bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Novel Fuel Cell Catalysts with Ultra-Low Noble Metal Contents towards Electrochemical Catalysis
Authors: Parkash Anand , Seehar Tahir Hussain , Pirzada Abdul Majeed , Islam Mazharul , Larik Rimsha
Published: September 2022

The conversion and storage technologies of sustainable energy have been thoroughly researched, considering the overconsumption of fossil fuels and the escalating environmental problems. The use of more environmentally benign energy vectors has helped fuel cells recently become one of the most promising technologies. These devices’ oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are vital processes, but their commercialization is severely constrained by slow kinetics. Consequently, creating highly effective ORR and OER bifunctional catalysts is crucial yet difficult. Pt-based catalysts have the best ORR activity but weak OER activity. The best commercial OER electrocatalysts are RuO2 and IrO2 based, although they have a subpar ORR characteristic. However, it is crucial to create electrocatalysts with low noble metal contents and high efficiencies and stabilities for OER and ORR applications. At the same time, the large-scale applications of these noble electrocatalysts are constrained due to their rarity, high cost, and poor stability. In this review paper, noble metal-based and free catalysts for ORR and OER have been reviewed.
Influence of Surface Conditioning on Bonding Polyetherketoneketone to Dental Ceramic
Authors: Ergun Gulfem , Tekli Bahar
Published: September 2022

This study researched the effects of different surface conditioning techniques on the bond strength of polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) with lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material. Total of 105 test specimens were prepared from PEKK discs and randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups (n = 21) to which different surface conditioning techniques were applied. [Group A: sandblasting + SR Connect adhesive agent (SRC), Group B: dichloromethane (DCM) + SRC, Group C: methyl methacrylate (MMA) and DCM mixture + SRC, Group D: sandblasting + DCM + SRC, Group E (control): sandblasting + Pekk Bond adhesive agent (PB).] Surface roughness values of PEKK test specimens were measured. They were bonded to lithium disilicate glass-ceramic test specimens with resin cement. Half of them were subjected to thermomechanical aging. Shear bond strength measurements were made. Among the A, B, C, D, and E groups, a statistically significant difference was observed in terms of the surface roughness values (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were obtained among the thermomechanical aging groups (p < 0.001) and among the non-thermomechanical aging groups (p = 0.012) in terms of shear bond strength. Group D and Group E demonstrated clinically acceptable bond strength values when bonding PEKK material with lithium disilicate glass-ceramic material.
Modal Analysis of Aeronautic Spiral Bevel Gear in the Temperature Field
Authors: Yu Wentao , Liu Shijun , Xu Wenbo , Wang Dongfei
Published: September 2022

The temperature of the bevel gear tooth surface will increase greatly because of its special structure. Modal is the characteristic of reaction structure. In order to design and manufacture higher quality aerial bevel gears, it is necessary to study the modal of aerial bevel gears under the action of the temperature field. Firstly, a temperature field calculation model is established according to heat transfer theory. Then, based on the traditional linear modal theory, the modal analysis model under the influence of temperature was established considering the influence of rotational speed and temperature field on the stiffness. Based on the model, modal analysis of the driven gear of a certain aviation bevel gear is carried out. It can be seen from the analysis results that the speed has a great influence on the gear stiffness, and the positive and negative effects are related to the direction of the centrifugal force. Secondly, the inhomogeneity of temperature field distribution also affects the natural frequency and then the gear stiffness. When the speed field and temperature field work together, the pitch shape changes the most, so it is necessary to consider temperature as an influencing factor in the design of aerial bevel gears.
A Novel Analytical Framework Is Developed for Wireless Heterogeneous Networks for Video Streaming Applications
Authors: Kumarganesh S. , Anthoniraj S. , Kumar T. Senthil , Elayaraja P. , Malathi A. Christina Josephine , Somaskandan M. , Bekele Gashaw
Published: September 2022

Due to bandwidth and time limits, delivering high‐quality video streaming facility offers real‐time wireless networks, but assuring quality of experience (QoE) is rather difficult. A network host can deliver its data stream via numerous different network pathways. At the same time, using multipath data transmission, where video streaming may be supplied through Internet protocols (IPs) as well as broadband with bidirectional communication between video sources and consumers, is one way to address this difficult problem. In this work, a novel framework is developed for wireless heterogeneous networks for video streaming applications using concurrent multipath transfer (CMT). The performance of frame‐level delay can be enhanced for better video quality using this proposed method. The network congestion on end‐to‐end path utilised in CMT is not dependent of one another, and we operate under prior assumption that receiver’s announced window does not limit the sender. The analytical results show that the proposed framework outperforms existing methods in terms of performance with minimum retransmission delay.
Study on Hopf Branch of Stability of Time-Delay Unified System and Performance Evaluation Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Wu Meihua
Published: September 2022

Deep learning is a breakthrough in machine learning research. It aims to establish a deep network structure that can simulate the human brain for analysis and learning, interpret data through the mechanism of layer-by-layer abstract feature representation, and has excellent feature learning capabilities. According to the input-output performance evaluation data of colleges and universities, three experiments are done. First, the feature expression ability of RBM, the basic building block of deep learning, is studied, and compared with PCA, the results show that RBM-fine-tuning has better performance than PCA-expressed classifier; the reconstruction error can be used to judge the hidden layer. As the number of RBM layers increases, the classification accuracy gradually increases, indicating the feasibility of the RBMs feature extractor. Second, the model in this study has a higher prediction accuracy than other classification models and clarifies the effectiveness of the modular deep learning model based on RBMs from the perspectives of network convergence analysis and network output analysis. The ability is stronger than DBN, and the obtained abstract feature representation is more conducive to classification. Although the classification accuracy rate of the model in this study has been improved, the model has certain limitations. The network initialization is still set based on experiments and experience, and the prediction accuracy rate is only 88.3%, which needs to be improved. The parameter training algorithm of RBMs can be further studied. To improve the more accurate reference basis for the performance evaluation of colleges and universities. Third, in the research of dynamical systems, the stability of the time-delay unified system at zero equilibrium and positive equilibrium is studied, and the conditions for generating the Hopf branch are given. At the same time, some conclusions are obtained through theoretical analysis. Numerical simulations further verify the validity of the theoretical results.
Solanum Procumbens‐Derived Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Suppress Lung Cancer In Vitro through Elevation of ROS
Authors: Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim , Riyad Almaimani A. , Hussian Almasmoum A. , Mazen Ghaith M. , Kannaiyan Moorthy
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer is one of the cancers with high mortality rate. The current therapeutic regimens have only limited success rate. The current work highlights the potential of Solanum procumbens‐derived zinc oxide nanoparticle (SP‐ZnONP)‐induced apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells. Synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by UV‐Vis spectrophotometry, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), and photoluminescence analysis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cytotoxicity, and cell viability assays revealed that the SP‐ZnONP caused the cell death and the inhibition concentration (IC50) was calculated to be 61.28 μg/mL. Treatment with SP‐ZnONPs caused morphological alterations in cells, such as rounding, which may have been caused by the substance’s impact on integrins. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining revealed that the cells undergo apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, which indicates the cell death. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined and it was shown that the nanoparticles elevated ROS levels, which led to lipid peroxidation. In short, the SP‐ZnONPs increase the level of ROS, which in turn causes lipid peroxidation results in apoptosis. On the other hand, the SP‐ZnONPs decrease nitric oxide level in A549 cells in a dose‐dependent manner, which also supports the apoptosis. In conclusion, SP‐ZnONPs would become a promising treatment option for lung cancer.
Comparison of CBCT Prescriptions among Different Campuses of East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
Authors: Phen Cody C. , Camargo Gerard A. , Zhang Wenjian
Published: September 2022

Objectives. East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine (ECU SoDM) has established a unique education model that delivers the dental curriculum through student rotations at community service learning centers (CSLCs) in underserved areas across North Carolina in their senior year. The objective of the study is to analyze the patient composition and CBCT prescription patterns at the main campus (Ross Hall) and eight CSLCs, to determine if students have comparable training at various sites. Methods. CBCTs taken at ECU SoDM in 2017–2021 were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test were used to determine any differences in demographics, Medicaid coverage, and scan indications at various sites. Results. A total of 1444 patients were included, with an age range of 4–90 years old; male 685, female 758; 1130 non-Hispanic/Latino, 71 Hispanic/Latino. For races, Caucasian 1106, African-American 156, American Indian/Alaskan Native 32, Asian 18, mixed 13, other 73. For Medicaid, there are 75 with and 1369 without coverage. Ross Hall has the largest amount of patients at 537, followed by Davidson 218, Brunswick 189, and Lillington 169, with Elizabeth City being the least with 45 patients. The top four reasons for taking CBCTs were implants, endodontics, oral pathology, and 3rd molar assessment. There was no significant difference in the indications for CBCTs or Medicaid coverage, among various sites. Conclusions. The demographics, Medicaid coverage and CBCT prescription patterns were comparable among various sites. There was a site-related difference in the amount of scans taken, warranting the necessity to monitor CSLC rotation selections to ensure a consistent learning experience.
Effect of Kaempferol on the Biological Behavior of Human Colon Cancer via Regulating MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Fan Jianchun , Guo Fei , Huang Hailu , Xue Jun , Wu Xueliang , Li Tian
Published: September 2022

Kaempferol is a kind of flavonoid, which has a significant anticancer effect. MMPs were discovered with the function of cleaving the extracellular matrix. We utilized bioinformatics to analyze the association and bonding mode between the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomer composition (i.e., kaempferol) and the target proteins. The purpose of our research was to verify the effect of kaempferol on the biological behavior of human colon cancer cells HCT116 and HT29 and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, 2, and 9 genes. We detected the changes in the biological behavior of colon cancer cells treated with kaempferol by CCK-8, wound healing assay, transwell migration/invasion assay, and flow cytometry. Meanwhile， we detected the expression difference of the target gene by qRT-PCR and western blot. Compared with the two control groups, the cell viability of the kaempferol group decreased, the rate of cell migration and the number of transmembrane cells in the kaempferol group decreased significantly, and the early apoptosis rate increased, the number of cells in the G1 phase increased and in the S phase decreased. The results of qRT-PCR and western blot showed that the expression of target genes MMP1, 2, and 9 in the kaempferol group was lower than that in the two control groups. Kaempferol can significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of colon cancer cells; induce their apoptosis; and block the cell cycle. Meanwhile, the expression of MMP1, 2, and 9 genes was downregulated, which verified the results of bioinformatic analysis.
Protective Effect of Natural Medicinal Plants on Cardiomyocyte Injury in Heart Failure: Targeting the Dysregulation of Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Mitophagy
Authors: Wang Qi , Su Hao , Liu Jinfeng
Published: September 2022

Heart failure occurs because of various cardiovascular pathologies, such as coronary artery disease or cardiorenal syndrome, eventually reaching end-stage disease. Various factors contribute to cardiac structural or functional changes that result in systolic or diastolic dysfunction. Several studies have confirmed that the key factor in heart failure progression is myocardial cell death, and mitophagy is the major mechanism regulating myocardial cell death in heart failure. The clinical mechanisms of heart failure are well understood in practice. However, the essential role of mitophagic regulation in heart failure has only recently received widespread attention. Receptor-mediated mitophagy is involved in various mitochondrial processes like oxidative stress injury, energy metabolism disorders, and calcium homeostasis, which are also the main causes of heart failure. Understanding of the diverse regulatory mechanisms in mitophagy and the complexity of its pathophysiology in heart failure remains incomplete. Related studies have found that various natural medicinal plants and active ingredients, such as flavonoids and saponins, can regulate mitophagy to a certain extent, improve myocardial function, and protect myocardial cells. This review comprehensively covers the relevant mechanisms of different types of mitophagy in regulating heart failure pathology and controlling mitochondrial adaptability to stress injury. Further, it explores the relationship between mitophagy and cardiac ejection dysfunction. Natural medicinal plant-targeted regulation strategies and scientific evidence on mitophagy were provided to elucidate current and potential strategies to apply mitophagy-targeted therapy for heart failure.
Predicting Overall Survival in Patients with Nonmetastatic Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Chen Zhiwei , Lin Jing , Wang Shouan , Song Conghua
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims. Accurate prediction is essential for the survival of patients with nonmetastatic gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRC) and medical decision-making. Current models rely on prespecified variables, limiting their performance and not being suitable for individual patients. Our study is aimed at developing a more precise model for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients with nonmetastatic GSRC based on a machine learning approach. Methods. We selected 2127 GSRC patients diagnosed from 2004 to 2014 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and then randomly partitioned them into a training and validation cohort. We compared the performance of several machine learning-based models and finally chose the eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model as the optimal method to predict the OS in patients with nonmetastatic GSRC. The model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results. In the training cohort, for predicting OS rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year, the AUCs of the XGBoost model were 0.842, 0.831, and 0.838, respectively, while in the testing cohort, the AUCs of 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 0.749, 0.823, and 0.829, respectively. Besides, the XGBoost model also performed better when compared with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage. The performance for this model was stably maintained when stratified by age and ethnicity. Conclusion. The XGBoost-based model accurately predicts the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in patients with nonmetastatic GSRC. Machine learning is a promising way to predict the survival outcomes of tumor patients.
Fatigue Crack Propagation Behavior of the 2195-T8 Aluminum-Lithium Alloy with a Precorroded Hole
Authors: Liu Dejun , Tian Gan , Li Yulong , Jin Guofeng , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2022

This work investigated the fatigue crack propagation behavior of the 2195-T8 Al-Li alloy with precorroded holes. The microstructure, crack growth path, and the fracture surfaces of the samples with the precorroded holes have been examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and computed tomography (CT). The characteristics of the crack growth have been analyzed via fracture mechanics by employing the finite element method (FEM). The results showed that the bulk of the fatigue cracks had been initiated from the corrosion pits and corroded discontinuously and precipitated further to become intergranular. Owing to the superposed stress concentration caused by the corrosion pits, the porous region at the bottom of the precorroded hole had affected the crack propagation performance. Crack growth rates were different in multiple positions owing to the difference of

K

I

at crack fronts.
Investigation of Mechanical and Tribological Characteristics of Medical Grade Ti6al4v Titanium Alloy in Addition with Corrosion Study for Wire EDM Process
Authors: Prakash S. , Abdul Favas C. S. , Ameeth Basha I. , Venkatesh R. , Prabhahar M. , Durairaj V. P. , Gomathi K. , Lenin Haiter
Published: September 2022

Metals used in biomedical applications are frequently coated to prevent oxidation and metallic ion release, both of which can be harmful due to toxic effects. To prevent these adverse effects of metals, researchers have focused their efforts on developing various coating techniques, facilitating surface coating, or obtaining functional surfaces. (WEDM) is now considered a difficult method of obtaining functional surfaces for medical applications. The properties of the surface and subsurface layers obtained by the WEDM method are particularly interesting in this regard. The analysis utilised RSM-based computational technique to evaluate the WEDM characteristics (MRR SR) of Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy in biomedical applications. The biggest drawback of the material in the biomedical industry, which includes orthopedic applications and dental implants, would be that it releases harmful atoms such as iron, chromium, and nickel into the bodily fluid environment. To combat the problems, a hydroxyapatite layer applied to the metal implant improves biocompatibility, osteocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. By comparing the Modified Differential Evolution (MDE) approach to the basic differential evolution (DE) optimization strategy, the effectiveness of the MDE approach has been established. According to the cyclic polarized test, the Hap coated Titanium material had better corrosion resistance than the pure sample. The Hap coated titanium material has a higher zone of inhibition than the pure sample. The next step is to synthesis hydroxyapatite from cuttlebone, which is then electrodeposited onto titanium. FTIR, electrochemical tests, FESEM, and SEM were used to describe the coated sample, as well as an antibacterial test using E. Coli and B. Cereus bacteria. Because it is porous, the Hap coating helps bone tissue growth by preventing detrimental metal ions from escaping into the biological medium. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the coated sample was performed in SBF (NaHCO3—0.35 g/L, MgCl2.6H2O—0.30 g/L, CaCl2·2H2O—0.37 g/L, K2HPO4. 3H2O—0.23 g/L, Na2SO4—0.071 g/L, NaCl—7.99 g/L, KCl—0.22 g/L, Tris’s buffer—6.063 g/L) solution using the potentiodynamic polarisation method and the solution pH was maintained.
BAP1 Tumour Predisposition Syndrome Due to Whole BAP1 Gene Deletion
Authors: Pandithan Dinusha , Klebe Sonja , McKavanagh Grace , Rawlings Lesley , Yu Sui , Nicholl Jillian , Poplawski Nicola
Published: September 2022

BRCA-1-associated protein-1 (BAP1) tumour predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) is a dominant hereditary cancer syndrome. The full spectrum of associated malignancies is yet to be fully characterised. We detail the phenotypic features of the first reported family with a whole BAP1 gene deletion. This report also adds to the emerging evidence that the rhabdoid subtype of meningioma is a part of the clinical spectrum of this tumour predisposition syndrome.
Revealing the Synergetic Development Evolution Mechanism of Economic Growth, Energy Consumption, and Environment: An Empirical Analysis Based on Haken Model and Panel Data
Authors: Hong Xuefei
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the mechanism and process of the dynamic evolution of the economy‐energy‐environment (EEE) system and study the variables that determine the speed of system evolution and development. The innovation is to overcome the defect of single index by constructing a system evaluation index and reveal the regional EEE system’s evolution mechanism based on Haken’s synergetic theory to supplement a systematic perspective’s empirical evidence. It selects 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China to empirically analyse the evolution mechanism of the EEE system from 2005 to 2019. The empirical results show that economic development is the order parameter of the evolution and development of the EEE system. In the process of system evolution, the economic development subsystem is the decisive factor in EEE system evolution. In terms of the positive feedback mechanism of order parameter combination, the EEE system forms a positive feedback mechanism for increasing economic development in the stage of evolution and development. The negative feedback mechanism of decreasing environmental pollution emissions is formed in the EEE system. The increase in pollutant emissions has a certain inhibitory effect on economic growth. The improvement in the economic development level has no promoting effect on pollutants, and economic development, in turn, reduces environmental pollution.
Tripeptidyl Peptidase 1 Regulates Human Trophoblast Cell Proliferation Implying a Role in Placentation
Authors: Zhou Wei , Dimitriadis Evdokia
Published: September 2022

Proper placentation in the first trimester is essential for a healthy pregnancy in humans. A recent proteomics study of human placental tissue has identified that tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) production is reduced in the placenta in early‐onset preeclampsia compared to uncomplicated pregnancy. However, it remains to be investigated if TPP1 plays a role in regulating trophoblast cell function during early pregnancy. In this study, immunohistochemistry was used to determine the production and localization of TPP1 in human placenta throughout gestation and the first‐trimester decidua/implantation sites. TPP1 siRNA (20 nM) was transfected into a human trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo) to knock down TPP1, and functional consequences on cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and invasion were analyzed via xCELLigence real‐time monitoring. The expression of TPP1 downstream targets was examined by qPCR. Our data show that TPP1 localized to the discrete foci in the cytoplasm in syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, and decidual cells across all trimesters of pregnancy. In the first‐trimester human decidua, TPP1 exhibited similar staining patterns in the cytotrophoblast cells based at the cell columns. However, minimal/no staining was identified in the HLA‐G positive extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs), especially in the EVTs that invaded in the decidua. Knockdown of TPP1 in HTR8/SVneo cells by 95% significantly impaired cell adhesion and proliferation without affecting cell migration and invasion. qPCR revealed that the expression of cell proliferation markers P21 and MKI67 and TPP1‐related genes MRE11, CLN3, and CLN8 was significantly changed after TPP1 knockdown in HTR8/SVneo cells compared to control. Overall, our data demonstrate that TPP1 alters trophoblast cell line function suggesting that it may be involved in regulating human placentation in the first trimester via controlling trophoblast cell adhesion and proliferation.
On the External Failure Surface in PSEs: Numerical and Theoretical Methods
Authors: Liu Jiaqing , Xu Zeyu , Zhou Shuai
Published: September 2022

The evolution of soil arching, involving internal and external failure surfaces, is of significance to the load transfer mechanism of pile‐supported embankments (PSEs), and external failure surfaces are generally observed in cases of greater embankment height. In this study, the evolution of external failure surfaces was investigated by both numerical and theoretical methods. To begin with, numerical simulations of trapdoor tests were carried out by a two‐dimensional discrete element method. The influences of two key parameters (i.e., embankment height and net spacing between piles) on the development of external failure surfaces were emphasized. The measured coefficient of lateral earth pressure around the external failure surface was close to the predicted coefficient of active earth pressure. Then, a theoretical solution considering inclined external failure surfaces, more realistic compared to those adopted in Terzaghi’s method, was proposed. Compared with Terzaghi’s method, the proposed solution exhibited better consistency with laboratory observations, especially when external failure surfaces were significantly observed.
C/EBPα-Mediated Transcriptional Activation of PIK3C2A Regulates Autophagy, Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression, and Phenotypic of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Aortic Dissection
Authors: Lu Heng , Chen Yi , Chen Yinhai , Huang Lingchen , Chen Liangwan
Published: September 2022

Purpose. To investigate the function of C/EBPα in the development of aortic dissection (AD) and the underlying mechanism. Methods. Aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated, cultured, and identified from AD rats. Then, C/EBPα and PIK3C2A were knockdown or overexpressed by siRNA or plasmid transfection, respectively. Rapamycin or 3-MA was utilized to stimulate and restrain autophagy of VSMCs, respectively. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression levels of C/EBPα, PIK3C2A, LC3, Beclin-1, p62, MMP-2, MMP-9, α-SMA, SM-MHC, and OPN. The pathological status of aortic ring was evaluated by stretch stress, and ChIP assay was used to analyze the binding between C/EBPα and PIK3C2A. C/EBPα shRNA was injected into tail vein to observe the effect of C/EBPα knockdown in vivo on phenotype, autophagy of aortic vascular tissue by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. Results. The protein levels of C/EBPα, PIK3C2A, MMP-2, MMP-9, and LC3 in the aorta of AD rats were all upregulated significantly. C/EBPα and rapamycin promoted notable upregulation of the synthesized proteins (OPN), PIK3C2A, matrix metalloproteinases, LC3, and Beclin-1 in VSMCs, while suppressed contractile proteins (α-SMA and SM-MHC) and p62. The opposite results were observed in the C/EBPα-knockdown VSMCs, PIK3C2A-knockdown VSMCs, or VSMCs treated with 3-MA. C/EBPα, PIK3C2A, and LC3 were dramatically upregulated by the stimulation of 3 g and 5 g stretch stress. The downregulated contractile proteins, upregulated synthetic proteins, activated autophagy, and aggravated pathological state in 5 g stretch stress-treated aortic rings were significantly reversed by the knockdown of C/EBPα. ChIP results indicated that there was a binding site for C/EBPα in the promoter of PIK3C2A. C/EBPα also downregulated α-SMA level and upregulated OPN levels in AD rats in vivo. Conclusion. Our data indicated that during the development of AD, C/EBPα regulated the transition of VSMC phenotype and extracellular matrix remodeling by activating autophagy through regulating the transcriptional activity of PIK3C2A promoter.
Development of the Large-Tonnage Pressure-Type Prestressed Anchor Cable with BFRP for Geotechnical Engineering and Its Mechanical Properties
Authors: Du Zhigang , Li Ning , Ding Wuxiu , Tao Yawen , Wu Xiaolei , Guo Jinjun , You Peng , Wang Chaoqin , Archbold Paul , Mullarney Brian , Xie Bing
Published: September 2022

Prestressed anchor cable is widely used in geotechnical engineering to control the displacement or landslide of an unstable slope. However, the traditional cable anchor is made of steel material, which is easy to get rust in a corrosive environment. Basalt fiber-reinforced plastics (BFRP) are a kind of emerging compound material, with a good performance of high strength, low weight, and anticorrosion. Herein, an innovative large-tonnage pressure-type prestressed anchor is made with BFRP. This large-tonnage BFRP anchor cable has seven bunch structures of the “BFRP-connector-strand.” In each bunch of the “BFRP-connector-strand,” three BFRP tendons and one steel strand are connected inside a steel sleeve connector using the epoxy resin adhesive. The ultimate load-bearing capacity of this BFRP cable anchor can reach 202.38 tonnages. At the ultimate tensioning force condition, the strain of BFRP tendons for this large-tonnage BFRP anchor cable ranges from 1.51% to 1.76%. In the tensioning operation, there is a linear growth relationship between the tensioning force and the strain for this BFRP cable anchor. Once the tensioning force reaches the ultimate strength of this BFRP anchor cable, this cable will present system failure. This situation primarily results from the failure of the “BFRP-connector-strand.” The failure modes of this BFRP anchor cable can be classified into three types: the steel strand rupture, the steel connector rupture, and the BFRP tendon rupture. During the tensioning operation, due to the length difference of the BFRP tendons, this large-tonnage BFRP cable anchor presents an end-off-axis effect. It makes the load bearing of the BFRP tendons 5.00~6.60 times larger than that of the no end-off-axis effect. Nevertheless, due to the plastic deformation of the end steel anchor sleeve, the influence of the end-off-axis effect decreases with the increase of applied tensioning force. The load-bearing capacity of this large-tonnage BFRP cable anchor reaches 87.70~91.50% of its theoretical value.
A Fast Decision Algorithm for VVC Intra-Coding Based on Texture Feature and Machine Learning
Authors: Zhao Jinchao , Li Peng , Zhang Qiuwen
Published: September 2022

Due to the development and application of information technology, a series of modern information technologies represented by 5G, big data, and artificial intelligence are changing rapidly, and people’s requirements for video coding standards have become higher. In the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard, the coding block division is not flexible enough, and the prediction mode is not detailed enough. A new generation of Versatile Video Coding (VVC) standards was born. VVC inherits the hybrid coding framework adopted by HEVC, improves the original technology of each module, introduces a series of new coding technologies, and builds on this greatly improving the coding efficiency. Compared with HEVC, the block division structure of VVC has undergone great changes, retaining the quad-tree (QT) division method and increasing the multi-type tree (MTT) division method, which brings high coding complexity. To reduce the computational complexity of VVC coding block division, a fast decision algorithm for VVC intra-frame coding based on texture characteristics and machine learning is proposed. First, we analyze the characteristics of the CU partition structure decision and then use the texture complexity of the CU partition structure decision to terminate the CU partition process early; for CUs that do not meet the early termination of the partition, use the global sample information, local sample information, and context information. The three-category feature-trained tandem classifier framework predicts the division type of CU. The experimental results show that in the full intra mode, compared with the existing VTM10.0, the encoding output bit rate is increased by 1.36%, and the encoding time is saved by 52.63%.
An Analysis of Internet of Things Computer Network Security and Remote Control Technology
Authors: Zhao Hong , Wang Lingxia
Published: September 2022

In order to solve the problem of the specific application of Internet of Things computer network security monitoring technology in infrastructure construction, a method of remote network monitoring system design is proposed, taking tunnel security construction as an example. According to the characteristics of construction tunnel safety monitoring, this method provides theoretical guidance from several aspects, such as computer remote monitoring, data decision analysis, safety control, personnel positioning, and data management. Through experiments, it is found that in the safety detection experiment, when the data is extracted within 2 minutes for detection, the detection accuracy is higher than 80%, and if it is 4 minutes, the detection accuracy is higher than 90%; in the response time test, the local control response time is generally less than 1 s. In the remote control response time test, the response time can generally be within 3 s, and it may be greater than 5 s. The designed construction tunnel monitoring system transmits the collected data to the monitoring terminal remotely. Then, the sensor data is analyzed for timing decision-making. This method can effectively calculate the safety status of each monitoring unit of the current tunnel according to a certain algorithm and formulate corresponding emergency measures according to the safety status.
MCU Inhibitor Ruthenium Red Alleviates the Osteoclastogenesis and Ovariectomized Osteoporosis via Suppressing RANKL-Induced ROS Production and NFATc1 Activation through P38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Li Xiang , Zhou Shengji , Li Jiarui , Zhu Yi , Wang Quan , Zhao Fengchao
Published: September 2022

Osteoporosis is a disorder of bone metabolism that is extremely common in elderly patients as well as in postmenopausal women. The main manifestation is that the bone resorption capacity is greater than the bone formation capacity, which eventually leads to a decrease in bone mass, increasing the risk of fracture. There is growing evidence that inhibiting osteoclast formation and resorption ability can be effective in treating and preventing the occurrence of osteoporosis. Our study is the first time to explore the role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and its inhibitor ruthenium red (RR) in bone metabolism, clarifying the specific mechanism by which it inhibits osteoclast formation in vitro and plays a therapeutic role in osteoporosis in vivo. We verified the suppressive effects of RR on the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL-)-induced differentiation and bone resorption function of osteoclasts in vitro. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production stimulated by RANKL and the expression level of P38 MAPK/NFATc1 were also found to be inhibited by RR. Moreover, the promotion of RR on osteogenesis differentiation was investigated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) staining and the detection of osteogenesis-specific gene expression levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting. Moreover, in ovariectomy (OVX-)-induced osteoporosis models, RR can downregulate the expression and function of the MCU, relieving bone loss and promoting osteogenesis to present a therapeutic effect on osteoporosis. This new finding will provide an important direction for the study of RR and MCU in the study of bone metabolism therapy targets.
Effects of CT/MRI Image Fusion on Cerebrovascular Protection, Postoperative Complications, and Limb Functional Recovery in Patients with Anterior and Middle Skull Base Tumors: Based on a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fang Dandong , Yang Chen , Zhou Haiyan , Liu Xiaonan , Mao Jian , Hou Baosen , Liu Shimin , Huang Wei
Published: September 2022

Objective. To explore the effect of CT/MRI image fusion on cerebrovascular protection, postoperative complications and limb function recovery in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors. Methods. During January 2019 to December 2021, a retrospective study was conducted on 50 patients who underwent anterior and middle skull base tumor resection in the same surgeon group in our hospital. According to the different surgical approaches, the patients were assigned to the fusion group (n = 29) and the routine group (n = 21). The routine group was operated with traditional operation, and the fusion group was operated with CT/MRI image fusion technique. The operation time, wound volume, resection rate and Karnofsky performance status (KPS), blood transfusion (vascular protection), tumor resection rate, and postoperative complications were compared. Results. The time of operation in the fusion group was shorter compared to the routine group, and the volume of the wound cavity in the fusion group was smaller compared to the routine group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Following treatment, the KPS score of the fusion group was remarkably higher compared to the routine group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The intraoperative blood transfusion rate in the fusion group was 17.24%, and the intraoperative blood transfusion rate in the routine group was 47.62%, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The resection rate in the fusion group (89.66%) was remarkably higher compared to the routine group (61.90%, P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the fusion group (6.90%) was remarkably lower compared to the control group (33.33%, P < 0.05). Conclusion. The application of CT/MRI image‐fusion technology can effectively enhance the clinical symptoms of patients with tumors in the anterior and middle region of the skull base, which can promote the prognosis, shorten the operation time, reduce unnecessary cerebral neurovascular injuries, and retain more brain functions.
Changes in Thyroid Antibodies after Microwave Ablation of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Zhao Zhen-Long , Wei Ying , Liu Cai-Hong , Peng Li-Li , Li Yan , Lu Nai-Cong , Wu Jie , Yu Ming-An
Published: September 2022

Purpose. Microwave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive method for the thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and has shown promising results. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of MWA on thyroid antibodies and associated influencing factors. Materials and Methods. A total of 119 patients, including 69 with benign thyroid nodules and 50 with PTC, underwent MWA between June 2019 and June 2021. The serum levels of (free) triiodothyronine, (free) thyroxine, thyrotropin, and antibodies against Tg (TGAb), thyrotropin receptors (TRAb), and thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) were measured during the follow up. Results. One month after ablation, three patients (4.3%) in the benign group had hypothyroidism, and one (1.4%) had hyperthyroidism. Four patients (5.8%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, and two (2.9%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism. Among the PTC patients, two (4%) had hypothyroidism, and one (2%) had hyperthyroidism. Two patients (4%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, and one (2%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism. In the benign group, among patients with normal preablation antibodies, the postablation TGAb abnormal rate was 12.7%, the TPOAb level was 4.8%, and the TRAb level was 0%. Among PTC patients, the postablation TGAb abnormal rate was 11.4%, the TPOAb level was 8.7%, and the TRAb level was 4.0%. The cutoff value of preablation TGAb for predicting postoperative antibody abnormalities was 19.0 IU/mL, while that of TPOAb was 11.4 IU/mL. Conclusions. MWA of thyroid nodules had little influence on thyroid function and antibodies. Elevations in TGAb, TPOAb, and TRAb beyond the normal ranges after MWA may be related to high preablation levels of TGAb and TPOAb.
Evaluation Index System Construction of High‐Quality Development of Chinese Real Enterprises Based on Factor Analysis and AHP
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Gao Xiaoxuan , Jia Ruhai , Zhao Lisan
Published: September 2022

China’s economic development has shifted from high‐speed to high‐quality. The fundamental of promoting the high‐quality development of the real economy lies in real enterprises. Therefore, it is urgent to measure the high‐quality development of real enterprises scientifically and reasonably. Herein, we construct a comprehensive evaluation index system for the high‐quality development of real enterprises based on the existing research and combined with the characteristics of real enterprises. Then, the high‐quality development index for real enterprises is created using factor analysis and AHP. Moreover, we measure and analyze the high‐quality development of real enterprises in 2020. The results show that the high‐quality development level of Chinese real enterprises remains to be further upgraded. Meanwhile, there are obvious contrasts in the high‐quality development index of real enterprises in industries and regions. Finally, we put forward some related policy recommendations, such as enhancing policy relevance, insisting on innovative development, and increasing financial sustainability.
Lipopolysaccharide Inhibits Autophagy and Promotes Inflammatory Responses via p38 MAPK-Induced Proteasomal Degradation of Atg13 in Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Wu Yuchao , He Yajuan , Wang Fei , Yao Naijuan , Zhao Yingren , Tian Zhen
Published: September 2022

Background. Inflammation plays a critical role in the progression of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Atg13 is a vital regulatory component of the ULK1 complex, which plays an essential role in the initiation of autophagy. Previously, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were considered to be noninflammatory cells that contribute only to hepatic fibrosis. Recently, it has been found that HSCs can secrete inflammatory cytokines and participate in hepatic inflammation. Autophagy and proteasome-mediated degradation constitute two major means of protein turnover in cells. Autophagy has been shown to regulate inflammation, but it is unclear whether ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS) is involved in inflammatory responses in HSCs during ACLF. Methods. Clinical data were collected from ACLF patients, and surgically resected paraffin-embedded human ACLF liver tissue specimens were collected. The expression of Atg13 was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Secretion of IL-1β was assessed by ELISA. Atg13 was knocked down by siRNA in LX2 cells. Coimmunoprecipitation assay was used to detect protein binding and polyubiquitination of Atg13. In vitro tests with LX2 cells were performed to explore the effects and regulation of p38 MAPK, Atg13, UPS, autophagy, and inflammation. Results. Serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was positively associated with disease severity in ACLF patients, and p38 MAPK was overexpressed in ACLF liver tissue. We evaluated the role of Atg13 in HSC inflammation and explored the possible underlying mechanisms. Inflammatory factors were upregulated via activation of p38 MAPK and inhibition of autophagy in LX-2 cells. Expression of Atg13 was decreased in LPS-incubated LX2 cells. Atg13 knockdown markedly inhibited autophagy and promoted LPS-induced inflammation in LX2 cells. Our in vitro experiments also showed that LPS induced depletion of Atg13 via UPS, and this process was dependent on p38 MAPK. Conclusions. LPS induces proteasomal degradation of Atg13 via p38 MAPK, thereby participating in the aggravation of LPS-induced autophagy inhibition and inflammatory responses in LX2 cells. Atg13 serves as a mediator between autophagy and proteasome. Modulation of Atg13 or proteasome activity might be a novel strategy for treating HSC inflammation.
Optimal Sliding Mode Preview Repetitive Control for Three-Phase Z-Source Inverters
Authors: Yan Jian-De , Peng Fan , Xie Wei-Cai
Published: September 2022

Aiming at high output voltage and obvious current fluctuation of the off grids inverters with unbalanced and nonlinear loads, a compound control strategy of sliding mode controller and optimal preview controller based on Z-source inverter (ZSI) is proposed. ZSI can boost the pressure and improve the system energy conversion rate through by combining the state with the linear quadratic design method of optimal control. The preview controller is introduced in the feedforward compensation link. With the help of difference operator, an extended state error system covering the target value signal and lag link feedback is designed. The optimal preview repetitive control (PRC) is transformed into a linear quadratic regulation matter of the discrete systems. Furthermore, a preview repetitive controller is obtained by using the Lyapunov method, linear matrix inequality, and the design method of optimal controller, which can realize sliding mode control, state feedback, repetitive control, and preview compensation. Finally, a 10 kV A prototype is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.