bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Revised Neuroimaging Radiological Interpretation System For Acute Traumatic Brain Injury in Adult and Pediatric Population
Authors: Dewangan Naresh Kumar , Sharma Achal
Published: February 2021

Aim Our study aimed to validate the revised neuroimaging radiological interpretation system (NIRIS), which would standardize the interpretation of noncontrast head CT of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient and consolidate imaging finding into ordinal severity categories that would not only inform specific patient management actions but could also be used as a clinical decision support tool.

Methods We retrospectively studied dispositions and their outcomes of consecutive patients brought to the Sawai Man Singh Hospital Trauma Centre, Jaipur, India, by any means of transport and who underwent a noncontrast CT scan for suspected TBI between April and December 2018.

Results The revised NIRIS correctly predicted disposition and outcome in 62.9% (750/1192) of patients. After excluding patients with OMEI (other major extracranial injuries) and OMII (other major intracranial injuries), a correct prediction was observed in 88.3% (670/758) of patients. After excluding OMEI and OMII, the predictability of revised NIRIS in the adult population is 87.6% (446/509), while predictability in the pediatric population is 92.1% (224/249).

Conclusion Revised NIRIS is a good tool for predicting patient dispositions, to specific management categories, and outcomes in TBI patients after noncontrast CT head.
Retrospective Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Open Monosegmental Lumbar Fusion, and Impact of Virtual Reality on Surgical Planning and Strategy
Authors: Zawy Alsofy Samer , Nakamura Makoto , Ewelt Christian , Kafchitsas Konstantinos , Lewitz Marc , Schipmann Stephanie , Suero Molina Eric , Santacroce Antonio , Stroop Ralf
Published: February 2021

Background and Study Aims Spinal fusion for symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis can be accomplished using an open or minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique. Evaluation of segmental spondylolisthesis and instabilities and review of their therapies are inseparably connected with lumbar tomographic imaging. We analyzed a cohort of patients who underwent MIS or open monosegmental dorsal fusion and compared surgical outcomes along with complication rates. We furthermore evaluated the influence of virtual reality (VR) visualization on surgical planning in lumbar fusion.

Material and Methods Patient files were retrospectively analyzed regarding patient- and disease-related data, operative performance, surgical outcomes, and perioperative surgical complications. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were retrospectively visualized via VR software. A questionnaire evaluated the influence of three-dimensional (3D) VR images versus two-dimensional CT and MRI scans on therapy planning, fusion method, and surgical technique and procedure.

Results Overall, 171 patients were included (MIS/open: 90/81). MIS was associated with less blood loss, shorter surgery time and hospital stay, lower complication rates, equivalent long-term patient-reported outcomes, but lower fusion rates and higher late reoperation rates than open surgery. Image presentation using VR significantly influenced the recommended surgical therapies (decompression only/decompression and fusion; p = 0.02), had no significant influence on the recommended fusion method (rigid/dynamic/stand-alone; p = 0.77), and, in cases of rigid fusion, a significant influence on the recommended technique (MIS/open; p = 0.03) and fusion procedure (p = 0.02).

Conclusion In patients with monosegmental degenerative or isthmic spondylolisthesis, MIS fusion was advantageous concerning perioperative complication rates and perioperative surgical outcomes, but disadvantageous regarding fusion and reoperation rates compared to open fusion. 3D-VR-based analysis of sectional images significantly influenced the recommended surgical planning.
Ruptured MCA Aneurysm Mimicking MCA Territory Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: De Trizio Ignazio , Reinert Michael , Robert Thomas
Published: February 2021

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can be considered one of the major neurologic and neurosurgical emergencies that need a time-dependent diagnosis and treatment. On rare occasions, an aneurysmal rupture may also present with isolated ICH without subarachnoid hemorrhage. We present the case of a 48-year-old woman presenting in our neurosurgical department with ICH and a right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion that, 6 weeks after the initial surgical management, unveiled a large MCA aneurysm treated with a clipping. In this study, we discuss our hypothesis about the etiology and the pathophysiology of this rare phenomenon in the light of the literature in the field.
Dissecting Aneurysm of the L1 Radiculomedullary Artery Associated with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report
Authors: Crobeddu Emanuela , Pilloni Giulia , Zenga Francesco , Cossandi Christian , Garbossa Diego , Lanotte Michele
Published: February 2021

Background Both spinal artery aneurysm and spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage represent a very rare event.

Methods We report a case of a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the right L1 radiculomedullary artery associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe motor weakness.

Results An urgent decompressive hemilaminectomy was performed due to worsening in motor deficit. A subsequent spinal angiography showed a dissection of radiculomedullary artery of L1 on the right side, treated conservatively.

Conclusion Nowadays, therapeutic strategies for this aneurysm remain controversial. Conservative strategy can represent a valid alternative.
Long-Term Results of Arthroscopic Capsular Shrinkage for Palmar Midcarpal Instability of the Wrist
Authors: Ricks Matthew , Belward Peter , Hargreaves David
Published: February 2021

Background Midcarpal instability is a term for a collection of poorly understood conditions where the proximal row of the carpus is unstable. The most common type of midcarpal instability is palmar midcarpal instability (PMCI). Treatment for PMCI includes nonoperative proprioceptive retraining of the wrist, splints, and strengthening. If this fails, various authors have suggested several different fusions, tenodesis procedures, or capsular shrinkage. There are no long-term case series in the literature.

Objective The aim of this study is to assess the long-term results of arthroscopic capsular shrinkage when used for PMCI of the wrist.

Methods A prospective cohort study of patients who underwent arthroscopic capsular shrinkage for PMCI was performed. Ethical board approval was given for this study. All patients were followed up and reviewed independently from the operating surgeon. Assessment included a structured questionnaire, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire, and clinical examination using a goniometer. PMCI was assessed objectively with the anterior drawer test and radiological imaging was only performed if clinically relevant to the residual symptoms.

Results Thirteen patients (15 wrists) underwent arthroscopic capsular shrinkage for PMCI. Twelve patients (14 wrists) were available for clinical review with a follow-up rate of 92.3%. The mean time from index procedure to final review was 12 years (range: 10–14years). The symptoms of instability had completely resolved in nine wrists (7 patients). Only 2 of the 14 wrists had symptoms that were reproduced with a positive anterior drawer test. All other wrists were stable on objective assessment. The mean DASH score had improved from pre op of 34 to post op of 12.1 and at 12-year follow-up this had deteriorated minimally to 15.3. Assessment of the range of motion showed an average increase in range of flexion/extension by 22 degrees. Patient satisfaction was excellent. The patients rated that nine wrists were much better than presurgery, three as better, one unchanged, and one worse.

Discussion/Conclusion There are no studies looking at the long-term natural history of treatments for PMCI. The lead author proposes a grading system for symptomatic PMCI that has been retrospectively applied to this cohort. It is a grading system from 1 to 4 and is based on a treatment algorithm. This is the first long-term study from any joint, where the results of capsular shrinkage have been maintained over time. In this series, we have not seen any deleterious effect from possible mechanoreceptor injury. We suspect that functioning mechanoreceptors are more relevant in the unstable joint, than the structurally stable joint. The authors propose that thermal capsular shrinkage is an effective and durable option for use in mild-to-moderate forms of PMCI.
Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence of Sparing Centered Along the Cephalic Vein
Authors: Kim Geunwon , Johnson Anna Rose , Hamaguchi Ryoko , Adondakis Michael , Tsai Leo L. , Singhal Dhruv
Published: January 2021

Background A distinct pattern of edema distribution is seen in breast cancer-related lymphedema. The area of edema sparing has not been characterized in relation to anatomy. Specifically, alternate lymphatic pathways are known to travel adjacent to the cephalic vein. Our study aims to define the location of edema sparing in the arm relative to the cephalic vein.

Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between March 2017 and September 2018 was performed. Variables including patient demographics, arm volumes, and MRI data were extracted. MRIs were reviewed to define the amount of sparing, or angle of sparing, and the deviation between the center of sparing and the cephalic vein, or angle of deviation.

Results A total of 34 consecutive patients were included in the analysis. Five patients demonstrated circumferential edema (no sparing) and 29 patients demonstrated areas of edema sparing. Advanced age (69.7 vs. 57.6 years) and greater excess arm volume (40.4 vs. 20.8%) correlated with having circumferential edema without sparing (p = 0.003). In 29 patients with areas of edema sparing, the upper arm demonstrated the greatest angle of sparing (183.2 degrees) and the narrowest in the forearm (99.9 degrees; p = 0.0032). The mean angle of deviation to the cephalic vein measured 3.2, –0.1, and –5.2 degrees at the upper arm, elbow, and forearm, respectively.

Conclusion Our study found that the area of edema sparing, when present, is centered around the cephalic vein. This may be explained by the presence of the Mascagni-Sappey (M-S) pathway as it is located alongside the cephalic vein. Our findings represent a key springboard for additional research to better elucidate any trends between the presence of the M-S pathway, areas of sparing, and severity of lymphedema.
Pituitary Carcinoma Diagnosis and Survival Improvement, with Affordable Care Act Correlation: A SEER Database Study
Authors: Wallace Nathan J. , Devaiah Anand K.
Published: February 2021

Introduction Pituitary carcinomas are challenging tumors to diagnose and treat due to their rarity and limited data surrounding their etiology. Traditionally, these patients have exhibited poor survival. Over the last several decades, our understanding of pituitary carcinomas has dramatically increased, and there have been recent initiatives to improve patient access to health care, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This study investigates whether there were any changes in incidence and treatment outcomes of pituitary carcinoma that correlated with these advances.

Methods A retrospective case review was conducted utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute. Those with primary site pituitary tumors with noncontiguous metastases were identified from 1975 to 2016. Demographic data, overall, and cause-specific outcomes were obtained. The data were analyzed using SPSS to generate 5-year Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results The incidence of pituitary carcinoma pre- and post-ACA was 0.31 and 2.14 diagnoses/year, respectively. This represents a significant increase (Chi-square, p < 0.00002). In addition, 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival of these patients was determined to be 88.2, 74.0, and 66.6% which was significantly improved compared with prior studies. Cause-specific survival of these patients follow similar trends exhibiting 94.1, 79.0, 71.1% after 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively.

Conclusion The survival for pituitary carcinoma has improved significantly which signals a change in how practitioners should counsel their patients. There is a significant surge in the number of cases in the post-ACA timeline, which suggests that improving patient access has played a part in wider recognition and treatment initiation for this disease.
A Comprehensive Approach to Midface Rejuvenation: Our Philosophy, Algorithm, and Surgical Technique
Authors: Lee Daniel D. , Lee Kathryn W. , Williams Edwin F.
Published: January 2021

With a greater understanding of the aging process and relevant anatomy, the facial plastic surgeon has an expansive armamentarium of options for midface rejuvenation. Upon reflection, our practice has evolved over the years and only recently found a select number of interventions that have consistently produced excellent results. In this article, we discuss the steps needed to establish an effective patient relationship, present an algorithm on how to approach midface rejuvenation, describe our surgical technique, and review the attributes and liabilities of each procedure.
Management of Acute Soft Tissue Injuries of the Cheek and Principles of Scar Revision
Authors: Hudson Caroline , Olson Krista
Published: January 2021

Facial soft tissue injury is a challenging and complex problem for the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon for cosmetic and functional reasons. This article will focus on the management of soft tissue injuries of the cheek, one of the most important presenting areas of the face. The cheek, like any other part of the face, is susceptible to several types of injury and any of these injuries have the potential to disfigure and debilitate. Knowledge of anatomical structures and wound healing principles is critical to devising an appropriate management plan and achieving superior patient outcomes in scar revision cases. Multiple techniques to improve long-term scarring from facial soft tissue injuries are available.
On the partition dimension of directed circulant graphs
Authors: Maritz Elizabeth C. M. , Vetrík Tomáš
Published: February 2021

The directed circulant graph Cn(1, 2, … , t) consists of the vertices v0 , v1 , … , vn-1 and edges directed from vi to vi+j for every i = 0, 1, … , n – 1, and j = 1, 2, … , t, where 1 ≤ t ≤ n – 1, the indices are taken modulo n. We present lower and upper bounds on the partition dimension of very general graphs 10.1080/09720529.2019.1694739Cn(1, 2, … , t). Our bounds yield exact values of the partition dimension of the graphs Cn(1, 2, … , t) for t = 2, 3, 4 and n ≥ 10.
The vacancy defects and oxygen atoms occupation effects on mechanical and electronic properties of Mo5Si3 silicides
Authors: Chen Jiaying , Zhang Xudong , Yang Linmei , Wang Feng
Published: February 2021

Improving brittle behavior and mechanical properties is still a big challenge for high-temperature structural materials. By means of first-principles calculations, in this paper, we systematically investigate the effect of vacancy and oxygen occupation on the elastic properties and brittle-or-ductile behavior on Mo5Si3. Four vacancies (Si–Va1, Si–Va2, Mo–Va1, Mo–Va2) and oxygen occupation models (O–Mo1, O–Mo2, O–Si1, O–Si2) are selected for research. It is found that Mo–Va2 vacancy has the stronger structural stability in the ground state in comparison with other vacancies. Besides, the deformation resistance and hardness of the parent Mo5Si3 are weakened due to the introduction of different vacancy defects and oxygen occupation. The ratio of B/G indicates that oxygen atoms occupation and vacancy defects result in brittle-to-ductile transition for Mo5Si3. These vacancies and the oxygen atoms occupation change the localized hybridization between Mo–Si and Mo–Mo atoms. The weaker O–Mo bond is a contributing factor for the excellent ductile behavior in the O-Si2 model for Mo5Si3.
Evaluation of second-order Zeeman frequency shift in NTSC-F2*
Authors: Shi Jun-Ru , Wang Xin-Liang , Bai Yang , Yang Fan , Guan Yong , Liu Dan-Dan , Ruan Jun , Zhang Shou-Gang
Published: February 2021

Caesium atomic fountain clock is a primary frequency standard, which realizes the duration of second. Its performance is mostly dominated by the frequency accuracy, and the C-field induced second-order Zeeman frequency shift is the major effect, which limits the accuracy improvement. By applying a high-precision current supply and high-performance magnetic shieldings, the C-field stability has been improved significantly. In order to achieve a uniform C-field, this paper proposes a doubly wound C-field solenoid, which compensates the radial magnetic field along the atomic flight region generated by the lead-out single wire and improves the accuracy evaluation of second-order Zeeman frequency shift. Based on the stable and uniform C-field, we launch the selected atoms to different heights and record the magnetically sensitive Ramsey transition |F = 3, mF
= –1〉 → |F = 4, mF
= –1〉 central frequency, obtaining this frequency shift as 131.03 × 10−15 and constructing the C-field profile (σ = 0.15 nT). Meanwhile, during normal operation, we lock NTSC-F2 to the central frequency of the magnetically sensitive Ramsey transition |F = 3, mF
= –1〉 → |F = 4, mF
= –1〉 fringe for ten consecutive days and record this frequency fluctuation in time domain. The first evaluation of second-order Zeeman frequency shift uncertainty is 0.10 × 10−15. The total deviation of the frequency fluctuation on the clock transition induced by the C-field instability is less than 2.6 × 10−17. Compared with NTSC-F1, NTSC-F2, there appears a significant improvement.
Negative thermal expansion in NbF3 and NbOF2: A comparative theoretical study*
Authors: Zhang Mingyue , Wang Chunyan , Zhang Yinuo , Gao Qilong , Jia Yu
Published: February 2021

Thermal expansion control is always an obstructive factor and challenging in high precision engineering field. Here, the negative thermal expansion of NbF3 and NbOF2 was predicted by first-principles calculation with density functional theory and the quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA). We studied the total charge density, thermal vibration, and lattice dynamic to investigate the thermal expansion mechanism. We found that the presence of O induced the w bond in NbOF2, thus weakening the transverse vibration of F and O in NbOF2, compared with the case of NbF3. In this study, we proposed a way to tailor negative thermal expansion of metal fluorides by introducing the oxygen atoms. The present work not only predicts two NTE compounds, but also provides an insight on thermal expansion control by designing chemical bond type.
Modeling hydrogen exchange of proteins by a multiscale method*
Authors: Zhu Wentao , Li Wenfei , Wang Wei
Published: February 2021

We proposed a practical way for mapping the results of coarse-grained molecular simulations to the observables in hydrogen change experiments. By combining an atomic-interaction based coarse-grained model with an all-atom structure reconstruction algorithm, we reproduced the experimental hydrogen exchange data with reasonable accuracy using molecular dynamics simulations. We also showed that the coarse-grained model can be further improved by imposing experimental restraints from hydrogen exchange data via an iterative optimization strategy. These results suggest that it is feasible to develop an integrative molecular simulation scheme by incorporating the hydrogen exchange data into the coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and therefore help to overcome the accuracy bottleneck of coarse-grained models.
Novel energy dissipative method on the adaptive spatial discretization for the Allen–Cahn equation*
Authors: Sun Jing-Wei , Qian Xu , Zhang Hong , Song Song-He
Published: February 2021

We propose a novel energy dissipative method for the Allen–Cahn equation on nonuniform grids. For spatial discretization, the classical central difference method is utilized, while the average vector field method is applied for time discretization. Compared with the average vector field method on the uniform mesh, the proposed method can involve fewer grid points and achieve better numerical performance over long time simulation. This is due to the moving mesh method, which can concentrate the grid points more densely where the solution changes drastically. Numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the advantages of the proposed concrete adaptive energy dissipative scheme under large time and space steps over a long time.
Shared aperture metasurface antenna for electromagnetic vortices generation with different topological charges*
Authors: Wang He , Li Yong-Feng , Qu Shao-Bo
Published: February 2021

Vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have aroused great interest of both scientific and engineering communities. Encouragingly, generating OAM with different topological charges in a shared aperture is regarded as a potential route to expanding the communication capacity, which yet is an academic challenging task. In this work, a paradigm of designing metasurface-based shared aperture antenna for generating polarization-dependent vortex beams with distinct topological charges is proposed. Anisotropic unit cells that can tailor different resonance phase profiles in two orthogonal orientations are used to assemble a metasurface reflector. As a proof-of-concept, a planar reflector antenna is designed with two Vivaldi sources, which can generate x- and y-polarized vortex beams with topological charges of l = –1 and l = –2, respectively. Both the simulation results and the measurement results are in good agreement, which demonstrates the feasibility of our design. Significantly, this work provides a new route to achieving vortex beams carrying different topological charges in the same frequency band, which may have potential applications in communication systems.
Visual cues added to a virtual environment paradigm do not improve motor arrests in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Janssen S , Heijs JJA , Bittner M , Droog E , Bloem BR , Van Wezel RJA , Heida T
Published: February 2021

Objective. Elucidating how cueing alleviates freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) would enable the development of more effective, personalized cueing strategies. Here, we aimed to validate a visual cueing virtual environment (VE) paradigm for future use in e.g. neuroimaging studies and behavioral studies on motor timing and scaling in PD patients with FOG. Approach. We included 20 PD patients with FOG and 16 age-matched healthy control subjects. Supine participants were confronted with a VE displaying either no cues, bars or staircases. They navigated forward using alternate suppression of foot pedals. Motor arrests (as proxy for FOG), and measures of motor timing and scaling were compared across the three VE conditions for both groups.Main results. VE cues (bars and staircases) did not reduce motor arrests in PD patients and healthy control subjects. The VE cues did reduce pedal amplitude in healthy control subjects, without effects on other motor parameters. Conclusion. We could not validate a visual cueing VE paradigm to study FOG. The VE cues possibly failed to convey the necessary spatial and temporal information to support motor timing and scaling. We discuss avenues for future research.
High-density neural recordings from feline sacral dorsal root ganglia with thin-film array
Authors: Sperry Zachariah J , Na Kyounghwan , Jun James , Madden Lauren R , Socha Alec , Yoon Eusik , Seymour John P , Bruns Tim M
Published: February 2021

Objective. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are promising sites for recording sensory activity. Current technologies for DRG recording are stiff and typically do not have sufficient site density for high-fidelity neural data techniques. Approach. In acute experiments, we demonstrate single-unit neural recordings in sacral DRG of anesthetized felines using a 4.5 µm thick, high-density flexible polyimide microelectrode array with 60 sites and 30–40 µm site spacing. We delivered arrays into DRG with ultrananocrystalline diamond shuttles designed for high stiffness affording a smaller footprint. We recorded neural activity during sensory activation, including cutaneous brushing and bladder filling, as well as during electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve and anal sphincter. We used specialized neural signal analysis software to sort densely packed neural signals. Main results. We successfully delivered arrays in five of six experiments and recorded single-unit sensory activity in four experiments. The median neural signal amplitude was 55 μV peak-to-peak and the maximum unique units recorded at one array position was 260, with 157 driven by sensory or electrical stimulation. In one experiment, we used the neural analysis software to track eight sorted single units as the array was retracted ∼500 μm. Significance. This study is the first demonstration of ultrathin, flexible, high-density electronics delivered into DRG, with capabilities for recording and tracking sensory information that are a significant improvement over conventional DRG interfaces.
A novel motor imagery EEG decoding method based on feature separation
Authors: Yang Lie , Song Yonghao , Ma Ke , Su Enze , Xie Longhan
Published: February 2021

Objective. Motor imagery electroencephalography (EEG) decoding is a vital technology for the brain–computer interface (BCI) systems and has been widely studied in recent years. However, the original EEG signals usually contain a lot of class-independent information, and the existing motor imagery EEG decoding methods are easily interfered by this irrelevant information, which greatly limits the decoding accuracy of these methods. Approach. To overcome the interference of the class-independent information, a motor imagery EEG decoding method based on feature separation is proposed in this paper. Furthermore, a feature separation network based on adversarial learning (FSNAL) is designed for the feature separation of the original EEG samples. First, the class-related features and class-independent features are separated by the proposed FSNAL framework, and then motor imagery EEG decoding is performed only according to the class-related features to avoid the adverse effects of class-independent features. Main results. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed motor imagery EEG decoding method, we conduct some experiments on two public EEG datasets (the BCI competition IV 2a and 2b datasets). The experimental results comparison between our method and some state-of-the-art methods demonstrates that our motor imagery EEG decoding method outperforms all the compared methods on the two experimental datasets. Significance. Our motor imagery EEG decoding method can alleviate the interference of class-independent features, and it has great application potential for improving the performance of motor imagery BCI systems in the near future.
Pollution characteristics and harm to human health during the Spring Festival in Hohhot
Authors: Junhan Li
Published: February 2021

This paper analyzes AQI, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 during the Spring Festival in 2019, at the same time, and all kinds of pollutants exceeded the range of national secondary standard concentration during this period. According to the previous data, the relationship between PM2.5 and atmospheric visibility and the harm of fine particles to human body were analyzed. The results showed that the mass concentration of PM2.5 has a great impact on the visibility of the atmosphere, when the concentration of fine particles exceeds a certain degree, it is harmful to human body. According to the standard, PM2.5 and PM10 are the most harmful to the environment and human body.
Application of geothermal temperature scale method in temperature estimation of underground heat storage in Rizhao coastal area
Authors: Bengu Yang
Published: February 2021

Rizhao coastal area is located in the southeast of Shandong Province. The development and utilization of geothermal resources are relatively low, and there are few geothermal wells. The research on the deep thermal storage temperature is not high in general. Therefore, this paper attempts to use the geothermal temperature scale method to evaluate the deep thermal storage temperature in this area. Geothermal temperature scale is an economic and effective means to evaluate the temperature of deep thermal reservoir. At present, the commonly used geothermal temperature scales can be divided into four categories: silica geothermal scale, cationic geothermal thermometer, isotopic geothermal thermometer and gas geothermal thermometer. Silica geothermal thermometer and cationic geothermal thermometer are the most studied ones in China and abroad. The empirical formulas of various temperature scales are established by using the relationship between equilibrium reaction of corresponding components in aqueous solution and temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully study the equilibrium state of hot water and minerals and select a reliable geothermal temperature scale. In this paper, the mineral fluid equilibrium of geothermal water in Rizhao coastal camel rock (LTS) and platform (PT) is determined by using Na-K-Mg trigonometry method and multi mineral equilibrium graphic method established by watch program. It is considered that the geothermal water is unbalanced water, which proves that chalcedony temperature scale is more suitable for estimating the heat storage temperature of geothermal system in this area.
Impact of global dimming/brightening on estimating Angström-Prescott parameters based on geographically weighted regression in China
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Du Junzhu , Zhao Na
Published: February 2021

Variations of solar radiation is related to energy planning and architectural designing. It is important to estimate solar radiation from other climate factors because of the limited measurement solar radiation data. In this study, temporospatial changes of solar radiation and sunshine hour are analysed for global dimming/brightening periods based on meteorological data in China. Results show that the trends of solar radiation and sunshine hour are both decreasing dramatically for 1961–1990 (the global dimming period) but levelling off for 1991–2010 (the global brightening period), which indicates that sunshine hour can be used the reliable indicator of solar radiation. Spatially, the change trends of solar radiation are consistent with sunshine hour in 36 stations during the period of 1961–1990, but they are consistent in just 27 stations during the period of 1991–2010. To assess the impact of changing solar radiation on Angstrom-Prescott parameters (a and b) in the equation of solar radiation estimation from sunshine hour, geographically weighted regression is developed to calculate a and b. There is not dramatic difference in the spatial patterns of a and b for the period of 1961–2010 and 1961–1990. However, there is significantly inconsistent changes in a and b during the global brightening period compared with the global dimming period, which suggests that global dimming/brightening has important impact on estimating solar radiation from sunshine hour, with dramatic variability among different regions.
Test Research on Air-conditioning Water Chiller of an Office Building
Authors: Yu Wenhong , Xu Weiwei , Li Hui
Published: February 2021

In this paper, an office building in Beijing is taken as the research object. This collected the operation data of the air-conditioning water chiller on a typical summer day. The performance of the air-conditioning water chilling unit and system is tested. This evaluates energy efficiency according to national standards and puts forward optimization suggestions. The results show that under low-load operation, the performance coefficient of the chiller reaches the detection index, but the efficiency of the air conditioning system is low. It is recommended to reduce the number of corresponding air conditioning equipment to optimize the performance coefficient of the air conditioning system. And the chiller can be installed a frequency conversion device to improve the operating performance of the chiller.
Polynomial to non-Darcian flow study
Authors: Deng Huilin , Li Lifeng
Published: February 2021

The theoretical modeling of fluid flow in low-permeability porous media is a common problem within engineering such as passages of fluid flow. Some factors lead the flow behaviors to deviate from the classical Darcy’s law. Therefore, it is of great scientific significance to carry out the research of non-Darcian flow and pecific analysis the fluid flow in porous media that do not satisfy the linear constitution law of flow. Compared with existing research results, this paper mainly shows that polynomials with powers of no more than 4 degrees have smaller mean squared errors (MSE) and higher correlation coefficients (R2) in experimental data.
Statistical Analysis and Study on Joint Distribution of the Extreme Value of Wind Speed and Wind Direction
Authors: Ye Tao , Li Lanlan
Published: February 2021

The joint distribution of wind speed and direction is one of basic characters of wind load, the distribution function at the location of building have to be acquired before structural wind resistance reliability analysis. In this paper, the joint probability distribution function was further studied based on previous references. An analytical method of joint probability density function of wind speed and wind direction from extreme value sample is proposed in this paper. By using this method, the probability distribution feature of any wind direction can be easily calculated which is of great benefits for safety and reliability analysis of wind-resistant structures. Then the joint probability of wind speed and direction near a civil structure was derived on the basis of datum sampled from weather station on the assumption that the wind direction and gradient wind speed of the weather station is same as that at location of the civil building. The data of wind speed and corresponding direction from Shanghai Baoshan weather stations were analysed as a case according to the method discussed in this paper. The conclusions in this paper is useful for analysis of reliability of structural wind resistance.
Development of remote hydraulic system based on BS framework
Authors: Song Wen Tao , Jin Jian , Li Xing Ke
Published: February 2021

Based on the analysis of related research at home and abroad, combined with the experimental requirements of hydraulic teaching and scientific research, this paper designs a remote teaching experiment project and content for hydraulic pump performance test based on B / s network architecture. The field experiment subsystem is designed and developed, and the field experiment measurement and control software is developed based on LabVIEW. The step responsetracking experiments in the field experiment and remote terminal experiment are compared and analyzed. The response speed and control accuracy of the remote terminal experimental system are slightly lower than that of the field experimental system, but both of the two systems can achieve good control of the controlled quantity, which can meet the needs of remote and field hydraulic experiments Using construction has an important role in promoting.
Analysis on the Influencing Factors and Prediction Sensitivity of the Initial Velocity of Gas Emission from Boreholes
Authors: Sun Bing-xing
Published: February 2021

The initial velocity of gas emission from boreholes is one of the main indicators for the prediction of the outburst hazard of the working face and the effect detection. Only by fully grasping the various factors affecting the initial velocity of gas emission from boreholes and continuously improving and perfecting the measurement method of the indicators can the test results be guaranteed, so that can accurately grasp the coal face outburst dangerous degree, thus improving the safety and reliability of prediction. In this paper, through the numerical analysis of the testing method of the initial velocity of gas emission from the borehole and the numerical analysis of the test results, various factors affecting the initial velocity of gas emission from the borehole are found, and the sensitivity of the prediction results of the initial velocity of gas emission from the borehole is further analyzed. Therefore, a technical way to improve the accuracy of the initial velocity of gas emission from the borehole was found. The analysis results show that the initial velocity of gas emission from boreholes is only suitable for coal seams or areas where the permeability of the coal seam is not small and changes little; when the gas pressure in the coal seam is small, the initial velocity of gas emission from boreholes is used to predict the geostress as the dominant factor The prominence of the prominence has poor prediction sensitivity; when measuring on site, the predicted borehole depth should enter the plastic deformation zone in the stress concentration zone, and high-quality and responsible test personnel should be assigned.
Carbon emission measurement analysis of prefabricated components in prefabricated buildings
Authors: Yang Hongxiong , Chen Junshu
Published: February 2021

In order to solve the problem of carbon emission of prefabricated building components, combined with the standardization results of prefabricated components in China, three calculation methods are put forward according to the availability of data, and the carbon emission database of standard prefabricated components is formed. And the standardization of prefabricated component design is extended to the standardization of carbon emission calculation. By calculation and analysis, the equations of the ratio of steel content to carbon emission per unit volume and carbon emission per unit volume of reinforced concrete are obtained. The proposed calculation method of carbon emissions is more simple and universal, and the analysis results can provide reference for related research.
Study on Mechanical and Thermal Expansion Properties of Oxide Coated Magnesium Borate Whiskers Reinforced Aluminum-based Composite
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Mingming , Chen Zhongwei
Published: February 2021

The surface of magnesium borate whiskers was coated with oxide coatings of different components by chemical precipitation method, and magnesium borate whisker-reinforced aluminum-based composites were prepared by squeeze casting method. The compressive deformation resistance of the prefabricated whisker and the tensile and thermal expansion properties of the composite were tested. The experimental results show that the oxide coating can effectively improve the anti-deformation ability of the whisker preform, and the whisker preform prepared by MgO and Al2O3 coating has better strength, and the compressive strength at room temperature reaches 0.98 MPa and 0.96 MPa. The composite material prepared by Al2O3 coated whiskers has the highest room temperature tensile strength of 263 MPa, and the composite material prepared by ZnO coated whiskers has the lowest room temperature tensile strength of 224 MPa. The thermal expansion curve of the composite material shows that as the temperature increases, the thermal expansion coefficient of the composite material gradually increases, and the thermal expansion coefficient of the composite material decreases slightly after a temperature cycle.
Research on Parameters Setting of Smoke Exhaust Outlet and Cross Passage on Side Wall of Underwater Tunnel
Authors: Tian Fang , Chen Jianzhong , Lu Yi , Li Xing
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the length and scale of underwater road tunnels have continued to increase. Ventilation and fire prevention have become one of the key control factors for the successful construction and safe operation of underwater road tunnels. As one of the smoke extraction schemes of highway tunnel, determining the layout of sidewall smoke outlet is very important. In this paper, for the purpose of people being able to evacuate safely in a tunnel fire accident, taking an underwater tunnel as an engineering example, the available safe evacuation time (ASET) and the required safe evacuation time (RSET) under different working conditions are compared and analyzed by simulating the fire smoke spread and personnel evacuation process in the tunnel, so as to provide quantitative basis for the arrangement scheme of sidewall smoke outlet.
Practice and Teaching Reform of Engineering Geology for Urban Underground Space Engineering1
Authors: Junlan Zhao
Published: February 2021

Engineering geology is an important compulsory professional basis course for the urban underground space engineering. Its teaching hours is a few but rich in content. This course pays equal attention to theory and practice, whose teaching is difficult and endowed with challenging. In order to adapt to the deep, large and especial construction for urban underground space engineering, we must reform the practice and teaching system of engineering geology. The reformed course is closely combining with the construction practice of underground engineering and reflecting the latest academic achievements. We strengthen the practice and open teaching, focus on training students’ innovation ability and innovative thinking in the teaching process.
Quadriceps muscle group function and after total knee arthroplasty—asystematic narrative update
Authors: Morelli Ilaria , Maffulli Nicola , Brambilla Lorenzo , Agnoletto Marco , Peretti Giuseppe Maria , Mangiavini Laura
Published: January 2021

Background

This article systematically summarizes the present evidences, published in the last 20 years, regarding the pre- and post-operative factors, which may influence recovery of the function of the quadriceps muscle group following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We following the PRISMA methodology, including meta-analyses and high-level evidence studies (prospective trials, and, when unavailable, retrospective studies).

Sources of data

Pubmed and Cochrane databases: 582 articles were identified and 54 of them were selected.

Areas of agreement

Tourniquets inflated at high pressure exert a detrimental effect on the quadriceps muscle group. Faster quadriceps recovery takes place using mini-invasive approaches, an eight-week rehabilitation period including balance training and the use of nutraceuticals.

Areas of disagreement

Pre-habilitation and pre-operative factors, analgesic methods and different TKA implants.

Growing points and areas timely for developing research

Telerehabilitation seems a cost-effective tool for rehabilitation after TKA. Patients’ optimization protocols before TKA should include standardized nutraceuticals intake.
The VWF/LRP4/αVβ3-axis represents a novel pathway regulating proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lagrange Jérémy , Worou Morel E , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Raoul Alexandre , Didelot Mélusine , Muczynski Vincent , Legendre Paulette , Plénat François , Gauchotte Guillaume , Lourenco-Rodrigues Marc-Damien , Christophe Olivier D , Lenting Peter J , Lacolley Patrick , Denis Cécile V , Regnault Véronique
Published: February 2021

Aims

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a plasma glycoprotein involved in primary haemostasis, while also having additional roles beyond haemostasis namely in cancer, inflammation, angiogenesis, and potentially in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Here, we addressed how VWF modulates VSMC proliferation and investigated the underlying molecular pathways and the in vivo pathophysiological relevance.

Methods and results

VWF induced proliferation of human aortic VSMCs and also promoted VSMC migration. Treatment of cells with a siRNA against αv integrin or the RGT-peptide blocking αvβ3 signalling abolished proliferation. However, VWF did not bind to αvβ3 on VSMCs through its RGD-motif. Rather, we identified the VWF A2 domain as the region mediating binding to the cells. We hypothesized the involvement of a member of the LDL-related receptor protein (LRP) family due to their known ability to act as co-receptors. Using the universal LRP-inhibitor receptor-associated protein, we confirmed LRP-mediated VSMC proliferation. siRNA experiments and confocal fluorescence microscopy identified LRP4 as the VWF-counterreceptor on VSMCs. Also co-localization between αvβ3 and LRP4 was observed via proximity ligation analysis and immuno-precipitation experiments. The pathophysiological relevance of our data was supported by VWF-deficient mice having significantly reduced hyperplasia in carotid artery ligation and artery femoral denudation models. In wild-type mice, infiltration of VWF in intimal regions enriched in proliferating VSMCs was found. Interestingly, also analysis of human atherosclerotic lesions showed abundant VWF accumulation in VSMC-proliferating rich intimal areas.

Conclusion

VWF mediates VSMC proliferation through a mechanism involving A2 domain binding to the LRP4 receptor and integrin αvβ3 signalling. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms that drive physiological repair and pathological hyperplasia of the arterial vessel wall. In addition, the VWF/LRP4-axis may represent a novel therapeutic target to modulate VSMC proliferation.
Genetic contribution to high temperature tolerance in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Stempinski Piotr R , Zielinski Jessica M , Dbouk Nadir H , Huey Elizabeth S , McCormack Ellen C , Rubin Alexander M , Chandrasekaran Srikripa , Kozubowski Lukasz
Published: February 2021

The human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans relies on a complex signaling network for the adaptation and survival at the host temperature. Protein phosphatase calcineurin is central to proliferation at 37°C but its exact contributions remain ill-defined. To better define genetic contributions to the C. neoformans temperature tolerance, 4031 gene knockouts were screened for genes essential at 37°C and under conditions that keep calcineurin inactive. Identified 83 candidate strains, potentially sensitive to 37°C, were subsequently subject to technologically simple yet robust assay, in which cells are exposed to a temperature gradient. This has resulted in identification of 46 genes contributing to the maximum temperature at which C. neoformans can proliferate (Tmax). The 46 mutants, characterized by a range of Tmax on drug-free media, were further assessed for Tmax under conditions that inhibit calcineurin, which led to identification of several previously uncharacterized knockouts exhibiting synthetic interaction with the inhibition of calcineurin. A mutant that lacked septin Cdc11 was among those with the lowest Tmax and failed to proliferate in the absence of calcineurin activity. To further define connections with calcineurin and the role for septins in high temperature growth, the 46 mutants were tested for cell morphology at 37°C and growth in the presence of agents disrupting cell wall and cell membrane. Mutants sensitive to calcineurin inhibition were tested for synthetic lethal interaction with deletion of the septin-encoding CDC12 and the localization of the septin Cdc3-mCherry. The analysis described here pointed to previously uncharacterized genes that were missed in standard growth assays indicating that the temperature gradient assay is a valuable complementary tool for elucidating the genetic basis of temperature range at which microorganisms proliferate.