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This paper proposed an optimal prepositive distance of crosswalk warning markings for unsignalized road section under three different design speeds based on the mathematical modelling and driving simulation. To set up the most efficient mathematical modelling for calculating the layout interval of prepositive distance, the vehicles slowing down behaviour characteristics in front of crosswalk were explored. According to the layout interval, the simulation experiment was carried out in the UC-win/Road version 13.0 driving simulator. The rate of speed reduction and the times of maximum deceleration obtained from simulation experiments were selected as evaluation indicators to compare and analyse the deceleration effect related with the prepositive distances of the crosswalk warning markings under three design speeds. The results show that when the design speeds are 30km/h, 40km/h, and 50km/h, the optimal prepositive distances of the crosswalk warning markings are 30m, 40m, and 60m, respectively., Author(s): Guohua Liang [1]; Fangfang Wang (corresponding author) [1]; Quan Shi [1]; Rui Li [1]; Zhijing Ji [1]; Chenchen Dong [1] 1. Introduction Crosswalk warning markings are widely applied on [...]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) substantially contributes to cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), LINC01614, has emerged as a vital gene regulator in cancer progression. Yet, how LINC01614 affects CRC progression remains enigmatic. Here, we defined LINC01614 expression in CRC, investigated the performance of CRC cells lacking LINC01614, and elucidated the underpinning mechanism. We observed that LINC01614 was upregulated in both CRC tissues and cell lines. LINC01614 knockdown repressed the proliferation and metastasis capacity of CRC cell lines. Consistently, an in vivo LINC01614 deficiency model exhibited slow tumor growth rate. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, and immunoprecipitation confirmed that LINC01614 targeted miR-217-5p. LINC01614 knockdown reduced the expression of HMGA1 and N-cadherin, while increasing that of E-cadherin, resulting in decreased viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity of CRC cells. Our results demonstrate that LINC01614 regulates CRC progression by modulating the miR-217-5p/HMGA1 axis, thus holding great potential as a prognostic biomarker for CRC diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geese play an important role in agricultural economics, with China producing the vast majority of goose meat consumed worldwide annually. The variations in the avian viruses and co‐infections result in substantial economic losses to the goose industry in China. To understand the evolutionary characteristics and co‐infections of viruses, a broad epidemiological investigation of epizootic viruses of goose was carried out in nine provinces of China during 2018–2021. Here, the results indicated that, among the 1970 clinical samples, 50.81% (1001/1970) were positive for goose astrovirus (GAstV), 18.22% (359/1970) for avian orthoreovirus, 12.74% (251/1970) for goose parvovirus, 11.02% (217/1970) for H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus, 4.01% (79/1970) for Newcastle disease virus, and 2.08% (41/1970) for fowl adenovirus. Among the six viruses, co‐infections comprised a large proportion (66.37%) in the field, of which the dual infection was more common. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of GAstVs indicated that Chinese GAstVs had formed two distinct groups, that is, GAstV‐1 and GAstV‐2. GAstV‐2 sub‐genotype II‐c had arisen as the dominant genotype in the whole country. Notably, all the H9N2‐AIV isolated strains harboured the mammalian adaptation markers I155T, H183N, and Q226L (H3 numbering) in the HA gene, which promotes preferential binding to human‐like α2‐6‐linked sialic acid receptors. And beyond that, we determined that the goose‐origin Muscovy Duck Reovirus isolates, showing 51.7%–96% similarities to that of other waterfowl‐origin orthoreovirus isolates in sequence homology analysis of the representative part of σC, are a new variant of waterfowl‐origin orthoreovirus. These data provide valuable information about the prevalence of infectious diseases in geese on mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniaxial compression tests were performed on coal specimens with five fissure angles to study the mechanical behaviors and acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of fractured coals. AE and video monitoring techniques were used to examine crack propagation in the fractured specimens. The stress–strain curves, mechanical properties, and cracking processes at different fissure angles were analysed. The AE counts and dominant frequency characteristics, during the failure processes of the specimens, were investigated. In addition, five types of AE signals were classified according to the AE spectral frequency analysis, and low-frequency–high-energy signals were used to accurately predict the brittle fracture processes of the fractured specimens. Finally, a comparison with sandstone specimens revealed the influence of primary cracks on the strength of brittle coal specimens containing preexisting fissures under uniaxial compression. The test results are helpful to elucidate the mechanical behavior and failure mechanism in underground engineering, such as hydraulic slotting in mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy elderly male urogenital system, because of the special disease position, and postoperative complications such as urinary retention, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction, if not treated, can increase the patients' physical pain, anxiety, and other psychological burden; endocrine therapy after surgery can affect self-image and quality of life of patients. Omaha system was originally used for community health nurses, which contains three main contents: problem classification, nursing intervention, and outcome evaluation. The problem classification dimension includes four dimensions: environment, physiology, social psychology, and health-related behavior. The nursing intervention dimension is composed of 75 intervention objectives and four behavior types. Omaha system is a nursing intervention model based on individual psychological, physiological, educational level, and family and social background. The model has good clinical application effect. This study aimed to explore the continuous nursing intervention effect in the nursing of patients with prostate cancer and its psychological impact. A total of 96 prostate patients with cancer who were admitted to Taizhou First People's Hospital from November 2019 to May 2021 were divided into Omaha system care group and routine care group with 48 cases each by random number table method. The routine care group received routine care and discharge guidance, and the Omaha system care group on the basis of the routine care group; continuation care based on the Omaha system was implemented. The differences in mental state, life quality score, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, average urine flow rate, and self-care ability score were compared between the routine care and Omaha system care group. The results showed that Omaha-based continuation care for prostate cancer is beneficial to reduce bad mood, improve patients' life quality score and self-care ability, and provide certain reference for clinical care of prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic pathogenesis of selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) remains elusive, with evidence suggesting an important role of epigenetic factors such as microRNAs. In this study, we explored the relevance of miR-373-3p to the occurrence of sIUGR. Hypoxia enhanced the levels of miR-373-3p and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, while HIF-1α knockdown not only boosted the migration and proliferation of HTR8 cells but also suppressed the hypoxia-induced upregulation of miR-373-3p and SLC38A1. By contrast, HIF-1α overexpression induced miR-373-3p downregulation and SLC38A1 upregulation, reducing cell growth and migration, which could be reversed by a miR-373-3p inhibitor. Importantly, the miR-373-3p inhibitor and mimic reproduced phenomena similar to those induced by HIF-1α downregulation and overexpression, respectively (including altered SLC38A1 expression, mTOR activation, cell growth, and migration). Mechanistically, the miRNA regulated cell behaviors and related mTOR signaling by targeting SLC38A1 expression through an interaction with the 3 ′ -untranslated region of SLC38A1. The placental tissues of smaller sIUGR fetuses exhibited miR-373-3p and HIF-1α upregulation, SLC38A1 downregulation, and activated mTOR. Overall, miR-373-3p appears to restrict the growth and migration of HTR8 trophoblast cells by targeting SLC38A1, as observed in the placental tissues associated with smaller sIUGR fetuses, and it could have utility in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid cancer affects 1.3 percent of the population, with rates of occurrence rising in recent years (approximately 2 percent per year). Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine cancer with an annual increase in occurrence. Although the general prognosis for differentiated subtypes is favorable, the rate of mortality linked with thyroid cancer has been steadily progressing. The presence of suspicious thyroid nodules necessitates more diagnostic testing, including laboratory evaluation, additional imaging, and biopsy. For clinical staging and appropriate patient therapy design, accurate diagnosis is necessary. In this paper, we examined the application value of ultrasound imaging diagnosis in the clinical staging of thyroid tumor in this research. The benefit of early diagnosis is determined in this article using ultrasonography reports from Chinese patients. Images of benign and malignant thyroid nodules were collected and annotated in this work, and deep learning-based image recognition and diagnostic system was built utilizing the adaptive wavelet transform-based AdaBoost algorithm (AWT-AA). The system's efficacy in diagnosing thyroid nodules was assessed, and the use of ultrasound imaging in clinical practice was studied. The variables that had a significant impact on malignant nodules were studied using logistic multiple regression analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) categorization outcomes for benign and malignant tumors were also calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the influencing factors of daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and the correlation between daytime sleepiness and pulse oxygen decline rate in patients with severe OSAHS. Methods. From January 2018 to April 2021, 246 consecutive patients with OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG) in our hospital were selected. All patients were grouped according to the minimum nocturnal oxygen saturation and apnea hypopnea index (AHI). There were 33 cases in the no sleep hypoxia group, 34 cases in the mild hypoxia group, 119 cases in the moderate hypoxia group, and 60 cases in the severe hypoxia group. There were 30 cases in the simple snoring group, 55 cases in the mild OSAHS group, 48 cases in the moderate OSAHS group, and 113 cases in the severe OSAHS group. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores of each group were compared. All patients were grouped according to ESS score. Those with score ≥9 were included in the lethargy group (n = 118), and those with score ≤10 were included in the no lethargy group (n = 128). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the influencing factors of daytime sleepiness in OSAHS patients. Pearson correlation analysis showed the correlation between ESS score and pulse oxygen decline rate in patients with severe OSAHS. Results. The ESS score of the severe hypoxia group > the moderate hypoxia group > the mild hypoxia group > the no sleep hypoxia group. There was significant difference among the groups (F = 19.700, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences between the severe hypoxia group and other groups and between the moderate hypoxia group and the no sleep hypoxia group and the mild hypoxia group (P < 0.05). The ESS score of the severe OSAHS group > the moderate OSAHS group > the mild OSAHS group > the simple snoring group. There was significant difference among the groups (F = 19.000, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences between the severe OSAHS group and other groups and between the moderate OSAHS group and the simple snoring group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that BMI, neck circumference, snoring degree, total apnea hypopnea time, AHI, micro arousal index (MAI), oxygen saturation (CT90%), lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2), and mean oxygen saturation (MSaO2) were the influencing factors of daytime sleepiness in OSAHS patients (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that AHI and CT90% were independent risk factors for daytime sleepiness in OSAHS patients (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between ESS score and pulse oxygen decline rate in patients with severe OSAHS (r = 0.765, P < 0.0001). Conclusion. OSAHS patients may be accompanied by daytime sleepiness in varying degrees, which may be independently related to AHI and CT90%. The degree of daytime sleepiness in patients with severe OSAHS may be closely related to the decline rate of pulse oxygen, which should be paid great attention in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Baduanjin sequential therapy (BST) on the quality of life and cardiac function in patients with AMI after PCI. Subjects. 96 patients with AMI after PCI were randomly assigned as subjects to two groups: BST group who received 24 weeks of BST training and control group who received no training. Methods. The methods used in this study included the changes in SF-36 subscales, the measures of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), the body mass index (BMI), and the abdominal circumference. Results. Of the 96 participants, 82 total patients completed the entire study. At 12 weeks, role physical and health transition of SF-36 were significantly different between the two groups, with a difference of 26.12 (95% CI, 11.59 to 40.64) in role physical and a difference of 15.94 (95% CI, 5.60 to 26.28) in health transition (p < 0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences in all aspects of SF-36 between the two groups at 24 weeks (p < 0.05). The BST also lowered abdominal circumference and BMI as compared with the control group. In the 24-week follow-up, a significant difference was found in the decline of the LVEF in the control group (p = 0.020), while there was a nonsignificant difference in the BST group (p = 0.552). Compared with the control group, the BST group reduced 50 pg/ml on the NT-pro-BNP at 24 weeks (p = 0.013). The effects of BST exercise were maintained at 24 weeks after the intervention. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions. The BST appears to improve the quality of life in patients with AMI after PCI, with additional benefits of lowered abdominal circumference and BMI and improved level of cardiac function. This trial is registered with NCT02693795. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the role of CXXC5 and the CD40/CD40L pathway in lung fibrosis. Methods. (1) We constructed mouse models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and transfected them with a CXXC5 overexpression vector to evaluate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis. (2) Mouse lung fibroblast (MLF) models stably overexpressed or knockout of CXXC5 vector were constructed. After transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulation, we examined the proliferation and apoptosis of the MLF model and evaluated the expression of mesenchymal markers and the CXXC5/CD40/CD40L pathway. Results. (1) Compared with other groups, the overexpressed CXXC5 group had less alveolar structure destruction, thinner alveolar septum, and lower Ashcroft score. (2) In bleomycin-induced mice, the expression of CD40 and CD40L increased at both transcriptional and protein levels, and the same changes were observed in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I (Colla I). After upregulation of CXXC5, the increase in CD40, CD40L, α-SMA, and Colla I was attenuated. (3) Stimulated with TGF-β1, MLF proliferation was activated, apoptosis was suppressed, and the expression of CD40, CD40L, α-SMA, and Colla I was increased at both transcriptional and protein levels. After upregulation of CXXC5, these changes were attenuated. Conclusion. CXXC5 inhibits pulmonary fibrosis and transformation to myofibroblasts by negative feedback regulation of the CD40/CD40L pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon black was prepared by pyrolysis of propane under different plasma conditions. The effects of the flow ratio of the carbon precursor, discharge current, and plasma gases (including argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen) on the morphology and structure of carbon black were investigated by a series of physical characterizations. The equilibrium components were computed based on the minimization of the Gibbs free energy. The theoretical analysis and experimental results confirmed that HCN is the inevitable byproduct in the tail gas from the nitrogen plasma process, indicating that nitrogen is inappropriate as the carrier gas for the preparation of carbon black. The effects of discharging current, discharging spacing, and proportions of propane were also symmetrically studied by the evaluation of HCN concentration. Moreover, the graphene was generated when using argon as the plasma gas mixed with a small amount of hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The range of the power transmission region can be effectively enlarged by a multiple-transmitter (TXs) and single-receiver (RX) magnetic wireless power transfer (WPT) system. However, the power transfer efficiency (PTE) of the WPT system with two TXs and a single RX has been intensively studied in the past few years. Therefore, a deep analysis of multiple-TX WPT systems needs to be implemented urgently to achieve the highest PTE in a wider range of power transmission. This paper analyzes a general multiple-TX single-RX system in detail based on the circuit model. Two optimal conditions, in which the feeding amplitude ratios need be equal to the mutual inductance ratios and the optimal load should be connected to RX, are derived to obtain the highest PTE. In the experiment part, the feeding amplitude ratios for multiple TXs are implemented by a proposed lumped transformer for the first time. The use of the lumped transformer reduces the complexity compared with the use of multiple inverters to achieve predetermined feeding amplitude ratios. Multiple-TX systems are designed and measured to validate the theoretical analysis. Experimental results agree very well with theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impairment of spatial navigation (SN) skills is one of the features of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) already at the stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We used a computer-based battery of spatial navigation tests to measure the SN performance in 22 MCI patients as well as 21 normal controls (NC). In order to evaluate intrinsic activity in the subcortical regions that may play a role in SN, we measured ALFF, fALFF, and ReHo derived within 14 subcortical regions. We observed reductions of intrinsic activity in MCI patients. We also demonstrated that the MCI versus NC group difference can modulate activity-behavior relationship, that is, the correlation slopes between ReHo and allocentric SN task total errors were significantly different between NC and MCI groups in the right hippocampus (interaction F=4.44, p=0.05), pallidum (F=8.97, p=0.005), and thalamus (F=5.95, p=0.02), which were negative in NC (right hippocampus, r=−0.49; right pallidum, r=−0.50; right thalamus, r=−0.45; all p<0.05) but absent in MCI (right hippocampus, r=0.21; right pallidum, r=0.32; right thalamus r=0.28; all p>0.2). These findings may provide a novel insight of the brain mechanism associated with SN impairment in MCI and indicated a stage specificity of brain-behavior correlation in dementia. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-BRC-17011316. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main challenges in through-wall imaging (TWI) is the presence of the walls, whose returns tend to obscure the target behind the walls and must be considered and computed in the imaging procedure. In this paper, a two-step procedure for the through-wall detection is proposed. Firstly, an effective clutter mitigation method based on singular value decomposition (SVD) is used. It does not require knowledge of the background scene or rely on accurate modeling and estimation of wall parameters. Then, TWI problem is cast as a regression one and solved by means of least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM). The complex scattering process due to the presence of the walls is automatically included in the nonlinear relationship between the feature vector extracted from the target scattered fields and the position of the target. The relationship is obtained through a training phase using LS-SVM. Simulated results show that the proposed approach is effective. We also analyze the impacts of training samples and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on test detection accuracy. Simulated results reveal that the proposed LS-SVM based approach can provide comparative performances in terms of accuracy, convergence, robustness, and generalization in comparison with the support vector machine (SVM) based approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]