bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moving toward a competency‐based curriculum: Analyzing patients’ information and students’ evaluation in geriatric dentistry
Authors: Limpuangthip Nareudee , Komin Orapin , Tatiyapongpaiboon Teerawut 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveThere is no core competency for geriatric dentistry and special patient care (GSP) in Thailand. Therefore, GSP program was developed as a knowledge‐based curriculum. This study aimed to describe the development and architecture of the GSP curriculum by analyzing patients’ information and students’ evaluation to move toward a competency‐based curriculum. Comparisons with the original GSP curriculum and future direction are discussed.MethodsDevelopment and architecture of the GSP curriculum were described. Information of 130 patients attending the GSP clinic, and those who participated in a maintenance recall was analyzed. Students’ evaluation was performed using a 21‐item questionnaire within seven domains based on the ASEAN University Network‐Quality Assurance (AUN‐QA) checklist. The responses were made using a five‐point ordinal scale ranging from totally agree to totally disagree.ResultsOnly 50% of the patients attended a maintenance recall. Among the recalled patients, 74.2% reported emerging problems. The AUN‐QA questionnaire responses indicated that students mostly agreed with the program specification, teaching and learning approach, students’ assessment methods, student quality, and support domains. The modified curriculum was developed based on the patients’ information and students’ evaluation. The original and modified GSP curricula were compared.ConclusionsInformation analysis of the patients and students’ evaluation are essential to move a knowledge‐based curriculum for geriatric and special patient care dentistry toward a competency‐based curriculum that is appropriate for patients’ condition and serves students’ requirements. Oral health care in elderly and special care patients requires a multidisciplinary approach, and should encompass oral disease problems, behavior, and social context.
Homogenization and trends analysis of the Belgian historical precipitation time series
Authors: Bertrand Cedric , Ingels Romain , Journée Michel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLong series of climate observations are essential to understand past and present climate change. However, the study of climate change from raw instrumental data poses a number of specific problems. Firstly, any observations are likely to contain erroneous values. Secondly, measurement conditions have generally changed over time which may introduce artificial breaks in the data that do not reflect the real variations of the climate. This article presents a new dataset of quality controlled and homogenized monthly precipitation series for Belgium. After in‐depth data quality control, monthly precipitation time series have been homogenized with the HOMER software on the basis of available metadata. Homogenization results are provided for 110 series over the period 1951–2019 and for 18 series starting before 1912 including nine covering the full time period 1880–2019. The new dataset of monthly homogenized series allows us to make a robust analysis of the precipitation evolution in Belgium from 1880 to nowadays. The comparison between the average of the last 30 years (1990–2019) with that of the first 30 years (1880–1909) of the considered time period, reveals an average increase in precipitation in the order of 15.5%. However, this average representation of the increase masks important seasonal and regional differences across Belgium.
Mule Deer Migrations and Highway Underpass Usage in California, USA
Authors: Caldwell Molly R. , Klip J. Mario K. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTRoadways may pose barriers to long‐distance migrators such as some ungulates. Highway underpasses mitigate wildlife‐vehicle collisions and can be an important management tool for protecting migration corridors. In northern California, 3 underpasses were built on United States Route 395 (Route 395) in Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area (HJWA) in the 1970s for a migratory mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) herd that had been negatively affected by highway traffic. To determine whether these underpasses were still reducing mule deer mortalities >40 years after construction, we investigated deer use of the underpasses from 2006–2019 using cameras, global positioning system (GPS) collars, and roadkill records. We used occupancy models, approximations of GPS‐collared mule deer movement paths, and roadkill locations to estimate the highway crossing patterns of deer. From camera data, there was higher use of the underpasses by deer during migration (spring [Mar–Jun], fall [Oct–Dec]) than in summer (Jul–Sep), when only resident deer were present. Higher underpass usage occurred in the spring compared to fall migrations. Eleven of 21 GPS‐collared migrating mule deer crossed Route 395. We estimated 30% of the crossings (by 7 of the 11 deer) occurred south of the underpasses where deer could easily access the highway because of short (1‐m high) and deteriorating highway fencing. Roadkill data confirmed that deer‐vehicle collisions were occurring south of the underpasses and at the underpasses. This was likely due to deteriorating infrastructure at the underpasses that allows wildlife access to the highway. Overall, our study indicated that although underpasses can provide safe passage for migratory deer decades (>40 yr) after their construction, deteriorating infrastructure such as fencing and gates can lead to wildlife mortalities on highways near underpasses. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Effect of Electrode Configuration and Impulse Strength on Airway Patency in Neurostimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Pawlak Dominik , Bohorquez Dominique , König Inke R. , Steffen Armin , Thaler Erica R. 
Published: April 2021

Objectives/HypothesisHypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has gained increasing interest for the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) can both exclude improper airway collapse patterns and visualize airway changes under stimulation. Stimulation outcome effects depend on the impulse voltage and electric field resulting from the electrode configuration of the implanted device. The effects of various combinations of voltage and electric field on DISE airway patterns in contrast to awake endoscopy are unknown.Study DesignCohort study.MethodsDuring therapy adjustment about 6 months after implantation, patients underwent a DISE and awake endoscopy with 100% and 125% of functional voltage in three typical electrode configurations (+ – +, o – o, − – −). All videos were analyzed by two separate persons for the opening of the airway at velum, tongue base, and epiglottis level.ResultsThirty patients showed typical demographic data. The opening effects were visible in all patients, but there were changes between different electrode configurations. Several demographic or therapeutic aspects such as obesity, OSA severity, or prior soft palate surgery were associated with changes arising from different electrode configurations, but none resulted in a consistently better airway opening.ConclusionsIn patients with poor results during the therapy adjustment, electric configuration changes can improve airway patency—an independent variable from increasing voltage. As these effects can only be seen in awake endoscopy or DISE, both endoscopies with live stimulation may be considered in cases with insufficient improvement in apnea–hypopnea index after initiation of HNS therapy.Level of EvidenceProspective case series; level 4. Laryngoscope, 131:2148–2153, 2021
Mainstream Cigarette Smoke Impacts the Mouse Vocal Fold Epithelium and Mucus Barrier
Authors: Erickson‐DiRenzo Elizabeth , Easwaran Meena , Martinez Joshua D. , Dewan Karuna , Sung Chih Kwang 
Published: April 2021

Objectives/HypothesisCigarette smoke (CS) is a primary risk factor for the development of numerous benign and malignant laryngeal diseases. The epithelium and mucus lining the vocal folds (VF) are the first barriers against CS. The primary objective of this study was to investigate epithelial and mucus barrier changes in the mouse laryngeal mucosa upon exposure to subacute CS. The secondary objective was to compare mucus barrier changes in mice and human smokers and nonsmokers.Study DesignAnimal model.MethodsMice were exposed to CS for 4 weeks for 4 hours (N = 12, high dose [HD]) or 1 hour (N = 12, low dose [LD]) per day. Air‐exposed mice were used as a control group (N = 10). Larynges were harvested and VF epithelial barrier integrity was evaluated including cellular proliferation and expression of cell junctions. We also investigated mucus production by examining mucus cell area and mucin expression in mice and human smokers and nonsmokers.ResultsHD CS increased VF epithelial cellular proliferation but did not alter the expression of cell junctions. HD CS also induced hypertrophy of the mucus‐producing submucosal glands. However, only LD CS increased MUC5AC gene expression. MUC5AC staining appeared elevated in laryngeal specimens from smokers, but this was not significant as compared to nonsmokers.ConclusionsThese findings help us identify potential adaptive mechanisms to CS exposure as well as set the foundation for further study of key aspects of epithelial and mucus barrier integrity that may be implicated in laryngeal disease development following prolonged smoking.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:2530–2539, 2021
Surgical Margin Status and Survival Following Resection of Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Elsamna Samer T. , Ahsanuddin Salma , Mir Ghayoour S. , Sukyte‐Raube Donata , Fang Christina H. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesSinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is an aggressive cancer usually managed with surgical resection. This study evaluates the impact of treatment modality and positive surgical margin (PSM) on survival following resection of SNMM.Study DesignRetrospective study of a national cancer registry.MethodsThe National Cancer Database was queried for cases of SNMM from 2010 to 2015. Data regarding patient demographics, tumor staging, and treatment modality were obtained. Survival rates were compared by margin status: PSM, negative (NSM), and no operation (0SM) using Kaplan–Meier analysis and log rank test.ResultsA total of 446 patients met inclusion criteria. Most cases were elderly (>66 years‐old) (67.3%), female (54.3%), and white (89.5%). Cases of SNMM most commonly involved the nasal cavity (81.6%), were Stage 3 (60.0%), and underwent surgical resection at an academic center (65.0%). NSM and PSM were present in 59.0% and 26.9% of cases, respectively, while 14.1% of cases did not undergo surgical resection (0SM). Factors predictive of PSM included resection at a community hospital (OR 2.47) and Stage 4 disease (OR 2.07). The 2‐year survival rates were 72.1% (95% CI 69.4–75.4%), 36.3% (95% CI 22.0–48.9), and 16.0% (95% CI 8.2–25.4%) for NSM, PSM and 0SM, respectively. Survival was statistically significant between NSM and PSM (Log rank <0.001) but not between 0SM and PSM (Log rank = 0.062).ConclusionOur study emphasizes the need for NSM for SNMM as PSM did not demonstrate any significant improvement in survival when compared to 0SM. Our findings suggest that cases of SNMM are best managed at academic centers.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:2429–2435, 2021
Adopting open access in an emerging country: Is gender inequality a barrier in humanities and social sciences?
Authors: Vuong Quan‐Hoang , Nguyen Huyen Thanh T. , Ho Manh‐Toan , Nguyen Minh‐Hoang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe participation of women in Vietnam's social sciences and humanities research has increased during the last several decades. However, they still face various challenges, such as the 'glass ceiling', social stereotypes, low recognition, and underrepresentation. The open‐access (OA) movement, being advocated for connecting science and community and improving scientists' visibility, offers a viable platform to increase participation of female researchers. This research investigated participation of Vietnamese women in 3,122 Social Sciences & Humanities publications during 2008–2019. Results show a rapid increase in female authors during the period, rising from 47.27% to 71.43% of articles having one or more Vietnamese female author. However, the number of women as first authors remained lower than men, with only 397 publications having a female first author. Bayesian analysis showed that although the number of coauthors was positively associated with the likelihood to publish in an OA journal, there was a negative association between Vietnamese female author participation and the likelihood to publish OA, a finding that matched the effect of female contribution from other countries. These findings hint at the gender inequality induced by cultural and socio‐economic factors, and we postulate that the influence of financial and other inequalities may limit the ability of women to take full advantage of OA publication to further their careers.
Zinc(II)‐Dipicolylamine Analogs Mediated PEI1.8k/pDNA Vector: Effect of Ligand Structure on the Gene Transport Process
Authors: Jia Huiting , Wang Xindong , Chen Zhaoming , Liu Shuai , Zhou Tongtong , Zhou Hao , Guo Tianying 
Published: April 2021

AbstractZinc ion complexes of dipicolylamine analogs, due to the strong synergistic effect between the Zn2+ complex of containing polypyridine derivatives and polycations in each key step of pDNA transport, have been used as the third component to mediate polyethyleneimine with molecular weight 1.8 kDa (PEI1.8k)/DNA gene delivery system. And the effects of different structural characteristics, such as the number of pyridinamine ligands, the hydrophilic‐hydrophobicity of the adjacent groups, on the in vitro transfection performance of the ternary complex are systematically investigated. This ternary hybrid system provides an effective strategy to improve the gene delivery of cationic polymers.
The Preparation of Metal–Organic‐Framework/Boron Phosphate Hybrid Materials for Improved Performances in Proton Exchange Membranes
Authors: Hu Fuqiang , Zhong Fei , Wang Jie , Qu Ting , Ni Jing , Zheng Genwen , Gong Chunli , Liu Hai 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNew types of metal–organic framework based hybrid materials are designed and prepared, which involving the hybridization of various content of boron phosphate (BPO4) with the precursor of HKUST‐1. The structure of obtained HKUST‐1/BPO4 hybrid materials (HB) is fully investigated, and then applied to construct sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) based proton exchange membranes (SPEEK/HB). Owing to effective interactions between hybrid materials and SPEEK matrix, the achieved composite membranes reflect a considerable improvement in mechanical and thermal stability, oxidative stability, methanol permeation, and proton conductivity. In particular, the tensile strength of SPEEK/HB‐20 composite membrane is 41.3 MPa, which is 1.5 times higher than pristine SPEEK, and the methanol permeability reduced to one‐third of SPEEK at the same time. The SPEEK/HB‐10 displays the highest proton conductivity of 37.4 mS cm−1 at 80 °C, which is obviously higher than pristine SPEEK. These results reveal that the hybridization of HKUST‐1 with BPO4 provide a promising candidate in the modification of proton exchange membranes (PEMs), and this strategy also possess great application potential in other types of MOFs‐based hybrid materials.
Synthetic Routes to Single Chain Polymer Nanoparticles (SCNPs): Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Alqarni Meshari A. M. , Waldron Christopher , Yilmaz Gokhan , Becer C. Remzi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRecent advances in polymer science make it possible to create single chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs), which can mimic the folding of natural macromolecules, such as protein and nucleic acid, in terms of their native and functional state. Even though considerable progress has been done during the last years, the synthesis of relatively controlled SCNPs with a good folding accuracy is still challenging due to lack of appropriate chemical synthesis techniques. Different types of SCNPs are developed with enhanced properties and used for various applications, e.g., delivery systems, imaging agents, and nanomedicine. As it is believed that SCNPs are so crucial to elucidate single chain technology, in this review, recent developments in SCNPs are discussed comprehensively according to their synthetic approaches to keep readers updated on this important research field. First, selective point folding methods are classified and highlighted, and then repeat unit folding routes are discussed with exciting examples.
Toward Smart Information Processing with Synthetic DNA Molecules
Authors: Jiang Chu , Zhang Yinan , Wang Fei , Liu Huajie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDNA, a biological macromolecule, is a naturally evolved information material. From the structural point of view, an individual DNA strand can be considered as a chain of data with its bases working as single units. For decades, due to the high biochemical stability, large information storage capacity, and high recognition specificity, DNA has been recognized as an attractive material for information processing. Especially, the chemical synthesis strategies and DNA sequencing techniques have been rapidly developed recently, further enabling encoding information with synthetic DNA molecules. Herein, recent progresses are summarized on information processing based on synthetic DNA molecules from three aspects including information storage, computation, and encryption, and proposed the challenges and future development directions.
Biocompatibility of New SiO2 Anti‐Bacterial Material Synthesized by Sol–Gel Route
Authors: Continenza Maria Adelaide , Crescente Giuseppina , Pacifico Severina , Catauro Michelina 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSilica material is prepared through sol–gel route using tetramethylorthosilicate as alkoxide precursor. The material is characterized by Fourier transformed InfraRed spectroscopy, and its amorphous state is ascertained by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD). The SiO2 sol–gel bio‐glass shows antibacterial activity towards the Gram‐negative Escherichia coli with a clear halo zone diameter. Furthermore, in order to assess biocompatibility, a primary fibroblast cell line is seeded on biomaterial fragments, sterilized, and directly introduced inside the culture dishes. To show the relations between biomaterial‐cultured cells, a morphological study is performed by light microscopy during all the incubation time and finally the cultures are stopped after 7, 14, and 21 days of incubation. A suitable biocompatibility of the SiO2 sol–gel bio‐glass is observed. In fact, cells maintained their conventional star shape and the monolayer stratified at the dish bottom show only minimal disruption in the biomaterial‐rubbing points, without any other morphological alteration.
Filler Content Effect on Water Uptake and Thermal Stability of Poly(3‐Hydroxybutyrate‐Co‐3‐Hydroxyhexanoate)/Microcrystalline Cellulose Biocomposites
Authors: Dehouche Nadjet , Kaci Mustapha , Idres Celia , Bruzaud Stéphane 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, biocomposites of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx)/cellulose microcrystalline (MCC) extracted from olive husk flour are prepared by melt compounding at various filler content ratios, i.e., 10, 20, and 30 wt%. The effect of the MCC content on the morphology, thermal stability, crystallinity, and water uptake of the PHBHHx biocomposites is investigated. The results showed that the addition of MCC to PHBHHx decreased the thermal stability of the biocomposites compared to that of neat polymer, however more pronounced at a higher filler content. This is due probably to the tendency of MCC particles to agglomerate, inducing heterogeneities and defects within the polymer matrix observed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, both crystallinity and water uptake after 24 h of immersion increased with the filler content.
The Printing Parameters Effects on the Dimensional Accuracy of the Parts Made of Photosensitive Resin
Authors: Boca Marius‐Andrei , Sover Alexandru , Slătineanu Laurențiu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe liquid crystal display is a resin additive manufacturing process applied in the dental, jewellery, engineering industries or hobby, in applications where surface quality, level of details and dimensional accuracy are the main requirements. This paper identifies and explains issues concerning the dimensional accuracy, which are experimentally identified using printed samples made from dedicated photosensitive resin material and Gw basic software to determinate the optimal printing parameters.
Realization of Dental Metallic Works Using a 3D Printer Type MYSINT 100 Through the Selective Laser Melting Process
Authors: Tulică Alexandru Constantin , Drugă Corneliu Nicolae 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe paper presents a series of aspects regarding the design and realization of metal dental works on a 3D printer type MYSINT 100. This printer is based on the process of selective laser melting of metal powders (selective laser melting) to perform metal dental works (crowns dental, dental bridges, dental implants, etc.). The first part of the paper presents a series of information on how to cast metal alloy for dental bridges. The paper shows main stages of CAD‐CAM design of metal dental works using the ExoCAD program. After obtaining the 3D model (s), they are introduced in the Magics software, to identify errors, collisions on the work platform, determine the volume of work and material consumption (metal powder). Later, they are made using the MYSINT 100 printer.
Study of Antimicrobial Activities of Thyme and Propolis of PLA films
Authors: Ardjoum Nadjet , Chibani Nacera , Boukerrou Amar , Djidjelli Hocine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractActive films using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a polymeric matrix containing propolis and Thymus vulgaris concentrations (3, 6, and 9%) as the active agent are developed using a casting method. The purpose is to determine the effects of the incorporation of active agent on the physical properties of the films and to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
On the Mechanical Properties of Composites Based on Wheat Husk and Polyvinyl Chloride
Authors: Aouat Hassina , Hammiche Dalila , Boukerrou Amar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis work is aimed to valorize the agricultural waste based on the wheat husk (WH) by its incorporation as the reinforcing filler in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. To improve interfacial adhesion, the fiber is chemically treated with acetic anhydride (AA). Various composite samples made of PVC and WH fibers at different loading rates, i.e., 10, 20, and 30 wt% are prepared. The transmission Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy IRTF results revealed that the reaction of acetylation has occurred. The results indicate a reduction in the mechanical properties according to the load factor as well as an improvement for the treated composites compared to the untreated composites. There is a reduction in the modulus according to the load factor for PVC/WHAA composites compared to the PVC/WH for both the 20 and 30 wt% formulations.