bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Model of Type 2 Diabetes Remission after Metabolic Surgery in Chinese Patients
Authors: Luo Yufang , Guo Zi , He Honghui , Yang Youbo , Zhao Shaoli , Mo Zhaohui
Published: November 2020

Introduction. Metabolic surgery is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D). At present, there is no authoritative standard for predicting postoperative T2D remission in clinical use. In general, East Asian patients with T2D have a lower body mass index and worse islet function than westerners. We aimed to look for clinical predictors of T2D remission after metabolic surgery in Chinese patients, which may provide insights for patient selection. Methods. Patients with T2D who underwent metabolic surgery at the Third Xiangya Hospital between October 2008 and March 2017 were enrolled. T2D remission was defined as an HbA1c level below 6.5% and an FPG concentration below 7.1 mmol/L for at least one year in the absence of antidiabetic medications. Results. (1) Independent predictors of short-term T2D remission (1-2 years) were age and C-peptide area under the curve (C-peptide AUC); independent predictors of long-term T2D remission (4–6 years) were C-peptide AUC and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). (2) The optimal cutoff value for C-peptide AUC in predicting T2D remission was 30.93 ng/ml, with a specificity of 67.3% and sensitivity of 75.8% in the short term and with a specificity of 61.9% and sensitivity of 81.5% in the long term, respectively. The areas under the ROC curves are 0.674 and 0.623 in the short term and long term, respectively. (3) We used three variables (age, C-peptide AUC, and FPG) to construct a remission prediction score (ACF), a multidimensional 9-point scale, along which greater scores indicate a better chance of T2D remission. We compared our scoring system with other reported models (ABCD, DiaRem, and IMS). The ACF scoring system had the best distribution of patients and prognostic significance according to the ROC curves. Conclusion. Presurgery age, C-peptide AUC, and FPG are independent predictors of T2D remission after metabolic surgery. Among these, C-peptide AUC plays a decisive role in both short- and long-term remission prediction, and the optimal cutoff value for C-peptide AUC in predicting T2D remission was 30.93 ng/ml, with moderate predictive values. The ACF score is a simple reliable system that can predict T2D remission among Chinese patients.
Revealing the Pharmacological Mechanism of Acorus tatarinowii in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Liu FengZhi , Zhao Qian , Liu Suxian , Xu Yingzhi , Zhou Dongrui , Gao Ying , Zhu Lingqun
Published: November 2020

Aim. Stroke is the second significant cause for death, with ischemic stroke (IS) being the main type threatening human being’s health. Acorus tatarinowii (AT) is widely used in the treatment of Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, depression, and stroke, which leads to disorders of consciousness disease. However, the systemic mechanism of AT treating IS is unexplicit. This article is supposed to explain why AT has an effect on the treatment of IS in a comprehensive and systematic way by network pharmacology. Methods and Materials. ADME (absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted) is an important property for screening‐related compounds in AT, which were screening out of TCMSP, TCMID, Chemistry Database, and literature from CNKI. Then, these targets related to screened compounds were predicted via Swiss Targets, when AT‐related targets database was established. The gene targets related to IS were collected from DisGeNET and GeneCards. IS‐AT is a common protein interactive network established by STRING Database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were analysed by IS‐AT common target genes. Cytoscape software was used to establish a visualized network for active compounds‐core targets and core target proteins‐proteins interactive network. Furthermore, we drew a signal pathway picture about its effect to reveal the basic mechanism of AT against IS systematically. Results. There were 53 active compounds screened from AT, inferring the main therapeutic substances as follows: bisasaricin, 3‐cyclohexene‐1‐methanol‐α,α,4‐trimethyl,acetate, cis,cis,cis‐7,10,13‐hexadecatrienal, hydroxyacoronene, nerolidol, galgravin, veraguensin, 2′‐o‐methyl isoliquiritigenin, gamma‐asarone, and alpha‐asarone. We obtained 398 related targets, 63 of which were the same as the IS‐related genes from targets prediction. Except for GRM2, remaining 62 target genes have an interactive relation, respectively. The top 10 degree core target genes were IL6, TNF, IL1B, TLR4, NOS3, MAPK1, PTGS2, VEGFA, JUN, and MMP9. There were more than 20 terms of biological process, 7 terms of cellular components, and 14 terms of molecular function through GO enrichment analysis and 13 terms of signal pathway from KEGG enrichment analysis based on P < 0.05. Conclusion. AT had a therapeutic effect for ischemic via multicomponent, multitarget, and multisignal pathway, which provided a novel research aspect for AT against IS.
Optimization of Cable Force Adjustment in Cable‐Stayed Bridge considering the Number of Stay Cable Adjustment
Authors: Zhang Han-Hao , Sun Nan-Nan , Wang Pei-Zhi , Liu Man-Hui , Li Yuan
Published: November 2020

Modern cable‐stayed bridges are spatial, multicable systems. The cable force needs to be adjusted during the construction phase and maintenance phase. The existing calculation methods of cable force adjustment mainly considered the rationality of structural force, but only few research studies have been conducted on how to reduce the number of stay cables which need to be adjusted. This study aims to propose an optimization calculation method including the optimization module with the sensitivity analysis and updating design variable module (UDVM), which are used for cable force adjustment in cable‐stayed bridges. Based on the finite difference method, the sensitivity analysis is adopted in the optimization module, which can capture the response of structures as design variables vary; the particle swarm optimization method is adopted for structural optimization. The proposed method can dramatically reduce the number of stay cables which need to be adjusted and ensure the main girder stresses remain in a reasonable state during stay cable adjustment progress by UDVM. Moreover, the proposed method can continuously update the objective function, constraint conditions, and design variables. Finally, this proposed optimization calculation method is applied to two different cable‐stayed bridges to validate the reliability and feasibility of the method.
The Mechanisms of Improving IVF Outcomes of Liu‐Wei‐Di‐Huang Pill Acting on DOR Patients
Authors: Xiao Jimei , Song Jingyan , Sa Yuanhong , Yuan Lihua , Guo Jiayin , Sun Zhengao
Published: November 2020

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is the weakening of ovarian oocyte production and quality. It will further become premature ovarian failure without timely cure. However, disease pathology and diagnostic markers are still incompletely understood. Liu‐Wei‐Di‐Huang (LWDH) pill, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is commonly used in the treatment of DOR in China. To explore the mechanism of the effect of LWDH on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in patients with DOR, a pseudotargeted metabolomics study combined with multivariate data processing strategy was carried out. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics approach was applied to characterize metabolic biomarker candidates. Multiple pattern recognition was used to determine groups and confirm important variables. A total of 21 potential biomarkers were characterized, and related metabolic pathways were identified. The study displayed that the established pseudotargeted metabolomics strategy is a powerful approach for investigating the mechanism of DOR and LWDH. In addition, the approach may highlight biomarkers and metabolic pathways and can capture subtle metabolite changes from headache, which may lead to an improved mechanism understanding of DOR diseases and LWDH treatment.
High Boron Silicon Nanotubes Combined with Tai Chi Exercise Rehabilitation Therapy in the Treatment of Knee Arthritis Patients
Authors: Ma Guang
Published: November 2020

Tai Chi exercise is gentle, convenient, and easy to learn. It is more economical than traditional medical treatments, and it is regarded as the first choice for rehabilitation therapy by patients with knee arthritis. This article aims to study Tai Chi exercise rehabilitation therapy combined with high boron silicon nanotubes to treat knee arthritis patients. This article mainly introduces the treatment of knee arthritis patients with Tai Chi, which is reflected in the improvement of patients’ walking ability and stability, and explores a three-dimensional motion model to provide better help for patients with knee joints. The article uses data mining methods to collect data on the gene expression of human knee joints and analyzes the causes of knee arthritis caused by its internal structure. The experimental results of this paper show that, under Taijiquan exercise rehabilitation treatment, the time needed by knee arthritis patients to get up and run is reduced by 14%, the standing time of one leg is significantly improved, the fall rate is reduced by 13%, and the body’s static balance ability is improved.
Dexmedetomidine Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting p75NTR-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wu Jiali , Hu Zhaolan , Luo Cong , Wang Pengfei , Zhang Yanling , Li Hui
Published: November 2020

Oxidative stress and apoptosis play a key role in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI). Dexmedetomidine (DEX) may present renal protective effects in sepsis. Therefore, we studied antioxidant effects and the mechanism of DEX in an inflammatory proximal tubular epithelial cell model and lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced AKI in mice. Methods. We assessed renal function (creatinine, urea nitrogen), histopathology, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), and apoptosis (TUNEL staining and Cleaved caspase-3) in mice. In vitro experiments including Cleaved caspase-3 and p75NTR/p38MAPK/JNK signaling pathways were evaluated using western blot. Reactive oxidative species (ROS) production and apoptosis were determined using flow cytometry. Results. DEX significantly improved renal function and kidney injury and also revert the substantially increased level of MDA concentrations as well as the reduction of the SOD enzyme activity found in LPS-induced AKI mice. In parallel, DEX treatment also reduced the apoptosis and Cleaved caspase-3 expression evoked by LPS. The expression of p75NTR was increased in kidney tissues of mice with AKI but decreased after treatment with DEX. In cultured human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2 cells), DEX inhibited LPS-induced apoptosis and generation of ROS, but this was reversed by overexpression of p75NTR. Furthermore, pretreatment with DEX significantly downregulated phosphorylation of JNK and p38MAPK in LPS-stimulated HK-2 cells, and this effect was abolished by overexpression of p75NTR. Conclusion. DEX ameliorated AKI in mice with sepsis by partially reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis through regulation of p75NTR/p38MAPK/JNK signaling pathways.
Clean and Safe Healthcare Environment: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Infection Prevention and Control among Health Workforce at North Showa Zone Oromiya Region
Authors: Jemal Kemal , Gashaw Ketema , Kinati Tadele , Bedada Worku , Getahun Belete
Published: November 2020

Background. Infection prevention and control practice (IPCP) is essential for healthcare safety and quality service delivery. The Ethiopian government has already put in place programs and initiatives for clean and safe healthcare facilities. However, in the North Showa Zone of the Oromiya Region, the infection prevention and control practice level was not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of infection prevention and control practice among the health workforce (HWF) in North Shoa healthcare facilities (NSHCFs) environment. Methods. Healthcare facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Structured and pretested self-administered questionnaires were distributed for 373 health workforce. Three hospitals and six health centers were randomly selected, and the study participants were selected by systematic sampling technique. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.5.2 and then exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the associated factors with infection prevention practice, and a

p

value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 361 (96.8%) health workforce responded to self-administered questionnaires. About 55.70% of study participants had good knowledge, 59.3% of them had a positive attitude, and 46.8% had a good infection prevention practice. Age category of 20–29(AOR = 4.08, 95%, CI = (1.97, 8.49)), female participants (AOR = 3.87, 95%, CI = (1.91, 7.86)), single participants (AOR = 3.89, 95%, CI = (1.92, 7.87)), having greater than ten years of working experience (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI = (1.19, 8.10)), positive attitude (AOR = 10.07, 95% CI = (4.82, 21.05)), and availability of water at working area (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI = (1.18, 4.35)) were significantly associated with good infection prevention practice. Conclusion. In this study, a significant number of health workers had low knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor infection prevention practices. Female participants, higher work experience, a positive attitude, and water availability in the healthcare facilities were positively associated with infection prevention and control practice. Healthcare facilities should be continued capacitating the health workforce on infection prevention and control measures and equipping health facilities with infection prevention materials.
Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong Decoction Alleviate Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Activation of PPAR Pathway
Authors: Yang Jiayao , Tao Dongqing , Ma Wei , Liu Song , Liao Yan , Shu Lei , Zhang Shu , Li Chenyu , Du Nianlong , Shi Zhaohong
Published: November 2020

Objective. Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong decoction were traditional Chinese classic formulations, which are widely used in clinical treatment, and the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods. Male Wistar rats were fed a high‐fat diet for four weeks to induce NAFLD and were thereafter administered Sijunzi (8 g/kg/d), Lizhong (10 g/kg/d), or Fuzilizhong (10 g/kg/d) by gavage for four weeks. Hepatic damage, lipid accumulation, inflammation, autophagy, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α signaling were evaluated. Results. The high‐fat diet‐fed rats showed typical symptoms of NAFLD, including elevated levels of hepatic damage indicators, increased hepatic lipid deposition and fibrosis, severe liver inflammation, and prominent autophagy. Upon administration of Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong, liver health was improved remarkably, along with ameliorated symptoms of NAFLD. In addition, NAFLD‐suppressed peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α signaling was reactivated after treatment with the three types of decoctions. Conclusions. The results collectively signify the effective therapeutic and protective functions of Sijunzi, Lizhong, and Fuzilizhong against NAFLD and demonstrate the potential of Chinese herbal medication in mitigating the symptoms of liver diseases. Novelty of the Work. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat various diseases, but the molecular mechanisms of individual ingredients have rarely been studied. The novelty of our work lies in elucidating the specific signaling pathways involved in the control of NAFLD using three common Chinese herbal decoctions. We suggest that natural herbal formulations can be effective therapeutic agents to combat against NAFLD.
A Study on the Mechanism of Milkvetch Root in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Piao Chunli , Zhang Qi , Jin De , Wang Li , Tang Cheng , Zhang Naiwen , Lian Fengmei , Tong Xiaolin
Published: November 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. Owing to its complicated pathogenesis, no satisfactory treatment strategies for DN are available. Milkvetch Root is a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been extensively used to treat DN in clinical practice in China for many years. However, due to the complexity of botanical ingredients, the exact pharmacological mechanism of Milkvetch Root in treating DN has not been completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the active components and potential mechanism of Milkvetch Root by using a systems pharmacology approach. First, the components and targets of Milkvetch Root were analyzed by using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. We found the common targets of Milkvetch Root and DN constructed a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network using STRING and screened the key targets via topological analysis. Enrichment of Gene Ontology (GO) pathways and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed. Subsequently, major hubs were identified and imported to the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery for pathway enrichment analysis. The binding activity and targets of the active components of Milkvetch Root were verified by using the molecular docking software SYBYL. Finally, we found 20 active components in Milkvetch Root. Moreover, the enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG pathways suggested that AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway, HIF‐1 signaling pathway, PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway might be the key pathways for the treatment of DN; more importantly, 10 putative targets of Milkvetch Root (AKT1, VEGFA, IL‐6, PPARG, CCL2, NOS3, SERPINE1, CRP, ICAM1, and SLC2A) were identified to be of great significance in regulating these biological processes and pathways. This study provides an important scientific basis for further elucidating the mechanism of Milkvetch Root in treating DN.
Vaccines Attitudes, Concerns, and Information Sources Reported by Parents of Young Children among North Palestinian Parents
Authors: Alawneh Issa , Saymeh Abdulkareem , Yasin Ahmad , Alawneh Maysa , Al-Tatari Hossam
Published: November 2020

Parental acceptance of routine childhood immunization is critical to protecting children’s health, as high vaccination-coverage rates lead to decreased rates of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, to communicate effectively with parents about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases, it is necessary to assess their vaccine-related attitudes and concerns continually. Recently the Palestine Ministry of Health has recorded epidemics of measles and mumps. Poor compliance with vaccination has been attributed to multiple factors including physician inadequacy advocating for vaccination and public mistrust of vaccinations. As a result, this study was conducted to describe the vaccine-related attitudes, concerns, and information sources of North Palestinian parents of young children. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving parents visiting emergency departments and primary health care centers from different North Palestinian hospitals and centers. 480 surveys were eligible and analyzed. The surveys revealed that although parental confidence in vaccine safety is high, several vaccine-related concerns, such as pain from vaccine administration and the number of vaccines given at once, were common among parents of young children. To maintain and improve the success of childhood vaccines in preventing disease, a holistic approach is needed to address parents’ concerns in an ongoing manner. Listening and responding in ways and with resources that address specific questions and concerns could help parents make more informed vaccination decisions.
Optimization of Echo Views for Percutaneous Device Closure of Pediatric Atrial Septal Defect through the Femoral Vein Guided by Transthoracic Echocardiography without Radiation
Authors: Ye Zankai , Li Zhiqiang , Yi Hanlu , Zhu Yaobin , Sun Yan , Zhang Hongju , Li Pei , Ma Ning
Published: November 2020

Objectives. This study aimed to explore the selection of views for transthoracic echocardiography-guided transfemoral puncture for the device closure of pediatric atrial septal defect (ASD) without radiation. Methods. Sixty children (29 males and 31 females) were diagnosed with a central ASD, normal heart function, and no other intracardiac deformity. All procedures were performed in a surgical operating room (without radiological equipment) under basic anesthesia; the femoral vein pathway and guidance by only transthoracic echocardiography were used to complete the device closure of the ASD. The subcostal acoustic window and parasternal aorta short-axis views were used to guide the extra stiff wire and catheter into the left atrium. All procedures were performed under the subcostal biatrial section. The sheath entered the left atrium, and the apical four-chamber view was used to monitor the delivery and release of the occluder. Results. Successful closure of the ASD was achieved in all cases. The operating time from the end of the puncture to the release of the occluder was 10.36 ± 3.57 minutes. No other incisions were needed in 60 cases. No occluders were removed, and no residual shunt or pericardial effusions were detected after the procedures, during the non-ICU stay time. The average hospital stay was 2.19 ± 0.58 days. Conclusion. The accurate selection of transthoracic echocardiographic views can better ensure the safety and effectiveness of ASD closure through the femoral vein without radiation in children.
Combinational Pretreatment of Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor Inhibitor and Triptolide Upregulates BDNF-Akt and Autophagic Pathways to Improve Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Du Xiaoxue , Gao Feng , Chen Shijia , Botchway Benson O. A. , Amin Nashwa , Hu Zhiying , Fang Marong
Published: November 2020

Ki20227, a selective inhibitor of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), has been suggested to regulate microglia inflammatory function and neuronal synaptic plasticity. Triptolide (TP) pretreatment has neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic features in ischemic stroke mice. However, the underlying mechanism and pathway are presently unclear. We thus investigated the association between neuroprotective effects of combined TP and Ki20227 and BDNF-Akt and autophagy pathways. Ki20227 was administrated for 7 days, and TP was administered once 24 hours prior to building the ischemic stroke model in C57BL/6 mice. Behavioral tests, Golgi staining, immunofluorescence, and western blot analyses were employed to examine neuroprotective effects of TP and Ki20227. TP and Ki20227 pretreatments improved the neurobehavioral function in stroke mice. Synaptic protein expressions and density of dendritic spine density were upregulated in Ki20227 and TP pretreated stroke mice. Further, optimized integration of TP and Ki20227 pretreatments upregulated the NeuN expression and downregulated Iba1 expression after stroke. In addition, both TP and Ki20227 pretreatments significantly upregulated BDNF, p-Akt/Akt, and Erk1/2 protein expressions and autophagy related proteins (LC3II/I, Atg5, and p62), indicating the activation of BDNF and autophagic pathways. Optimized integration of TP and Ki20227 can improve cerebral ischemia by inhibiting CSF1R signal and trigger autophagy and BDNF-Akt signaling pathways to increase dendritic spine density and synaptic protein expressions, which in turn enhances neurobehavioral function.
Numerical Investigation on Crack Formation and Penetration Mechanism between Adjacent Blastholes
Authors: Li Yi , Cao Jie , Chen Xianfeng , Huang Chuyuan , Zhao Qi
Published: November 2020

A deep understanding of the crack formation mechanism between blastholes had great significance for improving the energy utilization rate of explosives. From the perspective of static mechanics of stress wave theory, this paper theoretically derived the stress distribution on the blasthole connecting. It was proven that the stress at the midpoint of the blasthole connecting was not the maximum. The analysis results contradicted the original theoretical results. Moreover, the finite element software LS-DYNA was used to numerically simulate the crack formation between adjacent blastholes in infinite rock media. The fluid-solid coupling method was used to simulate the effect of stress wave and detonation products on rocks. The simulation results were consistent with the actual situation and they showed that cracks were formed in the blastholes wall firstly. Stress wave superposition was not the main reason for crack penetration. Stress wave reflection stretching at the crack tip was vital for crack penetration.
Second-Order Differential Equation: Oscillation Theorems and Applications
Authors: Santra Shyam S. , Bazighifan Omar , Ahmad Hijaz , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: November 2020

Differential equations of second order appear in a wide variety of applications in physics, mathematics, and engineering. In this paper, necessary and sufficient conditions are established for oscillations of solutions to second-order half-linear delay differential equations of the form

ς

y

u

′

y

a

′

+
p

y

u

c

ϑ

y

=
0
,
 for 
y
≥

y

0

,

under the assumption

∫

∞

ς

η

−

1
/
a

=
∞

. Two cases are considered for

a
<
c

and

a
>
c

, where

a

and

c

are the quotients of two positive odd integers. Two examples are given to show the effectiveness and applicability of the result.
Th17/Treg Imbalance and Atherosclerosis
Authors: He Xin , Liang Bo , Gu Ning
Published: November 2020

Atherosclerosis is nowadays recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease of large arteries. In recent years, cellular and molecular biology studies on atherosclerosis confirmed that the occurrence and development are related to inflammation and autoimmunity. A variety of immune cells, cytokines, and transcription factors are involved in this process. Current studies found that T helper cell 17, regulatory T cells, and their cytokines play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque rupture. Here, we provide a review of the up-to-date applications of T helper cell 17, regulatory T cells, cytokines, and their balance in the prognosis and therapy of atherosclerosis.
Human Falling Detection Algorithm Based on Multisensor Data Fusion with SVM
Authors: Pan Daohua , Liu Hongwei , Qu Dongming , Zhang Zhan
Published: November 2020

Falling is a common phenomenon in the life of the elderly, and it is also one of the 10 main causes of serious health injuries and death of the elderly. In order to prevent falling of the elderly, a real-time fall prediction system is installed on the wearable intelligent device, which can timely trigger the alarm and reduce the accidental injury caused by falls. At present, most algorithms based on single-sensor data cannot accurately describe the fall state, while the fall detection algorithm based on multisensor data integration can improve the sensitivity and specificity of prediction. In this study, we design a fall detection system based on multisensor data fusion and analyze the four stages of falls using the data of 100 volunteers simulating falls and daily activities. In this paper, data fusion method is used to extract three characteristic parameters representing human body acceleration and posture change, and the effectiveness of the multisensor data fusion algorithm is verified. The sensitivity is 96.67%, and the specificity is 97%. It is found that the recognition rate is the highest when the training set contains the largest number of samples in the training set. Therefore, after training the model based on a large amount of effective data, its recognition ability can be improved, and the prevention of fall possibility will gradually increase. In order to compare the applicability of random forest and support vector machine (SVM) in the development of wearable intelligent devices, two fall posture recognition models were established, respectively, and the training time and recognition time of the models are compared. The results show that SVM is more suitable for the development of wearable intelligent devices.
Experimental Investigation of Unloading‐Induced Red Sandstone Failure: Insight into Spalling Mechanism and Strength‐Weakening Effect
Authors: Luo Yong , Gong Fengqiang , Liu Dongqiao
Published: November 2020

To study the effect of excavation unloading on hard rock failure, a series of true‐triaxial compression tests, biaxial compression tests, and true‐triaxial unloading compression tests (two different unloading rates) at different confining pressures was conducted on red sandstone cube samples. The strength and failure characteristics and their relationship for red sandstone unloading at different unloading rates and confining pressures were analyzed. Based on the test results, the effects of the unloading rate and confining pressure on the strength and failure characteristics of hard rock were explored, and a reasonable explanation for unloading‐induced spalling in hard rock tunnels was presented. The results show the stress‐strain curve of highly stressed red sandstone exhibits a stress step during unloading, and the higher the unloading rate, the lower the stress level required for a stress step. The rock strength‐weakening effect induced by unloading was confirmed. The mechanical properties of red sandstone become more unstable and complicated after unloading. After the red sandstone is unloaded to a two‐dimensional stress state, with increasing confining pressure, the strength increases first and then decreases; the failure mode changes from a low‐confining pressure tensile‐shear failure to a high‐confining pressure tensile failure; and the geometries of the slabs change from large thick plates and wedges to medium‐ and small‐sized thin plates. At equal confining pressures, the higher the unloading rate, the lower the strength (i.e., the strength‐weakening effect is more pronounced), the thinner the slab, and the lower the confining pressure required for the failure mode to change from tensile‐shear failure to tensile failure. The unloading rate and confining pressure affect the strength and failure characteristics by affecting the crack initiation type and propagation direction in hard rock. For deep hard rock tunnels with high unloading rate and axial stress, neglecting the effects of unloading rate and axial stress will lead to a dangerous support design. For deep hard rock ore, if the maximal horizontal principal stress exceeds the critical confining pressure, the mining surface should be perpendicular to the direction of the minimal horizontal principal stress. The results of this study are of great engineering significance for guiding deep hard rock tunnel construction and mining.
Operation Efficiency Evaluation of the China-Europe Freight Train Based on Grey Cross-Efficiency DEA
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chang Jianpeng , Lin Ping , Song Minzi , Gong Yanqiu
Published: November 2020

The China-Europe Freight Train (CEFT) serves as an important carrier and platform for international economic cooperation and international trade circulation between China and Europe. Since it worked, its actual operation and development have been affected by many factors, but the level of its actual operating efficiency and the main affecting factors of CEFT have been difficult to find, which has severely limited its sustainable development. Therefore, this paper scientifically selected the operation efficiency evaluation indicator system of CEFT and combined grey system theory, cross-efficiency method, and DEA to construct a new DEA evaluation model based on grey cross-efficiency, which can not only overcome the problem of ignoring the relative importance ratings of the evaluation indicator in the general DEA evaluation model and the traditional cross-efficiency DEA evaluation model but also more accurately evaluate the actual operation efficiency of CEFT. At the same time, based on the actual operating data of CEFT from 2011 to 2018 and the above new evaluation models, the CEFT’s operation efficiency was evaluated and tested by examples, showing that on the one hand, the grey cross-efficiency DEA evaluation model can more accurately evaluate the actual operation efficiency of CEFT than other traditional evaluation models; on the other hand, it is found that the “overseas cities,” “operating lines,” and “entry-exit nodes” are currently the main factors that limit the actual operation efficiency of CEFT and indicating improvement direction for the future efficient and sustainable development of CEFT.
Dynamic Response of Seismic Dangerous Rock Based on PFC and Dynamics
Authors: Tian Yun , Wang Linfeng , Jin Honghua , Zeng Biao
Published: November 2020

Rock slope instability by earthquakes results in substantial economic and property losses. The calculation method of interlayer load and stability coefficient of horizontal complex layered rock slopes in high‐intensity areas is established from material mechanics, fracture mechanics, and dynamics. The stability of horizontal layered dangerous rock is calculated after combining it with PFC simulation technology to verify the rationality of the calculation in the Wenchuan area of Sichuan Province. The dynamic response characteristics of dangerous rocks under different weathering degrees are also analyzed. The results show that both methods have an excellent early warning effect on earthquake dangerous rocks. Among the PGA amplification factors, Model 1 has a relatively uniform distribution, Model 2 has a zigzag distribution, Models 3 and 4 have a “U”‐shaped distribution, and the most severe acceleration dynamic responses are 4‐1 and 4‐2 rock blocks. The dynamic acceleration response of mudstone is affected by the crack propagation process of the upper sandstone and exhibits a particular elevation amplification effect. The peak stress gradually decreases with the increase in weathering and elevation. The stress change of the inner chain No. 2 in the horizontal x and y directions is severe, and the stress response of the outer chain No. 1 in the vertical z‐direction is severe. It recommends that earthquake disaster protection projects should pay attention to the impact of low‐frequency (0–10 Hz) and high‐frequency (250 Hz) earthquakes on slope stability.
Design and Synthesis of Nanostructured Materials for Sensor Applications
Authors: Noah Naumih M.
Published: November 2020

There has been an increasing demand for the development of sensor devices with improved characteristics such as sensitivity, low cost, faster response, reliability, rapider recovery, reduced size, in situ analysis, and simple operation. Nanostructured materials have shown great potential in improving these properties for chemical and biological sensors. There are different nanostructured materials which have been used in manufacturing nanosensors which include nanoscale wires (capability of high detection sensitivity), carbon nanotubes (very high surface area and high electron conductivity), thin films, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, polymer, and biomaterials. This review provides different methods which have been used in the synthesis and fabrication of these nanostructured materials followed by an extensive review of the recent developments of metal, metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, and polymer nanostructured materials in sensor applications.
Reinforcement Strain and Potential Failure Surface of Geogrid Reinforced Soil-Retaining Wall under Horizontal Seismic Loading
Authors: Li Sihan , Cai Xiaoguang , Jing Liping , Xu Honglu , Huang Xin , Zhu Chen
Published: November 2020

This paper presents experimental results from shaking table tests on two reduced-scale geogrid reinforced soil-retaining walls (RSRWs) constructed using standard soil, modular facing blocks, and uniaxial geogrid reinforcement to investigate the distribution of the geogrid strain and the mode of potential failure surface for dynamic loading conditions. Similitude relationships for shaking table tests in a 1 g gravitational field were used to scale the specimen geometry, applied characteristics of the earthquake motions. The lateral displacement of the top model is sufficiently large for the top-model block to fall down, and the RSRW is thus destroyed. The tensile strain at the lower part is greater than that at the upper part of the RSRW. The tensile strain in different layers for two-tiered RSRW is consistent with single-step RSRW. On comparing the measured maximum tensile strain lines of the geogrid with the result of the existing calculation method of the potential failure surface, it can be observed that the existing partial calculation method is conservative. Based on the calculation methods of various potential failure surfaces and the measured data, the use of a two-tiered fold-line failure surface is proposed for the two-tiered RSRW while taking into consideration the width of the platform. And it is advised that the failure surface calculation method of BS8006 be used as the calculation method for the potential failure surface of the single-step RSRW under dynamic motion.
Study of Strength and Deformation Evolution in Raw and Briquette Coal Samples under Uniaxial Compression via Monitoring Their Acoustic Emission Characteristics
Authors: Meng Han , Yang Yuzhong , Wu Liyun , Wang Fei , Peng Lei
Published: November 2020

Briquette coals with different cement contents are frequently used to study the coal body’s properties. In this study, the deformation and strength of briquette coal samples with 0, 5, 10, and 20% cement contents were experimentally and theoretically investigated using the acoustic emission (AE) characteristics monitored during the uniaxial compression tests. The results show that the uniaxial compression process of raw coal and briquette coal samples can be subdivided into compaction, elastic, plastic (yield), and brittle failure stages. With an increase in cement content, briquette coal samples undergo the elastic and plastic stages, and their postpeak stress drop rate gradually grows, and their plastic deformation is followed by brittle failure. The uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of briquette coal samples show a linearly increasing relationship with cement content, while their Poisson’s ratio decreases gradually. During the uniaxial compression, raw coal and briquette coal samples produce the AE signals. The overall AE signal of briquette coal samples is relatively low, and there are no obvious AE events in raw coal samples. The uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and Poisson’s ratio of briquette coal samples with a 20% cement content and their AE signal cumulative amplitude, count, and energy values are very close to the corresponding parameters of raw coal samples. Therefore, they can be used for simulating raw coal samples in laboratory tests.
A Numerical Model of Vapour Transfer and Phase Change in Unsaturated Freezing Soils
Authors: Liang Sihao , Teng Jidong , Shan Feng , Zhang Sheng
Published: November 2020

In recent studies, vapour transfer is reported to lead to remarkable frost heave in unsaturated soils, but how to better model this process has not been answered. In order to avoid the great uncertainty caused by the phase change term of vapour‐water‐ice in the numerical iteration process, a new numerical model is developed based on the coupled thermal and hydrological processes. The new model avoids using the local equilibrium assumption and the hydraulic relations that accounts for liquid water flow, which provides a new way for the water‐heat coupling movement problem. The model is established by using COMSOL Multiphysics, which is a multiphysics simulation software through finite element analysis. The model is evaluated by comparing simulated results with data from column freezing experiments for unsaturated coarse‐grained soils. Simulated values of the total water content compare well with experimental values. The model is proved to be applicable and numerically stable for a high‐speed railway subgrade involving simultaneous heat and moisture transport. An agreement can be found between the predicted and measured frost/thawed depth and soil moisture profiles, demonstrating that the model is able to simulate rapidly changing boundary conditions and nonlinear water content profiles in the soil.
Association of Tumor Size with Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Zhi Yunlai , Li Xiao , Qi Feng , Hu Xin , Xu Wenbo
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this article was to explore the association of tumor size with lymph node metastases (LNM) risk in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database, patients diagnosed with ccRCC from 1988 to 2015 were included in this study. For each patient, personal characteristics, clinicopathological data, and survival outcomes were, respectively, collected. Subsequently, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to investigate the potential risk factors for LNM in ccRCC. Finally, Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival plots of overall survival (OS) and ccRCC-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated on the basis of different tumor sizes. A total of 8,292 patients were finally enrolled in the study, 1,170 of whom (14.11%) had LNM. According to the heatmap, we could intuitively interpret that larger tumor size was related to an increased risk of LNM obviously. The risk of LNM was evidently greater for larger tumor size (4-7 cm: OR = 2.415, 95% CI = 1.708–3.415; 7–10 cm: OR = 3.746, 95% CI = 2.677–5.242; and >10 cm: OR = 4.617, 95% CI = 3.302–6.457) compared with smaller tumor size (≤4 cm). According to the KM survival plots of OS and CSS, we observed a gradual decline in survival with increasing tumor size, while the smallest tumor size had the best survival outcomes. These results indicated the positive relationship of tumor size with risk of LNM in ccRCC. And we also noticed continual decrease survival rates of OS and CSS with increasing tumor size.
2. Native Song and Dance Affect in Seventeenth-Century Christian Festivals in New Spain
Authors: Chávez Bárcenas Ireri E.
Published: November 2020

Ceremonial song and dance traditions were essential for Nahua cultures at the time of European contact. In the first hundred years after the conquest, devotional songs and dances in Nahuatl were considered essential for the wholehearted engagement of native converts with the Catholic faith and they were thus incorporated into religious ceremonies organized by the mendicant orders. This chapter explores early descriptions of Nahua music-making along with four villancicos in Nahuatl in order to demonstrate a particular kind of hybrid devotional singing in colonial context. The narrative posited by the surviving villancicos includes the representation of native characters as humble, suffering workers, underscoring the exploitative conditions of native workers in seventeenth-century New Spain.
Ultrasound Elastography Predicts Thyroid Nodule Volume Reduction Rate After Percutaneous Ethanol Ablation
Authors: Abdelgawad Mohamed , Shalaby Hosam , Akkera Mounika , Rashad Yasmine , Grace Lee , Ibraheem Kareem , Kandil Emad
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ethanol ablation (PEA) on indeterminate thyroid nodules (Bethesda III and IV) based on ultrasound (US) elastography by assessing the volume reduction rate (VRR), relative reduction in size, resolution of compressive symptoms, and post-procedural complications.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of all thyroid nodules treated with PEA by a single surgeon at a North American tertiary referral center. Study variables included demographics, nodule characteristics, Bethesda classification, US elastography, presence of compressive symptoms, thyroid function, and post-procedural complications. Relative volume reductions and VRR were calculated at 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Results

Thirty-four thyroid nodules were evaluated in 22 patients. All thyroid nodules underwent a fine needle aspiration prior to PEA. After 6 months, 45% of all thyroid nodules exhibited a VRR of ≥50%. A significant VRR was achieved in the soft thyroid nodules at 6 months (42.15% ± 31), compared to the stiff nodules with 30.92% ± 91.53, P < .05. Post-PEA thyroid stimulating hormone levels did not significantly change after the procedure. Compressive symptoms resolved in all 5 patients who reported it. One patient developed transient vocal cord paresis that resolved in 3 months.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series of PEA for thyroid nodules in North America. Ultrasound elastography is a useful adjunct in predicting the success of PEA for nonmalignant thyroid nodules. Percutaneous ethanol ablation is both a safe and effective alternative to surgery for relief of compressive symptoms in select patients.
Robotic and Laparoscopic Approaches for Adrenal Surgery in Obese Patients
Authors: Shalaby Hosam , Abdelgawad Mohamed , Omar, MD Mahmoud , Zora, MD Ghassan , Alawwad Saad , Alameer Ehab , Youssef Mohanad , Attia Abdallah S. , Buell Joseph , Grace Lee , Kandil Emad
Published: November 2020

Objective

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy is a challenging procedure in obese patients. Few recent studies have advocated against robot-assisted adrenalectomy, particularly in obese patients. This study aims to compare operative outcomes between the robotic and laparoscopic adrenalectomy, particularly in obese patients.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on all consecutive patients undergoing adrenalectomy for benign disease by a single surgeon using either a laparoscopic or robotic approach. Adrenal surgeries for adrenal cancer were excluded. Demographics, operative time, length of hospital stays, estimated blood loss (EBL), and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups; obese and nonobese. A sub-analysis was performed comparing robotic and laparoscopic approaches in obese and nonobese patients.

Results

Out of 120, 55 (45.83%) were obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2). 14 (25.45%) of the obese patients underwent a laparoscopic approach, and 41 (74.55%) underwent a robotic approach. Operative times were longer in the obese vs. nonobese groups (173.30 ± 72.90 minutes and 148.20 ± 61.68 minutes, P = .04) and were associated with less EBL (53.77 ± 82.48 vs. 101.30 ± 122, P = .01). The robotic approach required a longer operative time when compared to the laparoscopic approach (187 ± 72.42 minutes vs. 126.60 ± 54.55 minutes, P = .0102) in the obese but was associated with less blood loss (29.02 ± 51.05 mL vs. 138.30 ± 112.20 mL, P < .01) and shorter hospital stay (1.73 ± 1.23 days vs. 3.17 ± 1.27 days, P < .001).

Conclusion

Robot-assisted adrenal surgery is safe in obese patients and appears to be longer; however, it provides improvements in postoperative outcomes, including EBL and shorter hospital stay.