bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intersecting Imperialisms
Authors: Holgate Ben
Published: August 2019

Richard Flanagan’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North (2013), which features the Thai-Burma “Death Railway” in World War Two, depicts a complex web of imperial regimes that converge and clash in the mid-twentieth century. The protagonist is an Australian soldier effectively fighting for his country’s former colonizer, Britain, which is losing its empire to Japan. I build on Laura Doyle’s concept of “inter-imperiality” to explore how the novel illuminates the historical process of imperial factors intersecting at multiple levels, from the geopolitical and economic to the personal and cultural. The novel demonstrates how inter-imperial identities challenge simple binary models of imperialism, and how so-called national literatures are produced in a world context. This is evident in Flanagan’s intertextual homage to classical Japanese author Matsuo Bashō. The novel also highlights how world literature discourse ought to take into account temporal and ethicopolitical factors (Pheng Cheah), suggesting an overlap with postcolonial studies.
Pholcus mixiaoqii sp. nov., one new spider species from Tibet, China (Araneae: Pholcidae)
Authors: XU HAO , ZHANG CHUNTIAN , YAO ZHIYUAN
Published: August 2019

The genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 belongs to the family Pholcidae C.L. Koch, 1850, which is a species-rich group, including 94 genera and 1,716 species (World Spider Catalog 2019). Pholcus is mainly distributed in the Palaearctic, Indo-Malayan, Afrotropical, and Australasian Region (Huber 2011). The only exception is the Pholcus kingi group with ten species in the southeastern USA (Huber 2011). The genus includes species from a wide range of habitats, e.g., between buttresses, in small holes or caves, among and under large rocks, or on the underside of green leaves (Huber 2011). Many taxonomic changes were implemented on the latest molecular phylogeny analyses (Eberle et al. 2018; Huber et al. 2018), including nine new genera resulted from splitting Pholcus: Cantikus Huber, 2018, Kelabita Huber, 2018, Kintaqa Huber, 2018, Meraha Huber, 2018, Muruta Huber, 2018, Paiwana Huber, 2018, Pribumia Huber, 2018, Teranga Huber, 2018, and Tissahamia Huber, 2018. The genus Sihala Huber, 2011 was synonymized with Pholcus and the species Pholcus agadir Huber, 2011 was moved to Micropholcus Deeleman-Reinhold & Prinsen, 1987 (Huber et al. 2018). Nevertheless, Pholcus continues to be the most species-rich genus in Pholcidae and currently includes 328 species belonging to 21 species-groups [previously: 393 species and 32 species-groups] (Huber 2011; Huber et al. 2018; World Spider Catalog 2019). One of the generic species-groups, the Pholcus nenjukovi species-group, contains eight species and occurs in northeastern Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Russia (the single record of Pholcus sidorenkoi Dunin, 1994 from Russia is dubious, see Huber 2011: 339). In the present study, we describe a new species from southwestern Tibet, China assigned to the Pholcus nenjukovi species-group. This distribution represents the eastern most record for the species-group (Fig. 1).
Redescription of the tadpole of Thoropa taophora (Miranda-Ribeiro) (Anura: Cycloramphidae)
Authors: MOURA PEDRO HENRIQUE ARECO GOMES , DA ROCHA ALVES SÉRGIO JÚNIOR , DE SOUZA E SOUSA DANIELA DAS GRAÇAS , CORREA CLAUDIA NEVES , NUNES IVAN
Published: August 2019

Thoropa Cope is an anuran genus of the family Cycloramphidae that comprises six species of small rock frogs peculiar for the semiterrestrial habits of their larvae, which develop on wet rock environments distributed throughout eastern and southeastern Brazil (Bokermann 1965; Frost 2019). Current knowledge on their tadpoles relies mostly on their descriptions, namely the works of Bokermann (1965) for T. lutzi Cochran and T. petropolitana (Wandolleck), Caramaschi & Sazima (1984) for T. megatympanum Caramaschi & Sazima, Cocroft & Heyer (1988) for T. saxatilis Cocroft & Heyer, and Barth (1956) and Fatorelli et al. (2018) for T. miliaris (Spix). Thoropa taophora (Miranda-Ribeiro) tadpoles were originally described by Bokermann (1965) as T. miliaris, but several features were overlooked. In addition, T. taophora was recently removed from the synonymy with T. miliaris (Feio et al. 2006). Herein, we present a complete redescription of the tadpoles of T. taophora and provide comparisons with previously published drawings and descriptions of all other species of the genus.
Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Manifestations of Adrenal Schwannoma
Authors: Lan Gongyu , Guo Qiyong
Published: August 2019

Adrenal schwannoma is a type of benign rare tumor, and as such there is a relative paucity of information regarding its imaging appearance in the previous literature, which may be misdiagnosed and result in excessive surgery. In the present study, 11 patients with variable and nonspecific
symptoms had undergone CT and MRI examinations and were pathologically proven adrenal schwannomas. All cases were retrospectively collected to investigate the imaging manifestations. The tumors displayed unilateral in different sizes, which were well-defined, encapsuled, rounded or oval, solid
or cystic-solid masses with or without calcification on unenhanced CT images. On unenhanced MRI images, tumors exhibited homogeneous isointense or heterogeneous hypointense signal on T1-weighted images and hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images. All masses on the enhanced images of both
CT and MRI demonstrated heterogeneous progressive enhancement pattern. These results suggested that the combination of a variety of imaging characteristics could more sufficiently improve on diagnosis accuracy of adrenal schwannoma and provide significant information for clinical treatment.
Biostatistical Relationship Between Apelin Expression and Radiosensitization in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells Based on Flow Cytometry and Cell Imaging
Authors: Xu Gang , Li Xianming , Wu Shihai , Yang Dong , Yan Mao Sheng
Published: August 2019

Objective: To explore the biostatistical relationship between Apelin expression and radiosensitization in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. Methods: The main operation of the experiment on NPC cells 6-10B and HNE2 include: colony formation, flow cytometry for radiotherapy,
detection of cell proliferation according to the results of radiotherapy, protein immunoblotting for cells, detection of the effect of Apelin on the expression of hormones in cells by Western Blot method, immunofluorescence assay, electrophoresis, transmembrane closure, incubation of anti-cancer
cells. The effects of Apelin on NPC cells were obtained by biostatistical analysis. Cells were scanned by a scanning electron microscope, the anisotropic analysis algorithm was used to analyze and compare the results of cell radiotherapy. Results: Apelin-13 inhibits the proliferation
of NPC cells 6-10B and HNE2. Moreover, Apelin-13 can induce the overexpression of Cyclin D1 in NPC cells and promote the proliferation of NPC cells and inhibition of Caspase 3 expression and apoptosis of NPC cells. Apelin also has a significant effect on radiosensitization of NPC cells. Conclusion:
Apelin controls the expression of Cyclin D1 and Casepase 3 cytokines. It can increase the apoptotic degree of NPC cells, inhibit the proliferation of NPC cells, and improve the radiosensitivity of NPC cells.
Orthopedic Nursing Based on Preoperative Diagnosis of Infrapatellar Plica Using Medical Imaging
Authors: Lv Chun-Zi , Zhong Yi , Zhu Li-Yu , Chen Zhuang-Rong , Xiao Yu-Hua , Zhang Yi-Ou , Zhou Qiong-Hua
Published: August 2019

Purpose: We investigate the diagnostic value and therapeutic effect of arthroscopy on the knee synovial fold syndrome. Methods: Thirty patients (35 knees) who has knee subgingival fold syndrome were treated with knee arthroscopy and medial temporal synovectomy. All these
patients in this group were treated with epidural anesthesia and underwent arthroscopic surgery. MRI was used initially to diagnosis the orthopedic conditions before surgical intervention. At the second observation, it can be seen that the inner wrinkle is hard and it has a white cord-like
shape. Generally, the wrinkled wall is fan-shaped, while some of the wrinkled walls are continuous with the upper, lower and outer wrinkles. Changes were evaluated using the Lysholm score in knee function before and after surgery. Results: The treatment is demonstrated: the preoperative
average Lysholm score (51.37 ± 6.36), the average Lysholm score (93.00 ± 5.04), and the average improvement of 42 points. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative functional scores was statistically significant (t = 15.283, P < 0.05). Discussion:
There are many reports on the synovial wrinkle syndrome in the knee synovial fold syndrome, and the report of the subclinical fold syndrome is extremely rare, and it is considered to be only a manifestation of other syndromes. This aspect shows that the incidence of the knee synovial fold
syndrome is relatively low, on the other hand, it also shows that the current understanding of the knee synovial fold syndrome is insufficient. The knee synovial fold syndrome lesions occur mostly in young men and young adults, and are associated with trauma and excessive use of injuries,
but the knee synovial fold syndrome and signs are not specific, easily misdiagnosed, and need to be diagnosed under arthroscopy. Arthroscopic treatment of the knee synovial fold syndrome is simple and safe, with less damage and quick recovery after surgery. Conclusion: Arthroscopy has
obvious diagnostic value and good therapeutic effect on the knee synovial fold syndrome.
Computed Tomographic Image Analysis of Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation and Dynamic Hip Screw in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Teng Yugang , Zhang Yuanzhen , Wang Zhenyu
Published: August 2019

Objective: Based on the observation of Computed Tomography (CT) image analysis technique, the efficacy of Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) and Dynamic hip screw (DHS) in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly was analyzed. Methods: Thirty-nine
elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were randomly divided into two groups: 19 patients in the DHS internal fixation group and 20 patients in the PFNA group. They were treated with DHS and PFNA internal fixation, and were observed based on CT image analysis techniques.
The patient performs follow-up testing of the procedure before and after surgery. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in mean operative time and intraoperative blood loss between the groups (P < 0.01). The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative
complications was statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative and postoperative complications in the PFNA group was lower than that in the DHS group. The excellent and good rates of DHS group and PFNA group were 89.47% and 95.00%, respectively.
There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in fracture healing time between the PFNA group and the DHS group (P < 0.01). Discussion: Compared with DHS, PFNA has the advantages of short operation time,
low bleeding volume and short hospital stay. There were 7 cases of internal fixation failure or non-union in the DHS group and 1 case of delayed healing in the PFNA group. Conclusion: DHS and PFNA were used to treat intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. After observation by CT
image analysis technique, there was no significant difference in efficacy. The average operative time of PFNA was the shortest, the intraoperative blood loss was the least, the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications was low, and the fracture healing time was short. PFNA
has a lesser effect on the blood circulation and bone destruction at the fracture end, and it is more secure. It is a reasonable surgical method for the treatment of senile osteoporotic intertrochanteric fractures.
Brain Function Network Analysis of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Based on Adaptive Sparse Representation Method
Authors: Pan Xin , Jiang Zhongyi , Bi Hui , Wang Suhong , Zou Ling
Published: August 2019

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as a neuro-developmental disorder, has a great impact on children's life. Brain function network analysis is one of the crucial means for ADHD diagnosis. To better understand the ADHD, the method combined with Adaptive Sparse Representation
(ASR) method and graph theory was proposed to achieve the global functional network. First, ASR was applied to calculate the correlation to construct the brain function network. Second, the obtained optimal threshold based on an absolute selection strategy aimed to reduce the weak correlative
connections. In order to understand the differences between the ADHD and the normal, graph theory was utilized for brain network evaluation. The connection sensitivity of ASR of the simulated data is 88.89% shows the validity of the proposed method. The experiments were conducted on clinical
resting-state fMRI data of 30 ADHD patients and 30 normal persons. Compared to the normal, the average shortest path of the ADHD was 24% higher, the average degree distribution of the ADHD was 21% lower, the local efficiency of the ADHD was 14% higher and the global efficiency of the ADHD
was 19% lower. Meanwhile, there were significant differences of the node efficiency between the ADHD and the normal in the temporal lobe and occipital cortex. The experimental results showed that the proposed method could show more clearly the differences between the normal and the ADHD.
A Novel Breast Cancer Detection Technology Using an Advanced Transfer Maximal Entropy Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Peng Lifang , Huang Bin , Chen Kefu , Zhou Leyuan
Published: August 2019

The initial diagnosis of breast cancer involves analyzing the relevant examination report of the patient to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Unsupervised clustering algorithms can be used with this type of problem. In a cluster analysis of a patient's examination
data, the clustering results and the preliminary diagnosis results are obtained. However, due to the high cost of detection, medical datasets often have a small sample size or lack information. The traditional clustering technique usually has poor clustering effects in such scenarios. To solve
this problem, this paper proposes an advanced transfer learning mechanism based on the classic maximum entropy clustering algorithm and proposes an advanced transfer maximal entropy clustering (AT-MEC) algorithm. A simulation experiment using the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Dataset is performed.
This paper verifies that the proposed AT-MEC algorithm has a better clustering effect than other clustering algorithms in the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Dataset.
Low Complex Beam-Space Beamformer for Medical Ultrasound Imaging Based on Delay Multiply and Sum Method
Authors: Su Ting , Zhang Shi , Li Dayu , Lv Zhiwei , Dong Shengwei
Published: August 2019

The beam-space minimum variance (BSMV) beamforming is an outstanding form of beam-space beamforming. However, its computational complexity is still high for real-time ultrasound imaging. To solve this problem, a beamforming named beam-space delay multiply and sum (BS-DMAS) beamforming
was proposed in this paper. In the proposed method, similar decimation discrete cosine transform (DCT) matrix in BSMV was used to reduce the dimension of signal firstly. Then, the improved delay multiply and sum (DMAS) beamforming in parallel form was used to get the final output. Different
from BSMV, instead of calculating the inverse of covariance matrix to get the adaptive weight vector, the proposed method just need to perform square root, sign and addition operation. By doing this, the computational complexity was reduced from PM + P3 + 3P2
+ O(P) to PM + P2 + O(P) compared with BSMV. Finally, simulation and experiment was performed to evaluate the proposed method. Compared with DAS, the results indicate that BS-DMAS generates a 66% lower advantage at full width at half-maximum
(FWHM), an 114% improvement at contrast noise ratio (CR) but slightly worse at contrast ratio (CNR). This demonstrates that the proposed method can improve the performance of imaging and reduce the computational complexity.
Comparative Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and X-ray Examination on Knee Degenerative Osteoarthrosis
Authors: Liu Siyu , Gao Yuan , Liu Yu , Xiang Jiabing
Published: August 2019

Objective: To compare the diagnostic effect of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray in degenerative osteoarthritis of knee joint. Methods: 107 patients with degenerative osteoarthrosis of the knee were selected as study subjects. They were divided into study group
(53 cases) and control group (54 cases) according to different diagnostic methods. The study group underwent MRI examination for diagnosis, and the control group underwent X-ray examination for diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria of arthroscopic surgery were used as the gold standard to compare
the diagnostic accuracy of patients with knee degenerative osteoarthrosis. Result: There was no significant difference in the detection rate of joint space stenosis and bone hyperplasia between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the positive rate of
synovial thickening, soft tissue swelling and meniscus degeneration was higher in the study group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Discussion: The progression of knee degenerative osteoarthrosis is very slow, and the clinical symptoms are not specific
and inconspicuous. Especially in the early stage, knee cartilage injury and degeneration are not obvious. X-ray examination is used to diagnose the misdiagnosis. The rate is relatively high, and MRI, as a non-invasive examination method, has the advantages of high tissue resolution, multiazimuth
imaging and multi-parameter imaging, which can clearly show the knee meniscus, articular cartilage, bone, ligament and other soft tissue injuries. The diagnosis is remarkable. Conclusion: The application of MRI in the diagnosis of degenerative osteoarthrosis of the knee is significant,
which can further improve the diagnostic detection rate, and it is worthy of promotion and application in the diagnosis.
CT Image Analysis of Gastrointestinal Tumors Based on Simple Linear Iterative Cluster Algorithm
Authors: Huang Wentao , Zhou Danhua , Liu Dawei , Li Baolong
Published: August 2019

Objective: Gastrointestinal cancer is a very common disease at present. The purpose of this experiment is to use CT scanning technology and Simple Linear Iterative Cluster (SLIC) algorithm to analyze and fuse the scanning results, to explore the imaging characteristics of gastrointestinal
neuroendocrine tumors by CT scanning and its application value in gastrointestinal tumors. Methods: The medical records of 25 patients with gastrointestinal tumors were selected as samples and analyzed retrospectively. Texture information fusion of CT image based on SLIC algorithm.
This algorithm can fuse the texture information in the image, and then propose more targeted treatment for gastrointestinal tumors in different periods. Results: It was found that the diameter of malignant gastrointestinal tumors was more than 5 cm, and most of them occurred in the
intestinal tract and the edge. The specific manifestations are blurred or lobulated, uneven density, invasion of surrounding structures and combined transfer rate. Therefore, it can be concluded that there are significant differences in CT features between benign and malignant gastrointestinal
tumors. CT examination is helpful to differentiate benign and malignant tumors. Conclusion: Based on CT imaging, it can be found that the main cause of gastric neurosecretory tumors is blood-rich lesions. Gastrointestinal cancer cells of different pathological grades have different
CT imaging features. CT imaging has certain value for preliminary judgment of pathological grading of patients.
Application of Adaptive Threshold Image Segmentation Algorithm in Orthopedic CT Imaging
Authors: Bao Fuqin , Wang Dapeng , Zhao Hongyan , Xu Bo
Published: August 2019

Objective: To explore the application and analysis of image segmentation in the rehabilitation of patients with bone trauma during orthopedic nursing. Methods: Sixty patients with orthopedic trauma in our hospital were enrolled. The patients were divided into observation
group and control group by four weeks. The control group was the traditional observation image, and the observation group was analyzed by image segmentation technology. Therefore, the two groups of patients are provided with nursing treatment, and finally, the progress of bone trauma recovery
is periodically observed. Results: The degree of recovery in the observation group was 43% in the four-week period and 30% in the control group. It can be seen that the adaptive threshold algorithm makes orthopedic care more effective in image segmentation. Discussion: In medical
imaging technology, different imaging devices can provide a variety of voxel information. The bone morphology information provided by CT images can make orthopedic care more targeted. Conclusion: Image segmentation technology provides a reliable predictive treatment solution in the
nursing work, which solves the actual problem of the patient in the injury and the disease, so that the patient can recover faster. However, the expected research results of medical imaging technology research have guiding significance for the doctor's clinical diagnosis and preoperative and
postoperative planning.
Health Informatics Study of Smart Human-Computer Interaction Devices for Elderly Patients
Authors: Sun Xinxin , Jin Wenkui
Published: August 2019

Purpose: To analyze the elderly patients' demand in the field of language emotional attributes which is different from the particularity of the general population, and then used it to design the Smart Voice Assistant for elderly patients. Methods: The types of character
are called the experts, assistants, family members and pets according to two evaluation scales which are 'friendly–unfriendly' and 'dominant–submissive.' Professional Mandarin Chinese broadcasters were invited to record their voice of a neutral sentence respectively. With differences
in pitch, volume, tone color and sound quality, varied types of characters were simulated and eight pieces of voice record were generated. Twenty old people were selected to participate in the measurement test to grade these eight pieces of voice based on their acceptability of these voices.
Results: Experiment shows that the male test group's preference value to the male voice is 4.4250, a little higher than their preference value to the female voice which is 3.9000. But the Independent Samples T Test shows that the significance of F Test is 0.345 > 0.05, while that
of corresponding T test is 0.051, a little higher than 0.05. Hence it can be assumed that the male test group has almost no difference in the preference for voice gender. And the average of the female test group's preference value is 3.9500 for the male voice and 4.9750 for the female voice.
Therefore, the female test group prefer female voice. In Independent Samples T Test, the significance of F Test is 0.909 > 0.05, while that of T Test is 0.000 < 0.05. Hence the female test group's voice gender preference has statistically significance difference. In terms of the individualization
of voice type with different voice characters, the average grades from male test group to expert, assistant, family and pet type is 4.75, 4.85, 3.9, 3.15, while male test group is 3.65, 4.40, 5.40, 4.41. Conclusion: Based on the experimental results and verification, voice interaction
among the elderly patients in the home environment, family-female type is the best choice.
Computer Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and Pain Management for Lumbar Disc Herniation Treated by Intervertebral Foramen Endoscopy
Authors: Peng Zhaowen , Zhao Wenwen , Hu Shaohua
Published: August 2019

Objective: Lumbar disc herniation leads the numbness and pain in the waist and lower limbs. Intervertebral foramen endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of disc herniation. Adequate preoperative evaluation is conducive to this percutaneous skin surgery.
The purpose of this study is to improve the efficacy of intervertebral foramen endoscopy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation by preoperative computer three-dimensional reconstruction combined with pain management. Method: Fifty patients with lumbar disc herniation who met the
indications of intervertebral foramen endoscopy were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The control group was operated according to experience based on the common axial image. The experimental group was punctured according for three-dimensional visualization model
of lumbar spine. Preoperative simulated puncture catheterization and perioperative pain management was applied. The catheterization time, operation time under endoscopy, fluoroscopy times during operation, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores before
and 1 d, 1 m and 3 m after operation were compared between two groups. Result: The three-dimensional visualization model of lumbar spine was reconstructed based on thin-layer data. According to the results of software measurement, the skin puncture point was located and the puncture
angle was obtained. Compared with the control group, the catheterization time, operation time under endoscopy, fluoroscopy times during operation in experimental group were significantly reduced. There was no statistical difference in VAS and JOA scores between two groups before operation.
Compared with control group, the VAS scores in experimental group at 1 d, and 1 m after operation were decreased statistically, while the JOA scores were increased statistically. Conclusion: Three-dimensional visualization model of lumbar spine and virtual operation planning can directly
judge the feasibility of intervertebral foramen endoscopy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, improve the efficiency of operation, and further improve postoperative efficacy with pain management.
The SnapShot Freeze Algorithm Improves Image Quality of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Using High-Resolution Wide-Detector CT
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Ying , Li Xiao-Hu , Song Jian , Liu Bin , Wu Xing-Wang
Published: August 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the motion-correction reconstruction algorithm SnapShot Freeze (SSF) on the diagnostic performance of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) using high-resolution, wide-detector CT. Methods: CCTA was
performed using an electrocardiography-triggered auto-gating protocol in 62 patients. All images were reconstructed using both standard algorithm and motioncorrection algorithm (SSF). According to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for coronary angiography, the coronary artery
was divided into 15 segments. The coronary artery segments were evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale to determine the image quality. Arteries with a score greater than 1 were further evaluated by two expert radiologists blinded to conditions. The diagnostic performance of SSF was compared
in the patients with high heart rate (HR ≥ 75 beats per minute) compared to low HR (< 75 beats per minute). Results: At the segmental level, the Likert score for segments 1–4 and 6–14 were higher in SSF compared to standard algorithm (p < 0.05). The proportion
of images that was improved by SSF was greater for the high HR systolic phase imaging (66.7%) than for the low HR diastolic phase imaging (34.3%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The SSF algorithm improves coronary CTA images acquired using a 256-row wide detector CT, compared to standard
algorithm, particularly in patients with high HR.
Facial Nerve Dissection Guided by Preoperative CT in Parotid Surgery
Authors: Jin Song , Tang Haili , Su Rongyu
Published: August 2019

Objective: The parotid gland is closely related to the facial nerve. Appropriate facial nerve dissection is helpful to protect facial nerve function. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the parotid gland and its adjacent structures by preoperative CT, so as to guide the
dissection of facial nerve during parotid surgery. Method: A total of 45 patients with parotid benign tumor diagnosed by pathology were collected. According the preoperative CT, two dissection methods of facial nerve was used. Twenty-one patients in group A were dissected by anterograde
method from the trunk of facial nerve. Other 24 patients in Group B was dissected by retrograde method through the branch of facial nerve. The occurrence of facial nerve function injury and the recovery time of facial nerve function were observed. Result: Preoperative CT can evaluate
the nature and adjacent relationship of parotid tumors. Anatomical localization markers of facial nerve can be evaluated. Group A has 1 case of facial nerve function injury (4.8%) occurred after surgery, and nerve function recovery time was (2.6 ± 0.5) m. Group B has 7 cases of facial
nerve function damage (29.1%) occurred after surgery, and nerve function recovery time was (3.3 ± 0.7) m. Compared with Group A, the incidence of facial nerve function injury in Group B was higher, the nerve function recovery time was longer. Conclusion: Preoperative CT evaluation
is helpful to the optimal selection of facial nerve anatomical pathway during parotid gland surgery. The anterograde and retrograde dissection of facial nerve can complete the operation successfully. The anterograde methods is the first choice as the lesser nerve function damage and faster
recovery time.
Statistical Analysis of Long-Chain Non-Coding RNA SNHG1 Influencing the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells by Competitive Binding to microRNA-101
Authors: Xiao Jianhong , Guo Guohua , Song Bin , Zhu Chuanqi , Zhan Xianghui
Published: August 2019

Objective: To explore the effect of LncRNA SNHG1 on the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells by competitive binding to miR-101 using bioinformatics analysis. Methods: We used quantitative real-time PCR analyzed the differential expression of SNHG1 in
non-small cell lung to analyze cancer tissues, adjacent nontumorous tissues, non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (A549, SPC-A1) and normal human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Transient transfected A549 cells with siRNA SNHG1 plasmid and detected the proliferation and apoptosis of cells
in vitro or in vivo by MTT assay, apoptosis test and model tumor of athymic mouse. SNHG1 plasmid vector containing miR-101 predicted binding site to investigate whether SNHG1 was a functional target of miR-101 by luciferase reporter assay. The interaction between SNHG1 and miR-101
on the proliferation of A549 cells was investigated by transfection of miR-101-ih and then monitored the expression of SNHG1. Results: We found that expression of SNHG1 was up-regulated in NSCLC tissues and A549 cell lines. Furthermore, function assays showed that SNHG1 inhibition suppressed
NSCLC cell proliferation both in vitro and outside vivo, and accelerated the apoptosis in vitro. We also found that the luciferase activity was significantly decreased by the co-transfection of miR-101-mim and SNHG1-Wt. In addition, we found that inhibition of SNHG1 led
to significantly increased expression of miR-101. The expression of SNHG1 and the proliferation of A549 cells in cells that transfected with miR-101-ih was significantly higher than control group. Conclusions: LncRNA SNHG1 had a direct interaction with miR-101, and miR-101 was an inhibitory
target for SNHG1 in NSCLC progression. The inhibition of miR-101 could enhanced the expression of SNHG1 and promoted the proliferation of A549 cells. This can be verified using bioinformatics analysis.
Analysis of Bronchoscopy on Acute Exacerbation of Pulmonary Emphysema Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using CT Chest Imaging
Authors: Lin Yalan , Chen Yunfeng , Yu Weisen , Wu Weijing , Du Yuxia , Fan Jimin
Published: August 2019

Purpose: To understand the role of bronchoscopy in the treatment of chest CT images for patients with acute exacerbation of emphysema phenotype chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: 89 cases with chest CT images suggesting acute exacerbation of emphysema
phenotype COPD were included and divided into the experimental group and the control group according to whether underwent bronchoscopy. Arterial blood gas indexes (pH value, PaO2, PaCO2), total glucocorticoid usage, length of stay, serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10)
before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Results: The hospitalization time of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (11.88 ± 8.61 d vs. 16.50 ± 12.15 d, P = 0 045); the total use of methylprednisolone
test group was 213.66 ± 32.07mg, and the control group was 250.83 ± 102.55 mg. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0 028). The trend of repeated analysis of variance (F = 12 11,P = 0 001) were statistically significant.
PaCO2 significantly decreased before and after the test in the experimental group (49.40 14.85 mmhg vs. 43.30 12.48 mmhg, P = 0.000). Plasma TNF-α and IL-6 decreased and IL-10 increased before and after the test. TNF-α and IL-6 increased and IL-10 decreased
before and after the control group test, and the changes and trends of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 before and after the two groups were statistically different (P = 0.000). These symptoms can be analyzed using CT imaging. Conclusion: In patients with acute exacerbation
of emphysema phenotype COPD who are initially ineffective, bronchoscopy, alveolar lavage, and anti-contamination brush sampling guide anti-infective treatment can improve patient ventilation, and reduce glucocorticoid consumption.
Medical Image Analysis Based on Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter System on the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Related Extra-Esophageal Symptoms
Authors: Liang Wei-Tao , Li Tao , Wu Ji-Min , Hu Zhi-Wei , Yan Chao , Qian Yong-Jun
Published: August 2019

Objective: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is easily missed on X-ray or even computer tomography. This study was to evaluate the endoscopic imaging for the radiofrequency ablation (RA) on the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease related extra-esophageal
symptoms. Methods: From January 2011, to January 2012, we allocated 51 patients to LTF and 47 to RA procedure. Primary outcome measures, including symptom scores of globus hysterics, chest pain, belching, hiccup, cough and asthma as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use, were analyzed
after 5-year follow-up. Results: There were 90 patients following RA procedure (N = 40) or LTF (N = 50) that completed the designated 5-year follow-up and were included in the final analysis. At the end of 5-year follow-up, the symptom scores were all significantly decreased
as compared with the corresponding values before the two procedures in both groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the improvement in symptom scores between the two groups did not achieve statistical significance. After RA procedure and LTF, 18 (45%) and 32 (64%) patients in each group achieved
complete PPIs therapy independence (p = 0.071). Comparing with LTF, however, the RA procedure had a higher risk of reoperation (17.5% vs. 0, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Comparing with LTF in controlling GERD-related extra-esophageal symptoms, RA procedure can offer equivalent
relief on symptoms and PPIs independence. However, it has a higher risk of reoperation during the 5 years follow-up.
A Separate 3D Convolutional Neural Network Architecture for 3D Medical Image Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Dong Shidu , Liu Zhi , Wang Huaqiu , Zhang Yihao , Cui Shaoguo
Published: August 2019

To exploit three-dimensional (3D) context information and improve 3D medical image semantic segmentation, we propose a separate 3D (S3D) convolution neural network (CNN) architecture. First, a two-dimensional (2D) CNN is used to extract the 2D features of each slice in the xy-plane
of 3D medical images. Second, one-dimensional (1D) features reassembled from the 2D features in the z-axis are input into a 1D-CNN and are then classified feature-wise. Analysis shows that S3D-CNN has lower time complexity, fewer parameters and less memory space requirements than other
3D-CNNs with a similar structure. As an example, we extend the deep convolutional encoder–decoder architecture (SegNet) to S3D-SegNet for brain tumor image segmentation. We also propose a method based on priority queues and the dice loss function to address the class imbalance for medical
image segmentation. The experimental results show the following: (1) S3D-SegNet extended from SegNet can improve brain tumor image segmentation. (2) The proposed imbalance accommodation method can increase the speed of training convergence and reduce the negative impact of the imbalance. (3)
S3D-SegNet with the proposed imbalance accommodation method offers performance comparable to that of some state-of-the-art 3D-CNNs and experts in brain tumor image segmentation.
Arrhythmia Classification Based on Multiple Features Fusion and Random Forest Using ECG
Authors: Wang Zhizhong , Li Hongyi , Han Chuang , Wang Songwei , Shi Li
Published: August 2019

Cardiovascular diseases have become more and more prominent in recent years, which have proven to be a major threat to people's health. Accurate detection of arrhythmia in patients has important implications for clinical treatment. The aim of this study was to propose a novel automatic
classification method for arrhythmia in order to improve classification accuracy. The electrocardiogram (ECG) signal was subjected preprocessing for denoising purposes using a wavelet transform. Then, the local and global characteristics of the beat, which contained RR interval features according
with the clinical diagnosis criterion, morphology features based on wavelet packet decomposition and statistical features along with kurtosis coefficient, skewness coefficient and variance are exploited and fused. Meanwhile, the dimensionality of wavelet packet coefficients were reduced via
principal component analysis (PCA). Finally, these features were used as the input of the random forest classifier to train the model and were then compared with the support vector machine (SVM) and back propagation (BP) neural networks. Based on 100,647 beats from the MIT-BIH database, the
proposed method achieved an average accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of 99.08%, 99.00% and 89.31%, respectively, using the intra-patient beats, and 92.31%, 89.98% and 37.47%, respectively, using the inter-patient beats. Moreover, two classification schemes, namely, inter-patient and intra-patient
scheme, were validated. Compared with the other methods referred to in this paper, the performance of the novel method yielded better results.
Prediction of Short-Term Breast Cancer Risk Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Networks in Mammography
Authors: Li Yane , Fan Ming , Liu Shichen , Zheng Bin , Li Lihua
Published: August 2019

This work investigated a novel framework of predicting short-term breast cancer risk by using a deep learning approach in mammography. A dataset of 675 negative screening cases were applied. 333 cases were cancer diagnosed at next screening, while 342 cases remained negative. In order
to stratify these patients into high and low cancer risk group, we first used an automatically method to segment bilateral matched central regions from right and left mammography respectively. Then, three AlexNet, GoogLeNet and ResNet based deep learning models were established with ten-fold
cross validation method for both difference image of bilateral matched central regions and two whole regions of bilateral breasts respectively. Using AlexNet-, GoogLeNet- and ResNet-based risk model, areas under ROC curves (AUC) are 0.56, 0.62 and 0.64 for central regions and 0.59, 0.57 and
0.65 for whole regions, respectively. When combining prediction scores of three deep learning models with a multi-agent fusion algorithm, AUCs are 0.67 and 0.67 for central regions and whole regions respectively. When fusing scores of central region-based risk model and whole region-based
risk model, AUC significantly increases to 0.71 (p < 0.01). By dividing 675 cases into five subgroups based on sorting results of risk scores, the odds ratios had an significant increasing trend as the scores increased (p = 0 003). This study demonstrates feasibility of applying
deep learning technology to assist investigating novel markers in mammography for helping assessment of short-term breast cancer risk and improving the efficiency of breast cancer screening in the future.
Electromagnetic analysis of composite structures subjected to transient magnetic fields
Authors: Tzeng Jerome T , Hsieh Kou-Ta
Published: August 2019

When carbon composites are exposed to a transient electromagnetic field, a rapid temperature increase can be observed due to joule heating from magnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction heating and heat transfer in the composite are anisotropic and concentrated upon the carbon fiber orientation and distribution. In addition, the strength and frequency of transient electromagnetic fields have great influence on the final quality of the composite. A computational model has been developed by solving coupled Maxwell’s and heat transfer equations. The analysis accounts for the three-dimensional transient electromagnetic field and electrical conductivity of the composite material. This paper will illustrate the derived formulation and numerical solution based on finite element methods. The developed code is validated with a 2D closed-form solution. Numerical simulations of a cylinder and a flat laminated plate are conducted to illustrate the computational capability. The induction heating for composite manufacture is also discussed for current Army’s applications.
Examining the Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Life Orientation Test in Older Chinese Immigrants
Authors: Huang Vivian , Lo Kitty Ching , Fiocco Alexandra J.
Published: August 2019

The current study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Revised Life Orientation Test (CLOT-R) in a sample of 342 community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants in Canada (mean age = 71.99, SD = 5.62; 58.5% female). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the CLOT-R yields a two-factor model with one item cross-loading on two latent constructs of optimism and pessimism. Analysis further revealed poor internal consistency and convergent validity. Evidence for discriminant and convergent validity was found between optimism and perceived stress, as well as optimism and quality of life. Compared with the factor structure reported in previous Chinese-speaking samples, the modified two-factor structure found in the current group of older Chinese immigrants could be attributed to the heterogeneity of the sample and possible configural variance across culture and age. Overall, the current findings suggest that the CLOT-R may not be a reliable and valid measure to assess dispositional optimism and pessimism among older Chinese immigrants. Theoretical implications and suggestions for further scale development and research is discussed.
Wind energy resource assessment for Vanuatu with accurate estimation of Weibull parameters
Authors: Singh Krishneel , Bule Leonie , Khan MGM , Ahmed M Rafiuddin
Published: August 2019

Wind energy resource assessments for Pentecost Island and Epi Island in Vanuatu were carried out using one year of wind data. The wind data were used to calculate the daily average wind speed, diurnal variation of wind speed and monthly average wind speed. The diurnal variation of wind shear coefficient of the site was also studied and it correlated well with the temperature variation. Ten methods were used to determine the Weibull parameters and the wind power density of the site. The best method was determined using the goodness of fit test/error where the correlation coefficient, coefficient of efficiency, root mean square error, maximum absolute error and maximum absolute percentage error for the 10 methods were compared. It was found that the moments method was the best method for obtaining the shape parameter (k), the scale parameter (A) and the correct wind power density for the Pentecost Island site, whereas for the Epi site, the median and quartiles method performed the best. The mean wind speed for the Pentecost site was 5.60 m/s, while that for the Epi site was 5.86 m/s. The Weibull parameters were also estimated for the two seasons for both the islands. The wind resource maps showing the wind power density were also obtained. The annual energy production from 10 Vergnet 275 kW wind turbines, positioned at good locations on the digital wind map, was estimated. Finally, an economic analysis of the turbines was carried out, which indicated a payback period of 4.85 years.
SYNTAX score and coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Bangladesh
Authors: Ranjan Redoy , Adhikary Asit Baran
Published: August 2019

Background

The SYNTAX score is a helpful tool for determining the optimal myocardial revascularization strategy in complex coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether the SYNTAX score predicts postoperative mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods

The study included 1100 consecutive patients referred for coronary artery bypass graft surgery over a 4-year period. Angiographic data were interpreted by both experienced intervention cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. The patients were divided into three groups based on SYNTAX score tertiles: low ≤22 ( n =  560), intermediate 23–32 ( n =  360), and high ≥33 ( n =  180).

Results

Compared to patients with a low SYNTAX score, those with intermediate and high scores were significantly older ( p <  0.001), had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction ( p <  0.001), higher pulmonary artery pressure ( p <  0.001), and higher incidences of acute coronary syndrome and left main coronary artery disease. A significantly higher EuroSCORE ( p =  0.003) was also observed in patients with a higher SYNTAX score. Patients with intermediate and high SYNTAX scores had higher 5-year mortality rates (18.6% and 19.5%, respectively) than patients with low SYNTAX scores (9.5%, p <  0.05). In multivariate analysis, SYNTAX score was not an independent predictor of late mortality.

Conclusion

Although SYNTAX score is not independently predictive of late mortality in patients with complex coronary artery disease undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery, patients with lower SYNTAX scores had a lower mortality rate after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.