bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computation of Sub-Micron Thermal Transport Using an Unstructured Finite Volume Method
Authors: Murthy J. Y. , Mathur S. R.
Published: November 2021

An unstructured finite volume scheme is applied to the solution of sub-micron heat conduction problems. The phonon Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) in the relaxation time approximation is considered. The similarity between the radiative transfer equation (RTE) and the BTE is exploited in developing a finite volume scheme for the BTE. The spatial domain is divided into arbitrary unstructured polyhedra, the angular domain into control angles and the frequency domain into frequency bands and conservation equations for phonon energy are written. The unsteady wave propagation term; not usually present in thermal radiation problems, is differenced using a fully implicit scheme. A sequential multigrid scheme is applied to solve the nominally linear set. Isotropic scattering due to a variety of mechanisms such as impurity and Umklapp scattering is considered. The numerical scheme is applied to a variety of sub-micron conduction problems, both unsteady and steady. Favorable comparison is found with the published literature and with exact solutions.
A Model of Bioconvection of a Dilute Suspension of Gravitactic Microorganisms in an Isotropic Porous Medium
Authors: Kuznetsov A. V. , Jiang N.
Published: November 2021

A new continuum model is formulated for bioconvection in a dilute suspension of swimming, gravitactic microorganisms in a porous medium. ‘Bioconvection’ is the name given to pattern-forming convective motions set up in suspensions of swimming microorganisms. ‘Gravitaxis’ describes the way of the swimming and means that microorganisms tend to swim against the gravity. The aim of this paper is to analyze collective behaviour and pattern formation in populations of swimming microorganisms. The existence and stability of a two-dimensional plume in a tall, narrow chamber with stress-free sidewalls is investigated. Governing equations include the Darcy law and the microorganism conservation equation. A conservative finite-difference scheme is used to solve these equations numerically.
Numerical Model Study of the Field of View and Temporal Response of the Infrared Sense Organ in Crotaline Pit Vipers
Authors: Pearce John A. , Schmitz Anke
Published: November 2021

The IR sensitive membrane of the Crotaline pit organ was modeled numerically to help interpret electrophysiologic measurements of the pit organ response to a calibrated infrared source simulating a biological target. The model results are compared to electrophysiologic measurements for an on-axis exposure (target normal to the pit organ axis, oriented for maximum response).

Additional model studies were conducted to: 1) estimate the field of view of the pit organ and 2) estimate the expected temperature rise in the membrane from the target at varying distances. The pit organ model was based on detailed measurements of its geometry. The membrane illumination irradiance difference from background thermal radiation (in W/mm2) was calculated from a quasi-analytical solution for the radiation coupling factor, Fjj. The illumination function was used to estimate temperature rise neglecting infrared heat transfer between the membrane and surrounding pit organ tissues. That is, the membrane was assumed in thermal steady state with the snake body and the environment outside of the target. The mammalian target is thus assumed to represent a small perturbation to the thermal steady state condition. This matches the electrophysiologic data, and is reasonable since the snake is cold blooded and snake body temperature is very close to its surroundings. The membrane includes blood flow effects, but it turns out that the membrane blood flow is strictly capillary in nature and changes the effective lateral thermal conductivity rather than providing significant heat transfer. The membrane is “optically thin”, being only about 5 wavelengths in thickness, and the specific optical properties of the interior layers were estimated from relative water content.
Use of Saline Injection to Create Large Thermal Lesions During Radio Frequency Ablation Therapy: 2. Experimental Results
Authors: Silver Lissa P. , Hamilton Patrick S. , Ni Angela C. , Aimi Roberto M. , Curley Michael G.
Published: November 2021

Tissue charring during radio frequency (RF) therapy causes an impedance rise and prevents further tissue heating from occurring, thereby limiting the size of lesions that can be created. The ability to create very large lesions would provide minimally invasive treatment options for deep tissue left ventricular arrythmias and otherwise-untreatable large liver tumors. Adding convection as a method of heat transfer by injecting saline at the RF electrode site acts to both clamp the electrode/tissue interface temperature and carry energy deeper into the tissue. We have developed a RF system that uses both conduction and convection simultaneously to both enhance the amount of heat transfer and prevent or greatly delay the onset of charring. Here we confirm the heat transfer augmentation of convection with experimental results in skeletal muscle, liver, and myocardium.
Comparison of Silver/Silver Chloride, Platinum, and Stainless Steel As Materials for Radio-Frequency Ablations
Authors: Silver Lissa P. , Hamilton Patrick S. , Curley Michael G.
Published: November 2021

Tissue charring during radio frequency (RF) therapy causes an impedance rise and prevents further tissue heating from occurring. Charring can be exacerbated by electrochemical surface heating at electrode/tissue interfaces. Using electrode materials that have equal surface and bulk heating rates would be ideal to obtain maximum bulk heating before the onset of charring.

Here we compare the surface-to-bulk heating characteristics of silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl), platinum (Pt), and stainless steel (SS) during RF energy application in an effort to determine which material is best suited for RF ablation therapies.
Evaluation of Freezing Effects on Human Microvascular-Endothelial Cells (hMEC)
Authors: Berrada Marwane S. , Bischof John C.
Published: November 2021

There is mounting evidence that the endothelium may play an important role in traditional cryosurgical treatments by acting to locally foster thrombi in the microvasculature of various tissues after freezing. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate, at the cellular level in human microvascular endothelial cells (hMEC), the various biophysical changes that occur during freezing and compare them with post-freeze viability. The hMECs were loaded on a cryomicroscope stage and freezing experiments at 5, 10, 15, 25, 100 and 130°C/min were performed to experimentally evaluate dehydration (water transport) as well as intracellular ice formation (IIF) within this cell system. The dehydration kinetics were found to be governed by a membrane permeability Lpg and activation energy ELp of 0.05 (μm/min.atm) and 14.8 (kcal/mole) respectively [R2 = 0.94]. These parameters were then tested for predictive ability against the experimentally measured behavior at 15°C/min with a good agreement [R2 = 0.98]. Intracellular Ice Formation (IIF) was found to occur at lower temperatures than many cell types (i.e. TIIF 50% ∼ −18°C) and at cooling rates greater than or equal to 25°C/min. At cooling rates above 50°C/min, two types of IIF, cell darkening and twitching, were both observed and quantified and were assumed to be governed by Surface Catalyzed Nucleation (SCN). IIF parameters Ωo, and κo were found to be 6.8 × 10−8 (m2.s)−1 and 8.3 × 10−9 (K5) [R2 = 0.94] respectively. Viability results suggest an inverted U-shape curve between 1 and 50°C/min (with a maximum at 10°C/min). But viability appears to increase again at cooling rates > 50°C/min (i.e. it does not continue to drop) which suggests that the traditional two factor hypothesis may not completely describe viability in this system. Additional cellular destruction was found by lowering the end-temperature to −30°C or below. At this temperature the majority of the cell population was destroyed regardless of the cooling rate.
Modeling the Thermal Histories of Collagenous Tissues Subjected to Different Heating Modalities
Authors: Aksan Alptekin , Nielubowicz David S. , McGrath John J.
Published: November 2021

Application of sub-ablative levels of heat to collagenous tissues causes helix-to-coil transformation in the collagen microstructure resulting in overall tissue shrinkage. This phenomenon has important therapeutic applications in medicine, such as thermokeratoplasty, treatment of shoulder, knee and ankle instabilities and treatment of chronic discogenic lumbar pain associated with herniated discs. During the therapy, heat is applied arthroscopically by a laser or a radio-frequency probe (bipolar or monopolar). The amount and permanence of shrinkage established in the tissue is a function of the maximum temperature reached and the exposure time as well as the mechanical stress applied on the tissue during heating. Therefore, the thermal and mechanical history that the tissue experiences is a major factor determining its response and long-term mechanical stability. These are the defining factors for the success of the therapy. It is hypothesized in this study that there are significant differences between the thermal histories created in the tissue by different heating modalities owing to the differences between their modes of action. The solutions to the temperature distributions created by these different heating modalities — laser and radiofrequency applied with a bipolar and a monopolar probe — are compared and parameters of clinical significance are discussed.
Creation, Development, and Approval of Design, Build, and Test Senior Design Projects
Authors: Dave Janak , Boronkay Thomas G.
Published: November 2021

Completing a Senior Design Project is a graduation requirement for all the students in the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Department at the University of Cincinnati. The project consists of a four-course sequence resulting in a working product. This group of courses is designed to help students synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired prior to their senior year. It also makes them use their abilities to solve open-ended problems and prepares them for the transition to a non-academic environment. The completed projects are assessed by a team of practicing engineers during the Technical Exposition Day (Tech Expo). This paper describes the process which all students must go through to complete their senior capstone design projects with design, build, and test requirements.
Design-Build-Test Senior Design Project
Authors: Boronkay Thomas G. , Dave Janak
Published: November 2021

Every student in the Mechanical Engineering Technology Department must complete a Senior Capstone Design Project course sequence as a requirement for the partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology degree. Mechanical Engineering Technology students at the University of Cincinnati must design, build, and test their product for the satisfactory completion of the Senior Design Project course sequence. At many institutions the capstone projects do not include the build and test components.

This paper gives a short description of the Senior Design course sequence, the list of pre-requisite design courses, the design process used by the students to complete their projects. It addresses issues, such as, team versus individual projects, industrial versus personal projects, etc. It also describes typical projects, two of which are being used in industry with minor modifications.
Quantitative Evaluation of an Internal Flaw of a Structural Component Using Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers
Authors: Maruyama Shinichi , Sugiura Toshihiko , Inoue Akihiro , Yoshizawa Masatsugu
Published: November 2021

Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) can transmit and detect ultrasonic waves in a conductive specimen out of any contact with it. This process can be given theoretical modeling and formulation based on elastodynamics and electromagnetics. It suggests a possibility of quantitative nondestructive evaluation using EMATs. This research deals with a numerical method of flaw identification from a receiver signal obtained by EMATs. Experimental results of the receiver signals agree well with numerical ones, which verified the mathematical model of the inspection process. Flaw identification is formulated as a problem of parameter optimization. To avoid being trapped in a local optimum, initial parameters were successfully evaluated from the height and the time period of peaks in the receiver signals. Flaw parameters were identified from the receiver signals obtained by numerical simulations and experiments, which verified the method of flaw identification presented here.
Inspection of Fastener Holes Using Ultrasonic Phased Arrays
Authors: Herzog Pamela G. , Lupien Vincent , Miller James T. , Selman John J. , Moles Michael
Published: November 2021

An Air Force Aging Aircraft Project was initiated to identify a suitable replacement for the Autoscan. The Autoscan is a unique piece of equipment that was originally identified for specific inspections for detection of first-layer, faying surface fatigue cracks (.030″ and larger) around fastener holes beneath the fastener heads, without removal of the fastener. The currently inspected parent material ranges from .125 to .3 inches thick, 2024T3 or 7075-T73 aluminum. Potential also exists for replacing other aging inspection equipment such as the Rotoscan. A secondary objective was to evaluate the feasibility of expanding the inspection capabilities to detect corrosion as well as cracks.

A Trade Study was conducted initially to consider existing technologies available, trade-offs, and technology insertion in order to meet the required performance parameters. The trade study showed Phased Array Ultrasonics to have the greatest potential, so it was chosen as the inspection method to pursue. Using phased arrays, a novel inspection technique for rapidly and reliably inspecting the area around fastener holes for cracks and corrosion has been developed with no moving parts. Specially designed probes are used for the aircraft inspections.

This design consists of a three-dimensional matrix of 504 ultrasonic elements on a cone that encircles the fastener head. The two-dimensional arrangement of elements permits deflection of the ultrasonic beam in three dimensions. Full circumferential scans are performed by programming the phased array focal laws to scan 360° of the fastener holes, using a combination of the following scan patterns: pulse-echo at 45° incident on the crack, pulse-echo at 90°, pitch-catch, plus local scanning. This capability allows flexible coverage of the fastener hole and surrounding area, again with no moving parts. Additionally, the beam deflection capability means that one probe is adaptable to a wide range of fastener diameters and skin thickness.

Several conical sub-arrays were built to evaluate the feasibility of the concept experimentally. The experimental results along with numerical modeling were used to determine optimal values for inner and outer radii of the cone, angle of the cone, number of elements and arrangement of the elements. A complete prototype conical array was subsequently built.

The final portion of this project includes developing the specific inspection procedures, and performing a Probability of Detection study (POD) developed by the FAA’s Airworthiness Assurance Nondestructive Tested Validation Center at Sandia National Laboratory.
Effect of Corrosion Damage on Fatigue Behavior of Al 2024
Authors: Khobaib Mohammad , Donley Michael S.
Published: November 2021

Fatigue crack nucleation from corrosion damage is drawing considerable attention in the aging aircraft research community. Localized corrosion, such as corrosion pits, is a potential stress raiser and provides active sites for fatigue crack initiation. The detailed knowledge of the metrics of early stages of corrosion damage and transition to fatigue cracks is critical to the accurate life prediction of the structure. High strength aluminum alloys are known to be very sensitive to orientation and this could play a critical role in both pitting and the resulting fatigue damage.

Fatigue experiments on dog bone specimens of Al 2024-T3 with known pit morphology were conducted to investigate the crack initiation and growth behaviors of cracks nucleating from pits. The corrosion pits were grown electrochemically in a controlled fashion and samples were prepared with pit depth varying from 3 to nearly 130 μm. These pits were characterized using white light interferometer; surface parameters such as average roughness and morphology were determined before fatigue testing. Specimens were aligned in three different directions, L-T, T-L and L-S to investigate the effect of orientation on pitting and fatigue characteristics.

The fatigue lives were observed to decrease with increasing pit depth. The fractured surface was analyzed after the fatigue test and stress intensity calculations were made based on these observations. A linear relationship between stress intensity factor and critical pit depth was observed. The crack growth behavior of the crack nucleating from these pits was typical of a short crack. The results provide the details of the critical pit size that can lead to fatigue crack initiation as well as supply information about the growth behavior of cracks nucleating from corrosion pits. An understanding of the role of pitting in crack initiation aids in extending the fatigue life of the aging aircraft.
Numerical Analysis of the Flow Inside a Centrifugal Compressor’s Vaneless Diffuser and Volute
Authors: Rezaei Hooman , Engeda Abraham , Haley Paul
Published: November 2021

The objective of this work was to perform numerical analysis of the flow inside a modified single stage CVHF 1280 Trane centrifugal compressor’s vaneless diffuser and volute. Gambit was utilized to read the casing geometry and generating the vaneless diffuser. An unstructured mesh was generated for the path from vaneless diffuser inlet to conic diffuser outlet. At the same time a meanline analysis was performed corresponding to speeds and mass flow rates of the experimental data in order to obtain the absolute velocity and flow angle leaving the impeller for those operating conditions. These values and experimental data were used as inlet and outlet boundary conditions for the simulations. Simulations were performed in Fluent 5.0 for three speeds of 2000, 3000 and 3497 RPM and mass flow rates of minimum, medium and maximum. Results are in good agreement with the experimental ones and present the flow structures inside the vaneless diffuser and volute.
Forced Convective Heat Transfer From Helicoidal Pipes
Authors: Fakheri Ahmad , Alnaeim Abdelrahman H. A.
Published: November 2021

Forced convection heat transfer from helicoidal pipes is experimentally investigated over a wide range of operating conditions. Based on the experimental results, a characteristic length incorporating the tube diameter, the coil diameter, and the coil spacing, is proposed as the relevant scale for defining Nusselt and Reynolds numbers. Based on this characteristic length, Nusselt number for helicoidal pipes can be predicated from the correlations available for cylinders in the range of available experimental data. It is shown that the performance of the coils depends on the Reynolds number. At high Reynolds numbers, the heat transfer coefficient is essentially equal to that of the straight pipe and the coil pitch has little influence on the heat transfer rate. On the other hand, at low Reynolds numbers, the heat transfer coefficient is lower than that of a straight pipe and its value is a strong function of the coil spacing.
Heat and Mass Transfer Characteristics of a Finned-Tube Evaporator Under Frosting Conditions
Authors: Kim Y. H. , Park Y. J. , Kim Y. C. , Shim S. C. , Oh S. K. , Lee J. S.
Published: November 2021

An experimental study was performed to investigate the heat and mass transfer characteristics of a finned-tube evaporator coil utilized in a domestic refrigerator under frosting conditions. Airside heat transfer coefficient was measured as a function of air temperature, humidity ratio, air velocity, and evaporating temperature. In addition, frost thickness was monitored and measured by visualization tests during frosting operation. Based on the experimental results, the degradation of heat transfer performance due to frost formation was explored as a function of operating parameters. The rate of frost formation on the evaporator increases at relatively high humidity, high airflow rate, low inlet air temperature and low refrigerant temperature. As the frost thickness increases, airflow rate gradually decreases, while the capacity increases at the early stage of frost formation and then significantly drops.
Understanding and Operating Pretreatment Systems
Authors: Easton Jeff
Published: November 2021

As demand for high and ultra pure water increases, enhanced performance from pretreatment systems become more and more necessary. When operated at full potential, pretreatment systems can greatly improve downstream unit processes, however many pretreatment systems become a mysterious “black box” that are often neglected. Proper training and understanding of the intricacies of pretreatment variables and constraints is a valuable resource for any system operator.

This paper discusses the application of true solids contact clarification and multi-media filtration in lime softening and turbidity reduction applications. Basic mechanical and process features as well as testing, instrumentation and control parameters will be covered. Terminology and analysis techniques for optimization will be introduced. The objective of this paper is to give the plant operator the understanding necessary to optimize the effluent quality and operability of the solids contact clarifier and multi-media filter pretreatment system.
Hollow Fiber Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration Products for High Purity Water Treatment Applications
Authors: Wenthold Randal M.
Published: November 2021

For years in the semiconductor inductor industry the only choice individuals had for microfiltration or ultrafiltration devices consisted of flat sheet membrane manufactured into spiral wound or pleated filtration products. Polysulfone hollow fiber technology has evolved in the medical device industry for use as the highest purity type filtration device available. This unique technology is now available for use in the semiconductor business segment as well with product offerings that may be used in laboratory to large-scale applications.
Recent Developments in High-Performance Refrigeration for the First Compact Cryogenic Freeze-Dryer
Authors: Reznikov L. , Sutherland D.
Published: November 2021

Lyophilization, a process of drying of frozen materials with sublimation of solvents from frozen products, is one of the key processes in pharmaceutical industry for preparation of dry inert products. Traditionally, refrigeration for operations of freezing, primary and secondary drying of the moist products and for condensing of solvents has been supported by mechanical refrigeration.

Development of efficient, reliable cryogenic refrigeration with accurate temperature control and effective heat transfer processes have created premises for design of the first in the world cryogenic pump-free compact unit “Advantage LN2”.
A Study of the Lateral Stability of Railroad Vehicles Using a Nonlinear Constrained Multibody Formulation
Authors: Valtorta Davide , Zaazaa Khaled E. , Shabana Ahmed A. , Sany Jalil R.
Published: November 2021

The lateral stability of railroad vehicles travelling on tangent tracks is one of the important problems that has been the subject of extensive research since the nineteenth century. Early detailed studies of this problem in the twentieth century are the work of Carter and Rocard on the stability of locomotives. The linear theory for the lateral stability analysis has been extensively used in the past and can give good results under certain operating conditions. In this paper, the results obtained using a linear stability analysis are compared with the results obtained using a general nonlinear multibody methodology. In the linear stability analysis, the sources of the instability are investigated using Liapunov’s linear theory and the eigenvalue analysis for a simple wheelset model on a tangent track. The effects of the stiffness of the primary and secondary suspensions on the stability results are investigated. The results obtained for the simple model using the linear approach are compared with the results obtained using a new nonlinear multibody based constrained wheel/rail contact formulation. This comparative numerical study can be used to validate the use of the constrained wheel/rail contact formulation in the study of lateral stability. Similar studies can be used in the future to define the limitations of the linear theory under general operating conditions.
Top of Rail Lubrication Pilot Project Results on Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway
Authors: Clapper Jeff , Dyavanapalli Venkat , Kumar Sudhir , Wolf Eric
Published: November 2021

A pilot project was conducted by the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway to verify some of the benefits of TracGlide, a Top of Rail Lubrication (TOR) system originally developed by Tranergy Corporation and produced now by Friction Management Services (FMS). Friction Management Services is a joint venture between Timken Company and Tranergy. The primary objective of the project was to determine the fuel savings/increased productivity of a train. Tests were conducted using a loaded aggregate train between Brewster, OH and Spencer, OH, a 37.8 mile; 40 mph-track. The system and lubricant evolved over a period of five years from analytical solution, design and prototyping, to production, field-testing and demonstration. Based on extensive field-testing, energy savings can be achieved by railroads using this system.
A Comparison of Railroad Axle Stress Results Using Different Design Sizes, Loading Criteria and Analysis Methods
Authors: Dedmon Steven L. , Pilch James M. , Lonsdale Cameron P.
Published: November 2021

Although railroad axles do not often fail in North American freight service, they remain a critical component. This paper presents the results of stress analysis calculations that were performed for various different North American freight railroad axle designs. Loading criteria appropriate for the various axle designs were used, and different methods of axle stress analysis are compared and contrasted. Results are reviewed and discussed. Also, the authors propose that a standard axle stress analysis method be adopted by the North American freight railway industry for new axle designs, particularly for those axles to be used at increased gross rail loads (GRL).
Ultrasound-based radiomics: current status, challenges and future opportunities
Authors: Jia Yingying , Yang Jun , Zhu Yangyang , Nie Fang , Wu HaoAO , Duan Ying , Chen Kundi
Published: November 2021

Ultrasound (US) imaging is part of conventional medical imaging in clinical practice that is low-cost, non-ionizing, portable and capable of real-time image acquisition and display. However, in certain cases, US has limited sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between malignant and benign lesions. Ultrasound-based radiomics, as a new branch of radiomics, can provide additional features such as heterogeneity of lesions that are invisible to the naked eye, alone or in combination with demographic, histological, genomic or proteomic data, thereby improving the accuracy of US in diagnosis of disease. This article provides an introduction to ultrasound-based radiomics, covering its workflow, the application of machine learning, and current research status. Current limitations of radiomics, such as consistency of image acquisition, parameter variations, and difficulty in calibrating quantitative methods in ultrasound, will also be covered.
Statistical modeling of ultrasound signals related to the packing factor of wave scattering phenomena for structural characterization
Authors: Destrempes François , Cloutier Guy
Published: November 2021

The two-dimensional homodyned K-distribution has been widely used to model the echo envelope of ultrasound radio frequency (RF) signals in the field of medical ultrasonics. The main contribution of this work is to present a theoretical framework for supporting this model of the echo envelope and statistical models of the RF signals and their Hilbert transform in the case in which the scatterers' positions may be dependent. In doing so, the law of large numbers, Lyapounov's central limit theorem, and the Berry-Esseen theorem are being used. In particular, the proposed theoretical framework supports a previous conjecture relating the scatterer clustering parameter of the homodyned K-distribution to the packing factor W, which is related to the spatial organization of the scatterers, appearing in statistical physics or backscatter coefficient modeling. Simulations showed that the proposed modeling is valid for a number of scatterers and packing factors varying by steps of 2 from 1 to 21 and 1 to 11, respectively. The proposed framework allows, in principle, the detection of the structural information taking place at a scale smaller than the wavelength based solely on the statistical analysis of the RF signals or their echo envelope, although this goal was previously achieved based on the spectral analysis of ultrasound signals.
Symmetry breaking in the female germline cyst
Authors: Nashchekin D. , Busby L. , Jakobs M. , Squires I. , St. Johnston D.
Published: November 2021

Specifying one oocyte from many

In many animals, only one cell from a cyst of germ cells is selected to become the oocyte. Using fruit flies as a model, Nashchekin
et al
. identified the microtubule minus end-binding protein Patronin/CAMSAP as a key factor for specifying oocyte fate. Patronin amplifies an initial asymmetry provided by the fusome to form a noncentrosomal microtubule network focused on one cell, along which dynein transports oocyte fate determinants. This mechanism for selecting a single oocyte may be shared in other organisms. —BAP
Self-inflicted wounds
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: November 2021

It has been a rough couple of weeks for scientific public relations regarding COVID-19. Missteps by researchers and funding agencies around the origins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have provided fodder for conspiracy theorists, and caveats about the children’s vaccine have provided more ammo for anti-vaxxers. None of these miscues say anything substantive about the science and the conclusion that the virus is almost certainly of zoonotic origin and that the vaccine is safe for children. But clumsy behavior is more eye-catching than the details of research, especially when scientists are so often held to unrealistic standards, expected to be both experts in their fields and skilled communicators.
In Science Journals
Authors: Smith Keith T. , Stern Peter , Jiang Di , Ash Caroline , Suleymanov Yury , Olingy Claire , Warren Warren , Hines Pamela J. , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Hurtley Stella M. , Zahn Laura M. , Szuromi Phil , Grocholski Brent , Purnell Beverly A. , Funk Michael A. , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Maroso Mattia
Published: November 2021

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
First light machine
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: November 2021

At long last, the James Webb Space Telescope is set to launch. It will capture cosmic dawn and bring alien worlds into view
New tool points to mutation behind Delta’s infectiousness
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: November 2021

“Viruslike particles” open the way to easier study of viral mutations, proteins
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus PS/BAC/169/17/W, Isolated from a Contaminated Platelet Concentrate in England
Authors: Paredes Carina , Chi Sylvia Ighem , Flint Annika , Weedmark Kelly , McDonald Carl , Bearne Jennifer , Ramirez-Arcos Sandra , Pagotto Franco
Published: November 2021

We report the genome sequence of
Staphylococcus aureus
PS/BAC/169/17/W, which was isolated in 2017 from a contaminated platelet concentrate at the National Health Service Blood and Transplant. Assessment of the genome sequence of this strain showed the presence of a 2,753,746-bp chromosome and a plasmid of 2,762 bp.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain SQL1/USA300, Used for Testing the Antimicrobial Properties of Clay Phyllosilicates and Customized Aluminosilicates
Authors: Medrano Enrique G. , Haydel Shelley E.
Published: November 2021

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes community-acquired and health care-acquired infections. We previously demonstrated that clay phyllosilicates and customized aluminosilicates display antimicrobial activity against the MRSA strain SQL1. The SQL1 annotated genome reveals a USA300 lineage and contributes critical knowledge of the MRSA virulence factors associated with tissue infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas brassicacearum Strain UTMN3, a Biological Control Agent from the Rhizosphere of Pisum sativum
Authors: Poshvina D. V. , Vasilchenko A. V. , Vasilchenko A. S.
Published: November 2021

Here, we announce and describe the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas brassicacearum
UTMN3, which contains 40 contigs comprising 6,658,810 bp, with a GC content of 60.9%. The genome contains 5,825 protein-coding genes and 65 RNA-coding genes. The genome of UTMN3 contains several genes that are likely contributors to plant protection.
Complete Genome Sequence of Leptospira kobayashii Strain E30, Isolated from Soil in Japan
Authors: Nakao Ryo , Masuzawa Toshiyuki , Nakamura Shuichi , Koizumi Nobuo
Published: November 2021

The spirochete bacterium
Leptospira kobayashii
is a recently designated species of the genus
Leptospira
. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
L. kobayashii
strain E30, consisting of two circular chromosomes and two plasmids.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequences of Nine Aspergillus flavus Strains
Authors: Hugaboom Miya , Beck Max L. , Carrubba Katherine H. , Chennupati D. Vignesh , Gupta Aryan , Liu Qi , Reddy Maya K. , Roque Fatima , Hatmaker E. Anne
Published: November 2021

Nuclear genome sequences incompletely characterize the genomic content and thus the genetic diversity of fungal species. Here, we present the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of nine
Aspergillus flavus
strains, providing useful information for inter- and intraspecific analyses.
The influence of gender and ethnicity on facemasks and respiratory protective equipment fit: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chopra Jagrati , Abiakam Nkemjika , Kim Hansung , Metcalf Cheryl , Worsley Peter , Cheong Ying
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) has conventionally been developed for a predominantly white male population that does not represent the healthcare workforce. The literature was reviewed to determine the protection offered to female and BAME users.

Methods

Five databases were searched. Eligible studies related to respirator fit in the context of anthropometrics, gender and ethnicity. Meta-analysis was performed for gender-based anthropometric differences. A priori protocol registration was not performed.

Results

32 studies were included and anthropometric data was extracted from 15 studies. Meta-analysis revealed 14 anthropometric measurements were significantly smaller for females. Mean differences ranged from 0.37 mm to 22.05 mm. Gender-based anthropometric differences did not always translate to lower fit factor scores, with 12 studies reporting worse performance and fit for females and 10 reporting no gender effect. No studies provided disaggregate anthropometric data by ethnic group. Pass rates (PR) were low or moderate in 12 BAME or mixed-ethnicity cohorts. 14 studies reported associations between facial dimensions (FD) and respirator fit. Three comparative studies showed lower PR among selective BAME people. 18 studies reported RPE performance differed with model and design. Most studies did not prespecify inclusion/exclusion criteria. Small sample size and lack of justification or power calculations was a concern. Significant heterogeneity in study designs limited comparisons, particularly relating to respirator selection or availability and defining study outcomes relating to RPE performance.

Conclusion

The literature reports on largely Caucasian or single ethnic populations, and BAME people remain under-represented, limiting comparisons between ethnic groups. Facial anthropometrics vary between gender and likely between ethnicity, which may contribute to lower PR among females and ethnic minorities, particularly Asians. There is a need for studies including a broader spectrum of ethnicities and for consideration of female and BAME users during RPE development.
‘You want to deal with power while riding on power’: global perspectives on power in participatory health research and co-production approaches
Authors: Egid Beatrice R , Roura María , Aktar Bachera , Amegee Quach Jessica , Chumo Ivy , Dias Sónia , Hegel Guillermo , Jones Laundette , Karuga Robinson , Lar Luret , López Yaimie , Pandya Apurvakumar , Norton Theresa C , Sheikhattari Payam , Tancred Tara , Wallerstein Nina , Zimmerman Emily , Ozano Kim
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Power relations permeate research partnerships and compromise the ability of participatory research approaches to bring about transformational and sustainable change. This study aimed to explore how participatory health researchers engaged in co-production research perceive and experience ‘power’, and how it is discussed and addressed within the context of research partnerships.

Methods

Five online workshops were carried out with participatory health researchers working in different global contexts. Transcripts of the workshops were analysed thematically against the ‘Social Ecology of Power’ framework and mapped at the micro (individual), meso (interpersonal) or macro (structural) level.

Results

A total of 59 participants, with participatory experience in 24 different countries, attended the workshops. At the micro level, key findings included the rarity of explicit discussions on the meaning and impact of power, the use of reflexivity for examining assumptions and power differentials, and the perceived importance of strengthening co-researcher capacity to shift power. At the meso level, participants emphasised the need to manage co-researcher expectations, create spaces for trusted dialogue, and consider the potential risks faced by empowered community partners. Participants were divided over whether gatekeeper engagement aided the research process or acted to exclude marginalised groups from participating. At the macro level, colonial and ‘traditional’ research legacies were acknowledged to have generated and maintained power inequities within research partnerships.

Conclusions

The ‘Social Ecology of Power’ framework is a useful tool for engaging with power inequities that cut across the social ecology, highlighting how they can operate at the micro, meso and macro level. This study reiterates that power is pervasive, and that while many researchers are intentional about engaging with power, actions and available tools must be used more systematically to identify and address power imbalances in participatory research partnerships, in order to contribute to improved equity and social justice outcomes.
Increasing enrolment in a national VA transitions of care programme: a pre–post evaluation of a data dashboard and nudge-based intervention
Authors: Connelly Brigid , Leonard Chelsea , Gaskin David , Warsavage Theodore , Gilmartin Heather
Published: November 2021

Background

The rural transitions nurse programme (TNP) is a care coordination intervention for high-risk veterans. An interactive dashboard was used to provide real-time performance metrics to sites as an audit and feedback tool. One-year post implementation, enrolment goals were not met. Nudge emails were introduced to increase TNP veteran enrolment. This study evaluated whether veteran enrolment increased when feedback occurred through a dashboard plus weekly nudge email versus dashboard alone.

Setting/population

This observational study included veterans who were hospitalised and discharged from four Veterans Health Administration hospitals participating in TNP.

Methods

Veteran enrolment counts between the dashboard phase and dashboard plus weekly nudge email phase were compared. Nudge emails included run charts of enrolment data. The difference of means for weekly enrolment between the two phases were calculated. After 3 months of nudge emails, a survey assessing TNP transitions nurse and physician champion perceptions of the nudge emails was distributed.

Results

The average enrolment for the four TNP sites during the ~20-month dashboard only phase was 4.23 veterans/week. The average during the 3-month dashboard plus nudge email phase was 4.21 veterans/week. The difference in means was −0.03 (p=0.73). Adjusting for time trends had no further effect. Four nurses responded to the survey. Two nurses reported neutral and two reported positive perceptions of the nudge emails.

Conclusion

Drawing attention to metrics, through nudge emails, maintained, but did not increase TNP veteran discharges compared to dashboard feedback alone.
Qualitative research on the work experience of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19)
Authors: Hao Jie , Wang Xiaojuan , Jia Xuedong , Yang Yantao , Du Shuzhang , Yin Zhao
Published: November 2021

Objective

To understand the work experiences of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for the novel coronavirus pneumonia in China and provide the basis for work management strategies and psychological interventions in pharmacy for prevention and control of future epidemics.

Methods

Using qualitative research methods, 13 pharmacists who met the inclusion criteria and worked in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for novel coronavirus pneumonia attended focus group interviews and semistructured interviews. The Colaizzi analysis method was used for data analysis, summary and induction.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) the roles of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards in epidemic prevention and control, including ensuring the supply of medicines, providing medication guidance for patients, providing medication information for physicians and nurses, and participating in infection control; (2) the difficulties at work, including the lack of office equipment, information equipment and other infrastructure, the difficulty of management of pharmacists in isolation wards, challenging environments, and insufficient attention of hospitals, medical staff, and society to pharmacists; (3) the loopholes in drug management, including the management of special-class drugs and national free AIDS antiviral drugs, and the retrieval of drugs.

Conclusion

Pharmacists have played an essential role in the fight against the epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China. The themes and experiences identified in this study can offer guidance to the pharmacy society in implementing strategies to prepare for future public health events.
Expert consensus on a standardised definition and severity classification for adverse events associated with spinal and peripheral joint manipulation and mobilisation: protocol for an international e-Delphi study
Authors: Funabashi Martha , Pohlman Katherine A , Gorrell Lindsay M , Salsbury Stacie A , Bergna Andrea , Heneghan Nicola R
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Spinal and peripheral joint manipulation (SMT) and mobilisation (MOB) are widely used and recommended in the best practice guidelines for managing musculoskeletal conditions. Although adverse events (AEs) have been reported following these interventions, a clear definition and classification system for AEs remains unsettled. With many professionals using SMT and MOB, establishing consensus on a definition and classification system is needed to assist with the assimilation of AEs data across professions and to inform research priorities to optimise safety in clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

This international multidisciplinary electronic Delphi study protocol is informed by a scoping review and in accordance with the ‘Guidance on Conduction and Reporting Delphi Studies’. With oversight from an expert steering committee, the study comprises three rounds using online questionnaires. Experts in manual therapy and patient safety meeting strict eligibility criteria from the following fields will be invited to participate: clinical, medical and legal practice, health records, regulatory bodies, researchers and patients. Round 1 will include open-ended questions on participants’ working definition and/or understanding of AEs following SMT and MOB and their severity classification. In round 2, participants will rate their level of agreement with statements generated from round 1 and our scoping review. In round 3, participants will rerate their agreement with statements achieving consensus in round 2. Statements reaching consensus must meet the a priori criteria, as determined by descriptive analysis. Inferential statistics will be used to evaluate agreement between participants and stability of responses between rounds. Statements achieving consensus in round 3 will provide an expert-derived definition and classification system for AEs following SMT and MOB.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Research Ethics Board and deemed exempt by Parker University’s Institutional Review Board. Results will be disseminated through scientific, professional and educational reports, publications and presentations.
Single-centre, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, superiority study to evaluate the effectiveness of general anaesthesia and ultrasound-guided transversus thoracis muscle plane block combination in adult cardiac surgery for reducing the surgical stress response: clinical trial protocol
Authors: Jaya A A Gde Putra Semara , Tantri Aida Rosita , Heriwardito Aldy , Mansjoer Arif
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Adult open-heart surgery is a major surgery that causes surgical stress response and activation of the immune system, contributing further to postoperative complications. Transversus thoracis muscle plane block (TTPB) may potentially benefit in reducing the surgical stress response. This study aims to know the effectiveness of preoperative TTPB in adult open-heart surgery for reducing the surgical stress response.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective, double-blind, randomised control trial comparing the combination of general anaesthesia and TTPB versus general anaesthesia only in adult open-heart surgery. Forty-two eligible subjects will be randomly assigned to the TTPB group or control group. The primary outcomes are the difference between the two groups in the means of postoperative cortisol and interleukin-6 plasma levels at 24 hours and 48 hours after cardiac intensive care unit admission. The secondary outcomes are the difference between the two groups in the means of total 24-hour postoperative morphine consumption and time of first postoperative patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) dose.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol and informed consent forms have been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. The result will be released to the medical community through presentation and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04544254.