Reader Scores Research Articles

Alternative Metrics of Scholarly Output: The Relationship among Altmetric Score, Mendeley Reader Score, Citations, and Downloads in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The impact of scholarly output is typically measured by the number of citations and, more recently, downloads. Newer metrics have been developed to reflect digital dissemination of knowledge such as the Altmetric and Mendeley reader scores. This article examines the relationship among citations, download rates, Altmetric scores, and Mendeley reader scores in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The authors accessed the 55 most-cited articles published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from 2014 to 2015. Altmetric scores, download rates, field-weighted citations, and Mendeley reader number were extracted. Correlation matrices were used to identify methodologies positively correlating between scores. The top-ranked articles were then collectively evaluated for central subject themes and unifying scoring methodologies. The highest Altmetric score obtained was 159, the greatest number of citations was 52, and the greatest number of downloads was 41. There was no apparent correlation between Altmetric scores and Scopus citations (p = 0.58) or article subject themes (p = 0.63). Citation was positively associated with download rates (r = 0.31, p = 0.021) and Mendeley reader number (r = 0.46, p = 0.001). Mendeley reader number demonstrated high precision in identifying top-ranked citation articles (p = 0.044) despite its lack of direct association with Altmetric score (p = 0.83). With the growing public desire for evidence-based publications, our study quantifies the unique nature of Altmetric score while discouraging its use in isolation. Download rates are a more rapid measure of publication impact compared with citation number. Mendeley readership is also promising as an alternative index.

Image Quality on Dual-energy CTPA Virtual Monoenergetic Images: Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment

This study aims to determine the optimal photon energy for image quality of the pulmonary arteries (PAs) on dual-energy computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) utilizing low volumes of iodinated contrast. The study received institutional review board exemption and was Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant. Adults (n = 56) who underwent dual-energy CTPA with 50-60 cc of iodinated contrast on a third-generation dual-source multidetector CT were retrospectively and consecutively identified. Twelve virtual monoenergetic kiloelectron volt (keV) image data sets (40-150 keV, 10-keV increments) were generated with a second-generation noise-reducing algorithm. Standard regions of interest were placed on main, right, left, and right interlobar pulmonary arteries; pectoralis muscle; and extrathoracic air. Attenuation [mean CT number (Hounsfield unit, HU)], noise [standard deviation (HU)], signal to noise (SNR), and contrast to noise ratio were evaluated. Three blinded chest radiologists rated (from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best) randomized monoenergetic and weighted-average images for attenuation and noise. P <.05 was considered significant. Region of interest mean CT number increased as keV decreased, with 40 keV having the highest value (P < .001). Mean SNR was highest for 40-60 keV (P <.05) (14.5-14.7) and was higher (P <.05) than all remaining energies (90-150 keV) for all vessel regions combined. Contrast to noise ratio was highest for 40 keV (P <.001) and decreased as keV increased. SNR was highest at 60 and 70 keV, only slightly higher than 40-50 keV (P <.05). Reader scores for 40-50 keV were greater than other energies and weighted-average images (P <.05). Kiloelectron volt images of 40-50 keV from the second-generation algorithm optimize attenuation on dual-energy CTPA and can potentially aid in interpretation and avoiding nondiagnostic examinations.

Diagnostic accuracy of biparametric vs multiparametric MRI in clinically significant prostate cancer: Comparison between readers with different experience

BackgroundMRI plays a crucial role to identify men with a high likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer who require immediate biopsy. The added value of DCE MRI in combination with T2-weighted imaging and DWI is controversial (risks related to gadolinium administration, duration of MR exam, financial burden, effects on diagnostic performance). A comparison of a biparametric and a standard multiparametric MR imaging protocol, taking into account the different experience of the readers, may help to choose the best MR approach regarding diagnostic performance. PurposeTo determine the added value of dynamic contrasted-enhanced imaging (DCE) over T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, and to evaluate how it affects the diagnostic performance of three readers with different grade of experience in prostate imaging. Materials and methodsEighty-five patients underwent prostate MR examination at 1.5 T MR scanner performed because of elevated prostate-specific antigen level and/or suspicion of prostate cancer at digital rectal examination.Two MR images sets (Set 1 = biparametric, Set 2 = multiparametric) were retrospectively and independently scored by three radiologists with 7, 3 and 1 years of experience in prostate MR imaging respectively, according to PI-RADS v2. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated by dichotomizing reader scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed and areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated for each reader and image set. A comparison of ROC curves was performed to test the difference between the areas under the ROC curves among the three readers. ResultsThere was no significant difference regarding the detection of clinically significant tumor among the three readers between the two image sets. The AUC for the bi-parametric and multi-parametric MR imaging protocol was respectively 0.68–0.72 (Reader 1), 0.72–0.70 (Reader 2) and 0.60–0.54 (Reader 3). ROC curve comparison revealed no statistically significant differences for each protocol among the most experienced (Reader 1) and the other readers (Readers 2–3). ConclusionThe diagnostic accuracy of a bi-parametric MR imaging protocol consisting of T2-weighted imaging and DWI is comparable with that of a standard multi-parametric imaging protocol for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. The experience of the reader does not significantly modify the diagnostic performance of both MR protocols.

Evaluation of motion artifact metrics for coronary CT angiography.

This study quantified the performance of coronary artery motion artifact metrics relative to human observer ratings. Motion artifact metrics have been used as part of motion correction and best-phase selection algorithms for Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA). However, the lack of ground truth makes it difficult to validate how well the metrics quantify the level of motion artifact. This study investigated five motion artifact metrics, including two novel metrics, using a dynamic phantom, clinical CCTA images, and an observer study that provided ground-truth motion artifact scores from a series of pairwise comparisons. Five motion artifact metrics were calculated for the coronary artery regions on both phantom and clinical CCTA images: positivity, entropy, normalized circularity, Fold Overlap Ratio (FOR), and Low-Intensity Region Score (LIRS). CT images were acquired of a dynamic cardiac phantom that simulated cardiac motion and contained six iodine-filled vessels of varying diameter and with regions of soft plaque and calcifications. Scans were repeated with different gantry start angles. Images were reconstructed at five phases of the motion cycle. Clinical images were acquired from 14 CCTA exams with patient heart rates ranging from 52 to 82bpm. The vessel and shading artifacts were manually segmented by three readers and combined to create ground-truth artifact regions. Motion artifact levels were also assessed by readers using a pairwise comparison method to establish a ground-truth reader score. The Kendall's Tau coefficients were calculated to evaluate the statistical agreement in ranking between the motion artifacts metrics and reader scores. Linear regression between the reader scores and the metrics was also performed. On phantom images, the Kendall's Tau coefficients of the five motion artifact metrics were 0.50 (normalized circularity), 0.35 (entropy), 0.82 (positivity), 0.77 (FOR), 0.77(LIRS), where higher Kendall's Tau signifies higher agreement. The FOR, LIRS, and transformed positivity (the fourth root of the positivity) were further evaluated in the study of clinical images. The Kendall's Tau coefficients of the selected metrics were 0.59 (FOR), 0.53 (LIRS), and 0.21 (Transformed positivity). In the study of clinical data, a Motion Artifact Score, defined as the product of FOR and LIRS metrics, further improved agreement with reader scores, with a Kendall's Tau coefficient of 0.65. The metrics of FOR, LIRS, and the product of the two metrics provided the highest agreement in motion artifact ranking when compared to the readers, and the highest linear correlation to the reader scores. The validated motion artifact metrics may be useful for developing and evaluating methods to reduce motion in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) images.

Low-dose CT detects more progression of bone formation in comparison to conventional radiography in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: results from the SIAS cohort

ObjectivesTo compare the CT Syndesmophyte Score (CTSS) for low-dose CT (ldCT) with the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) for conventional radiographs (CR) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsPatients...

Photon-Counting CT of the Brain: In Vivo Human Results and Image-Quality Assessment.

Photon-counting detectors offer the potential for improved image quality for brain CT but have not yet been evaluated in vivo. The purpose of this study was to compare photon-counting detector CT with conventional energy-integrating detector CT for human brains. Radiation dose-matched energy-integrating detector and photon-counting detector head CT scans were acquired with standardized protocols (tube voltage/current, 120 kV(peak)/370 mAs) in both an anthropomorphic head phantom and 21 human asymptomatic volunteers (mean age, 58.9 ± 8.5 years). Photon-counting detector thresholds were 22 and 52 keV (low-energy bin, 22-52 keV; high-energy bin, 52-120 keV). Image noise, gray matter, and white matter signal-to-noise ratios and GM-WM contrast and contrast-to-noise ratios were measured. Image quality was scored by 2 neuroradiologists blinded to the CT detector type. Reproducibility was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient. Energy-integrating detector and photon-counting detector CT images were compared using a paired t test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Photon-counting detector CT images received higher reader scores for GM-WM differentiation with lower image noise (all P < .001). Intrareader and interreader reproducibility was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, ≥0.86 and 0.79, respectively). Quantitative analysis showed 12.8%-20.6% less image noise for photon-counting detector CT. The SNR of photon-counting detector CT was 19.0%-20.0% higher than of energy-integrating detector CT for GM and WM. The contrast-to-noise ratio of photon-counting detector CT was 15.7% higher for GM-WM contrast and 33.3% higher for GM-WM contrast-to-noise ratio. Photon-counting detector brain CT scans demonstrated greater gray-white matter contrast compared with conventional CT. This was due to both higher soft-tissue contrast and lower image noise for photon-counting CT.

Quality control of regional wall motion analysis in stress Echo 2020

BackgroundThe trial “Stress Echo (SE) 2020” evaluates novel applications of SE beyond coronary artery disease. The aim of the study was control quality and harmonize reading criteria. MethodsOne reader from 78 centers of the SE 2020 network asked for credentials to read a set of 20 SE video-clips selected by the core lab. All aspiring centers met the pre-requisite of high-volume and the years of experience in SE ranged from 5 to 31years (mean value 18years). The diagnostic gold standard was a reading by the core lab. The a priori determined pass threshold was 18/20 (≥90%). ResultsOf the initial 78 who started, 57 completed the first attempt: individual readers' score on first attempt ranged from 07/20 to 20/20 (accuracy from 35% to 100%, mean 78.7±13%) and 44 readers passed it. There was a very poor correlation between years of experience and the reader's score on first attempt (r=−0.161, p=0.231). Of the 13 readers who failed the first attempt, 12 took it again after the web-based session and their accuracy improved (74% vs. 96%, p<0.001). The kappa inter-observer agreement before and after web-based training was 0.59 on first attempt and rose to 0.91 on the last attempt. ConclusionsIn SE reading, the volume of activity or years of experience is not synonymous with diagnostic quality. Qualitative analysis and operator-dependence can become a limiting weakness in clinical practice, in the absence of strict pathways of learning, credentialing and audit.

Weighted Performance Metrics for Automatic Neonatal Seizure Detection Using Multiscored EEG Data.

In neonatal intensive care units, there is a need for around the clock monitoring of electroencephalogram (EEG), especially for recognizing seizures. An automated seizure detector with an acceptable performance can partly fill this need. In order to develop a detector, an extensive dataset labeled by experts is needed. However, accurately defining neonatal seizures on EEG is a challenge, especially when seizure discharges do not meet exact definitions of repetitiveness or evolution in amplitude and frequency. When several readers score seizures independently, disagreement can be high. Commonly used metrics such as good detection rate (GDR) and false alarm rate (FAR) derived from data scored by multiple raters have their limitations. Therefore, new metrics are needed to measure the performance with respect to the different labels. In this paper, instead of defining the labels by consensus or majority voting, popular metrics including GDR, FAR, positive predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity are modified such that they can take different scores into account. To this end, 353 hours of EEG data containing seizures from 81 neonates were visually scored by a clinical neurophysiologist, and then processed by an automated seizure detector. The scored seizures were mixed with false detections of an automated seizure detector and were relabeled by three independent EEG readers. Then, all labels were used in the proposed performance metrics and the result was compared with the majority voting technique and showed higher accuracy and robustness for the proposed metrics. Results were confirmed using a bootstrapping test.

Assessment of typical SpA lesions on MRI of the spine: do local readers and central readers agree in the DESIR-cohort at baseline?

Comparing local reading (LocR) with central reading (CentR) of typical spondyloarhritis lesions including bone marrow edema (BME) and structural lesions on magnetic resonance imaging of the spine (MRI-spine), in patients with inflammatory back pain (IBP; ≥3months, <3years). Baseline data of 667 patients, age 18-50years, from the Devenir des Spondylarthopathies Indifferenciees Recentes (DESIR)-cohort were used. Two trained central readers scored anterior and posterior corner BME, fatty lesions, erosions and syndesmophytes on MRI-spine. Presences of lesions, based on average scores, were used for CentR. A local radiologist and/or rheumatologist scored MRI-spine on presence/doubt/absence of 'inflammation' and 'structural lesions'. Agreement between central readers and readings was calculated (Cohen's kappa: κ). Agreement between central readers was moderate (BME κ=0.55, fatty lesions κ=0.50) to slight (erosions κ=0.12, syndesmophytes κ=0.19). Agreement between LocR and CentR was κ=0.32 (BME) and κ=0.13 (structural lesions). In 78/160 patients (48.8%) LocR were in doubt while CentR scored BME lesions, for structural lesions this was 17.8% (28/157 patients). Agreement between 2 central readers for scoring spondyloarhritis-like lesions on MRI-spine was moderate but better compared to LocR and CentR agreement. LocR often doubt about the presence of MRI-spine lesions while central trained readers score lesions.

Measuring field-normalized impact of papers on specific societal groups: An altmetrics study based on Mendeley Data

Bibliometrics is successful in measuring impact, because the target is clearly defined: the publishing scientist who is still active and working. Thus, citations are a target-oriented metric which measures impact on science. In contrast, societal impact measurements based on altmetrics are as a rule intended to measure impact in a broad sense on all areas of society (e.g. science, culture, politics, and economics). This tendency is especially reflected in the efforts to design composite indicators (e.g. the Altmetric attention score). We deem appropriate that not only the impact measurement using citations is target-oriented (citations measure the impact of papers on scientists), but also the measurement of impact using altmetrics. Impact measurements only make sense, if the target group - the recipient of academic papers - is clearly defined. Thus, we extend in this study the field-normalized reader impact indicator proposed by us in an earlier study, which is based on Mendeley data (the mean normalized reader score, MNRS), to a target-oriented field-normalized impact indicator (e.g., MNRS_ED measures reader impact on the sector of educational donation, i.e., teaching). This indicator can show - as demonstrated in empirical examples - the ability of journals, countries, and academic institutions to publish papers which are below or above the average impact of papers on a specific sector in society (e.g., the educational or teaching sector). For example, the method allows to measure the impact of scientific papers on students - controlling for the field in which the papers have been published and their publication year.

Screen-detected versus interval cancers: Effect of imaging modality and breast density in the Flemish Breast Cancer Screening Programme

To investigate if direct radiography (DR) performs better than screen-film mammography (SF) and computed radiography (CR) in dense breasts in a decentralized organised Breast Cancer Screening Programme. To this end, screen-detected versus interval cancers were studied in different BI-RADS density classes for these imaging modalities. The study cohort consisted of 351,532 women who participated in the Flemish Breast Cancer Screening Programme in 2009 and 2010. Information on screen-detected and interval cancers, breast density scores of radiologist second readers, and imaging modality was obtained by linkage of the databases of the Centre of Cancer Detection and the Belgian Cancer Registry. Overall, 67% of occurring breast cancers are screen detected and 33% are interval cancers, with DR performing better than SF and CR. The interval cancer rate increases gradually with breast density, regardless of modality. In the high-density class, the interval cancer rate exceeds the cancer detection rate for SF and CR, but not for DR. DR is superior to SF and CR with respect to cancer detection rates for high-density breasts. To reduce the high interval cancer rate in dense breasts, use of an additional imaging technique in screening can be taken into consideration. • Interval cancer rate increases gradually with breast density, regardless of modality. • Cancer detection rate in high-density breasts is superior in DR. • IC rate exceeds CDR for SF and CR in high-density breasts. • DR performs better in high-density breasts for third readings and false-positives.

Simultaneous multi-slice echo planar diffusion weighted imaging of the liver and the pancreas: Optimization of signal-to-noise ratio and acquisition time and application to intravoxel incoherent motion analysis

PurposeTo optimize and test a diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequence with simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) excitation in the liver and pancreas regarding acquisition time (TA), number of slices, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), image quality (IQ), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) quantitation accuracy, and feasibility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis. Materials and methodsTen healthy volunteers underwent DWI of the upper abdomen at 3T. A SMS DWI sequence with CAIPIRINHA unaliasing technique (acceleration factors 2/3, denoted AF2/3) was compared to standard DWI-EPI (AF1). Four schemes were evaluated: (i) reducing TA, (ii) keeping TA identical with increasing number of averages, (iii) increasing number of slices with identical TA (iv) increasing number of b-values for IVIM. Acquisition schemes i-iii were evaluated qualitatively (reader score) and quantitatively (ADC values, SNR). ResultsIn scheme (i) no differences in SNR were observed (p=0.321−0.038) with reduced TA (AF2 increase in SNR/time 75.6%, AF3 increase SNR/time 102.4%). No SNR improvement was obtained in scheme (ii). Increased SNR/time could be invested in acquisition of more and thinner slices or higher number of b-values. Image quality scores were stable for AF2 but decreased for AF3. Only for AF3, liver ADC values were systematically lower. ConclusionSMS-DWI of the liver and pancreas provides substantially higher SNR/time, which either may be used for shorter scan time, higher slice resolution or IVIM measurements.

Normalization of Mendeley reader impact on the reader- and paper-side: A comparison of the mean discipline normalized reader score (MDNRS) with the mean normalized reader score (MNRS) and bare reader counts

Abstract For the normalization of citation counts, two different kinds of methods are possible and used in bibliometrics: the cited-side and citing-side normalizations both of which can also be applied in the normalization of “Mendeley reader counts”. Haunschild and Bornmann (2016a) introduced the paper-side normalization of reader counts (mean normalized reader score, MNRS) which is an adaptation of the cited-side normalization. Since the calculation of the MNRS needs further data besides data from Mendeley (a field-classification scheme, such as the Web of Science subject categories), we introduce here the reader-side normalization of reader counts which is an adaptation of the citing-side normalization and does not need further data from other sources, because self-assigned Mendeley disciplines are used. In this study, all articles and reviews of the Web of Science core collection with publication year 2012 (and a DOI) are used to normalize their Mendeley reader counts. The newly proposed indicator (mean discipline normalized reader score, MDNRS) is obtained, compared with the MNRS and bare reader counts, and studied theoretically and empirically. We find that: (i) normalization of Mendeley reader counts is necessary, (ii) the MDNRS is able to normalize Mendeley reader counts in several disciplines, and (iii) the MNRS is able to normalize Mendeley reader counts in all disciplines. This generally favorable result for the MNRS in all disciplines leads to the recommendation to prefer the MNRS over the MDNRS—provided that the user has an external field-classification scheme at hand.

3D image-based navigators for coronary MR angiography.

To develop a method for acquiring whole-heart 3D image-based navigators (iNAVs) with isotropic resolution for tracking and correction of localized motion in coronary magnetic resonance angiography (CMRA). To monitor motion in all regions of the heart during a free-breathing scan, a variable-density cones trajectory was designed to collect a 3D iNAV every heartbeat in 176 ms with 4.4 mm isotropic spatial resolution. The undersampled 3D iNAV data were reconstructed with efficient self-consistent parallel imaging reconstruction (ESPIRiT). 3D translational and nonrigid motion-correction methods using 3D iNAVs were compared to previous translational and nonrigid methods using 2D iNAVs. Five subjects were scanned with a 3D cones CMRA sequence, accompanied by both 2D and 3D iNAVs. The quality of the right and left anterior descending coronary arteries was assessed on 2D and 3D iNAV-based motion-corrected images using a vessel sharpness metric and qualitative reader scoring. This assessment showed that nonrigid motion correction based on 3D iNAVs produced results that were noninferior to correction based on 2D iNAVs. The ability to acquire isotropic-resolution 3D iNAVs every heartbeat during a CMRA scan was demonstrated. Such iNAVs enabled direct measurement of localized motion for nonrigid motion correction in free-breathing whole-heart CMRA. Magn Reson Med 77:1874-1883, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Whole-Body Diffusion Imaging Applying Simultaneous Multi-Slice Excitation.

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a fast protocol for whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-DWI) using a slice-accelerated echo-planar sequence, which, when using comparable image acquisition parameters, noticeably reduces measurement time compared to a conventional WB-DWI protocol. A single-shot echo-planar imaging sequence capable of simultaneous slice excitation and acquisition was optimized for WB-DWI on a 3 T MR scanner, with a comparable conventional WB-DWI protocol serving as the reference standard. Eight healthy individuals and one oncologic patient underwent WB-DWI. Quantitative analysis was carried out by measuring the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and its coefficient of variation (CV) in different organs. Image quality was assessed qualitatively by two independent radiologists using a 4-point Likert scale. Using our proposed protocol, the scan time of the WB-DWI measurement was reduced by up to 25.9 %. Both protocols, the slice-accelerated protocol and the conventional protocol, showed comparable image quality without statistically significant differences in the reader scores. Similarly, no significant differences of the ADC values of parenchymal organs were found, whereas ADC values of brain tissue were slightly higher in the slice-accelerated protocol. It was demonstrated that slice-accelerated DWI can be applied to WB-DWI protocols with the potential to greatly reduce the required measurement time, thereby substantially increasing clinical applicability. •Whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-DWI) using simultaneous multi-slice and blipped-CAIPIRINHA reduces the measurement time strongly without having a significant impact on image quality. •The reduction in measurement time might strongly contribute to the clinical applicability of WB-DWI. •However, further refinement of the slice-accelerated EPI sequence, and the WB-DWI protocol applying this sequence type seems necessary; and the value of such WB-DWI protocols for assessment of systemic oncological diseases needs to be investigated in further clinical studies.

Radiation intensity (CTDIvol) and visibility of anatomical structures in head CT examinations.

The purpose of this study was to quantify how changing the amount of radiation used to perform routine head CT examinations (CTDIvol) affects visibility of key anatomical structures. Eight routine noncontrast head CT exams were selected from six CT scanners, each of which had a different CTDIvol setting (60 to 75 mGy). All exams were normal and two slices were selected for evaluation, one at the level of basal ganglia and the other at the fourth ventricle. Three experienced neuroradiologists evaluated the visibility of selected structures, including the putamen, caudate nucleus, thalamus, internal capsule, grey/white differentiation, and brainstem. Images were scored on a five‐point scoring scheme (1, unacceptable, 3, satisfactory, and 5, excellent). Reader scores, averaged over the cases obtained from each scanner, were plotted as a function of the corresponding CTDIvol. Average scores for the fourth ventricle were 3.06±0.83 and for the basal ganglia were 3.20±0.86. No image received a score of 1. Two readers showed no clear trend of an increasing score with increasing CTDIvol. One reader showed a slight trend of increasing score with increasing CTDIvol, but the increase in score from a 25% increase in CTDIvol was a fraction of the standard deviation associated average scores. Collectively, results indicated that there were no clear improvements in visualizing neuroanatomy when CTDIvol increased from 60 to 75 mGy in routine head CT examinations. Our study showed no apparent benefit of using more than 60 mGy when performing routine noncontrast head CT examinations.PACS number(s): 87.57.C‐

Normalization of Mendeley reader counts for impact assessment

A different number of citations can be expected for publications appearing in different subject categories and publication years. For this reason, the citation-based normalized indicator Mean Normalized Citation Score (MNCS) is used in bibliometrics. Mendeley is one of the most important sources of altmetrics data. Mendeley reader counts reflect the impact of publications in terms of readership. Since a significant influence of publication year and discipline has also been observed in the case of Mendeley reader counts, reader impact should not be estimated without normalization. In this study, all articles and reviews of the Web of Science core collection with a publication year of 2012 (and a DOI) are used to normalize their Mendeley reader counts. A new indicator that determines the normalized reader impact is obtained –the Mean Normalized Reader Score (MNRS) – and compared with the MNCS. The MNRS enables us to compare the impact a paper has had on Mendeley across subject categories and publication years. Comparisons on the journal and university level show that the MNRS and MNCS correlate larger for 9601 journals than for 76 German universities.

Silent reading fluency: Implications for the assessment of adults with developmental dyslexia

Introduction: Understanding silent reading fluency (SRF) is of a paramount importance, given that silent reading is the principal manner of reading for capable readers. But the assessment of SRF is not commonly useful for identifying students with reading difficulties and monitoring their progress. The paper presents the SRF scores of adults with dyslexia compared to SRF scores of skilled readers and discusses the power of the SRF measure in identifying adults with specific learning disorders with impairment in reading. Method: Participants recruited were 68 dyslexic and age-matched skilled adult readers (18–48 years old). Among them, 24 were skilled readers with a university degree (GRS), 22 were skilled readers with a high school diploma (DSR), and 22 participants had been diagnosed with dyslexia (DR). We used a standardized oral reading fluency (ORF) test and an original SRF task to measure the reading fluency. Results: All participants increased their reading fluency in silent mode (p < .001). Nonetheless, the average speed of the oral reading was 7.19 syllables per second (syl/s) for the GSR group, 7.11 syl/s for the DSR group, and 4.95 syl/s for the DR group. The average speed of the silent reading was 11.62 syl/s and 10.75 syl/s for GSR and DSR, respectively, and 6.15 syl/s for DR. The reading fluency differential (Δf) between ORF and SRF was significantly different among the dyslexic participants and the other two groups. Conclusions: Our results strongly suggest that dyslexic readers are less capable of significantly improve their reading speed when they read silently. Thus SRF could be considered a suitable parameter for identifying older students and adults with impairment in reading. A broader investigation of the issues surrounding silent reading is needed.

The Effects of One-One Instructions on Grade Equivalence Scores of Emergent Readers

This study analyzed the implementation of Tier 3, Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies on Infants 1 – Standard 3 reading scores. The purpose was to determine if students increased their reading abilities after receiving direct, one-one, intense instruction in comparison to students that did not receive the intervention. The study group consisted of 54 primary school students in Infants 1 to Standard 3 grade level in Trinidad and Tobago. The study used an experimental design approach that sought to determine whether the UTT program of reading intervention had the intended causal effect on the program participants. The three key components of the experimental study design: (1) pre-post test design, utilizing the DRA2® assessment tool before the intervention and after implementation. (2) A control group – Group X who received Tier 1 instructional strategies only, and a treatment group – Group Y, who received Tier 1 core instructions along with Tier 3 one-one direct instructions in reading. (3) Random assignment of study participants to groups X or Y followed, after screening. Findings of the study showed that there was a significant difference between students receiving additional Tier 3 instructions when compared to students receiving Tier 1 instruction, based on the pupils’ DRA2® Reading scores.

Volumetric analysis of colonic distention according to patient position at CT colonography: diagnostic value of the right lateral decubitus series.

The purpose of this study was to compare total colonic gas volume and segmental luminal distention according to patient position on CT colonography (CTC), as well as to determine which two views should constitute the routine protocol. Volumetric analysis was retrospectively performed on CTC examinations from 146 adults (mean age, 59.2 years; 81 men and 65 women; mean body mass index [BMI], 30.9) for whom supine, prone, and right lateral decubitus series were sequentially obtained using continuous low-pressure CO2 insufflation. Total colonic gas volumes were assessed using a novel automated volumetric tool. In addition, two radiologists scored distention by segment using a 4-point scale (4=optimal; 3=adequate; 2=inadequate; 1=collapsed). Mean (±SD) colonic gas volumes for supine, prone, and decubitus positioning were 1617±567, 1441±505, and 1901±627, respectively (p<0.001). Colonic volume was highest on the right lateral decubitus series in 73.3% (107/146) and lowest in 6.2% (9/146) of cases, whereas the prone series was highest in 0.7% (1/146) and lowest in 73.3% (107/146) of cases. Overall mean segmental reader scores and percentages of inadequate or collapsed for supine, prone, and decubitus positions were 3.48, 3.33, and 3.71 and 10.4%, 12.1%, and 4.2%, respectively (p<0.001). The only mean segmental scores below 3.0 were the sigmoid colon on supine (2.68) and prone (2.58) series, compared with 3.23 on decubitus series (p<0.001). Improvement in distention in both decubitus and supine positions over the prone position increased further with increasing BMI (p<0.001). The right lateral decubitus position consistently yields the best colonic distention at CTC and significantly improves evaluation of the sigmoid colon. Prone distention was the worst, particularly as BMI increased. Routine supine and decubitus positioning should be considered for standard CTC protocols, particularly in obese individuals. Automated volumetric analysis provides for rapid objective assessment of colonic distention.