bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can successful female STEM graduates contribute to narrowing the gender pay gap in the EU?
Authors: Petrenko Olesya , Cadil Jan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDrawing upon contemporary research, this paper examines whether there is a relationship of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) bachelor and master graduates to the gender pay gap (GPG) in the 27 EU Member states in 2013–2020 using a novel cross‐sectional data set based on the 2013 International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). International panel data were analysed with the dynamic modelling fixed effects method and compared with the results received from the cross‐sectional analysis executed with the help of Bayesian model averaging methods. Our findings suggest that STEM education plays a significant role in forming the GPG. We can see a negative, robust and statistically significant effect of bachelor‐ and master‐level female STEM graduates on the GPG and a positive statistically significant effect of bachelor‐ and master‐level male STEM graduates on the GPG. The permanently lower women‐to‐men ratio in STEM education and those employed in high‐end sectors of science and technology can be one of the drivers of the persistent GPG in developed countries.
Successful vitrification of equine embryos >300 microns without puncture or aspiration
Authors: Kovacsy Sofia , Ismer Ann , Funes Javier , Hoogewijs Maarten , Wilsher Sandra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundEquine embryos >300 μm require puncture before vitrification. Protocols that do not require pre‐puncture would make vitrification easier and allow for its widespread use.ObjectivesTo design a successful vitrification protocol for embryos >300 μm without puncture as a pre‐treatment.Study designExperimental in vivo study.MethodsThirty‐eight embryos were divided into 3 groups (G1: ≤300 μm, n = 11; G2: >300–500 μm, n = 20; G3: >500 μm, n = 7). Embryos were vitrified using a human vitrification kit. Following a 15 min exposure to equilibration solution (ES; 7.5% DMSO +7.5% ethylene glycol [EG] in a base medium [BM] of M199 HEPES‐buffered medium [H199] + hydroxypropyl cellulose + gentamycin), embryos were exposed for ≤90 s to a vitrification solution (15% DMSO +15% EG + 0.5 M trelahose in BM), loaded onto a Cryolock and plunged into LN2. Warming was undertaken by plunging the Cryolock tip into 1 mL of H199 + 20% FBS + pen/strep +1 M sucrose at 42°C for 1 min. The embryos were then moved to a 0.5 M sucrose solution for 4 min, then placed in Vigro Hold for 4 min prior to transfer to a recipient.ResultsPregnancy rates were 81.8% (9/11) for G1, 80% (16/20) for G2, and 0% (0/7) for G3. The largest embryo to survive was 480 μm.Main limitationsLimited numbers and only one pregnancy was followed to term.ConclusionsEquine embryos ≤480 μm can be successfully vitrified using a protocol with a longer exposure time to the ES. This does not appear to have a negative effect on early embryonic development.
Governance and efficiency in Chinese foundations
Authors: Lu Zheyu , Zhang Yuyu , Williamson Alexandra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact of governance on the efficiency of nonprofit organizations and the relationship among different governance mechanisms. Using a dataset of 3496 Chinese foundations from 2011 to 2015, we find that internal governance, external donor governance, and external governance environment are significantly and positively associated with foundations’ efficiency. Importantly, substitutional relationships exist among these governance mechanisms. Financial reporting quality is a major channel through which governance influences efficiency. Furthermore, the positive association between governance and efficiency is more pronounced for small foundations than for large ones and for noneducation‐focused foundations than for education‐focused ones. This study offers practical guidance for foundations to improve their efficiency by enhancing both internal and external governance and will be of interest to foundation leaders, donors, and policymakers.
The risk factors for arteriovenous fistula dysfunction in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Yu Jie , Li Guoli , Fu Shuangshuang , Xiao Hailang , Yang Yiya , Liang Yumei , Chen Yinyin , Luo Xun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionArteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction is a prevalent complication among maintenance hemodialysis patients. However, the factors influencing AVF patency remain unclear. To address this, we conducted a study aimed at identifying factors contributing to AVF dysfunction in this patient population.MethodsThe study compared clinical data, vascular calcification score, and laboratory data focusing on blood cell composition and coagulation in 100 maintenance hemodialysis patients in whom an AVF had been inserted from January through September of 2022. The patients were divided into a group in which the AVF functioned without issues and a group in which the AVF was dysfunctional, defined as not able to provide a blood flow of greater than 200 mL/min.FindingsPatients in the 2 groups (56 in the dysfunctional AVF group and 44 in the group with satisfactory AVF function) were similar demographically. Compared with the normally functioning AVF group, the AVF dysfunction group exhibited significantly higher Agatston calcium scores (20.5 [1.28, 298] median [Q1, Q3] vs. 1.14 [0.00, 11.6]; p = 0.01), elevated triglyceride levels (1.1 [0.6, 1.2] mmol/L vs. 0.5 [0.3, 0.8]; p < 0.01), increased prothrombin activity (113 ± 22.1% vs. 99.4 ± 23.1; p < 0.01), lower prothrombin time (10.4 [9.8, 10.8] s vs. 11.0 [10.3, 11.5]; p < 0.01), higher red blood cell (RBC) counts (3.5 ± 0.7 · 1012/L vs. 3.0 ± 0.7; p < 0.01), and elevated hemoglobin levels (98.0 ± 21.8 g/L vs. 84.9 ± 24.2; p < 0.01). Higher C‐reactive protein (20.2 [3.3, 20.2] mg/L vs. 17.8 [6.2, 17.8]; p = 0.01) and procalcitonin levels (0.9 [0.4, 0.9] ng/mL vs. 0.5 [0.2, 0.7]; p < 0.01) were also noted. Logistic regression analysis indicated that platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, and RBC count were factors associated with AVF dysfunction. Increased monocyte/lymphocyte ratio and RBC count correlated with higher risk, while a higher platelet/lymphocyte ratio was associated with lower risk.DiscussionArteriovenous fistula dysfunction in maintenance hemodialysis patients is associated with higher proportions of specific hematological parameters, particularly elevated RBC count, and altered platelet/lymphocyte and monocyte/lymphocyte ratios.
Internationalization of higher education research in the Greater Bay Area of China: Building capacities, alleviating asymmetries
Authors: Oleksiyenko Anatoly V. , Liu Jie , Ngan Christy 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInternationalization is known to enhance university capacities in cross‐border learning and encourage institutional transformations for improved quality of scholarship and education. Studies on internationalization of research and teaching are, however, under‐problematized with regard to asymmetries that pervade different collaborating systems and cultures. This paper addresses this gap by elucidating asymmetries in the Greater Bay Area of China (GBA), which is dealing with differences in legacies and experiences of internationalization in university research and teaching. At a time when the governments in the three constituent jurisdictions of GBA—Guangdong Province, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), and Macao SAR—encourage universities to collaborate across jurisdictional borders, this study applies a bibliographic analysis to shed light on asymmetries and mitigation strategies in internationalization of research and teaching.
Validating care and treatment scenarios for measuring decisional conflict regarding future care preferences among older adults
Authors: Sinclair Craig , Yeoh Ling , Karusoo‐Musumeci Ava , Auret Kirsten A. , Clayton Josephine M. , Hilgeman Michelle , Halcomb Elizabeth , Sinclair Ron , Martini Angelita , Meller Anne , Walton Rebecca , Wei Li , Dao‐Tran Tiet‐Hanh , Kurrle Susan , Comans Tracy 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveDecisional conflict is used increasingly as an outcome measure in advance care planning (ACP) studies. When the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) is used in anticipatory decision‐making contexts, the scale is typically tethered to hypothetical scenarios. This study reports preliminary validation data for hypothetical scenarios relating to life‐sustaining treatments and care utilisation to inform their broader use in ACP studies.MethodsThree hypothetical scenarios were developed by a panel of multidisciplinary researchers, clinicians and community representatives. A convenience sample of 262 older adults were surveyed. Analyses investigated comprehensibility, missing data properties, sample norms, structural, convergent and discriminant validity.ResultsResponse characteristics suggested that two of the scenarios had adequate comprehensibility and response spread. Missing response rates were unrelated to demographic characteristics. Predicted associations between DCS scores and anxiety (r's = .31–.37, p < .001), and ACP engagement (r's = −.41 to −.37, p < .001) indicated convergent validity.ConclusionA substantial proportion of older adults reported clinically significant levels of decisional conflict when responding to a range of hypothetical scenarios about care or treatment. Two scenarios showed acceptable comprehensibility and response characteristics. A third scenario may be suitable following further refinement.Patient or Public ContributionThe scenarios tested here were designed in collaboration with a community representative and were further piloted with two groups of community members with relevant lived experiences; four people with life‐limiting conditions and five current or former care partners.
Melasma and reflectance confocal microscopy: from baseline to treatment monitoring
Authors: Guida Stefania , Longo Caterina , Ronga Riccardo , Stabile Giorgio , Podo Brunetti Antonio , Bigotto Gianmarco D. , Conforti Claudio , Ciardo Silvana , Cantisani Carmen , Paolino Giovanni , Mercuri Santo R. , Nisticò Steven P. , Zerbinati Nicola , Rongioletti Franco , Pellacani Giovanni 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMelasma is a frequent condition worldwide, and it represents one of the most challenging disorders to treat in cosmetic dermatology. One of the critical factors for treatment prognosis is the assessment of the depth and distribution of pigment within the hyperpigmented area. Nowadays, non‐invasive skin imaging techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), have been used to estimate pigment distribution and depth within different skin layers. This article aims to provide a systematic review of RCM applications in melasma, providing terminology and investigating characteristics of melasma at baseline and after medical and laser treatment. Our results support the recognition of two main types of melasma, epidermal and mixed type, thanks to the role of RCM in highlighting the precise pigment depth location in the skin non‐invasively. RCM treatment monitoring enables the objectification of pigment variations after treatment and the identification of prognostic factors for different treatment modalities. After the era of the application of RCM as a technique applied strictly to skin cancers, additional cosmetic applications are emerging, such as the application of melasma treatment monitoring.
Prenatal influences on postnatal neuroplasticity: Integrating DOHaD and sensitive/critical period frameworks to understand biological embedding in early development
Authors: Margolis Emma T. , Gabard‐Durnam Laurel J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEarly environments can have significant and lasting effects on brain, body, and behavior across the lifecourse. Here, we address current research efforts to understand how experiences impact neurodevelopment with a new perspective integrating two well‐known conceptual frameworks – the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) and sensitive/critical period frameworks. Specifically, we consider how prenatal experiences characterized in the DOHaD model impact two key neurobiological mechanisms of sensitive/critical periods for adapting to and learning from the postnatal environment. We draw from both animal and human research to summarize the current state of knowledge on how particular prenatal substance exposures (psychoactive substances and heavy metals) and nutritional profiles (protein‐energy malnutrition and iron deficiency) each differentially impact brain circuits' excitation/GABAergic inhibition balance and myelination. Finally, we highlight new research directions that emerge from this integrated framework, including testing how prenatal environments alter sensitive/critical period timing and learning and identifying potential promotional/buffering prenatal exposures to impact postnatal sensitive/critical periods. We hope this integrative framework considering prenatal influences on postnatal neuroplasticity will stimulate new research to understand how early environments have lasting consequences on our brains, behavior, and health.
Reversal evidence from investor sentiment in international stock markets
Authors: Ahn Keunbae , Hambusch Gerhard 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research investigates the effect of sentiment on the time‐series and cross‐section of mean, variance and correlation of asset returns to examine how investor sentiment creates predictable variations in financial markets. Based on the method proposed by Baker and Wurgler (2007, Investor sentiment in the stock market, Journal of Economic Perspectives 21, 129‐152), we build composite sentiment indexes with a focus on international markets. Our time‐series results show that optimistic (pessimistic) sentiment leads to overpricing (underpricing) and that variance and correlation of asset returns increase when investors are pessimistic. Our cross‐ section results suggest that these effects tend to become more pronounced for stocks with more exposure to sentiment or the market.
Optimization of spraying process and stoichiometric stage of plasma‐sprayed Yb2Si2O7 environmental barrier coating
Authors: Xue Zhaolu , Wang Haohan , Wang Xin , Zhang Zhenya , Byon Eungsun , Zhang Shihong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractYtterbium disilicate (Yb2Si2O7) is a potential environmental barrier coating (EBC) material. In this paper, the microstructure and phase composition of plasma‐sprayed Yb2Si2O7 coatings with different spraying process were systematically investigated to optimize the spraying power and spraying distance. Furthermore, in order to obtain Yb2Si2O7 coating with single phase, a certain proportion of SiO2 was added to the Yb2Si2O7 powder to compensate for the volatilization of SiO2 during plasma‐spraying process, and the influence of spraying powder composition on the microstructure and phase structure (composition and content) of Yb2Si2O7 coatings were also characterized in detail. The results showed that the Yb2Si2O7 coating was dense with fewer pores and cracks at the spraying power of 40 kW and the spraying distance of 100 mm. Yb2Si2O7 coating with the “sandwich” structure was composed of Yb2Si2O7, Yb2Si2O7 + Yb2SiO5, and Yb2SiO5 three microstructures, which was mainly caused by the volatilization of SiO2 in Yb2Si2O7 spraying powder. The Yb2Si2O7 coating contained 90.68 mol.% Yb2Si2O7 phase and 9.32 mol.% Yb2SiO5 phase after crystallization at 1300°C for 20 h. The coating was composed of Yb2Si2O7 phase and amorphous phase after SiO2 addition. Yb2SiO5 phase precipitated from the coating after heat treatment at 1300°C, and its content decreased with the increase of SiO2 content. The content of the Yb2Si2O7 phase was as high as 99.41 mol.% when SiO2 content was 10 mol.%, which would provide a scientific basis for further research on stoichiometric Yb2Si2O7 EBCs with excellent properties.
Omega‐3 fatty acids and their influence on hypertension and coronary atherosclerosis: Insights from a Mendelian randomization approach
Authors: Song Yuchen , Wang Qun , Jia Lianqun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIt has been suggested that Omega‐3 fatty acids may improve endothelial thickness and thereby reduce the onset of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary atherosclerosis and hypertension. However, published observational epidemiological studies on the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Omega‐3 fatty acids remain inconclusive. Here, we performed a two‐sample Mendelian randomisation analysis using publicly available GWAS pooled statistics to study a GWAS dataset of 16 380 466 SNPs in 23 363 cases and 195 429 controls (also of European ancestry) to determine genetic susceptibility to hypertension. We performed random‐effects Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses supplemented by a series of sensitivity assessments to measure the robustness of the findings and to detect any violations of the MR assumptions. During the course of the study, we used IVW, MR‐Egger, and weighted median regression to infer that Omega‐3 intake has a potentially adverse effect against atherosclerosis, although the trend was not significant (OR = 1.1198; 95%; CI: 0.9641–1.3006, p = .130). Meanwhile, our analyses showed a statistically significant negative association between Omega‐3 fatty acid levels and risk of hypertension (OR = 0.9006; 95% CI: 0.8179–0.9917, p = .033). In addition, we explored the causal relationship between atherosclerosis and hypertension and found a significant correlation (OR = 1.3036; 95% CI: 1.0672–1.5923, p = .009). In conclusion, our extensive data investigated by MR suggest that elevated levels of Omega‐3 fatty acids may be associated with an decreased risk of hypertension. Although there is no direct link between hypertension and atherosclerosis, the possibility of a subtle association cannot be categorically excluded.
Deucravacitinib in moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: Pooled safety and tolerability over 52 weeks from two phase 3 trials (POETYK PSO‐1 and PSO‐2)
Authors: Strober Bruce , Blauvelt Andrew , Warren Richard B. , Papp Kim A. , Armstrong April W. , Gordon Kenneth B. , Morita Akimichi , Alexis Andrew F. , Lebwohl Mark , Foley Peter , Kisa Renata M. , Colston Elizabeth , Wang Tao , Banerjee Subhashis , Thaçi Diamant 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundTwo phase 3 trials, POETYK PSO‐1 and PSO‐2, previously established the efficacy and overall safety of deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in plaque psoriasis.ObjectivesTo further assess the safety of deucravacitinib over 52 weeks in the pooled population from these two trials.MethodsPooled safety data were evaluated from PSO‐1 and PSO‐2 in which patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis were randomized 1:2:1 to receive oral placebo, deucravacitinib or apremilast.ResultsA total of 1683 patients were included in the pooled analysis. Adverse event (AE) incidence rates were similar in each treatment group, serious AEs were low and balanced across groups, and discontinuation rates were lower with deucravacitinib versus placebo or apremilast. No new safety signals emerged with longer deucravacitinib treatment. Exposure‐adjusted incidence rates of AEs of interest with placebo, deucravacitinib and apremilast, respectively, were as follows: serious infections (0.8/100 person‐years [PY], 1.7/100 PY, and 1.8/100 PY), major adverse cardiovascular events (1.2/100 PY, 0.3/100 PY, and 0.9/100 PY), venous thromboembolic events (0, 0.2/100 PY, and 0), malignancies (0, 1.0/100 PY and 0.9/100 PY), herpes zoster (0.4/100 PY, 0.8/100 PY, and 0), acne (0.4/100 PY, 2.9/100 PY, and 0) and folliculitis (0, 2.8/100 PY, and 0.9/100 PY). No clinically meaningful changes from baseline in mean levels, or shifts from baseline to CTCAE grade ≥3 abnormalities, were reported in laboratory parameters with deucravacitinib.ConclusionsDeucravacitinib was well‐tolerated with acceptable safety over 52 weeks in patients with psoriasis.
A comparative spatial analysis of flood susceptibility mapping using boosting machine learning algorithms in Rathnapura, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kurugama Kumudu Madhawa , Kazama So , Hiraga Yusuke , Samarasuriya Chaminda 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIdentifying flood‐prone areas is essential for preventing floods, reducing risks, and making informed decisions. A spatial database with 595 flood inventory and 13 flood predictors were used to implement five boosting algorithms: gradient boosting machine (GBM), extreme gradient boosting, categorical boosting, logit boost, and light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) to map flood susceptibility in Rathnapura while evaluating trained model's generalizing ability and assessing the feature importance in flood susceptibility mapping (FSM). The model performance was evaluated using the F1‐score, kappa index, and area under curve (AUC) method. The findings revealed that all the models were effective in identifying the overall flood susceptibility trends while LightGBM model had superior results (F1‐score = 0.907, Kappa value = 0.813 and AUC = 0.970), securing the top scores across all performance metrics compared to the other models (for testing dataset). Based on kappa evaluation, most of the models had finer performance (AUC min = 0.737) while LightGBM had moderate performance for predictions beyond the training region. According to the results, regions with lower altitudes and topographic roughness values, moderate rainfall, and proximity to rivers are more susceptible to flooding. This framework can be adapted for rapid FSM in data‐deficient regions.
Individualized prediction of critical illness in older adults: Validation of an elders risk assessment model
Authors: Herasevich Svetlana , Minteer Sarah A. , Boswell Christopher L. , Hanson Andrew C. , Dong Yue , Gajic Ognjen , Barwise Amelia K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe electronic health record (EHR) presents new opportunities for the timely identification of patients at high risk of critical illness and the implementation of preventive strategies. This study aims to externally validate an EHR‐based Elders Risk Assessment (ERA) score to identify older patients at high risk of future critical illness during a primary care visit.MethodsThis historical cohort study included patients aged ≥65 years who had primary care visits at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, between July 2019 and December 2021. The ERA score at the time of the primary care visit was used to predict critical illness, defined as death or ICU admission within 1 year of the visit.ResultsA total of 12,885 patients were included in the analysis. The median age at the time of the primary care visit was 75 years, with 44.6% being male. 93.7% of participants were White, and 64.2% were married. The median (25th, 75th percentile) ERA score was 4 (0, 9). 11.3% of study participants were admitted to the ICU or died within 1 year of the visit. The ERA score predicted critical illness within 1 year of a primary care visit with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 (95% CI 0.83–0.85), which indicates good discrimination. An ERA score of 9 was identified as optimal for implementing and testing potential preventive strategies, with the odds ratio of having the primary outcome in patients with ERA score ≥9 being 11.33 (95%CI 9.98–12.87).ConclusionsThis simple EHR‐based risk assessment model can predict critical illness within 1 year of primary care visits in older patients. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for testing and implementation of preventive strategies to promote the well‐being of older adults at risk of critical illness and its consequences.