This study aims to construct a virtual twin testing framework for the safety of the intended functionality of intelligent connected vehicles to address the safety requirements of intelligent driving and transportation...This study aims to construct a virtual twin testing framework for the safety of the intended functionality of intelligent connected vehicles to address the safety requirements of intelligent driving and transportation systems.The research methods include the construction of a theoretical model of safety for intelligent connected vehicles based on the concept of virtual twins,the correlation study between key concepts and functional safety,and the application research of virtual twin technology in the safety testing of intelligent connected vehicles.The results reveal that the virtual twin testing framework can effectively enhance the functional safety of intelligent connected vehicles,reduce development costs,and shorten the product launch cycle.The conclusion suggests that this framework provides strong support for the healthy development of the intelligent connected vehicle industry and has a positive impact on the safety and efficiency of intelligent transportation systems.展开更多
Sperm function testing, once commonly performed for the infertile couple before employing assisted reproductive technology （ART）, has fallen out of favour in many reproductive medicine centers throughout the world. ...Sperm function testing, once commonly performed for the infertile couple before employing assisted reproductive technology （ART）, has fallen out of favour in many reproductive medicine centers throughout the world. Indeed, the most recent addition of the ＇World Health Organisation （WHO） Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Hu- man Semen＇ now groups many of these procedures into a section termed Research Procedures. In large part, this reflects the current clinical practice of bypassing the in-depth evaluation of the male partner, while assuming that if a spermatozoon can be found for intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, it must be a healthy cell capable of achieving fertilization. Never- theless, sperm function testing can provide valuable clinical insights into defects causing male infertility. Admittedly, in some cases, functional sperm deficiencies can be overcome using an ART. In other cases, couples will be empowered by the knowledge of the cause of their infertility, and for some couples, perhaps even the likelihood of ICSI success （relative to the spermatozoa）. The knowledge allows them to make truly informed reproductive decisions, including （perhaps） the de- cision to seek donor insemination, to adopt or to remain childless. Knowledge of the cause of their infertility may provide closure for couples and a sense of confidence regarding their choice of reproductive treatment.展开更多
The reliability of real-time embedded software directly determines the reliability of the whole real-time embedded sys- tem, and the effective software testing is an important way to ensure software quality and reliab...The reliability of real-time embedded software directly determines the reliability of the whole real-time embedded sys- tem, and the effective software testing is an important way to ensure software quality and reliability. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of real-time embedded software, the formal method is introduced into the real-time embedded software testing field and the real-time extended finite state machine （RT-EFSM） model is studied firstly. Then, the time zone division method of real-time embedded system is presented and the definition and description methods of time-constrained transition equivalence class （timeCTEC） are presented. Furthermore, the approaches of the testing sequence and test case generation are put forward. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a typical avionics real- time embedded software testing practice and the examples of the timeCTEC, testing sequences and test cases are given. With the analysis of the testing result, the application verification shows that the proposed method can effectively describe the real-time embedded software state transition characteristics and real-time requirements and play the advantages of the formal methods in accuracy, effectiveness and the automation supporting. Combined with the testing platform, the real-time, closed loop and automated simulation testing for real-time embedded software can be realized effectively.展开更多
The diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis （CP） is based on the detection of abnormal structure or function of the diseased pancreas. The pancreatic function tests more accurately determine the presence of CP than tests ...The diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis （CP） is based on the detection of abnormal structure or function of the diseased pancreas. The pancreatic function tests more accurately determine the presence of CP than tests of structure, especially for early stage disease. The function tests can be divided into two categories： non- invasive and invasive. The invasive ＂tube＂ tests can reliably detect mild, early CP, but are only available at a few referral centers and tend to be poorly tolerated by patients. The non-invasive tests are easy to obtain, but tend to perform poorly in patients with early, mild disease. Therefore, no one test is useful in all clinical situations, and a detailed understanding of the rational, pathophysiologic basis, strengths, and limitations of various tests is needed. This review highlights the role of various pancreatic function tests in the diagnosis of CP including fecal fat analysis, fecal elastase, fecal chymotrypsin, serum trypsin, the secretin stimulation test, the cholecystokinin （CCK） stimulation test, the combined secretin-CCK stimulation test, the intraductal and endoscopic secretin stimulation tests, and the functional magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas after secretin stimulation.展开更多
In order to deal with the limitations during the register transfer level verification, a new functional verification method based on the random testing for the system-level of system-on-chip is proposed.The validity o...In order to deal with the limitations during the register transfer level verification, a new functional verification method based on the random testing for the system-level of system-on-chip is proposed.The validity of this method is proven theoretically.Specifically, testcases are generated according to many approaches of randomization.Moreover, the testbench for the system-level verification according to the proposed method is designed by using advanced modeling language.Therefore, under the circumstances that the testbench generates testcases quickly, the hardware/software co-simulation and co-verification can be implemented and the hardware/software partitioning planning can be evaluated easily.The comparison method is put to use in the evaluation approach of the testing validity.The evaluation result indicates that the efficiency of the partition testing is better than that of the random testing only when one or more subdomains are covered over with the area of errors, although the efficiency of the random testing is generally better than that of the partition testing.The experimental result indicates that this method has a good performance in the functional coverage and the cost of testing and can discover the functional errors as soon as possible.展开更多
Hormone-stimulated pancreatic function tests (PFTs) are considered the gold standard for measuring pancreatic exocrine function. PFTs involve the administration of intravenous secretin or cholecystokinin, followed by ...Hormone-stimulated pancreatic function tests (PFTs) are considered the gold standard for measuring pancreatic exocrine function. PFTs involve the administration of intravenous secretin or cholecystokinin, followed by collection and analysis of pancreatic secretions. Because exocrine function may decline in the earliest phase of pancreatic fibrosis, PFTs are considered accurate for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Unfortunately, these potentially valuable tests are infrequently performed except at specialized centers, because they are time consuming and complicated. To overcome these limitations, endoscopic PFT methods have been developed which include aspiration of pancreatic secretions through the suction channel of the endoscope. The secretin endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) involves collection of duodenal aspirates at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after secretin stimulation. A bicarbonate concentration greater than 80 mmol/L in any of the samples is considered a normal result. The secretin ePFT has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity compared with various reference standards, including the "Dreiling tube" secretin PFT, endoscopic ultrasound, and surgical histology. Furthermore, a standard autoanalyzer can be used for bicarbonate analysis, which allows the secretin ePFT to be performed at any hospital. The secretin ePFT may complement imaging tests like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis.This paper will review the literature validating the use of ePFT in the diagnosis of exocrine insufficiency and chronic pancreatitis. Newer developments will also be discussed, including the feasibility of combined EUS/ ePFT, the use of cholecystokinin alone or in combination with secretin, and the discovery of new protein and lipid pancreatic juice biomarkers which may complement traditional fluid analysis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are ra...BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are rarely subjected to investig-ations for SIBO.AIM To estimate the frequency of SIBO in children having functional upper GI sym-ptoms(as cases)and to compare the result of the SIBO status to that of the con-trols.METHODS Children aged 6 to 18 who presented with upper GI symptoms were selected for the study.All children were subjected to upper GI endoscopy before being advised of any proton pump inhibitors(PPIs).Children with normal endoscopy were assigned as cases,and children having any endoscopic lesion were design-ated as controls.Both groups were subjected to a glucose-hydrogen breath test by Bedfont Gastrolyser.RESULTS A total of 129 consecutive children who were naive to PPIs and had normal ba-seline investigations were included in the study.Among them,67 patients had endoscopic lesions and served as the control group,with six cases being excluded due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.Sixty-two children with normal endoscopy results formed the case group.In the case group,35 children(59%)tested positive for hydrogen breath tests,compared to 13 children(21%)in the control group.The calculated odds ratio was 5.38(95%confidence interval:2.41-12.0),which was statistically significant.Further analysis of symptoms revealed that nausea,halitosis,foul-smelling eructation,and epigastric fullness were positive predictors of SIBO.CONCLUSION It is worthwhile to investigate and treat SIBO in all children presenting with upper GI symptoms that are not explained by endoscopy findings.展开更多
A novel optical testing target(OTT) with three degrees of freedom(DOFs) is proposed for measuring the tracking performance of a photoelectric theodolite. The main components, such as the azimuth axis system, the pitch...A novel optical testing target(OTT) with three degrees of freedom(DOFs) is proposed for measuring the tracking performance of a photoelectric theodolite. The main components, such as the azimuth axis system, the pitching axis system, the linear motion system, and the simulated target generator, are designed. Furthermore, the linear module with the form of a large-span and low-stiffness cantilever beam is strengthened using an integrated optimization method. After the structure is strengthened, the 1 st-order natural frequency increases from 14 Hz to 32 Hz. Finally, a functional test is performed and the results show that compared with a traditional optical test target, the simulated target generated by the novel target is advantageous in practice.展开更多
B4C, SiC and C, Cu functionally graded-materials (FGMs) have been developed by plasma spraying and hot pressing. Their high-heat flux properties have been investigated by high energy laser and electron beam for the si...B4C, SiC and C, Cu functionally graded-materials (FGMs) have been developed by plasma spraying and hot pressing. Their high-heat flux properties have been investigated by high energy laser and electron beam for the simulation of plasma disruption process of the future fusion reactors, And a study on eroded products of B4C/Cu FGM under transient thermal load of electron beam was performed. In the experiment, SEM and EDS analysis indicated that B4C and SiC were decomposed, carbon was preferentially evaporated under high thermal load, and a part of Si and Cu were melted, in addition, the splash of melted metal and the particle emission of brittle destruction were also found. Different erosive behaviors of carbon-based materials (CBMs) caused by laser and electron beam were also discussed.展开更多
AIM:To analyze whether alterations of voxel mirror homology connectivity(VMHC)values,as determined by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rsfMRI),occur in cerebral regions of patients with hypertensive...AIM:To analyze whether alterations of voxel mirror homology connectivity(VMHC)values,as determined by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rsfMRI),occur in cerebral regions of patients with hypertensive retinopathy(HR)and to determine the relationship between VMHC values and clinical characteristics in patients with HR.METHODS:Twenty-one patients with HR and 21 agematched healthy controls(HCs)were assessed by rsfMRI scanning.The functional connectivity between the hemispheres of the cerebrum was assessed by measuring VMHC,with the ability of VMHC to distinguish between the HR and HC groups assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics of the HR and HC groups were analyzed by independent sample t-tests.The relationship between average VMHC in several brain areas of HR patients and clinical features was determined using Pearson correlation analysis.RESULTS:Mean VMHC values of the bilateral cuneus gyrus(BA19),bilateral middle orbitofrontal gyrus(BA47),bilateral middle temporal gyrus(BA39)and bilateral superior medial frontal gyrus(BA9)were lower in the HR than in the HC group.CONCLUSION:VMHC values can predict the development of early HR,prevent the transformation of hypertensive microangiopathy,and provide useful information explaining the changes in neural mechanism associated with HR.展开更多
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that locomotive syndrome(LS)is significantly correlated with adverse outcomes,such as decreased self-care abilities,fractures,and increased mortality.Subthreshold depression(StD)is consid...BACKGROUND Studies have shown that locomotive syndrome(LS)is significantly correlated with adverse outcomes,such as decreased self-care abilities,fractures,and increased mortality.Subthreshold depression(StD)is considered an independent predictor of clinical depression,regarded as its prodromal stage,and even linked to increased mortality risk.Limited research has addressed the prevalence and relationship between LS and StD in elderly cancer patients.Understanding the prevalence of LS and StD among elderly cancer patients and elucidating their relationship will provide evidence to support the development of targeted interventions,thereby improving health outcomes in this population.AIM To investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal system function and predepressive states in elderly cancer patients.METHODS A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 500 elderly cancer patients undergoing follow-up visits at the Department of Oncology,Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University,from April 2024 to December 2024.Participants completed the general information questionnaire, the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and theGeriatric Depression Scale-Short Form-15. Influencing factors were analyzed, and correlation analyses wereperformed.RESULTSA total of 483 elderly cancer patients successfully completed the study. The prevalence of LS and StD amongparticipants was 56.5% and 38.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified age, tumor metastasis,exercise habits, and the presence of StD as significant risk factors for LS in elderly cancer patients. Additionally,having three or more chronic diseases and LS were significant predictors for developing StD. Spearman’s correlationanalysis revealed a significant positive correlation between LS and StD (r = 0.424, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONElderly cancer patients exhibit a high prevalence of LS and StD, conditions which are positively correlated andmutually influential. Thus, it is critical to monitor and address pre-depressive states while evaluating and managingmotor function in this population.展开更多
BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but da...BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but data from cohort studies are scarce.AIM To investigate the association between insulin and pathological LFT,liver disease,and cirrhosis in a populationbased retrospective cohort study.METHODS Anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors of 857 men and 1228 women from prospective cohort studies were used.LFT were obtained at two time points 8 years to 24 years after baseline.Liver disease diagnoses were obtained from nationwide registries.The association between insulin levels and the development of elevated LFT or liver disease and cirrhosis was analyzed.RESULTS Total follow-up was 54054 person-years for women and 27556 person-years for men.Insulin levels were positively correlated with elevated LFT during follow-up,whereas physical activity and coffee consumption were negatively correlated.Individuals with both insulin levels in the upper tertile and alcohol consumption above MASLD thresholds had an increased risk for both liver disease,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)of 4.3(95%CI:1.6-14.6)and cirrhosis(aHR=4.8,95%CI:1.6-14.6).CONCLUSION This population-based study provides evidence that high insulin levels are a risk factor for development of elevated liver enzymes and clinically manifest liver disease.The results support the concept of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.展开更多
Tests of preoperative visual function and prediction of postoperative E chart visual acuity(ECVA) using laser interferometric visual acuity(LIVA) and electroretinogram(ERG) were performed in 16 cases(19 eyes) of catar...Tests of preoperative visual function and prediction of postoperative E chart visual acuity(ECVA) using laser interferometric visual acuity(LIVA) and electroretinogram(ERG) were performed in 16 cases(19 eyes) of cataract. The results showed that the coincident rate between preoperative LIVA and postoperative ECVA was 63.2%, and there was a parallel correlation between preoperative amplitude of photopic ERG b-wave and postoperative ECVA in 79.0% of the eyes. Comparing these two methods, the test of LIVA ...展开更多
Optimum utilization of the loading capability of engineering materials is an important and active contribution to protect nature's limited resources,and it is the key for economic design methods.In order to make u...Optimum utilization of the loading capability of engineering materials is an important and active contribution to protect nature's limited resources,and it is the key for economic design methods.In order to make use of the materials' resources,those must be known very well;but conventional test methods will offer only limited informational value.The range of questions raised is as wide as the application of engineering materials,and partially they are very specific.The development of huge computer powers enables numeric modelling to simulate structural behaviour in rather complex loading environments-so the real material behaviour is known under the given loading conditions.Here the art of material testing design starts.To study the material behaviour under very distinct and specific loading conditions makes it necessary to simulate different temperature ranges,loading speeds, environments etc.and mostly there doesn't exist any commonly agreed test standard.In this contribution two popular,non-standard test procedures and test systems will be discussed on the base of their application background,special design features as well as test results and typically gained information:The demand for highspeed tests up to 1000 s^(-1) of strain rate is very specific and originates primarily in the automotive industry and the answers enable CAE analysis of crashworthiness of vehicle structures under crash conditions.The information on the material behaviour under multiaxial loading conditions is a more general one.Multiaxial stress states can be reduced to an equivalent stress,which allows the evaluation of the material's constraint and criticality of stress state.Both discussed examples shall show that the open dialogue between the user and the producer of testing machines allows custom-tailored test solutions.展开更多
Based on quantitative microscopic examinations of welds and welding rate for different steels(40Cr and T10A) joint,which possess the ultra-fine microstructure after high frequency hardening(HFH) and salt-bath cyclic q...Based on quantitative microscopic examinations of welds and welding rate for different steels(40Cr and T10A) joint,which possess the ultra-fine microstructure after high frequency hardening(HFH) and salt-bath cyclic quenching(SCQ),the suitable defect grey scale threshold value was determined,and the welding rate of superplastic solid-state welding of different steels(40Cr and T10 A steel) was systematically inspected and analyzed by means of self-made ultrasonic imaging inspection system.The experimental results showed that the superplastic solid-state weld of different steels can be inspected more accurately,reliably and quickly by this system,and the results were in good accordance with that of metallographic observation.The welding rate of superplastic welding is in linear relation with tensile strength of joint.展开更多
The digital substation system consists of an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) which requires information for the supervision, protection, and control, as well as a client operating system for substation operation. ...The digital substation system consists of an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) which requires information for the supervision, protection, and control, as well as a client operating system for substation operation. IEC 61850 communication standard has been defined for information exchange between heterogeneous digital devices in such substations. Currently, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) digital substation system uses unbuffered reporting and Generic Object Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) communication functions for monitoring, protection and control automation. However, it is expected that the Setting Group function will be needed to operate adaptive intelligent substation system. The Setting Group function is advantageous in that it is possible to change the setting of the IED in one unified way through the client operating system, rather than changing the correction value of an IED through different manufacturer-based engineering tools. In order to utilize the Setting Group function of the IED in real substation scenario, it is necessary to test both the communication function with the host operating device and the electric functional test to ensure that correction value is properly changed. In this paper, we introduce the IEC 61850 Setting Group function, and propose a method that can integrate communication function and electrical function test of an IED conforming to the setting group functionality. We also tested the Setting Group function of the actual IED device through the proposed integrated functional test method and analyzed the results. We were able to simplify the process of testing both the electrical and communication signals in digital substations.展开更多
Schizophrenia(SZ)is one of the most common mental diseases.Its main characteristics are abnormal social behavior and inability to correctly understand real things.In recent years,the magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)tec...Schizophrenia(SZ)is one of the most common mental diseases.Its main characteristics are abnormal social behavior and inability to correctly understand real things.In recent years,the magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)technique has been popularly utilized to study SZ.However,it is still a great challenge to reveal the essential information contained in the MRI data.In this paper,we proposed a biomarker selection approach based on the multiple hypothesis testing techniques to explore the difference between SZ and healthy controls by using both functional and structural MRI data,in which biomarkers represent both abnormal brain functional connectivity and abnormal brain regions.By implementing the biomarker selection approach,six abnormal brain regions and twenty-three abnormal functional connectivity in the brains of SZ are explored.It is discovered that compared with healthy controls,the significantly reduced gray matter volumes are mainly distributed in the limbic lobe and the basal ganglia,and the significantly increased gray matter volumes are distributed in the frontal gyrus.Meanwhile,it is revealed that the significantly strengthened connections are those between the middle frontal gyrus and the superior occipital gyrus,the superior occipital gyrus and the middle occipital gyrus as well as the middle occipital gyrus and the fusiform gyrus,and the rest connections are significantly weakened.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise testing (ET) for predicting postoperative complications in patients with impaired pulmonary function. Methods: Thirteen patients...Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise testing (ET) for predicting postoperative complications in patients with impaired pulmonary function. Methods: Thirteen patients were prospectively enrolled. The enrollment criteria were FEV1.0% 8 by the Goddard classification or interstitial pneumonia on chest computed tomography. Patients underwent testing for pulmonary function, six-minute walking test (6MWT), and stair-climbing test (SCT). Postoperative cardiopulmonary complications (PCPCs) were recorded. Results: Four patients developed PCPCs. There were no significant differences between the patients with PCPCs (n = 4) and those without PCPCs (n = 9) for background data and PFT. The distances achieved in the 6MWT were 503 ± 72.7 m for patients without PCPCs and 369 ± 50.7 m for patients with PCPCs (p = 0.011). The SCT climbing heights were 20.4 ± 5.3 m for patients without PCPCs and 14.9 ± 4.0 m for patients with PCPCs (P = 0.187). Cut-off points, including a 6MFT distance of less than 400 m, SCT height lower than 15 m, and SCT climbing speed less than 8.5 m/min, were predictive of CPCP. Conclusions: Exercise testing is more feasible for predicting postoperative cardiopulmonary complications than stationary pulmonary function testing.展开更多
Elexible variety has all along been a hallmark of America’s global strategy withdifferentiated treatment for specific nations. In the new century, Washingtondivides the major world forces into four categories in ligh...Elexible variety has all along been a hallmark of America’s global strategy withdifferentiated treatment for specific nations. In the new century, Washingtondivides the major world forces into four categories in light of a comprehensive crite-rion of whether they have been fused into the international system, are going to-ward democracy or benefit world stability. They include: insiders or allies (Europeand Japan), marginalized ones (some underdeveloped African nations), outsidersor "rogues" (Iraq, North Korea) and finally, travelers on the way or "transitionstates". Interpretations by U.S. strategic reports define the "transition states"展开更多
BACKGROUND: Pain and sensory disability are greatly affected by subjective factors, there are no quantitative indexes to evaluate cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR). The judgment on clinical body examination and ...BACKGROUND: Pain and sensory disability are greatly affected by subjective factors, there are no quantitative indexes to evaluate cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR). The judgment on clinical body examination and chief complaint always causes nonobjective results with great individual differences. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) can be used to judge the nerve function of fibril. The application of QST for the quantitative evaluation of peripheral nervous system disease needs to be further studied. OBJECTIVE: The cold-thermal sensation and pain of patients with CSR are quantitatively analyzed by using QST technology in order to evaluate the nerve function of fibril in patients with CSR. DESIGN: Case-control observation. SETTING: Pain Center of Beijing Hospital of Ministry of Health. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients with CSR, including 8 males and 12 females, aged from 33 to 70 years, who received treatment between January and April 2005 in Pain Center of Beijing Hospital of Ministry of Health were involved in CSR group. All the involved patients presented symptoms in unilateral upper extremity (left side 10 patients, right side 10 patients). They did not undergo physical therapy or nerve block therapy in 1 week before examination. Eight non-CSR patients who received treatment in Pain Center concurrently were involved in the control group (2 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, 4 with osteoarthrosis of knee joint and 2 with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion), and another 12 healthy volunteers were involved. Four non-CSR patients and 12 healthy volunteers, 8 male and 12 female, were aged from 23 to 75 years. The informed consents were obtained from all the involved subjects. METHODS: The volar thresholds of cold sensation, thermal sensation, cryalgesia of thenar eminence of both upper extremities of all the subjects were examined separately by limit method with type TSA-Ⅱ temperature sensation analysator made by Medco Company (Israel). The subjects were pre-examined to be familiar with the method for sensory discrimination and affirmation. Thenar eminence vola of bilateral upper extremities were detected. The infrared detector of a semiconductor was contacted with skin. The infrared detector could be used to heat and cool skin. A group of cold-heat water circulation device was given electric current to produce temperature gradient, which was higher or lower than skin temperature. The initial temperature of infrared detector was 32 ℃, stimulation temperature was increased or decreased progressively at 1 ℃/s, and temperature change range was 0 to 50 ℃. In the first step, subjects pressed down the button to stop the stimulation when the temperature of infrared detector was decreased progressively until the subjects felt, and the threshold of cold sensation was obtained; In the second step, the threshold of thermal sensation was obtained when the temperature of infrared detector was increased progressively until the subjects felt; In the third step, the threshold of cryalgesia was obtained when the temperature of infrared detector was decreased progressively until subjects felt; and in the fourth step, the threshold of thermalgesia was obtained when the temperature of infrared detector was increased progressively until subjects felt. Each step was conducted 4 times and the mean threshold was obtained. Before each measurement, the temperature was made to rebound to the initial temperature and kept for 10 s. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The thresholds of cold sensation, thermal sensation and cryalgesia, thermalgesia of thenar eminence vola of bilateral upper extremities of all the subjects. RESULTS: Twenty patients with CSR and 20 healthy subjects participated in the final results. ① In the CSR group, the threshold of cold sensation of affected side was lower than that of intact side [(29.00±1.26) ℃ vs.(30.00±1.06) ℃, P < 0.05], and the threshold of thermal sensation of affected side was higher than that of intact side [(35.04±0.87) ℃ vs. (34.14±0.99) ℃, P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the thresholds of cold and thermal sensation between affected side and intact side (P > 0.05). ②In the CSR group, the difference of threshold of cold sensation, thermal sensation, cryalgesia and thermalgesia between affected side and intact side was (-1.01±0.57), (0.89±0.39), (2.49±1.10) and (-1.62±0.86) ℃, respectively , the absolute value of which was higher than that of control group, respectively [(0.04±0.28),(0.05±0.26),(0.28±1.79),(0.17±1.10) ℃,P < 0.01]. In the CSR group, the threshold of cold sensation and thermalgesia of affected side was lower than that of intact side, respectively; and the threshold of thermal sensation and cryalgesia of affected side was higher than that of intact side, respectively. CONCLUSION: The superficial sensation of affected extremity of patients with CSR is lessened as compared with that of intact extremity. There are dysfunctions of small myelinated fiber (Aδ fiber) and demyelinated fiber (C fiber) in the affected-side extremity. QST, as a mean for quantitatively evaluating the function of Aδ fiber and C fiber, plays an objective evaluative role in the diagnosis and therapeutic effect observation of CSR.展开更多
文摘This study aims to construct a virtual twin testing framework for the safety of the intended functionality of intelligent connected vehicles to address the safety requirements of intelligent driving and transportation systems.The research methods include the construction of a theoretical model of safety for intelligent connected vehicles based on the concept of virtual twins,the correlation study between key concepts and functional safety,and the application research of virtual twin technology in the safety testing of intelligent connected vehicles.The results reveal that the virtual twin testing framework can effectively enhance the functional safety of intelligent connected vehicles,reduce development costs,and shorten the product launch cycle.The conclusion suggests that this framework provides strong support for the healthy development of the intelligent connected vehicle industry and has a positive impact on the safety and efficiency of intelligent transportation systems.
文摘Sperm function testing, once commonly performed for the infertile couple before employing assisted reproductive technology （ART）, has fallen out of favour in many reproductive medicine centers throughout the world. Indeed, the most recent addition of the ＇World Health Organisation （WHO） Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Hu- man Semen＇ now groups many of these procedures into a section termed Research Procedures. In large part, this reflects the current clinical practice of bypassing the in-depth evaluation of the male partner, while assuming that if a spermatozoon can be found for intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, it must be a healthy cell capable of achieving fertilization. Never- theless, sperm function testing can provide valuable clinical insights into defects causing male infertility. Admittedly, in some cases, functional sperm deficiencies can be overcome using an ART. In other cases, couples will be empowered by the knowledge of the cause of their infertility, and for some couples, perhaps even the likelihood of ICSI success （relative to the spermatozoa）. The knowledge allows them to make truly informed reproductive decisions, including （perhaps） the de- cision to seek donor insemination, to adopt or to remain childless. Knowledge of the cause of their infertility may provide closure for couples and a sense of confidence regarding their choice of reproductive treatment.
基金supported by the Aviation Science Foundation of China
文摘The reliability of real-time embedded software directly determines the reliability of the whole real-time embedded sys- tem, and the effective software testing is an important way to ensure software quality and reliability. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of real-time embedded software, the formal method is introduced into the real-time embedded software testing field and the real-time extended finite state machine （RT-EFSM） model is studied firstly. Then, the time zone division method of real-time embedded system is presented and the definition and description methods of time-constrained transition equivalence class （timeCTEC） are presented. Furthermore, the approaches of the testing sequence and test case generation are put forward. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a typical avionics real- time embedded software testing practice and the examples of the timeCTEC, testing sequences and test cases are given. With the analysis of the testing result, the application verification shows that the proposed method can effectively describe the real-time embedded software state transition characteristics and real-time requirements and play the advantages of the formal methods in accuracy, effectiveness and the automation supporting. Combined with the testing platform, the real-time, closed loop and automated simulation testing for real-time embedded software can be realized effectively.
文摘The diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis （CP） is based on the detection of abnormal structure or function of the diseased pancreas. The pancreatic function tests more accurately determine the presence of CP than tests of structure, especially for early stage disease. The function tests can be divided into two categories： non- invasive and invasive. The invasive ＂tube＂ tests can reliably detect mild, early CP, but are only available at a few referral centers and tend to be poorly tolerated by patients. The non-invasive tests are easy to obtain, but tend to perform poorly in patients with early, mild disease. Therefore, no one test is useful in all clinical situations, and a detailed understanding of the rational, pathophysiologic basis, strengths, and limitations of various tests is needed. This review highlights the role of various pancreatic function tests in the diagnosis of CP including fecal fat analysis, fecal elastase, fecal chymotrypsin, serum trypsin, the secretin stimulation test, the cholecystokinin （CCK） stimulation test, the combined secretin-CCK stimulation test, the intraductal and endoscopic secretin stimulation tests, and the functional magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas after secretin stimulation.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) (2002AA1Z1490)Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education (20040486049)the University Cooperative Research Fund of Huawei Technology Co., Ltd
文摘In order to deal with the limitations during the register transfer level verification, a new functional verification method based on the random testing for the system-level of system-on-chip is proposed.The validity of this method is proven theoretically.Specifically, testcases are generated according to many approaches of randomization.Moreover, the testbench for the system-level verification according to the proposed method is designed by using advanced modeling language.Therefore, under the circumstances that the testbench generates testcases quickly, the hardware/software co-simulation and co-verification can be implemented and the hardware/software partitioning planning can be evaluated easily.The comparison method is put to use in the evaluation approach of the testing validity.The evaluation result indicates that the efficiency of the partition testing is better than that of the random testing only when one or more subdomains are covered over with the area of errors, although the efficiency of the random testing is generally better than that of the partition testing.The experimental result indicates that this method has a good performance in the functional coverage and the cost of testing and can discover the functional errors as soon as possible.
文摘Hormone-stimulated pancreatic function tests (PFTs) are considered the gold standard for measuring pancreatic exocrine function. PFTs involve the administration of intravenous secretin or cholecystokinin, followed by collection and analysis of pancreatic secretions. Because exocrine function may decline in the earliest phase of pancreatic fibrosis, PFTs are considered accurate for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Unfortunately, these potentially valuable tests are infrequently performed except at specialized centers, because they are time consuming and complicated. To overcome these limitations, endoscopic PFT methods have been developed which include aspiration of pancreatic secretions through the suction channel of the endoscope. The secretin endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) involves collection of duodenal aspirates at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after secretin stimulation. A bicarbonate concentration greater than 80 mmol/L in any of the samples is considered a normal result. The secretin ePFT has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity compared with various reference standards, including the "Dreiling tube" secretin PFT, endoscopic ultrasound, and surgical histology. Furthermore, a standard autoanalyzer can be used for bicarbonate analysis, which allows the secretin ePFT to be performed at any hospital. The secretin ePFT may complement imaging tests like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis.This paper will review the literature validating the use of ePFT in the diagnosis of exocrine insufficiency and chronic pancreatitis. Newer developments will also be discussed, including the feasibility of combined EUS/ ePFT, the use of cholecystokinin alone or in combination with secretin, and the discovery of new protein and lipid pancreatic juice biomarkers which may complement traditional fluid analysis.
文摘BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are rarely subjected to investig-ations for SIBO.AIM To estimate the frequency of SIBO in children having functional upper GI sym-ptoms(as cases)and to compare the result of the SIBO status to that of the con-trols.METHODS Children aged 6 to 18 who presented with upper GI symptoms were selected for the study.All children were subjected to upper GI endoscopy before being advised of any proton pump inhibitors(PPIs).Children with normal endoscopy were assigned as cases,and children having any endoscopic lesion were design-ated as controls.Both groups were subjected to a glucose-hydrogen breath test by Bedfont Gastrolyser.RESULTS A total of 129 consecutive children who were naive to PPIs and had normal ba-seline investigations were included in the study.Among them,67 patients had endoscopic lesions and served as the control group,with six cases being excluded due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.Sixty-two children with normal endoscopy results formed the case group.In the case group,35 children(59%)tested positive for hydrogen breath tests,compared to 13 children(21%)in the control group.The calculated odds ratio was 5.38(95%confidence interval:2.41-12.0),which was statistically significant.Further analysis of symptoms revealed that nausea,halitosis,foul-smelling eructation,and epigastric fullness were positive predictors of SIBO.CONCLUSION It is worthwhile to investigate and treat SIBO in all children presenting with upper GI symptoms that are not explained by endoscopy findings.
基金supported by the Third Phase of the Innovation Project Funding of Changchun Institute of Optics,Fine Mechanics and Physics,Chinese Academy of Science(No.061X20C060)
文摘A novel optical testing target(OTT) with three degrees of freedom(DOFs) is proposed for measuring the tracking performance of a photoelectric theodolite. The main components, such as the azimuth axis system, the pitching axis system, the linear motion system, and the simulated target generator, are designed. Furthermore, the linear module with the form of a large-span and low-stiffness cantilever beam is strengthened using an integrated optimization method. After the structure is strengthened, the 1 st-order natural frequency increases from 14 Hz to 32 Hz. Finally, a functional test is performed and the results show that compared with a traditional optical test target, the simulated target generated by the novel target is advantageous in practice.
文摘B4C, SiC and C, Cu functionally graded-materials (FGMs) have been developed by plasma spraying and hot pressing. Their high-heat flux properties have been investigated by high energy laser and electron beam for the simulation of plasma disruption process of the future fusion reactors, And a study on eroded products of B4C/Cu FGM under transient thermal load of electron beam was performed. In the experiment, SEM and EDS analysis indicated that B4C and SiC were decomposed, carbon was preferentially evaporated under high thermal load, and a part of Si and Cu were melted, in addition, the splash of melted metal and the particle emission of brittle destruction were also found. Different erosive behaviors of carbon-based materials (CBMs) caused by laser and electron beam were also discussed.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82160195,No.82460203).
文摘AIM:To analyze whether alterations of voxel mirror homology connectivity(VMHC)values,as determined by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rsfMRI),occur in cerebral regions of patients with hypertensive retinopathy(HR)and to determine the relationship between VMHC values and clinical characteristics in patients with HR.METHODS:Twenty-one patients with HR and 21 agematched healthy controls(HCs)were assessed by rsfMRI scanning.The functional connectivity between the hemispheres of the cerebrum was assessed by measuring VMHC,with the ability of VMHC to distinguish between the HR and HC groups assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics of the HR and HC groups were analyzed by independent sample t-tests.The relationship between average VMHC in several brain areas of HR patients and clinical features was determined using Pearson correlation analysis.RESULTS:Mean VMHC values of the bilateral cuneus gyrus(BA19),bilateral middle orbitofrontal gyrus(BA47),bilateral middle temporal gyrus(BA39)and bilateral superior medial frontal gyrus(BA9)were lower in the HR than in the HC group.CONCLUSION:VMHC values can predict the development of early HR,prevent the transformation of hypertensive microangiopathy,and provide useful information explaining the changes in neural mechanism associated with HR.
基金Supported by Wuxi Institute of Translational Medicine Project Program,No.LCYJ202336the Scientific and Technological Achievements Promotion Project of Wuxi Municipal Health Commission Project Program,No.T202336+1 种基金the Hospital Management Innovation Research Project of Jiangsu Hospital Association,No.JSYGY-3-2024-601Jiangsu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Development Plan Project,No.MS2024063.
文摘BACKGROUND Studies have shown that locomotive syndrome(LS)is significantly correlated with adverse outcomes,such as decreased self-care abilities,fractures,and increased mortality.Subthreshold depression(StD)is considered an independent predictor of clinical depression,regarded as its prodromal stage,and even linked to increased mortality risk.Limited research has addressed the prevalence and relationship between LS and StD in elderly cancer patients.Understanding the prevalence of LS and StD among elderly cancer patients and elucidating their relationship will provide evidence to support the development of targeted interventions,thereby improving health outcomes in this population.AIM To investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal system function and predepressive states in elderly cancer patients.METHODS A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 500 elderly cancer patients undergoing follow-up visits at the Department of Oncology,Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University,from April 2024 to December 2024.Participants completed the general information questionnaire, the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and theGeriatric Depression Scale-Short Form-15. Influencing factors were analyzed, and correlation analyses wereperformed.RESULTSA total of 483 elderly cancer patients successfully completed the study. The prevalence of LS and StD amongparticipants was 56.5% and 38.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified age, tumor metastasis,exercise habits, and the presence of StD as significant risk factors for LS in elderly cancer patients. Additionally,having three or more chronic diseases and LS were significant predictors for developing StD. Spearman’s correlationanalysis revealed a significant positive correlation between LS and StD (r = 0.424, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONElderly cancer patients exhibit a high prevalence of LS and StD, conditions which are positively correlated andmutually influential. Thus, it is critical to monitor and address pre-depressive states while evaluating and managingmotor function in this population.
文摘BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but data from cohort studies are scarce.AIM To investigate the association between insulin and pathological LFT,liver disease,and cirrhosis in a populationbased retrospective cohort study.METHODS Anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors of 857 men and 1228 women from prospective cohort studies were used.LFT were obtained at two time points 8 years to 24 years after baseline.Liver disease diagnoses were obtained from nationwide registries.The association between insulin levels and the development of elevated LFT or liver disease and cirrhosis was analyzed.RESULTS Total follow-up was 54054 person-years for women and 27556 person-years for men.Insulin levels were positively correlated with elevated LFT during follow-up,whereas physical activity and coffee consumption were negatively correlated.Individuals with both insulin levels in the upper tertile and alcohol consumption above MASLD thresholds had an increased risk for both liver disease,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)of 4.3(95%CI:1.6-14.6)and cirrhosis(aHR=4.8,95%CI:1.6-14.6).CONCLUSION This population-based study provides evidence that high insulin levels are a risk factor for development of elevated liver enzymes and clinically manifest liver disease.The results support the concept of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.
文摘Tests of preoperative visual function and prediction of postoperative E chart visual acuity(ECVA) using laser interferometric visual acuity(LIVA) and electroretinogram(ERG) were performed in 16 cases(19 eyes) of cataract. The results showed that the coincident rate between preoperative LIVA and postoperative ECVA was 63.2%, and there was a parallel correlation between preoperative amplitude of photopic ERG b-wave and postoperative ECVA in 79.0% of the eyes. Comparing these two methods, the test of LIVA ...
文摘Optimum utilization of the loading capability of engineering materials is an important and active contribution to protect nature's limited resources,and it is the key for economic design methods.In order to make use of the materials' resources,those must be known very well;but conventional test methods will offer only limited informational value.The range of questions raised is as wide as the application of engineering materials,and partially they are very specific.The development of huge computer powers enables numeric modelling to simulate structural behaviour in rather complex loading environments-so the real material behaviour is known under the given loading conditions.Here the art of material testing design starts.To study the material behaviour under very distinct and specific loading conditions makes it necessary to simulate different temperature ranges,loading speeds, environments etc.and mostly there doesn't exist any commonly agreed test standard.In this contribution two popular,non-standard test procedures and test systems will be discussed on the base of their application background,special design features as well as test results and typically gained information:The demand for highspeed tests up to 1000 s^(-1) of strain rate is very specific and originates primarily in the automotive industry and the answers enable CAE analysis of crashworthiness of vehicle structures under crash conditions.The information on the material behaviour under multiaxial loading conditions is a more general one.Multiaxial stress states can be reduced to an equivalent stress,which allows the evaluation of the material's constraint and criticality of stress state.Both discussed examples shall show that the open dialogue between the user and the producer of testing machines allows custom-tailored test solutions.
基金Item Sponsored by Provincial Natural Science Foundation of Henan(984040900)State Key Laboratory of Laser Technology([2001]0110)
文摘Based on quantitative microscopic examinations of welds and welding rate for different steels(40Cr and T10A) joint,which possess the ultra-fine microstructure after high frequency hardening(HFH) and salt-bath cyclic quenching(SCQ),the suitable defect grey scale threshold value was determined,and the welding rate of superplastic solid-state welding of different steels(40Cr and T10 A steel) was systematically inspected and analyzed by means of self-made ultrasonic imaging inspection system.The experimental results showed that the superplastic solid-state weld of different steels can be inspected more accurately,reliably and quickly by this system,and the results were in good accordance with that of metallographic observation.The welding rate of superplastic welding is in linear relation with tensile strength of joint.
文摘The digital substation system consists of an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) which requires information for the supervision, protection, and control, as well as a client operating system for substation operation. IEC 61850 communication standard has been defined for information exchange between heterogeneous digital devices in such substations. Currently, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) digital substation system uses unbuffered reporting and Generic Object Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) communication functions for monitoring, protection and control automation. However, it is expected that the Setting Group function will be needed to operate adaptive intelligent substation system. The Setting Group function is advantageous in that it is possible to change the setting of the IED in one unified way through the client operating system, rather than changing the correction value of an IED through different manufacturer-based engineering tools. In order to utilize the Setting Group function of the IED in real substation scenario, it is necessary to test both the communication function with the host operating device and the electric functional test to ensure that correction value is properly changed. In this paper, we introduce the IEC 61850 Setting Group function, and propose a method that can integrate communication function and electrical function test of an IED conforming to the setting group functionality. We also tested the Setting Group function of the actual IED device through the proposed integrated functional test method and analyzed the results. We were able to simplify the process of testing both the electrical and communication signals in digital substations.
基金This work was supported by NSFC(No.11471006 and No.81601456),Science and Technology Innovation Plan of Xi’an(No.2019421315KYPT004JC006)and the HPC Platform,Xi’an Jiaotong University.
文摘Schizophrenia(SZ)is one of the most common mental diseases.Its main characteristics are abnormal social behavior and inability to correctly understand real things.In recent years,the magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)technique has been popularly utilized to study SZ.However,it is still a great challenge to reveal the essential information contained in the MRI data.In this paper,we proposed a biomarker selection approach based on the multiple hypothesis testing techniques to explore the difference between SZ and healthy controls by using both functional and structural MRI data,in which biomarkers represent both abnormal brain functional connectivity and abnormal brain regions.By implementing the biomarker selection approach,six abnormal brain regions and twenty-three abnormal functional connectivity in the brains of SZ are explored.It is discovered that compared with healthy controls,the significantly reduced gray matter volumes are mainly distributed in the limbic lobe and the basal ganglia,and the significantly increased gray matter volumes are distributed in the frontal gyrus.Meanwhile,it is revealed that the significantly strengthened connections are those between the middle frontal gyrus and the superior occipital gyrus,the superior occipital gyrus and the middle occipital gyrus as well as the middle occipital gyrus and the fusiform gyrus,and the rest connections are significantly weakened.
文摘Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise testing (ET) for predicting postoperative complications in patients with impaired pulmonary function. Methods: Thirteen patients were prospectively enrolled. The enrollment criteria were FEV1.0% 8 by the Goddard classification or interstitial pneumonia on chest computed tomography. Patients underwent testing for pulmonary function, six-minute walking test (6MWT), and stair-climbing test (SCT). Postoperative cardiopulmonary complications (PCPCs) were recorded. Results: Four patients developed PCPCs. There were no significant differences between the patients with PCPCs (n = 4) and those without PCPCs (n = 9) for background data and PFT. The distances achieved in the 6MWT were 503 ± 72.7 m for patients without PCPCs and 369 ± 50.7 m for patients with PCPCs (p = 0.011). The SCT climbing heights were 20.4 ± 5.3 m for patients without PCPCs and 14.9 ± 4.0 m for patients with PCPCs (P = 0.187). Cut-off points, including a 6MFT distance of less than 400 m, SCT height lower than 15 m, and SCT climbing speed less than 8.5 m/min, were predictive of CPCP. Conclusions: Exercise testing is more feasible for predicting postoperative cardiopulmonary complications than stationary pulmonary function testing.
文摘Elexible variety has all along been a hallmark of America’s global strategy withdifferentiated treatment for specific nations. In the new century, Washingtondivides the major world forces into four categories in light of a comprehensive crite-rion of whether they have been fused into the international system, are going to-ward democracy or benefit world stability. They include: insiders or allies (Europeand Japan), marginalized ones (some underdeveloped African nations), outsidersor "rogues" (Iraq, North Korea) and finally, travelers on the way or "transitionstates". Interpretations by U.S. strategic reports define the "transition states"
文摘BACKGROUND: Pain and sensory disability are greatly affected by subjective factors, there are no quantitative indexes to evaluate cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR). The judgment on clinical body examination and chief complaint always causes nonobjective results with great individual differences. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) can be used to judge the nerve function of fibril. The application of QST for the quantitative evaluation of peripheral nervous system disease needs to be further studied. OBJECTIVE: The cold-thermal sensation and pain of patients with CSR are quantitatively analyzed by using QST technology in order to evaluate the nerve function of fibril in patients with CSR. DESIGN: Case-control observation. SETTING: Pain Center of Beijing Hospital of Ministry of Health. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients with CSR, including 8 males and 12 females, aged from 33 to 70 years, who received treatment between January and April 2005 in Pain Center of Beijing Hospital of Ministry of Health were involved in CSR group. All the involved patients presented symptoms in unilateral upper extremity (left side 10 patients, right side 10 patients). They did not undergo physical therapy or nerve block therapy in 1 week before examination. Eight non-CSR patients who received treatment in Pain Center concurrently were involved in the control group (2 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, 4 with osteoarthrosis of knee joint and 2 with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion), and another 12 healthy volunteers were involved. Four non-CSR patients and 12 healthy volunteers, 8 male and 12 female, were aged from 23 to 75 years. The informed consents were obtained from all the involved subjects. METHODS: The volar thresholds of cold sensation, thermal sensation, cryalgesia of thenar eminence of both upper extremities of all the subjects were examined separately by limit method with type TSA-Ⅱ temperature sensation analysator made by Medco Company (Israel). The subjects were pre-examined to be familiar with the method for sensory discrimination and affirmation. Thenar eminence vola of bilateral upper extremities were detected. The infrared detector of a semiconductor was contacted with skin. The infrared detector could be used to heat and cool skin. A group of cold-heat water circulation device was given electric current to produce temperature gradient, which was higher or lower than skin temperature. The initial temperature of infrared detector was 32 ℃, stimulation temperature was increased or decreased progressively at 1 ℃/s, and temperature change range was 0 to 50 ℃. In the first step, subjects pressed down the button to stop the stimulation when the temperature of infrared detector was decreased progressively until the subjects felt, and the threshold of cold sensation was obtained; In the second step, the threshold of thermal sensation was obtained when the temperature of infrared detector was increased progressively until the subjects felt; In the third step, the threshold of cryalgesia was obtained when the temperature of infrared detector was decreased progressively until subjects felt; and in the fourth step, the threshold of thermalgesia was obtained when the temperature of infrared detector was increased progressively until subjects felt. Each step was conducted 4 times and the mean threshold was obtained. Before each measurement, the temperature was made to rebound to the initial temperature and kept for 10 s. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The thresholds of cold sensation, thermal sensation and cryalgesia, thermalgesia of thenar eminence vola of bilateral upper extremities of all the subjects. RESULTS: Twenty patients with CSR and 20 healthy subjects participated in the final results. ① In the CSR group, the threshold of cold sensation of affected side was lower than that of intact side [(29.00±1.26) ℃ vs.(30.00±1.06) ℃, P < 0.05], and the threshold of thermal sensation of affected side was higher than that of intact side [(35.04±0.87) ℃ vs. (34.14±0.99) ℃, P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the thresholds of cold and thermal sensation between affected side and intact side (P > 0.05). ②In the CSR group, the difference of threshold of cold sensation, thermal sensation, cryalgesia and thermalgesia between affected side and intact side was (-1.01±0.57), (0.89±0.39), (2.49±1.10) and (-1.62±0.86) ℃, respectively , the absolute value of which was higher than that of control group, respectively [(0.04±0.28),(0.05±0.26),(0.28±1.79),(0.17±1.10) ℃,P < 0.01]. In the CSR group, the threshold of cold sensation and thermalgesia of affected side was lower than that of intact side, respectively; and the threshold of thermal sensation and cryalgesia of affected side was higher than that of intact side, respectively. CONCLUSION: The superficial sensation of affected extremity of patients with CSR is lessened as compared with that of intact extremity. There are dysfunctions of small myelinated fiber (Aδ fiber) and demyelinated fiber (C fiber) in the affected-side extremity. QST, as a mean for quantitatively evaluating the function of Aδ fiber and C fiber, plays an objective evaluative role in the diagnosis and therapeutic effect observation of CSR.
