bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Historicizing black hair politics: A framework for contextualizing race politics
Authors: Ngandu‐Kalenga Greensword Sylviane 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this article, I chronicle the ways in which Black women's hair has been used not only to exert political oppression and dominance, but also to resist alienation in the Americas. Whether covered during field labor, groomed on Saturday evenings, celebrated on Sunday, arranged as prestigious imitation in the “Big House,” braided into secret codes in Colombia, shaved as punishment, or denied all exhibition under the tignon laws in Louisiana, hair has been weaponized to control, hypersexualize, and de‐feminize Black women for centuries. More recently, there has been a resurgence of natural hairstyles, which has been abundantly documented in sociology and anthropology. However, this trend has been countered by restrictive policies that insist on standardizing Whiteness as the norm of hair structures. Drawing on studies of race and hair across multiple periods of Pan‐American history, this article argues that in more ways than one, Black hair is, and has always been, political.
Effects oflong‐termsewage sludge application to a calcareous soil structure
Authors: Simões‐Mota Ana , Virto Iñigo , Poch Rosa Maria 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSoil degradation is a growing challenge to global agriculture and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This has prompted calls for less use of mineral fertilizer and greater reliance on organic fertilizers. However, we need to understand better the long‐term effects of organic fertilizer usage on soil structure to guide soil management practice, as many soil functions are sensitive to pore morphology and connectivity. In this study, we characterized topsoil (0–30 cm) pore architecture in relation to soil physical properties in a long‐term experiment (LTE) site where calcareous soil had received 25 years of sewage sludge application. Two dosage rates (SSa, 20 and SSe, 80 Mg ha−1) were compared to mineral fertilization treatment and a control (no fertilization) in a random factorial block design. Soil microstructure and the types of pores were characterized using micromorphological methods and image analysis, in soil thin sections. Long‐term sewage sludge SSaapplication improved soil microstructure (crumb and sub‐angular‐blocky type) and increased the presence of biopores, while mineral fertilized soil showed a platy to apedal microstructure, with more elongated pores and lower faunal activity. Mineral fertilized soil had the lowest total porosity values, with differences found in the aspect ratio of pores of equivalent diameter 100–200 μm. These findings suggest a relation between the different types of fertilization and soil pore shape and network. Further exploration of these changes in soil functioning is needed for a complete assessment of the consequences of SS application.
The abrogated role of premedication in the prevention of transfusion‐associated adverse reactions in outpatients receiving leukocyte‐reduced blood components
Authors: Yu Yuan‐Bin , Lee Tai‐Chen , Ho Chun‐Yee , Lin Hui‐Jung , Chen Wei‐Chi , Chang Chih‐Chun 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAlthough it remains controversial, premedication before transfusion is a common clinical practice to prevent transfusion‐associated adverse reactions (TAARs) in Taiwan. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether premedication prevented outpatients from developing TAARs and whether an educational programme could improve the understanding of physicians related to the unnecessary use of premedication, and this could elicit changes in their prescribing activities without affecting the occurrence of TAARs.Materials and MethodsClinical data from outpatients receiving transfusion therapy, including predisposing diseases, histories of transfusion and TAARs, premedication and the occurrence of TAARs in the period April 2017 to October 2018, were retrospectively obtained. The evidence‐based transfusion programme implemented to educate physicians was started in January 2018.ResultsA total of 5018 blood units were transfused to 803 outpatients, with 2493 transfusion events reported in the study interval. The most frequently transfused component was leukocyte‐reduced packed red cells (n = 4338), followed by leukocyte‐reduced apheresis platelets (n = 540) and other blood components. The overall premedication rate significantly decreased from 92.4% to 76.7% after the educational programme (p < 0.001). There was no remarkable change in the occurrence of TAARs per patient event between the periods before and after the educational programme (1.11% vs. 1.14%, p = 0.964). Besides, it was shown that the occurrence of TAARs was associated with the history of TAARs and inversely related to multiple transfusions, but not premedication.ConclusionDecreased premedication was not associated with increased incidence of TAARs in outpatients; these findings provide important evidence to support the need to revise clinical practices in the era of leukocyte‐reduced blood products.
Chronic exercise increases excitability of lamina X neurons through enhancement of persistent inward currents and dendritic development in mice
Authors: Chen Ke , Dai Yue 
Published: July 2022

AbstractChronic exercise has been shown to enhance excitability of spinal interneurons in rodents. However, the mechanisms underlying this enhancement remain unclear. In this study we investigated adaptability of lamina X neurons with 3‐week treadmill exercise in mice of P21–P24. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording was performed on the interneurons from slices of T12–L4. The experimental results included the following. (1) Treadmill exercise reduced rheobase by 7.4 ± 2.2 pA (control: 11.3 ± 6.1 pA, n = 12; exercise: 3.8 ± 4.6 pA, n = 13; P = 0.002) and hyperpolarized voltage threshold by 7.1 ± 1.5 mV (control: −36.6 ± 4.6 mV, exercise: −43.7 ± 2.7 mV; P = 0.001). (2) Exercise enhanced persistent inward currents (PICs) with increase of amplitude (control: 140.6 ± 56.3 pA, n = 25; exercise: 225.9 ± 62.5 pA, n = 17; P = 0.001) and hyperpolarization of onset voltage (control: −50.3 ± 3.6 mV, exercise: −56.5 ± 5.5 mV; P = 0.001). (3) PICs consisted of dihydropyridine‐sensitive calcium (Ca‐PIC) and tetrodotoxin‐sensitive sodium (Na‐PIC) components. Exercise increased amplitude of both components but hyperpolarized onset voltage of Na‐PIC only. (4) Exercise reduced derecruitment current of repetitive firing evoked by a current bi‐ramp and prolonged firing in the falling phase of the bi‐ramp. The derecruitment reduction was eliminated by bath application of 3 μM riluzole or 25 μM nimodipine, suggesting that both Na‐PIC and Ca‐PIC contributed to the exercise‐prolonged hysteresis of firing. (5) Exercise facilitated dendritic development with significant increase in dendritic length by 285.1 ± 113 μm (control: 457.8 ± 171.8 μm, n = 12; exercise: 742.9 ± 357 μm, n = 14; P = 0.019). We concluded that 3‐week treadmill exercise increased excitability of lamina X interneurons through enhancement of PICs and increase of dendritic length. This study provided insight into cellular and channel mechanisms underlying adaptation of the spinal motor system in exercise.
imageKey points
Chronic exercise alters adaptability of the spinal motor system in rodents; multiple mechanisms are responsible for the adaptation, including regulation of neuronal excitability and change in dendritic morphology.
Spinal interneurons in lamina X are a cluster of heterogeneous neurons playing multifunctional roles in the spinal cord; chronic exercise in juvenile mice increased excitability of these interneurons and facilitated dendritic development.
Lamina X neurons expressed persistent inward currents (PICs) with calcium (Ca‐PIC) and sodium (Na‐PIC) components; the exercise‐increased excitability of lamina X neurons was mediated by enhancing the Ca‐PIC and Na‐PIC components and increasing dendritic length.
This study unveiled novel morphological and ionic mechanisms underlying adaptation of lamina X neurons in rodents during chronic exercise.
Sympathetic neural reactivity to the Trier social stress test
Authors: Bigalke Jeremy A. , Greenlund Ian M. , Nicevski Jennifer R. , Tikkanen Anne L. , Carter Jason R. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSympathetic responsiveness to laboratory mental stress is highly variable, making interpretations of its role in stress reactivity challenging. The present study assessed muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA, microneurography) responsiveness to the Trier social stress test (TSST), which employs an anticipatory stress phase, followed by a public speaking and mental arithmetic task. We hypothesized that sympathetic reactivity to the anticipatory phase would offer a more uniform response between individuals due to elimination of confounds (i.e. respiratory changes, muscle movement, etc.) observed during more common stress tasks. Participants included 26 healthy adults (11 men, 15 women, age: 25 ± 6 years, body mass index: 24 ± 3 kg/m2). Continuous heart rate (electrocardiogram) and beat‐to‐beat blood pressure (finger plethysmography) were recorded from all participants, while MSNA recordings were obtained in 20 participants. MSNA burst frequency was significantly reduced during anticipatory stress. During the speech, although burst frequency was unchanged, total MSNA was significantly increased. Changes in diastolic arterial pressure were predictive of changes in MSNA during anticipatory (β = −0.680, P = 0.001), but not the speech (P = 0.318) or mental maths (P = 0.051) phases. Lastly, sympathetic reactivity to anticipatory stress was predictive of subsequent reactivity to both speech (β = 0.740, P = 0.0002) and maths (β = 0.663, P = 0.001). In conclusion, anticipatory social stress may offer a more versatile means of assessing sympathetic reactivity to mental stress in the absence of confounds and appears to predict reactivity to subsequent mental stress paradigms.
imageKey points
Cardiovascular reactivity to laboratory mental stress is predictive of future health outcomes. However, reactivity of the sympathetic nervous system to mental stress is highly variable.
The current study assessed peripheral muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to the Trier social stress test, a psychosocial stressor that includes anticipatory stress, public speaking and mental arithmetic.
Our findings demonstrate that sympathetic neural activity is consistently reduced during anticipatory stress. Conversely, the classically observed inter‐individual variability of sympathetic responsiveness was observed during speech and maths tasks.
Additionally, sympathetic reactivity to the anticipatory period accurately predicted how an individual would respond to both speech and maths tasks, outlining the utility of anticipatory stress in future research surrounding stress reactivity.
Utilization of the Trier social stress test in autonomic physiology may offer an alternative assessment of sympathetic responsiveness to stress with more consistent inter‐individual responsiveness and may be a useful tool for further investigation of stress reactivity.
Design and Functionality of a Multilumen Thoracic Access Port for Pericardial Access Under Direct Visualization
Authors: Contento Jacqueline M. , Mass Paige N. , Kumthekar Rohan N. , Berul Charles I. , Opfermann Justin D. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Small vasculature, venous obstruction, or congenital anomalies can preclude transvenous access to the heart, often resulting in open chest surgery to implant cardiac therapy leads for pacing, defibrillation, or cardiac resynchronization. A minimally invasive approach under direct visualization could reduce tissue damage, minimize pain, shorten recovery time, and obviate the need for fluoroscopy. Therefore, PeriPath was designed as a single-use, low-cost pericardial access tool based on clinical requirements. Its mechanical design aids in safe placement of conductive leads to the pericardium using a modified Seldinger technique. The crossed working channels provide an optimal view of the surgical field under direct visualization. Finite element analysis (FEA) confirms that the device is likely not to fail under clinical working conditions. Mechanical testing demonstrates that the tensile strength of its components is sufficient for use, with minimal risk of fracture. The PeriPath procedure is also compatible with common lead implantation tools and can be readily adopted by interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists, allowing for widespread implementation. Prior animal work and a physician preliminary validation study suggest that PeriPath functions effectively for minimally invasive lead implantation procedures.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of AISI 430 Ferritic Stainless Steel Strengthened Through Laser Carburization
Authors: Wang Zhige , Dirrenberger Justin , Lapouge Pierre , Dubent Sébastien , Jabir Hamza , Michel Vincent 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Carburization assisted by laser processing is a promising method to strengthen metallic materials. Direct laser beam carburization is implemented for the first time on thin AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel (FSS) sheets with graphite coating under different conditions. Microstructural morphology, phase constitution, carbon content, microhardness, and tensile behavior are investigated to evaluate the laser carburization effect. The carburized zone presents different morphologies according to the linear energy density of the laser beam. The least carbon content is around 0.4 wt% in the carburized zone where austenite becomes the leading phase. Delta ferrite is found in a cellular carburized area, which resembles a duplex microstructure. The hardness of carburized zone has been at least increased by 130%, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of a fully carburized sample can be increased by respectively 90% and 85%. This hardening effect is driven by the precipitation of carbides formed during solidification offering pinning points for dislocations and grain boundaries. These improvements could be useful to modify locally ferritic stainless steel to meet industrial needs such as wear-resistant surfaces.
A Review on Origami Simulations: From Kinematics, To Mechanics, Toward Multiphysics
Authors: Zhu Yi , Schenk Mark , Filipov Evgueni T. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Origami-inspired systems are attractive for creating structures and devices with tunable properties, multiple functionalities, high-ratio packaging capabilities, easy fabrication, and many other advantageous properties. Over the past decades, the community has developed a variety of simulation techniques to analyze the kinematic motions, mechanical properties, and multiphysics characteristics of origami systems. These various simulation techniques are formulated with different assumptions and are often tailored to specific origami designs. Thus, it is valuable to systematically review the state-of-the-art in origami simulation techniques. This review presents the formulations of different origami simulations, discusses their strengths and weaknesses, and identifies the potential application scenarios of different simulation techniques. The material presented in this work aims to help origami researchers better appreciate the formulations and underlying assumptions within different origami simulation techniques, and thereby enable the selection and development of appropriate origami simulations. Finally, we look ahead at future challenges in the field of origami simulation.
The 2-Point Method: A Quick, Accurate, and Repeatable Approach to Estimate Ultrasound-Derived Quadriceps Femoris Cross-Sectional Area
Authors: Hernández-Belmonte Alejandro , Martínez-Cava Alejandro , Pallarés Jesús G. 
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To analyze the feasibility of the 2-point method for estimating ultrasound-derived quadriceps femoris cross-sectional area (QUADACSA). First, (1) the agreement between QUADACSA measured by panoramic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was studied, and thereafter, we examined 2 approaches of the 2-point method in terms of (2) estimation errors and (3) test–retest repeatability. Methods: Both thighs of 16 young men were analyzed. Ultrasound-QUADACSA versus MRI-QUADACSA comparison was conducted at 6 thigh lengths (20%–70% of the thigh length). Thereafter, ultrasound-QUADACSA corresponding to 30% and 60% (2-point30%–60%) or 20% and 70% (2-point20%–70%) were used to estimate QUADACSA of the remaining regions. Estimated QUADACSA resulting from both 2-point approaches was compared with the measured one. Finally, the test–retest repeatability was examined by comparing the errors generated on 2 separate estimations. Statistics included the standard error of measurement (SEM) expressed in absolute (in square centimeters) and relative terms (in percentage) as a coefficient of variation (CV), as well as the intraclass correlation cofficient (ICC) and bias. Results: An excellent agreement (ICC ≥ 0.980) and reduced errors (SEM ≤ 2.43 cm2) resulted from the ultrasound-QUADACSA versus MRI-QUADACSA comparison. Although estimation errors found were reduced (CV ≤ 7.50%), they proved to be lower and less biased for the 2-point30%–60%, especially at the central regions (SEM ≤ 2.01 cm2; bias ≤ 0.89 cm2). Similarly, repeatability analysis revealed lower test–retest errors for the 2-point30%–60% (CV ≤ 1.9%) than for the 2-point20%–70% (CV ≤ 4.6%). Conclusion: The 2-point method, especially that implemented using the 30% and 60% regions, represents an accurate and repeatable strategy to evaluate QUADACSA.
Relationship Between Game Load and Player’s Performance in Professional Basketball
Authors: García Franc , Fernández Daniel , Martín Lorena 
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between external and internal loads, and their ratio (efficiency index), with game performance between backcourt and frontcourt professional basketball players. Methods: Game loads of 14 basketball players were monitored during 6 games. External load variables measured were total distance (TD); distance >18 km·h−1, commonly known as high-speed running (HSR); and number of accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC) >3 m·s−2, whereas the internal load variable measured was average heart rate (HRmean). The ratio between external and internal load variables was calculated and defined through 4 efficiency indexes (TD:HRmean, HSR:HRmean, ACC:HRmean, and DEC:HRmean). Furthermore, basketball performance was quantified using game-related statistics. Results: TD presented a small association with basketball performance, whereas the other external load variables and the 4 efficiency indexes calculated showed trivial relationships with game-related statistics. Furthermore, HRmean showed the greatest (small) associations with individual performance (P = .01–.02; r = .19 to .22). Regarding specific positions, the only 2 variables that presented significant differences were DEC (P = .01; d = 0.86) and DEC:HRmean (P = .01; d = 0.81), which showed higher values in backcourt players compared with frontcourt players. Conclusions: The results suggest that the best performances of basketball players during official competition are not associated with higher game loads. This illustrates the necessity to assess basketball performance from a holistic approach and consider more than just external and internal variables to better understand the players’ performance during basketball competition.
Emergency contracting and the delivery of elective care services across the English National Health Service and independent sector during COVID-19: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Friebel Rocco , Fistein Jon , Maynou Laia , Anderson Michael 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundFollowing a virtual standstill in the delivery of elective procedures in England, a national block contract between the NHS and the independent sector aimed to help restart surgical care. This study aims to describe subsequent changes in trends in elective care service delivery following implementation of the initial iteration of this contract.MethodsPopulation-based retrospective cohort study, assessing the delivery of all publicly funded and privately funded elective care delivered in England between 1 April 2020 and 31 July 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. Discharge data from the Hospital Episode Statistics and private healthcare data from the Private Health Information Network was stratified by specialty, procedure, length of stay and patient complexity in terms of age and Charlson Comorbidity Index.ResultsCOVID-19 significantly reduced publicly funded elective care activity, though changes were more pronounced in the independent sector (−65.1%) compared with the NHS (−52.7%), whereas reductions in privately funded elective care activity were similar in both independent sector hospitals (−74.2%) and NHS hospitals (−72.9%). Patient complexity increased in the independent sector compared with the previous year, with mixed findings in NHS hospitals. Most specialties, irrespective of sector or funding mechanisms, experienced a reduction in hospital admissions. However, some specialities, including medical oncology, clinical oncology, clinical haematology and cardiology, experienced an increase in publicly-funded elective care activity in the independent sector.ConclusionElective care delivered by the independent sector remained significantly below historic levels, although this overlooks significant variation between regions and specialities. There may be opportunities to learn from regions which achieved more significant increases in publicly funded elective care in independent sector providers as a strategy to address the growing backlog of elective care.
Impact of the Clinical Trials Act 2018 on clinical trial activity in Japan from 2018 to 2020: a retrospective database study using new and conventional Japanese registries
Authors: Taruno Hiroyuki , Oba Mari S , Takizawa Osamu , Kikuchi Kayoko , Matsui Kazuaki , Shikano Mayumi 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveTo clarify the impact of Japan’s Clinical Trials Act (CTA), which was enacted in April 2018, on subsequent clinical trial activity through an analysis of Japanese registry data.DesignRetrospective database study.SettingWe extracted information on clinical intervention studies registered between 1 April 2018 and 30 September 2020 in the conventional University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) and the new Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT). We collected and analysed information on registration dates, intervention types, funding, secondary sponsors and use of designated staff in multidisciplinary roles (research planning support, research administration, data management, statistical analysis, monitoring and auditing). The temporal trends in clinical trial activity after CTA enactment were examined.ResultsA total of 577 CTA-compliant specified clinical trials (ie, studies funded by pharmaceutical companies or studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of off-label drugs or devices in humans) were registered in the jRCT. During the same period, 5068 clinical trials were registered in the UMIN-CTR. The number of specific clinical trials increased immediately after the implementation of the CTA and stabilised in late 2019, whereas the number of clinical trials registered in the UMIN-CTR generally declined over time. Specified clinical trials that received industry funding and public grants were more likely to use designated staff in multidisciplinary roles.ConclusionsThe implementation of the CTA has not reduced the number of specified clinical trials, but has reduced the total number of intervention trials. The use of designated staff in multidisciplinary roles is associated with funding, secondary sponsors and multicentre studies. It was inferred that funding was needed to establish research infrastructure systems that support high-quality research.