bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Existential‐Phenomenological Situation of Ideological Extremism
Authors: Zhao Steven
Published: November 2021

Abstract

In this essay Steven Zhao provides an existential‐phenomenological account of radicalization and extremism. This elaboration is in response to what Zhao perceives to be the two problematically dominant perspectives of discourse on radicalization: the ideational perspective and the psychological perspective. The ideational perspective is risky because it offers an incomplete understanding of radicalization by presuming that it is the expression of cognitive errors. The psychological perspective, on the other hand, excessively individualizes radicalization as an exceptional psychological aberration that can riskily result in instructivistic preventative approaches in education. Zhao proposes the existential‐phenomenological elaboration as a supplemental articulation of radicalization that has potential to address the issues associated with these two dominant perspectives. According to this elaboration, ideological extremism is a relational phenomenon that constitutes a “dysfunctional” structure of intersubjectivity. Applying interrelated notion of subjectivity and intersubjectivity illuminates radicalization in a way that both widens the scope of ideational attributions/corrections and transcends the individualistic confines of psychopathology/psychological resilience. Ultimately, this elaboration seeks to enrich educational approaches to addressing radicalization such that preventative strategies are informed by the relational foundations intrinsic to both cognitive and psychological motivations of extremist behaviors and beliefs.
The Teacher Bandwidth Problem: MOOCs, Connectivism, and Collaborative Knowledge
Authors: Kotzee Ben , Palermos S. Orestis
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have, in recent years, become increasingly popular. An important challenge facing MOOCs is the “teacher bandwidth problem”: in the MOOC environment, where there are potentially hundreds of thousands of students, it is impossible for a few teachers to interact with individual students — in other words, there is not enough “teacher bandwidth.” According to George Siemens and Stephen Downes's theory of “connectivism,” one can make up for the lack of teacher bandwidth by relying on collaboration between students. Philosophically speaking, however, this theory is underdeveloped. In this paper, Ben Kotzee and S. Orestis Palermos consider the question of learner collaboration in online courses, and the theory of connectivism, from the perspective of social epistemology. They note the similarities between Siemens and Downes's theory and virtue reliabilist theories of epistemic collaboration more broadly. The paper has two main aims: first, to offer an illustration of how it is possible to conceptualize learner collaboration in online settings as analogous to collaboration between scientists; and second, to expand on and clarify what Siemens and Downes had in mind when they proposed the theory of connectivism.
From analytic pragmatism to historical materialism: Frankfurt school critical theory and the Quine‐Duhem thesis
Authors: McNulty Jacob
Published: November 2021

My aim in this paper is to explore an affinity between early critical theory and analytical philosophy. The affinity is in a fairly unexpected area: philosophy of science. I argue that early critical theory embraces a view of science which is a natural if somewhat unfamiliar extension of the pragmatist one defended by Quine. In particular, I argue that Horkheimer has a version of the Quine‐Duhem thesis (“underdetermination of theory choice by the evidence”). How do the Frankfurt and analytical versions of the underdetermination thesis differ? Quine and others have taken the thesis to motivate a form of pragmatism. What this means is that it is certain interests that ultimately determine the choice of theory: chief among them, an interest in simplicity of our theories. However, the Critical Theorists offer us a distinctly historical materialist version of the underdetermination thesis, in which it is the imperatives of the prevailing mode of production, for example, capitalism, which are decisive. The result is an unfamiliar Marxist version of an otherwise familiar thesis from the analytic tradition.
Dural arteriovenous fistulas in cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Lindgren Erik , Rentzos Alexandros , Hiltunen Sini , Serrano Fabiola , Heldner Mirjam R. , Zuurbier Susanna M. , Silvis Suzanne M. , Mansour Maryam , Allingham William , Punter Martin N. M. , Giarola Blake F. , Wells Jeremy , Sánchez van Kammen Mayte , Piechowiak Eike I. , Chiota‐McCollum Nicole , Garcia‐Esperon Carlos , Cognard Christophe , Kleinig Timothy , Ghiasian Masoud , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Arnold Marcel , Arauz Antonio , Putaala Jukka , Jood Katarina , Tatlisumak Turgut ,   the International CVT Consortium
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose

To explore the prevalence, risk factors, time correlation, characteristics and clinical outcome of dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) in a cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) population.

Methods

We included patients from the International CVT Consortium registries. Diagnosis of dAVF was confirmed centrally. We assessed the prevalence and risk factors for dAVF among consecutive CVT patients and investigated its impact on clinical outcome using logistic regression analysis. We defined poor outcome as modified Rankin Scale score 3–6 at last follow‐up.

Results

dAVF was confirmed in 29/1218 (2.4%) consecutive CVT patients. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow‐up time was 8 (5–23) months. Patients with dAVF were older (median [IQR] 53 [44–61] vs. 41 [29–53] years; p < 0.001), more frequently male (69% vs. 33%; p < 0.001), more often had chronic clinical CVT onset (>30 days: 39% vs. 7%; p < 0.001) and sigmoid sinus thrombosis (86% vs. 51%; p < 0.001), and less frequently had parenchymal lesions (31% vs. 55%; p = 0.013) at baseline imaging. Clinical outcome at last follow‐up did not differ between patients with and without dAVF. Additionally, five patients were confirmed with dAVF from non‐consecutive CVT cohorts. Among all patients with CVT and dAVF, 17/34 (50%) had multiple fistulas and 23/34 (68%) had cortical venous drainage. Of 34 patients with dAVF with 36 separate CVT events, 3/36 fistulas (8%) were diagnosed prior to, 20/36 (56%) simultaneously and 13/36 after (36%, median 115 [IQR 38–337] days) diagnosis of CVT.

Conclusions

Dural arteriovenous fistulas occur in at least 2% of CVT patients and are associated with chronic CVT onset, older age and male sex. Most CVT‐related dAVFs are detected simultaneously or subsequently to diagnosis of CVT.
Flexural strength of a conventionally processed and additively manufactured debased 94% alumina
Authors: Kammler Daniel R. , Cillessen Dale E. , Ford Kurtis R. , Larkin Elizabeth C. , Davidson Will M. , Christopher James M. , Gibson Julie T.
Published: November 2021

Mechanical strength of a 94 wt% debased alumina was measured using ASTM‐C1161 specimens fabricated via conventional and lithography‐based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) methods. The effects of build orientation and a 1500°C wet hydrogen fire added to the LCM firing sequence on strength were evaluated. A Weibull fit to the conventional flexural specimen data yielded 20 and 356 MPa for the modulus and characteristic strength, respectively. Weibull fits of the data from the LCM specimens yielded moduli between 7.5 and 11.3 and characteristics strengths between 333 and 339 MPa. A Weibull fit to data from LCM specimens subjected to the wet hydrogen fire yielded 14.2 and 376 MPa for the modulus and characteristic strength, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals for all Weibull parameters are reported. Average Archimedes bulk densities of LCM and conventional specimens were 3.732 and 3.730 g/cm3, respectively. Process dependent differences in surface morphology were observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of specimen surfaces. SEM images of LCM specimen cross‐sections showed alumina grain texture dependent on build direction, but no evidence of porosity concentrated in planes between printed layers. Fracture surfaces of LCM and conventionally processed specimens revealed hackle lines and mirror regions indicative of fracture initiation at the sample surface rather than the interior.
Eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa: An update on clinicopathologic features, pathogenesis, and management
Authors: Hamie Lamiaa , Hamie Maria , Kurban Mazen , Abbas Ossama
Published: November 2021

Eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa is a benign, reactive, self‐limited lesion. Its pathogenesis is unclear, and it clinically manifests as a punched‐out ulcer with surrounding indurated border, raising suspicion for a possible malignancy. On histology, an acute and chronic dense inflammatory infiltrate can be appreciated, which can extend to the deep underlying tissue (including skeletal muscle). Eosinophils are especially conspicuous on hematoxylin and eosin staining and might play an important role in the development of the ulcer. Removal of possible triggers followed by monitoring and possible biopsy are among the initial recommendations. Most lesions heal spontaneously without the need for intervention. This review aims at assisting dermatologists to easily recognize this entity, avoiding unnecessary interventions and apprehension.
Heterogeneity in antiviral B cell responses: Lessons from the movies*
Authors: Kuka Mirela , Iannacone Matteo
Published: November 2021

Humoral and cellular responses to viral infections coexist in a dynamic equilibrium that often results in efficient viral clearance. However, in some infections one of the two responses prevails, for instance when an overactivation of cytotoxic T cells is accompanied by weak and insufficient antibody responses. Although the cellular response is usually sufficient to control a primary viral infection, in some cases clearance is not complete and persistent infections ensue. In order to design effective therapeutic or vaccination strategies aiming at inducing early and potent neutralizing antibody responses, a deep knowledge of the cellular and molecular determinants of antiviral immune responses is needed. Here, we review our understanding on the spatiotemporal dynamics of antiviral humoral immune responses, with a particular focus on recent studies using intravital imaging approaches as an insightful complement to more traditional techniques.
Corrosion resistance and anti‐reaction mechanism of Al2O3‐based refractory ceramic under weak static magnetic field
Authors: Li Shenghao , Huang Ao , Gu Huazhi , Wang Runfeng , Zou Yongshun , Fu Lvping
Published: November 2021

A slag resistance experiment of the Al2O3‐based refractory ceramic with CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 slag at 1600°C under a milli‐Tesla static magnetic field was conducted. The magnetic flux density effect on the corrosion at the two‐ and three‐phase interfaces of the Al2O3‐based refractory ceramic, excluding the ‘electromagnetic damping’, was studied. The slag resistance of the Al2O3‐based refractory was enhanced and quasi‐volcanic corrosion at the three‐phase interface was eliminated gradually with an increase in the magnetic flux density. A hypothesis and mechanism for the inhibition effect of the static magnetic field based on the free radical pair reaction model was proposed.
Swimming behaviour of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in response to turbulent flow induced by aD‐cylinder
Authors: Ke Senfan , Tu Zhiying , Goerig Elsa , Tan Junjun , Cheng Bixin , Li Zhimin , Shi Xiaotao
Published: November 2021

Turbulence is a complex hydraulic phenomenon which commonly occurs in natural streams and fishways. Riverine fish are subjected to heterogeneous flow velocities and turbulence, which may affect their movements and ability to pass the fishways. However, studies focusing on fish response to turbulent flows are lacking for many species. Here we investigate the effects of the turbulence created by a vertical half‐cylinder of various diameters (1.9, 2.5, 3.2 and 5.0 cm) on the swimming ability and behaviour of silver carp,Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. The large D‐cylinders (3.0 and 5.0 cm) create specific vorticity and reduced velocities areas in their vicinity, which favours flow refuging behaviours (FRBs) and thus increased relative critical swimming speeds (Urcrit, BL/s) of silver carp, by comparison to free‐flow conditions and cylinders of smaller diameter (1.9 and 2.5 cm). The flow speed at which silver carp maximized FRBs such as Karman gaiting downstream of the cylinder, holding position in the bow wake or entraining on the side ranged from 40 to 70 cm s−1, depending on fish body size. When holding station near a cylinder under optimal flow speeds, the distance between the fish and the cylinder is related to the size of the fish, but also to the size of the cylinder and the produced vortices. The optimal holding region in the drag wake of the cylinder ranged from 28 to 40 cm downstream of the centre of the cylinder, depending on the size of the fish. Smaller fish, however, tend to use the reduced velocities areas located in the bow wake of the large cylinders. We hypothesize that fish will display FRBs, including maintaining a Karman gait in turbulent flow, when the ratio of the cylinder diameter to their body length is between 1:3 and 1:4. They also match their tail beat frequency to the vortex shedding frequency of the cylinder. Our results provide a better understanding of how silver carp respond to turbulent flows around physical structures, with implications for the design of nature‐like fishways or exclusion devices in both its native and invasive ranges.
Variants of aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase genes in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease: A Korean cohort study
Authors: Nam Da Eun , Park Jin Hee , Park Cho Eun , Jung Na Young , Nam Soo Hyun , Kwon Hye Mi , Kim Hyun Su , Kim Sang Beom , Son Won Seok , Choi Byung‐Ok , Chung Ki Wha
Published: November 2021

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) and related diseases are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of peripheral neuropathies. Particularly, mutations in several aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase (ARS) genes have been reported to cause axonal CMT (CMT2) or distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN). However, the common pathogenesis among CMT subtypes by different ARS gene defects is not well understood. This study was performed to investigate ARS gene mutations in a CMT cohort of 710 Korean families. Whole‐exome sequencing was applied to 710 CMT patients who were negative for PMP22 duplication. We identified 12 disease‐causing variants (from 13 families) in GARS1, AARS1, HARS1, WARS1, and YARS1 genes. Seven variants were determined to be novel. The frequency of overall ARS gene mutations was 1.22% among all independent patients diagnosed with CMT and 1.83% in patients negative for PMP22 duplication. WARS1 mutations have been reported to cause dHMN; however, in our patients with WARS1 variants, CMT was associated with sensory involvement. We analyzed genotype‐phenotype correlations and expanded the phenotypic spectrum of patients with CMT possessing ARS gene variants. We also characterized clinical phenotypes according to ARS genes. This study will be useful for performing exact molecular and clinical diagnoses and providing reference data for other population studies.
Factors affecting hospital readmission rates following an acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Rashidi Amineh , Whitehead Lisa , Glass Courtney
Published: November 2021

Aim

To synthesise quantitative evidence on factors that impact hospital readmission rates following ACS with comorbidities.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data sources

A search of eight electronic databases, including Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).

Review methods

The search strategy included keywords and MeSH terms to identify English language studies published between 2001 and 2020. The quality of included studies was assessed by two independent reviewers, using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools.

Results

Twenty‐four articles were included in the review. All cause 30‐day readmission rate was most frequently reported and ranged from 4.2% to 81%. Reported factors that were associated with readmission varied across studies from socio‐demographic, behavioural factors, comorbidity factors and cardiac factors. Findings from some of the studies were limited by data source, study designs and small sample size.

Conclusion

Strategies that integrate comprehensive discharge planning and individualised care planning to enhance behavioural support are related to a reduction in readmission rates. It is recommended that nurses are supported to influence discharge planning and lead the development of nurse‐led interventions to ensure discharge planning is both coordinated and person‐centred.
The Link Between Medicaid Expansion and School Absenteeism: Evidence From the Southern United States
Authors: Roy Shreya , Wilson Fernando A. , Chen Li‐Wu , Kim Jungyoon , Yu Fang
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Parental Medicaid eligibility has been shown to be linked to positive academic and school outcomes for children. However, the impact of adult Medicaid expansion on children's school absenteeism is largely unexplored in the literature. The aim of this study was to examine whether Medicaid expansion for adults under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), affected school absenteeism of children.

METHODS

This study used data from the National Survey of Children's Health 2016 to 2017 and the difference‐in‐differences method.

RESULTS

The decrease in the predicted probability of missing 11 or more school days in Louisiana, after Medicaid expansion, among school‐going children from low‐income families, was greater by 18 percentage points (p = .007), as compared to the decrease in the predicted probability of missing 11 or more school days in the neighboring nonexpansion states of Texas and Mississippi.

CONCLUSION

The positive impacts of Medicaid expansion are not limited to adults, but also extend to children's school absenteeism.
Model with transmission delays for COVID‐19 control: Theory and empirical assessment
Authors: Hritonenko Natali , Yatsenko Olga , Yatsenko Yuri
Published: November 2021

The paper focuses on modeling of public health measures to control the COVID‐19 pandemic. The authors suggest a flexible integral model with distributed lags, which realistically describes COVID‐19 infectiousness period from clinical data. It contains susceptible–infectious–recovered (SIR), susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered (SEIR), and other epidemic models as special cases. The model is used for assessing how government decisions to lockdown and reopen the economy affect epidemic spread. The authors demonstrate essential differences in transition and asymptotic dynamics of the integral model and the SIR model after lockdown. The provided simulation on real data accurately describes several waves of the COVID‐19 epidemic in the United States and is in good correspondence with government actions to curb the epidemic.
Substituent Effect in Pyridinium Alkynylanthracenes on their Performance as Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Brega Valentina , Thomas Samuel W.
Published: November 2021

Progress in photodynamic therapy (PDT) relies on the design and synthesis of photosensitizers that can efficiently sensitize singlet oxygen using visible light irradiation while displaying limited dark toxicity. Here, we highlight the paper by Linker and coworkers published in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology, which evaluates the effect of the regiochemistry of pyridinium rings in three isomeric pyridinium alkynylanthracenes on their performance as photosensitizers for PDT in HeLa cells.
Information Seeking and Risk Reduction Intentions in Response to Environmental Threat Messages: The Role of Message Processing
Authors: Bigsby Elisabeth , Hovick Shelly R. , Tan Naomi Q. P. , Thomas Sarah N. , Wilson Sam R.
Published: November 2021

Communicating complex information about environmental health risks in a single message is impossible. Thus, message designers hope that risk messages encourage people to think more about the message and risks, look for more information, and ultimately make behavior changes. The presentation of information about environmental risks using threat appeals is a common message design strategy thought to increase message engagement and influence attitudes, information seeking, and risk reduction behaviors. We compared lower threat messages, which did not include explicit statements about susceptibility and severity of a risk, to higher threat messages, which did. We combined predictions from the extended parallel process model with dual‐process theories of persuasion to examine whether people respond to these types of messages differently. In an online experiment, participants (N = 892) were randomly assigned to a message condition (higher or lower threat) and topic condition (arsenic, bisphenol A, or volatile organic compounds). Overall, participants exposed to higher threat messages (regardless of risk topic) reported experiencing higher levels of fear. Higher levels of fear were associated with more positive thoughts about the message (in alignment with the message advocacy) and fewer negative thoughts about the message (against the message advocacy), both of which influenced message attitudes. Finally, message attitudes were associated with increased information seeking and intentions to engage in risk reduction behaviors.
Achieving status and reducing loneliness during the transition to college: The role of entitlement, intrasexual competitiveness, and dominance
Authors: Rahal Danny , Fales Melissa R. , Haselton Martie G. , Slavich George M. , Robles Theodore F.
Published: November 2021

Although many emerging adults feel lonely and struggle to gain status during the college transition, it remains unclear whether certain personality traits facilitate this transition. Using a longitudinal design, we investigated whether status‐related traits—namely, entitlement, intrasexual competitiveness, and dominance—related to the development of status in 91 first‐year college students (Mage = 18.15, SD = 0.44) transitioning to a novel college environment. We also examined whether status‐related personality traits moderated the degree to which status related to loneliness. As hypothesized, only students high in intrasexual competitiveness experienced increases in subjective dorm status across the year. In addition, students exhibiting average or low entitlement experienced decreases in loneliness over time, whereas high entitlement was related to consistently low loneliness. Finally, higher subjective dorm status was related to lower loneliness only for less dominant students, as assessed by both self‐ratings of trait dominance and raters’ judgments of facial dominance from photographs. Using a real‐world context of status development, these results suggest that status‐related personality traits may influence students’ ability to experience higher status and modulate the relation between subjective status and loneliness.
‘We're out, so wtf do we do now?’: Brexit and rural identity in the era of online agricultural communities
Authors: Jones‐Garcia Eliot , Touboulic Anne
Published: November 2021

This article explores online interactions between members of the UK farming community in the context of Brexit, a moment of great friction within British agriculture. A ‘netnography’ was conducted of thefarmingforum.co.uk, a British‐based discussion group with a large membership, covering a range of aspects from farming practices to trade and relationships. Findings reveal how the online space challenges and connects notions of rural space and place. A displaced identity, unmoored from traditional farming attributes such as land and locality, becomes both a driving force for participation and a tool for political control. The article sheds light on the under‐appreciated political power of such online groups enabled through under‐researched digital technologies. The farmer‐owned forum represents the ‘other voice’ within corporate‐led agricultural innovation; however, the onset of Brexit became a catalyst for extreme politics, facilitating a populist swing towards the Leave campaign and revealing a visceral distrust for institutions.
Combustion Performance Investigation of Aviation Kerosene (RP-3) on a Compression Ignition Diesel Engine Under Various Loads
Authors: Liu Rui , Huang Kaisheng , Qiao Yuan , Wang Zhenyu , Ji Haocheng
Published: November 2021

The combustion performance of a compression ignition (CI) four-stroke aviation engine fueled with pure kerosene No. 3 rocket propellant (RP-3) was experimentally investigated for comparison with diesel. Pilot injection and main injection for RP-3 and diesel were unified under same test conditions. The results show that when burning RP-3, the maximum power of engine is 1% lower than that of burning diesel, with lower specific fuel consumption (SFC) and effective thermal efficiency (ETE). The combustion durations of RP-3 and diesel show small differences of less than 0.4 °CA under heavy loads, while the combustion duration of RP-3 is shorter than that of diesel under low loads. The crank angle at 50% mass fraction burnt (CA50) of RP-3 shows differences of 0.3–1 °CA compared with that of diesel. For pilot injection at a high engine speed, the ignition delay angle (IDA) of RP-3 is basically equal to that of diesel. With decreasing engine speed, the maximum difference of 1.2 °CA in IDAs exists under medium or small loads. For the main injection, the IDA of RP-3 is larger than that of diesel under heavy loads at various engine speeds. As the load decreases, the IDA of RP-3 is extended. The peak heat release rate (HRR) of RP-3 during main injection combustion is basically the same as that of diesel under heavy loads, while the intervention effect of unburnt pilot-injected RP-3 under low loads results in a higher peak HRR.
A Technique for High-Speed Microscopic Imaging of Dynamic Failure Events and Its Application to Shear Band Initiation in Polycarbonate
Authors: Malhotra P. , Niu S. , Srivastava V. , Guduru P. R.
Published: November 2021

An experimental technique is reported, which can image the deformation fields associated with dynamic failure events at high spatial and temporal resolutions simultaneously. The technique is demonstrated at a spatial resolution of ∼1 µm and a temporal resolution of 250 ns, while maintaining a relatively large field of view (≈1.11 mm × 0.63 mm). As a demonstration, the technique is used to image the deformation field near a notch tip during initiation of a shear instability in polycarbonate. An ordered array of 10 µm diameter speckles with 20 µm pitch, and deposited on the specimen surface near the notch tip helps track evolution of the deformation field. Experimental results show that the width of the shear band (SB) in polycarbonate is approximately 75 µm near the notch tip within resolution limits of the experiments. The measurements also reveal formation of two incipient localization bands near the crack tip, one of which subsequently becomes the dominant band while the other is suppressed. Computational simulation of the experiment was conducted using a thermomechanically coupled rate-dependent constitutive model of polycarbonate to gain further insight into the experimental observations enabled by the combination of high spatial and temporal resolutions. The simulation results show reasonable agreement with the experimentally observed kinematic field and features near the notch tip, while also pointing to the need for further refinement of constitutive models that are calibrated at high strain rates (∼105/s) and also account for damage evolution.
Friction and Wear of Polyetheretherketone Samples With Different Melt Flow Indices
Authors: Tolochko Oleg V. , Kobykhno Ilya A. , Khashirova Svetlana I. , Zhansitov Azamat A. , Breki Alexander D. , Nosonovsky Michael
Published: November 2021

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising polymer material for tribological applications. Friction and wear tests of PEEK samples versus steel with different melt flow indices (MFI) were studied. The results showed dependencies of the friction force on the sliding velocity, either decreasing or increasing depending on whether the normal load exceeds the yield strength of the polymer. The data can be well fitted with the assumption of the two-component friction law involving the Amontons component and an adhesional component. With a decrease in MFI, i.e., with an increase in viscosity of polymer, the adhesive component of friction increases with increasing viscosity while the abrasive wear decreases. At high loads, the plastic displacement increases with an increase in the viscosity and plasticity of the polymer. The wear does not show a clear correlation with the viscosity.
Effects of Thermal Properties of Contact Materials and Slide-Roll Ratio in Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Kaneta Motohiro , Matsuda Kenji , Nishikawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

The effects of thermal conductivity, heat capacity, thermal inertia, and slide-roll ratio (SRR) on point elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) are discussed with engineering ceramics and steel by a non-Newtonian thermal EHL analysis. When the thermal conductivities of contacting materials are significantly different, the film thickness is greatly affected by which material has the higher velocity. However, the film thickness is dominated by the heat capacity when the difference in thermal conductivity is not large. In contact of materials with the same mechanical and thermal properties, the film thickness and friction coefficient are influenced by the thermal inertia.
Neural optoelectrodes merging semiconductor scalability with polymeric-like bendability for low damage acute in vivo neuron readout and stimulation
Authors: Lanzio Vittorino , Gutierrez Vanessa , Hermiz John , Bouchard Kristofer , Cabrini Stefano
Published: November 2021

Neural optoelectrodes can read and manipulate large numbers of neurons in vivo. However, state-of-the-art devices rely on either standard microfabrication materials (i.e., silicon and silicon nitride), which result in high scalability and throughput but cause severe brain damage due to implant stiffness, or polymeric devices, which are more compliant but whose scalability and implantation in the brain are challenging. Here, we merge the gap between silicon-based fabrication scalability and low (polymeric-like) stiffness by fabricating a nitride and oxide-based optoelectrode with a high density of sensing microelectrodes, passive photonic circuits, and a very small tip thickness (5 μm). We achieve this by removing all the silicon supporting material underneath the probe’s tip—while leaving only the nitride and glass optical ultrathin layers—through a single isotropic etch step. Our optoelectrode integrates 64 electrodes and multiple passive optical outputs, resulting in a cross-sectional area coefficient (the cross section divided by the number of sensors and light emitters) of 3.1—smaller than other optoelectrodes. It also combines a low bending stiffness (∼4.4 × 10−11 N m2), comparable or approaching several state-of-the-art polymeric optoelectrodes. We tested several mechanical insertions of our devices in vivo in rats and demonstrated that we can pierce the pia without using additional temporary supports.
Echolocation variability of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) between estuarine and open-sea habitats, with insights into foraging patterns
Authors: Paitach Renan L. , Amundin Mats , Teixeira Gabriel , Cremer Marta J.
Published: November 2021

Environmental and ecological factors can trigger changes in the acoustic repertoire of cetaceans. This study documents the first use of a well-established passive acoustic monitoring device (C-POD) to analyze echolocation sounds and behavior of franciscana dolphins in different habitats: estuary [Babitonga Bay (BB)] and open sea [Itapirubá Beach (IB)]. A total of 10 924 click trains were recorded in BB and 6 093 in IB. An inter-click interval < 10 ms (so called “feeding buzzes”) was used as a proxy for foraging activity. The main difference in the acoustic parameters between the two habitats was related to the frequency spectrum, with higher maximum and lower modal and minimum click frequencies in BB, and a train frequency range of 17 kHz, against 10 kHz in IB. Also, the click emission rate (clicks/s) was almost 20% higher in BB. Both studied habitats showed a high proportion of feeding buzzes (BB = 68%; IB = 58%), but with a higher probability of occurrence in BB (p < 0.001) and at night (p < 0.001) in both habitats. The C-PODs showed great potential to monitor occurrence, bioacoustics parameters, and echolocation behavior of franciscana dolphins. Longer-term temporal and spatial monitoring are necessary for elucidating several issues raised in this study.
Contributions of gravity waves in the ocean to T-phase excitation by earthquakes
Authors: Godin Oleg A.
Published: November 2021

The generation of T waves in a deep ocean by an earthquake in its epicentral region is often observed, but the mechanism of the excitation of the acoustic waves travelling horizontally with the speed of sound remains controversial. Here, the hypothesis is investigated that the abyssal T waves are generated by the scattering of ballistic sound waves by surface and internal gravity waves in the ocean. Volume and surface scattering are studied theoretically in the small perturbation approximation. In the 3–50 Hz typical frequency range of the observed T waves, the linear internal waves are found to lack the necessary horizontal spatial scales to meet the Bragg scattering condition and contribute appreciably to the T-wave excitation. In contrast, the ocean surface roughness has the necessary spatial scales at typical sea states and wind speeds. The efficiency of the acoustic normal modes' excitation at surface scattering of the ballistic body waves by wind seas and sea swell is quantified and found to be comparable to that of the established mechanism of the T-wave generation at downslope conversion at the seamounts. The surface scattering mechanism is consistent with key observational features of the abyssal T waves, including their ubiquity, low-frequency cutoff, presence on seafloor sensors, and weak dependence on the earthquake focus depth.
Golden Syrian Hamsters as a Model for Revisiting the Role of Biological Sex Differences in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Michita Rafael Tomoya , Mysorekar Indira U.
Published: November 2021

There is growing evidence that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects males more severely than females, including compelling evidence indicating that biological sex is an important clinical factor influencing disease pathology and outcomes. In their recent article in
mBio
, Dhakal et al. find further evidence to support this hypothesis as they interrogate biological sex differences in the pathogenesis and clinical features of COVID-19 in the golden Syrian hamster model.
A Novel Recombinant Influenza Virus Neuraminidase Vaccine Candidate Stabilized by a Measles Virus Phosphoprotein Tetramerization Domain Provides Robust Protection from Virus Challenge in the Mouse Model
Authors: Strohmeier Shirin , Amanat Fatima , Zhu Xueyong , McMahon Meagan , Deming Meagan E. , Pasetti Marcela F. , Neuzil Kathleen M. , Wilson Ian A. , Krammer Florian
Published: November 2021

Influenza virus infections remain a high risk to human health, causing up to 650,000 deaths worldwide every year, with an enormous burden on the health care system. Since currently available seasonal vaccines are only partially effective and often mismatched to the circulating strains, a broader protective influenza virus vaccine is needed.
Multicentre prospective observational study of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-associated postoperative ketoacidosis: the SAPKA study protocol
Authors: Seki Hiroyuki , Kuratani Norifumi , Shiga Toshiya , Iwasaki Yudai , Karita Kanae , Yasuda Kazuki , Yorozu Tomoko
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of antihyperglycaemic agents that promote urinary glucose excretion in the renal proximal tubule and have cardio-protective and renal-protective properties. However, there are several safety concerns related to increased risks of hypoglycaemic, urinary tract infections and ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a potentially fatal complication that often presents as euglycaemic ketoacidosis during SGLT2 inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, invasive treatment and related surgical stress may increase the risk of ketogenesis. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the incidence of SGLT2 inhibitor-associated postoperative ketoacidosis (SAPKA) among patients who are receiving SGLT2 inhibitors and undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre, prospective, observational study will recruit 750 adult Japanese patients with diabetes who are receiving SGLT2 inhibitors and undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. Urine samples will be collected on postoperative days 0, 1, 2 and 3. Blood gas analysis will be performed when urine ketone positivity is detected. The incidence of postoperative ketoacidosis will be identified based on urine ketone positivity and a blood pH of ≤7.3. The study will also collect data to identify risk factors for SAPKA.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of Kyorin University (approval number: 785, 26 October 2020) and local ethical approval will be required at each participating centre. Study findings will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and abstracts will be submitted to relevant national and international meetings.

Trial registration number

UMIN000042795
Comparison of open-skill and closed-skill exercises in improving the response inhibitory ability of the elderly: a protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ke Liu , Lanlan Zhang , Jian Zhang , Jianing Wei
Published: November 2021

Introduction

As people age, they are more likely to experience a decline in their response inhibition ability, which interferes with daily life. Previous studies have shown that exercise intervention can improve the cognitive ability of the elderly, but research on open-skill and closed-skill exercises to improve the response inhibition in this age group is still limited. This study will explore the advantages of long-term intervention of table tennis (open-skill exercise) compared with fit aerobics (closed-skill exercise) on the response inhibitory ability of the elderly.

Methods and analysis

A single-blind randomised controlled trial will be conducted. A total of 90 elderly subjects will be recruited and allocated randomly to the following groups: table tennis, fit aerobics and control. The interventions for the table tennis group and the fit aerobics group will be implemented in three 60 min sessions per week for 6 months; the control group will receive no exercise intervention. The primary assessment will be behavioural indicators of response inhibitory ability in the elderly based on the stop signal task. The secondary outcomes will include cognitive ability, mental status and depression in the elderly. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Shanghai University of Sport Research Ethics Committee (102772019RT012) and will provide reference for the advantages of table tennis compared with other types of sports in improving the response inhibitory ability of the elderly. The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for choosing the best exercise programme to improve the response inhibitory ability of the elderly.

Trial registration number

This study has been registered prospectively in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100043616, 23 February 2021).
Why does healthcare utilisation differ between socioeconomic groups in OECD countries with universal healthcare coverage? A protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Meulman Iris , Uiters Ellen , Polder Johan , Stadhouders Niek
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Even in advanced economies with universal healthcare coverage (UHC), a social gradient in healthcare utilisation has been reported. Many individual, community and healthcare system factors have been considered that may be associated with the variation in healthcare utilisation between socioeconomic groups. Nevertheless, relatively little is known about the complex interaction and relative contribution of these factors to socioeconomic differences in healthcare utilisation. In order to improve understanding of why utilisation patterns differ by socioeconomic status (SES), the proposed systematic review will explore the main mechanisms that have been examined in quantitative research.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines and will be conducted in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Econlit and PsycInfo. Articles examining factors associated with the differences in primary and specialised healthcare utilisation between socioeconomic groups in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries with UHC will be included. Further restrictions concern specifications of outcome measures, factors of interest, study design, population, language and type of publication. Data will be numerically summarised, narratively synthesised and thematically discussed. The factors will be categorised according to existing frameworks for barriers to healthcare access.

Ethics and dissemination

No primary data will be collected. No ethics approval is required. We intend to publish a scientific article in an international peer-reviewed journal.
Prevalence and incidence of dry eye in the USA: a systematic review protocol
Authors: McCann Paul , Abraham Alison G , Gregory Darren G , Hauswirth Scott , Ifantides Cristos , Liu Su-Hsun , Saldanha Ian J , Li Tianjing
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Dry eye is a multifactorial chronic condition characterised by tear film insufficiency and instability, and ocular symptoms including foreign body sensation, itching, irritation, soreness and visual disturbance. The prevalence and incidence of dry eye are major determinants of the magnitude of economic and societal costs of the disease. This protocol proposes a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and incidence of dry eye in the USA.

Methods and analysis

Working with an information specialist, we will develop search strategies for Ovid Medline and Embase for population-based cross-sectional and cohort studies involving US-based populations that report the prevalence and/or incidence of dry eye. We will include studies involving persons of all ages from 1 January 2010 to the current date with no language restrictions. We will also hand-search references of included studies, dry eye epidemiology-related systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines and literature provided by agencies and organisations. Two investigators will independently screen the titles and abstracts, and then full-text reports to determine eligibility. One investigator will extract study data and perform risk of bias assessments using tools designed specifically for prevalence and incidence studies. A second investigator will verify all extracted study data and risk of bias assessments. We will assess heterogeneity, qualitatively and quantitatively. When appropriate, we will meta-analyse prevalence and incidence estimates.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require approval by an ethics committee because it will use published studies. We will publish our results in a peer-reviewed journal and present at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021256934.
Continuous subcutaneous infusion: is community anticipatory prescribing and administration safe?
Authors: Coyle Séamus , Sinden Rebecca , Wignall-Coyle Jade , Benson Sinead , Powell Paula , Monnery Daniel
Published: November 2021

Objective

The anticipatory prescribing of pro re nata medications and continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) medication is essential for the timely management of symptomatic patients at the end of life. There is no evidence to support the safety or appropriateness of anticipatory CSCIs. In 2013, in response to safety concerns about end of life prescribing in the community, we designed an educational intervention to improve prescribing practices among non-specialist prescribers in this area.

Methods: how the study was performed

We performed a safety-focussed retrospective cohort analysis of end of life community prescriptions of anticipatory CSCIs over a 12-month period, 5 years after creating clinical guidelines and embedding a multiprofessional rolling education programme. Medications prescribed and administered for symptom control at the end of life are compared between specialist and non-specialist prescribers in terms of their adherence to best practice guidance.

Results

Medications prescribed were not universally administered and more commonly not administered without specialist input. Prescriptions of higher doses of opioids and benzodiazepines beyond those recommended by guidance were significantly greater within the cohort of patients receiving specialist oversight. The prescription of a dose range did not result in excessive dose escalation. For patients not receiving specialist palliative care, median morphine and midazolam doses did not escalate at all once a CSCI was commenced. All midazolam administrations were safe.

Conclusions

The practice of anticipatory CSCI prescribing and administration can be safe in the community non-specialist setting when supported by clinical guidelines, specialist advice and ongoing multiprofessional education.