bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of maternal insulin resistance throughout pregnancy on neonatal adiposity
Authors: Lima Rodrigo A. , Desoye Gernot , Simmons David , Devlieger Roland , Galjaard Sander , Corcoy Rosa , Adelantado Juan M. , Dunne Fidelma , Harreiter Jürgen , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra , Damm Peter , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Jensen Dorte M. , Andersen Lise‐Lotte T. , Tanvig Mette , Lapolla Annunziata , Dalfra Maria G. , Bertolotto Alessandra , Manta Urszula , Wender‐Ozegowska Ewa , Zawiejska Agnieszka , Hill David J. , Snoek Frank J. , Jelsma Judith G. M. , van Poppel Mireille
Published: April 2020

Background

Although previous studies evaluated the association of maternal health parameters with neonatal adiposity, little is known regarding the complexity of the relationships among different maternal health parameters throughout pregnancy and its impact on neonatal adiposity.

Objectives

To evaluate the direct and indirect associations between maternal insulin resistance during pregnancy, in women with obesity, and neonatal adiposity. In addition, associations between maternal fasting glucose, triglycerides (TG), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and neonatal adiposity were also assessed.

Methods

This is a longitudinal, secondary analysis of the DALI study, an international project conducted in nine European countries with pregnant women with obesity. Maternal insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), fasting glucose, TG, and NEFA were measured three times during pregnancy (<20, 24‐28, and 35‐37 weeks of gestation). Offspring neonatal adiposity was estimated by the sum of four skinfolds. Structural equation modelling was conducted to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships among the variables of interest.

Results

Data on 657 mother‐infant pairs (50.7% boys) were analysed. Neonatal boys exhibited lower mean sum of skinfolds compared to girls (20.3 mm, 95% CI 19.7, 21.0 vs 21.5 mm, 95% CI 20.8, 22.2). In boys, maternal HOMA‐IR at <20 weeks was directly associated with neonatal adiposity (β = 0.35 mm, 95% CI 0.01, 0.70). In girls, maternal HOMA‐IR at 24‐28 weeks was only indirectly associated with neonatal adiposity, which implies that this association was mediated via maternal HOMA‐IR, glucose, triglycerides, and NEFA during pregnancy (β = 0.26 mm, 95% CI 0.08, 0.44).

Conclusions

The timing of the role of maternal insulin resistance on neonatal adiposity depends on fetal sex. Although the association was time‐dependent, maternal insulin resistance was associated with neonatal adiposity in both sexes.
Instrumental Variable Methods using Dynamic Interventions
Authors: Mauro Jacqueline A. , Kennedy Edward H. , Nagin Daniel
Published: April 2020

Recent work on dynamic interventions has greatly expanded the range of causal questions that researchers can study. Simultaneously, this work has weakened identifying assumptions, yielding effects that are more practically relevant. Most work in dynamic interventions to date has focused on settings where we directly alter some unconfounded treatment of interest. In policy analysis, decision makers rarely have this level of control over behaviours or access to experimental data. Instead, they are often faced with treatments that they can affect only indirectly and whose effects must be learned from observational data. We propose new estimands and estimators of causal effects based on dynamic interventions with instrumental variables. This method does not rely on parametric models and does not require an experiment. Instead, we estimate the effect of treatment induced by a dynamic intervention on an instrument. This robustness should reassure policy makers that these estimates can be used to inform policy effectively. We demonstrate the usefulness of this estimation strategy in a case-study examining the effect of visitation on recidivism.
General soliton and (semi‐)rational solutions to the nonlocal Mel'nikov equation on the periodic background
Authors: Li Ming , Fu Heming , Wu Chengfa
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the Hirota's bilinear method and Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili hierarchy reduction method are applied to construct soliton, line breather and (semi‐)rational solutions to the nonlocal Mel'nikov equation with nonzero boundary conditions. These solutions are expressed as Gram‐type determinants. When N is even, soliton, line breather and (semi‐)rational solutions on the constant background are derived while these solutions are located on the periodic background for odd N. Regularity of these solutions and their connections with the local Mel'nikov equation are analyzed for proper choices of parameters that appear in the solutions. The dynamics of the solutions are discussed in detail. All possible configurations of soliton and lump solutions are found for . Several interesting dynamical behaviors of semi‐rational solutions are observed. It is shown that certain lumps may exhibit fusion and fission phenomena during their interactions with solitons while some lump may change its direction of movement after it collides with solitons.
Use of a Hip Spica for Management of an Acetabular Labral Tear in a Female Collegiate Gymnast: A Case Report
Authors: Greenwood Austin , Giblin Naoko A. , Gillette Cordial
Published: April 2020

The patient was a 20-year-old female gymnast complaining of lateral hip pain, posterior to the greater trochanter, that increased with hip extension and external rotation. Over the course of 1 month during the season, pain progressively shifted to the groin and hip extension and external rotation became limited. A minimally painful exercise program was implemented in conjunction with a supportive hip spica, assisting extension and external rotation while limiting flexion and internal rotation during therapeutic exercise. The resulting implementation of a hip spica is a novel way to reduce pain and improve function to augment current conservative treatments.
Does Blood Flow Restriction Training Improve Quadriceps Measures After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery? A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Arve Erik H. , Madrak Emily , Warren Aric J.
Published: April 2020

Focused Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that blood flow restriction (BFR) training improves strength, cross-sectional area, and thigh girth of the quadriceps musculature in patients after arthroscopic surgical procedures of the knee? Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate consistent, but low-level, evidence supporting the use of BFR training to improve knee extensor muscular outcomes (strength, cross-sectional area, and/or thigh girth) immediately after arthroscopic knee surgery.
Groupness: Providing a Roadmap for an Emerging Construct in Physical Activity Settings
Authors: Crozier Alyson J. , Martin Luc J. , Spink Kevin S.
Published: April 2020

The extent to which humans consider themselves part of a group versus a collection of individuals is termed groupness. Despite a rich history in other domains, research examining the construct in physical activity settings is only beginning to emerge. Indeed, seminal research from other domains and recent efforts in physical activity highlight the importance of groupness perceptions for a range of outcomes. This paper provides an overview of the current groupness conceptualization in physical activity, presents research conducted in exercise and sport contexts, and, most important, provides a roadmap highlighting future research avenues. Proposed lines of enquiry relevant to physical activity include the development of a context-specific conceptualization, advances in methodologies to facilitate measurement and analysis, and the importance of contextualizing groupness research within physical activity settings.
Carbon dioxide increase may promote ‘insect apocalypse’
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Study links low-nutrient plants to fewer grasshoppers.
Autistic people take the helm of studies
Authors: Willingham Emily
Published: April 2020

Trend brings new focus on well-being of autistic adults.
Cancer DNA blood test gets real-world trial
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: April 2020

Early detection test spots tumors in 26 women, but also produces false positives.
Ferromagnetic order beyond the superconducting dome in a cuprate superconductor
Authors: Sarkar Tarapada , Wei D. S. , Zhang J. , Poniatowski N. R. , Mandal P. R. , Kapitulnik A. , Greene Richard L.
Published: April 2020

An unexpected order

The phase diagram of cuprate superconductors, in addition to superconductivity, contains many ordered states such as antiferromagnetism, charge density waves, and nematicity. Sarkar
et al.
show that ferromagnetism should be added to this list. Studying thin films of La

2−
x

Ce

x

CuO
4
at high dopings, past the point at which superconductivity disappears, the researchers found signatures of ferromagnetism in both the transport and optical properties of the films.

Science
, this issue p.
532
The Sun is less active than other solar-like stars
Authors: Reinhold Timo , Shapiro Alexander I. , Solanki Sami K. , Montet Benjamin T. , Krivova Natalie A. , Cameron Robert H. , Amazo-Gómez Eliana M.
Published: April 2020

Activity levels of Sun-like stars

Magnetic activity on the Sun leads to solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other space weather that affects Earth. Similar activity on other stars may determine the habitability of any orbiting exoplanets. Reinhold
et al.
analyzed brightness variations of stars observed with the Kepler and Gaia space telescopes to infer their activity levels (see the Perspective by Santos and Mathur). They found that the Sun was less active than most of the 369 solar-type stars in their sample (those with the most similar physical properties). It remains unclear whether the Sun is permanently less active than other stars of its type or if its activity levels vary over many thousands or millions of years.

Science
, this issue p.
518
; see also p.
466
Water-promoted interfacial pathways in methane oxidation to methanol on a CeO
2
-Cu
2
O catalyst
Authors: Liu Zongyuan , Huang Erwei , Orozco Ivan , Liao Wenjie , Palomino Robert M. , Rui Ning , Duchoň Thomas , Nemšák Slavomir , Grinter David C. , Mahapatra Mausumi , Liu Ping , Rodriguez José A. , Senanayake Sanjaya D.
Published: April 2020

A water boost for methanol synthesis

Model catalysts based on metals and metal oxides can dissociate methane (CH
4
) at room temperature, converting it directly to methanol (CH
3
OH). Liu
et al.
show that for one of these catalysts, an “inverted” CeO

x

-Cu
2
O oxide on Cu(111), water tunes the selectivity from forming CO and CO
2
to forming surface CH
3
O groups, as revealed by ambient-pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Theoretical modeling showed that adsorbed water blocks O
2
dissociation and O
2
instead oxidizes the reduced catalyst. Hydroxyl groups from water generate the CH
3
O species from dissociated CH
4
, and water then goes on to form and displace CH
3
OH to the gas phase.

Science
, this issue p.
513
Seafloor microplastic hotspots controlled by deep-sea circulation
Authors: Kane Ian A. , Clare Michael A. , Miramontes Elda , Wogelius Roy , Rothwell James J. , Garreau Pierre , Pohl Florian
Published: April 2020

Not just settling

What controls the distribution of microplastics on the deep seafloor? Kane
et al.
show that the answer to that question is more complicated than particles simply settling from where they are found on the sea surface (see the Perspective by Mohrig). Using data that they collected off the coast of Corsica, the authors show that thermohaline-driven currents can control the distribution of microplastics by creating hotspots of accumulation, analogous to their role in causing focused areas of seafloor sediment deposition. Such currents also supply oxygen and nutrients to deep-sea benthos, so deepsea biodiversity hotspots are also likely to be microplastic hotspots.

Science
, this issue p.
1140
; see also p.
1055
Three-dimensional cross-nanowire networks recover full terahertz state
Authors: Peng Kun , Jevtics Dimitars , Zhang Fanlu , Sterzl Sabrina , Damry Djamshid A. , Rothmann Mathias U. , Guilhabert Benoit , Strain Michael J. , Tan Hark H. , Herz Laura M. , Fu Lan , Dawson Martin D. , Hurtado Antonio , Jagadish Chennupati , Johnston Michael B.
Published: April 2020

Nanowire-based THz detection

Terahertz (THz) radiation is an interesting region of the electromagnetic spectrum lying between microwaves and infrared. Non-ionizing and transparent to most fabrics, it is finding application in security screening and imaging but is also being developed for communication and chemical sensing. To date, most THz detectors have focused just on signal intensity, an effort that discards half the signal in terms of the full optical state, including polarization. Peng
et al.
developed a THz detector based on crossed nanowires (arranged in a hash structure) that is capable of resolving the full state of the THz light. The approach provides a nanophotonic platform for the further development of THz-based technologies.

Science
, this issue p.
510
A COVID-19 recovery for climate
Authors: Rosenbloom Daniel , Markard Jochen
Published: April 2020

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, countries are launching economic recovery programs to mitigate unemployment and stabilize core industries. Although it is understandably difficult to contemplate other hazards in the midst of this outbreak, it is important to remember that we face another major crisis that threatens human prosperity—climate change. Leveraging COVID-19 recovery programs to simultaneously advance the climate agenda presents a strategic opportunity to transition toward a more sustainable post–COVID-19 world.
Clinically Relevant Epithelial Lining Fluid Concentrations of Meropenem with Ciprofloxacin Provide Synergistic Killing and Resistance Suppression of Hypermutable Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Dynamic Biofilm Model
Authors: Bilal Hajira , Bergen Phillip J. , Tait Jessica R. , Wallis Steven C. , Peleg Anton Y. , Roberts Jason A. , Oliver Antonio , Nation Roger L. , Landersdorfer Cornelia B.
Published: April 2020

Treatment of exacerbations of chronic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is highly challenging due to hypermutability, biofilm formation, and an increased risk of resistance emergence. We evaluated the impact of ciprofloxacin and meropenem as monotherapy and in combination in the dynamic
in vitro
CDC biofilm reactor (CBR). Two hypermutable
P. aeruginosa
strains, PAOΔ
mutS
(MIC of ciprofloxacin [MIC
ciprofloxacin
], 0.
Evidence for mixed contribution of mantle and lower and upper crust to the genesis of Jurassic I-type granites from Macao, SE China
Authors: Quelhas Pedro , Mata João , Dias Ágata Alveirinho
Published: April 2020

Much controversy has occurred in the past few decades regarding the nature of the sources, the petrogenetic processes, and the tectonic regime(s) of the Jurassic magmatism within the Southeast China magmatic belt. This study aims to contribute to the discussion with mineral chemistry, and whole-rock element and Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopic geochemical data from granitic rocks and microgranular mafic enclaves from Macao, where two discrete groups of I-type biotite granites have been identified (referred to as Macao Group I [MGI] and Macao Group II [MGII]). It is proposed that the granitic magmas were generated by partial melting of infracrustal medium- to high-K, basaltic Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic protoliths (Nd depleted mantle model age [TDM2] = 1.7–1.6 Ga and Hf TDM2 = 1.8–1.6 Ga), triggered by underplating of hot mantle-derived magmas in an extensional setting related to the foundering of a previously flat slab (paleo–Pacific plate) beneath the SE China continent. The main differences between the two groups of Macao granites are attributed to assimilation and fractional crystallization processes, during which upper-crustal Paleozoic metasediments were variably assimilated by MGI magmas. This is evidenced by an increase in initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios with degree of evolution, presence of metasedimentary enclaves, and high percentage of zircon xenocrysts with Paleozoic ages. In addition, other processes like late-stage fluid/melt interaction and magma mixing also left some imprints on granite compositions (rare earth element tetrad effect plus non–charge-and-radius-controlled behavior of trace elements and decoupling between different isotope systems, respectively). The distribution of isotopically distinct granites in SE China reflects the nature of the two Cathaysia crustal blocks juxtaposed along the Zhenghe-Dapu fault.
Supplemental Material: Halogens in hydrothermal sphalerite record origin of ore-forming fluids
Authors: Frenzel Max
Published: April 2020

Appendices S1 (detailed methods and summary of analytical results), S2 (full EPMA dataset), S3 (full LA-ICP-MS dataset), and S4 (fluid database used for Figure 3).
Supplemental Material: Onset of permanent Taklimakan Desert linked to the mid-Pleistocene transition
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Liu Zhonghui , al. et
Published: April 2020

Materials, methods, and interpretations, Figure S1 (stratigraphic columns and age assignments), Figure S2 (δ13C correlated with rainfall and temperature), Figure S3 (detailed view of the onset of desertification), Figure S4 (representative core photos), Figure S5 (Lop Nur and Mazartag δ13C), Figure S6 (spectral results), Figure S7 (close-up views of records), and Table S1 (δ18O, δ13C, and grain-size data).
Supplemental Material: Modulation of zircon solubility by crystal–melt dynamics
Authors: Szymanowski Dawid
Published: April 2020

Analytical data, descriptions of units in Figure 3, details of MELTS modeling, and additional diagrams.
Supplemental Material: Modulation of zircon solubility by crystal–melt dynamics
Authors: Szymanowski Dawid , al. et
Published: April 2020

Analytical data, descriptions of units in Figure 3, details of MELTS modeling, and additional diagrams.
Hepatic insulin clearance is increased in patients with high HbA1c type 2 diabetes: a preliminary report
Authors: Okura Tsuyoshi , Fujioka Yohei , Nakamura Risa , Anno Mari , Ito Yuichi , Kitao Sonoko , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Shoji Kyoko , Sumi Keisuke , Matsuzawa Kazuhiko , Izawa Shoichiro , Okura Hiroko , Ueta Etsuko , Noma Hisashi , Kato Masahiko , Imamura Takeshi , Taniguchi Shin-Ichi , Yamamoto Kazuhiro
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) is an important pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. HIC was reported to decrease in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, hyperglycemia was suggested to enhance HIC, and it is not known whether poorly controlled diabetes increases HIC in patients with type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether HIC was increased in patients with poorly controlled diabetes, and whether HIC was associated with insulin resistance and incretins.

Research design and methods

We performed a meal tolerance test and the hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp in 21 patients with type 2 diabetes. We calculated the postprandial C-peptide area under the curve (AUC)-to-insulin AUC ratio as the HIC; measured fasting and postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon levels and analyzed serum adiponectin and zinc transporter-8 (ZnT8) gene polymorphism.

Results

The HIC significantly correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (r_S=0.58, p<0.01). In patients with high HIC above the median of 6.5, the mean HbA1c was significantly higher compared with low HIC below the median. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-beta (r_S=−0.77, p<0.01) and HOMA-IR (r_S=−0.66, p<0.005) were correlated with HIC. The M/I value in the clamp study was correlated with HIC. GLP-1-AUC and GIP-AUC were not correlated with HIC. Glucagon-AUC was negatively correlated with HIC, but there were no significant differences between the high and low HIC groups. Adiponectin was positively correlated with HIC. The ZnT8 gene polymorphism did not affect HIC.

Conclusions

These results suggest that HIC was increased in patients with high HbA1c type 2 diabetes, low insulin secretion, low insulin resistance and high adiponectin conditions.
Practical actions for fostering cross-disciplinary global health research: lessons from a narrative literature review
Authors: Ding Yan , Pulford Justin , Bates Imelda
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Global health research involves disciplines within and beyond the health sciences. A cross-disciplinary collaborative research approach enables an interchange of knowledge and experience and stimulates innovative responses to complex health challenges. However, there is little robust evidence to guide the design and implementation of cross-disciplinary research in global health, hampering effective collective action. This review synthesised evidence on practical actions for fostering cross-disciplinary research to provide guidance on the design and implementation of research in global health.

Methods

We searched five electronic databases using key words. The search included original research and research notes articles in English. We used a framework adapted from the socio-ecological model and thematic synthesis for data analysis.

Results

Thirty-six original research and 27 research notes articles were included in the review. These were predominantly from high-income countries and indicated that practical actions on fostering cross-disciplinary research are closely linked to leadership and teamwork which should be planned and implemented at research team and institutional levels. The publications also indicated that individual qualities such as being receptive to new ideas and funders’ power and influence have practical implications for conducting cross-disciplinary research. Practical actions that individuals, research team leaders, academic institutions and funders can undertake to foster cross-disciplinary research were identified.

Conclusion

Our review found evidence from high-income countries, not low-and-middle-income countries, about practices that can improve cross-disciplinary research in global health. Critical knowledge gaps exist around how leadership and teamwork processes can better integrate expertise from different disciplines to make cross-disciplinary research more effective.
Actions, style and practices: how leaders ensure compassionate care delivery
Authors: Vogus Timothy J , McClelland Laura E
Published: April 2020

Demands for more patient-centred care necessitate that leadership creates the conditions for more compassionate care that is sustainable even in periods of acute crisis. We draw on a growing body of empirical research in health services, management and medicine to highlight how the combination of interpersonal acts, leadership style and organisational structures underpins leading with compassion. We further detail how this benefits care provider well-being and patient outcomes through fostering integrative thinking and prosocial motivation. We conclude with implications for practice.
Comparative evaluation of quality of diabetes care within a population using discrete HbA1c thresholds versus longitudinal trends within a defined time period
Authors: Sadera Rohan , Wijeratne Sethsiri , Baskar Varadarajan
Published: April 2020

Background

HbA1c is a quality measurement for a population’s diabetes care. Currently, discrete values are used to judge the care quality. However, an improved trend may have been achieved without reaching a discrete threshold. We aimed to compare the quality of glycaemic care using discrete thresholds versus longitudinal trends of a patient’s HbA1c.

Methods

We derived a study population of 4062 with two consecutive HbA1c’s within 1–6 months. We used current discrete thresholds and then used these to define the longitudinal thresholds (the change in HbA1c between the first and second measurement).

Results

We found that even with discrete thresholds, overall care was improving with 61% (Excellent care), 13% (Good care), 13% (Average care) and 13% (Poor care) turning into 68%, 12%, 11% and 9%, respectively (χ² 3335, p<0.0001). Using longitudinal trends shows a greater improvement of care with the original values achieving 74%, 7%, 9%, 7% and 4%, respectively (χ² 4111.3, p<0.0001). There was an additional 28% (Good care), 15% (Average care) and 12% (Poor and Very poor care) who with longitudinal trends improved to an excellent category without being identified as such.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the need to consider longitudinal trends when measuring quality of diabetes care.
The 2016 landslide at Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes, Quebec: geotechnical and morphological analysis of a combined flowslide and spread
Authors: Tremblay-Auger Frédérique , Locat Ariane , Leroueil Serge , Locat Pascal , Demers Denis , Therrien Julie , Mompin Rémi
Published: April 2020

On 9 November 2016, a landslide in sensitive glaciomarine sediments occurred on a terrace of the Champlain River near the municipality of Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes, Quebec. The particularity of this event is that there are evidences that the movement started as a flowslide and then finished as a spread. The landslide morphology comprises horsts and grabens typical of spreads and also a large quantity of remolded material that flowed out of a pear-shaped crater with a narrow bottleneck, typical of flowslides. The geotechnical investigation of this landslide was performed by the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) in collaboration with Université Laval, and consisted of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) surveys, drone photography, several boreholes, piezocone tests with pore pressure measurements (CPTUs), field vane tests, and piezometric monitoring. They were used to characterize the landslide, to determine the location of the failure surface, and also to acquire information on the properties of the clay deposit. A combined analysis of the debris and volume calculations was done to reconstruct the different phases of flowing and spreading and their relative chronologies.
Scale setting for $$N_\mathrm{f}=3+1$$ QCD
Authors: Höllwieser Roman , Knechtli Francesco , Korzec Tomasz
Published: April 2020

We present the scale setting for a new set of gauge configurations generated with $$N_\mathrm{f}=3+1$$Nf=3+1 Wilson quarks with a non-perturbatively determined clover coefficient in a massive O(a) improvement scheme. The three light quarks are degenerate, with the sum of their masses being equal to its value in nature and the charm quark has its physical mass. We use open boundary conditions in time direction to avoid the problem of topological freezing at small lattice spacings and twisted-mass reweighting for improved stability of the simulations. The decoupling of charm at low energy allows us to set the scale by measuring the value of the low-energy quantity $$t_0^\star /a^2$$t0⋆/a2, which is the flow scale $$t_0$$t0 at our mass point, and comparing it to an $$N_\mathrm{f}=2+1$$Nf=2+1 result in physical units. We present the details of the algorithmic setup and tuning procedure and give the bare parameters of ensembles with two lattice spacings $$a=0.054$$a=0.054fm and $$a=0.043$$a=0.043fm. We discuss finite volume effects and lattice artifacts and present physical results for the charmonium spectrum. In particular the hyperfine splitting between the $$\eta _c$$ηc and $$J/\psi $$J/ψ mesons agrees very well with its physical value.
Synthetic mean-field interactions in photonic lattices
Authors: Duncan Callum W. , Hartmann Michael J. , Thomson Robert R. , Öhberg Patrik
Published: April 2020

Photonic lattices are usually considered to be limited by their lack of methods to include interactions. We address this issue by introducing mean-field interactions through optical components which are external to the photonic lattice. The proposed technique to realise mean-field interacting photonic lattices relies on a Suzuki-Trotter decomposition of the unitary evolution for the full Hamiltonian. The technique realises the dynamics in an analogous way to that of a step-wise numerical implementation of quantum dynamics, in the spirit of digital quantum simulation. It is a very versatile technique which allows for the emulation of interactions that do not only depend on inter-particle separations or do not decay with particle separation. We detail the proposed experimental scheme and consider two examples of interacting phenomena, self-trapping and the decay of Bloch oscillations, that are observable with the proposed technique.

Graphical abstract
Accumulation of AGO2 Facilitates Tumorigenesis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yang , Mei Qi
Published: April 2020

AGO2 (Argonaute RISC Catalytic Component 2) plays an important role in small RNA‐guided gene silencing processes. It has been implied in tumorigenesis of different types of tumors. In this study, we found that AGO2 expression was remarkably increased in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues when compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues. High expression of AGO2 was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. The CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of AGO2 in SMMC‐7721 cells inhibited cell proliferation and induced significant G1 phase arrest of cell cycle. Inhibition of cell migration was also observed in SMMC‐7721 AGO2-/- cells. In vivo experiments showed that tumors grew slower in nude mice transplanted with AGO2-/- cells than in SMMC‐7721 cell‐derived xenograft mice. Microarray analysis and western blot analysis revealed that AGO2 depletion decreased expression of Survivin, Vimentin, and Snail. Overexpression of AGO2 in SMMC‐7721 and Huh‐7 cells could reverse the knockout‐induced inhibition effects on either cell behaviors or expression of Survivin, Vimentin, and Snail Therefore, our data demonstrated that AGO2 might facilitate HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis through modulating expression of Survivin, Vimentin, and Snail.
Prediction of CD4 T-Lymphocyte Count Using WHO Clinical Staging among ART-Naïve HIV-Infected Adolescents and Adults in Northern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Aregay Abraham Desta , Kidane Kibriti Mehari , Aregay Asfawosen Berhe , Fenta Kiros Ajemu , Woldegebriel Ataklti Gebretsadik , Godefay Hagos , Woldearegay Tewolde Wubayehu
Published: April 2020

Background. WHO clinical staging has long been used to assess the immunological status of HIV-infected patients at initiation of antiretroviral therapy and during treatment follow-up. In setups where CD4 count determination is not readily available, WHO clinical staging is a viable option. However, correlation between CD4 count and WHO clinical staging is not known in an Ethiopian setting, and hence, the main aim of this study was to assess predictability of CD4 T-lymphocyte count using WHO clinical staging among ART-naïve HIV-infected adolescents and adults in northern Ethiopia. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was done in the Tigray Region, Ethiopia, from April 2015 to January 2019 from a secondary database of 19525 HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral treatment. Analysis was done using STATA-14.0 to estimate the frequencies, mean, and median of CD4 T-cell count in each WHO stages. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, kappa test, and correlations were calculated to show the relationships between WHO stages and CD T-cell count. Results. The sensitivity of WHO clinical staging to predict CD4 T-cell counts of <200 cells/μl was 94.17% with a specificity of 3.62%. The PPV was 49.03%, and the NPV was 3.62%. The sensitivity of WHO clinical staging to predict CD4 T-cell counts of <350 cells/μl was 94.75% with a specificity of 3.00%. The PPV was 75.81%, and the NPV was 15.09%. Similarly, the sensitivity of WHO clinical staging to predict CD4 T-cell counts of <500 cells/μl was 95.03% with a specificity of 2.73% and the PPV and NPV were 88.32% and 6.62%, respectively. The kappa agreement of WHO clinical stages was also insignificant when compared with the disaggregated CD4 counts in different categories. The correlation of WHO clinical staging was inversely associated with the CD4 count, and the magnitude of the correlation was 5.22%. Conclusions. The WHO clinical staging had high sensitivity but low specificity in predicting patients with CD4 count <200 cells/μl, <350 cells/μl, and <500 cells/μl. There was poor correlation and agreement between CD4 T-lymphocyte count and WHO clinical staging. Therefore, WHO clinical staging alone may not provide accurate information on the immunological status of patients, and hence, it is better to use the CDC definition rather than the WHO clinical definition.
Trace Level Detection of Bisphenol A Analogues and Parabens by LC‐MS/MS in Human Plasma from Malaysians
Authors: Wiraagni Idha Arfianti , Mohd Mustafa Ali , Rashid Rusdi Abdul , Haron Didi Erwandi bin Mohamad
Published: April 2020

In this study, a novel LC‐MS/MS method was designed using a simple extraction procedure that was scientifically developed to capture the most relevant bisphenol A (BPA) analogues (BPB, BPF, BPS, and BPAF) and parabens (propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben) in human plasma. The LC‐MS/MS method was validated using US FDA guidelines, and all validation requirements were satisfactory. This is the method that allows for the detection of plasma bisphenols and parabens in one run and is also the fastest BPA analogue and paraben detection technique for human plasma. The method was used to analyze samples from 150 healthy volunteers from Malaysia who enrolled in the study. No BPB was detected in any of the volunteers; however, 99.3% were positive for BPF. Only 24% and 10.7% of volunteers were positive for BPAF and BPS, respectively. A high percentage of volunteers were negative for propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and methylparaben (56%, 68%, 86.7%, and 83.3%, respectively). These results suggest that persons in Malaysia are exposed to different BPA analogues and parabens, from both the daily use of products (cosmetic and plastic products) and the environment.
Study on the Bearing Capacity and Engineering Performance of Aeolian Sand
Authors: Xia Han , Zhang Jingtao , Cai Jun , Pan Huangsong , She Xuesen
Published: April 2020

The climate in the aeolian desert has great differences from that in other regions, generally showing large diurnal temperature differences and extremely dry and low groundwater level characteristics. Therefore, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the sand are different from those of other regions, and it has a loose soil structure, large pores, and a low bearing capacity. To ensure the security and applicability of engineering, it is necessary to study the engineering characteristics of aeolian sand. This paper focuses on the bearing capacity parameters of aeolian sand in the Mu Us Desert, and test sites in 6 weak foundation areas are selected. Large numbers of basic soil mechanical parameters have been collected through in situ static load tests (SLT) and laboratory confined compaction tests (CCT) to evaluate the effect of foundation treatments. The results show that the characteristics of aeolian sand in the Mu Us Desert include low moisture, poor cohesion, and easy compaction. The mud and water content affect the bearing capacity of aeolian sand. For weak foundations, adding a geogrid or replacing a weak soil layer with stone and aeolian sand can significantly improve the bearing capacity.
Radial Pulse Wave Signals Combined with Ba‐PWV for the Risk Prediction of Hypertension and the Monitoring of Its Accompanying Metabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Qi Zhen , Zhao Zhi-Yue , Xu Jia-Tuo , Zhu Li-Ping , Zhang Yu , Bao Yi-Min , Zhang Zhi-Feng
Published: April 2020

Our aim was to study whether radial pulse wave signals can improve the risk prediction of incident hypertension and are associated with its concomitant metabolic risk factors beyond the traditional cardiovascular risk factor Ba‐PWV. By enrolling 523 Chinese subjects in this study, linear and stepwise regression analysis was performed to assess the association of radial artery pulse wave signals and Ba‐PWV with blood pressure and its related metabolic risk factors such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and uric acid (UA). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated by risk assessment plot to compare the discriminative ability among models with and without radial artery pulse wave signals. After adjusting related confounding factors, radial artery pulse wave variable h3/h1 was selected as the sensitive influential factor for blood pressure. Moreover, a new model with h3/h1 had a higher AUC than the reference model without it (0.86 vs 0.84; P = 0.030). And the NRI and IDI for the new model was 50.0% (P = 0.017) and 3.16% (P = 0.044), respectively. In addition to Ba‐PWV, we found that the decrease of t4, t5, and h5 might be associated with higher FPG, TC, LDL‐C, and UA and lower HDL‐C. This research might provide a valuable additional tool for remote wearable monitoring of radial artery pulse wave signals in hypertension risk evaluation and management.
On-Site Participation for Proto-Architectural Assemblies Encompassing Technology and Human Improvisation: “Fish Trap” and “Orchid” Architectural Interventions
Authors: Buš Peter , Wu Shi-Yen , Tartar Ayça
Published: April 2020

This research investigates the notion of builders’ on-site engagement to physically build architectural interventions based on their demands, spatial requirements, and collaborative improvisation enhanced with the principles of uniqueness and bespoke solutions which are previously explored in computational models. The paper compares and discusses two physical installations as proto-architectural assemblies testing two different designs and building approaches: the top-down predefined designers’ scenario contrary to bottom-up unpredictable improvisation. It encompasses a building strategy based on the discrete precut components assembled by builders themselves in situ. The paper evaluates both strategies in a qualitative observation and comparison defining advantages and limitations of the top-down design strategy in comparison with the decentralised bottom-up building system built by the builders themselves. As such, it outlines the position of a designer within the bottom-up building processes on-site. The paper argues that improvisation and builders’ direct engagement on-site lead to solutions that better reflect human needs and low-tech building principles incorporated can deliver unpredictable but convenient spatial scenarios.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antiproliferative Activities of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Bark Essential Oil
Authors: Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz , Falah Fereshteh , Lavi Arab Fahimeh , Vasiee Moones , Tabatabaee Yazdi Farideh
Published: April 2020

This study examines the chemical constituents, antioxidant potential, antibacterial mechanism, and antiproliferative activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark essential oil. The compositions of the oil were analyzed by GC‐MS, and the major constituents were found to be (E)‐cinnamaldehyde (71.50%), linalool (7.00%), β‐caryophyllene (6.40%), eucalyptol (5.40%), and eugenol (4.60%). C. zeylanicum essential oil contained remarkable levels of phenolic and bioactive compounds with outstanding ability to scavenge free radicals and inhibit β‐carotene oxidation. The growth of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, especially Gram‐positive ones (i.e. Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus), was highly inhibited by the oil, compared to the Gram‐negative pairs (i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi). The cells of L. innocua and E. coli (as the most sensitive and resistant strains to the oil, respectively) treated with C. zeylanicum essential oil were observed by scanning electron microscopy to unravel structural changes. It was observed that the essential oil quickly exerted its antibacterial activity through disrupting cell envelope and facilitating the leakage of intracellular compounds. The essential oil had also a dose‐dependent antiproliferative effect on adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT‐MSCs), and the cell proliferation could be induced by low concentrations of the oil. The present study indicated that C. zeylanicum essential oil with remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties could be applied to develop novel natural preservatives for food and medicinal purposes.
Some New Inequalities Involvingκ-Fractional Integral for Certain Classes of Functions and Their Applications
Authors: Zhou Shuang-Shuang , Rashid Saima , Dragomir Silvestru Sever , Latif Muhammad Amer , Akdemir Ahmet Ocak , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: April 2020

In this article, we present several new inequalities involving theκ-fractional integral for the integrable functionℱwhich satisfies one of the following conditions:aℱqis preinvex for someq>1;bℱ′is bounded;cℱ′is a Lipschitz function. As applications, we establish new inequalities for the weighted arithmetic and generalized logarithmic means.
Research on the Molding Design and Optimization of the Molding Process Parameters of the Automobile Trunk Trim Panel
Authors: Wang Youmin , Zhu Zhaozhe , Tang Lingfeng , Jiang Qinshuai
Published: April 2020

In order to put forward the theoretical calculation formula for the compression force of the compression mold of the trunk trim panel, obtain the influence trend of the process parameters on the molding quality of the trunk trim panel, and obtain the optimal process parameters combination for the compression molding of the trunk trim panel, four process parameters, the heating temperature, time, compression pressure, and holding time, which affected the compression molding, were selected as the level factors; the maximum thinning rate, maximum thickening rate, and shrinkage rate of the trunk trim panel were selected as evaluation indicators and orthogonal experiments were designed and completed; the comprehensive weighted scoring method was used to obtain the comprehensive score results and obtain the comprehensive evaluation indicators of the best combination of process parameters of trunk trim panel; BP neural network and genetic algorithm were used to study the change trend of the evaluation indicators of trunk trim panel with the changes of process parameters; based on the optimal process parameter combination and the established neural network’s prediction function, the maximum thinning rate, maximum thickening rate, and shrinkage rate under a single process parameter change could be predicted, and the influence of a single process parameter on the maximum thinning rate, maximum thickening rate, and shrinkage rate could be obtained; the process parameters were optimized, and a maximum thinning rate of 28%, a maximum thickening rate of 4.3%, and a shrinkage rate of 0.8% were obtained; the optimal molding process parameters of the trunk trim panel were heating temperature of 209°C, heating time of 62 s, molding pressure of 14 kPa, and holding pressure time of 49 s; after optimization, the maximum shrinkage rate was 28.0880%, the maximum thickening rate was 44.3264%, and the shrinkage rate was 0.8901%; according to the optimal process parameters, the quality of the trunk trim panel was very good, which met the production quality requirements.
Electromagnetic Force Analysis of Eccentric Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machines
Authors: Li Qiaoshan , Zhang Bingyi , Liu Aimin
Published: April 2020

Based on Schwarz–Christoffel mapping, this paper presents a fast analytical method to analyze the electromagnetic force of eccentric axial flux permanent magnet machines, considering static, dynamic, and mixed eccentricities. A quasi-3D model of an axial flux permanent magnet machine is established, and the magnetic field is obtained by Schwarz–Christoffel mapping. The electromagnetic force density is obtained by the Maxwell stress tensor method, and the electromagnetic force density is used to characterize the variation of electromagnetic force. The distribution law of electromagnetic force is investigated. The calculated results are verified by the finite element method, which has shown that the method in this paper can be widely used in the analysis of axial flux permanent magnet machines.
Evaluation of Design and Simulation of Creep Test Rig for Full‐Scale Crossarm Structure
Authors: Asyraf M. R. M. , Ishak M. R. , Sapuan S. M. , Yidris N. , Ilyas R. A. , Rafidah M. , Razman M. R.
Published: April 2020

A simulated model was developed in order to design and simulate the mechanical properties of a cantilever beam creep testing rig for a full‐scale size crossarm in transmission towers. Currently, the Malaysian power grid system is implementing several materials, such as Chengal wood, polymeric composite, and galvanised steel, as crossarm structures. However, there is a lack of study regarding the long‐term mechanical behaviour of heavy structures in the literature. Hence, this article explains the design development of creep test rig for a full‐scale crossarm structure using CATIA and mechanical simulation (deformation and safety factors) of the product via ANSYS. The test rig will be used to predict the creep life of the cantilever beam structure. In this study, a tall and large base area structure was designed and replicated from an actual tower to elevate the crossarm above the ground level. In order to select the best performance model, a baseline conceptual test rig was generated in CAD modelling, and the finite element analysis was carried out by using a static structural analysis in ANSYS. Four different bracing configurations were incorporated in the baseline model, and the modified structures were then analysed. The results show that the hybrid bracing configuration has enhanced the mechanical properties and safety factors in the baseline model.
Comparing the Effect of Combining Exercise with Rosuvastatin versus Atorvastatin on Lipid Profile and Functional Capacity: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Eltonsy Sherif , Doiron Monique Dufour , Simard Patrice , Jose Caroline , Sénéchal Martin , Bouchard Danielle R. , LeBlanc Rémi , Bélanger Mathieu
Published: April 2020

Background. Statins and exercise are recommended for managing hypercholesterolemia. However, statin types may vary in their interaction with exercise. We compared rosuvastatin versus atorvastatin combination with exercise on lipid profile and functional capacity. Methods. A retrospective cohort study using data from a 12‐week cardiovascular rehabilitation program between 2014 and 2016. Statin use was determined through prescriptions, and the average exercise minutes/week were computed from exercise logs. The outcomes were changes in total cholesterol, low‐ and high‐density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), triglycerides, and functional capacity (6‐minute walk test (6MWT)). Directed acyclic graphs were used to identify potential confounders, accounted for using multiple linear regression modeling. Results. The cohort included 282 patients from 106 atorvastatin and 176 rosuvastatin users. The average exercise minutes/week was 109.4 ± 66.1 among atorvastatin and 106.7 ± 49.1 among rosuvastatin users. Interaction models suggested that a higher number of exercise minutes/week were more favorable among atorvastatin users on total cholesterol and LDL (0.004, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.008 and 0.004, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.007, respectively) but did not reach significance for HDL and triglycerides. Rosuvastatin use was associated with greater increases in 6MWT; however, we observed no between‐group differences in interaction estimates by the type of statin used. Conclusion. Rosuvastatin use could blunt the beneficial effect of exercise on LDL and total cholesterol compared to atorvastatin. No significant differences were observed in triglycerides, HDL, and functional capacity levels. Additional studies are warranted with randomized treatments and larger samples. Healthcare providers should continue prescribing statins alongside recommending exercise modalities, with a careful follow‐up for rosuvastatin users.