bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemistry on the Edge: Advancing High Oxidation Power Materials for Applications at Strongly Oxidizing Potentials
Authors: English Joseph T. , Wilkinson David P.
Published: July 2022

High oxidation power (HOP) materials such as lead(IV) oxide (PbO2), antimony-doped tin(IV) oxide (ATO), Magnéli phase titanium oxides (MPTOs), and boron-doped diamond (BDD) are important for advancing electrochemical technologies for clean water and energy applications. Specifically, these include electrocatalytic materials for electrolyzers for water treatment applications and electrosynthesis applications, supports for electrocatalysts for fuel cells and electrolyzers for hydrogen production and electrosyntheses, and electrically-conductive filler in batteries. However, issues of toxicity (PbO2), stability (ATO, MPTOs), and cost (BDD) must be addressed if HOPs are to be more-broadly used as alternatives to carbon-based materials. The Wilkinson group at the University of British Columbia has recently prepared transition metal doped Ti4O7, a MPTO, which exhibits improved characteristics as an electrode material [1,2]. Specifically, thermogravimetric analysis and electrochemical accelerated life testing (Figs. a & b, respectively), illustrate its superior resistance to oxidation while use of the 4-point probes method reveals greater electrical conductivity relative to pristine Ti4O7. The preparation of these materials and their characterization as well as their eventual incorporation into electrochemical devices for clean water and energy applications will be discussed.

Figure 1
(Digital Presentation) Electron Mediators for the Reductive Leaching of Chalcopyrite: Replacing Smelting with Electrolysis for Copper Production
Authors: Vardner Jonathon , Gencer Elifsu , Farinato Raymond , Nagaraj Devarayasamudram , Banta Scott , West Alan
Published: July 2022

Copper is expected to be in high demand in the coming decades due to the emergence of wind and solar technologies, which require about five times as much copper as traditional energy sources. Copper, however, is expected to be in short supply in the coming decades due to the high costs associated with the mining, concentrating, and processing of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), which accounts for about 70% of all copper reserves. This work introduces a potentially transformative hydrometallurgical process for domestic production of copper from CuFeS2. Commercialization of such a process could sustain a high rate of copper production throughout the 21st century. Chalcopyrite is reacted with a redox couple to enable the rapid, clean, and complete recovery of copper. The reductant may be regenerated by an electrolysis unit.

Reactions 1 and 2 show the direct electrochemical reduction of CuFeS2 to Cu2S and Cu0, respectively 2

CuFeS2 + 6H+ + 2e- → Cu2S + 2 Fe2+ + 3 H2 S [1]

Cu2S + 2H+ + 2e- → 2 Cu0 + H2 S [2]

The cathodic reduction of CuFeS2 competes with the hydrogen evolution reaction and therefore becomes inefficient at current densities exceeding 40 mA/cm2. Conversely, the cathodic reduction of an electron mediator circumvents the hydrogen evolution reaction and enables current densities exceeding 100 mA/cm2. Figure 1 shows a result that highlights the use of an electron mediator to facilitate the rapid and complete reduction of chalcopyrite, followed by the dissolution of the resultant solid product into sulfuric acid for the complete recovery of copper. In figure 1a, the release of Fe2+ ions to solution during the progression of the reaction with electron mediator is shown. In all cases, the solution contains 4M H2SO4 and various loadings of CuFeS2 concentrate. Error bars show standard deviations of replicates in triplicate. The reaction nearly goes to completion in 10 minutes. In figure 1b, the subsequent extraction of Cu2+ from mineral products dissolution into 1M H2SO4. The resulting concentration of copper in the sulfuric acid is amenable to electrowinning. Results are shown for high loadings of chalcopyrite, within a practical range for economic viability.

In this work, we report successful results from two redox couples that can be effectively regenerated via electrolysis. A preliminary technoeconomic analysis is discussed, identifying potential opportunities as well as technical challenges.

Figure 1
Simple and Scalable Ball Milling Synthesis of MoS2/Graphite Heterostructures with High Rate Capability for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shah Ami Rani , Miller Thomas Samuel , Cullen Patrick
Published: July 2022

With the constant rise of consumer demands for energy storage devices, improvements in current Li-ion battery (LIB) technology are paramount. At present, graphite is the most common commercial anode material, with a theoretical capacity of 372 mA h g-1. However, it is inevitable that graphite alone will no longer suffice to meet large capacity and high power requirements.

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are isostructural analogues of graphite where a transition metal layer is sandwiched between two chalcogen layers by strong intraplanar bonds while each unit is stacked together through weak van der Waal’s interplanar forces. MoS2 is a TMD which has also been considered as a potential candidate for LIB anodes as its theoretical capacity (670 mA h g-1) is almost double that of graphite. Unfortunately, the anode’s practical performance is very poor due to large volume expansion upon charging/discharging and formation of undesirable polysulphides.

Combining MoS2 and graphite could generate an alternating layer heterostructure that exploits the desirable properties of each material. Most syntheses of MoS2/Graphite heterostructures in the literature either require extensive reaction conditions such as long periods of ultrasonication, or produce very low yields such as chemical vapour deposition. Additionally, ultrasonication often introduces many undesirable defects, due to the solvent used and harsh conditions. Alternatively, dry ball milling is a scalable and economically viable technique for producing MoS2/Graphite heterostructures. The process uses mechanical forces exerted by balls to strip layered materials through their weaker van der Waal’s bonding. To date, the only MoS2/Graphite composite synthesised with this method (though under Ar) for Li-ion batteries, was ball milled for 40 hrs and exhibited a practical capacity of ~700 mA h g-1 at 100 mA g-1 current density for 100 cycles.(1)

This work uses simple dry ball milling under atmospheric conditions for 12 hrs to synthesise a MoS2/Graphite composite which exhibits ~350 mA h g-1 at a high current density of 1 A g-1. Additionally, this work shows that dry ball milling MoS2 alone for 12 hrs produces a phase transformation to a conductive 1T MoS2 product. Raman spectroscopy, XRD, XPS, SEM and impedance spectroscopy techniques were used to characterise the materials. By combining MoS2 and graphite with this simple and scalable method, we provide a viable solution to meet rising consumer demands of improved energy storage devices.

(1) Zhao H, Zeng H, Wu Y, Zhang S, Li B, Huang Y. Facile scalable synthesis and superior lithium storage performance of ball-milled MoS2-graphite nanocomposites. J Mater Chem A. 2015;3(19):10466–70.
Towards Monochiral Chemical Sensing with Near Infrared Fluorescent Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Nissler Robert , Kruss Sebastian
Published: July 2022

Semiconducting single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) fluoresce in the near infrared (NIR) and the emission wavelength depends on their chirality (n,m). Interactions with the environment affect the fluorescence and can be tailored by functionalizing SWCNTs with biopolymers such as DNA, which is the basis for fluorescent biosensors. So far, such biosensors were mainly assembled from mixtures of SWCNT chiralities with large spectral overlap, which affects sensitivity as well as selectivity and prevents multiplexed sensing. The main challenge to gain chirality pure sensors has been to combine approaches to isolate specific SWCNTs and generic (bio)functionalization approaches. Here, we report several approaches to assemble chirality pure SWCNT-based NIR biosensors, with a major focus on aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) assisted purification and novel surface exchange protocols. We study the impact of SWCNT chirality/handedness on chemical sensing and highlight possible applications for detection of neurotransmitters, ROS, bacterial motives of plant metabolites. Finally, we use multiple monochiral/single-color SWCNTs as combined ratiometric/multiplexed nanosensors for NIR detection and imaging.
(Invited) Broadband Electroluminescence from Reverse Breakdown in Individual Suspended Carbon Nanotube Pn-Junctions
Authors: Cronin Stephen B. , Wang Bo
Published: July 2022

There are various mechanisms of light emission in carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which give rise to a wide range of spectral emission characteristics that provide important information regarding the underlying physical processes that lead to photon emission. Here, we report spectra obtained from individual suspended CNT dual-gate field effect transistor (FET) devices under different gate and bias conditions. By applying opposite voltages to the gate electrodes (i.e., Vg1 = –Vg2), we are able to create a pn-junction within the suspended region of the CNT. Under forward bias conditions, the spectra exhibit a peak corresponding to E11 exciton emission via thermal (i.e., blackbody) emission occurring at electrical powers around 8 μW, which corresponds to a power density of approximately 0.5 MW/cm2. On the other hand, the spectra observed under reverse bias correspond to impact ionization and avalanche emission, which occurs at electrical powers of ~ 10 nW and exhibits a featureless flat spectrum extending from 1,600 nm to shorter wavelengths up to 600 nm. Here, the hot electrons generated by the high electric fields (~ 0.5 MV/cm) are able to produce high energy photons far above the E11 (ground state) energy. It is somewhat surprising that these devices do not exhibit light emission by the annihilation of electrons and holes under forward bias, as in a light emitting diode (LED). Possible reasons for this are discussed, including Auger recombination.

DOI: 10.1007/s12274-020-2941-3

Figure 1
Studies of ultrastructure, gene expression, and marker analysis reveal that mouse bladder PDGFRA+ interstitial cells are fibroblasts
Authors: Clayton Dennis R. , Ruiz Wily G. , Dalghi Marianela G. , Montalbetti Nicolas , Carattino Marcelo D. , Apodaca Gerard
Published: July 2022

We currently lack basic insights into the fibroblasts that populate the bladder wall. By exploring the ultrastructure of mouse bladder connective tissue cells, combined with analyses of their gene and protein expression, our study revealed that PDGRA+ interstitial cells (also referred to as myofibroblasts, telocytes, and interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells) are fibroblasts and that the bladder wall contains multiple, regionally distinct populations of these cells.
The metabolic cost of emulated aerodynamic drag forces in marathon running
Authors: da Silva Edson Soares , Kram Rodger , Hoogkamer Wouter
Published: July 2022

We measured the metabolic and biomechanical effects of small horizontal impeding forces (representing realistic aerodynamic drag forces) on high-caliber runners across a range of velocities. Combining our metabolic results with existing aerodynamic models indicates that at 2-h marathon pace, optimal drafting likely allows a marathoner to run between 3 min 42 s and 5 min 29 s faster. Our rule-of-thumb (∼6% increase in gross metabolic power per 1% body weight of horizontal impeding force) will allow others to estimate the performance enhancement of different drafting formations.
Assessing pulse transit time to the skeletal muscle microcirculation using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Anderson Cody P. , Park Song-Young
Published: July 2022

Pulse transit time to the skeletal muscle microcirculation can be assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy and the intersecting tangents method. Pulse transit analysis to the microcirculation provides a comprehensive assessment of the vascular response to postocclusive reactive hyperemia that pulse transit analysis in the conduit arteries cannot provide. Pulse transit time to the skeletal muscle microcirculation using near-infrared spectroscopy provides unique information about microvascular elasticity in the skeletal muscle. These findings indicate that the combination of near-infrared spectroscopy and pulse transit analysis may be a useful method for assessing the skeletal muscle microcirculation.
Muscle strength after resistance training correlates to mediators of muscle mass and mitochondrial respiration in middle-aged adults
Authors: McKenna Colleen F. , Salvador Amadeo F. , Keeble Alexander R. , Khan Naiman A. , De Lisio Michael , Konopka Adam R. , Paluska Scott A. , Burd Nicholas A.
Published: July 2022

Although some therapeutic targets may ameliorate hypertrophic and oxidative dysfunction with muscle aging in preclinical models, their responsiveness in human muscle remains unclear. We demonstrated that resistance training concurrently upregulated therapeutic targets of muscle aging and mitochondrial respiratory capacity, which positively correlated to strength gains. Specifically, we are the first to demonstrate that apelin and spermine oxidase are upregulated with resistance training in humans. Our work corroborates preclinical observations, with future work required for clinical efficacy.
Does the reticulospinal tract mediate adaptation to resistance training in humans?
Authors: Atkinson Elliott , Škarabot Jakob , Ansdell Paul , Goodall Stuart , Howatson Glyn , Thomas Kevin
Published: July 2022

Resistance training increases volitional force-producing capacity, and it is widely accepted that such an increase is partly underpinned by adaptations in the central nervous system, particularly in the early phases of training. Despite this, the neural substrate(s) responsible for mediating adaptation remains largely unknown. Most studies have focused on the corticospinal tract, the main descending pathway controlling movement in humans, with equivocal findings. It is possible that neural adaptation to resistance training is mediated by other structures; one such candidate is the reticulospinal tract. The aim of this narrative mini-review is to articulate the potential of the reticulospinal tract to underpin adaptations in muscle strength. Specifically, we 1) discuss why the structure and function of the reticulospinal tract implicate it as a potential site for adaptation; 2) review the animal and human literature that supports the idea of the reticulospinal tract as an important neural substrate underpinning adaptation to resistance training; and 3) examine the potential methodological options to assess the reticulospinal tract in humans.
Cluster-Based Routing Schema Using Harris Hawks Optimization in the Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Kheradmand Behbod , Ghaffari Ali , Gharehchopogh Farhad Soleimanian , Masdari Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Today, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) have received a lot of attention due to their significant impact on increasing the safety, efficiency, and convenience of transportation. One of the main applications of ITS is vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). In particular, a more flexible, reliable, real-time, and scalable routing scheme across the large urban areas is one of the most critical issues for VANETs. Past VANET routing methods have various technical issues with VANET evolutions. On the other hand, clustering improves the reliability and scalability of routing schemes in VANETs. In this paper, a cluster-based, Traffic-aware and Low-Latency Routing Schema (TaLAR) is proposed for VANETs. In the proposed scheme, the Harris hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm is used to select cluster head (CH) nodes by considering appropriate parameters such as intracluster distance, link reliability, and relative speed of vehicles. The path between source and destination CH nodes is identified by using the HHO algorithm; it chooses the appropriate route based on link reliability and intercluster distance. Also, in the interconnection area, a traffic-aware and reliable route is identified by using a digital map of the streets and the Dijkstra algorithm. The performance evaluation of the proposed scheme is analyzed in terms of packet delivery rate (PDR), average end-to-end delay, and throughput. The output of the proposed scheme is compared with the Clustering Routing Based on PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) (CRBP) and Grey Wolf Optimization Based Clustering in Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (GWOCENT) methods. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme improves PDR (22 and 19%), throughput (25 and 21%), and average end-to-end delay (23 and 18%).
A Blockchain-Based Framework for Developing Traceability Applications towards Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Duc-Hiep , Huynh-Tuong Nguyen , Pham Hoang-Anh
Published: July 2022

Recently, many governments in the world have been focusing on building sustainable agriculture to improve the life quality of farmers and significantly increase their income. In Vietnam, however, the farmers still face the problems of “good harvest–low prices, and vice versa” and lack capital for scaling or transforming the production model. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is that the price of agricultural products does not depend on farmers’ efforts but is based on the purchase price of the trader or the market price. Besides, the farmers also maintain farming habits based on regional culture or follow trendy and profitable agricultural products. Those production strategies make this type of product oversupplied, leading to a down in price shortly, so the farmers’ income will decrease. The above problems stem from the lack of information and communication tools between actors in the agricultural value chain, especially between cooperatives, farmers, and consumers. This paper presents a Blockchain-based framework for developing a traceability solution as an effective method of communication between actors in the agricultural value chain toward a sustainable agricultural model. The proposed approach helps to fully convey the production and distribution of agricultural products and the ability to verify traceability information, thereby helping to increase prices and protect the brand of agricultural products.
Opportunities for Interactive Communication in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients: A Video-Based Observational Study
Authors: Yamaguchi Akiko , Ishii Atsue , Fukushige Haruna , Inoue Yoshiaki , Akada Izumi , Mitani Rie , Ito Akiko , Hosona Mio , Suga Sayaka , Yamada Akiko , Arima Yoko
Published: July 2022

Background. Mechanically ventilated critically ill patients need the opportunity to communicate their physical and psychosocial concerns to nurses. However, these patients face the unique problem of lacking even the opportunity to communicate. Aims. The study aimed to describe the characteristics of communication opportunities for critically ill mechanically ventilated patients. Methods. The study was designed as a video-based descriptive observational study. Participants included seven mechanically ventilated critically ill patients at the intensive care unit, coronary care unit, or high care unit who were conscious and seven registered nurses (seven pairs). Videos were recorded continuously from 8 am to 4 pm, and the footage was then descriptively analyzed. Data collection took place between July 2019 and June 2020. Results. The total recording time was 668.0 minutes. Of these 668.0 minutes, nurses stayed in the Conversation Area of the Patient for 279.6 minutes, and of these 279.6 minutes, two-way face-to-face communication between nurse and patient occurred for 78.0 minutes. Of these 78.0 minutes, communications were started by nurses for 47.2 minutes (174 scenes) and by patients for 24.2 minutes (36 scenes). The patient-started two-way communication scenes included 37 instances of Patient-Intentional-Action that triggered the start of communication. Actions using the upper limbs were observed in 20 instances and represented the most frequently used body part. The head/face, lower limbs, or trunk were also used in some of the actions. Gestures were the most commonly used action type (14 instances). Other types included lip movement, grimace, leg flex/extension, and cough. Conclusions. We found that nurses tended to start communication more frequently than patients did and that patients demonstrated Patient-Intentional-Action with a variety of actions using various body parts. Communication opportunities for patients were created when nurses took the initiative to start communication or when they noticed and responded to the Patient-Intentional-Action. Our findings demonstrate that nurses need to recognize and always respond to Patient-Intentional-Action and to take the initiative in communicating rather than waiting for the patient to do so.
Optimization Algorithm of Urban Rail Transit Network Route Planning Using Deep Learning Technology
Authors: Ma Yaqi
Published: July 2022

Under the present background, optimizing the existing urban rail transit network is the focus of urban rail transit construction at present. Based on DL, this paper constructs the optimization algorithm of urban rail transit network route planning. According to the current urban layout and urban planning, build a suitable rail transit network line form; according to the function, the types of urban rail transit stations are divided, and the optimization of urban rail transit network lines is realized. In addition, according to the K short path algorithm, this paper calculates the effective path between any stations of rail transit and, according to the model, allocates the passenger flow to each path. Experimental results show that the accuracy of real-time traffic flow prediction by this algorithm can reach 94.98%, which is about 9% higher than other methods. This algorithm can effectively optimize the route planning of urban rail transit network. This verifies the effectiveness of the route planning optimization algorithm proposed in this paper. Using the algorithm in this paper for line planning can get good real time, rationality, and optimality.
Application of Dynamic Process Neural Network Model Identification in Ethnic Dance Online Teaching System
Authors: Hu Jun , Hou Tianshi
Published: July 2022

With the development of the times, education presents a new trend, but the teaching characteristics of dance classroom teaching cannot adapt to the current development trend. In this article, the author analyzes modern information technology, hoping to realize the teaching of folk dance on the Internet and provide a new model of online distance teaching for folk dance teaching. The author analyzes the current teaching problems in colleges and universities, and proposes to change the existing teaching situation based on dynamic process neural network model identification and artificial intelligence, and instead use online remote network ethnic dance teaching. Online distance education can enable flexible teaching of folk-dance courses, deeply dig into the theoretical basis of distance teaching, and use online distance network teaching to make teaching time more flexible, not only providing new teaching methods but also introducing new teaching concepts. Based on the traditional neural network model identification, a dynamic process neural network model identification is developed. This model is no longer subject to the input limitation of the traditional neural network model, the processing time is relaxed, and the advantages are more obvious. In this research, the author introduces dynamic process neural network model identification in time series data mining, and makes full use of artificial intelligence to deeply analyze the classification and prediction problems in the context of time series.
Migration Characteristics and Restoration Mechanism of Grout Containing Aggregate in Overburden Fractures Based on CFD-DEM Coupling Model
Authors: Ren Yulou , Du Feng , Chen Huanqi , Hong Zijie , Ren Ziyuan
Published: July 2022

In order to improve and restore the strength and stability of broken overburden caused by coal seam mining in underground, the grout containing aggregate is employed to backfill specific fracture space in rock strata, which is an important method to prevent the mine water leakage and roof collapse in working face. Therefore, the migration characteristics and restoration mechanism of grout containing aggregate in overburden fractures based on the CFD-DEM coupling model are researched in this paper. Specifically, the mechanical constitutive model of aggregate migration is obtained by mechanical analysis of particles and flow field, and the mechanism of aggregate flow and transport with grout in rock fracture is put forward. Besides, the coupled CFD-DEM model is built by numerical simulation software, and the transport process of grout containing aggregate in the fracture is numerically calculated. On this basis, the transport law and deposition characteristics of aggregate transport with grout are studied, and the inner mechanism of the change law is obtained. The research results indicate that the aggregate is gradually deposited by various “settlement forces” during the migration process. The smaller the particle size and density of aggregate are, the slower the deposition rate of aggregate particles and the longer the migration distance are. The aggregate with particle size of 3 mm and density of 3250 migrates 1.25 m to reach the maximum solid ratio of 12.9%. The settlement ratio reaches 100% after migration of 1.5 m, and the longest migration distance is 1450 mm. In addition, the solid ratio of each aggregate firstly increases and then decreases with its migration, which is analyzed from the perspective of aggregate deposition and concentration change. When the aggregate density of two particle sizes changes from 3500 to 3750, the aggregate migration distance is significantly reduced. The research results provide an important guiding significance for reasonably selecting aggregate parameters and optimizing the design of grouting holes in mining engineering.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Roles of Thrombospondin‐2 in Digestive System Cancers
Authors: Gao Feiqiong , Chen Wenyi , Zhao Tingxiao , Yu Jiong , Feng Xudong , Wang Lan , Jiang Tianan , Cao Hongcui
Published: July 2022

Background. Cancers of digestive system have high case‐fatality rate. It is important to find more appropriate methods in diagnosing and predicting gastrointestinal malignances. And thrombospondin‐2 (TSP‐2) was reported to have the functions, although results were not identical. So we performed this meta‐analysis to clarify the significance of TSP‐2 in this area. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrial.gov were searched for relevant studies. Data were extracted from these involved records. For the meta‐analysis of diagnostic test, bivariate mixed effect model was used to estimate diagnostic accuracy. For prognosis part, HRs and their 95% CIs were pooled to compare the overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) between patients with high TSP‐2 and low TSP‐2. Results. Nine records were eligible for the analysis of diagnostic test. Pooled results were as follows: sensitivity 0.60 (0.52, 0.68), specificity 0.96 (0.91, 0.98), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 15.4 (7.3, 32.2), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.42 (0.34, 0.50), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) 37 (18, 76). While in prognosis part, 10 articles were included. Patients with increased TSP‐2 had shorter OS (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.21‐2.22); however, no difference was found in DFS between TSP‐2 high and low groups (HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 0.28‐7.33). Conclusions. TSP‐2, as a diagnostic marker, has a high specificity but a moderate sensitivity. Meanwhile, it plays a role in predicting OS. Therefore, making TSP‐2 a routine assay could be beneficial to high‐risk individuals and patients with digestive malignances.
[Retracted] The Effects of Rural Residents’ Sleep Quality on the Incidence of Agricultural Injuries: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhai Xiaobing , Cao Li , Zhang Bing , Li Qiao
Published: July 2022

To collect relevant literature on the impact of rural residents' sleep quality on the incidence of agricultural injuries, the search time range is 1990～2019. We use RevMan 5.3 software for statistical processing. A total of 7 articles were included. Meta‐analysis showed that sleep quality was closely related to agricultural injury. The combined effect was 1.49, 95%CI [1.31, 1.70], Z = 5.93, P < 0.00001. The difference was statistically significant, so poor sleepers had a higher incidence of agricultural injuries than good sleepers. Sleep disturbances and agricultural injuries are two common and significant health problems. Investigations suggest that sleep might increase the risk of agricultural injuries. The aim of the present study was to systematically review and meta‐analyze the predictive effect of sleep on agricultural injuries.
Research on Intelligent Video Detection of Small Targets Based on Deep Learning Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Kang Sucheng
Published: July 2022

Compared with the traditional object detection algorithm, the object detection algorithm based on deep learning has stronger robustness to complex scenarios, which is the hot direction of current research. According to the process characteristics of the object detection algorithm based on deep learning, it is divided into two-stage object detection algorithm and single-stage object detection algorithm, focusing on the problems solved by some classical algorithms and their advantages and disadvantages. In view of the problem of object detection, especially small object detection, the commonly used data sets and performance evaluation indicators are summarized; the characteristics, advantages, and detection difficulties of various common data sets are compared; the challenges faced by commonly used object detection methods and small object detection are systematically summarized; the latest work of small object detection methods based on deep learning is sorted out; and the small object detection methods based on multiscale and small object detection methods based on super-resolution are introduced. At the same time, the lightweight strategy for target detection methods and the performance of some lightweight models are introduced; the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of various methods are summarized; and the future development direction of small object detection methods based on deep learning is prospected.
Reliability Analysis of Oil and Gas Pipelines Based on Step-Down-Stress Testing in Corrosive Environments
Authors: Bi Aorui , Huang Shuya , Zhang Yongcheng , Gao Yiqiong
Published: July 2022

Reliability analysis provides a basis for the anticorrosion design and maintenance strategy of pipelines. This paper introduces a calculation method for corroded pipeline life reliability by step-down-stress testing (SDST) and Weibull distribution. SDST is used to obtain the corrosion rate of N80 steel under the action of an H2S and CO2 environment at four different temperatures. The Arrhenius model is used to establish the conversion model of failure time and then obtain quasi-samples with parameters. The quasi-samples are used to estimate the parameters of the Weibull distribution, and finally, we can obtain the reliability function of the corroded pipeline. The life reliability curve shows that the pipeline life decreases with the increase of temperature, and when the operation temperature is 363 K, the average life is 10.09 years, which is far less than the designed life. The life reliability of the pipeline decreases with increasing time, when the service life of a pipe with 90% reliability is approximately 7.4 years, and with 50% reliability, it will increase to approximately 10.2 years. With increasing temperature, the average life of the pipeline declines, and at the same temperature, the higher the reliability is, the lower the average life of the pipeline, which provides a reference for the rational use and maintenance decisions of N80 steel pipes. The life reliability of a pipeline for which the operating time is shorter has a smaller temperature effect than that the operating time is longer. This proves that the effect of temperature on life reliability accumulates. This paper strives to provide a scientific basis for the safety management of oil and gas pipelines.
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals an Association between Autophagy, Prognosis, Tumor Microenvironment, and Immunotherapy in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ma Yibo , Tong Changgui , Xu Mingjun , He Hongtao , Chen Changjian
Published: July 2022

Autophagy is a catabolic pathway involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis. We explore clinical correlation of autophagy-related key molecules to establish risk signature for predicting the prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), and immunotherapy response of osteosarcoma. Single cell RNA sequencing data from GSE162454 dataset distinguished malignant cells from normal cells in osteosarcoma. Autophagy-related genes (ARGs) were extracted from the established risk signature of the Molecular Signatures Database of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) by univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis. Overall survival (OS), TME score, abundance of infiltrating immune cells, and response to immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment in patients with different risks were compared based on risk score. Nine ARGs were identified and risk signature was constructed. In all osteosarcoma datasets, the OS was significantly longer in the high-risk patients than low-risk onset. Risk signature significantly stratified clinical outcomes, including OS, metastatic status, and survival status. Risk signature was an independent variable for predicting osteosarcoma OS and showed high accuracy. A nomogram based on risk signature and metastases was developed. The calibration curve confirmed the consistency in 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year predicted OS and the actual OS. The risk score was related to 6 kinds of T cells and macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, natural killer cell, immune score, and stromal score in TME. The risk signature helped in predicting patients’ response to anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1 treatment. The ARGs-led risk signature has important value for survival prediction, risk stratification, tumor microenvironment, and immune response evaluation of osteosarcoma.
Hypothermia Prevents Cardiac Dysfunction during Acute Ischemia Reperfusion by Maintaining Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and by Promoting Hexokinase II Binding to Mitochondria
Authors: Sun Jie , Mishra Jyotsna , Yang Meiying , Stowe David F. , Heisner James S. , An Jianzhong , Kwok Wai-Meng , Camara Amadou K. S.
Published: July 2022

Background. Hypothermia (H), cardioplegia (CP), and both combined (HCP) are known to be protective against myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. Mitochondria have molecular signaling mechanisms that are associated with both cell survival and cell death. In this study, we investigated the dynamic changes in proapoptotic and prosurvival signaling pathways mediating H, CP, or HCP-induced protection of mitochondrial function after acute myocardial IR injury. Methods. Rats were divided into five groups. Each group consists of 3 subgroups based on a specific reperfusion time (5, 20, or 60 min) after a 25-min global ischemia. The time control (TC) groups were not subjected to IR but were perfused with 37 °C Krebs-Ringer’s (KR) buffer, containing 4.5 mM K+, in a specific perfusion protocol that corresponded with the duration of each IR protocol. The IR group (control) was perfused for 20 min with KR, followed by 25-min global ischemia, and then KR reperfusion for 5, 20, or 60 min. The treatment groups were exposed to 17 °C H, 37 °C CP (16 mM K+), or HCP (17 °C + CP) for 5 min before ischemia and for 2 min on reperfusion before switching to 37 °C KR perfusion for the remainder of each of the reperfusion times. Cardiac function and mitochondrial redox state (NADH/FAD) were monitored online in the ex vivo hearts before, during, and after ischemia. Mitochondria were isolated at the end of each specified reperfusion time, and changes in O2 consumption, membrane potential (ΔΨm), and Ca2+ retention capacity (CRC) were assessed using complex I and complex II substrates. In another set of hearts, mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions were isolated after a specified reperfusion time to conduct western blot assays to determine hexokinase II (HKII) and Bax binding/translocation to mitochondria, cytosolic pAkt levels, and cytochrome c (Cyto-c) release into the cytosol. Results. H and HCP were more protective of mitochondrial integrity and, concomitantly, cardiac function than CP alone; H and HCP improved post-ischemic cardiac function by (1) maintaining mitochondrial bioenergetics, (2) maintaining HKII binding to mitochondria with an increase in pAkt levels, (3) increasing CRC, and (4) decreasing Cyto-c release during reperfusion. Bax translocation/binding to mitochondria was unaffected by any treatment, regardless of cardiac functional recovery. Conclusions. Hypothermia preserved mitochondrial function and cardiac function, in part, by maintaining mitochondrial bioenergetics, by retaining HKII binding to mitochondria via upstream pAkt, and by reducing Cyto-c release independently of Bax binding to mitochondria.
Epidemiology of Cholera Outbreak and Summary of the Preparedness and Response Activities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2016
Authors: Endris Abduilhafiz A. , Addissie Adamu , Ahmed Mohammed , Abagero Abdulnasir , Techane Biniam , Tadesse Musse
Published: July 2022

Background. Cholera is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. This study aimed to generate evidence to better understand the epidemiology of cholera as well as chronicle the city administration’s emergency management efforts during the Addis Ababa cholera outbreak in 2016. Method. A descriptive analysis was performed using the cholera outbreak data collected from June 8 to October 31, 2016. A case was defined as a patient aged 5 years or older who develops acute watery diarrhea with or without vomiting. Administrative and laboratory finding reports were also used, as well as documented situational updates. Result. A total of 8,083 cases (AR of 0.24 percent) with 15 deaths (CFR of 0.18 percent) were reported. Males in unskilled manual occupations and housewives accounted for 2,198 (27.2%) and 1,195 (14.8%), respectively, of the total. A total of 6,908 cases (85.46 percent) sought medical attention within two days of the onset of the condition. The presence of the Kolfie river as well as the relatively confined living conditions of the residents aided in the emergence and rapid spread of the disease. The increased in‐and‐out movement of people, combined with the city administration’s deficient development infrastructure of water, hygiene, and sanitation, contributes to higher morbidity and a longer duration of the outbreak. Multiple command posts established in various locations as well as a lack of collaboration among relevant stakeholders resulted in inefficient information and resource management. Furthermore, there is a lack of risk factor surveillance for the early detection of cholera‐causing agents. Conclusion and Recommendations. This outbreak caused significant morbidity and mortality. Prioritizing early risk detection, implementing preventive measures, and developing positive working relationships with relevant parties are all critical. A well‐established community‐based surveillance system and incident management system (IMS) will be required for future emergency management. It is recommended that the city administration make critical adjustments to its developmental infrastructures related to water, sanitation, and hygiene and implement risk factor surveillance from sewerage lines for the early detection of agents that cause cholera.
The Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription: Gu‐tong Formula in Relieving Osteolytic Bone Destruction
Authors: Chang Jinyuan , Jiang Zhenglong , Jin Wei , Wang Yaohan , Li Jie , Chen Jiayang , Li Hao , Feng Li
Published: July 2022

Bone metastasis is a common complication in patients with advanced tumors, causing pain and bone destruction and affecting their quality of life. Typically, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with unique theoretical guidance, has played key roles in the treatment of tumor‐related diseases. Gu‐tong formula (GTF), as a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to be an effective clinical medication for the relief of cancer pain. However, the molecular mechanism of GTF in the treatment of osteolytic metastasis is still unclear. Herein, we employ network pharmacology and molecular dynamics methods to uncover the potential treatment mechanism, indicating that GTF can reduce the levels of serum IL6 and TGFB1 and thus limit the scope of bone cortical damage. Among the active compounds, sesamin and deltoin can bind stably with IL6 and TGFB1, respectively, and have the potential to become anti‐inflammatory and anticancer drugs. Although the reasons for the therapeutic effect of GTF are complex and comprehensive, this work provides biological plausibility in the treatment of osteolytic metastases, which has a guiding significance for the treatment of cancer pain with CAM.
Correlative Study on the Relationship between the Expression of m6a‐Related Genes and the Prognosis and Immunotherapy of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Qiu Yue , Li Jia , Yao Jun , Meng Jinzhi , Huang Xing , Zheng Xifan , Wen Zhenpei , Huang Junpu , Wang Hongtao
Published: July 2022

Background. Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignancies arising from mesenchymal tissue and interlacing ectodermal nerve tissue. Immunotherapy plays an important role in the prognosis and survival of STS patients. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm the prognostic value of m6A‐related genes and to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy for STS. Methods. We analyzed 23 m6A regulators from STS samples using R software and defined the modification patterns for three STS m6A regulators. Then, we constructed the m6A scores and divided the samples into high and low subgroups. Finally, we used data from the GEO database to verify the results. Results. We found that the m6A clusters differed in the overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and immune infiltration rate. Additionally, the m6A score was positively correlated with the contents of activated B cells, activated dendritic cells, CD56 bright natural killer cells, helper T cells, and regulatory T cells. The group with a higher m6A score also presented higher OS and PFS rates. Regarding immunotherapy, STS patients with a high m6A score presented better results. Consistently, we found similar results in another dataset with patients that received anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy. Conclusion. Our current results indicated that the m6A score can be used to assess the survival rate of STS patients and guide immunotherapy and predict its effects. The analysis of different m6A patterns of STS samples contributed to the understanding of the diversity and complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and provided new ideas for the clinical development of personalized immunotherapy and prediction of the prognosis of STS patients.
Experimental Study on Hydraulic Fracturing of Laminated Sandstone Combined with Industrial CT and L-NMR
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Xiang , Guo Haijun , Fu Qiang , Wang Dengke , Zhang Hang , Lu Fangchao
Published: July 2022

Hydraulic fracturing in the immediate roof is a suitable method to increase the permeability of soft outburst coal seam. In this work, the propagation law of hydraulic fractures in laminated virgin sandstone and the change of microstructure after hydraulic fracturing were revealed. The results show that the hydraulic fracturing pressure of sandstone with different bedding angles is 15.69~22.17 MPa. In the experiments, the hydraulic fractures extend through the bedding planes when the bedding angle is 45°. When the bedding angle is 0°, 15°, 30°, or 60°, the hydraulic fracture is prone to extend along a bedding plane. The hydraulic fracture in sandstone is jointly determined by the internal fractures and the cementation strengths of the bedding planes. The internal fractures may not necessarily guide the extension of the hydraulic fractures. The hydraulic fracturing pressures of the samples affected by the bedding plane and internal fractures are significantly lower than that of samples with uniform strength. Besides, hydraulic fracturing cannot change the connectivity between pores. The hydraulic fractures are the main channel for gas migration. The results can provide some guidance for the design and application of hydraulic fracturing in the immediate roof of the soft outburst coal seam.
A Minimal Buffer Router with Level Encoded Dual Rail-Based Design of Network-on-Chip Architecture
Authors: Patil Trupti , Sandi Anuradha , Deepak Raj D. M. , Chandragandhi S. , Teressa Dawit Mamiru
Published: July 2022

Asynchronous NOCs are most prominent in present SOC designs, due to their low dynamic power consumption, modularity, heterogeneous nature, and robustness to the process variations. Though asynchronous designs are proved efficient over synchronous counterparts, they have some severe drawbacks when area and speed are considered, due to complex handshake control circuits which increase the static power loss. Quasidelay insensitive (QDI) class of asynchronous NOCs based on 2-phase encoding is proved beneficial for speed and throughput enhancement but with complex design. The work has introduced lightweight minimal buffer router based on LEDR encoding to design a low power, high speed with compact NOC architecture. Then, minimal buffer router with FSM-based arbiter and priority assigner block is designed to enhance the speed, power, and area. This proposed work achieves zero dynamic power consumption with a total power consumption of less than 0.082 W with a router latency of 0.8 ns.
Single-Pixel Compressive Digital Holographic Encryption System Based on Circular Harmonic Key and Parallel Phase Shifting Digital Holography
Authors: Lokesh Reddy B. , Nelleri Anith
Published: July 2022

An encryption system that combines compressive sensing (CS) and two-step parallel phase shifting digital holography (PPSDH) using double random phase encoding (DRPE) is presented in this paper. The two-step PPSDH is a linear inline holographic scheme and is much suitable for encrypting the 2D/3D information in a single exposure. The distribution of random phase mask (RPM) in the DRPE is implemented using circular harmonic key which increases the security of the encryption process. In this system, the keys used to encrypt are spatial positions of the planes, wavelength, and rotation of the circular harmonics in RPMs, and CS acts as an additional key that makes the system more secure than the conventional optical encryption methods. At the transmission end, two-step PPSDH is applied to encrypt the object information in single hologram. The digital mirror device (DMD) is placed between the object and a single-pixel detector for acquiring fewer hologram measurements. At the receiver end, the single digital hologram is numerically recovered by using a CS optimization problem. The original complex object field is decrypted from the CS recovered holograms by the inversion of two-step PPSDH process with the help of the correct keys. The numerical simulations are presented for complex 2D and 3D objects to test the feasibility of the proposed encryption and decryption system. The proposed method carried out intensity and phase reconstruction of the original object field using single-pixel compressive imaging. The computer simulation results demonstrated that the encrypted information is highly secured with the rotation of the circular harmonic key. The sensitivity of the decrypted intensity and phase images is also studied with variations of the encrypted keys. The obtained results show that the proposed encryption scheme is feasible and has better security performance and robustness.