Unraveling controversies over civic honesty measurement: An extended field replication in China.

Cohn et al. (2019) conducted a wallet drop experiment in 40 countries to measure "civic honesty around the globe," which has received worldwide attention but also sparked controversies over using the email response rate as the sole metric of civic honesty. Relying on the lone measurement may overlook cultural differences in behaviors that demonstrate civic honesty. To investigate this issue, we conducted an extended replication study in China, utilizing email response and wallet recovery to assess civic honesty. We found a significantly higher level of civic honesty in China, as measured by the wallet recovery rate, than reported in the original study, while email response rates remained similar. To resolve the divergent results, we introduce a cultural dimension, individualism versus collectivism, to study civic honesty across diverse cultures. We hypothesize that cultural differences in individualism and collectivism could influence how individuals prioritize actions when handling a lost wallet, such as contacting the wallet owner or safeguarding the wallet. In reanalyzing Cohn et al.'s data, we found that email response rates were inversely related to collectivism indices at the country level. However, our replication study in China demonstrated that the likelihood of wallet recovery was positively correlated with collectivism indicators at the provincial level. Consequently, relying solely on email response rates to gauge civic honesty in cross-country comparisons may neglect the vital individualism versus collectivism dimension. Our study not only helps reconcile the controversy surrounding Cohn et al.'s influential field experiment but also furnishes a fresh cultural perspective to evaluate civic honesty.

Determinants of Maximum Magnetic Anomaly Detection Distance.

The maximum detection distance is usually the primary concern of magnetic anomaly detection (MAD). Intuition tells us that larger object size, stronger magnetization and finer measurement resolution guarantee a further detectable distance. However, the quantitative relationship between detection distance and the above determinants is seldom studied. In this work, unmanned aerial vehicle-based MAD field experiments are conducted on cargo vessels and NdFeB magnets as typical magnetic objects to give a set of visualized magnetic field flux density images. Isometric finite element models are established, calibrated and analyzed according to the experiment configuration. A maximum detectable distance map as a function of target size and measurement resolution is then obtained from parametric sweeping on an experimentally calibrated finite element analysis model. We find that the logarithm of detectable distance is positively proportional to the logarithm of object size while negatively proportional to the logarithm of resolution, within the ranges of 1 m~500 m and 1 pT~1 µT, respectively. A three-parameter empirical formula (namely distance-size-resolution logarithmic relationship) is firstly developed to determine the most economic sensor configuration for a given detection task, to estimate the maximum detection distance for a given magnetic sensor and object, or to evaluate minimum detectable object size at a given magnetic anomaly detection scenario.

A Vectorial Current Density Imaging Method Based on Magnetic Gradient Tensor.

Magnetic current imaging is deemed an emerging powerful technique for visualizing electrical currents in electronic devices. However, the existing magnetic-field-based Fourier Transform back-evolution method is limited by its mono-function of imaging the magnitude of current density in devices under test, and subject to background noise distortion. Here, we developed a novel vectorial current density imaging method based on the detection of the magnetic field gradient generated by current carrying conductors. A closed form solution of current density inversion was analytically derived and numerically verified. Experiments were conducted by scanning tri-axial fluxgate sensor over different shapes of electrical wires. The results show that a current density resolution of 24.15 mA/mm2, probe-to-sample separation of 2 mm, and spatial resolution of 0.69 mm were achieved over a maximum scanning area of 300 mm × 300 mm. Such a method is verified to be capable of simultaneously imaging both magnitude and directions of current density, which is a promising technique for in situ noninvasive inspection for the power electronic and semiconductor industry.

Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 1 (SNHG1) and Chromosome 2 Open Reading Frame 48 (C2orf48) as Potential Prognostic Signatures for Liver Cancer by Constructing Regulatory Networks.

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis. The present study sought to identify potential signatures that can predict the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and clinical information of liver cancer patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were identified between liver cancer and adjacent normal tissues. After predicting lncRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA pairs using online databases, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. Furthermore, the prognostic value of these differentially expressed genes was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS After constructing the ceRNA network, 2 lncRNAs small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) and chromosome 2 open reading frame 48 (C2orf48) with the most nodes were identified. Correlation analysis revealed that SNHG1 was correlated with miR-195 and C2orf48 was correlated with miR-195 and miR-93. High expression of SNHG1, C2orf48, and miR-93 can contribute to poorer clinical outcomes compared to low expression. Furthermore, low miR-195 expression was correlated with shorter survival time than was high expression. SNHG1 and C2orf48 were closely associated with histology grade. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed that SNHG1 and C2orf48 are risk factors for liver cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that SNHG1 and C2orf48 possess potential prognostic value and should be considered as possible biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes for patients with liver cancer.

Gradient-Type Magnetoelectric Current Sensor with Strong Multisource Noise Suppression.

A novel gradient-type magnetoelectric (ME) current sensor operating in magnetic field gradient (MFG) detection and conversion mode is developed based on a pair of ME composites that have a back-to-back capacitor configuration under a baseline separation and a magnetic biasing in an electrically-shielded and mechanically-enclosed housing. The physics behind the current sensing process is the product effect of the current-induced MFG effect associated with vortex magnetic fields of current-carrying cables (i.e., MFG detection) and the MFG-induced ME effect in the ME composite pair (i.e., MFG conversion). The sensor output voltage is directly obtained from the gradient ME voltage of the ME composite pair and is calibrated against cable current to give the current sensitivity. The current sensing performance of the sensor is evaluated, both theoretically and experimentally, under multisource noises of electric fields, magnetic fields, vibrations, and thermals. The sensor combines the merits of small nonlinearity in the current-induced MFG effect with those of high sensitivity and high common-mode noise rejection rate in the MFG-induced ME effect to achieve a high current sensitivity of 0.65-12.55 mV/A in the frequency range of 10 Hz-170 kHz, a small input-output nonlinearity of <500 ppm, a small thermal drift of <0.2%/℃ in the current range of 0-20 A, and a high common-mode noise rejection rate of 17-28 dB from multisource noises.

Coping and compromise: a qualitative study of how primary health care providers respond to health reform in China.

BACKGROUND: Health reform in China since 2009 has emphasized basic public health services to enhance the function of Community Health Services as a primary health care facility. A variety of studies have documented these efforts, and the challenges these have faced, yet up to now the experience of primary health care (PHC) providers in terms of how they have coped with these changes remains underdeveloped. Despite the abundant literature on psychological coping processes and mechanisms, the application of coping research within the context of human resources for health remains yet to be explored. This research aims to understand how PHC providers coped with the new primary health care model and the job characteristics brought about by these changes. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with primary health care workers were conducted in Jinan city of Shandong province in China. A maximum variation sampling method selected 30 PHC providers from different specialties. Thematic analysis was used drawing on a synthesis of theories related to the Job Demands-Resources model, work adjustment, and the model of exit, voice, loyalty and neglect to understand PHC providers' coping strategies. RESULTS: Our interviews identified that the new model of primary health care significantly affected the nature of primary health work and triggered a range of PHC providers' coping processes. The results found that health workers perceived their job as less intensive than hospital medical work but often more trivial, characterized by heavy workload, blurred job description, unsatisfactory income, and a lack of professional development. However, close relationship with community and low work pressure were satisfactory. PHC providers' processing of job demands and resources displayed two ways of interaction: aggravation and alleviation. Processing of job demands and resources led to three coping strategies: exit, passive loyalty, and compromise with new roles and functions. CONCLUSIONS: Primary health care providers employed coping strategies of exit, passive loyalty, and compromise to deal with changes in primary health work. In light of these findings, our paper concludes that it is necessary for the policymakers to provide further job resources for CHS, and involve health workers in policy-making. The introduction of particular professional training opportunities to support job role orientation for PHC providers is advocated.

Magnetoelectric Transverse Gradient Sensor with High Detection Sensitivity and Low Gradient Noise.

We report, theoretically and experimentally, the realization of a high detection performance in a novel magnetoelectric (ME) transverse gradient sensor based on the large ME effect and the magnetic field gradient (MFG) technique in a pair of magnetically-biased, electrically-shielded, and mechanically-enclosed ME composites having a transverse orientation and an axial separation. The output voltage of the gradient sensor is directly obtained from the transverse MFG-induced difference in ME voltage between the two ME composites and is calibrated against transverse MFGs to give a high detection sensitivity of 0.4-30.6 V/(T/m), a strong common-mode magnetic field noise rejection rate of <-14.5 dB, a small input-output nonlinearity of <10 ppm, and a low gradient noise of 0.16-620 nT/m/ Hz in a broad frequency range of 1 Hz-170 kHz under a small baseline of 35 mm. An analysis of experimental gradient noise spectra obtained in a magnetically-unshielded laboratory environment reveals the domination of the pink (1/f) noise, dielectric loss noise, and power-frequency noise below 3 kHz, in addition to the circuit noise above 3 kHz, in the gradient sensor. The high detection performance, together with the added merit of passive and direct ME conversion by the large ME effect in the ME composites, makes the gradient sensor suitable for the passive, direct, and broadband detection of transverse MFGs.

Job satisfaction of urban community health workers after the 2009 healthcare reform in China: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: In 2009 China introduced a new round of healthcare reform to strengthen primary care networks through the development of Community Health Services (CHS). This study aimed to measure the degree of overall job satisfaction and also satisfaction dimensions and then find common causes of dissatisfaction among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in urban China by conducting a systematic review of relevant studies on CHWs' job satisfaction. DATA SOURCES: Web of Science, PubMed, Google scholar, Wanfangdata and CNKI were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Publications about job satisfaction of CHWs were screened and assessed. Finally 18 Chinese articles and 4 English articles were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted for nine themes concerning job satisfaction. Narrative synthesis was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: CHWs were generally neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their work after 2009. Financial rewards and opportunities for professional development were the most important determinants of job dissatisfaction. Workers were generally satisfied with interpersonal relationships in the workplace. The expanded public health services package and human-resources related regulations, e.g. the professional rank promotion system, government-controlled staffing policy (i.e. staff-quota system) and government-controlled budgetary planning (i.e. the Separation of Revenue and Expenditure), were policies that had an effect on job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Financial rewards and professional development were the two main predictors of job satisfaction. To improve CHS in China, policy-makers (especially the central government) need to consider the impact of current policies on job satisfaction in order to reduce job dissatisfaction.

Finite ion size effects on I-V relations via Poisson-Nernst-Planck systems with two cations: A case study.

We consider a quasi-one-dimensional Poisson-Nernst-Planck model with two cations having the same valances and one anion. Bikerman's local hard-sphere potential is included to account for ion size effects. Under some further restrictions on the boundary conditions of the two cations, we obtain approximations of the I-V (current-voltage) relations by treating the ion sizes as small parameters. Critical potentials are identified, which play critical roles in characterizing finite ion size effects on ionic flows. Nonlinear interplays between system parameters, such as boundary concentrations and diffusion coefficients, are analyzed. To provide more intuitive illustrations of our analytical results and better understanding of the dynamics of ionic flows through membrane channels, numerical simulations are performed.

Studies on invariant measures of fractional stochastic delay Ginzburg-Landau equations on Rn.

This paper is concerned with invariant measures of fractional stochastic delay Ginzburg-Landau equations on the entire space $ \mathbb{R}^n $. We first derive the uniform estimates and the mean-square uniform smallness of the tails of solutions in corresponding space. Then we deduce the weak compactness of a set of probability distributions of the solutions applying the Ascoli-Arzel$ \grave{a} $. We finally prove the existence of invariant measures by applying Krylov-Bogolyubov's method.

Thermally assisted layer-layer crosslinking towards programmable evolution of pore structures for tunable electromagnetic response capability.

The research and development of aerogel-based microwave absorbing materials with strong electromagnetic (EM) wave response is an emerging research topic in the EM wave absorption field. In order to implement light microwave absorbers with a broad bandwidth, freeze drying assisted with in situ thermally structure-directing techniques was applied to fabricate composite aerogels with orientation design. Thanks to the integration of pore structure regulation and conductive network construction, the as-prepared aerogel absorbers exhibit a tunable EM response covering a broad frequency range. In detail, the maximum reflection loss (RL) value of the CR-3 aerogel reaches -50.8 dB at 2.2 mm and its maximum effective absorption bandwidth reaches 5.4 GHz at 2.0 mm, which is in accordance with the numerical simulation results of the radar cross section (RCS), where the optimum RCS reduction of 21.4 dB m2 appears for the CR-3 aerogel when the detection theta was set as 0°. In all, this work paves the way for the exploration of high-efficiency aerogel absorbers by balancing the evolution of the pore structure and conductive connection at the same time.

Mathematical Analysis on Current-Voltage Relations via Classical Poisson-Nernst-Planck Systems with Nonzero Permanent Charges under Relaxed Electroneutrality Boundary Conditions.

We focus on a quasi-one-dimensional Poisson-Nernst-Planck model with small permanent charges for ionic flows of two oppositely charged ion species through an ion channel. Of particular interest is to examine the dynamics of ionic flows in terms of I-V (current-voltage) relations with boundary layers due to the relaxation of neutral conditions on boundary concentrations. This is achieved by employing the regular perturbation analysis on the solutions established through geometric singular perturbation analysis. Rich dynamics are observed, particularly, the nonlinear interplays among different physical parameters are characterized. Critical potentials are identified, which play critical roles in the study of ionic flows and can be estimated experimentally. Numerical simulations are performed to further illustrate and provide more intuitive understandings of our analytical results.

Harnessing Pseudo-Jahn-Teller Disordering of Monoclinic Birnessite for Excited Interfacial Polarization and Local Magnetic Domains.

The symmetry in a polymorph is one of the most important elements for determining the inherent lattice nature. The MnO2 host tends to high-symmetry MnO6 octahedra as a result of the electronic structure t2g 3 eg 0 of Mn4+ ions, displaying an ordered structure accompanying with poor polarization loss and limiting its application toward high-performance microwave absorbers. Here, a pseudo-Jahn-Teller (PJT) distortion and PJT disordering design with abundant self-forming interfaces and local magnetic domains in the monoclinic birnessite-MnO2 host is first reported. The PJT distortion can give rise to asymmetric MnO6 octahedra, inducing the formation of interfaces and increased electron spin magnetic moment in the lattice. The resultant birnessite with PJT distortions and PJT disordering delivers an outstanding reflection loss value of -42.5 dB at an ultralow thickness of 1.7 mm, mainly derived from the excited interfacial polarization and magnetic loss. This work demonstrates an effective approach in regulating the lattice structure of birnessite for boosting microwave absorption performance.

Investigating the effect of Icaritin on hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the cancers that kill people in the global population. Icaritin, a small molecule drug approved by NMPA, has demonstrated potential anti-HCC effects. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We employed a multi-omics approach in this study, including pharmaco-omics and proteomics, to look into the Icaritin's possible molecular targets and workings in the therapy of HCC. Through pharmaco-omics analysis, we identified ten putative target genes of Icaritin, including FYN. The relationship between Icaritin and these target genes, particularly FYN, was further validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The outcomes revealed that Icaritin may exert its anti-HCC effects through modulating the FYN gene, highlighting the importance of multi-omics approaches in drug discovery research. This research gives valuable insights regarding the therapeutic potential of Icaritin against HCC and its possible molecular mechanisms.

Combination of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and fibrinogen may predict 5-year overall survival of patient in non-small cell lung cancer treated with surgery.

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major type of lung cancer with high incidence and mortality. Systemic inflammatory response (SIR) and an imbalance of the coagulation system are both associated with the tumor progression. However, few studies have investigated the prognostic utility of a combination of inflammation and the coagulation system in NSCLC. The combination of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and fibrinogen (FIB) (PLR-FIB; defined as PLR × FIB) is an indicator reflecting SIR and coagulation concurrently, which have potentiality to predict prognosis of NSCLC. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 314 NSCLC patients with surgery. According to a cutoff value for the PLR-FIB, we divided participants into a low-PLR-FIB group and a high-PLR-FIB group. We retrospectively collected the data on 314 patients and used univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate the relationship between the PLR-FIB and survival. Results: Univariate analysis showed that adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) (P=0.002), high PLR-FIB (P=0.023), and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage III-IV (P<0.001) were associated with a poor outcome. On multivariate analysis, low PLR-FIB [hazard ratio (HR), 0.587; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.359-0.985; P=0.044], and TNM stage I-II (HR, 0.380; 95% CI: 0.245-0.590; P<0.001) were independent factors of a better prognosis. ASC type was an independent prognostic factor of poor outcome (HR, 5.513; 95% CI: 1.895-16.034; P=0.002). There were no significant differences in patient demographics or clinical characteristics between the two PLR-FIB groups (P>0.05). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 80.8% and 67.9% for the low-PLR-FIB group and high-PLR-FIB group, respectively (P=0.02). Conclusions: Preoperative PLR-FIB was found to be an independent prognostic factor for 5-year overall survival in patients with NSCLC treated with surgery.

Competition between Cations via Classical Poisson-Nernst-Planck Models with Nonzero but Small Permanent Charges.

We study a one-dimensional Poisson-Nernst-Planck system for ionic flow through a membrane channel. Nonzero but small permanent charge, the major structural quantity of an ion channel, is included in the model. Two cations with the same valences and one anion are included in the model, which provides more rich and complicated correlations/interactions between ions. The cross-section area of the channel is included in the system, and it provides certain information of the geometry of the three-dimensional channel, which is critical for our analysis. Geometric singular perturbation analysis is employed to establish the existence and local uniqueness of solutions to the system for small permanent charges. Treating the permanent charge as a small parameter, through regular perturbation analysis, we are able to derive approximations of the individual fluxes explicitly, and this allows us to study the competition between two cations, which is related to the selectivity phenomena of ion channels. Numerical simulations are performed to provide a more intuitive illustration of our analytical results, and they are consistent.

A Superstretchable and Ultrastable Liquid Metal-Elastomer Wire for Soft Electronic Devices.

One-dimensional (1D) elastic conductors are an important component for constructing a wide range of soft electronic devices due to their small footprint, light weight, and integration ability. Here, we report the fabrication of an elastic conductive wire by employing a liquid metal (LM) and a porous thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as building blocks. Such an LM-TPE composite wire was prepared by electrospinning of TPE microfibers and coating of a liquid metal. An additional layer of electrospun TPE microfibers was deposited on the wire for encapsulation. The porous structure of the TPE substrate that is composed of electrospun fibers can substantially improve the stretchability and electrical stability of the composite LM-TPE wire. Compared with the wire using a nonporous TPE as a substrate, the break strain of the LM-TPE wire was increased by 67% (up to ∼2300% strain). Meanwhile, the resistance increase of the wire during 1900% strain of stretching could be controlled as low as 12 times, which is much more stable than that of other LM-based 1D elastic conductors. We demonstrate that a light-emitting diode and an audio playing setup, which use the LM-TPE wire as an electrical circuit, can work with low-intensity attenuation or waveform deformation during large-strain (1000%) stretching. For a proof-of-concept application, an elastic inductance coil was made using the LM-TPE wire as building blocks, and its potential applications in strain sensing and magnetic field detection were demonstrated.

Correlation between intracoronary thrombus components and coronary blood flow after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction at different onset time.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality. Early reperfusion to restore blood flow is crucial to successful treatment. In the current reperfusion regimen, an increasing number of patients have benefited from direct percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In order to understand whether there is a correlation between the components of coronary thrombosis and the absence of reflow or slow blood flow after coronary stent implantation in direct PCI, we collected data on direct PCI cases in our hospital between January 2016 and November 2018. AIM: To investigate the correlation between intracoronary thrombus components and coronary blood flow after stent implantation in direct PCI in AMI. METHODS: We enrolled 154 patients (85 male and 69 female, aged 36-81 years) with direct PCI who underwent thrombus catheter aspiration within < 3, 3-6 or 6-12 h of onset of AMI between January 2016 and November 2018. The thrombus was removed for pathological examination under a microscope. The patients of the three groups according to the onset time of AMI were further divided into those with a white or red thrombus. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) blood flow after stent implantation was recorded based on digital subtraction angiography during PCI. The number of patients with no-reflow and slow blood flow in each group was counted. Statistical analysis was performed based on data such as onset time, TIMI blood flow. RESULTS: There were significant differences in thrombus components between the patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (P < 0.01). In the group with PCI < 3 h after onset of AMI, there was no significant difference in the incidence of no-reflow and slow-flow between the white and red thrombus groups. In the groups with PCI 3-6 and 6-12 h after onset of AMI, there was a significant difference in the incidence of no-reflow and slow-flow between the white and red thrombus groups (P < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the onset time of AMI and the occurrences of no-reflow and slow blood flow during PCI (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In direct PCI, the onset time of AMI and color of coronary thrombus are often used to predict whether there will be no reflow or slow blood flow after stent implantation.

Is the effect of person-organisation fit on turnover intention mediated by job satisfaction? A survey of community health workers in China.

OBJECTIVES: Person-organisation fit (P-O fit) is a predictor of work attitude. However, in the area of human resource for health, the literature of P-O fit is quite limited. It is unclear whether P-O fit directly or indirectly affects turnover intention. This study aims to examine the mediation effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between P-O fit and turnover intention based on data from China. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey of community health workers (CHWs) in China in 2013. A questionnaire of P-O fit, job satisfaction and turnover intention was developed, and its validity and reliability were assessed. Multiple regression and structural equation modelling were used to examine the relationship among P-O fit, job satisfaction and turnover intention. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Multistage sampling was applied. In total, 656 valid questionnaire responses were collected from CHWs in four provincial regions in China, namely Shanghai, Shaanxi, Shandong and Anhui. RESULTS: P-O fit was directly related to job satisfaction (standardised ß 0.246) and inversely related to turnover intention (standardised ß -0.186). In the mediation model, the total effect of P-O fit on turnover intention was -0.186 (p<0.001); the direct effect of P-O fit on turnover intention was -0.094 (p<0.01); the indirect effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between P-O fit and turnover intention was -0.092 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of P-O fit on turnover intention was partially mediated through job satisfaction. It is suggested that more work attitude variables and different dimensions of P-O fit be taken into account to examine the complete mechanism of person-organisation interaction. Indirect measures of P-O fit should be encouraged in practice to enhance work attitudes of health workers.