Search

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems based on ultrasound have been developed and widely promoted in breast cancer screening. Due to the characteristics of low contrast and speckle noises, breast ultrasound image segmentation, one of the crucial steps of CAD systems, has always been challenging. Recently, the emerging Transformer-based medical segmentation methods, which have a better ability to model long dependencies than convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have shown significant value for medical image segmentation. However, due to the limited data with the high-quality label, Transformer performs weakly on breast ultrasound image segmentation without pretraining. Thus, we propose the Attention-Gate Medical Transformer (AGMT) for small breast ultrasound datasets, which introduces the attention-gate (AG) module to suppress background information and the average radial derivative increment (Δ A R D) loss function to enhance shape information. We evaluate the AGMT on both a private dataset A and a public dataset B. On dataset A, the AGMT outperforms MT on the metrics of true positive ratio, jaccard index (JI) and dice similarity coefficient (DSC) by 6.4%, 2.3% and 1.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, when compared with UNet, the AGMT improves JI and DSC by 5.3% and 4.9%, respectively. The results show performance has significantly improved compared with mainstream models. In addition, we also conduct ablation experiments on the AG module and Δ A R D , which prove their effectiveness. • An ultrasound image segmentation method is sensitive to the shape of breast lesions. • Introduce the attention-gate to enhance the boundary attention. • Average radial derivative increment loss is proposed to use shape information. • The proposed model is validated on two breast ultrasound datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, in the new hardware design work of deep learning, memristor as a non-volatile memory with computing power has become a research hotspot. The weights in the deep neural network are the floating-point number. Writing a floating-point value into a memristor will result in a loss of accuracy, and the writing process will take more time. The binarized neural network (BNN) binarizes the weights and activation values that were originally floating-point numbers to +1 and -1. This will greatly reduce the storage space consumption and time consumption of programming the resistance value of the memristor. Furthermore, this will help to simplify the programming of memristors in deep neural network circuits and speed up the inference process. This paper provides a complete solution for implementing memristive BNN. Furthermore, we improved the design of the memristor crossbar by converting the input feature map and kernel before performing the convolution operation that can ensure the sign of the input voltage of each port constant. Therefore, we do not need to determine the sign of the input voltage required by the port in advance which simplifies the process of inputting the feature map elements to each port of the crossbar in the form of voltage. At the same time, in order to ensure that the output of the current convolution layer can be directly used as the input of the next layer, we have added a corresponding processing circuit, which integrates batch-normalization and binarization operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first study using WGCNA to investigate the mechanism of DEHP-induced injury in the prepubertal testis. • Exposure to different concentrations of DEHP may lead to varying damage in the prepubertal testis. • Key modules were identified by correlation with DEHP concentration exposure. • Three genes ranked among the top three genes by at least eight of 12 methods were identified as hub genes. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an environmental endocrine disruptor that accumulates in organisms in various ways and induces male reproductive system disorders. In this study, we established a testicular injury model by gavage with different concentrations of DEHP. The testes were then collected for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and the results were analyzed by bioinformatics and verified by experiments. Our research results show that different concentrations of DEHP interfere with testicular development differently. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) generated sixteen modules and identified the turquoise module as key. Then, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), filamin A (Flna) and Furin were identified as hub genes. qPCR and immunohistochemistry results revealed that all three hub genes were upregulated. We detected the locations of these genes by immunohistochemistry. ESR1 was mainly located in Leydig cells; Flna immunostaining is observed in the Leydig and some germ cells and Furin staining was seen in almost all types of testicular cells. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses showed enrichment mainly in MAPK signaling pathways, p53 signaling pathways, HIF-1 signaling pathways, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, apoptosis, the cell cycle, RNA degradation, etc. This is the first study using WGCNA to investigate the mechanism of DEHP-induced injury in the prepubertal testis, providing new research angles to further understand the mechanism of DEHP-induced injury in the prepubertal testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Tracking the void nucleation and growth of dual phase steel by Computed Tomography. • New voids were observed to nucleate throughout the straining process. • The average size of void grows only slowly with straining. • New damage model is proposed for void nucleation and growth in dual phase steel. In situ synchrotron radiation X-ray computed tomography (CT) is used to understand the void nucleation and growth behaviour of dual phase (DP) steel, DP800, during uniaxial tensile deformation. The voids were identified post mortem as having nucleated primarily in the (41 vol%) martensite phase. The behaviour of individual voids was found to be broadly in line with a Rice and Tracey style growth model (their volume increasing by a factor of 10), while the mean void size was broadly in line with a model that included the continuous nucleation of new voids, as well as the growth of existing voids, throughout straining. Voids tended to elongate during uniaxial (low stress triaxiality) straining, but then to dilate more isotropically as necking led to increased triaxiality. One large pre-existing void was found to elongate quicky at first, but then for growth to slow, presumably because it was not located in the highest triaxial stress (necked) region. Perhaps surprisingly the average size of the void population grows only slowly (by a factor of 2) during straining; this is because while the size of each void grows, new small voids are always being nucleated. Finally, the changes of stress triaxiality and shear stress state during tensile deformation of the square cross-section smooth tensile specimen are investigated via finite element modelling, to qualitatively assess the impact of sample geometry on void nucleation behaviour and fracture strain in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural networks implemented with traditional hardware face inherent limitation of memory latency. Specifically, the processing units like GPUs, FPGAs, and customized ASICs, must wait for inputs to read from memory and outputs to write back. This motivates memristor-based neuromorphic computing in which the memory units (i.e., memristors) have computing capabilities. However, training a memristor-based neural network is difficult since memristors work differently from CMOS hardware. This paper proposes a new training approach that enables prevailing neural network training techniques to be applied for memristor-based neuromorphic networks. Particularly, we introduce momentum and adaptive learning rate to the circuit training, both of which are proven methods that significantly accelerate the convergence of neural network parameters. Furthermore, we show that this circuit can be used for neural networks with arbitrary numbers of layers, neurons, and parameters. Simulation results on four classification tasks demonstrate that the proposed circuit achieves both high accuracy and fast speed. Compared with the SGD-based training circuit, on the WBC data set, the training speed of our circuit is increased by 37.2% while the accuracy is only reduced by 0.77%. On the MNIST data set, the new circuit even leads to improved accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) must be developed to realize an inexpensive water-splitting system for large-scale applications. Herein, a novel PdNi carbon nanofiber (PdNi/CNF) catalyst was synthesized by facile electrospinning and carbonization processes. The size and homogeneity of the Pd−Ni alloy nanoparticles (NPs) could be effectively tuned by controlling the molar feed ratio of metal precursors .The morphology and structure of the PdNi/CNFs were characterized, and the working electrodes fabricated from the prepared catalyst mats were directly employed in the HER and OER. The PdNi/CNFs-1:2 catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity in the HER with a low overpotential of 55 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 in an acidic solution. Moreover, under 1 M KOH electrolyte, an overpotential of 187 mV is required in the HER over the catalyst to arrive 10 mA cm −2 and an overpotential of 289 mV is achieved in the OER at the same current density. The superior HER and OER activities of the PdNi/CNFs are attributed to the synergistic effects of the PdNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) assembled on the CNFs. This work provides a simple route for synthesizing highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts from 3d transition metals and a small amount of noble metals for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well-dispersed Au nanoparticle grown on carbon nanofibers (AuNPs/CNFs) with excellent electroanalytical activity and sensitivity towards the detection of heavy metal ions was synthesized via electrospinning technology and in situ thermal reduction. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that a large amount of AuNPs with a diameter of 5–15 nm was homogenously distributed on the surface of the nanofibers. The AuNPs/CNFs hybrids modified electrode was utilized as the working electrode for the simultaneous detection of heavy metal ions such as Cd 2+ , Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ through the square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) method. The electrochemical results indicate that the simultaneous detection of Cd 2+ , Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ with a low concentration of 0.1 μM can be obtained. This work may provide an easy way to construct electrochemical sensors for the quick detection of trace heavy metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm birth is the second most common cause of death in children under 5 years of age. The etiology of preterm birth has not yet been elucidated. Although maternal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may increase the risk for preterm birth, associations have not been confirmed. We performed a meta-analysis to elucidate the relationships between maternal exposure to EDCs and preterm birth. A systematic search of PubMed, Ovid-EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) for relevant published studies providing quantitative data on the association between maternal EDC exposure and preterm birth in humans was conducted in July 2021. To calculate the overall estimates, we pooled the adjusted regression coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from each study by the inverse variance method. A total of 59 studies were included. The pooled results indicated that maternal exposure to metals (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.29) and phthalates (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.42) was related to an increased risk for preterm birth. Specifically, maternal exposure to lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and manganese appeared to be correlated with an elevated risk for preterm birth. Additionally, maternal exposure to monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was also associated with preterm birth. In conclusion, maternal exposure to metals and phthalates may increase the risk for preterm birth based on current evidence. [Display omitted] • Associations between maternal EDC exposure and preterm birth have not been clarified. • Maternal EDC exposure may be associated with an increased risk for preterm birth. • Maternal exposure to phthalates and metals may increase the risk for preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the most prevalent form of RNA methylation, modulates gene expression post-transcriptionally. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common environmental endocrine disrupting chemical that induces testicular injury due to the inhibition of the demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and increases the m6A modification. How FTO-mediated m6A modification in testicular Leydig cell injury induced by DEHP remains unclear. Here, the TM3 Leydig cell line was treated with mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the main metabolite of DEHP in the body, as well as FB23-2, an inhibitor of FTO. Decreased levels of testosterone in the culture supernatant, significantly increased apoptosis, and a remarkable upregulation of global m6A modification were found in both TM3 cells treated with MEHP and FB23-2. Transcriptome sequencing showed that both treatments significantly induced apoptosis-associated gene expression. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing showed that the Leydig cell injury induced by upregulated m6A modification could be associated with multiple physiological disorders, including histone acetylation, reactive oxygen species biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, hormone secretion regulation, autophagy regulation, and male gonadal development. Overall, the inhibition of FTO-mediated up-regulation of m6A could be involved in MEHP-induced Leydig cell apoptosis. Image 1 • MEHP increases global RNA m6A modification in TM3 Leydig cells. • MEHP alters expression of FTO in TM3 Leydig cells. • Leydig cells treated with MEHP or FB23-2 demonstrated a similar damage phenotype. • Apoptosis is vital in MEHP toxicity mediated by increased m6A modification. • Multiple disorders may be involved in MEHP-induced Leydig cell apoptosis. Increased m6A modification of RNA methylation related to the inhibition of demethylase FTO is associated with MEHP-induced Leydig cell injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to differentiate stimuli that predict fear is critical for survival; however, the underlying molecular and circuit mechanisms remain poorly understood. We combined transgenic mice, in vivo transsynaptic circuit-dissecting anatomical approaches, optogenetics, pharmacological methods, and electrophysiological recording to investigate the involvement of specific extended amygdala circuits in different fear memory. We identified the projections from central lateral amygdala (CeL) protein kinase C δ (PKCδ)–positive neurons and somatostatin (SST)-positive neurons to GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) and glutamatergic neurons in the ventral part of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (vBNST). Prolonged optogenetic activation or inhibition of the PKCδCeL-vBNST pathway specifically reduced context fear memory, whereas the SSTCeL-vBNST pathway mainly reduced tone fear memory. Intriguingly, optogenetic manipulation of vBNST neurons that received the projection from PKCδCeL neurons exerted bidirectional regulation of context fear, whereas manipulation of vBNST neurons that received the projection from SSTCeL neurons could bidirectionally regulate both context and tone fear memory. We subsequently demonstrated the presence of δ and κ opioid receptor protein expression within the CeL-vBNST circuits, potentially accounting for the discrepancy between prolonged activation of GABAergic circuits and inhibition of downstream vBNST neurons. Finally, administration of an opioid receptor antagonist cocktail on the PKCδCeL-vBNST or SSTCeL-vBNST pathway successfully restored context or tone fear memory reduction induced by prolonged activation of the circuits. Together, these findings establish a functional role for distinct CeL-vBNST circuits in the differential regulation and appropriate maintenance of fear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a facile and effective approach was demonstrated for designing and preparing small Cu nanoparticles (NPs) densely and uniformly distributed on carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Self-supported hybrid CuNPs/CNFs with three-dimensional (3D) architectures were prepared via electrospinning and thermal reduction processes. The hybrid CuNPs/CNFs were directly used as electrodes for an electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and they exhibited excellent activity, with a low onset potential of only 61 mV, an overpotential of 200 mV at 10 mA cm −2 , a small Tafel slope (152 mV dec −1 ) and a long-term stability in acidic electrolyte. The 3D self-supported architecture exhibited a high conductivity, a large specific surface area and a high porosity, all of which are beneficial for the access of electrolyte for the CuNPs and the release of the formed H 2 , thereby reducing the overpotentials and accelerating the electrode kinetics. This work demonstrates that CuNPs/CNFs are promising candidates for the substitution of noble metal Pt-based materials in producing the HER from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactants occupy a prominent place in the domestic and industrial fields. Amino acid surfactants have attracted attention as alternatives to petrochemical-based surfactants owing to their good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Conventional amino acid surfactants with structures having only acyl linkages lack multifunctionality. Therefore, novel amino acid surfactants must be developed to achieve this feature. Inspired by melanogenesis, the biomimetic synthesis of melanin-like amino acid surfactants with structures similar to that of melanin was conceived. Natural polyphenols with catechol moieties serve as building blocks for hydrophobic moieties. As a proof-of-concept, caffeic acid phenethyl ester was oxidized to o- quinone using periodate resin. Melanin-like amino acid surfactants were synthesized by conjugating amino acids to o -quinones via Michael addition and Schiff base reactions. The structure was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Melanin-like amino acid surfactants have outstanding surface activity with a low critical micelle concentration and excellent capacity for foaming, emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and solubilizing. Melanin-like amino acid surfactants exhibit low skin irritation, as well as high tolerance to ions and pH. The utilization of polyphenols introduces multifunctionality, affording antioxidant, antibacterial and whitening activities. This study proposes a modular strategy for fabricating new and multifunctional amino acid surfactants that mimic melanin by simply replacing the o -quinone building block. This biomimetic synthesis route is a sustainable process for the green production of amino acid surfactants. This new generation of amino acid surfactants will contribute to meeting the increasing demand for multifunctional surfactants in both academia and industry. [Display omitted] • Novel structure similar with melanin by N-quinonyl linkage. • Biomimetic synthesis route by Michael addition inspired from melanogenesis. • Multifunctionality from natural polyphenols, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. • Modular toolbox by changing the o-quinone building block. • Superior performance on foaming, emulsifying, solubilizing, and dispersing capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comorbidities and delay in diagnosis increase coronavirus infection-related mortality. • Type I IFNs improve respiratory distress, saturation, and oxygen support. • Type I IFNs are well tolerated, and don't increase life threating adverse effects. • Current data do not allow making robust commendations for the use of IFNs in HCoVs. • Type I IFNs should be used as antivirals in HCoVs infections within local protocols. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HCoVs infection. The use of type I interferons for coronavirus is still under great debate in clinical practice. A literature search of all relevant studies published on PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science database, Science Direct, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) until February 2020 was performed. Of the 1081 identified articles, only 15 studies were included in the final analysis. Comorbidities and delay in diagnosis were significantly associated with case mortality. Type I interferons seem to improve respiratory distress, relieve lung abnormalities, present better saturation, reduce needs for supplemental oxygen support. Type I interferons seem to be well tolerated, and don't increase life threating adverse effects. Data on IFNs in HCoVs are limited, heterogenous and mainly observational. Current data do not allow making regarding robust commendations for the use of IFNs in HCoVs in general or in specific subtype. But we still recommend type I interferons serving as first-line antivirals in HCoVs infections within local protocols, and interferons may be adopted to the treatments of the SARS-CoV-2 as well. Well-designed large-scale prospective randomized control trials are greatly needed to provide more robust evidence on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) early exposure leads to immature testicular injury, and we aimed to utilize single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing to comprehensively assess the toxic effect of DEHP on testicular development. Therefore, we gavaged pregnant C57BL/6 mice with 750 mg/kg body weight DEHP from gestational day 13.5 to delivery and performed scRNA sequencing of neonatal testes at postnatal day 5.5. The results revealed the gene expression dynamics in testicular cells. DEHP disrupted the developmental trajectory of germ cells and the balance between the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells. Additionally, DEHP caused an abnormal developmental trajectory, cytoskeletal damage and cell cycle arrest in Sertoli cells; disrupted the metabolism of testosterone in Leydig cells; and disturbed the developmental trajectory in peritubular myoid cells. Elevated oxidative stress and excessive apoptosis mediated by p53 were observed in almost all testicular cells. The intercellular interactions among four cell types were altered, and biological processes related to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), NOTCH, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and WNT signaling pathways were enriched after DEHP treatment. These findings systematically describe the damaging effects of DEHP on the immature testes and provide substantial novel insights into the reproductive toxicity of DEHP. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel hierarchical structure was fabricated by integrating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on nitrogen-doped carbon nanorods encapsulating carbon nanofibers (AuNPs@NCNRs/CNFs), and the composite was demonstrated as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). First, polyaniline nanorods (PNRs) were grown on the surfaces of the CNFs, and the PNR/CNF hybrids were then decorated with small, well-dispersed and size-controlled AuNPs. The morphology, structure and chemical states of the AuNPs@NCNRs/CNFs hybrids were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The AuNPs@NCNRs/CNFs can be used directly as an electrode and exhibit good HER activity with a relatively low onset potential of 126 mV, a Tafel slope of 93 mV dec −1 and remarkable durability in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 . The enhancement of the HER activity could be attributed to the synergetic effect between the nitrogen-doped carbon fibers and the AuNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of hypospadias and cryptorchidism, which are the two most common genital anomalies in males, has not been elucidated. Although prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may increase the risks of hypospadias and cryptorchidism, the associations have not been confirmed. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to establish the relationships between prenatal exposure to EDCs and male genital anomalies. A systematic search of PubMed, EMbase, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL for relevant published studies providing quantitative data on the associations between prenatal EDCs exposure and hypospadias/cryptorchidism in humans was conducted. In total, sixteen case-controlled studies were included. Prenatal exposure to overall EDCs was associated with an increased risk of hypospadias in males (OR, 1.34, 95 % CI 1.12 to 1.60). Although there was no statistically significant association between overall EDCs exposure and cryptorchidism (OR, 1.11, 95 % CI 0.99 to 1.24), exposure to phenol substances was associated with an increased risk of cryptorchidism (OR, 1.81, 95 % CI, 1.12 to 2.93). Using the GRADE tool, we found the overall evidence to be of moderate certainty. In conclusion, the current evidence suggests prenatal EDCs exposure may increase the risk of hypospadias in males. [Display omitted] • Prenatal exposure to EDCs may increase the risk of hypospadias in males. • Prenatal exposure to organochlorines and glycol ethers is related to hypospadias. • There is no significant association between overall EDCs exposure and cryptorchidism. • Prenatal exposure to phenols is associated with an increased risk of cryptorchidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Residual stress and microstructure of an additively manufactured plate was studied. • Significant mesoscopic variations in the residual stresses were revealed. • The mesoscopic residual strain and microstructures are reckoned together. Localised fluctuation in residual stress distribution for direct energy deposited 316L stainless steel thin plate was revealed through high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The macroscopic residual stress levels are changed steadily across the article according to the characteristic cooling rates, as implied by the measured dendrite arm lengths. Localised fluctuations of residual stress in the length scale, between 500 and 600 µm, coincides well with the morphological variations of the solidification microstructure that formed during direct energy deposition. Computations indicate a greater propensity for related mesoscopic thermal gradient fluctuations along the solidification front of the moving melt pool. Novel perspectives on residual stress across multiple length-scales and its relevance to the formation of solidification microstructure in metal additive manufacturing is analysed by considering the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a large number of abandoned mining areas in China, where external-soil spray seeding is a common technique used to assist with the restoration of these areas. However, the soil component of external-soil spray seeding is deficient, and they are prone to collapse, which complicates ecological restoration. In this study, we added a mineral-solubilizing microbial strain to an external-soil spray seeding substrate in Robinia pseudoacacia and Lespedeza bicolor pots, which were monitored from December 2018 to November 2019. We investigated their root growth and root tensile properties, as well as root-reinforced soil shear strength. The results revealed that the addition of the microbial strain in the substrate improved root growth of Robinia pseudoacacia. The root-reinforced soil shear strength, tensile force and strength were also strengthened by the added microbial strain. Although the growth rate of Robinia pseudoacacia was faster than that of Lespedeza bicolor , the shear strength of the root-reinforced Robinia pseudoacacia soil was lower than that of the Lespedeza bicolor root-reinforced soil of the same diameter. Finally, compared with the cohesion, the change in the friction angle is relatively small, and differences in cohesion resulted in shear strength changes under the same treatment. Our results suggested that the addition of a mineral-solubilizing microbial strain to the external-soil spray seeding substrate could help plants strengthen the soil and positively enhance its effects. These results might also enrich the existing data on the effects of mineral-solubilizing microbial strains on plant roots, while guiding further studies toward improving the efficacy of external-soil spray seeding technologies. Unlabelled Image • The addition of microbial strain promote the root growth of Robinia pseudoacacia , it also enhance root tensile force, strength and root-reinforced soil shear strength of two plants. • The shear strength of the root-reinforced Robinia pseudoacacia soil is lower than that of the Lespedeza bicolor root-reinforced soil of the same diameter. • The changes in cohesion result in the changes in shear strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]