bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strength Characteristics of Nonpenetrating Joint Rock Mass under Different Shear Conditions
Authors: Chen Qingzhi , Liu Yuanming , Pu Shaoyun
Published: August 2020

The mechanical property of jointed rock mass is an important factor to be considered in the analysis, evaluation, and design of actual rock engineering. The existence of joints threatens the stability and safety of underground engineering projects built in the rock mass. In order to study the change of mechanical properties and strength characteristics of nonpenetrating jointed rock mass under different test conditions, direct shear tests and triaxial tests were carried out. Direct shear tests under different normal stresses were carried out for nonpenetrating jointed rock mass to prepare specimens for triaxial tests. Then, triaxial tests were carried out to study the change of mechanical properties and strength characteristics of the nonpenetrating jointed rock mass. In the direct shear test part, the greater the normal stress is, the stronger the shear strength and the more serious the shear failure would be. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) the strength of rock mass would increase with the increase of confining pressure for those rock specimens with same degrees of shear after the direct shear test; (2) for rock specimens with different degrees of shear after the direct shear test, if the shearing degree of the rock specimen was greater, the strength of the rock specimen would be lower in the triaxial test; (3) for rock specimens with the same damage degree after direct shear test, the greater the normal stress in direct shear test is, the smaller the peak axial pressure would be in the triaxial test; (4) if the specimen was sheared under higher normal stress in direct shear test, the cohesion of it would be lower and the internal friction angle would be larger. For the specimens under the same normal stress, if the shear failure of one specimen was more serious, the cohesion of it would be smaller and the internal friction angle would be larger.
Structured Rectangular Tensors and Rectangular Tensor Complementarity Problems
Authors: Zeng Qingyu , He Jun , Liu Yanmin
Published: August 2020

In this paper, some properties of structured rectangular tensors are presented, and the relationship among these structured rectangular tensors is also given. It is shown that all the V-singular values of rectangular P-tensors are positive. Some necessary and/or sufficient conditions for a rectangular tensor to be a rectangular P-tensor are also obtained. A new subclass of rectangular tensors, which is called rectangular S-tensors, is introduced and it is proved that rectangular S-tensors can be defined by the feasible vectors of the corresponding rectangular tensor complementarity problem.
A Cauchy Point Direction Trust Region Algorithm for Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Sheng Zhou , Luo Dan
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a Cauchy point direction trust region algorithm is presented to solve nonlinear equations. The search direction is an optimal convex combination of the trust region direction and the Cauchy point direction with the sufficiently descent property and the automatic trust region property. The global convergence of the proposed algorithm is proven under some conditions. The preliminary numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is promising and has better convergence behaviors than the other two existing algorithms for solving large-scale nonlinear equations.
Mathematical Analysis of Heat Transfer in Peristaltic Transport through a Rough Nonuniform Inclined Channel
Authors: Shukla R. , Medhavi A. , Bhatt S. S. , Kumar R.
Published: August 2020

A mathematical study for investigating heat transfer for the peristaltic flow of a Newtonian fluid through a nonuniform inclined channel while considering surface roughness of the inner wall has been conducted. Special attention is focused to analyze the physical behaviour of various flow characteristics at different magnitudes of surface roughness parameter. The results obtained for temperature have been characterized by two boundary conditions: uniform surface temperature and uniform heat flux. Effect of inner wall surface roughness and angle of inclination on the heat transfer for the peristaltic flow through a nonuniform channel has been discussed in detail. The expression for pressure gradient, velocity, and the temperature was obtained. The effect of inner wall surface roughness and the angle of inclination, on pressure rise and temperature, has also been elaborated in detail. The problem formulation developed has been solved using the long wavelength and low Reynolds number assumption.
Effectiveness of Leg Elevation to Prevent Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension during Cesarean Delivery in the Resource-Limited Area: Open Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Assen Sofia , Jemal Bedru , Tesfaye Adane
Published: August 2020

Background. Postspinal hypotension is the most common complication after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section (CS). Hypotension mainly occurs due to the reductions of vascular tone leading to decreased systemic vascular resistance and decreased venous return. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of leg elevation (LE) as a method of prevention of postspinal hypotension in patients who undergo cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Methods. This is a single-center parallel-randomized controlled trial study, and 52 full-term parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section who meets inclusion criteria were included in the study. The randomization sequence was created by a researcher not participating in patient management using a computer random generator. The participant was randomly assigned to the leg elevation group (n = 26) or to the control group (n = 26) of usual perioperative care. Results. The proportions of patients who develop hypotension are lower (8 (33.3%)) in the leg elevation group than the control group (15 (62.5%)) with an X2 (1, N = 48) = 4.09, P=0.043. The relative risk of developing postspinal hypotension in the leg elevation group compared to the control group was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.28–1.00). The proportion of severe hypotension was significantly decreased in the leg elevation group at a P value of 0.02. Conclusion. Performing leg elevation immediately after spinal anesthesia reduced the incidence of hypotension. The trial is registered with PACTR201908713181850.
Maximal Glycemic Difference, the Possible Strongest Glycemic Variability Parameter to Predict Mortality in ICU Patients
Authors: Issarawattana Thanaphruet , Bhurayanontachai Rungsun
Published: August 2020

Background. This retrospective study aimed to determine the correlation of blood glucose and glycemic variability with mortality and to identify the strongest glycemic variability parameter for predicting mortality in critically ill patients.Methods. A total of 528 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit were included in this study. Blood glucose levels during the first 24 hours of admission were recorded and calculated to determine the glycemic variability. Significant glycemic variability parameters, including the standard deviation, coefficient of variation, maximal blood glucose difference, and J-index, were subsequently compared between intensive care unit survivors and nonsurvivors. A binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with mortality. To determine the strongest glycemic variability parameter to predict mortality, the area under the receiver operating characteristic of each glycemic variability parameter was determined, and a pairwise comparison was performed.Results. Among the 528 patients, 17.8% (96/528) were nonsurvivors. Both survivor and nonsurvivor groups were clinically comparable. However, nonsurvivors had significantly higher median APACHE-II scores (23 [21, 27] vs. 18 [14, 22];p < 0.01) and a higher mechanical ventilator support rate (97.4% vs. 74.9%;p < 0.01). The mean blood glucose level and significant glycemic variability parameters were higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. The maximal blood glucose difference yielded a similar power to the coefficient of variation (p = 0.21) but was significantly stronger than the standard deviation (p = 0.005) and J-index (p = 0.006).Conclusions. Glycemic variability was independently associated with intensive care unit mortality. Higher glycemic variability was identified in the nonsurvivor group regardless of preexisting diabetes mellitus. The maximal blood glucose difference and coefficient of variation of the blood glucose were the two strongest parameters for predicting intensive care unit mortality in this study.
The Moderating Influence of Project Scope on Leadership Skills, Stakeholder Management, and Execution of Fibre Optic Infrastructure
Authors: Akhwaba James Konya
Published: August 2020

Telecommunication and Internet service enterprise has drastically evolved in the last 10 years across the globe. With demand for huge amounts of data and increased voice traffic, optical fibre is globally preferred technology to transmit high‐speed broadband. Nonetheless, fibre optic infrastructure involves construction challenges and continues to fail for several reasons including ineffective leadership, poor stakeholder management, and unclear scope definition. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating influence of project scope on leadership skills, stakeholder management, and execution of fibre optic infrastructure. The study adopted the pragmatism paradigm approach, with a cross‐sectional survey design. Questionnaire, interview guide, and document review guide were data collection instruments. Census was used to select 187 respondents from a target population of 187 functional members of staff in fibre optic infrastructure departments of two mobile telecommunication, four Internet service companies, and two policy‐making and regularity authorities in Nairobi County in Kenya. Quantitative data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis. It was demonstrated that project scope has a positive and significant moderating influence on the combined influence of leadership skills and stakeholder management on execution of fibre optic infrastructure. This study contributes to the literature in project management by not only providing empirical evidence on project scope, leadership skills, stakeholder management, and execution of fibre optic infrastructure but also by expanding research on project scope. The results may also help professionals in mobile telecommunication and construction industries by providing strategic guideline in effective, efficient, and sustainable execution of fibre optic infrastructure.
Modeling and Simulation of English Speech Rationality Optimization Recognition Based on Improved Particle Filter Algorithm
Authors: Dong Hui
Published: August 2020

As one of the most important communication tools for human beings, English pronunciation not only conveys literal information but also conveys emotion through the change of tone. Based on the standard particle filtering algorithm, an improved auxiliary traceless particle filtering algorithm is proposed. In importance sampling, based on the latest observation information, the unscented Kalman filter method is used to calculate each particle estimate to improve the accuracy of particle nonlinear transformation estimation; during the resampling process, auxiliary factors are introduced to modify the particle weights to enrich the diversity of particles and weaken particle degradation. The improved particle filter algorithm was used for online parameter identification and compared with the standard particle filter algorithm, extended Kalman particle filter algorithm, and traceless particle filter algorithm for parameter identification accuracy and calculation efficiency. The topic model is used to extract the semantic space vector representation of English phonetic text and to sequentially predict the emotional information of different scales at the chapter level, paragraph level, and sentence level. The system has reasonable recognition ability for general speech, and the improved particle filter algorithm evaluation method is further used to optimize the defect of the English speech rationality and high recognition error rate Related experiments have verified the effectiveness of the method.
Novel UHF RFID Near-Field Reader Antenna with Uniform Vertical Electric Field Distribution
Authors: Chen Yanbin , Ren Xiaojuan , Zhao Jimin , Chen Xin , Yao Yuan , Yu Junsheng , Chen Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

This paper presents two novel UHF RFID near-field reader antennas with uniform vertical electric field distribution. The two antennas have the following common characteristics. First, the radiating parts of the two antennas are simulated and fabricated by the microstrip lines and work using the leakage wave principle of microstrip lines. Second, the end of microstrip lines match the load to form a traveling wave mode of operation, so the two antennas have broadband characteristics. Third, both antennas are fed in a coaxial manner at the center of the antenna. The simulation and measurement results can show that the proposed three-branch antenna and four-branch antenna achieve good impedance matching in the range of 883–960 MHz and 870–960 MHz, respectively, and achieve uniform distribution of the vertical electric field component in a certain area. The reading areas of the three-branch antenna and the four-branch antenna are 70 mm × 70 mm × 90 mm and 100 mm × 100 mm × 120 mm (length × width × height), respectively. Due to the introduction of the ground plate, the antenna gain is low, which meets the design requirements of near-field antennas.
Influence of Agricultural Mechanization Development on Agricultural Green Transformation in Western China, Based on the ML Index and Spatial Panel Model
Authors: Guo Xiaoming , Huang Sen , Wang Yu
Published: August 2020

The agricultural mechanization development can promote the high-quality development of agriculture, but the agriculture which faces the huge environmental pressure also needs to transform to the green sustainable development. Based on agricultural panel data of 30 provinces in China from the year 2008 to 2017, this paper measures the level of agricultural green transformation using the Malmquist–Luenberger (ML) index. Furthermore, the spatial panel econometric model is used to empirically investigate the impact of agricultural mechanization development on this green transformation. It concludes that the agricultural green transformation in western China shows an upward trend in fluctuations, with its overall transformation level still lower than the national average level. Besides, the agricultural mechanization operation level in the western region has a positive role in promoting the green transformation of agriculture, while the agricultural mechanization equipment level shows the opposite force. Compared with southwest China, the agricultural mechanization operation level in northwest China has a more positive impact. The improvement of farmers’ income and agricultural technology has positive impacts on agriculture green transformation in the whole western region, while agricultural human capital shows an opposite impact on the northwest and southwest.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeamong Suspected Patients Attending Private Clinics in Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Sahile Addisu , Teshager Lule , Fekadie Minale , Gashaw Mulatu
Published: August 2020

Background. In most African countries including Ethiopia,Neisseria gonorrhoeaeinfections were diagnosed clinically and its antibiotic susceptibility was rarely tested. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns ofN. gonorrhoeaeamong suspected patients attending private clinics in Jimma, Ethiopia.Methods. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern ofN. gonorrhoeaeisolated from urogenital specimens. Urogenital samples were collected aseptically and then transported using Amie’s transport media and processed in a microbiology laboratory following the standard protocol.Results. Of the total 315 samples examined, 31 (9.8%) were confirmed to have gonococcal infection. Of these, 30 (96.7%) were females. High proportion of culture confirmed cases (18 (12.5%)) were observed in the 20–24 age group. All of the identified organisms were susceptible to ceftriaxone and had high resistance to penicillin (80.6%) and tetracycline (54.8%).Conclusion. The prevalence of gonococcal infection is high. In the current study, participants who have no information about sexually transmitted infection were more likely to be infected byN. gonorrhoeae.According to our study, ciprofloxacin is effective against gonococcal infection.
The Zeros of Orthogonal Polynomials and Markov–Bernstein Inequalities for Jacobi-Exponential Weights on (−1,1)
Authors: Liu Rong
Published: August 2020

Let Ux=∏i=1rx−tipi, 0
−1/p, i=1,2,…,r, and W=e−Qx where Q:−1,1⟶0,∞. We give the estimates of the zeros of orthogonal polynomials for the Jacobi-Exponential weight WU on −1,1. In addition, Markov–Bernstein inequalities for the weight WU are also obtained.
Comparison of Perimetric Outcomes from Melbourne Rapid Fields Tablet Perimeter Software and Humphrey Field Analyzer in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Thulasidas Mithun
Published: August 2020

Purpose. To compare visual field results obtained using Melbourne Rapid Fields (MRF) iPad-based perimeter software and Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA) standard program in glaucoma patients. Design. A cross-sectional observational study. Methods. In this single-centre study involving patients diagnosed with glaucoma, the perimetric outcomes of MRF were compared against those returned from the HFA 24-2 SITA standard. Outcomes included mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), visual field index (VFI)/visual capacity (VC), foveal threshold, test time, number of points depressed at P<5% on PSD probability plot, and glaucoma hemifield test/color coded indicator. Results. The study included 28 eyes of 28 glaucoma patients. Mean (standard deviation) test times were 342.07 (56.70) seconds for MRF and 375.11 (88.95) for HFA 24-2 SITA standard P=0.046. Mean MD was significantly lower for MRF (Δ = 3.09, P<0.001), and mean PSD was significantly higher for MRF (Δ = 1.40, P=0.005) compared with HFA. The mean foveal threshold for the MRF was significantly lower than the mean HFA foveal threshold ((Δ = 9.25, P<0.001). The number of points depressed at P<5% on the PSD probability plot was significantly less for MRF P<0.001. Other perimetric outcomes showed no significant differences between both. Bland–Altman plots showed that considerable variability existed between the programs. Conclusion. MRF is a good cost-effective, time-saving, user-friendly tool for monitoring visual fields in settings where access to traditional perimetry is limited. The lack of Internet strength in rural areas and questionable detection of early cases may be two points in MRF fields requiring an upgrade.
Development and Validation of the B Cell‐Associated Fc Receptor‐like Molecule‐Based Prognostic Signature in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Liu Yu , Chen Yiding , Hu Xianyu , Meng Jialin , Li Xiaojing
Published: August 2020

Backgroud. Cutaneous melanoma (CM) causes the highest absolute number of deaths among all types of skin cancers; however, the association between Fc receptor‐ (FcR‐) like (FCRL) molecules and CM remains unclear. Methods. 461 patients with CM from The Cancer Genome Atlast‐ (TCGA‐) CM cohort and 290 pateints from the GSE65904 cohort were enrolled. Student’s t‐test was used to compare the differences, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was employed to evaluate associations. The Kaplan‐Meier (K‐M) survival analysis was used to evaluate overall survival (OS). The multivariate Cox regression was conducted to generate the FCRL prognostic signature. GSEA analysis and TIMER were employed to study the potential mechanisms. Result. Patients with Breslow’s depth high or equal to 3 cm had the lower expression of FCRL1‐6 (all, P < 0.05), which indicates poor OS, as well as age, stage, and Breslow’s depth subgroups (all, P < 0.001). The overall FCRL1‐6 prognostic signature was generated in the TCGA cohort (K‐M, P < 0.001; area under the curve (AUC), 0.649 for 3‐year OS) and validated in the GSE65904 cohort (K‐M, P < 0.001; AUC, 0.659 for 3‐year OS). The GSEA results revealed that high expression of FCRLs indicated activated immune‐associated pathways, and FCRLs are positively associated with the infiltration of B cells. Conclusion. Highly expressed FCRLs were observed associated with a favourable OS of CM. FCRL1‐6‐based prediction signature could act as a biomarker to predict the prognosis of patients with CM.
A Design-Task-Oriented Model Assignment Method in Model-Based System Engineering
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Liao Wenhe , Guo Yu , Liu Daoyuan , Qian Weiwei
Published: August 2020

In model-based system engineering (MBSE), reuse of existing models in the development of a new system can be advantageous. Automatic assignment of existing models to each design task within a design task set has been proven to be feasible. However, while several studies have discussed the significance of models in MBSE and methodologies for models reuse, solving the model reusability problem through a model assignment method has not been discussed. Additionally, a significant challenge in model assignment is to address the conflict between the maximization of the model value summations, which are yielded by assigning the models to a design task set, and the minimization of the execution cycle of the task set. This study (a) proposes a design-task-oriented model assignment method that establishes a multiobjective model, based on a model assignment integration framework, and (b) designs a differential-evolution-combined adaptive nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II to provide an optimal tradeoff between maximizing the total model values and minimizing the execution cycle of the task set. By comparing the performance of the algorithm in resolving the assignment of models to a design task set with those of two conventional algorithms in a phased-array radar development project, the algorithm’s performance and promotion of system development are verified to be superior. The new method can be applied for developing model scheduling software for MBSE-compliant product development projects to improve using effects of the models and development cycle.
Dynamic Priority-Based Service Resource Allocation for Context-Aware Conflict Resolution in Wisdom Network with Fog Computing
Authors: Duo Lin , Li Qianqian , Xu Haitao , Zhou Yunhui
Published: August 2020

With the development of wisdom network, this paper assumes that intelligent devices become more and more intelligent, which can easily collect and provide a variety of context awareness data. The research goal is to design a dynamic conflict resolution strategy for context-aware resource allocation. The limited availability of resources inevitably leads to conflicts. Considering the characteristics of wisdom network, the quality of service when solving conflicts, a mechanism is proposed to improve the quality of services and to solve the resources allocation conflicts. This paper constructs the optimal model of context-aware based on a differential game and optimizes the resource allocation of context-aware based on the priority of scenarios. Fog computing is used to provide enough computing resources for the control of resource allocation of context-aware. The Bellman dynamic programming is introduced to solve the feedback Nash equilibrium solution of the proposed differential game model, to obtain the optimal allocation of service resources and solve the effectiveness of resource allocation.
A Rare Coexistence of Isolated Unilateral Conjunctival Telangiectasia and Retinal Vascular Tortuosity
Authors: Hekimsoy Hilal Kilinç , Şekeroğlu Mehmet Ali
Published: August 2020

A 55-year-old woman with no known systemic disorder and without any history of ocular disease, trauma, and surgery presented with a nonremitting conjunctival redness on her left eye that was existing since her childhood. On ophthalmological examination, an extremely rare coexistence of isolated unilateral bulbar conjunctival telangiectasia and ipsilateral retinal vascular tortuosity without any systemic and neuroradiological association was detected. We aimed to demonstrate this rare vascular coexistence and discuss differential diagnosis of the underlying causes.
Diffuse Spontaneous Laryngeal Hemorrhage with Trastuzumab
Authors: Klute Lauren , Solverson Matthew , Bingcang Christopher M. , Dowdall Jayme R.
Published: August 2020

Drug-induced epithelial hemorrhage of the endolarynx is an unusual etiology of hemoptysis. We present a case of hemoptysis in a young female patient undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer with trastuzumab emtansine. Though previously associated with diffuse spontaneous hemorrhage of the gingiva, there have not been reports of laryngeal hemorrhage with trastuzumab emtansine treatment. In this case report, we suggest that trastuzumab emtansine played a contributory role in the development of diffuse epithelial laryngeal hemorrhage and describe the pathophysiology, history, laryngoscopic findings, and management of this condition.
Galactose-Deficient IgA1 Deposits in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma-Related Henoch–Schönlein Purpura Nephritis
Authors: Zhao Yuhong , Kim Youngki , Junghare Milind , Vakil Viral , Su Xuesong , Li Faqian , Bu Lihong
Published: August 2020

Recent studies suggest that galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) plays a role in the pathogenesis of primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). Furthermore, immunostaining of KM55, an antibody that identifies Gd-IgA1, may be helpful to differentiate primary IgAN and HSPN from secondary causes of glomerular IgA deposition. We report sequential kidney biopsies of a malignancy-associated HSPN, showing intense glomerular mesangial IgA deposition at the initial kidney biopsy and dramatic decrease in disappearance of glomerular deposits after tumor removal. We demonstrate that the glomerular IgA deposition contains Gd-IgA1, detected by immunostaining of KM55, with similar distribution and intensity to IgA. This suggests that renal Gd-IgA1 deposition may play a role in the pathogenesis of malignancy-associated HSPN.
Fault Diagnosis of Hydraulic Pumps Using PSO-VMD and Refined Composite Multiscale Fluctuation Dispersion Entropy
Authors: Zhou Fuming , Yang Xiaoqiang , Shen Jinxing , Liu Wuqiang
Published: August 2020

Multiscale fluctuation dispersion entropy (MFDE) has been proposed to measure the dynamic features of complex signals recently. Compared with multiscale sample entropy (MSE) and multiscale fuzzy entropy (MFE), MFDE has higher calculation efficiency and better performance to extract fault features. However, when conducting multiscale analysis, as the scale factor increases, MFDE will become unstable. To solve this problem, refined composite multiscale fluctuation dispersion entropy (RCMFDE) is proposed and used to improve the stability of MFDE. And a new fault diagnosis method for hydraulic pumps using particle swarm optimization variational mode decomposition (PSO-VMD) and RCMFDE is proposed in this paper. Firstly, PSO-VMD is adopted to process the original vibration signals of hydraulic pumps, and the appropriate components are selected and reconstructed to get the denoised vibration signals. Then, RCMFDE is adopted to extract fault information. Finally, particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM) is adopted to distinguish different work states of hydraulic pumps. The experiments prove that the proposed method has higher fault recognition accuracy in comparison with MSE, MFE, and MFDE.
Two‐Dimensional Parametric Study of an Embankment on Clay Improved by an Artificial Crust Composite Foundation
Authors: Wang Ying , Hu Zhenhua , Chen Yonghui , Xiao Hongtian
Published: August 2020

In order to reduce the foundation settlement, conserve resources, and be environmental‐friendly while increasing the use of soil resources, an artificial crust layer formed by in situ stabilization is proposed to combine with prestressed pipe piles over soft ground in road construction. In this study, a centrifuge test and two‐dimensional coupled‐consolidation finite‐element analyses are conducted to simulate the construction of an embankment. And a two‐dimensional parametric study is conducted to study the performance indicated by maximum long‐term settlement, excess pore water, and tensile stress under various conditions. The results of the centrifuge test clearly show that the measured settlement, excess pore water, and tensile stress are in good agreement with the calculated results. In addition, the key factors of pile spacing and thickness and strength of the crust have an influence on the maximum settlement, stress of the foundation, and tensile stress of the crust using the two‐dimensional coupled‐consolidation finite‐element analyses. And the stress transfer regular of the foundation is analyzed under various conditions. Moreover, the failure of the crust contained tensile cracking and shearing failure and the thickness of the pile that pierced the crust are also affected by the key factors.
Noise Elimination and Contour Detection Based on Innovative Target Image Contour Coding Algorithm
Authors: Meng Siming
Published: August 2020

At present, the image mining is mainly based on its local and key features, which focuses on its texture and statistical grayscale features, but it focuses on its edge and shape features rarely. However, the contour is also an important feature for image shape recognition. In this paper, a good target image contour coding algorithm was adopted, and an LCV segmentation model with good image boundary acquisition capability that can reflect the target image contour features was selected for the original image contour segmentation. The detailed features analysis of the contour coding algorithm was carried out through the experiments; the experimental results showed that the algorithm was a significant technological breakthrough in image feature extraction and recognition.
The Development of a Novel Device Based on Loss of Guidewire Resistance to Identify Epidural Space in a Porcine Model
Authors: Yang Jaeyoung , Choi Rakmin , Cho Kyubum , Kim Seonjin , Lee Bousung , Lee Kwanghaeng , Kim Dongseok , Lee Jaedo
Published: August 2020

Background. The application of additive manufacturing (3D printing) has been recently expanded to various medical fields. The new technique named loss of guide wire resistance (LOGR) was developed via 3D printing for the detection of epidural space using a guide wire instead of air or saline used in the loss of resistance (LOR) technique. Methods. The prototype model of epidural space finder consists of a polyactic acid (PLA) or a resin. It was manufactured with 3D printing. Biocompatibility test (eluate and sterility tests) was performed in both products. The advantage of the newly developed device was compared with conventional loss of resistance (LOR) technique in a porcine model. Results. Eluate and sterility tests revealed that the PLA was more biocompatible than the resin. The LOGR technique facilitated rapid access to epidural space compared with the LOR technique (41.64 ± 32.18 vs. 92.28 ± 61.46 seconds, N = 14, p=0.0102, paired sample t-test), without any differences in success rate (87.5%). Conclusion. We conclude that LOGR technique is comparable to LOR technique to access the epidural space, although the advantage of either technique in terms of complications such as dural puncture or epidural hematoma is unknown. We demonstrated the potential benefit of 3D printer for the development of a new medical device for anesthesia.
Blind Poissonian Image Deblurring Regularized by a Denoiser Constraint and Deep Image Prior
Authors: Feng Yayuan , Shi Yu , Sun Dianjun
Published: August 2020

The denoising and deblurring of Poisson images are opposite inverse problems. Single image deblurring methods are sensitive to image noise. A single noise filter can effectively remove noise in advance, but it also damages blurred information. To simultaneously solve the denoising and deblurring of Poissonian images better, we learn the implicit deep image prior from a single degraded image and use the denoiser as a regularization term to constrain the latent clear image. Combined with the explicit L0 regularization prior of the image, the denoising and deblurring model of the Poisson image is established. Then, the split Bregman iteration strategy is used to optimize the point spread function estimation and latent clear image estimation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves good restoration results on a series of simulated and real blurred images with Poisson noise.
Quercetin Downregulates Cyclooxygenase‐2 Expression and HIF‐1α/VEGF Signaling‐Related Angiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Wang Lian , Wu Haiwei , Xiong Lei , Liu Xiaolong , Yang Nan , Luo Liguo , Qin Tao , Zhu Xian , Shen Zhonghua , Jing Hua , Chen Jinming
Published: August 2020

Objective. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development has been characterized by increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which contributes to angiogenesis via cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Quercetin, one of the most common and well‐researched flavonoids and abundant in vegetables and fruits, has beneficial effects in inhibiting angiogenesis. This study investigated the antiangiogenic effects of quercetin on experimental aneurysms. Methods. We utilized the in vivo AAA mouse model induced by the periaortic application of CaCl2 to examine the effectiveness of quercetin in blocking angiogenesis. Quercetin was administered at 60 mg/kg once daily on the day of the AAA induction and then continued for 6 weeks. Celecoxib, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor, was used as the positive control. Results. Our results demonstrated that quercetin significantly attenuated aneurysm growth in AAA mice and medial neovascularization. Accordingly, quercetin decreased the expression of proangiogenic mediators, including VEGF‐A, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and vascular endothelial cadherin. Quercetin treatment also inhibited the expression of COX‐2 and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α). It was also found that quercetin‐3‐glucuronide, a major quercetin metabolite, downregulated the expression of COX‐2, HIF‐1α, VEGF‐A, and matrix metalloproteinase activities in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from AAA mice. Conclusion. Quercetin attenuates neovascularization during AAA growth, and this effect is mediated via the inhibition of COX‐2, which decreases HIF‐1α/VEGF signaling‐related angiogenesis.
Facile Synthesis of Propranolol and Novel Derivatives
Authors: Tran Vy Anh , Tran Nguyen Hai Tai , Bach Long Giang , Nguyen Trinh Duy , Nguyen Thi Thuong , Nguyen Tan Tai , Nguyen Thi Anh Nga , Vo The Ky , Vo Thu-Thao Thi , Le Van Thuan
Published: August 2020

Propranolol is one of the first medications of the beta-blocker used for antihypertensive drugs. This study reports the facile route for the synthesis of propranolol and its novel derivatives. Herein, propranolol synthesis proceeded from 1-naphthol and isopropylamine under mild and less toxic conditions. Novel propranolol derivatives were designed by reactions of propranolol with benzoyl chloride, pyridinium chlorochromate, and n-butyl bromide through esterification, oxidation reduction, and alkylation, respectively. The isolation and purity of compounds were conducted using column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Mass spectrometry and 1H-NMR spectroscopy were applied to identify new compounds structure. Propranolol derivatives from 2-chlorobenzoyl chloride (compound 3), 2-fluorobenzoyl chloride (compound 5), and especially acetic anhydride (compound 6) manifested high yields and significantly increased water solubility. Six semisynthetic propranolol derivatives promise to improve antioxidative and biological activities.
Indicator Selection for Topic Popularity Definition Based on AHP and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Hong Yuling , Zhang Qishan
Published: August 2020

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to predict the topic popularity on the social network accurately. Indicator selection model for a new definition of topic popularity with degree of grey incidence (DGI) is undertook based on an improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Design/Methodology/Approach. Through screening the importance of indicators by the deep learning methods such as recurrent neural networks (RNNs), long short-term memory (LSTM), and gated recurrent unit (GRU), a selection model of topic popularity indicators based on AHP is set up. Findings. The results show that when topic popularity is being built quantitatively based on the DGI method and different weights of topic indicators are obtained from the help of AHP, the average accuracy of topic popularity prediction can reach 97.66%. The training speed is higher and the prediction precision is higher. Practical Implications. The method proposed in the paper can be used to calculate the popularity of each hot topic and generate the ranking list of topics’ popularities. Moreover, its future popularity can be predicted by deep learning methods. At the same time, a new application field of deep learning technology has been further discovered and verified. Originality/Value. This can lay a theoretical foundation for the formulation of topic popularity tendency prevention measures on the social network and provide an evaluation method which is consistent with the actual situation.
Optimal Operation Strategy of Flexible Interconnected Distribution Network Based on SES-VSC-MTDC
Authors: Ge Le , Lu Limin , Yuan Xiaodong , Yu Yongzhou
Published: August 2020

The increasing integration of renewable energy is challenging the secure operation of the power system. System flexibility or the capability to address the significant power fluctuations from renewable energy is becoming more and more relevant. Self-energy storage-based multiterminal back-to-back VSC-HVDC (SES-VSC-MTDC) technology is first proposed, and it can realize the power regulation on both temporal and spatial dimensions, which helps improve the power supply reliability and the capacity to accommodate renewable energy of the interconnected distribution networks. Then, to address the coordination control problem of the energy storage and back-to-back VSC-HVDC, a comprehensive control strategy of SES-VSC-MTDC is proposed based on the optimal power flow preprocessing and state of charge interval division. Then, the power regulation model and the energy-power regulation timing model of SES-VSC-MTDC are established for different control strategies. Then, we use the primal-dual interior-point method to solve the developed optimal operation model of flexible interconnected distribution network. Finally, a 33-bus system with four interconnected feeders is used to test the effectiveness of the SES-VSC-MTDC technology and its operation control strategy.
Advances in Cardiac Computed Tomography Functional Imaging Technology
Authors: Tian Xu-Wei , Ma Ai-Lin , Zhou Ren-Bing , Jiang Liu-Jiang , Hao Yue , Zou Xiao-Guang
Published: August 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients in China, and cardiac computed tomography (CT) is one of the most commonly used examination methods for CVD. Coronary artery CT angiography can be used for the morphologic evaluation of the coronary artery. At present, cardiac CT functional imaging has become an important direction of development of CT. At present, common CT functional imaging technologies include transluminal attenuation gradient, stress dynamic CT myocardial perfusion imaging, and CT-fractional flow reserve. These three imaging modes are introduced and analyzed in this review.
Pneumatic Lithotripsy versus Holmium Laser Lithotripsy in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Patients with Guy’s Stone Score Grade IV Kidney Stone
Authors: Hong Yuxiang , Lin Hao , Yang Qingtao , Zhou Derong , Hou Gaoming , Chen Xiaohong , Zheng Junhong
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and reliability of holmium (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy (HLL) and pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of patients with Grade IV kidney stones based on Guy’s Stone Score. Study Design/Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 103 patients with Grade IV kidney stones out of 440 patients who underwent PCNL through HLL and PL in Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China, from January 2016 to December 2018. We analyzed preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables of the patients to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of PCNL procedures. Results: Patients were categorized as Grade I, II, III, and IV, and the patients of each grade were 85 (19.32%), 39 (8.86%), 213 (48.41%), and 103 (23.41%), respectively. In Grade IV, the total operative time (min) for the PL and HLL groups was 137.7 ± 47.79 and 134.27 ± 53.38, respectively (p = 0.744). The variation in laboratory examination values including ΔHGB (g/L), ΔHCT, ΔPCT, and ΔCr (μmol/L) for PL and HLL groups was 19 ± 11.23/12 ± 15.42 (p = 0.012), 0.057 ± 0.034/0.038 ± 0.045 (0.009), 0.027 ± 0.034/0.026 ± 0.034 (0.702), and 3.07 ± 17.4/20.54 ± 65.93 (0.692), respectively. The postoperative hospitalization day was 8.94 ± 4.2 and 7.73 ± 2.75 (p = 0.015), respectively. As for the stone-free rate (SFR), the SFRs for PL and HLL were 48.15% (n = 39/81) and 59.09% (n = 13/22) (p = 0.363), respectively. Conclusions: HLL showed a comparable advantage of not only decreased postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit but also fewer postoperative hospitalization days. Based on the results of our retrospective study, for those Grade IV kidney stone patients who have a risk of bleeding before PCNL operation, HLL can be a considerable treatment option. Besides, in consideration of reducing human care cost, HLL which showed fewer hospitalization days, would be more welcome by patients.
Kikuchi Necrotising Lymphadenitis in a Child: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Goel Sachin , Gupta Ankur , Sen Kanwar , Swami Pooja
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare benign disease with a self-limiting course. Patients usually present with clinical features of tender cervical lymphadenopathy (LAP), fever, malaise, weight loss, and night sweats. The disease may mimic infective LAP or lymphoma on clinical and histopathological examination (HPE). Case Report: We report a case of 3-year-old male child who presented to us with bilateral cervical LAP not responding to conservative management. Excision biopsy was done and HPE revealed KFD. Conclusion: Clinicians should have high index of suspicion for diagnosis of KFD in patients with cervical LAP not responding to conservative management. Excision biopsy is important for accurate diagnosis and to avoid aggressive interventions like chemotherapy.
Staging von Lungenkarzinomen: Den Stellenwert der Strain-Elastographie einordnen
Authors: Kempa Axel Tobias
Published: August 2020

Background: Systematic assessment of lymph node status by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is indicated in (suspected) lung cancer. Sampling is herein guided by nodal size and FDG-PET characteristics. Ultrasound strain elastography (SE) might further improve risk stratification. By imaging tissue deformation over time, SE computes relative tissue strain. In several tissues, a lower strain (deformation) has been associated with a higher likelihood of malignancy. Objectives: To assess if EBUS-SE can independently help predict malignancy, and when combined with size and FDG uptake information. Methods: This multicenter (n = 5 centers) prospective trial included patients with suspected or proven lung cancer using a standardized measurement protocol. Cytopathology combined with surgery or follow-up imaging (> 6 months) were used as reference standard. Results: Between June 2016 and July 2018, 327 patients and 5 5 lymph nodes were included (mean size 12.3 mm, malignancy prevalence 0.48). EBUS-SE had an overall AUC of 0.77. A mean strain < 115 (range 0–255) showed 90% sensitivity, 43% specificity, 60% positive predictive value, and 82% negative predictive value. Combining EBUS-SE (< 115) with size (< 8 mm) and FDG-PET information into a risk stratification algorithm increased the accuracy. Combining size and SE showed that the 48% a priori chance of malignancy changed to 11 and 70% in double negative or positive nodes, respectively. In the subset where FDG-PET was available (n = 370), triple negative and positive nodes went from a 42% a priori chance of malignancy to 9 and 73%, respectively. Conclusions: EBUS-SE can help predict lymph node malignancy and may be useful for risk stratification when combined with size and PET information.
Ambulant erworbene Pneumonie: Die Mortalität nachhaltig senken
Authors: Krüger Stefan
Published: August 2020

Background: The study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) for clinical outcomes in emergency patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: A total of 742 CAP cases from the emergency department (ED) were enrolled in this study. The scoring systems including the qSOFA, SOFA and CURB-65 (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure and age) were used to predict the prognostic outcomes of CAP in ICU-admission, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and 28-day mortality. According to the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the accuracies of prediction of the scoring systems were analyzed among CAP patients. Results: The AUC values of the qSOFA, SOFA and CURB-65 scores for ICU-admission among CAP patients were 0.712 (95%CI: 0.678–0.745, P < 0.001), 0.744 (95%CI: 0.711–0.775, P < 0.001) and 0.705 (95%CI: 0.671–0.738, P < 0.001), respectively. For ARDS, the AUC values of the qSOFA, SOFA and CURB-65 scores were 0.730 (95%CI: 0.697–0.762, P < 0.001), 0.724 (95%CI: 0.690–0.756, P < 0.001) and 0.749 (95%CI: 0.716–0.780, P < 0.001), respectively. After 28 days of follow-up, the AUC values of the qSOFA, SOFA and CURB-65 scores for 28-day mortality were 0.602 (95%CI: 0.566–0.638, P < 0.001), 0.587 (95%CI: 0.551–0.623, P < 0.001) and 0.614 (95%CI: 0.577–0.649, P < 0.001) in turn. There were no statistical differences between qSOFA and SOFA scores for predicting ICU-admission (Z = 1.482, P = 0.138), ARDS (Z = 0.321, P = 0.748) and 28-day mortality (Z = 0.573, P = 0.567). Moreover, we found no differences to predict the ICU-admission (Z = 0.370, P = 0.712), ARDS (Z = 0.900, P = 0.368) and 28-day mortality (Z = 0.768, P = 0.442) using qSOFA or CURB-65 scores. Conclusion: qSOFA was not inferior to SOFA or CURB-65 scores in predicting the ICU-admission, ARDS and 28-day mortality of patients presenting in the ED with CAP.