bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of residual ripples and wheel-rail contact state after profiling milling for reshaping rail profile
Authors: Luo Yanan , YANG Guotao , Guo Guanzhu , Ma Yongquan , Zhang Yikai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
On-line milling rail profile is a new technology developed in recent years, which eliminates serious defects such as wavy wear layer on the top surface of rail profile through profiling milling and reshapes the shape of rail profile. Previous studies have focused on the maximum milling thickness, milling efficiency and the ability to eliminate rail contour defects, while ignoring the effect of residual corrugation on the wheel-rail contact condition after milling. This paper analyzes the reasons for the formation of residual ripples during rail profile profiling milling and determines the correlation between the wavelength and height of the residual ripples formed by milling and key parameters such as milling device and milling speed. Residual ripple models were constructed for the rail profile after milling at three most used milling speeds. The wheel-rail contact state was simulated and analyzed by considering the wheel weight loads of subway trains and freight trains, respectively. The results show that the residual corrugation significantly changes the wheel-rail contact stress on the upper surface of the rail profile and the strain-fatigue cycle distribution in the high contact stress region of the wheel-rail.
Have we come to the end of the PROM? Wearable sensors highlight improved rate of recovery and range of movement following robotic-assisted TKA that are overlooked by conventional PROMs
Authors: Zaidi Faseeh , Bolam Scott M. , Goplen Craig M. , Yeung Ted , Hanlon Michael , Munro Jacob , Besier Thor F. , Monk Andrew P. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate early outcomes of patients that underwent robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) and conventional TKA using wearable sensors and traditional patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).
This was a prospective, matched, parallel cohort study of 100 patients with symptomatic end-stage knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary TKA (44 RA-TKA, 56 conventional TKA). Functional outcomes were assessed using ankle-worn inertial measurement units (IMUs). IMU-based outcomes included impact load, impact asymmetry, maximum knee flexion angle, and bone stimulus. PROMs, including Oxford Knee Score, EuroQol-Five Dimension, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale, and Forgotten Joint Score, were evaluated at pre-operative baseline, weeks 2 to 6 post-operatively, and at 3-months and 1-year follow-up.
By post-operative week 6, RA-TKA patients showed improved function compared to the conventional TKA group, with increased maximum knee flexion angle (118o ± 6.6o vs 113o ± 5.4o; p=0.04), improved symmetry in regard to limb loading (82.3% vs 22.4%; p<0.01), increased cumulative impact load (146.6% vs 37%; p<0.01), and increased bone stimulus (25.1% vs 13.6%; p<0.01). RA-TKA patients demonstrated an earlier return to symmetrical limb loading compared to conventional TKA by post-operative week 3. There were no differences in PROMs between the two groups at any timepoint.
RA-TKAs were associated with faster return of normal gait and improved range of motion when assessed using IMUs compared to conventional TKA, which were not detected by traditional PROMs during the early post-operative period.
Associations between Self-Reported Physical Activity, Autonomic Reactivity, Interoception, and Sexual Dysfunctions in Men
Authors: Niu Caoyuan , Ventus Daniel , Wen Guangju , Santtila Pekka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are prevalent male sexual dysfunctions worldwide, causing significant distress for men and their partners, as well as resulting in reduced quality and stability of romantic relationships. We aimed to investigate how physical activity in free time was associated with self-reported interoceptive awareness and autonomic nervous system reactivity during sex as well as with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. The sample of 1976 Chinese urban men aged 18 to 50 (M = 31.5 years, SD = 5.3), responded to a questionnaire on two online survey platforms. Participants reported their age, height, and weight, and filled out the Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Body Perception Questionnaire Short Form adapted for sexual events, the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, the International Index of Erectile Function-5, and the Checklist for Early Ejaculation Symptoms. Results indicated that more physical activity was associated with more self-reported parasympathetic activity during sex, better interoceptive awareness, and fewer premature ejaculation and erectile problems. The associations between more physical activity and fewer premature ejaculation and erectile problems were mediated by more parasympathetic reactivity during sex and more interoceptive awareness. The present study was the first to investigate the associations between physical activity, autonomic activity, interoceptive awareness, and sexual dysfunction. More physical activity was associated with better erectile function and ejaculation control through heightened interoceptive awareness and better sympathovagal balance during sexual activity. This suggests that physical exercise may enhance sexual function through both psychological and physiological pathways.
The causal relationship between plasma thrombomodulin levels and Risk of Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Liu Renjie , Wang Pengju , Guo Shaoning , Feng Jiahui , Chen Xuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence of the genetic interconnectedness between thrombomodulin levels (TM) and stroke is largely unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between genetic predisposition to TM and stroke with a 2-sample, bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) method.
Methods
Genetic instruments for each TM and stroke-related phenotypes were derived from large-scale genome-wide association studies. The inverse variance weighted method was used in the primary analyses to obtain the causal estimates. Complementary sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of our results.
Results
Using univariable MR, we found evidence for each standard deviation (SD) increase in genetically predicted TM levels, the odds ratio (OR) was 1.092 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.034–1.153; p = 0.002) for any stroke and 1.105 (95% CI: 1.035–1.180; p = 0.003) for IS. In multivariable MR, the association remained after accounting for body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), type 2 diabetes (T2D), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and smoking.
Conclusions
This MR estimate reveals robust evidence that higher genetically predicted circulating TM levels were associated with an increased risk of any stroke and IS.
The optimal control of the forages-sorting mechanical arm
Authors: Luo Yun , Zhang Dabin , He Haijun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Removing impurities from forages is a key step in fine feed process, in the process of sorting weeds and foreign objects from the forages, affected by the working environment of the mechanical arm, dust will cause nonlinear friction in the mechanical arm joints, besides, the different sorting objects cause the problem of uncertain loads, these factors affect the normal operation of the mechanical arm badly. In order to track impurities accurately by end effector of mechanical arm, Kane modeling method was adopted and different control algorithms were analyzed in this paper. Firstly, we designed a conventional PID control algorithm, and analyzed its feasibility condition based on Routh criterion. Secondly, to weaken the effect caused by nonlinear friction in mechanical arm joints and uncertain loads in end effector, we combined Radial Basis Function Neural Network(RBFNN) and Expansion State Observer(ESO) with sliding mode control, proposed an adaptive sliding mode controller based on fuzzy PD compensation(FASMC), numerical simulation demonstrated that the controller can reject the unknown effects of the system and achieved a very good control performances.
Outcomes of remnant pancreatic resection for recurrent pancreatic cancer
Authors: Teraoku Hiroki , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Saito Yu , Yamada Shinichiro , Nakasu Chiharu , Noma Takayuki , Shimada Mitsuo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Although there have been reports that remnant pancreatic resection for recurrence of pancreatic cancer contributes to a prolonged favorable prognosis, its surgical indications and timing remain controversial. We examined the feasibility of remnant pancreatic resection and the characteristics of remnant pancreatic recurrence.
Methods
A total of 180 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreatic resection from 2004 to 2020 were enrolled in this study. Recurrence was observed in 124 of 180 cases. Of these 124 patients, 9 who underwent remnant pancreatic resection were compared with 82 who underwent chemotherapy.
Results
The 5-year survival rate for remnant pancreatic resection was 85.7%, significantly better than that for chemotherapy (15.8%, p<0.001). Regarding patients’ background at the primary pancreatic resection, the serum albumin level (p<0.01) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were high (p<0.01), and there were many T1/2 cases in the TNM classification (p<0.01) in the remnant pancreatic resection group; additionally, duration until recurrence was significantly longer (remnant pancreatic resection group, 2.116±1.100 years vs. chemotherapy group, 0.973±0.798 years). Furthermore, among the 9 cases of remnant pancreatic resection, 8 patients (the remaining patient died of other disease) sustained secondary recurrence after remnant pancreatic resection. Among these cases, patients with recurrence after 6 months of resection were women (p=0.02), with high PNI (p=0.01) and high rate of introduction of chemotherapy for the secondary recurrence (p=0.02).
Conclusion
Remnant pancreatic resection for recurrent pancreatic cancer could prolong the favorable prognosis in selected patients, taking into account the period until recurrence and nutritional status.
Trial registration
This study was approved by the research and ethics committee of Tokushima University Hospital (Approved number: 3215-3, Date of registration: October 25th, 2021).
Effect of CO 2 shortage on the Performance of Membrane Electrode CO 2 Electrolyzer
Authors: Zhang Xianwen , Cao Feiyue , Peng Hao , Cao Yaoyi , Zhou Taotao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
To mitigate greenhouse effects, carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) has been used as an efficient means of carbon reduction. In CO2 electrolyzer, CO2 shortage can happen and degrade the reaction efficiency. Herein, an efficient and long-lived formic acid three-cell electrolyzer is used to study the effect of CO2 shortage, by operating the electrolyzer from full CO2 supply to CO2 shortage. In addition, the effects of various CO2 fluxes and concentrations on the electrolyzer current, acid concentration and lifetime are investigated. The results demonstrated that the electrolyzer current and the CO to H2 ratio both decreases from full CO2 to CO2 shortage, indicating that the reactivity of converting CO2 into formic acid ions is weakened. On the contrary, the hydrogen evolution reaction is intensified. Long-term CO2 shortage also cause the catalyst to detach and agglomerate in the cathode catalyst layer, reducing its active surface area and overall performance. Compared with the CO2 flux, the CO2 concentration exerts a more pronounced influence. To ensure the electrolysis efficiency, the carbon dioxide concentration should not be less than 80%.
The Association of Women Empowerment Dimensions and Antenatal Care Utilization in Ethiopia; Facility-based Cross- Sectional Study, 2022
Authors: Ababe Yonas , Demissie Asresash , Adugna Kebebe , Berhanu Robera Demissie , Diriba Misganu , Bacha Nuritu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Women empowerment is a multidimensional global development goal. Women in developing countries are exposed to disempowerment. This leads to mortality and morbidity in women through the inhibition of maternal care, such as antenatal care. It is impossible to decrease maternal mortality without sufficient and timely antenatal care. However, the association between women’s empowerment and antenatal care utilization has been understudied. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the association of women’s empowerment dimensions with antenatal care utilization.
Method
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 mothers selected by systematic random sampling from July 1–August 31, 2022. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data Manager version 4.6.0.6 and then exported to SPSS version 26. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the associations among the variables.
Results
Out of 305 respondents, 301 provided a complete response, which is a response rate of 99.1%. Approximately 187 (62.1%) study participants utilized adequate antenatal care [95% CI];[56.4,67.6]. The majority of women’s empowerment dimensions have a statistically positive correlation with adequate antenatal care utilization. In addition, multivariate logistic regression showed that [AOR (95% C. I)], high self-efficacy [AOR = 2.06 (1.16, 3.68)], high self-esteem [AOR = 2.74 (1.52, 4.94)], an internal locus of control [AOR = 2.21 (1.23, 3.96)], and labor work participation [AOR = 2.28 (1.22, 4.28)] were all associated with antenatal care utilization.
Conclusion
Women’s empowerment dimensions have a positive and statistically significant association with antenatal care utilization. To improve recommended antenatal care utilization by mothers, the empowerment of women by health professionals, hospitals, and other stakeholders is very important.
Research on runoff prediction method based on multi-graph spatio-temporal feature fusion
Authors: He Xin , Xie Jiancang , zhang gang , Xie Tuo , Huo Xiuxiu , Xia Huanqing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
To improve the accuracy of watershed runoff prediction and address the lack of interpretability in data-driven hydrological models, we propose a spatiotemporal prediction model, named the Multi-Graph Attention Mechanism with Gated Recurrent Unit (MGAT-MIC-GRU). This model leverages a multi-graph attention mechanism, combining Graph Attention Network (GAT) and Gated Recurrent Neural Network (GRU), for runoff forecasting. Firstly, employing hydrological data from the Qishui River Basin, a graph neural network is utilized to extract the topological structure of the watershed site and generate feature vectors; Secondly, according to the characteristics of hydrological time series data, a multi-graph attention runoff spatio-temporal prediction model based on MIC mechanism is established to predict the runoff of the basin; Finally, we conduct comparative experiments over multiple forecasting horizons to evaluate the predictive performance of various models, including the MGAT-MIC-GRU model. The research findings demonstrate that our proposed model improves the accuracy of runoff prediction.
Predictors of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: a prospective study
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Jie , Chen Jing , Chen Yanhua , Qin Yinying , Liu Tianxiao , Pan Sining , Xie Yubo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Analyze the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, built a predictive nomogram model for early identification of high-risk individuals and develop strategies for preventive interventions.
Methods
A total of 156 patients was recruited and categorized according to the development of POD within 7 days. After identifying independent risk factors through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, predictive models were established. The discrimination and calibration were determined by C-index and calibration curve, with five-fold cross-validation executed. A nomogram model representing the optimal model was constructed based on the results.
Results
POD occurred in 24 (15.38%) patients. Significant differences were observed in age, anxiety, physical status, sleep disorders, blood glucose, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI), anticholinergic, blood loss, postoperative infection, and numerical rating scale (NRS). Logistic regression analyses showed that sleep disorders (OR:12.931, 95% CI:1.191-140.351, P = 0.035), ACCI (OR:2.608, 95% CI:1.143–5.950, P = 0.023), postoperative infection (OR:19.298, 95% CI:2.53-147.202, P = 0.04), and NRS (OR:4.033, 95% CI:1.062–15.324, P = 0.041) were independent risk factors for POD. Model 1 (postoperative infection, ACCI, preoperative sleep disorder, NRS showed better diagnostic performance than the others, of which the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.973. The best diagnostic performance was found in model 1 through five-fold cross-validation, with a C-index of 0.963.
Conclusions
This prospective cohort study highlighted that ACCI, preoperative sleep disorder, postoperative pain, and postoperative infection were identified as independent risk factors for POD. Furthermore, the nomogram derived from model 1 proved to be effective in predicting POD in elderly patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.
A Novel Soil Moisture Retrieval Algorithm for FY-3E GNOS-R Leveraging Multi-Angle Observations
Authors: Wu Xuerui , Xia Junming , Bai Weihua , Sun Yueqiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Surface soil moisture (SM) is a critical factor in hydrological modeling, agricultural management, and numerical weather forecasting. This paper presents a highly effective soil moisture retrieval algorithm developed for the FY-3E (FengYun-3E) GNOS-R (GNSS Occultation Sounder II-Reflectometry) instrument. The algorithm incorporates a first-order vegetation model that considers vegetation density and volume scattering. Utilizing multi-angle GNOS-R observations, the algorithm derives surface reflectivity, which is combined with ancillary data on opacity, vegetation water content, and soil moisture from SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) to optimize the retrieval process. The algorithm has been specifically tailored for different surface conditions, including bare soil, areas with low vegetation, and densely vegetated regions. The algorithm directly incorporates the angle-dependence of observations, leading to enhanced retrieval accuracy. Additionally, a new approach parameterizes surface roughness as a function of angle, allowing for refined corrections in reflectivity measurements. For vegetated areas, the algorithm effectively isolates the soil surface signal by eliminating volume scattering and vegetation effects, enabling accurate estimation of soil moisture. By leveraging multi-angle data, the algorithm achieves significantly improved retrieval accuracy, with root mean square errors of 0.0235, 0.0264, and 0.0191 (g/cm3) for bare, low vegetation, and dense vegetation areas, respectively. This innovative methodology offers robust global soil moisture estimation capabilities using the GNOS-R instrument, surpassing the accuracy of previous techniques.
Venous resection increases risk of chyle leak after total pancreatectomy for pancreatic tumors
Authors: Li Tianyu , Lin Chen , Zhao Bangbo , Li Zeru , Zhao Yutong , Han Xianlin , Dai Menghua , Guo Junchao , Wang Weibin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background Existing research on chyle leak (CL) after pancreatic surgery is mostly focused on pancreaticoduodenectomy and lacks investigation on total pancreatectomy (TP). This study aimed to explore potential risk factors of CL and develop a predictive model for patients with pancreatic tumor undergoing TP.
Methods This retrospective study enrolled 90 consecutive patients undergoing TP from January 2015 to December 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. According to the inclusion criteria, 79 patients were finally included in the following analysis. The LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors associated with CL and construct a predictive nomogram. Then, the ROC analysis, calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC) were performed to assess its discrimination, accuracy, and efficacy. Due to the small sample size, we adopted the bootstrap resampling method with 500 repetitions for validation. Lastly, we plotted and analyzed the trend of postoperative drainage volume in CL patients.
Results We revealed that venous resection (OR = 4.352, 95%CI 1.404-14.04, P = 0.011) was an independent risk factor for CL after TP. Prolonged operation time (OR = 1.473, 95%CI 1.015-2.237, P = 0.052) was also associated with an increased incidence of CL. We included these two factors in our prediction model. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.752 (95%CI 0.622-0.874) after bootstrap. The calibration curve, DCA and CIC showed great accuracy and clinical benefit of our nomogram. In patients with CL, the mean drainage volume raised gradually after TP and was significantly higher in venous resection group.
Conclusion Venous resection was an independent risk factor for chyle leak after TP. Patients undergoing vascular resection during TP should be alert for the occurrence of CL after surgery. We also constructed a nomogram consisted of venous resection and operation time to predict the odds of CL in patients undergoing TP.
In-Situ Reinforcement of AA6063/Al2O3 Hybrid Composite: Comparative Wear and Hardness Evaluation of Manihot Esculenta and Green Plantago major Particulates
Authors: Ben Festus , Apata Olubambi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The AA6063 alloy, renowned for its effective resistance against corrosion and favourable mechanical properties, has limited applications within the automotive and aerospace sectors owing to its reduced hardness and wear properties. Manihot esculenta and Plantago major are essential food crops cultivated largely within sub-Saharan Africa. The peels of these food crops contribute to environmental pollution through indiscriminate disposal. This study aims to contribute to the current understanding exploring the potential use of the Manihot esculenta peel ash (MEPA) and Plantago major peel ash (PMPA) as innovative reinforcements for in-situ fabrication of AA6063/Al2O3 hybrid composites. Comparative assessments of the hardness behaviours and wear performances of MEP-based aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) and the PMP-based AMCs reveal MEP’s superior impact, enhancing AA6063 matrix hardness to 107 BHN, in contrast to PMP’s 86 BHN. MEP and PMP particulates as reinforcements notably improved AA6063 hardness by 328% and 244%, respectively. Incorporating the ashes of these solid wastes also enhanced the abrasion resistance of the fabricated AMCs. While the MEP ash particles performed better than the PMP ash particles in hardness and wear, natural ceramic agro waste reinforcements (MEPA and PMPA) provide an economical alternative to expensive artificial ceramic reinforcement (Al2O3). These findings highlight the potential of using MEPA and PMPA agro wastes as sustainable engineering solutions to reinforce AMCs for improved applications.