Matching Rate Research Articles

Highly adaptive multi-modal image matching based on tuning-free filtering and enhanced sketch features

The generalizability and adaptiveness of multi-modal image matching (MMIM) techniques are hampered by the nonlinear radiometric differences that vary in a highly non-uniform manner across different modal combinations. A major challenge is the extensive filter tuning required by many filter-based matching methods to mitigate the impact of radiometric aberrations. Additionally, the low correct matching rate resulting from the non-repeatability and low similarity of local or detailed features presents another significant obstacle. In this paper, we introduce a novel MMIM framework, called Adaptive Matching with enhanced Edge Sketches (AMES), for reducing manual interference in filter parameter configuration and improving the correct matching rate of extracted feature points. Specifically, AMES trains a support vector regression model to adaptively predict the optimized filtering parameters for each test image using its internal statistical factors as input. We also propose a sketch feature enhancement method, based on fusing multi-scale moment maps through principal component analysis, for cross-modal adaptive feature point extraction. We generate matching results by applying feature descriptors within the Log-Polar window and performing outlier removal following a coarse-to-fine strategy. In an evaluation involving four datasets comprising 1055 image pairs with 26 different cross-modal combinations, the assessment of 10,599 manually measured checkpoints demonstrates that AMES surpasses the state-of-the-art in terms of success rate, correct matching rate, point coverage, average matching accuracy, and spatial distribution uniformity. Our source code and multi-modal image datasets are publicly available at https://dpcv.whu.edu.cn/zm1/gksjj.htm.

Analysis of supply and demand for sports medicine fellowship training: 2012-2022.

The recruitment of high-quality applicants is critical to the vitality of the sports medicine physician workforce. To analyze changes in the total number of available training positions, applicants, and unfilled training positions in the Sports Medicine Match from 2012 to 2022. This was a retrospective cohort study of sports medicine fellowship applicants. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited sports medicine fellowship training programs. A total of 3763 individuals applying for sports medicine fellowship training from 2012 to 2022. Not applicable. Annual number of applicants, training positions, and number of unfilled training positions. From 2012 to 2022, the annual number of training positions in sports medicine increased from 177 to 353 (99% increase, p < .001) while the annual number of applicants increased from 256 to 428 (67% increase, p < .001). The annual applicant-to-training position ratio decreased (1.4 to 1.2, p < .001). Annual match rates increased for both U.S. MD graduates (64% to 86%, p < .001) and non-U.S. MD graduates (64% to 77%, p < .001). U.S. MD graduates had higher match rates than non-U.S. MD graduates in 2021 (79% vs 70%, p < .05) and 2022 (86% vs 77%, p < .05). The percentage of applicants who matched at their first (36%-36%, p > .05), second (14%-15%, p > .05), and third (9%-8%, p > .05) ranked programs did not change. The percentage of applicants who did not match decreased (33%-19%, p < .001). The percentage of available fellowship training positions that went unfilled decreased (8%-2%, p < .001). Interest in sports medicine fellowship training is increasing as evidenced by an increasing number of applications and decreasing rate of unfilled training positions. Continued monitoring of future match cycles is important given projected shortages in the physician workforce.

The Year Publication Rate of Presentations from the Inaugural Medical Student Orthopedic Society Research Symposium

Introduction Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most competitive residencies to match in medicine, the match rate has decreased to 63.1% in 2023.&lt;sup&gt;1,13&lt;/sup&gt; Aspects of the application that are most in the control of applicants are their personal and research experiences in the field and their choice of acting internships. The Medical Student Orthopaedic Society (MSOS) hosted the first national, and virtual orthopaedic research symposium for medical students. This study aimed to examine the short-term publication rate of the research presented at the 2022 MSOS Research Symposium. Methods The titles of the articles and the names of the presenters from the MSOS program were used to search for publications via PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. If no matching result was found, the article was considered not published. If the presentation was published in a journal within our study period, the updated title, name and gender of the medical student and senior author, name of the journal, and date of publication were recorded. Demographic variables among presenters included gender, and current training status. These were determined via a Google search. Impact factors were extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database for the year of 2023. Results For the 2022 MSOS Symposium, a total of 300 presentations were given. Nineteen publications had to be excluded. Of the 281 presentations included in this study, 129 were published in a peer-reviewed journal within 18-months after the symposium (45%). Presentations were published on average 165 days (~5.5 months) after the symposium. Of the journals that had an impact factor score, the average was 2.18. Categories with over 60% publication rate were Practice Management and Health Disparities, shoulder and elbow, and medical education. Among presenters whose projects were published, 74% identified as men and 26% as women. The papers’ senior authors were 85% men and 15% women. Of those that participated and published in the 18-month period, 22% of individuals matched into orthopedics the following year, 9% matched into another residency, 38% were still medical students, 30% statuses were unknown or could not be determined. Of those schools represented, 20 schools (35 participants) did not have a home program at their institution, also known as orphan programs. The presenter was the first author in 53% (69) of the published works. Discussion The Medical Student Orthopaedic Society (MSOS) touted a publication rate of 45% which is comparable to the rates of publication in less time than numerous other meetings (~5.5 months). This may be due to medical students’ finite amount of time to gain the experience necessary to apply, suggesting there is a higher motivation to get research out and published. However, further research into the participation levels of presenters would need to be studied directly to give a definitive understanding as to why first authorship was not provided to the presenter. Participants that published were majority male and attended allopathic schools. Most were still in medical school, while 21% have matched into an Orthopaedics program, 9% matched into another program and 30% could not be determined at this time. Conclusion As the goal for a medical student is to successfully match it is highly important that opportunities are not only accessible but allow for URiM and orphan medical schools to engage in a meaningful way.&lt;sup&gt;11&lt;/sup&gt; The MSOS is hopeful that this virtual symposium can be beneficial in expanding exposure to orthopaedics through research opportunities and experiences. &lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;

Furniture design based on image color extraction algorithm

With the increasing demand for personalized and customized home products, how to realize the innovative design of furniture and improve the design efficiency has become a research hotspot for related professionals. Aiming at these problems, the study extracts the main color of furniture images by optimizing the K-mean clustering algorithm, uses the simulated annealing algorithm to color-match the furniture, and reconstructs the image by edge detection to design a furniture design method based on image color extraction. The results revealed that in the foreground part, the correct rate of color match based on the design method was 95.7%, and in the background part, the correct rate of color match based on the design method was 94.81 %, which proved its effectiveness. The average feature point extraction time and the average feature point matching time of the design-based algorithm were 5.45 ms and 9.83 ms, respectively, which proved its high computational efficiency. In furniture color edge detection and overall color match, the image obtained based on the design method was significantly clearer, and the overall coherence, saturation and brightness were closer to the input image. In addition to raising the standard of furniture design, the study's design methodology increases design efficiency and offers solid technical support for the area.

Chromatic adaptation for different viewing media through achromatic matches and neutrality ratings

Many corresponding color datasets have been collected under different illumination conditions over these years, providing adequate data for developing chromatic adaptation transforms (CAT). Nevertheless, these datasets exhibit notable, systematical discrepancies in visual data, probably stemming from their differences in the experiment setup and methodology. This necessitates a comprehensive examination of how the experiment-related factors influence the outcomes, accompanied by thorough discussions to establish theoretical references for the effective classification of datasets. Horizontal comparisons among these datasets indicate the influence of two crucial factors—viewing medium and experimental methods—on chromatic adaptation, albeit without systematic investigations. Additionally, the underlying mechanism contributing to the disparities observed among different media remains unclear. To address these limitations, this study selected three different media – surface colors, self-luminous colors, and independently illuminated surface colors, and two experimental methods – the achromatic matching and neutrality rating method. The results confirm the significant influence of the viewing medium on the adaptation state. Two crucial factors emerge as significant contributors: the color correlation with global illumination and the nature of the surface medium (reflective or self-luminous).

Characteristics Associated with Successful Residency Match in General Surgery.

To evaluate characteristics of matched and unmatched general surgery residency (GSR) applicants. Given the recent change of the United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1 grading to pass/fail, understanding the factors that influence GSR match success is integral to identifying potential interventions to improve match rates for diverse medical students. Retrospective review of GSR National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) applicant and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) active resident data between 2011 and 2022. Data included application characteristics for United States ("US") and "independent" applicants, factors cited by program directors in the interview and ranking process, paths pursued if applicants went unmatched, and racial/ethnic representation. A total of 9149 US and 3985 independent applicants applied to GSR between 2011 and 2021. Matched versus unmatched applicants had higher step 1 scores (US: 236 vs 218, P = 0.005; independent: 237 vs 228, P = 0.001), higher step 2 scores (US: 248 vs 232, P = 0.006; independent: 245 vs 234, P < 0.001), more likely to belong to alpha omega alpha (US: 17.1% vs 1.6%, P = 0.002) or to attend a top 40 National Institutes of Health-funded school (US: 31.0% vs 19.4%, P = 0.002) compared to unmatched applicants. Program directors heavily factored step 1 and step 2 scores, letters of recommendation, interactions with faculty and trainees, and interpersonal skills when interviewing and ranking applicants. The proportion of active general surgery residents versus applicants was lower for Asians (12.3% vs 20.9%, P < 0.001), Black/African American (5.0% vs 8.8%, P < 0.001), Hispanic/Latino (5.0% vs 9.4%, P = 0.001), and underrepresented in medicine students (10.3% vs 19.1%, P < 0.001). In the pass/fail step 1 era, factors including step 2 score and other subjective metrics may be more heavily weighted in the GSR match process.

Elevating Residency Match Success: The Potential Impact of a Home Program on the Surgical Match Rate

IntroductionHome residency programs can provide medical students with opportunities for networking, mentorship, research, and exposure to surgeries. The goal of this project was to understand the potential impact of home surgical residencies on student match rates into specific surgical specialties. MethodsThis 5-year retrospective study (2019-2023) analyzed 12,916 matched applicants from 155 United States MD programs through publicly available match lists. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to determine the likelihood of students from institutions with home surgical residency programs (home programs) matching into desired surgical specialties compared to students from institutions without home programs. Additional variables included the Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society statuses of the medical school, the number of faculty, and the type of residency program. ResultsOf the matched applicants, 11,442 had home programs resulting in a 39.1% match rate into surgical specialties compared to a 22.3% match rate for students without a home program (OR: 1.76) (P < 0.001). Of the applicants with a home program compared to those without a home program, 69.2% matched into an academic residency (OR: 1.06), 7.7% matched into a community residency (OR: 0.90), 13.6% matched into a combined residency (OR: 0.95), and 2.5% matched into a military residency (OR: 1.31). ConclusionsMedical students graduating from institutions with home programs were 1.76 times more likely to match into a surgical residency program compared to those graduating from institutions without a home program. Future studies should look at how access to certain resources may influence a student's match rate.

Prospective modeling and estimating the epidemiologically informative match rate within large foodborne pathogen genomic databases

ObjectivesMuch has been written about the utility of genomic databases to public health. Within food safety these databases contain data from two types of isolates—those from patients (i.e., clinical) and those from non-clinical sources (e.g., a food manufacturing environment). A genetic match between isolates from these sources represents a signal of interest. We investigate the match rate within three large genomic databases (Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella) and the smaller Cronobacter database; the databases are part of the Pathogen Detection project at NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information).ResultsCurrently, the match rate of clinical isolates to non-clinical isolates is 33% for L. monocytogenes, 46% for Salmonella, and 7% for E. coli. These match rates are associated with several database features including the diversity of the organism, the database size, and the proportion of non-clinical BioSamples. Modeling match rate via logistic regression showed relatively good performance. Our prediction model illustrates the importance of populating databases with non-clinical isolates to better identify a match for clinical samples. Such information should help public health officials prioritize surveillance strategies and show the critical need to populate fledgling databases (e.g., Cronobacter sakazakii).

Study on the Construction of Family Support System for Unrelated Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donation Volunteers

There are millions of patients in urgent need of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in China, but the matching success rate of unrelated hematopoietic stem cells is only 1/400 ~ 1/10000. Since the establishment of China Bone Marrow Bank in 1992, only more than 14,000 patients have been successfully matched. According to the survey, a large number of volunteers in China will eventually choose to refuse to donate hematopoietic stem cells, which is closely related to the public's lack of understanding of hematopoietic stem cell donation. Unrelated volunteers can get less support from family members than related hematopoietic stem cell donors, which leads to their lower donation rate. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to study the family support system of unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donation volunteers.

Investigation of Disparity of Urologic Fellowship Match Rates by Gender and US Versus International Medical Graduates Over the Past Decade

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of postgraduate medical education (US vs. international) and gender on applicant matching for postgraduate training across different urologic sub-specialties. MethodsMatch statistics of five societies that participated in the AUA fellowship match between 2010-2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Societies included: Endourology Society (EUS), Society for Urological oncology (SUO), American Society of Andrology (ASA), Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS), and Society of Pediatric Urology (SPU). Candidates were classified based on gender (male/female) and their postgraduate medical education: local graduates from the United States or Canada (US/Ca) and international medical graduates (IMG). The match odds were analyzed using the Chi-square test, while trends were assessed through the Mann-Kendall test. ResultsOverall, 2429 applicants applied for 1627 programs from 2010 to 2024, comprising 1998 males (81.8%), 399 females (16.4%), and 42 undisclosed (1.7%). There were 1486 US/Ca graduates (60.8%) and 953 IMGs (39.2%). 1471 (60.6%) applicants were matched with a program, compared to 958 (39.4%) unmatched. The likelihood of US/Ca graduates matching (83.8%) was significantly higher than IMGs (23.3%), OR = 17.5, 95% CI: (14.3, 21.5), p < 0.001. IMGs had the highest match rate with GURS (33.8%, 47/118) and the lowest with SPU (7%, 1/14). Female applicants had a significantly higher chance of matching 324/399 (81.2%) than male applicants 1139/1998 (57%), OR = 3.26, 95% CI: (2.5, 4.3), p < 0.001. US/Ca-to-IMGs ratios and the male-to-female ratios were stable throughout the match years. ConclusionsCompared to IMGs, U.S./Ca graduates had remarkably higher matching rates. Matching outcomes were also significantly better for female applicants. Further assessment of international involvement and diversity in urological subspecialty roles is warranted.

O-272 Preimplantation genetic testing of the first polar body is useful for predicting embryo euploidy: data from 1,836 donor oocytes

Abstract Study question Can preimplantation genetic testing of the first polar body (PGT-1BP) accurately identify donor oocytes that will produce euploid embryos? Summary answer Oocyte chromosomal status determined through PGT-1BP had a strong association with embryo euploidy. What is known already Aberrant meiosis during oocyte development leads to aneuploidy, diminished embryo quality, and ultimately, poor reproductive outcomes. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) is increasingly employed in donor oocyte cycles, detecting blastocyst euploidy rates ranging from 30% to 80%. However, this variability, together with the clinical and patient resources required to generate blastocysts, support the need for alternative approaches. Oocyte chromosomal status can safely be determined with PGT-1PB. This strategy has shown that 20–30% oocytes obtained from donors with proven fertility are aneuploid, allowing clinicians and patients to make informed reproductive decisions. Study design, size, duration In this prospective study, PGT-1BP was performed on 1,836 fresh donor oocytes collected between September 2017 and January 2022. Vitrified-thawed euploid oocytes were grouped according to donor age (n = 714, n = 554, and n = 568 from 20–24, 25–29, and 30–34-year-old donors, respectively). Oocyte survival and chromosomal status, fertilization through ICSI, blastocyst use and euploidy status were analyzed. Participants/materials, setting, methods Oocytes were derived from donors (n = 115) whose oocytes previously led to at least one live birth. First polar body biopsies were performed 2 hours after in vitro maturation, which corresponds to 38 hours post-hCG trigger. PGT-1BP and PGT-A analyses were performed on the Illumina platform. Oocyte and embryology data as well as the association between oocyte and embryo chromosomal status was evaluated using Mann-Whitney U test. Main results and the role of chance The post-thawing viability rates for the biopsied oocytes were 98.2%, 99.5%, and 96.5% for the three age groups, respectively. Donor oocyte euploidy significantly decreased with advancing age (81.9% vs. 76.9% vs. 70.0%, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). The rate of blastocyst use was comparable across age groups (68.1% vs. 71.7% vs. 68.7%, respectively; p &amp;gt; 0.05). Blastocysts derived from euploid oocytes maintained their euploid status in 88.7%, 90.1%, and 85.6% of cases, respectively. Euploid oocyte-euploid blastocyst matching rates were 89.2%, 90.1%, and 88.1%. Limitations, reasons for caution Although PGT-1BP may not guarantee euploid embryos, it could allow clinicians and couples to make informed decisions about proceeding with fertilization and embryo culture. The associations between euploidy rate of embryos derived from euploid donor oocytes should be confirmed in further studies with larger cohorts. Wider implications of the findings Selecting euploid oocytes with a high probability of becoming euploid embryos may increase the odds of achieving a successful pregnancy at the first attempt. This approach is cost-effective, could prevent unnecessary emotional distress for patients, and is an attractive option for couples with limited sperm available for IVF/ICSI. Trial registration number not applicable

Effect of Student-Run Free Clinics on Family Medicine Match Rates: A Multisite, Regression Discontinuity Study.

Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) have been proposed as one educational strategy to increase medical students' interest in primary care careers. We sought to overcome gaps in the literature by investigating the effect of opening an SRFC at different institutions on institution-level match rates into family medicine, the largest source of primary care physicians in the United States. We connected a list of SRFCs from primary care clerkship directors and the Society of Student-Run Free Clinics with a database of institution-level match rates into family medicine from 2000 to 2018. Using regression discontinuity analysis, we assessed whether opening an SRFC would increase family medicine match rates. Across a sample of 58 medical schools in the United States, we found that SRFCs did not significantly change the number (P=.44) or percentage of medical graduates (P=.42) entering family medicine residency. We also found no significant effects of SRFCs on the number of students entering family medicine in different contexts, including public/private institutions (P=.47), geographic areas (P=.26), departmental administrative structures (P=.69), and institutions with higher historical rates of producing graduates entering family medicine (P=.22). Though SRFCs may potentially support other aspects of undergraduate medical training, they should not be used as a singular strategy for addressing shortages in the primary care workforce in the United States. Further educational research should examine multipronged strategies to increase the supply of early-career primary care physicians in the United States.

Unmatched. What's Next? Is a Preliminary Year of Residency or Research Fellowship Better for Reapplicants to Plastic Surgery?

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of the most competitive residency programs, and given the increased number of applicants for a relatively fixed number of positions, successfully matching is a challenge. Match rates have declined since 2018, with a match rate of ~55% in 2022. Two common options before reapplying are a preliminary year of residency (preliminary year) or a research fellowship. This study investigated which option is more beneficial for reapplicants seeking a successful match. This retrospective study included all applicants to an integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency from 2015 to 2023. Two cohorts based on reapplication strategy (research fellowship or preliminary year) were created. Demographic, applicant, and match data were collected. Pearson chi-squared, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum testing were performed. In total, 125 reapplicants were included. Seventy-one (56.8%) reapplicants pursued a preliminary year, and 29 (23.2%) completed a research fellowship. Research fellowship reapplicants had a greater mean number of first author publications (8.8 versus 3.2, P < 0.001), non-first author publications (11.3 versus 5.9, P = 0.021), poster presentations (9.7 versus 6.0, P = 0.028), and oral presentations (11.8 versus 6.4, P < 0.001). Research fellowship reapplicants were more likely to match into plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) than preliminary year reapplicants, with 72.4% (n = 21) of research fellowship reapplicants matching into PRS compared with 39.4% (n = 28) of preliminary year reapplicants (P = 0.003). Research fellowship reapplicants demonstrated greater research productivity and were almost twice as likely to match into PRS compared with preliminary reapplicants.

Automated description generation for software patches

Software patches are pivotal in refining and evolving codebases, addressing bugs, vulnerabilities, and optimizations. Patch descriptions provide detailed accounts of changes, aiding comprehension and collaboration among developers. However, manual description creation poses challenges in terms of time consumption and variations in quality and detail. In this paper, we propose PatchExplainer, an approach that addresses these challenges by framing patch description generation as a machine translation task. In PatchExplainer, we leverage explicit representations of critical elements, historical context, and syntactic conventions. Moreover, the translation model in PatchExplainer is designed with an awareness of description similarity. Particularly, the model is explicitly trained to recognize and incorporate similarities present in patch descriptions clustered into groups, improving its ability to generate accurate and consistent descriptions across similar patches. The dual objectives maximize similarity and accurately predict affiliating groups. Our experimental results on a large dataset of real-world software patches show that PatchExplainer consistently outperforms existing methods, with improvements up to 189% in BLEU, 5.7X in Exact Match rate, and 154% in Semantic Similarity, affirming its effectiveness in generating software patch descriptions.

Shifting tides in cardiology fellowship: an analysis of trends and the virtual interview revolution, 2017 to 2021

Introduction This investigation aimed to delineate the trends in cardiology fellowship applications and match rates between 2017 and 2021, with a particular focus on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Utilizing data from the National Resident Matching Program and the American Board of Internal Medicine covering 6693 applicants, we conducted chi-square tests to assess match rate variations. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results The study noted an increase in matched US MD applicants (from 482 in 2017 to 549 in 2021, P = 0.0001) but a decrease in their match rate (from 89.8% to 83.1%). Matched US DO applicants rose significantly from 60 in 2017 to 103 in 2021 (P = 0.0001). A decline in first-choice matches and an increase in matches beyond the third choice were observed after the shift to virtual interviews. Conclusions The study’s analysis of cardiology fellowship trends from 2017 to 2021 underscores the escalating competitiveness in this field and signals a critical need for further research.

Exploring Recent Changes to the New Urology Residency Match.

This study assesses the effects of the recent changes to the urology residency match process. We emailed an anonymous, multiple-choice survey to each candidate who applied to any of our 3 urology programs for the 2024 Urology Residency Match. Of the 433 candidates invited, 146 (33.7%) completed the survey. Of the 133 respondents who matched, 38.3% matched where they did an away subinternship (sub-I), 20.3% matched with their home program, and 91.0% matched with a program where they sent a preference signal (PS); only 8 respondents (6.0%) matched with a program where they did not complete a sub-I or send a PS. Of the 4 candidates who did not take Step 2 before submitting their application, only 1 matched. The 126 applicants who completed 3 or more sub-Is, including the home sub-I, had a higher match rate (95.2%) than the 20 applicants who completed 1 or 2 (65.0%, P < .0005). Disclosing any geographic preferences was associated with a decreased probability of matching (relative risk = 0.89, P < .05). Taking Step 2 before submitting applications and completing 3 or more sub-Is were both correlated with a higher match rate. Geographic signaling was correlated with a lower match rate. There was little benefit to applying to programs outside of those where the applicant had completed a sub-I or sent a PS. Future candidates should consider these findings early in the application process. These findings should be taken into consideration when making future changes to the application process.

The evolution and impact of the Society for Vascular Surgery Resident and Student Program

ObjectiveThere is an ongoing national shortage in the vascular surgery (VS) workforce. To increase interest in the specialty, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Resident and Student Outreach Committee (RSOC) developed a dedicated general surgery (GS) resident and medical student (MS) program at the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) and invested in a scholarship program to help reduce attendee expenses. This study assesses the program’s effectiveness, correlating recipient feedback with the likelihood of matching into a VS training program. MethodsRecords related to the SVS VAM GS resident and MS program from 2013 to 2023 were reviewed, focusing on attendee evaluations of the program. The program included a simulation session from 2013 to 2019. VS training program match rates among scholarship recipients were determined. The annual average match rate in VS was used to divide the survey responses into two groups: below average (BA) and above average (AA) match rate groups. Survey responses were based on a 5-point Likert scale and allowed for comments. Responses were divided into high value, strongly favoring the activity (scores 4-5), and low value (scores 1-3) categories. The survey responses from the group of years with AA match rates were compared with the group of years with BA rates. ResultsThe SVS awarded 1040 GS resident and MS travel scholarships over the 10 years assessed. Overall, applicants had a 43% success rate in receiving a scholarship. During the study period, the annual number of applicants increased, whereas the number of scholarships and match success rates significantly decreased. The average match rate into VS among scholarship recipients was 50.2%. The survey response rate was 33%. During AA match rate years, evaluations for simulation allotted time and lectures were significantly more likely to be high value compared with BA years. Simulation content and the residency fair consistently had the most favorable evaluations (>90% high value), and overall, the program had a consistently positive impact on recipients’ interest in VS (>90% high value). Trainees in the AA group were significantly more likely to provide positive comments (73% vs 55%; P < .001). Numerous recipients commented on the need for a dedicated space to interact with faculty and mentors and highlighted simulation as the standout aspect of the program. ConclusionsThe SVS VAM RSOC program is positively correlated with attendee interest in VS, with approximately 50% of scholarship recipients matching into the field. The quality of the program and the number of scholarships correlate with VS match rates. Additional investments in similar programs could help close the workforce gap.

Linkage of administrative family court care proceedings and hospital records for mothers in England: linkage accuracy and cumulative incidence of family court care proceedings after a first live birth

IntroductionLinkage of public law family court care proceedings (CP) data to all women giving birth in NHS hospitals in England allows calculation of the cumulative incidence of CP involvement for mothers with first children born. ObjectivesTo assess linkage accuracy and determine the 10-year cumulative incidence of CP after a first live birth (FLB) for population subgroups. MethodNHS England linked records for mothers in Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) involved in CP (2007-2021) to all mothers with a delivery in England using Hospital Episode Statistics (HES: 1997-21). We calculated match rates and assessed indirect evidence of potential false positive and missed links. We used survival analyses to estimate cumulative incidence of CP within 10 years overall and for five-year maternal age groups at first live birth. ResultsOf 120,937 mothers involved in CP, 6.6% (n = 8,010) were excluded due to missing postcode or date of birth, or age &lt; 15 or &gt; 50. Of the remaining 112,927 mothers, 92,891 (82.8%) were linked to a HES delivery record. Match rates were lowest for mothers with an ethnic minority background, older at first case, or residing in Greater London, but improved over time. Of 3,572,737 mothers with a FLB, 38,462 had CP involvement. The cumulative incidence of CP at 10 years from FLB was 1.31% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]; 1.29-1.32) overall and highest in mothers aged 15--19 years (6.79%, 95% CI: 6.69-6.89) and those living in the most deprived areas (2.47%, 95% CI: 2.43-2.51). ConclusionOne in 77 of all mothers and one in 15 aged less than 20 at first live birth were involved in CP within 10 years. Linkage error may underestimate the incidence of CP for mothers in London or with an ethnic minority background.

Association of Medical School Gap Year Research and Degree Programs With Otolaryngology Interview and Match Outcomes.

To investigate whether a gap year for either research or a master's degree is associated with interview offers or match outcomes among otolaryngology applicants. Using the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency (Texas STAR) database, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of otolaryngology applicants from 2018 to 2022. Applicants were stratified based on the presence and type of gap year during medical school. Applicant characteristics, signaling, research productivity, and application costs were analyzed, with primary outcomes including number of interview offers and match status. Among 564 otolaryngology applicant respondents to the Texas STAR survey, 160 (28%) reported a gap year, including 64 (40%) applicants participating in a research year, 65 (41%) completing a Master of Public Health or Science (MPH and MSc), and 31 (19%) completing a Master of Business Administration, Education, or other degree (MBA and MEd). Gap-year applicants who completed a research year or MPH/MSc degree received more interview offers (P < .01) than MBA, MEd applicants, or those without a gap year. Applicants with a research year had the most publications, oral presentations, abstracts, posters, and research experiences (all P < .01). When controlling for USMLE scores, clerkship honors, and applications submitted, applicants completing a research year or an MPH/MSc-degree received increased interview offers (P < .01). No significant differences were seen in expenditures or match rates. Research and MPH/MSc gap years were associated with increased residency interview offers but not increased match success. Further longitudinal studies are needed to assess how yearlong experiences affect long-term career outcomes.

Oxidation protection of tri‐layer La2Zr2O7/Yb2Si2O7/SiC‐coated Cf/SiC composites at high temperature

AbstractYtterbium silicate (Yb2Si2O7) and lanthanum zirconate (La2Zr2O7) ceramic powders were synthesized by the sol–gel method. A novel tri‐layer La2Zr2O7/Yb2Si2O7/SiC environmental barrier coating was prepared on the surface of C/SiC composites to improve the service temperature of the coating (above the Si melting point, 1683 K). Results show that both Yb2Si2O7 and La2Zr2O7 ceramic powders had extremely high purity and were accompanied by a large number of nanoparticles. The tri‐layer La2Zr2O7/Yb2Si2O7/SiC coating can efficiently prevent the oxidation failure of C/SiC composites in 1773 K air environment for more than 100 h with slight weight loss of 5.71 × 10−3 g·cm−2 and the matching weight loss rate of 5.71 × 10−5 g·cm−2·h−1. No significant chemical reaction was observed between Yb2Si2O7 middle and La2Zr2O7 outer coatings during the oxidation process at 1773 K, indicating that the tri‐layer La2Zr2O7/Yb2Si2O7/SiC coating had better oxidation stability in 1773 K air environment.