Ecological disturbance effects of surface vegetation during coal mining in arid regions of Western China.

Coal mining in arid western regions is damaging the fragile ecology, causing problems such as surface damage, vegetation destruction, and soil erosion. These issues are obstacles to the development of green coal, as mining activities can disrupt the distribution of surface vegetation, leading to its spread outside the mining area and affecting surrounding areas. Based on Landsat data, the binary pixel model was used to calculate the vegetation coverage (FVC) in mining area from 2005 to 2021. Through vegetation coverage classification and regression trend analysis, the temporal and spatial changes and evolution trends of vegetation disturbance caused by coal mining and climate were analyzed. Correlation analysis revealed the range of ecological disturbance caused by coal mining at the coal mine scale and mining area scale. The results show that the vegetation coverage of the mining area showed a decreasing trend from 2005 to 2021. Winter and spring precipitation was the primary factor affecting vegetation growth in the area, while coal mining had indirect and secondary effects on vegetation. Human activities played a significant role in improving vegetation, and between 2015 and 2018, the area of vegetation improvement increased by 133.41% compared to that of 2009-2014. Compared to the reference area, the impact range of vegetation disturbance in the mining area is 2.5-5 km, while the impact range of vegetation disturbance in the coal mine is less than 500 m. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for studying the impact of mining activities on vegetation and boundary identification.

Experimental investigation and simulation analysis of cast-steel joints under vertical pressure.

The joint made of cast steel is frequently utilized within a treelike column structure to ensure a smooth transition. It is of great significance in ensuring the overall structural safety, but currently, the mechanical property and bearing capacity of this type of joint cannot be fully understood. This study investigates the load characteristics of three-forked cast steel joints through concrete experiments, finite element analysis, and regression method formula derivation, filling the gap in mechanical properties and calculation formulas of forked cast steel joints. Initially, a comprehensive model of the cast-steel joint, sourced from a practical engineering, underwent vertical load testing. Detailed scrutiny of stress distribution and vertical displacement of the tested joint was conducted based on the experimental outcomes. Subsequently, a finite element model of the tested joint was constructed using SolidWorks and subjected to analysis via ANSYS. The numerical findings were juxtaposed with experimental data and extrapolated to encompass other parametric scenarios. Ultimately, a regression analysis method was employed to derive a calculation formula for the load-carrying capacity of branch-bearing cast-steel joints. The regression analysis method can accurately obtain the load-bearing capacity calculation formula for tree-shaped joint models and can be extended to determine corresponding branch and main pipe dimensions, as well as the deviation angle between branches and the main pipe, under known load conditions. This improves design efficiency and accuracy. Comparative analysis reveals a substantial concurrence among experimental, finite element analysis, and formula-based predictive outcomes. The maximum error between experimental results and those obtained from finite element analysis is 9.02%. The maximum error between the results calculated using the load-bearing capacity formula derived from regression methods and those from finite element analysis is only 1.9%.

EIF3D promotes resistance to 5-fluorouracil in colorectal cancer through upregulating RUVBL1.

BACKGROUND: As EIF3D is oncogenic in colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with multidrug resistance, this study aims to investigate whether and how EIF3D regulates resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) in CRC. METHODS: EIF3D-associated genes in CRC were predicted using bioinformatics tools. CRC cells and nude mice received 5-Fu treatment. Then, the impacts of EIF3D and the interaction between EIF3D and RUVBL1 on cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, and DNA damage were detected through MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence assays, and those on in vivo tumorigenesis through murine xenograft assay. IC50 value of 5-Fu for CRC cells was determined by probit regression analysis. Expressions of EIF3D, eIF4E, EIF3D-associated genes, γH2AX, Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in CRC tissues, cells, and/or xenograft tumors were analyzed by qRT-PCR and/or Western blot. RESULTS: EIF3D and RUVBL1 were highly expressed and positively correlated with CRC tissues/cells. In CRC cells, except for eIF4E, both EIF3D and RUVBL1 levels were upregulated by 5-Fu treatment; in addition to that, RUVBL1 level was downregulated by EIF3D silencing rather than eIF4E. Meanwhile, EIF3D silencing diminished IC50 value of 5-Fu and potentiated 5-Fu-induced viability decrease, colony formation inhibition, apoptosis promotion, Bcl-2 downregulation, and γH2AX, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 upregulation but reversed 5-Fu-triggered RUVBL1 upregulation. RUVBL1 overexpression offsets EIF3D silencing-induced viability decrease and apoptosis promotion of 5-Fu-treated CRC cells, and tumorigenesis suppression and apoptosis promotion in 5-Fu-treated mice. CONCLUSION: EIF3D promotes resistance to 5-Fu in CRC through upregulating RUVBL1 level.

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation on Two Strengthening Schemes of Cantilever Brackets.

Cantilever brackets have been widely used in buildings to provide support for all kinds of pipes. In order to improve the bearing capacity of cantilever brackets, two types of reinforcement schemes are proposed, one is to sleeve a pipe, and the other is to add a haunch. Their mechanical properties are studied by numerical simulation and experimental investigation. First, the non-linear finite element (FE) simulation analysis was carried out, and the structural bearing capacity, stress distribution, and failure modes were discussed. Then, the full-scale model tests were completed to provide validation of the FE analysis. On this basis, a comparison of the FE results and test results of three kinds of cantilever brackets was discussed in detail. The results show that two reinforcement schemes can enhance the bearing capacity of the cantilever bracket significantly by 38.3% and 25.9%, respectively, and they are applicable for the reinforcement of existing cantilever brackets.

Generative Design and Integrated 3D Printing Manufacture of Cross Joints.

The integrated process of design and fabrication is invariably of particular interest and important to improve the quality and reduce the production cycle for structural joints, which are key components for connecting members and transferring loads in structural systems. In this work, using the generative design method, a pioneering idea was successfully realized to attain a reasonable configuration of the cross joints, which was then consecutively manufactured using 3D printing technology. Firstly, the initial model and generation conditions of a cross joint were constructed by the machine learning-based generative design algorithm, and hundreds of models were automatically generated. Then, based on the design objective and cost index of the cross joint, three representative joints were selected for further numerical analysis to verify the advantages of generative design. Finally, 3D printing was utilized to produce generative joints; the influences of printing parameters on the quality of 3D printing are further discussed in this paper. The results show that the cross joints from the generative design method have varied and innovative configurations and the best static behaviors. 3D printing technology can enhance the accuracy of cross joint fabrication. It is viable to utilize the integrated process of generative design and 3D printing to design and manufacture cross joints.

Improving Energy Harvesting from Bridge Vibration Excited by Moving Vehicles with a Bi-Stable Harvester.

To monitor the health status of the bridge, many sensors are needed to be mounted on it. Converting bridge vibration energy to electrical energy is considered as a potential solution to the problem of providing reliable electric power to these sensors. The objective of this work is to present an operable strategy for improving the electric energy output of a piezoelectric energy harvester installed on a bridge by introducing bi-stable characteristics. A bi-stable harvester is proposed. By adjusting the tip and fixed magnets, different types of potential energy can be generated, and then the harvester can exhibit the linear, mono-stable and bi-stable characteristics. In the bi-stable state, the harvester triggers snap-through motions easily and generates large outputs. The corresponding prototype was fabricated, and the experiment was carried out to validate the advantage of the bi-stable energy harvester. The experiment results show that the bi-stable energy harvester outperforms the classical linear harvester over the whole range of vehicle speed. As the vehicle speed exceeds a critical one, the snap-through motion will happen, which is beneficial to enhancing the electricity output. This conceptual design may provide guidance for promoting the performance of bridge energy harvesting.

The Regulatory Role of Neuropeptide Gene Glucagon in Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis.

Background: Colorectal cancer is highly prevalent and causes high global mortality, and glucagon axis has been implicated in colon cancer. The present study is aimed at investigating the regulating mechanisms of glucagon involvement in colorectal cancer. Methods: Publicly available data from the TCGA database was utilized to explore the expression pattern and regulating role of glucagon (GCG) in colorectal cancer (COADREAD) including colon adenocarcinomas (COAD) and rectum adenocarcinomas (READ). Statistical analyses were performed using the R software packages and public web servers. The expression pattern and prognostic significance of GCG gene in pan-cancer and TCGA-COADREAD data were investigated by performing unpaired and paired sample analyses. The association of GCG expression with clinical characteristics was investigated using logistic regression analysis. Univariate cox regression analysis was performed to test the prognostic value of GCG expression for overall survival in COADREAD patients. GCG-significantly correlated genes were obtained. Biological functions and signaling pathways were identified by performing functional enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Additionally, the potential involvement of GCG in tumor immunity was researched by investigating the correlation between GCG expression and 24 tumor infiltrating immune cells. Results: GCG was found to be significantly downregulated in COADREAD tumor samples compared with healthy control samples. GCG gene was shown to be associated with the prognostic outcomes of COADREAD, whereby its upregulation predicted improved survival outcomes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the top 100 positively and top 100 negatively GCG-correlated genes were mainly enriched in three signaling pathways including ribosome, nitrogen metabolism, and proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation. The GSEA showed that GCG-significantly correlated genes were mainly enriched in cell cycle-related pathways (reactome cell cycle, reactome cell cycle mitotic, reactome cell cycle checkpoints, reactome M phase, Reactome G2 M DNA damage checkpoint, and Reactome G2 M checkpoints), neuropeptide ligand receptor interaction, RHO GTPases signaling, WNT signaling, RUNX1 signaling, NOTCH signaling, ESR signaling, HCMV infection, and oxidative stress-related signaling. GCG was positively correlated with Th17 cells, pDC, macrophages, TFH cells, iDC, Tem, B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and eosinophils and was negatively associated with NK cells. Conclusions: GCG dysregulation with high prognostic value in COADREAD was noted. Several tumor progression-related pathways and tumor immune-modulatory cells were linked to GCG expression in COADREAD. Therefore, GCG may be regarded as a potential therapeutic target for treating colorectal cancer.

Intelligent Generation Method of Innovative Structures Based on Topology Optimization and Deep Learning.

Computer-aided design has been widely used in structural calculation and analysis, but there are still challenges in generating innovative structures intelligently. Aiming at this issue, a new method was proposed to realize the intelligent generation of innovative structures based on topology optimization and deep learning. Firstly, a large number of structural models obtained from topology optimization under different optimization parameters were extracted to produce the training set images, and the training set labels were defined as the corresponding load cases. Then, the boundary equilibrium generative adversarial networks (BEGAN) deep learning algorithm was applied to generate numerous innovative structures. Finally, the generated structures were evaluated by a series of evaluation indexes, including innovation, aesthetics, machinability, and mechanical performance. Combined with two engineering cases, the application process of the above method is described here in detail. Furthermore, the 3D reconstruction and additive manufacturing techniques were applied to manufacture the structural models. The research results showed that the proposed approach of structural generation based on topology optimization and deep learning is feasible, and can not only generate innovative structures but also optimize the material consumption and mechanical performance further.

Innovative Joint for Cable Dome Structure Based on Topology Optimization and Additive Manufacturing.

Aiming at the problems of a low material utilization rate and uneven stress distribution of cast-steel support joints in cable dome structures, topology optimization and additive manufacturing methods are used for optimization design and integrated manufacturing. First, the basic principle and calculation process of topology optimization are briefly introduced. Then, the initial model of the support joint is calculated and analyzed by using the universal software ANSYS Workbench 2020R2 and Altair OptiStruct, and the optimized joint is imported into Discovery Live to smooth the surface. The static behaviors of three types of joints (topology-optimized joints, joints after the smoothing treatment, and joints from practical engineering) are compared and analyzed. Finally, the joints are printed by using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology and laser-based powder bed fusion (LBPBF) technology in additive manufacturing. The results show that the new support joint in the cable dome structure obtained by the topology optimization method has the advantages of a novel shape, a high material utilization rate, and a uniform stress distribution. Additive manufacturing technology can allow the manufacture of complex shape components with high precision and high speed. The combination of topology optimization and additive manufacturing effectively realizes the advanced design and integrated manufacturing of support joints for cable dome structures.

Harvesting Energy from Bridge Vibration by Piezoelectric Structure with Magnets Tailoring Potential Energy.

Bridges play an increasingly more important role in modern transportation, which is why many sensors are mounted on it in order to provide safety. However, supplying reliable power to these sensors has always been a great challenge. Scavenging energy from bridge vibration to power the wireless sensors has attracted more attention in recent years. Moreover, it has been proved that the linear energy harvester cannot always work efficiently since the vibration energy of the bridge distributes over a broad frequency band. In this paper, a nonlinear energy harvester is proposed to enhance the performance of harvesting bridge vibration energy. Analyses on potential energy, restoring force, and stiffness were carried out. By adjusting the separation distance between magnets, the harvester could own a low and flat potential energy, which could help the harvester oscillate on a high-energy orbit and generate high output. For validation, corresponding experiments were carried out. The results show that the output of the optimal configuration outperforms that of the linear one. Moreover, with the increase in vehicle speed, a component of extremely low frequency is gradually enhanced, which corresponds to the motion on the high-energy orbit. This study may give an effective method of harvesting energy from bridge vibration excited by moving vehicles with different moving speeds.

Additive Manufacturing and Mechanical Performance of Trifurcated Steel Joints for Architecturally Exposed Steel Structures.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology has unique advantages in producing complex joints in architecturally exposed steel structures. This article focuses on the process of manufacturing and investigating the mechanical properties of a reduced scale model of a trifurcated joint using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) method and mechanical tests, respectively. The orthogonal test method was used to optimize the main AM process parameters. Then the trifurcated steel joint was printed using the optimal process parameters and treated by solid solution and aging treatment. To investigate the mechanical performance of the printed joint, an axial compression test and complimentary finite element analyses were carried out. Failure processes and failure mechanisms of the trifurcated steel joint were discussed in detail. The research results show that the preferred process parameters for printing 316L stainless steel powder are: scanning power 150 W, scanning speed 700 mm/s, and scanning pitch 0.09 mm. Using these AM parameters, trifurcated steel joints with good surface quality, geometrical accuracy and tensile strength are obtained after heat treatment. Our mechanical tests and Finite element analyses results indicate that the failure mechanism in the AM trifurcated joint are similar to those of cast steel joints. Based on these results, we conclude that the AM technology serves as a promising new way for the fabrication of joints with complex geometries.

LncRNA FENDRR attenuates colon cancer progression by repression of SOX4 protein.

Background and purpose: Homo sapiens FOXF1 adjacent noncoding developmental regulatory RNA (FENDRR) is a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) exerting important effects on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of FENDRR in colon cancer. Methods: Multiple cellular and molecular biology experiments were performed in the present study, such as CCK-8, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, confocal immunofluorescent and animal studies. Results: We determined that attenuation of FENDRR was a frequent event in colon cancer tissues and colon cancer cell lines, in contrast to their normal counterparts. Low levels of FENDRR were associated with the clinical stages and poor prognosis. Moreover, ectopic expression of FENDRR repressed colon cancer cell viability, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, through a series of in vitro and in vivo assays, we reported the discovery of FENDRR modulating the expression of SOX4 protein, and hence in the progression of colon cancer. Conclusion: Based on these data, we demonstrated that FENDRR may function as a tumor-suppressor gene by repressing SOX4 and as a potential therapeutic target for colon cancer.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit G promotes human colorectal cancer.

In this study, we investigated the role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit G (EIF3G) in colorectal cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis showed higher EIF3G expression in stage IV human colorectal cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.01). EIF3G short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown in HCT116 colon cancer cells reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis as compared to control. EIF3G knockdown also increased autophagy and reduced mTOR signaling, as evidenced by low phospho-AKT, phospho-S6K and phospho-4EBP1 levels. Functional experiments indicated that overexpression of EIF3G promoted HCT-116 cells proliferation, migration and xenograft tumor growth. Finally, we observed lower xenograft tumor weights and volumes with EIF3G-silenced HCT116 cells than with control cells. These findings demonstrate that EIF3G promotes colon cancer growth and is a potential therapeutic target.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit G (EIF3G) resensitized HCT116/5-Fu to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) via inhibition of MRP and MDR1.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a predominant cancer and accounts for approximately 10% of cancer-related mortality. Drug resistance still remains a priority mortality factor for patients due to no available therapeutic alternatives. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms how eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit G (EIF3G) resensitized 5-Fu-resistant human CRC cells (HCT116/5-Fu) to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu). METHODS: Multiple cellular and molecular biology experiments were performed in the present study, such as CCK-8, western blotting and flow cytometry. RESULTS: We found that EIF3G is highly expressed at RNA and protein levels in HCT116/5-Fu cells compared with HCT116 cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. In addition, silencing EIF3G enhanced 5-Fu-induced apoptosis in HCT116/5-Fu cells. Moreover, EIF3G silencing decreased the activity of the drug-related proteins MDR1 and MRP levels in HCT116/5-Fu cells. Finally, the xenograft tumor model further confirmed that EIF3G resensitized HCT116/5-Fu tumors to 5-Fu. We observed that EIF3G silencing followed by 5-Fu administration had a synergistic interaction effect on HCT116/5-Fu in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that EIF3G is a targetable regulator of chemoresistance in CRC, and inhibiting EIF3G in combination with 5-Fu might be a potential therapeutic strategy for colon cancer.

hmiR-34c-3p upregulation inhibits the proliferation of colon cancer cells by targeting EIF3D.

Our study desired to investigate how miR-34c-3p regulates colon cancer cell proliferation and what is the relationship between miR-34c-3p and EIF3D. HCEpiC (normal human colonic epithelial cells), SW620, HT-29, SW480, and HCT-116 (human colon cancer cells lines) were used in our study. SW620 cells were chosen and divided into blank, miR-34c-3p mimics, miR-34c-3p NC, miR-34c-3p inhibitors, Lv-EIF3D, Lv-NC, and miR-34c-3p mimics+Lv-EIF3D groups. qRT-PCR was used for the detection of miR-34c-3p and EIF3D mRNA expressions. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to investigate the effect of miR-34c-3p on EIF3D. Western blot was performed to detect EIF3D, cyclin D1, and c-Myc expressions. Clone formation and MTT assay were used to measure cell proliferation ability. colon cancer cells had lower miR-34c-3p expression, but higher EIF3D expression compared with HCEpiC. EIF3D mRNA expression was regulated negatively by miR-34c-3p. In the miR-34c-3p mimics group, colon cancer cell proliferation was significantly decreased, whereas c-Myc and cyclin D1 expressions were downregulated. Colon cancer cell proliferation in miR-34c-3p inhibitors and Lv-EIF3D groups was enhanced, and c-Myc and cyclin D1 expressions were decreased. The results suggested that by targeting EIF3D, miR-34c-3p inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation.

CXCR3A contributes to the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

CXCR3, belonging to CXC chemokine receptors, has been identified to be overexpressed in various kinds of tumors. There are three mRNA variants of CXCR3 (CXCR3A, CXCR3B and CXCR3alt) in human cells. The functions of major CXCR3 isoforms (CXCR3A, CXCR3B) have been reported in some tumors including prostate and breast cancer. However, the effects of CXCR3A and CXCR3B on gastric cancer cell progression remain unknown. The present investigation found that CXCR3A mRNA level was upregulated but CXCR3B mRNA level was downregulated in gastric cancer cells and tissues. In vitro growth analysis showed that CXCR3A acted as a positive mediator in regulating cell growth, whereas CXCR3B exerted the opposite effect. In vitro invasion and migration assays showed that CXCL10 promoted gastric cancer cell invasion and migration via CXCR3A, but not CXCR3B. Moreover, knockdown of CXCR3A inhibited cell growth and metastasis in vivo. Additionally, CXCR3A knockdown attenuated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)­13 and IL­6 expression, and reduced ERK1/2 activation. Together, these data suggest that CXCR3A contributes to the growth, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and thus may be a key mediator of gastric cancer progression.

Inhibition of green tea polyphenol EGCG((-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate) on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by suppressing canonical wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, could affect carcinogenesis and development of many cancers. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of EGCG on gastric cancer remain unclear. We found that EGCG significantly inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells in vitro. The decreased expressions of p-ß-catenin(Ser552), p-GSK3ß(S9) and ß-catenin target genes were detected in SGC-7901 cells after treated by EGCG. XAV939 and ß-catenin plasmid were further used to demonstrate the inhibition of EGCG on canonical Wnt/ß-catenin signalling. Moreover, EGCG significantly inhibited gastric tumour growth in vivo by inhibiting Wnt/ß-catenin signalling. Taken together, our findings establish that EGCG suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation and demonstrate that this inhibitory effect is related to canonical Wnt/ß-catenin signalling. This study raises a new insight into gastric cancer prevention and therapy, and provides evidence that green tea could be used as a nutraceutical beverage.

The neuroprotective effects of isosteviol against focal cerebral ischemia injury induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

Occlusion of a cerebral artery impairs blood flow leading to neuronal death. Reperfusion of the tissue is associated with inflammation, increased reactive oxygen species, necrosis and apoptosis. Hence, damage to the brain will continue even after the blood flow is restored. Isosteviol has been demonstrated to have protective effects against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in the rat heart and the current study was undertaken to determine whether it is also effective in preventing IR injury in the brain. Rats were divided into six groups: a sham-operation control group and 5 IR groups that were pre-treated with either isosteviol 5 mg.kg (-1), 10 mg.kg (-1), 20 mg.kg (-1), nimodipine 5 mg.kg (-1), or saline. Cerebral ischemia was induced for 2 hours. Twenty-two hours after re-perfusion the rats were assessed for neurobehavioral deficit, infarct volume, histological changes, and malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Bcl-2 and NF-kappaB levels in brain tissue. Pre-treatment with isosteviol reduced infarct volume, ameliorated cell death and infiltration of neutrocytes, improved neuro-locomotor activity, increased SOD activity, induced Bcl-2, suppressed lipid superoxidation and the expression of NF-kappaB, and therefore retarded necrosis and apoptosis of neurons and inflammation. These positive effects were dose-dependent with an isosteviol dose of 20 mg.kg (-1), thus being as effective as nimodipine.