bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bias Reduction Practices in Underrepresented Groups in Ophthalmology Resident Recruitment
Authors: Uner Ogul E. , Choi Dongseok , Hwang Thomas S. , Faridi Ambar 
Published: March 2024

ImportanceBest recruitment practices for increasing diversity are well established, but the adoption and impact of these practices in ophthalmology residency recruitment are unknown.ObjectiveTo describe the adoption of bias reduction practices in groups underrepresented in ophthalmology (URiO) residency recruitment and determine which practices are effective for increasing URiO residents.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional survey study used an 18-item questionnaire included in the online survey of the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology (AUPO) Residency Program Directors. Data collection occurred from July 2022 to December 2022. The data were initially analyzed on January 16, 2023. Participants included residency program directors (PDs) in the AUPO PD listserv database.Main Outcomes and MeasuresDescriptive analysis of resident selection committee approaches, evaluation of applicant traits, and use of bias reduction tools. Primary outcome was diversity assessed by presence of at least 1 resident in the last 5 classes who identified as URiO, including those underrepresented in medicine (URiM), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual plus, or another disadvantaged background (eg, low socioeconomic status). Multivariate analyses of recruitment practices were conducted to determine which practices were associated with increased URiO and URiM.ResultsAmong 106 PDs, 65 completed the survey (61.3%). Thirty-nine PDs used an interview rubric (60.0%), 28 used interview standardization (43.0%), 56 provided at least 1 bias reduction tool to their selection committee (86.2%), and 44 used postinterview metrics to assess diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts (67.7%). Application filters, interview standardization, and postinterview metrics were not associated with increased URiO. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed larger residency class (odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% CI, 1.09-1.65; P = .01) and use of multiple selection committee bias reduction tools (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.13-1.92; P = .01) were positively associated with increased URiO, whereas use of interview rubrics (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59-0.87; P = .001) and placing higher importance of applicant interest in a program (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75-0.92; P = .02) were negatively associated. URiM analyses showed similar associations.Conclusions and RelevanceOphthalmology residency interviews are variably standardized. In this study, providing multiple bias reduction tools to selection committees was associated with increased URiO and URiM residents. Prioritizing applicant interest in a program may reduce resident diversity. Interview rubrics, while intended to reduce bias, may inadvertently increase inequity.
Convolutional Neural Networks: An Introduction
Authors: Yi Bongsoo , Li Yao , Lee Thomas C. M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractConvolutional neural networks (CNNs) have made revolutionary strides in the field of computer vision. This article provides an overview of CNNs, starting with their fundamental components, including convolutional and pooling layers. This article also discusses the techniques used in their training and reviews popular variants of CNNs such as AlexNet, VGG, and ResNet. Finally, this article presents experimental results that thoroughly compare various CNN models, demonstrating their performance in terms of accuracy, as well as the training and testing time.
A prior‐information‐based automatic segmentation method for the clinical target volume in adaptive radiotherapy of cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Xuanhe , Chang Yankui , Pei Xi , Xu Xie George 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveAdaptive planning to accommodate anatomic changes during treatment often requires repeated segmentation. In this study, prior patient‐specific data was integrateda into a registration‐guided multi‐channel multi‐path (Rg‐MCMP) segmentation framework to improve the accuracy of repeated clinical target volume (CTV) segmentation.MethodsThis study was based on CT image datasets for a total of 90 cervical cancer patients who received two courses of radiotherapy. A total of 15 patients were selected randomly as the test set. In the Rg‐MCMP segmentation framework, the first‐course CT images (CT1) were registered to second‐course CT images (CT2) to yield aligned CT images (aCT1), and the CTV in the first course (CTV1) was propagated to yield aligned CTV contours (aCTV1). Then, aCT1, aCTV1, and CT2 were combined as the inputs for 3D U‐Net consisting of a channel‐based multi‐path feature extraction network. The performance of the Rg‐MCMP segmentation framework was evaluated and compared with the single‐channel single‐path model (SCSP), the standalone registration methods, and the registration‐guided multi‐channel single‐path (Rg‐MCSP) model. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95% Hausdorff distance (HD95), and average surface distance (ASD) were used as the metrics.ResultsThe average DSC of CTV for the deformable image DIR‐MCMP model was found to be 0.892, greater than that of the standalone DIR (0.856), SCSP (0.837), and DIR‐MCSP (0.877), which were improvements of 4.2%, 6.6%, and 1.7%, respectively. Similarly, the rigid body DIR‐MCMP model yielded an average DSC of 0.875, which exceeded standalone RB (0.787), SCSP (0.837), and registration‐guided multi‐channel single‐path (0.848), which were improvements of 11.2%, 4.5%, and 3.2%, respectively. These improvements in DSC were statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe proposed Rg‐MCMP framework achieved excellent accuracy in CTV segmentation as part of the adaptive radiotherapy workflow.
In Situ Nanofiber Formation Blocks AXL and GAS6 Binding to Suppress Ovarian Cancer Development
Authors: Yin Han , Hua Yue , Feng Songwei , Xu Yi , Ding Yue , Liu Sicong , Chen Dongsheng , Du Furong , Liang Gaolin , Zhan Wenjun , Shen Yang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAnexelekto (AXL) is an attractive molecular target for ovarian cancer therapy because of its important role in ovarian cancer initiation and progression. To date, several AXL inhibitors have entered clinical trials for the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, the disadvantages of low AXL affinity and severe off‐target toxicity of these inhibitors limit their further clinical applications. Herein, by rational design of a nonapeptide derivative Nap‐Phe‐Phe‐Glu‐Ile‐Arg‐Leu‐Arg‐Phe‐Lys (Nap‐IR), a strategy of in situ nanofiber formation is proposed to suppress ovarian cancer growth. After administration, Nap‐IR specifically targets overexpressed AXL on ovarian cancer cell membranes and undergoes a receptor‐instructed nanoparticle‐to‐nanofiber transition. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that in situ formed Nap‐IR nanofibers efficiently induce apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by blocking AXL activation and disrupting subsequent downstream signaling events. Remarkably, Nap‐IR can synergistically enhance the anticancer effect of cisplatin against HO8910 ovarian tumors. It is anticipated that the Nap‐IR can be applied in clinical ovarian cancer therapy in the near future.
Wemics: A Single‐Base Resolution Methylation Quantification Method for Enhanced Prediction of Epigenetic Regulation
Authors: Liu Yi , Yi Jiani , Wu Pin , Zhang Jun , Li Xufan , Li Jia , Zhou Liyuan , Liu Yong , Xu Haiming , Chen Enguo , Zhang Honghe , Liang Mingyu , Liu Pengyuan , Pan Xiaoqing , Lu Yan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism that alters gene expression without changing DNA sequence, is essential for organism development and key biological processes like genomic imprinting and X‐chromosome inactivation. Despite tremendous efforts in DNA methylation research, accurate quantification of cytosine methylation remains a challenge. Here, a single‐base methylation quantification approach is introduced by weighting methylation of consecutive CpG sites (Wemics) in genomic regions. Wemics quantification of DNA methylation better predicts its regulatory impact on gene transcription and identifies differentially methylated regions (DMRs) with more biological relevance. Most Wemics‐quantified DMRs in lung cancer are epigenetically conserved and recurrently occurred in other primary cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and their aberrant alterations can serve as promising pan‐cancer diagnostic markers. It is further revealed that these detected DMRs are enriched in transcription factor (TF) binding motifs, and methylation of these TF binding motifs and TF expression synergistically regulate target gene expression. Using Wemics on epigenomic‐transcriptomic data from the large lung cancer cohort, a dozen novel genes with oncogenic potential are discovered that are upregulated by hypomethylation but overlooked by other quantification methods. These findings increase the understanding of the epigenetic mechanism by which DNA methylation regulates gene expression.
Dual Activity of Type III PI3K Kinase Vps34 is Critical for NK Cell Development and Senescence
Authors: Chen Shasha , Li Zehua , Feng Jin , Quan Yuhe , He Junming , Hao Jiqing , Dong Zhongjun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVps34 is the unique member of the class III phosphoinositide 3‐kinase family that performs both vesicular transport and autophagy. Its role in natural killer (NK) cells remains uncertain. In this study, a model without Vps34 (Vps34fl/fl/CD122Cre/+) is generated, deleting Vps34 during and after NK‐cell commitment. These mice exhibit a nearly 90% decrease in NK cell count and impaired differentiation. A mechanistic study reveals that the absence of Vps34 disrupts the transport of IL‐15 receptor subunit alpha CD122 to the cell membrane, resulting in reduced responsiveness of NK cells to IL‐15. In mice lacking Vps34 at the terminal stage of NK‐cell development (Vps34fl/fl/Ncr1Cre/+), NK cells gradually diminish during aging. This phenotype is associated with autophagy deficiency and the stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, terminally differentiated NK cells lacking Vps34 display an accelerated senescence phenotype, while the application of antioxidants effectively reverses the senescence caused by Vps34 deletion by neutralizing ROS. In summary, this study unveils the dual and unique activity of Vps34 in NK cells. Vps34‐mediated vesicular transport is crucial for CD122 membrane trafficking during NK cell commitment, whereas Vps34‐mediated autophagy can delay NK cell senescence.
Eco‐Friendly and Self‐Sanitizing Microporous Cellulose Sponge (MCS)‐Based Cooling Media for Mitigating Microbial Cross‐Contamination in the Food Cold Chain
Authors: Liu Yijun , Xu Boyang , Li Yingxin , Quek Siew‐Young , Huang Kang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMaintaining precise temperature control is vital for cold chain food transport, as temperature fluctuations can cause significant food safety and quality issues. During transport, ice that melts can promote the growth of microbes and their spread, resulting in microbial cross‐contamination. This study developed sustainable, non‐melting, self‐sanitizing “ice cubes” using food grade compositions including microporous cellulose sponges (MCS) and photosensitizers, aimed at enhancing temperature regulation and minimizing microbial contamination in the cold chain. Upon absorbing water, the MCS matched traditional ice in cooling efficiency and heat absorption and exhibit remarkable mechanical and thermal durability, withstanding multiple freeze‐thaw cycles and compressive stresses. The cationic MCS combined with erythrosine B demonstrated strong self‐sanitizing capabilities, effectively reducing microbial cross‐contamination in food models. Additionally, the release rates of photosensitizers from the MCS can be modulated by altering environmental ionic strength. This research offers viable solutions to address microbial cross‐contamination challenges in current cold chain systems.
Boosting primary amines renewable tandem synthesis via defect engineering of NiCo alloy
Authors: Zhao Yang , Wang Qian , Wu Huifang , Zheng Lirong , Gao Zhexi , Guo Xuanlin , Cao Xingzhong , Li Dianqing , Feng Junting 
Published: March 2024

AbstractReductive amination of biomass aldehydes is a vital process to synthesize chemical intermediates primary amine, but the selectivity is severely compromised by the self‐condensation of highly reactive imine intermediates. Herein, we proposed a solution by manipulating the adsorption configuration of secondary imine via defect engineering. Specifically, a gradient reduction strategy was used to adjust the driving force of NiCo alloy crystallization, thus motivating the formation of metal vacancy clusters. The primary amine selectivity was raised from 70.9% to 95.1% with defect concentration increased from 36.1% to 42.5% on catalysts. In situ fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and density functional theory demonstrated metal vacancy clusters induced remarkable NiCo electron transfer, which strengthened electronic coupling between secondary imine with catalyst, resulting in a flat configuration that was conducive to CN bond breakage to guarantee smooth conversion into primary amines. This catalyst exhibited potential real‐life application prospects for its low cost, universality in reductive amination of various aldehydes, and long‐life reusability.
Polyadic Opinion Formation: The Adaptive Voter Model on a Hypergraph
Authors: Golovin Anastasia , Mölter Jan , Kuehn Christian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe adaptive voter model is widely used to model opinion dynamics in social complex networks. However, existing adaptive voter models are limited to only pairwise interactions and fail to capture the intricate social dynamics that arises in groups. This paper extends the adaptive voter model to hypergraphs to explore how forces of peer pressure influence collective decision‐making. The model consists of two processes: individuals can either consult the group and change their opinion or leave the group and join a different one. The interplay between those two processes gives rise to a two‐phase dynamics. In the initial phase, the topology of the hypergraph quickly reaches a new stable state. In the subsequent phase, opinion dynamics plays out on the new topology depending on the mechanism by which opinions spread. If the group always follows the majority, the network rapidly converges to fragmented communities. In contrast, if individuals choose an opinion proportionally to its representation in the group, the system remains in a metastable state for an extended period of time. The results are supported both by stochastic simulations and an analytical mean‐field description in terms of hypergraph moments with a moment closure at the pair level.
Development of antibacterial edible films for food packaging using tragacanth gum, carrageenan, and clove essential oil
Authors: Tabassum  , Babu Akhil , Ahmed Hajeera Sheraz , Naik Tanusha , K P Bhumika , Jeevan Prasad Reddy D. , Prabhakar Patole Reshma , C S Vivek Babu , Varaprasad Kokkarachedu , Keshava Murthy P. S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBiodegradable films have been developed to tackle the problem of environmental pollution caused by food packaging waste. However, microbial growth in these films can lead to food spoilage and pose a threat to health. This study aimed to create antibacterial edible films using tragacanth gum, carrageenan, and clove essential oil (CEO) to prevent microbial growth. The influence of various concentrations of CEO (10%, 20%, and 30 w/w%) on the physical, optical, mechanical, antimicrobial, biodegradability properties and packaging of these films was examined. The results indicated that the addition of CEO enhanced film elongation, whereas it reduced tensile strength and Young's modulus. Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed an interaction between the CEO and tragacanth gum/carrageenan. Incorporating CEO reduced the films' moisture content and water vapor permeability, while increasing their antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The films containing 30% CEO exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against both Escherichia coli and Bacillus. The incorporation of CEO into tragacanth gum/carrageenan enhanced the film's properties, making it suitable for packaging edible food items. This study fills a gap by providing a sustainable solution to mitigate microbial growth in biodegradable food packing materials.
Investigation of the effectiveness of intermittent electromagnetic field stimulation for early internal cartilaginous ossification in prechondrocytic ATDC5 cells
Authors: Iwaki Takahiro , Sawaji Yasunobu , Masaoka Toshinori , Fukada Eiichi , Date Munehiro , Yamamoto Kengo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation has been widely applied clinically to promote bone healing; however, its detailed mechanism of action, particularly in endochondral ossification, remains elusive, and long‐term stimulation is required for its satisfactory effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation using a mouse prechondroblast cell line (ATDC5), and establish an efficient PEMF stimulation strategy for endochondral ossification. The changes in cell differentiation (gene expression levels of aggrecan, type II collagen, and type X collagen) and proliferation (cellular uptake of bromodeoxyuridine [BrdU]) in ATDC5 cells in the presence or absence of rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, was measured. The effects of continuous and intermittent PEMF stimulation on changes in cell differentiation and proliferation were compared. Rapamycin significantly suppressed the induction of cell differentiation markers and the cell proliferation activity. Furthermore, only intermittent PEMF stimulation continuously activated the mTOR pathway in ATDC5 cells, significantly promoting cell proliferation. These results demonstrate the involvement of the mTOR pathway in chondrocyte differentiation and proliferation and suggest that intermittent PEMF stimulation could be effective as a stimulus for endochondral ossification during fracture healing process, thereby reducing stimulation time.
Modeling scalability of impurity precipitation in downstream biomanufacturing
Authors: Guo Jing , Traylor Steven J. , Agoub Mohamed , Jin Weixin , Hua Helen , Diemer R. Bertrum , Xu Xuankuo , Ghose Sanchayita , Li Zheng Jian , Lenhoff Abraham M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPrecipitation during the viral inactivation, neutralization and depth filtration step of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) purification process can provide quantifiable and potentially significant impurity reduction. However, robust commercial implementation of this unit operation is limited due to the lack of a representative scale‐down model to characterize the removal of impurities. The objective of this work is to compare isoelectric impurity precipitation behavior for a monoclonal antibody product across scales, from benchtop to pilot manufacturing. Scaling parameters such as agitation and vessel geometry were investigated, with the precipitate amount and particle size distribution (PSD) characterized via turbidity and flow imaging microscopy. Qualitative analysis of the data shows that maintaining a consistent energy dissipation rate (EDR) could be used for approximate scaling of vessel geometry and agitator speeds in the absence of more detailed simulation. For a more rigorous approach, however, agitation was simulated via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and these results were applied alongside a population balance model to simulate the trajectory of the size distribution of precipitate. CFD results were analyzed within a framework of a two‐compartment mixing model comprising regions of high‐ and low‐energy agitation, with material exchange between the two. Rate terms accounting for particle formation, growth and breakage within each region were defined, accounting for dependence on turbulence. This bifurcated model was successful in capturing the variability in particle sizes over time across scales. Such an approach enhances the mechanistic understanding of impurity precipitation and provides additional tools for model‐assisted prediction for process scaling.
Invasive squamous cell carcinoma on sternotomy scar
Authors: Sarisarraf Nima , Araghi Farnaz , Asadikani Zahra , Moravvej Farshi Hamideh 
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical MessageEarly detection and management of skin tumors has significant importance due to their potency to metastasize. Hence, this study recommends raising the patients' awareness about chronic ulcers and the potential alterations they may experience.
Lignin‐derived hard carbon anode with a robust solid electrolyte interphase for boosted sodium storage performance
Authors: Zheng Jingqiang , Wu Yulun , Guan Chaohong , Wang Danjun , Lai Yanqing , Li Jie , Yang Fuhua , Li Simin , Zhang Zhian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHard carbon is regarded as a promising anode candidate for sodium‐ion batteries due to its low cost, relatively low working voltage, and satisfactory specific capacity. However, it still remains a challenge to obtain a high‐performance hard carbon anode from cost‐effective carbon sources. In addition, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is subjected to continuous rupture during battery cycling, leading to fast capacity decay. Herein, a lignin‐based hard carbon with robust SEI is developed to address these issues, effectively killing two birds with one stone. An innovative gas‐phase removal‐assisted aqueous washing strategy is developed to remove excessive sodium in the precursor to upcycle industrial lignin into high‐value hard carbon, which demonstrated an ultrahigh sodium storage capacity of 359 mAh g−1. It is found that the residual sodium components from lignin on hard carbon act as active sites that controllably regulate the composition and morphology of SEI and guide homogeneous SEI growth by a near‐shore aggregation mechanism to form thin, dense, and organic‐rich SEI. Benefiting from these merits, the as‐developed SEI shows fast Na+ transfer at the interphases and enhanced structural stability, thus preventing SEI rupture and reformation, and ultimately leading to a comprehensive improvement in sodium storage performance.
Distribution, development, and identity of retinal ganglion cells labeled in the Sert‐Cre reporter mouse
Authors: Su Jianmin , Byer Lillian , Liang Yanping , Fox Michael A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe mouse retina contains over 40 types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that differ in morphology, function, or gene expression. RGCs also differ by whether their axons target the brain.s ipsilateral or contralateral hemisphere. Contralaterally projecting RGCs (contraRGCs) are widespread in mouse retina, whereas ipsilateral projecting RGCs (ipsiRGCs) are confined to the ventro‐temporal (VT) crescent of retina. In this study, we employed the Sert‐Cre transgenic line, which had been reported to selectively label ipsiRGCs, to study ipsiRGCs during development. Although the number of Cre‐expressing ipsiRGCs did not significantly increase with postnatal age, the region of retina that they occupied did, and by adulthood represented ~30% of the retinal surface. Unexpectedly, genetic ablation of Sert‐Cre cells failed to fully disrupt ipsilateral projecting retinal axons, suggesting that not all ipsiRGCs generated Cre in Sert‐Cre mice. To test this hypothesis, we retrogradely labeled ipsiRGCs in Sert‐Cre mice which revealed that not all ipsiRGCs are labeled in Sert‐Cre mice and a small population of contraRGCs flanking the VT crescent generates Cre in this line. These results do not negate the usefulness of the Sert‐Cre mouse but do raise important caveats to the interpretation of such studies.