bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Authentic Leadership and Innovation: The Mediating Role of Affective and Cognitive Integration, and Engagement in Work Teams
Authors: Blanch Javier , Gil Francisco , Rodriguez Alfredo , Antino Mirko
Published: August 2021

This study explores the relationship between authentic leadership and innovation at the team level of analysis. The proposed research model outlines the intervention of three mediating variables: cognitive integration, affective integration, and work engagement. Data were collected from 32 organizations (132 teams) ascribed to the so-called digital ecosystem, an organizational context in which the needs for authentic leadership and innovation seem to be integral to the firm’s performance to succeed in the marketplace. The research supported the presence of a positive relationship between authentic leadership and innovation in work teams. Additionally, affective integration and engagement were found to mediate the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. Cognitive integration, however, did not manifest any mediating effect. Theoretically, these findings support the consideration of authentic leadership as a job resource that is able to enhance the organizational outcomes, according to the Job Demand and Resources Model.
Lacunary Convergence of Double Sequences of Complex Uncertain Variables
Authors: Dowari Pranab Jyoti , Tripathy Binod Chandra
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notion of lacunary convergence for double sequences of complex uncertain variables. We have established the relation between lacunary convergence and strong Cesàro convergence. Also, we have established the relation between different concepts of lacunary convergence of double sequences of complex uncertain variables.
A review on cerium-containing electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Hongzhi , Yu Jun , Qiu Chen , Yu Rongxing , Li Simeng , Cheng Jingxi , Wang Jian , Si Zhichun , Yang Shihe
Published: August 2021

Water electrolysis is one of the most feasible ways to utilize clean and renewable energy sources in the form of hydrogen energy. However, the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a slow kinetic process, so it is of great significance to develop efficient oxygen evolution catalysts (OECs). Many studies have shown that Ce plays an important role in high-performance transition-metal-based OECs. We discuss and summarize possible causes for the improved OER activity and stability with emphasis on the hybrids of cerium and transition metals, including cerium-doped catalysts, ceria-support catalysts and ceria-loaded catalysts. Finally, current challenges for the Ce-containing catalysts are identified, pointing to the future directions for propelling the water electrolysis research.
Enabling superior sodium storage behavior of MoS2 in ether-based electrolytes
Authors: Wang Gang , Zou Jianli , Kim Franklin
Published: August 2021

While much efforts have been made in developing MoS2-based materials as anode for sodium-ion batteries, the influence of electrolytes on the sodium storage behavior has been relatively less studied. Herein, we demonstrate that using an ether-based electrolyte can significantly improve the electrochemical performance. Using DME electrolyte provided higher initial Coulombic efficiency (94.5%), better high-rate capability (433.64 mAh g[Formula: see text] at 5 A g[Formula: see text], and larger specific capacity after 200 cycles (508 mAh g[Formula: see text] at 1 A g[Formula: see text] compared to when using conventional EC/DEC electrolyte (75.3%, 332.5 mAh g[Formula: see text] at 5 A g[Formula: see text], and 87 mAh g[Formula: see text], respectively). From kinetic studies, the improvement in performance is attributed to larger capacitive storage contribution, lower energy barriers for ionic diffusion within the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer and for charge transfer, and faster transport of sodium ions. Further SEM and TEM studies suggest the development of thinner SEI layer when using DME electrolyte. This study provides fundamental insights into how ether-based electrolytes can improve the rate performance and long-term cycle performance of MoS2 in sodium-ion batteries, which may be extended to other anode materials.
Museums in the Digital Age
Authors: Cristobal-Fransi Eduard , Ramón-Cardona José , Daries Natalia , Serra-Cantallops Antoni
Published: August 2021

In terms of destination image, museums represent a tourism resource of the first magnitude. However, just as the information available online influences visitors’ decision-making about destinations, the internet is also fundamental in promoting and attracting visitors to museums. For that reason, we sought to analyse the online presence of museums in the seven most visited cities in Spain. To examine the museums’ websites, we developed an integrative model based on
web content analysis (WCA
) and the
extended model of internet commerce adoption (eMICA)
that we applied to 77 publicly and privately run museums in Spain. Both WCA and the eMICA indicated that, despite their great economic and touristic scope, museums in Spain's most visited cities tend to mismanage their online presence and communication. We thus tentatively attributed the online presence of museums in Spain to type of museum management and several city-related parameters as explanatory variables. Multiple linear regressions of the variables revealed that, under public management, museums have had better online presence, while their respective cities have attracted more tourists. Those findings imply that museums still have a long way to go when it comes to facilitating effective communication and interaction with their target public, which we address in relation to the study's limitations and directions for future research.
A review of public datasets in question answering research
Authors: Cambazoglu B. Barla , Sanderson Mark , Scholer Falk , Croft Bruce
Published: August 2021

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of publicly available datasets that are released to foster research in question answering systems. In this work, we survey the available datasets and also provide a simple, multi-faceted classification of those datasets. We further survey the most recent evaluation results that form the current state of the art in question answering research by exploring related research challenges and associated online leaderboards. Finally, we provide a discussion around the existing online challenges and provide a wishlist of datasets whose release could benefit question answering research in the future.
CIRCLE 2020
Authors: Cantador Iván , Chevalier Max , Melucci Massimo , Mothe Josiane
Published: August 2021

The Joint Conference of the Information Retrieval Communities in Europe (CIRCLE 2020) is the first joint conference of the French, Italian, Spanish, and Swiss information retrieval communities. Although these communities had conceived the CIRCLE conference as a meeting and networking venue, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to make the conference as fully virtual event. Nonetheless, the three days of conference gathered interesting studies and research work on a wide range of topics on information retrieval, such as topic and document modelling, query and ranking refinement, information retrieval in e-government, social media, recommender systems, information retrieval evaluation, indexing and annotation, user profiling and interaction, frameworks and systems, and semantic extraction.
From Cell Types to an Integrated Understanding of Brain Evolution: The Case of the Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Tosches Maria Antonietta
Published: August 2021

With the discovery of the incredible diversity of neurons, Cajal and coworkers laid the foundation of modern neuroscience. Neuron types are not only structural units of nervous systems but also evolutionary units, because their identities are encoded in the genome. With the advent of high-throughput cellular transcriptomics, neuronal identities can be characterized and compared systematically across species. The comparison of neurons in mammals, reptiles, and birds indicates that the mammalian cerebral cortex is a mosaic of deeply conserved and recently evolved neuron types. Using the cerebral cortex as a case study, this review illustrates how comparing neuron types across species is key to reconciling observations on neural development, neuroanatomy, circuit wiring, and physiology for an integrated understanding of brain evolution.
The Invisible Hand of the Periodic Table: How Micronutrients Shape Ecology
Authors: Kaspari Michael
Published: August 2021

Beyond the better-studied carbohydrates and the macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, a remaining 20 or so elements are essential for life and have distinct geographical distributions, making them of keen interest to ecologists. Here, I provide a framework for understanding how shortfalls in micronutrients like iodine, copper, and zinc can regulate individual fitness, abundance, and ecosystem function. With a special focus on sodium, I show how simple experiments manipulating biogeochemistry can reveal why many of the variables that ecologists study vary so dramatically from place to place. I conclude with a discussion of how the Anthropocene's changing temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric CO2levels are contributing to nutrient dilution (decreases in the nutrient quality at the base of food webs).
Revelations About Aging and Disease from Unconventional Vertebrate Model Organisms
Authors: Zhao Yang , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera
Published: August 2021

Aging is a major risk factor for multiple diseases. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of aging would help to delay and prevent age-associated diseases. Short-lived model organisms have been extensively used to study the mechanisms of aging. However, these short-lived species may be missing the longevity mechanisms that are needed to extend the lifespan of an already long-lived species such as humans. Unconventional long-lived animal species are an excellent resource to uncover novel mechanisms of longevity and disease resistance. Here, we review mechanisms that evolved in nonmodel vertebrate species to counteract age-associated diseases. Some antiaging mechanisms are conserved across species; however, various nonmodel species also evolved unique mechanisms to delay aging and prevent disease. This variety of antiaging mechanisms has evolved due to the remarkably diverse habitats and behaviors of these species. We propose that exploring a wider range of unconventional vertebrates will provide important resources to study antiaging mechanisms that are potentially applicable to humans.
Contemporary Management of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Kobaly Kristen , Kim Caroline S. , Mandel Susan J.
Published: August 2021

Thyroid nodules are common in the general population, with higher prevalence in women and with advancing age. Approximately 5% of thyroid nodules are malignant; the majority of this subset represents papillary thyroid cancer. Ultrasonography is the standard technique to assess the underlying thyroid parenchyma, characterize the features of thyroid nodules, and evaluate for abnormal cervical lymphadenopathy. Various risk stratification systems exist to categorize the risk of malignancy based on the ultrasound appearance of a thyroid nodule. Nodules are selected for fine-needle aspiration biopsy on the basis of ultrasound features, size, and high-risk clinical history. Cytology results are classified by the Bethesda system into six categories ranging from benign to malignant. When cytology is indeterminate, molecular testing can further risk-stratify patients for observation or surgery. Surveillance is indicated for nodules with benign cytology, indeterminate cytology with reassuring molecular testing, or non-biopsied nodules without a benign sonographic appearance.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate interactions in the spleen and heart reflect extent of cardiac repair in mice and failing human hearts
Authors: B. Gowda SiddabasaveGowda , Gowda Divyavani , Kain Vasundhara , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu-Ping , Chalfant Charles E. , Parcha Vibhu , Arora Pankaj , Halade Ganesh V.
Published: August 2021

Previous studies indicate that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has some role in cardiovascular disease. This study adds quantitative and integrative systems-based approaches that are necessary for discovery and bedside translation. Here, we quantitated sphinganine, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in mice and human cardiac pathobiology. Interorgan S1P quantity and respective systems-based receptor activation suggest cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. Thus, S1P serves as a therapeutic target for cardiac protection in clinical translation.
Gene Model Related to m6A Predicts the Prognostic Effect of Immune Infiltration on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Deng Yaping , Li Kehua , Tan Fengwu , Liu Hanbo
Published: August 2021

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly aggressive solid tumor. Because most studies have focused on the intrinsic carcinogenic pathways of tumors, we focused on the relationship between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and the prognosis of HNSCC in the tumor immune microenvironment. We downloaded RNA-seq data from the TCGA dataset and used univariate Cox regression to screen m6A-related lncRNAs. The expression value of LASSO-screened genes was the sum of LASSO regression coefficients. We then evaluated relationships between the risk score and cellular components or cellular immune response. Differences in immune response under various algorithms were visualized with heat maps. The GSVA package in R was used to analyze GO, BP, KEGG, and hallmark gene sets of immune checkpoint clusters and immune checkpoint scores. The GSEA analysis was performed with the cluster profile package, yielding 21 m6A genes. Related lncRNAs were screened with Pearson’s correlations, and the resulting 442 lncRNAs were screened using single-factor analysis. Eight lncRNAs closely related to prognosis were identified through survival random forest. Survival analysis showed that patients with a high risk score had a poor prognosis. Low- and high-risk-score groups differed significantly in m6A gene expression. Prognostic scores from different algorithms were significantly correlated with B cells, T cells, and memory cells in the immune microenvironment. Expression of immune checkpoints and signal pathways differed significantly across risk-score groups, suggesting that m6A could mediate lncRNA-induced immune system dysfunction and affect HNSCC development. A comprehensive study of tumor-cell immune characteristics should provide more insight into the complex immune microenvironment, thus contributing to the development of new immunotherapeutic agents.
Camshaft Loosening Diagnosis on the Basis of Generalised Force Recognition at the Centre of Gravity of an Engine
Authors: Xu Chuanyan , Meng Lixue , Gong Ruyan , Gong Xun , Li Aijuan
Published: August 2021

A valve mechanism supports the working process of an engine cylinder, and a camshaft is a key component required to open and close a valve. When a camshaft loosens, the balance of the engine disrupts. In the meanwhile, the generalised force at its centre of gravity (CG) alters. This study proposed a novel technique to detect camshaft loosening based on recognising the generalised force at the CG of the engine. We conducted Hanning windowed interpolation of discrete spectra to extract the precise phase and amplitude by utilising the acceleration signals at the engine cylinder and mounts and cylinder head. We then accurately computed the generalised force at the CG. Finally, we accurately extracted the camshaft loosening features by analysing the main harmonic orders for the generalised force. As indicated by simulations, our method can be used to effectively detect combustion engine faults involving camshaft loosening.
Evaluation Method of Floor Heave Damage Degree and a Case Study in Zaoquan Coal Mine, China
Authors: Chen Ai , Ma Qing , Liu Xuesheng
Published: August 2021

With the continuous increase of mining depth and complex mining geological conditions, the mileage of roadways in underground engineering such as coal mine is increasing year by year. Complex conditions lead to different floor heave failure laws, and the control technology and strategy should be changed accordingly. How to evaluate the damage degree of floor heave under different conditions has become an urgent problem. Firstly, this paper makes a statistical analysis on the main evaluation indexes of the damage degree of roadway floor heave. Then, the fuzzy comprehensive clustering method is used to establish the classification method of floor heave damage degree, taking the floor heave amount, floor rock fragmentation degree, coal pillar size, buried depth, and floor lithology as evaluation indexes. The damage degree of floor heave can be divided into five types: light type, obvious type, severe type, destructive type, and extremely severe type. Finally, the rationality and accuracy of the method are verified by the measured value and evaluation value of No. 130203 roadway in the Zaoquan coal mine. The results can provide reference for the evaluation of the damage degree of the floor rock in similar condition mine and provide guidance for the design of the support and stability control of the failure of the roadway floor heave.
[Retracted] Microcomputer Control System of Bridge Dehumidification Based on Energy Consumption Optimization and Wireless Communication
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Xiong Feng , Li Peng , Yu Qi
Published: August 2021

At present, with the development of wireless communication and microcomputer control system, the design and construction level of long‐span bridges in China are also improving. How to improve the durability of bridge structure has become a major scientific and technological problem in bridge design and construction. This paper studies a microcomputer control system of bridge dehumidification based on energy consumption optimization and wireless communication. It compares three kinds of dehumidification and anticorrosion methods of bridge engineering, namely, freezing dehumidification system, rotary dehumidification system, and hybrid dehumidification system. In the hardware design of microcomputer control system of dehumidification system, ATmega128 bit main control chip and aluminum designer are used to draw the power circuit. Then, the MCU program of the air dehumidifier is written, and the power of the air dehumidifier is controlled by the PWM signal generated by the timer 0 of the MCU. The air dehumidifier is divided into three tap positions corresponding to three duty cycles, and the power of the air dehumidifier is changed according to the input tap position.
Applications of Functionalized Hydrogels in the Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Yan Caiping , Wang Xingkuan , Xiang Chao , Wang Yong , Pu Chaoyu , Chen Lu , Jiang Ke , Li Yuling
Published: August 2021

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is caused by genetics, aging, and environmental factors and is one of the leading causes of low back pain. The treatment of IDD presents many challenges. Hydrogels are biomaterials that possess properties similar to those of the natural extracellular matrix and have significant potential in the field of regenerative medicine. Hydrogels with various functional qualities have recently been used to repair and regenerate diseased intervertebral discs. Here, we review the mechanisms of intervertebral disc homeostasis and degeneration and then discuss the applications of hydrogel‐mediated repair and intervertebral disc regeneration. The classification of artificial hydrogels and natural hydrogels is then briefly introduced, followed by an update on the development of functional hydrogels, which include noncellular therapeutic hydrogels, cellular therapeutic hydrogel scaffolds, responsive hydrogels, and multifunctional hydrogels. The challenges faced and future developments of the hydrogels used in IDD are discussed as they further promote their clinical translation.
Targeting lncRNA PSMA3-AS1, a Prognostic Marker, Suppresses Malignant Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Xinghua , Luan Kefeng , Yang Jie , Huang Yundong
Published: August 2021

Objective. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents the most common maxillofacial malignancy. This study elucidated the clinicopathological value and molecular mechanisms of PSMA3 antisense RNA 1 (PSMA3-AS1) in OSCC. Methods. Totally, 135 OSCC patients were recruited. PSMA3-AS1 expression and its prognostic value were assessed in this cohort. si-PSMA3-AS1 was transfected into HN4 and CAL-27 OSCC cells. Then, cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU staining. Migration and invasion were investigated through wound healing, transwell, and western blot. The PSMA3-AS1/miR-136-5p and miR-136-5p/FN1 interactions were validated by dual luciferase report, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blot. Results. PSMA3-AS1 upregulation was determined in OSCC tissues. The upregulation indicated pessimistic patients’ outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed PSMA3-AS1 as an independent prognostic indicator. Its upregulation was also found in OSCC cells. Under transfection with si-PSMA3-AS1, proliferation, migration, and invasion were all restrained in HN4 and CAL-27 OSCC cells. Furthermore, its knockdown induced the increase in E-cadherin expression and the reduction in N-cadherin and Vimentin expression. PSMA3-AS1 was a sponge of miR-136-5p. Mutual inhibition was found between two and the interactions were confirmed by dual luciferase report. It was confirmed that FN1 was a target of miR-136-5p. FN1 expression was increased by miR-136-5p inhibitors, which was lessened by si-PSMA3-AS1 cotransfection. Conclusion. Collectively, PSMA3-AS1 as a risk factor facilitated malignant behaviors of OSCC cells, related to the miR-136-5p/FN1 axis. Hence, PSMA3-AS1 as a potential therapeutic target for OSCC deserved further exploration.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 13 Facilitates Peripheral Nerve Regeneration through Maintaining Microtubule Stability
Authors: Li Rui , Tao Xuetao , Huang Minghong , Peng Yan , Liang Jiahong , Wu Yanqing , Jiang Yongsheng
Published: August 2021

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI), resulting in the impairment of myelin sheaths and axons, seriously affects the transmission of sensory or motor nerves. Growth factors (GFs) provide a biological microenvironment for supporting nerve regrowth and have become a promising alternative for repairing PNI. As one number of intracellular growth factor family, fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) was regard as a microtubule‐stabilizing protein for regulating cytoskeletal plasticity and neuronal polarization. However, the therapeutic efficiency and underlying mechanism of FGF13 for treating PNI remained unknown. Here, the application of lentivirus that overexpressed FGF13 was delivered directly to the lesion site of transverse sciatic nerve for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Through behavioral analysis and histological and ultrastructure examinations, we found that FGF13 not only facilitated motor and sense functional recovery but also enhanced axon elongation and remyelination. Furthermore, pretreatment with FGF13 also promoted Schwann cell (SC) viability and upregulated the expression cellular microtubule‐associated proteins in vitro PNI model. These data indicated FGF13 therapeutic effect was closely related to maintain cellular microtubule stability. Thus, this work provides the evident that FGF13‐medicated microtubule stability is necessary for promoting peripheral nerve repair following PNI, highlighting the potential therapeutic value of FGF13 on ameliorating injured nerve recovery.
Investigating the Causal Relationships between Project Complexities and Project Cost: An Empirical Study from New Zealand
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Mbachu Jasper , Liu Zhansheng , Zhao Xuefeng , Wang Bill
Published: August 2021

Project complexity is usually considered as one of the main causes of cost overruns, resulting in poor performance and thus project failure. However, empirical studies focused on evaluating its effects on project cost remain lacking. Given this circumstance, this study attempts to develop the relationship between project cost and the multidimensional project complexity elements. The study assumes complexity as a multidimensional factor including the task, organization, market, legal, and environment complexities. And it adopts an empirical evidence‐based structural model to account for the relationships between project cost and project complexity. By doing so, a quantitative assessment of multidimensional project complexity has been developed. The findings suggest that task and organization complexities have direct effects on project cost, while market, legal, and external environment complexities have indirect effects on project cost. The practical contribution is that the findings can improve the understanding of which dimension of complexity significantly influences project cost and the need to focus efforts on strategically addressing those complexities.
3D Primary Geochemical Halo Modeling and Its Application to the Ore Prediction of the Jiama Polymetallic Deposit, Tibet, China
Authors: Tao Zhongping , Liu Bingli , Guo Ke , Guo Na , Li Cheng , Xia Yao , Luo Yaohua
Published: August 2021

The identification of primary geochemical haloes can be used to predict mineral resources in deep-seated orebodies through the delineation of element distributions. The Jiama deposits a typical skarn–porphyry Cu–polymetallic deposit in the Gangdese metallogenic belt of Tibet. The Cu–polymetallic skarn, Cu–Mo hornfels, and Mo ± Cu porphyry mineralization there exhibit superimposed geochemical haloes at depth. Three-dimensional (3D) primary geochemical halo modeling was undertaken for the deposit with the aim of providing geochemical data to describe element distributions in 3D space. An overall geochemical zonation of Zn(Pb) → Au → Cu(Ag) → Mo gained from geochemical cross-sections, together with dip-direction skarn zonation Pb–Zn(Cu) → Cu(Au–Ag–Mo) → Mo(Cu) → Cu–Mo(Au–Ag) and vertical zonation Cu–(Pb–Zn) → Mo–(Cu) → Mo–Cu–(Ag–Au–Pb–Zn) → Mo in the #24 exploration profile, indicates potential mineralization at depth. Integrated geochemical anomalies were extracted by kernel principal component analysis, which has the advantage of accommodating nonlinear data. A maximum-entropy model was constructed for deep mineral resources of uncertainty prediction. Three potential deep mineral targets are proposed on the basis of the obtained geochemical information and background.
Study on the Flow Mechanism of Shale Oil with Different Injection Media
Authors: Yao Lanlan , Yang Zhengming , Li Haibo , Cai Bo , He Chunming , Xia Debin
Published: August 2021

Chinese shale oil has high recoverable resources and great development potential. However, due to the limitation of development technology, the recovery rate of shale oil is not high. In this paper, the effects of different injection media on the development of shale oil reservoirs in Dongying formation, Qikou depression, Huanghua depression, and Bohai bay basin, were studied by means of imbibition and nitrogen flooding. Combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology with imbibition and gas displacement experiments, the mechanism of shale injected formation water, active water (surfactant), and nitrogen was reproduced. The displacement process of crude oil under different injection media and injection conditions was truly demonstrated, and the relationship between different development methods and the pore boundaries used was clarified. A theoretical basis for the effective development of shale oil was provided. At the same time, Changqing tight oil cores with similar permeability to Dagang shale oil cores were selected for comparison. The results showed that, as the imbibition time of shale samples increased, the imbibition efficiency increased. Pores with T2 < 10 ms contributed the most to imbibition efficiency, with an average contribution greater than 90%. 10 ms < T2 < 100 ms and more than 100 ms pores contributed less to imbibition efficiency. Active water can change the wettability of shale, increase its hydrophilicity, and improve the efficiency of imbibition. The imbibition recovery ratio of injected active water was 17.56% higher than that of injected formation water. Compared with tight sandstone with similar permeability, the imbibition efficiency of shale was lower. As the nitrogen displacement pressure increased, the oil displacement efficiency also increased. The higher the shale permeability was, the greater the displacement efficiency would be. T2 > 100 ms pore throat of shale contributed to the main oil displacement efficiency, with an average oil displacement efficiency contribution of 63.16%. And the relaxation interval 10 < T2 < 100 ms pore throat displacement efficiency contributed to 28.27%. T2 < 10 ms pore throat contributed the least to the oil displacement efficiency, with an average oil displacement efficiency contribution of 8.58%. Compared with tight sandstone with similar permeability, shale had lower oil displacement efficiency. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of the influence of different injection media on shale oil recovery effect.
The Value of CT Three-Dimensional Reconstruction in Nursing and Diagnosis of Senile Hip Fracture
Authors: Shi Yuanyuan , Chen Si , Chen Xue , Xue Pan
Published: August 2021

Aim. To study the diagnostic effect of hip fracture in the elderly. In this paper, a total of 100 elderly patients with hip fracture from January 2020 to May 2021 were selected for X-ray and CT examination after admission. The operation was taken as the final criteria for determining hip fracture type, and the diagnosis of hip fracture by CT three-dimensional reconstruction was analyzed and studied. The results showed that the diagnostic rate of CT 3D reconstruction for various types of hip fracture in the elderly was higher than that of CT plain scan and X-ray (

P
<
0.05

). For the diagnosis of intra-articular small bone fragments, the rate of missed diagnosis was 2% (2/100) with CT 3D reconstruction, 10% (10/100) with conventional CT scan, and 20% (20/100) with X-ray. The rate of misdiagnosis was 5.0% (5/100) with CT 3D reconstruction. Routine CT scan was 15% (15/100), X-ray was 30% (30/100), and CT 3D reconstruction was significantly lower than other examinations (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. CT 3D reconstruction has high accuracy in the diagnosis of various types of hip fractures in the elderly.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Freezing Pressure on the Uniaxial Mechanical Properties of Ice
Authors: Wang Baosheng , Yang Weihao , Sun Peixin , Huang Xin , Zhang Yaodan , Chen Fengjun
Published: August 2021

In this study, a test technique that enables continuous control of the sample stress state from freezing to testing is proposed to investigate the influence of freezing pressure on the mechanical properties of ice under uniaxial compression. In this method, the water is frozen into the standard cylindrical ice specimen under high hydraulic pressure in a triaxial pressure chamber, and then, the temperature field and stress field of the ice specimens are adjusted to the initial state of the test; finally, an in situ mechanical test is conducted in the triaxial chamber. The uniaxial compression test of ice specimens with temperature of −20°C and freezing pressure of 0.5–30 MPa is performed in the strain rate range of 5 × 10−5−1.5 × 10−6 s−1. The results show that, as the freezing pressure increases, the ductile‐to‐brittle transition zone of the ice specimen during failure moves to the low strain rate range, and the failure mode of the specimen changes from shear failure to splitting failure. Further, the brittleness index of the ice specimen first increases, then decreases, and then again increases with the increase in freezing pressure. The brittleness index reaches the maximum (minimum) when the freezing pressure is 30 MPa (20 MPa). The peak stress of the ice specimen also increases first, then decreases, and then increases with the increase in freezing pressure. The maximum value is also at the freezing pressure of 30 MPa, but the minimum value is obtained at the freezing pressure of 0.5 MPa. The failure strain of the ice specimen first decreases and then increases with the increase in freezing pressure, and the maximum (minimum) value is achieved at the freezing pressure of 0.5 MPa (10 MPa). When the ice specimen exhibits brittle failure, the relationships between the residual stress and the freezing pressure and between the peak stress and freezing pressure are the same, but when the ice specimen exhibits ductile failure, there is no obvious relationship between the residual stress and the freezing pressure.
Positioning of the Moving and Static Contacts of the Switch Machine Based on Double‐Layer Mask R‐CNN
Authors: Yin Jiacheng , Lv Zhaomin , Chen Xingjie , Yang Kun
Published: August 2021

With the continuous development of rail transit, the maintenance of the switch machine becomes more and more important, and the contact depth of the moving contact and static contact in the switch machine is a key part of it. At present, the manual measurement method is the main measure of contact depth, which has the problems of low efficiency and strong subjectivity. The measurement of contact depth based on machine vision includes two steps: moving and static contact positioning and distance conversion. The positioning result will have an important impact on distance measurement. Therefore, a positioning method for moving and static contact based on double‐layer Mask R‐CNN (DLM) is proposed in this paper: first, the moving contact is roughly positioned by Mask R‐CNN to obtain the predicted target area; second, the subgraph of the target area is preprocessed; finally, the precise positioning is used to determine the precise position of the moving and static contact. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed DLM are verified by the internal image of the switch machine.
Guillain‐Barré Syndrome‐Like Polyneuropathy Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review of 33 Cases
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Xiuchun , Zhao Chuansheng
Published: August 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been increasingly used in the treatment of various types of tumors with favorable results. But these treatments also led to a variety of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). Neurological irAEs such as Guillain‐Barré Syndrome are rare and may have serious consequences once they occur. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase for all case reports of GBS associated with ICIs published in English reporting on human beings from 1990 up to date. A total of 30 case reports (total patients = 33) were used for final analysis. The included cases were from 11 countries, covering 10 tumor types, with melanoma accounting for the largest number. The mean age was 62.2 ± 11.1 years old, and males were dominant (male: 26 and female: 7). The median time of initial symptoms was 8.2 weeks after the 1st dose of ICIs. The most common manifestations of GBS associated with ICIs were weakness, hyporeflexia or areflexia, and paresthesia in order. The GBS subtypes suggested by electrophysiological results were acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), and Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS). The protein level of CSF in patients with GBS related to ICIs was 180.68 ± 152.51 mg/dl. Immediate termination of ICIs followed by intravenous immunoglobulin was the preferred treatment option. 72.7% of patients recovered or had residual mild dysfunction after treatment. Elderly male patients with melanoma were most likely to develop ICI‐related GBS. The specific neurological symptoms, CSF analysis, and electrophysiological examination were important means of diagnosis.
Aero-Engine Real-Time Models and Their Applications
Authors: Chen Jiajie , Hu Zhongzhi , Wang Jiqiang
Published: August 2021

Aero-engine real-time models are widely used in control system design, integration, and testing. They can be used as the basis for model-based engine intelligent controls and health management, which is critical to improve engine safety, reliability, economy, and other performance indicators. This article provides an up-to-date review on aero-engine real-time modeling methods, model adaptation techniques, and applications for the last several decades. Besides, future research directions are also discussed, mainly focusing on the following four areas:(1) verification of the aero-engine real-time model over the full flight envelope; (2) better balance between real-time performance and accuracy in simplified methods for the aero-thermodynamic component level models; (3) further improvement in the real-time performance for the identified nonlinear models over the full flight envelope; (4) improvement of hybrid on-board adaptive real-time models combining the advantages of both model-based and data-based on-board adaptive real-time modeling methods.
Group Polarization Based on Agent Emotional Characteristics and Credibility
Authors: Jiang Shuyang , Wang Hu
Published: August 2021

The frequent occurrence of group polarization in many internet mass incidents produces adverse impacts on the social stability and poses a significant challenge for social management. We construct an opinion evolution model with agent emotional characteristics and credibility based on the Deffuant model to study the evolutionary mechanism of group polarization, which connects the agent’s firmness with the agent’s opinion, taking a full account of the agent heterogeneity. We analyze the impacts of initial opinion distribution, network structure, and opinion leader on the group opinion evolution. The results show that group polarization is easier to form when the initial opinions are in a normal distribution, and group polarization will also form under the impact of initial minority agents with extreme opinions. Different network structures will pose different effects on the group opinion evolution, and group polarization is easier to form in the small‐world network and BA scale‐free network. In addition, opinion leader also affects the group opinion evolution, and it will hinder the generation of group polarization.
Natural Course and Prognostic Factors of Immediate-Type Peanut Allergy in Children
Authors: Jung Minyoung , Jeong Hye-In , Kyung Yechan , Kim Su Kyung , Lee Ju Suk , Choi Minhwan , Shim Jung Yeon , Kim Layun , Won Hojeong , Kim Kyunga , Kim Jihyun , Ahn Kangmo
Published: August 2021

Background: Predicting food allergy resolution is essential to minimize the number of restricted foods in children. However, there have been no studies on the natural history of peanut allergy (PA) in Korea. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the natural course and prognostic factors of immediate-type PA in children till the age of 10 years. Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 122 children who developed PA before 60 months of age from 3 tertiary hospitals in Korea. Diagnosis and resolution of PA was defined as an oral food challenge test or a convincing history of symptoms within 2 h after peanut ingestion. The prognostic factors for resolution of PA were identified using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: The median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis was 2.0 (1.3–3.0) years. Among the 122 children, PA resolved in 18 (14.8%) children. The level of peanut-specific IgE (sIgE) at diagnosis in the persistence group was significantly higher than that in the resolution group (p = 0.026). The probabilities of resolution of PA were 10.3% and 32.8% at the ages of 6 and 10 years, respectively. A peanut-sIgE level ≥1 kU/L at diagnosis was significantly associated with persistent PA (hazard ratio, 5.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.89–18.87). Conclusions: Only 10.3% of our patients had a probability of developing spontaneous resolution of PA by 6 years of age. Peanut-sIgE levels ≥1 kU/L at diagnosis were associated with the persistence of PA.
Interactions between Prepregnancy Overweight and Passive Smoking for Macrosomia and Large for Gestational Age in Chinese Pregnant Women
Authors: Cui Dingyu , Yang Wen , Shao Ping , Li Jing , Wang Peng , Leng Junhong , Wang Shuo , Liu Enqing , Chan Juliana C.N. , Yu Zhijie , Hu Gang , Yang Xilin
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Previous analysis showed that passive smoking and overweight were associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a synergistic manner, while GDM increased the risk of macrosomia/large for gestational age (LGA). This study aimed to examine any interactive effects between passive smoking and overweight/obesity on risk of macrosomia/LGA. Methods: From 2010 to 2012, 22,302 pregnant women registered for pregnancy at a primary hospital in Tianjin, China. Data were collected longitudinally; that is, from their first antenatal care visit, at the glucose challenge test (GCT) time (24–28 weeks of gestation) and at delivery. Passive smoking was self-reported. Macrosomia was defined as birth weight ≥4,000 g. Binary logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additive interaction was used to test the synergistic effect. Results: Passive smokers accounted for 57.4% of women (n = 8,230). Using nonpassive smoking and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) <24.0 kg/m2 as the reference, the adjusted ORs of overweight alone and passive smoking alone for macrosomia were 2.39 (95% CI: 2.11–2.71) and 1.17 (95% CI: 1.04–1.32). Copresence of passive smoking and prepregnancy BMI ≥24.0 kg/m2 increased the OR to 2.70 (95% CI: 2.28–3.20), with a significant additive interaction. After further adjustment for GDM or GCT, the OR of copresence of both risk factors was slightly attenuated to 2.52 (2.13–3.00) and 2.51 (2.11–2.98), with significant additive interaction. However, the additive interaction between prepregnancy overweight/obesity and passive smoking for LGA was nonsignificant. Conclusions: Prepregnancy overweight/obesity was associated with an increased risk of macrosomia in Chinese women synergistically with passive smoking during pregnancy, and most of the association was not modified by hyperglycemia during pregnancy.
Prognostic Implication of Diagnostic Confidence Level in Patients with Fibrotic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Authors: Kang Jieun , Kim Yeon Joo , Choe Jooae , Chae Eun Jin , Song Joon Seon , Song Jin Woo
Published: August 2021

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) has various clinical courses and outcomes, but the prognostic factors are not well-defined. Vasakova et al. [Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2017 Sep;196(6):680–9] have proposed a diagnostic algorithm that categorized suspected patients according to the level of confidence in the diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate whether the confidence level of clinical diagnosis has prognostic implication in patients with fibrotic HP. Methods: This study included 101 biopsy-proven fibrotic HP patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2017. The patients were retrospectively classified into confident, probable, possible, and unlikely chronic HP, according to the confidence level in the diagnostic criteria/algorithm. The survival and forced vital capacity (FVC) changes were compared between the groups. Risk factors for mortality were analysed using a Cox proportional hazard model. Results: The median follow-up duration was 67.6 months. The mean age was 60.4 years, and percentages of women were 60.4%. When classified based on the diagnostic criteria/algorithm, possible HP was the most common (51.5%), followed by probable (26.7%), confident (9.9%), and unlikely HP (6.9%). Distinctive survival curves were found according to the diagnostic confidence level, showing the worst outcome in unlikely chronic HP (median survival, 30.2 months). In a multivariable Cox analysis, unlikely HP was a significant predictor of poor survival (hazard ratio, 4.652; 95% confidence interval, 1.231–17.586; p = 0.023), after adjustment for age, body mass index, FVC, and diffusing capacity. Conclusions: The diagnostic confidence level may predict clinical outcomes in patients with HP. Unlikely HP was shown to have a significantly poorer survival than other diagnostic confidence levels.
The Application of DNA Ploidy Analysis in Large-Scale Population Screening for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Guo Yulin , Peng Qiuzi , Wang Ying , Li Lu , Yi Xiaoyun , Yan Bin , Zou Miao , Dai Guohong , Guo Peng , Ma Quanfu , Wu Xufeng
Published: August 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of DNA ploidy analysis in large-scale population screening for cervical cancer. Methods: From March 2016 to March 2019, eligible subjects were enrolled and recommended to undergo DNA ploidy analysis, the ThinPrep cytology test (TCT), and high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) detection concurrently. Patients with positive results were recommended for colposcopy, and biopsy diagnosis was regarded as the “gold standard.” We compared the test efficiencies of the 3 methods and compared the efficiency and accuracy of the TCT in our hospital and the “2-cancer screening” project in Hubei Province during the same period. Results: Among 20,574 women, the positive rates of DNA ploidy analysis, cytology, and hrHPV testing were 4.01%, 4.71%, and 16.28%, respectively. The sensitivities of these methods for screening for grade 2+ cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were 0.70, 0.68, and 0.96, and their specificities were 0.79, 0.82, and 0.45, respectively. On comparing DNA ploidy analysis with the TCT, there was no significant difference in the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and missed diagnosis rate. In opportunistic screening and the 2-cancer screening project, the positive rates of cytology were 4.71% and 2.87%, respectively. And the efficiency and accuracy of the TCT in opportunistic screening were higher than in the 2-cancer screening project. Conclusion: Therefore, DNA ploidy analysis, which is of low-cost and does not depend on cytopathologists, can replace cytology and be applied in large-scale population screening for cervical cancer.
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy Is Beneficial for the Health-Related Quality of Life of Older Patients with Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Kawasaki Yoshihide , Ishidoya Shigeto , Morimoto Ryo , Ono Yoshikiyo , Omata Kei , Tezuka Yuta , Kawamorita Naoki , Yamashita Shinichi , Mitsuzuka Koji , Satoh Fumitoshi , Ito Akihiro
Published: August 2021

Objective: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LADX) improves hypertension in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). However, the antihypertensive impact of LADX appears restricted in older patients with PA. In this study, we evaluated the impact of LADX in older patients focusing on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: A total of 156 patients with PA who underwent LADX in a single institution were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The patients were divided into 2 groups, with a boundary of 60 years. The HRQoL was evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study’s 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) questionnaire before and after LADX. Demographics, clinical features, antihypertensive drugs before and after surgery, and perioperative evaluation were recorded. We compared all scale scores and summed scores between groups. Multivariate regression models were used to determine the associations between various covariables and the HRQoL. Results: In the older PA patients, most subscales of HRQoL at baseline were lower than the national standard values. The antihypertensive drug-free rate by LADX was only 21% in older patients, compared to 58% in younger patients. However, a significant improvement in mental HRQoL was observed after LADX (p = 0.002). The much preoperative antihypertensive drugs, lower preoperative potassium level, and smaller degree of comorbidities were predictors of improved mental HRQoL by LADX on multivariate analyses. Conclusion: The older PA patients showed lower mental HRQOL than the national standard populations. Although antihypertensive effects were limited for these patients, LADX was beneficial as PA treatment via improvement of mental HRQoL.