bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shifts in the genetic counseling workforce highlight a need for laboratory fieldwork experience for genetic counseling trainees
Authors: Hart Tara R. , Ahmed Sohnee , Byrne Robyn , Sulmonte Laura Anne Goodell , Williams Leah M. , McWalter Kirsty 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs the genetic counseling workforce experiences an increase in genetic counselors (GCs) in non‐direct patient care roles, it is essential that genetic counseling students are trained in these settings. The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) standards regarding laboratory exposure have evolved over time, but laboratory fieldwork experience continues to remain a suggestion for a diversified setting. As more trainees seek laboratory exposure and an increasing number of new graduates opt for laboratory positions, learning firsthand from GCs employed in this setting is a valuable experience that should be available to all trainees. Historically, laboratory educational offerings consisted of onsite rotations for students from local training programs focused on understanding diagnostic testing methodologies and shadowing GCs. Through the years, multiple laboratories have expanded their curriculums to expose students to variant interpretation and report writing, research, client services, marketing, and product development. Alongside the growth of laboratory rotation curriculum grew opportunities for remote rotations. Prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic, GeneDx offered remote education options including both individualized rotations and a webinar series. These offerings expanded due to the pandemic coupled with increased demand and have positive implications for future trainees. The evolution of the rotation also included conscious efforts to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curriculum, as well as to improved accessibility to laboratory rotations. Notably, there are inconsistencies in laboratory rotation curricula and requirements, and a standardized evaluation and definition of competencies are lacking. ACGC guidelines defining common core concepts required from laboratory rotations would help ensure students receive an equitable minimum skill set, regardless of training site. Stakeholders in GC education should collaborate to enhance the experiences of future trainees and provide the skills needed by a workforce shifting to remote work and increasing numbers of non‐direct patient‐facing laboratory roles. Drawing upon our years of experience, GeneDx aims to actively contribute to discussions around these questions. Alongside other laboratories and training programs, we hope to foster further innovation surrounding the training needs of our future GC colleagues. This educational innovation illustrates an approach to helping genetic counseling students achieve competencies related to lab‐based roles.
Does increased intellectual property rights protection foster innovation in developing countries? A literature review of innovation and catch‐up
Authors: Khouilla Heman , Bastidon Cécile 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper contributes to the debate on the role of innovation and intellectual property rights (IPRs) in catch‐up policies in developing countries (DCs). We survey the literature on four key points. First, we review the neoclassical and evolutionary theoretical foundations of innovation and catch‐up. Second, we examine why some countries lag behind, in particular in terms of path dependency and multiplicity of convergence dynamics. From this follows the question of how to foster innovation in DCs. We examine the issues of IPRs protection in a third point and industrial policies in a fourth point. Strengthening IPRs protection is often recommended by international institutions. However, the related literature shows that their impact is strongly non‐linear, as the optimal level for DCs is initially low, then increases as the countries develop. This result is robust to a wide range of models and methods. Finally, the literature reveals that industrial policies can be crucial in fostering innovation in DCs, even though their implementation faces serious challenges, in particular the appropriate targeting of industrial policies, and rent‐seeking behaviours in a deteriorated institutional environment.
Time‐varying changes in median nerve deformation and position in response to quantified pinch and grip forces
Authors: Racine Gabrielle , Holmes Michael W. R. , Kociolek Aaron M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe ability of the median nerve (MN) to adapt in response to altered carpal tunnel conditions is important to mitigate compressive stress on the nerve. We assessed changes in MN deformation and position throughout the entire time course of hand force exertions. Fourteen right‐handed participants ramped up force from 0% to 50% of maximal voluntary force (MVF) before ramping force back down in three different hand force exertion tasks (pulp pinch, chuck pinch, power grip). Pinch and grip forces were measured with a digital dynamometer, which were time synchronized with transverse carpal tunnel images obtained via ultrasound. Ultrasound images were extracted in 10% increments between 0% and 50% MVF while ramping force up (loading phase) and down (unloading phase). MN deformation and position relative to the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon of the long finger were assessed in concert. During loading, the nerve became more circular while displacing dorsally and ulnarly. These changes primarily occurred at the beginning of the hand force exertions while ramping force up from 0% to 20%, with very little change between 20% and 50% MVF. Interestingly, deformation and position changes during loading were not completely reversed during unloading while ramping force down. These findings indicate an initial reorganization of carpal tunnel structures. Mirrored changes in nerve deformation and position may also reflect strain‐related characteristics of adjoining subsynovial connective tissue. Regardless, time‐varying changes in nerve deformation and position appear to be an important accommodative mechanism in the healthy carpal tunnel in response to gripping and pinching tasks.
Collagen V haploinsufficiency in female murine patellar tendons results in altered matrix engagement and cellular density, demonstrating decreased healing
Authors: Carlson Jaclyn A. , Shetye Snehal S. , Sun Mei , Weiss Stephanie N. , Birk David E. , Soslowsky Louis J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCollagen V (Col5) is a quantitatively minor component of collagen fibrils comprising tendon, however, plays a crucial role in regulation of development and dynamic healing processes. Clinically, patients with COL5a1 haploinsufficiency, known as classic Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome (cEDS), present with hyperextensible skin, joint instability and laxity, with females more likely to be affected. Previous studies in Col5‐deficient mice indicated that reduced Col5a1 expression leads to a reduction in stiffness, fibril deposition, and altered fibril structure. Additionally, Col5‐deficient male tendons demonstrated altered healing compared to wild‐type tendons, however female mice have not yet been studied utilizing this model. Along with clinical differences between sexes in cEDS patient populations, differences in hormone physiology may be a factor influencing tendon health. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize a Col5a1+/− female mouse model, to determine the effect of Col5 on tendon cell morphology, cell density, tissue composition, and mechanical properties throughout healing. We hypothesized that reduction in Col5 expression would result in an abnormal wound matrix post‐injury, resulting in reduced mechanical properties compared to normal tendons. Following patellar tendon surgery, mice were euthanized at 1, 3, and 6‐week post‐injury. Col5‐deficient tendons demonstrated altered and decreased healing compared to WT tendons. The lack of resolution in cellularity by 6‐week post‐injury in Col5‐deficient tendons influenced the decreased mechanical properties. Stiffness did not increase post‐injury in Col5‐deficient mice, and collagen fiber realignment was delayed during mechanical loading. Therefore, increased Col5a1 expression post‐injury is necessary to re‐establish matrix engagement and cellularity throughout tendon healing.
Microfluidization improved hempseed yogurt's physicochemical and storage properties
Authors: Xu Jiaxin , Fan Xiangrong , Xu Xinyue , Deng Daozi , Yang Lina , Song Hong , Liu He 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlant‐based yogurts are suffering from the common problems, such as an unattractive color, stratified texture state and rough taste. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a novel processing method to improve the quality and extend the storage life of hempseed yogurt. In the present study, hempseed yogurt was microfluidized prior to fermentation. The effects of microfluidization on microstructure, particle size, mechanical properties, sensory acceptability, variations in pH and titratable acidity, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, and stability of hempseed yogurt during 20 days of storage were investigated.RESULTSMicrofluidization contributed to the production of hempseed yogurt as a result of the better physicochemical properties compared to normal homogenization. Specifically, microfluidization reduced the particle size of hempseed yogurt with a uniform particle distribution, increased water holding capacity, and improved texture and rheological properties. These advancements resulted in higher sensory scores for the yogurt. Furthermore, during storage, microfluidization effectively inhibited the post‐acidification process of hempseed yogurt, and increased LAB counts and storage stability.CONCLUSIONMicrofluidization improved the physicochemical properties and storage stability of hempseed yogurt. Our findings support the application of microfluidization in hempseed yogurt and provide a new approach for enhancing the quality of plant‐based alternatives that meet consumers’ demands for high‐quality food products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Classification of suspended particles in seawater using an in situ polarized light scattering prototype
Authors: Deng Hanbo , Wang Hongjian , Guo Zhiming , Li Jiajin , Liao Ran , Li Hening , Li Qiang , Ma Hui 
Published: November 2023

AbstractClassification of suspended particles characterizes the composition of seawater, which helps the interpretation of remote sensing data and promotes the researches of the matter exchanges in ocean processes. In this article, an in situ prototype based on polarized light scattering is introduced, and its ability to classify the suspended particles is demonstrated. The experimental results show that the prototype can classify the sediments, microplastics, and phytoplankton in seawater with an accuracy larger than 85%, and further calculate their relative proportion in water. In the summer and winter of 2020, the prototype was deployed three times in Daya Bay and lasted for dozens of hours each time, along with the additional commercial sensors, that is, Environment X Observation (EXO) and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). The chlorophyll content measured by EXO and the acoustic backscatter intensity measured by ADCP are respectively related to the number of algal cells and sediments in the water, which helps to interpret the data of the prototype. The results of field data show that the prototype can effectively classify phytoplankton and sediment particles in seawater and monitor their temporal variations. Besides, the retrieved information of the suspended particles is consistent with the analysis from the flow dynamics and season variations in Daya Bay. These results indicate the ability of this prototype to classify the suspended particles in seawater, which promises its potential contribution to particulate oceanography in the future.
A bold new purpose for an old method: Using invertebrate kick‐netting to improve monitoring of microplastic pollution in running waters
Authors: Mora‐Teddy Aidan , Closs Gerry P. , Matthaei Christoph D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFreshwaters are impacted by many pollutants. Scientists and resource managers need to reliably detect and monitor these pollutants by employing appropriate sampling techniques to quantify and mitigate their impacts. Emerging freshwater contaminants such as microplastics are difficult to monitor as effective sampling techniques have not been fully developed and lack standardization. Here, we propose a novel method, adapted from stream invertebrate kick‐net sampling, which can be employed for long‐term, standardized microplastic monitoring. We hypothesized that invertebrate kick‐net sampling would be effective at collecting microplastics, capturing higher microplastic concentrations than standard microplastic sampling, due to collecting suspended and benthic microplastics simultaneously. We sampled 28 streams for microplastics using standard drift and sediment microplastic collection methods and invertebrate kick‐netting. As predicted, kick‐netting captured microplastics at higher concentrations than conventional sampling, regardless of whether values were expressed per volume of water (as in drift samples), per kg of sediment or per area sampled (as in benthic samples). Consequently, kick‐net sampling has the potential to be a time‐ and cost‐efficient tool for monitoring microplastic pollution. We recommend the employment of invertebrate kick‐netting as a new, standardized means to investigate and routinely monitor microplastic concentrations worldwide. This would generate a more robust dataset of global freshwater microplastic pollution, making it possible to answer unresolved questions pertaining to changes in microplastic pollution profiles. Standardized, long‐term records of microplastic concentrations in freshwaters would also allow a more accurate assessment of the ecological risks of microplastic pollution. Finally, long‐term microplastic data could be used to inform much‐needed regulatory decisions pertaining to microplastic pollution.
Diversification and company sales efficiency: Synergy influence on business valuation
Authors: Wang Jiaxuan , Abdullayeva Samira , Hoang Duc Sinh 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe purpose is to show the main methods of calculation and analysis of various organizations' indicators to demonstrate, using a practical example, the synergistic effect's significance and role in the diversification and a rise in sales when making M&A (mergers and acquisitions) transactions. The methods applied are mathematical formulas and various empirical and statistical data from various literature sources. The study's findings underscore the importance of understanding the synergistic effect of M&A. The research results can be valuable for corporate executives, investors, and business consultants involved in M&A.
Deep learning in computed tomography super resolution using multi‐modality data training
Authors: Fok Wai Yan Ryana , Fieselmann Andreas , Herbst Magdalena , Ritschl Ludwig , Kappler Steffen , Saalfeld Sylvia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundOne of the limitations in leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence in X‐ray imaging is the limited availability of annotated training data. As X‐ray and CT shares similar imaging physics, one could achieve cross‐domain data sharing, so to generate labeled synthetic X‐ray images from annotated CT volumes as digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). To account for the lower resolution of CT and the CT‐generated DRRs as compared to the real X‐ray images, we propose the use of super‐resolution (SR) techniques to enhance the CT resolution before DRR generation.PurposeAs spatial resolution can be defined by the modulation transfer function kernel in CT physics, we propose to train a SR network using paired low‐resolution (LR) and high‐resolution (HR) images by varying the kernel's shape and cutoff frequency. This is different to previous deep learning‐based SR techniques on RGB and medical images which focused on refining the sampling grid. Instead of generating LR images by bicubic interpolation, we aim to create realistic multi‐detector CT (MDCT) like LR images from HR cone‐beam CT (CBCT) scans.MethodsWe propose and evaluate the use of a SR U‐Net for the mapping between LR and HR CBCT image slices. We reconstructed paired LR and HR training volumes from the same CT scans with small in‐plane sampling grid size of . We used the residual U‐Net architecture to train two models. SRUN: trained with kernel‐based LR images, and SRUN: trained with bicubic downsampled data as baseline. Both models are trained on one CBCT dataset (n = 13 391). The performance of both models was then evaluated on unseen kernel‐based and interpolation‐based LR CBCT images (n = 10 950), and also on MDCT images (n = 1392).ResultsFive‐fold cross validation and ablation study were performed to find the optimal hyperparameters. Both SRUN and SRUN models show significant improvements (p‐value 0.05) in mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measures (SSIMs) on unseen CBCT images. Also, the improvement percentages in MAE, PSNR, and SSIM by SRUN is larger than SRUN. For SRUN, MAE is reduced by 14%, and PSNR and SSIMs increased by 6 and 8%, respectively. To conclude, SRUN outperforms SRUN, which the former generates sharper images when tested with kernel‐based LR CBCT images as well as cross‐modality LR MDCT data.ConclusionsOur proposed method showed better performance than the baseline interpolation approach on unseen LR CBCT. We showed that the frequency behavior of the used data is important for learning the SR features. Additionally, we showed cross‐modality resolution improvements to LR MDCT images. Our approach is, therefore, a first and essential step in enabling realistic high spatial resolution CT‐generated DRRs for deep learning training.
Discrete element analysis and analytical method on failure mechanism of retaining structures with narrow granular backfill
Authors: Li Ming‐Guang , Chen Hao‐Biao , Chen Jin‐Jian , Lin Tong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAscertaining failure mechanism is a prerequisite of the derivation for earth pressure against retaining structures. Retaining structures constructed adjacent to existing structures and excavation with narrow backfill have become common in practical engineering. The backfill width has a significant effect on the failure mechanism, requiring further study. In this study, a series of discrete element analyses are conducted to investigate the shear localization in soil mass behind retaining structures with narrow backfill in the active and passive limit states at the grain scale. Furthermore, the distribution characteristic of failure surfaces in soil mass is discussed from three aspects: the development of the failure surface, the state of soil mass behind retaining structures, and the shape of the failure surface. Based on the typical nonlinear failure mechanisms observed in particle rotation contours with various backfill widths and interface friction angles, the failure mechanisms behind retaining structures with narrow spacing are categorized into three types according to the backfill widths. According to the stress characteristics of interfaces under different failure mechanisms, the variational method and Mohr stress circle analysis are adapted to analytically obtain the failure surfaces behind the retaining structure with narrow backfill. Comparisons with results obtained by the discrete element simulation show a reasonable agreement. In addition, a series of parameter studies are conducted to investigate the effect of backfill widths and interface friction angles on the failure mechanism.
Drug‐induced orthostatic hypotension: Cluster analysis of co‐prescription patterns in older people in UK primary care
Authors: Bhanu Cini , Petersen Irene , Orlu Mine , Davis Daniel , Sofat Reecha , Bazo‐Alvarez Juan Carlos , Walters Kate 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeOver 250 medications are reported to cause orthostatic hypotension, associated with serious adverse outcomes in older adults. Studies suggest a harmful cumulative risk of orthostatic hypotension with multiple medication use. However, there is limited evidence on the potential for harm in practice, particularly which drugs is co‐prescribed and may increase risk of orthostatic hypotension.MethodsRetrospective cohort study and cluster analysis using general practice data from IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD) in patients aged ≥50 contributing data between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. Thirteen drug groups known to be associated with orthostatic hypotension by mechanism, were analyzed and clusters generated by sex and age‐band.ResultsA total of 602 713 individuals aged ≥50 with 283 912 (47%) men and 318 801 (53%) women were included. The most prevalent prescriptions that might contribute to orthostatic hypotension were ACE inhibitors, calcium‐channel blockers, beta‐blockers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and uroselective alpha‐blockers. We identified distinct clusters of cardiovascular system (cardiovascular system) drugs in men and women at all ages. cardiovascular system plus psychoactive drug clusters were common in women at all ages, and in men aged ≤70. cardiovascular system plus uroselective alpha‐blockers were identified in men aged ≥70.ConclusionsDistinct clusters of drugs associated with orthostatic hypotension exist in practice, which change over the life course. Our findings highlight potentially harmful drug combinations that may cause cumulative risk of orthostatic hypotension in older people. This may guide clinicians about the potential of synergistic harm and to monitor for orthostatic hypotension if using combinations of cardiovascular system drugs, cardiovascular system plus psychoactive drugs and/or alpha‐blockers—particularly in patients aged ≥70 or at high‐risk due to comorbidity. Future research should consider quantifying the risk of drug‐induced orthostatic hypotension with such drug combinations.
Urinary biomarkers as indicators of acute kidney injury in critically ill children exposed to vancomycin
Authors: Spyhalsky Autumn M. , Kim Se Jin , Meaney Calvin J. , Smith Nicholas M. , Shah Dhaval K. , Hassinger Amanda B. , Fusco Nicholas M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStudy ObjectiveThe standard of care for detecting acute kidney injury (AKI) is change in serum creatinine (SCr) and urine output, which are limited. This study aimed to compare urinary biomarkers neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL) with kidney injury molecule‐1 (uKIM‐1) in critically ill children exposed to vancomycin who did and did not develop AKI as defined by changes in SCr.DesignSingle‐center, prospective, clinical, observational cohort study.SettingTertiary care children’s hospital in an urban setting.PatientsChildren aged 0 (corrected gestational age 42 weeks) to 18 years admitted to the intensive care unit who received vancomycin were included.InterventionNone.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was mean change in uNGAL and uKIM‐1 between AKI and no‐AKI groups. AKI was defined as a minimum 50% increase in SCr from baseline over a 48 h period, within 7 days of first vancomycin exposure. Three urine samples were collected: baseline (between 0 and 6 h of first vancomycin dose), second (18–24 h after the “baseline”), and third (18–24 h after the second sample). Concentrations of uKIM‐1 and uNGAL were measured in each sample.Main ResultsForty‐eight children (52% male; median age 6 years) were included. Eight (16.7%) children developed AKI. Mean changes in uNGAL (713.196 ± 1,216,474 vs. 16.101 ± 37.812 pg/mL; p = 0.0004) and uKIM‐1 (6060 ± 11.165 vs. 340 ± 542 pg/mL; p = 0.0015) were greater in children with AKI versus no‐AKI, respectively.ConclusionsuNGAL and uKIM‐1 concentrations increased significantly more in critically ill children with AKI compared with those with no‐AKI during the first 48–72 h of vancomycin exposure and may be useful as prospective biomarkers of AKI.