression was associated with poor PSA relapse‐free prognosis, Gleason score, T stage, lymph node metastasis, CRPC, and metastatic PCa. Claspin knockdown by siRNA decreased cell proliferation, upregulated DTX sensitivity, and suppressed the expression of Akt, Erk1/2, and CHK1 phosphorylation in DU145 and PC3 cell lines. Furthermore, claspin expression was much more upregulated in DTX‐resistant DU145 (DU145‐DR) than in parental DU145 cells. Claspin knockdown significantly upregulated the sensitivity to DTX in DU145‐DR cells. These results suggest that claspin plays an important role in PCa tumor progression and DTX resistance.
A Cationic Ru(II) Complex Intercalated into Zirconium Phosphate Layers Catalyzes Selective Hydrogenation via Heterolytic Hydrogen Activation
Authors: Chen Manyu , Xia Jie , Li Huan , Zhao Xiuge , Peng Qingpo , Wang Jiajia , Gong Honghui , Dai Sheng , An Pengfei , Wang Haifeng , Hou Zhenshan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCatalytic hydrogenations constitute economic and clean transformations to produce pharmaceutical and a multitude of fine chemicals in chemical industry. Herein, we report a cationic Ru(II) complex intercalated into zirconium phosphate (ZrP) layers that enables the efficient catalytic conversion of furfural and other biomass‐derived carbonyl compounds into the corresponding alcohols through selective hydrogenation of C=O group. The ZrP layers acted not only as a support for the Ru‐complex, but also as the new ligands to tune the Ru(II) center via forming Ru−O bond. The resulting catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic performance and can be easily recycled for six times without significant loss of activity and selectivity. The Ru(II) complex‐intercalated catalysts have been characterized by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, HAADF‐STEM, XPS, FT‐IR, DR‐UV/Vis, EXAFS and XANES. Especially, it is observed that the appropriate interlayer spacing between ZrP layers is favorable to stabilize the Ru(II) complex. Notably, on the basis of the further characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, it is identified that the interaction of cationic Ru(II) complex and P−OH group within ZrP layers leads to the high catalytic performance in selective hydrogenation, and the newly formed Ru−O−P species plays a crucial role in the heterolytic hydrogen activation and selective hydrogenation of biomass‐derived compounds containing a carbonyl group.
Ultradoping Boron on Si(100) via Solvothermal Chemistry**
Authors: Frederick Esther , Campbell Quinn , Kolesnichenko Igor V. , Peña Luis F. , Benavidez Angelica , Anderson Evan M. , Wheeler David R. , Misra Shashank 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUltradoping introduces unprecedented dopant levels into Si, which transforms its electronic behavior and enables its use as a next‐generation electronic material. Commercialization of ultradoping is currently limited by gas‐phase ultra‐high vacuum requirements. Solvothermal chemistry is amenable to scale‐up. However, an integral part of ultradoping is a direct chemical bond between dopants and Si, and solvothermal dopant‐Si surface reactions are not well‐developed. This work provides the first quantified demonstration of achieving ultradoping concentrations of boron (∼1e14 cm2) by using a solvothermal process. Surface characterizations indicate the catalyst cross‐reacted, which led to multiple surface products and caused ambiguity in experimental confirmation of direct surface attachment. Density functional theory computations elucidate that the reaction results in direct B−Si surface bonds. This proof‐of‐principle work lays groundwork for emerging solvothermal ultradoping processes.
Characterization of the hydrodynamics within a toroid wear tester
Authors: Adedeji Oluwaseun E. , Zhang Lisheng , Sarker Nitish R. , Breakey David E. S. , Sanders R. Sean 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe toroid wear tester (TWT) is a lab‐scale device used for the assessment of slurry erosion in pipelines. Historically, its application has been limited to the relative ranking of material performance under different slurry flow conditions; however, recent studies have indicated that TWT tests could be predictive and directly applied to slurry pipeline design—provided that the flow inside a TWT is better characterized. In the present study, air‐liquid multiphase flow inside the TWT was investigated. Torque measurements were taken to characterize friction loss for different air‐liquid combinations. A visualization experiment was also conducted to evaluate flow patterns within the TWT. In the experiment, the displacements of spherical glass beads were used to estimate velocity vector fields for different TWT rotational speeds. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was also conducted to complement the experimental measurements. A 3D transient analysis using the volume of fluid (VOF) approach was used to model the system. The simulation results agreed closely with the experimental findings. Furthermore, the simulations revealed that strong secondary flows (back flow, rotation) exist in the TWT. These type of flows do not occur in horizontal pipelines. Therefore, to use the TWT as a tool for slurry pipeline wear assessment, the differences in the flow field between the two systems must be properly quantified.
Ephrin‐A3 is required for tonotopic map precision and auditory functions in the mouse auditory brainstem
Authors: Hoshino Natalia , Altarshan Yazan , Alzein Ahmad , Fernando Amali M. , Nguyen Hieu T. , Majewski Emma F. , Chen Vincent C.‐F. , Rochlin M. William , Yu Wei‐Ming 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTonotopy is a prominent feature of the vertebrate auditory system and forms the basis for sound discrimination, but the molecular mechanism that underlies its formation remains largely elusive. Ephrin/Eph signaling is known to play important roles in axon guidance during topographic mapping in other sensory systems, so we investigated its possible role in the establishment of tonotopy in the mouse cochlear nucleus. We found that ephrin‐A3 molecules are differentially expressed along the tonotopic axis in the cochlear nucleus during innervation. Ephrin‐A3 forward signaling is sufficient to repel auditory nerve fibers in a developmental stage‐dependent manner. In mice lacking ephrin‐A3, the tonotopic map is degraded and isofrequency bands of neuronal activation upon pure tone exposure become imprecise in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. Ephrin‐A3 mutant mice also exhibit a delayed second wave in auditory brainstem responses upon sound stimuli and impaired detection of sound frequency changes. Our findings establish an essential role for ephrin‐A3 in forming precise tonotopy in the auditory brainstem to ensure accurate sound discrimination.