bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of long‐acting reversible contraceptive methods among healthcare workers in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Rouncivell Laura , Takuva Simbarashe , Ledibane Neo , Musekiwa Alfred , Leong Trudy D
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) of long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods among healthcare workers (HCWs) in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted following the PRISMA method. Two authors independently searched three electronic databases for studies published between 2000 and January 2020 reporting on the KAP of LARC methods among HCWs in SSA. Titles and abstracts were screened against eligibility criteria, data were extracted and the included studies were assessed for risk of bias. A meta‐analysis of proportions for 11 pre‐determined questions relating to LARC KAP was performed. Heterogeneity was explored using the I2‐statistic and publication bias investigated using funnel plots and Egger's tests.

Results

Twenty‐two studies comprising 11,272 HCWs from 11 SSA countries were included. 50% (95% CI: 34%, 67%) of HCWs had received intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion training while 63% (95% CI: 44%, 81%) expressed a desire for training. Only 27% (95% CI: 18%, 36%) deemed IUCD appropriate for HIV‐infected women. Restrictions for IUCD and injectables based on a minimum age were imposed by 56% (95% CI: 33%, 78%) and 60% (95% CI: 36%, 84%), respectively. Minimum parity restrictions were observed among 29% (95% CI: 9%, 50%) of HCWs for IUCDs and 36% (95% CI: 16%, 56%) for injectable contraceptives. Heterogeneity was high and publication bias was present in two of the 11 questions.

Conclusion

The systematic review and meta‐analysis indicate that unnecessary provider‐imposed restrictions may hinder the uptake of LARC methods by women in SSA.
Volume function and Mahler measure of exact polynomials
Authors: Guilloux Antonin , Marché Julien
Published: April 2021

We study a class of two-variable polynomials called exact polynomials which contains

$A$

-polynomials of knot complements. The Mahler measure of these polynomials can be computed in terms of a volume function defined on the vanishing set of the polynomial. We prove that the local extrema of the volume function are on the two-dimensional torus and give a closed formula for the Mahler measure in terms of these extremal values. This formula shows that the Mahler measure of an irreducible and exact polynomial divided by

$\pi$

is greater than the amplitude of the volume function. We also prove a K-theoretic criterion for a polynomial to be a factor of an

$A$

-polynomial and give a topological interpretation of its Mahler measure.
Barriers and enablers to the development and implementation of early mobility programs for children in the pediatric intensive care unit: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Thompson Shanna , Cassidy Christine , McKibbon Shelley , Sangster Michael , Foster Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to gather and map the current literature associated with barriers and enablers related to the development and implementation of an early mobility program in pediatric intensive care units.

Introduction:

As care for critically ill patients has evolved, strategies to optimize patient outcomes and reduce the side effects of treatment have become a rising priority for clinicians, patients, and their families. Early mobilization of patients with critical illness is the only evidence-based intervention that decreases intensive care unit–acquired weakness; it may also minimize intensive care unit–acquired delirium. Early mobility in the pediatric setting has many obstacles, and routine uptake of early mobility practice has lagged.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider literature related to the barriers and enablers to the development and/or implementation of early mobility programs in pediatric intensive care units. The review will target programs designed for children and youth from birth to 18 years who have been admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit.

Methods:

This scoping review will search six databases and several sources of unpublished/gray literature. Studies published in English and French will be included. The search will be restricted to publications after 1980. Data will be extracted using a tool developed by the reviewers. The data extracted will be presented in a tabular manner and highlight the key findings related to the objectives of this review.
Diagnostic accuracy of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 compared to the viral genetic test in adults: a systematic review protocol
Authors: DeArmond Megan , Feliciano Shelby , Hirabayashi Ellyn , Duus Karen M. , Else Terry A. , Stone Amy E.L.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The objective of this diagnostic accuracy review is to evaluate the effectiveness of rapid antigen tests versus viral genetic PCR-based tests on COVID-19 diagnostic accuracy in adults 18 years and over.

Introduction:

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that clinicians have access to the most relevant and effective tools and information required to combat this disease. Testing strategies are being developed continuously and need to be evaluated to ensure their appropriate implementation into clinical practice.

Inclusion criteria:

This systematic review will include publications that are in the English language (originally or translated) and any gray literature pertaining to the tests of interest. All races, ages over 18, and geographic locations will be considered.

Methods:

MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), Qinsight (Quertle), and WHO COVID-19 database (World Health Organization) will be searched. Scopus, Qinsight, and WHO COVID-19 include gray literature. Studies in English published from November 2019 to the present will be considered. Animal studies and studies including pregnant women will be excluded. Retrieval of full-text studies, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality will be performed independently by two reviewers. A custom data extraction table will be used. Findings will be graphically represented with two forest plots, one for sensitivity and the other for specificity. The strategy for meta-analysis includes producing a summary receiver operating characteristic curve and estimating the summary sensitivity/specificity for each threshold provided in the articles.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020224250
Nonlinear Approximation for Natural Convection Flow Near a Vertical Plate With Thermal Radiation Effect
Authors: Jha Basant K. , Samaila Gabriel
Published: April 2021

A nonlinear approximation for natural convection boundary layer flow near a vertical wall under the influence of thermal radiation is analyzed. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations via the similarity transformation. The final dimensionless equations are solved numerically using the Runge Kutta Ferlberg fourth-fifth order (RKF45) method. The effects of the embedded parameters affecting the flow formation, temperature distribution, Nusselt number, and skin friction are thoroughly examined. It is found out that the temperature gradient is directly proportional to the thermal radiation parameter near the vertical plate whereas it is inversely proportional to the temperature gradient far away from the vertical plate. It is also found that the flow formation near the vertical wall could be enhanced with the increase in thermal radiation parameter. However, this increase remains unaffected in the freestream region. Furthermore, results also show that the rate of heat transfer could be enhanced with the increase in thermal radiation whereas decreases with the increase in other embedded flow parameters.
Method for Determining the Change in Gas Turbine Firing Temperature
Authors: Wang Bo , Rosner Fabian , Rao Ashok , Zhao Lifeng , Samuelsen Scott
Published: April 2021

The maximum firing temperature of a gas turbine (GT) is limited by material constraints. Critical for the operation of the GT is the blade metal temperature, which is impacted by the heat transfer from the combustor outlet gas to the blade surface. In this study, performance characteristics for an H-class-type GT have been established and two correlations for the change in the maximum permissible firing temperature as function of combustor outlet gas composition or flue gas composition and pressure ratio have been derived: (I) for detailed GT modeling with cooling flows and (II) for simplified GT modeling without specifying cooling flows.
The Effect of the Design of Surgical Electrodes on the Formation of Sparking Enhanced Burns
Authors: Radmilović-Radjenović Marija , Radjenović Dimitrije , Radjenović Branislav
Published: April 2021

Electrocautery is a safe and effective method of hemostasis during cutaneous surgery. Despite the unquestionable benefits, electrocautery sparks in the surgical field represent a significant fire risk that can be eliminated by clarifying the causation and conditions of their development. Apart from the experimental methods, computer modeling is proven to be an effective approach to improve the performance of electrocautery. This paper is dealing with the design of electrodes to prevent burns during standard procedures. Simulations were carried out by using the comsol simulation package for various electrode configurations (cylinder-cylinder, sphere-sphere, sphere-cylinder, and cylinder-sphere) representing shapes of surgical electrodes. The primary goal was to determine the location where sparking starts. The obtained simulation results agree well with the experimental data taken from the literature supporting that the sparking formation is strongly affected by the electrode configuration. It was found that sparking occurs most easily when both electrodes are cylindrical. Also, the sparking mechanism depends on electrical asymmetry that results in undesirable direct current burns. Results presented here can be used to establish practices for the safe use of the electrocautery devices and to prevent injury to patients and staff.
Robust Design of a Fuel Cell—Turbocharger Hybrid System
Authors: Giugno Andrea , Mantelli Luca , Traverso Alberto
Published: April 2021

Pressurized solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems are a particularly attractive conversion technology for their high electric efficiency, potential for cogeneration applications, low carbon emissions, and high performance at part-load. In this work, an innovative biofueled hybrid system is considered, where the fuel cell stack is pressurized with a turbocharger, resulting in a system with improved cost effectiveness than a microturbine-based one at small scales. In a previous work, a detailed steady-state model of the system, featuring components validated with industrial data, was developed to simulate the system and analyze its behavior in different conditions. The results obtained from this model were used to create response surfaces capable of evaluating the impact of the main operating parameters (fuel cell area, stack current density, and recuperator (REC) surface) on the performance and the profitability of the plant considering system uncertainties. In this paper, similar but extended response surfaces will be used to perform a multi-objective optimization of the system considering the capital costs of the plant and the net power produced as objectives (turbocharger is fixed in geometry). The impact of the energy market scenario on the optimal design of such a system will be investigated considering its installation in three different countries. Finally, the Pareto front produced by optimization will be used to evaluate the robustness of the top performance solutions.
Comparing Global Spray Combustion Characteristics and Local Shot-to-Shot Variations in a Reacting n-Heptane Spray
Authors: Reggeti Shawn A. , Parker Allen , Wanstall C. Taber , Agrawal Ajay K. , Bittle Joshua A.
Published: April 2021

In support of efforts to develop improved models of turbulent spray behavior and combustion in diesel engines, experimental data and analysis must be obtained for guidance and validation. For Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)-based Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling approaches, representative ensemble average experimental results are important. For high-fidelity models such as large eddy simulations (LES)-based CFD, precise individual experimental results are desirable. However, making comparisons between a given experiment and LES is a challenge since local parameters cannot be directly compared. In this work, an optically accessible constant pressure flow rig (CPFR) is utilized to acquire diesel-like fuel injection and reaction behavior simultaneously with three optical diagnostic techniques: rainbow Schlieren deflectometry (RSD), OH* chemiluminescence (OH*), and two-color pyrometry (2CP). The CPFR allows a large number of repeated injection experiments to be performed for statistical analysis and convergence using ensemble-averaging techniques, while maintaining highly repeatable test conditions. Even for stable test conditions, variations in local turbulent fuel–air mixing introduce variability, which manifests as significant differences in OH* and 2CP results. Experimental measurements of characteristic parameters including liquid and vapor jet penetration, liftoff length, soot temperature and concentration, and turbulent flame speed, along with the shot-to-shot variability of each dataset, are presented and discussed. A statistical method is utilized to analyze the extent of this variability, and to identify superlative injections within the dataset for discussion and analysis of shot-to-shot variations.
Conceptual Design and Energy Storage Positioning Aspects for a Hybrid-Electric Light Aircraft
Authors: Gkoutzamanis Vasilis G. , Kavvalos Mavroudis D. , Srinivas Arjun , Mavroudi Doukaini , Korbetis George , Kyprianidis Konstantinos G. , Kalfas Anestis I.
Published: April 2021

This work is a feasibility study of a 19-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft, to serve the short-haul segment within the 200–600 nautical miles. Its ambition is to answer some dominating research questions, during the evaluation and design of aircraft based on alternative propulsion architectures. The potential entry into service (EIS) is foreseen beyond 2030. A literature review is performed to identify similar concepts under research and development. After the requirements' definition, the first level of conceptual design is employed. The objective of design selections is driven by the need to reduce CO2 emissions and accommodate aircraft electrification with boundary layer ingestion engines. Based on a set of assumptions, a methodology for the sizing of the hybrid-electric aircraft is described to explore the basis of the design space, incorporating a parametric analysis for the consideration of boundary layer ingestion effects. Additionally, a methodology for the energy storage positioning is provided to highlight the multidisciplinary aspects between the sizing of an aircraft, the selected architecture (series/parallel partial hybrid), and the storage characteristics. The results show that it is not possible to fulfill the initial design requirements (600 nmi) with a fully-electric aircraft configuration, due to the far-fetched battery necessities. It is also highlighted that compliance with airworthiness standards is favored by switching to hybrid-electric aircraft configurations and relaxing the design requirements (targeted range, payload, battery technology). Finally, the lower degree of hybridization (40%) is observed to have a higher energy efficiency (−12% energy consumption) compared to the higher degree of hybridization (50%) and greater CO2 reduction, with respect to the conventional configuration.
Fatigue Testing of Copper Nanoparticle-Based Joints and Bonds
Authors: Sivasubramony Rajesh Sharma , Kokash Maan Zaid , Thekkut Sanoop , Shahane Ninad , Thompson Patrick , Mirpuri Kabir , Kawana Yuki , Greene Christopher M. , Borgesen Peter
Published: April 2021

Fused or sintered Cu nanoparticle structures are potential alternatives to solder for ultrafine pitch flip chip assembly and to sintered Ag for heat sink attach in high-temperature micro-electronics. Meaningful testing and interpretation of test results in terms of what to expect under realistic use conditions do, however, require a mechanistic picture of degradation and damage mechanisms. As far as fatigue goes, such a picture is starting to emerge. The porosity of sintered nanoparticle structures significantly affects their behavior in cycling. The very different sensitivities to parameters, compared to solder, mean new protocols will be required for the assessment of reliability. This study focused on fatigue in both isothermal and thermal cycling. During the latter, all damage occurs at the low-temperature extreme, so life is particularly sensitive to the minimum temperature and any dwell there. Variations in the maximum temperature up to 125 °C did not affect, but a maximum temperature of 200 °C led to much faster damage. Depending on particle size and sintering conditions, deformation and damage properties may also degrade rapidly over time. Our picture allows for recommendations as to more relevant test protocols for vibration, thermal cycling, and combinations of these, including effects of aging, as well as for generalization of test results and comparisons in terms of anticipated behavior under realistic long-term use conditions. Also, the fatigue life seems to vary with the ultimate strength, meaning that simple strength testing becomes a convenient reference in materials and process optimization.
Systematic study of the outgassing behavior of different ceramic materials
Authors: Battes Katharina , Day Christian , Hauer Volker
Published: April 2021

The outgassing rates of various ceramic materials were systematically investigated. This paper intercompares the most relevant ceramic material classes used in vacuum technology, namely, oxide (five different types investigated) and non-oxide based ceramics, including nitrides (four different types) and carbides (three different types). For this purpose, the Outgassing Measurement Apparatus, which uses the difference method, was applied. Besides time, also, temperature dependence of outgassing was studied to check whether a previous heat treatment of the ceramics is necessary. Additionally, the outgassing species were qualitatively determined by a quadrupole mass spectrometer. In total, relatively large differences were found between the investigated ceramic materials for their initial outgassing rates as well as for their behavior at elevated temperatures. All investigated types of carbide ceramics showed very low outgassing rates of less than 3 × 10−8 Pa m3/(s m2) after 100 h at room temperature, whereas rather high outgassing rates of about 10−5 Pa m3/(s m2) were found for magnesia as well as the tested nitride ceramic types. Thus, depending on the ceramic material, a heat treatment is strongly recommended before use in ultrahigh vacuum applications.
Neutral quasispecies evolution and the maximal entropy random walk
Authors: Smerlak M.
Published: April 2021

In large, genetically diverse populations (e.g., RNA viruses), neutral evolution is no less directional than adaptive evolution.
Effect of mesoscale phase contrast on fatigue-delaying behavior of self-healing hydrogels
Authors: Li Xueyu , Cui Kunpeng , Kurokawa Takayuki , Ye Ya Nan , Sun Tao Lin , Yu Chengtao , Creton Costantino , Gong Jian Ping
Published: April 2021

The multilevel fatigue resistance mechanism of tough and self-healing hydrogels with a hierarchical structure was revealed.
A nonviral, nonintegrating DNA nanovector platform for the safe, rapid, and persistent manufacture of recombinant T cells
Authors: Bozza Matthias , De Roia Alice , Correia Margareta P. , Berger Aileen , Tuch Alexandra , Schmidt Andreas , Zörnig Inka , Jäger Dirk , Schmidt Patrick , Harbottle Richard P.
Published: April 2021

Autosomally replicating episomal DNA nanovectors allow clinical-scale CAR-T cell manufacturing.
CytoTalk: De novo construction of signal transduction networks using single-cell transcriptomic data
Authors: Hu Yuxuan , Peng Tao , Gao Lin , Tan Kai
Published: April 2021

CytoTalk is a novel computational method that infers cell type–specific signaling networks from single-cell transcriptomic data.
3D jet writing of mechanically actuated tandem scaffolds
Authors: Moon Seongjun , Jones Michael S. , Seo Eunbyeol , Lee Jaeyu , Lahann Lucas , Jordahl Jacob H. , Lee Kyung Jin , Lahann Joerg
Published: April 2021

Charge reversal during 3D jet writing provides the high-throughput production of precisely engineered 3D structures.
Synchronized and asynchronous modulation of seismicity by hydrological loading: A case study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ya-Ju , Kao Honn , Bürgmann Roland , Lee Ya-Ting , Huang Hsin-Hua , Hsu Yu-Fang , Wu Yih-Min , Zhuang Jiancang
Published: April 2021

Modulation of earthquakes by seasonal water cycle in Taiwan implies modestly higher seismic hazard during dry seasons.
Climbing robots in a sticky situation
Authors: Lee Bruce P.
Published: April 2021

Mussel-inspired electro-responsive adhesive hydrogels enable robot climbing on conductive surfaces.
Imaging
Enterobacterales
infections in patients using pathogen-specific positron emission tomography
Authors: Ordonez Alvaro A. , Wintaco Luz M. , Mota Filipa , Restrepo Andres F. , Ruiz-Bedoya Camilo A. , Reyes Carlos F. , Uribe Luis G. , Abhishek Sudhanshu , D’Alessio Franco R. , Holt Daniel P. , Dannals Robert F. , Rowe Steven P. , Castillo Victor R. , Pomper Martin G. , Granados Ulises , Jain Sanjay K.
Published: April 2021

18
F-FDS PET/CT can detect and localize infections due to
Enterobacterales
in patients and noninvasively monitor response to antibiotic treatment.
Structural Insights into the Mechanisms of Action of Functionally Distinct Classes of Chikungunya Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 Inhibitors
Authors: Kovacikova Kristina , Gorostiola González Marina , Jones Rhian , Reguera Juan , Gigante Alba , Pérez-Pérez María-Jesús , Pürstinger Gerhard , Moesslacher Julia , Langer Thierry , Jeong Lak Shin , Delang Leen , Neyts Johan , Snijder Eric J. , van Westen Gerard J. P. , van Hemert Martijn J.
Published: April 2021

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) harbors the methyltransferase (MTase) and guanylyltransferase (GTase) activities needed for viral RNA capping and represents a promising antiviral drug target. We compared the antiviral efficacies of nsP1 inhibitors belonging to the MADTP, CHVB, and FHNA series (6′-fluoro-homoneplanocin A [FHNA], its 3′-keto form, and 6′-β-fluoro-homoaristeromycin).
Symbiont Genomic Features and Localization in the Bean Beetle
Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Berasategui Aileen , Moller Abraham G. , Weiss Benjamin , Beck Christopher W. , Bauchiero Caroline , Read Timothy D. , Gerardo Nicole M. , Salem Hassan
Published: April 2021

From supplementing essential nutrients to detoxifying plant secondary metabolites and insecticides, bacterial symbionts are a key source of adaptations for herbivorous insect pests. Despite the pervasiveness and geographical range of the bean beetle,
Callosobruchus maculatus
, the role of microbial symbioses in its natural history remains understudied.
High-Resolution Genomic Comparisons within
Salmonella enterica
Serotypes Derived from Beef Feedlot Cattle: Parsing the Roles of Cattle Source, Pen, Animal, Sample Type, and Production Period
Authors: Levent Gizem , Schlochtermeier Ashlynn , Ives Samuel E. , Norman Keri N. , Lawhon Sara D. , Loneragan Guy H. , Anderson Robin C. , Vinasco Javier , den Bakker Henk C. , Scott H. Morgan
Published: April 2021

Salmonella
serotypes isolated from outbreaks in humans can also be found in beef cattle and feedlots. Virulence factors and antibiotic resistance are among the primary defense mechanisms of
Salmonella
, and are often associated with clonal expansion.
Delila-PY, a Pipeline for Utilizing the Delila Suite of Software to Identify Potential DNA Binding Motifs
Authors: Myers Kevin S. , Place Michael , Kominek Jacek , Noguera Daniel R. , Donohue Timothy J.
Published: April 2021

Predicting potential DNA binding motifs is a critical part of understanding gene expression across all domains of life. Here, we report the development of Delila-PY, an easy-to-use pipeline to utilize the Delila suite to identify DNA binding motifs.
Draft Chromosome Sequences of a Clinical Isolate of the Free-Living Ameba Naegleria fowleri
Authors: Ali Ibne Karim M. , Kelley Alyssa , Joseph Sandeep J. , Park Subin , Roy Shantanu , Jackson Jonathan , Cope Jennifer R. , Rowe Lori A. , Burroughs Mark , Sheth Mili , Batra Dhwani , Loparev Vladimir
Published: April 2021

We present the chromosome sequences of a
Naegleria fowleri
isolate from a human primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) case. The genome sequences were assembled from Illumina HiSeq and PacBio sequencing data and verified with the optical mapping data.
Acute lung toxicity by nitrofurantoin
Authors: Milazzo Eliana , Orellana Gabriela , Briceño-Bierwirth Adriana , Korrapati Vamsi Kiran
Published: April 2021

Nitrofurantoin is a synthetic derivative of imidazolinedione, used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections. It acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA, RNA and cell wall protein synthesis. It is used prophylactically as a urinary anti-infective agent against most gram-positive organism and for long-term suppression of infections. Nitrofurantoin-associated pulmonary injuries occur in 1% of patients, presenting with dyspnoea and dry cough, and it can mimic interstitial lung disease. We present a case of an 81-year-old woman with shortness of breath and cough 3 days after initiation of nitrofurantoin. CT of the chest revealed bilateral pleural effusion and extensive pulmonary interstitial prominence, suggesting pulmonary fibrosis. According to the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale score of 6, it was determined that nitrofurantoin was the probable cause, and immediate cessation of the medication showed a marked clinical improvement and resolution after 10 days.
Hyperregenerative macrocytic anaemia: the role of copper and zinc
Authors: Hofmann Patrick , Buetikofer Claudia , Bächli Esther
Published: April 2021

In a patient with a history of bariatric surgery, severe copper deficiency presenting with macrocytic hyperregenerative anaemia was diagnosed. Besides the impaired intestinal absorption due to a short bowel syndrome, the enteral zinc supplementation competitively decreased the intestinal copper uptake. Once the zinc supplementation was stopped, enteral copper replacement ensued and normalised haemoglobin levels with decreasing median corpuscular volume were observed during follow-up visits.
Interleukin-6 mediated exercise-induced alleviation of adiposity and hepatic steatosis in mice
Authors: Li Long , Huang Caoxin , Yin Hongyan , Zhang Xiaofang , Wang Dongmei , Ma Chen , Li Jia , Zhao Yan , Li Xuejun
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Exercise training has been shown to be the most effective strategy to combat obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, exercise promotes loss of adipose tissue mass and improves obesity-related hepatic steatosis through mechanisms that remain obscure.

Research design and methods

To study the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced adiposity and hepatic steatosis during treadmill running, IL-6 knockout (IL-6 KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were randomly divided into lean, obese (fed a HFD) and trained obese groups (fed a HFD and exercise trained).

Results

After 20 weeks of HFD feeding and 8 weeks of treadmill running, we found that exercise obviously reduced HFD-induced body weight gain, inhibited visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) expansion and almost completely reversed obesity-related intrahepatic fat accumulation in WT mice. However, IL-6 knockout (IL-6 KO) mice are refractory to the benefits of treadmill training on body weight, VAT and SAT mass elevation, and hepatic steatosis. Moreover, a panel of lipolytic-related and thermogenic-related genes, including ATGL, HSL and PGC-1α, was upregulated in the VAT and SAT of WT mice that received exercise training compared with untrained mice, which was not observed in IL-6 KO mice. In addition, exercise training resulted in a significant inhibition of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression in WT mice, and these effects were not noted in IL-6 KO mice.

Conclusion

These results revealed that IL-6 is involved in the prevention of obesity and hepatic fat accumulation during exercise training. The mechanisms underlying these antiobesity effects may be associated with enhanced lipolysis and thermogenesis in white adipose tissue. The improvement in hepatic steatosis by exercise training may benefit from the marked inhibition of PPAR-γ expression by IL-6.
Reducing weight and BMI following gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of digital and telemedicine interventions
Authors: Halligan Julia , Whelan Maxine E , Roberts Nia , Farmer Andrew J
Published: April 2021

Women with past gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at risk of subsequent type 2 diabetes and adverse cardiovascular events. Digital and telemedicine interventions targeting weight loss and reductions in body mass index (BMI) may help reduce risk for women with GDM. The aim was to compare the effectiveness of digital or telemedicine intervention with usual care. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified in Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. Included trials recruited women with prior GDM but without pre-existing diabetes, and tested a digital or telemedicine intervention with or without an in-person component. Data extraction was carried out independently by two authors. The search yielded 898 citations. Eighteen articles reporting 15 trials were included, of which 8 tested digital interventions. Reported outcomes included weight, BMI, fasting plasma glucose and waist circumference. None of the included trials reported type 2 diabetes incidence or cardiovascular risk. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The point estimate favored the intervention but was non-significant for both BMI (−0.90 kg/m2, 95% CI −1.89 to 0.09; p=0.08) and weight (−1.83 kg, 95% CI −4.08 to 0.42, p=0.11). Trials evaluating digital and telemedicine interventions identified clinically relevant, but non-significant improvements in BMI and weight compared with control. No trials assessed type 2 diabetes occurrence as an outcome. More well-designed RCTs with adequate power and long-term follow-up are needed to identify the impact of these interventions on type 2 diabetes occurrence.
Regional variation in cardiovascular magnetic resonance service delivery across the UK
Authors: Keenan Niall G , Captur Gabriella , McCann Gerry P , Berry Colin , Myerson Saul G , Fairbairn Timothy , Hudsmith Lucy , O'Regan Declan P , Westwood Mark , Greenwood John P
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To examine service provision in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in the UK. Equitable access to diagnostic imaging is important in healthcare. CMR is widely available in the UK, but there may be regional variations.

Methods

An electronic survey was sent by the British Society of CMR to the service leads of all CMR units in the UK in 2019 requesting data from 2017 and 2018. Responses were analysed by region and interpreted alongside population statistics.

Results

The survey response rate was 100% (82 units). 100 386 clinical scans were performed in 2017 and 114 967 in 2018 (15% 1-year increase; 5-fold 10-year increase compared with 2008 data). In 2018, there were 1731 CMR scans/million population overall, with significant regional variation, for example, 4256 scans/million in London vs 396 scans/million in Wales. Median number of clinical scans per unit was 780, IQR 373–1951, range 98–10 000, with wide variation in mean waiting times (median 41 days, IQR 30–49, range 5–180); median 25 days in London vs 180 days in Northern Ireland). Twenty-five units (30%) reported mean elective waiting times in excess of 6 weeks, and 8 (10%) ≥3 months. There were 351 consultants reporting CMR, of whom 230 (66%) were cardiologists and 121 (34%) radiologists; 81% of units offered a CMR service for patients with pacemakers and defibrillators.

Conclusions

This survey provides a unique, contemporary insight into national CMR delivery with 100% centre engagement. The 10-year growth in CMR usage at fivefold has been remarkable but heterogeneous across the UK, with some regions still reporting low usage or long waiting times which may be of clinical concern.
Human-like speed modeling for autonomous vehicles during car-following at intersections
Authors: Tawfeek Mostafa H.
Published: April 2021

This study aims to model drivers’ speed in car-following during braking situations at intersections to estimate a safe comfortable human-like speed at the minimum car-following distance for autonomous vehicles (AV). Several car-following behavioral measures were extracted at different times before reaching the minimum following distance and the intersection control type (signalized or unsignalized) was recorded to train the model using three machine-learning techniques. The results showed that the XGBoost model is superior to other techniques with R2 values of 0.99 and 0.97 for training and testing datasets, respectively. The results also indicated that the control type impacts driver speed at the minimum following distance. The modeled speed will provide a more comfortable experience for AV riders and will not violate the expectations of the surrounding traditional vehicle drivers. Also, the proposed model can be adopted to enhance current car-following models by considering the effect of intersections and their control type.
Detecting change points in dynamic networks by measuring cluster stability
Authors: Yu Lanlan , Wang Biao , Huang Luojie , Dai Zhen , Yang Yang , Chen Yan , Li Ping
Published: April 2021

Clustering patterns are ubiquitously present in a variety of networked systems, and may change with the evolution of network topology. Probing into the cluster structures can shed light on the change of the entire network, especially those sudden changes emerging in the process of network evolution. Though abundant researches have been done in detecting the changes of dynamic networks, more precisely, change points at which the network topology experiences abrupt changes, most of the existing methods focus on local changes (e.g. edges change) that are commonly mixed with noise, giving rise to high false positive reports. Different from the previous work, here we inspect the topological changes from mesoscale clusters of dynamic networks, which will reduce the perturbation of link variation to detection accuracy. Towards this end, we look for the invariant clusters of nodes during the observation window in dynamic networks and propose a new measure to quantify the stability of node clusters with respect to the invariant clustering patterns. Then the change of dynamic networks at mesoscale can be captured by comparing the variations of stability measures. In the light of the proposed measurement, we design a change-point detection algorithm and conduct extensive experiments on synthetic and real-life datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. The results show the outperformance of our method in identifying change points, compared to several baseline methods.
Some aspects of the cosmological dynamics in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Chirkov Dmitry , Pavluchenko Sergey A.
Published: April 2021

We study some aspects of dynamical compactification scenario where stabilization of extra dimensions occurs due to the presence of Gauss–Bonnet term and nonzero spatial curvature. In the framework of the model under consideration, there exists two-stages scenario of evolution of a Universe: in the first stage, the space evolves from a totally anisotropic state to the state with three-dimensional (corresponding to our “real” world) expanding and [Formula: see text]-dimensional contracting isotropic subspaces; on the second stage, constant curvature of extra dimensions begins to play role and provide compactification of extra dimensions. It is already known that such a scenario is realizable when constant curvature of extra dimensions is negative. Here we show that a range of coupling constants for which exponential solutions with three-dimensional expanding and [Formula: see text]-dimensional contracting isotropic subspaces are stable is located in a zone where compactification solutions with positively curved extra space are unstable, so that two-stage scenario analogous to the one described above is not realizable. Also we study “nearly-Friedmann” regime for the case of arbitrary constant curvature of extra dimensions and describe new parametrization of the general solution for the model under consideration which provide elegant way of describing areas of existence over parameters space.
Humanoid Gait Pattern Generation with Orbital Energy
Authors: Raj Manish , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: April 2021

A novel approach has been proposed to generate the gait pattern of the humanoid robot with use of orbital energy concept. As the bipedal robots can be modeled as Linear Inverted Pendulum Model (LIPM) and rolling sphere model, the detailed discussion is presented here to generate stable walking pattern with help of this model. The intensive uses and advantages of the orbital energy concept have also been presented compared to different traditional approach of walking pattern generation. In this context, a novel algorithm has been proposed to generate 3D walking pattern of the bipedal robots, and how the 3D walking pattern can be approximated as the 2D walking pattern. All the analytical results are provided and verified with NaO robot (Biped robot).
Motion Parameters Estimation of a Moving Target Based on Instantaneous Frequency Estimates Using a Passive Acoustic Sensor
Authors: Om Cholnam , Ri Yong-Hyok , Kim Jong-Gun , Sin Yong-Hak
Published: April 2021

This paper studies a method for estimating the motion parameters [Formula: see text] using the instantaneous frequency estimates of the acoustical signal emitted from a moving target in the air and received by an acoustic sensor placed on the ground. Here, [Formula: see text] is the target’s travel speed, [Formula: see text] is the closest point of approach slant range, [Formula: see text] is the source acoustical frequency, and [Formula: see text] is the time at the target get to the closest point of approach to the sensor. A novel relationship formula between the instantaneous frequency and motion parameters is derived and an algorithm for estimating the motion parameters based on the solution of quadratic nonlinear optimization from the instantaneous frequency estimates is proposed. The instantaneous frequency is estimated by searching the peak of a polynomial Wigner–Ville distribution. An approach for calculating the optimal window width in a polynomial Wigner–Ville distribution is proposed. Numerical examples are provided for validating our theoretic claims.
Lower bound for the neutrino magnetic moment from kick velocities induced at the birth of neutron stars
Authors: Ayala Alejandro , Bernal-Langarica Santiago , Hernández-Ortiz S. , Hernández L. A. , Manreza-Paret D.
Published: April 2021

We show that the neutrino chirality flip, which can take place in the core of a neutron star at birth, is an efficient process to allow neutrinos to anisotropically escape, thus providing a to induce the neutron star kick velocities. The process is not subject to the no-go theorem since although the flip from left- to right-handed neutrinos happens at equilibrium, the reverse process does not take place given that right-handed neutrinos do not interact with matter and therefore detailed balance is lost. For simplicity, we model the neutron star core as being made of strange quark matter. We find that the process is efficient when the neutrino magnetic moment is not smaller than [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Bohr magneton. When this lower bound is combined with the most stringent upper bound, which uses the luminosity data obtained from the analysis of SN 1987A, our results set a range for the neutrino magnetic moment given by [Formula: see text]. The obtained kick velocities for natal conditions are consistent with the observed ones and span the correct range of radii for typical magnetic field intensities.
Vector-valued Maclaurin inequalities
Authors: Brazitikos Silouanos , McIntyre Finlay
Published: April 2021

We investigate a Maclaurin inequality for vectors and its connection to an Aleksandrov-type inequality for parallelepipeds.
Margulis lemma and Hurewicz fibration theorem on Alexandrov spaces
Authors: Xu Shicheng , Yao Xuchao
Published: April 2021

We prove the generalized Margulis lemma with a uniform index bound on an Alexandrov [Formula: see text]-space [Formula: see text] with curvature bounded below, i.e. small loops at [Formula: see text] generate a subgroup of the fundamental group of the unit ball [Formula: see text] that contains a nilpotent subgroup of index [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a constant depending only on the dimension [Formula: see text]. The proof is based on the main ideas of V. Kapovitch, A. Petrunin and W. Tuschmann, and the following results:

(1) We prove that any regular almost Lipschitz submersion constructed by Yamaguchi on a collapsed Alexandrov space with curvature bounded below is a Hurewicz fibration. We also prove that such fibration is uniquely determined up to a homotopy equivalence.

(2) We give a detailed proof on the gradient push, improving the universal pushing time bound given by V. Kapovitch, A. Petrunin and W. Tuschmann, and justifying in a specific way that the gradient push between regular points can always keep away from extremal subsets.
A special Calabi–Yau degeneration with trivial monodromy
Authors: Cynk Sławomir , van Straten Duco
Published: April 2021

A well-known theorem of Kulikov, Persson and Pinkham states that a degeneration of a family of K3-surfaces with trivial monodromy can be completed to a smooth family. We give a simple example that an analogous statement does not hold for Calabi–Yau threefolds.
An Equivalent Identification Method for Dynamic Loads Acting on Nonlinear Structures
Authors: Yu Zhongbo , Li Kun , Liu Jie , Lu Cheng , Bu Xiaobing
Published: April 2021

An efficient dynamic load identification method for nonlinear structures is proposed. Assuming that the nonlinear elements of a structure can be separated, or the structural kinetic equation can be available, the whole structural damping and stiffness matrices can be divided into linear and nonlinear sub matrices. Regarding the effects of the nonlinear elements on the linear ones as dynamic load constraints, which can be realized by moving the product of the nonlinear sub matrices and their corresponding responses to the right-hand side of the original kinetic equation, a remaining linear structure subjected to multi-source of dynamic loads can then be obtained. The instability of the obtained structure caused by the load equivalence is discussed and improved. The case that the characteristics of the nonlinear parameters are unknown is also investigated. Finally, based on the improved structure, Green’s kernel function method, LSQR regularization is employed to reconstruct the dynamic loads. The effectiveness of the proposed method is proved by two numerical examples and an engineering application.
A distributed algorithm for a set cover game
Authors: Zhu Chaojie , Huang Xiaohui , Zhang Zhao
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we propose a set cover game and show that any Nash equilibrium is a minimal set cover, and also a Pareto optimal solution. Then we present a distributed algorithm to realize the game. The algorithm is self-organizing in the sense that all players can make decisions by themselves simultaneously. It is local in the sense that each player makes his decision based only on information in his neighborhood. It is efficient in the sense that it converges to a minimal set cover in polynomial time when [Formula: see text] is upper bounded by a polynomial of the input size, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the maximum cost and the minimum cost of sets, respectively.
A note on polychromatic colorings of plane graphs
Authors: Zhang Xinmiao , Guo Yirong , Zhang Xia
Published: April 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a plane graph with a set of faces [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be a (not necessarily proper) vertex [Formula: see text]-coloring. [Formula: see text] is called polychromatic if all [Formula: see text] colors appear on the vertices of its boundary for each face (also the outer-face) [Formula: see text]. The polychromatic number of [Formula: see text] is the largest number of colors [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] admits a polychromatic [Formula: see text]-coloring. In the paper, we consider a class of plane graphs [Formula: see text] with minimum face size [Formula: see text], in each of which every pair of faces have at most [Formula: see text] common incident vertices, and show that the polychromatic number for each [Formula: see text] is at least [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text], the result improves a known lower bound.
Application of exploration geochemistry data to identify anomalies in the plateau region: a case study from the Xiongcun district in the Gangdese metallogenic belt, Tibet, China
Authors: Lou Yuming , Lang Xinghai , Wang Xuhui , Deng Yulin , He Qing , Huang Chao , Liang Haihui , Lv Na , Dong Mi , Jiang Kai , Zhang Zhong
Published: April 2021

This paper describes the discovery of porphyry Cu–Au ore bodies (No. 2 and No. 3) in Xiongcun, Tibet, China, through the investigation of stream sediments, soils and rocks. The study area (Xiongcun), located in the city of Xigaze, has a complex topography due to its complicated geological background. The Xiongcun No. 1 ore body will soon be mined, 15 years after its discovery. However, recent research on stream sediments, soils and rocks around the No. 1 ore body has revealed notable Cu anomalies on the periphery. With the successful application of exploratory geochemistry data in the anomaly locations, the No. 2 and No. 3 ore bodies have been revealed. The ore reserves of the No. 2 and No. 3 ore bodies are estimated to reach 1.64 million tons of Cu, more than 80 tons of Au and 200 tons of Ag. We expect that our findings will not only enhance the understanding of the reanalysis of anomalies surrounding the discovered deposits but also contribute to the evaluation of the ore-prospecting potential of this plateau region.
Engineering Selectively Targeting Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Lei Ming , Jayaraman Arul , Van Deventer James A. , Lee Kyongbum
Published: April 2021

The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacterial pathogens has necessitated the development of new therapeutics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of compounds with potentially attractive therapeutic properties, including the ability to target specific groups of bacteria. In nature, AMPs exhibit remarkable structural and functional diversity, which may be further enhanced through genetic engineering, high-throughput screening, and chemical modification strategies. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying AMP selectivity and highlight recent computational and experimental efforts to design selectively targeting AMPs. While there has been an extensive effort to find broadly active and highly potent AMPs, it remains challenging to design targeting peptides to discriminate between different bacteria on the basis of physicochemical properties. We also review approaches for measuring AMP activity, point out the challenges faced in assaying for selectivity, and discuss the potential for increasing AMP diversity through chemical modifications.