ABSTRACT The issue of reducing tillage resistance and lowering energy consumption has become increasingly relevant. Strip tillage has a positive impact on soil protection and energy consumption reduction. This study analysed the tillage resistance components of rotary blades and their relationship with operating parameters and developed a mathematical relationship between tillage resistance and energy consumption (power and fuel consumption). We summarised tillage resistance into three parts: air resistance, lateral rotational friction resistance (divided into horizontal and vertical resistance), and shear force. By theoretical analysis and coupled simulation tests 11 (DEM-CFD), we obtained an air resistance, lateral rotational friction, and shear force of 0.0883 N, 97.21 N, and 893.496 N, respectively, accounting for 0.01%, 9.81%, and 90.18% of tillage resistance. Meanwhile, we found that horizontal resistance decreased linearly with the increase of angular speed, which was the opposite of vertical resistance. Horizontal and vertical resistance increased linearly with the increase in contact area. Shear force increased significantly with angular speed. Fuel consumption in the field test and tillage resistance and power consumption in coupled simulation was formed to build a correspondence point, and a mathematical relationship between tillage resistance, torque, and power and fuel consumption was established.

ABSTRACT In response to the problems of high impurity content in ears and poor stalk crushing efficiency during the harvesting of fresh corn, a double fan high-pressure impurity removal and cleaning device was designed based on the operating conditions and mechanical analysis of harvester. Field trials were conducted using fan speed (1200 rpm, 1300 rpm and 1400 rpm) and harvester operating speed (6 km/h, 8 km/h and 10 km/h) as test conditions, with ear impurity content rate and stalk crushing length qualification rate as indicators. Ear impurity content rate ranged from 0.25% to 0.50% and stalk crushing length qualification rate ranged from 96.1% to 98.6%, with test results meeting operation standard under all test conditions. The designed device was able to meet the operational requirements.

Abstract Background: UVB irradiation can cause acute damage such as sunburn, or photoaging and melanoma, all of which are major health threats. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the mechanism of skin photoaging induced by UVB radiation in mice through the analysis of the differential expression of miRNAs. Methods: A UVB irradiation photoaging model was constructed. HE and Masson special stains were used to examine the modifications in the epidermis and dermis of mice. The miRNA expression profiles of the mouse skin model exposed to UVB radiation and the normal skin of mice were analyzed using miRNA-sequence analysis. GO and Pathway analysis were employed for the prediction of miRNA targets. Results: A total of 23 miRNAs were evaluated for significantly different expressions in comparison to normal skin. Among them, 7 miRNAs were up-regulated and 16 were down-regulated in the skin with photoaging of mice exposed to UVB irradiation. The differential expression of miRNA is related to a variety of signal transduction pathways, among which mmu-miR-195a-5p and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathways are crucial. There was a significant differential expression of miRNA in the skin of normal mice in comparison with the skin with photoaging induced by UVB irradiation. Study limitations: Due to time and energy constraints, the specific protein level verification, MAPK pathway exploration, and miR-195a-5p downstream molecular mechanism need to be further studied in the future. Conclusions: UVB-induced skin photoaging can be diagnosed and treated using miRNA.

Abstract This study investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of curcumol on growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 xenografts in nude mice. Curcumol was isolated from from zedoary turmeric oil. The HepG2 xenograft model in nude mice was established. Forty modeled nude mice were divided into model, cisplatin, curcumol and cisplatin+curcumol groups. The latter three groups were treated with 2 mg/kg cisplatin, 100 mg/kg curcumol and 2 mg/kg cisplatin combined with 100 mg/kg curcumol, respectively, once every two days, for total seven times. After treatment, compared with cisplatin group, in cisplatin+curcumol group the tumor weight and tumor inhibition rate were obviously increased, the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells was obviously increased, the expression levels of Caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X proteins in xenograft tumor were significantly increased, and the expression level of B-cell lymphoma-2 protein was significantly decreased. In addition, the thymus index and spleen index of animal had no significant difference between cisplatin group and cisplatin+curcumol group. In conclusion, the additional use of curcumol can obviously increase the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on growth of HCC HepG2 xenografts in nude mice. The mechanism may be related to the enhanced promotion of apoptosis of tumor.

Abstract In this study, through animal experiments, we investigated the effects of Qingli Gandan decoction on the IL-23/IL-17 signalling pathway and the expression of CD4+/IL-17A+ cells in EAU rats. We then predicted the potential mechanisms of the action. First, Lewis rats were divided using the random number table method into a (1) control group, (2) model group and (3) TCM group. The TCM group was given a Qingli Gandan prescription by gavage after an intervention model. Next, blood, aqueous humour and vitreous were collected from each group on days 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 after immunisation. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the protein concentrations of IL-17 and IL-23 in a serum, aqueous humour and vitreous of rats on different immunisation days, and the percentage of CD4+/IL-17A+ cells in rat spleen was detected by flow cytometry. The peak concentration of serum IL-17 protein in group 3 was statistically lower than that in group 2 (P < 0.05) on days 4, 8 and 12 of immunisation. However, the peak concentration of serum IL-23 protein in group 3 was statistically lower than in group 2 (P < 0.05) on days 8 and 12 of immunisation; in addition, on days 8 and 12, the protein concentrations of IL-23 and IL-17 in the aqueous humour group 3 were all lower than those in group 2. On days 4, 8 and 12, the protein concentrations of IL-23 and IL-17 in vitreous in group 3 were significantly lower than those in group 2. We found that the proportion of CD4+/IL-17A+ cells in the groups 2 and 3 increased on day 8 compared with group 1 (P < 0.05). The proportion of CD4+/IL-17A+ cells decreased in group 3 compared with group 2 (P < 0.05).At last, we think Qingli Gandan can reduce the onset of EAU in rats and treat it, presumably because of inhibiting the IL-23/IL-17 axis. It may inhibit the expression of CD4+/IL-17A+ cells and play a role in inhibiting the IL-23/IL-17 signalling pathway.

Abstract microRNA (miRNA) had been found played an important role in occurrence and development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) disease. In this paper, we found that the circulating miR-223-3p in AMI patients was significantly higher than that in unstable angina (UA) patients and healthy people. Univariate and logistic regression analysis showed the circulating miR-223-3p was a protective factor in the occurrence of AMI. We also found that the circulating miR-223-3p was negatively correlated with the serum CK-MB, cTnI, AST, LDH, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8. The luciferase reporter gene system confirmed that miR-223-3p targeted inhibition of NLRP3 expression in THP-1 and human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), and miR-223-3p was negatively correlated with the expression of NLRP3 in the PBMC of AMI patients. In PBMC of healthy people, miR-146a-mimic could increase the expression of NLRP3, but decreased the level of TNF-α secretion. Moreover, H2C9 cells apoptosis by TNF-α in a dose-dependent. In conclusion, these results suggested that miR-223-3p suppressed inflammation to protect cardiomyocytes by targeting NLRP3 in AMI patients.

Abstract The interfacial stress in a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plate for strengthening the top flange of a box-girder bridge was theoretically investigated. According to the force analysis results of the box-girder structure, the most unfavorable force area was selected for modeling analysis. Using the simplified beam model, a CFRP plate-concrete interfacial-stress calculation model was derived, and the closed-form solution of the calculation model was obtained. Equivalent simplified test specimens were designed according to the box-girder structure to verify the reliability of the theoretical model. Then, four-point bending tests of the sample were performed. In these tests, the debonding failure modes and strain in the CFRP plate were examined. The CFRP plate-concrete interfacial stress was calculated according to the strain data of the CFRP plate in the experimental tests. Then compared the experimental results with the theoretical results. Furthermore, the corresponding interfacial stresses were calculated and compared according to the different load levels specified in the code. A series of theoretical and experimental comparisons were performed to verify the reliability of the proposed CFRP-concrete interfacial stress closed-form solution model.

Abstract This paper investigated the fatigue properties and theoretical research on Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) RC bridge roof with new deck-pavement material. Two deck pavement schemes of CFRP-reinforced specimens were designed and tested. Four-point flexural fatigue tests were carried out on the specimens. The fatigue crack propagation, the deflection development and the CFRP strain under bridge fatigue load were researched. The test results show that the CFRP plate-reinforced specimens crack resistance performance can be improved and can bear the fatigue test load of two million times. Combined with the characteristics of the crack growth rate and fatigue damage accumulation of CFRP plate-reinforced bridge roof specimens, the fatigue life prediction analytical model for CFRP plate reinforced RC bridge roof was obtained. The fatigue life prediction model agrees well with the experimental results. The model proposed in this paper could be applied to predict the fatigue life of the CFRP plate-reinforced RC bridge roofs.

RESUMEN Este artículo disena una Factorización Anidada (NF) altamente paralela para resolver grandes ecuaciones lineales generadas en problemas de simulación numérica de yacimientos. El método NF es un método tradicional de preprocesamiento de solución lineal para problemas de simulación numérica de yacimientos, y ha recuperado atención en los últimos anos debido a su potencial para extenderse a arquitecturas paralelas como las GPU (Unidades de Procesador de Gráficos). El algoritmo paralelo de este artículo se basa en el marco de MPNF (Factorización Anidada Masivamente Paralela) propuesto por Appleya. El algoritmo MPNF disenado en esta contribución se enfoca en su implementación eficiente en la arquitectura paralela de GPU. Sus características incluyen: usar una estructura de matriz personalizada para lograr un acceso combinado, mejorar los accesos de cuellos de botella y mejorar la eficiencia del algoritmo SpMV. También es aplicable al método de preprocesamiento en dos etapas CPR (solución de presión residual de restricción) presión solución y etapa de preprocesamiento global; el método MPNF se extiende a la solución del problema de cuadrícula no estructurada de 2.5 dimensiones. El algoritmo paralelo en este artículo se ha integrado en el simulador numérico de yacimiento. Para el ejemplo estándar de SPE10 (millones de cuadrículas, altamente heterogéneo), el algoritmo NF paralelo basado en GPU está en el modelo de cuadrícula estructurada y el equivalente de 2.5-no dimensional- en el modelo de cuadrícula estructurada, en comparación con la versión en serie del método NF, los índices de aceleración de 19.8 y 17.0 veces se obtuvieron respectivamente; en comparación con el método de solución serial convencional, la eficiencia también se mejoró de 2 a 3 veces.

ABSTRACT This paper designs a highly parallel Nested Factorization (NF) to solve large linear equations generated in reservoir numerical simulation problems. The NF method is a traditional linear solution preprocessing method for reservoir numerical simulation problems and has regained attention in recent years due to its potential to extend to parallel architectures such as GPUs (Graphics Processor Units). The parallel algorithm of this paper is based on the MPNF (Massively Parallel Nested Factorization) framework proposed by Appleya. The MPNF algorithm designed in this paper focuses on its efficient implementation on the GPU parallel architecture. Its features include: using a custom matrix structure to achieve merge access, improving access bottlenecks, and improving the efficiency of the SpMV algorithm. It is also applicable to the two-stage preprocessing method CPR (Constrain Pressure Residual). CPR pressures solution and global preprocessing stage; the MPNF method is extended to the solution of the 2.5-dimensional unstructured grid problem. The parallel algorithm in this paper has been integrated into the reservoir numerical simulator. For the SPE10 (million grid, highly heterogeneous) standard example, the GPU-based parallel NF algorithm is in the structured grid model and the equivalent 2.5-dimensional non-on the structured grid model. Compared with the serial version of the NF method, the acceleration ratios of 19.8 and 17.0 times were obtained, respectively; compared with the mainstream serial solution method; the efficiency was also improved by 2 to 3 times.

The present study aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that are involved in neuropathic pain and predict their corresponding roles in the pathogenesis and development process of neuropathic pain. The rat model of neuropathic pain caused by spared nerve injury (SNI) was established in Sprague-Dawley male rats, followed by small RNA sequencing of the L3–L6 dorsal root ganglion. Real-time PCR was performed to validate the differently expressed miRNAs. Functional verification was performed by intrathecally injecting the animals with miRNA agomir. A total of 72 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the SNI rats, including 33 upregulated and 39 downregulated miRNAs. The results of qPCR further verified the expression levels of rno-miR-6215 (P=0.015), rno-miR-1224 (P=0.030), rno-miR-1249 (P=0.038), and rno-miR-488-3p (P=0.048), which were all significantly downregulated in the SNI rats compared to the control ones. The majority of differentially expressed miRNAs were associated with phosphorylation, intracellular signal transduction, and cell death. Target prediction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses suggested that these differentially expressed miRNAs targeted genes that are related to axon guidance, focal adhesion, and Ras and Wnt signaling pathways. Moreover, miR-1224 agomir significantly alleviated SNI-induced neuropathic pain. The current findings provide new insights into the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain.

Abstract The bond-slip relationship of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) plate-concrete after the influence of high temperature action of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) paving was investigated in this article. Two groups of double shear specimens with different bonding length were designed and tested. Based on the test results, the failure modes of specimens, the strain distribution and the shear stress of CFRP-concrete interface were analyzed. Considering the influence of high temperature, the interfacial bond-slip constitutive model of CFRP plate and concrete after high temperature action of SMA paving construction was proposed. The proposed model can reflect the nonlinearity and interface softening behaviour of the CFRP plate-concrete interface constitutive relationship under special environment. Through the comparative study of exixting constitutive models, the interface bond-slip constitutive model proposed in this paper considers the effect of high temperature and has good agreement with the test results.

Abstract This paper investigates the crack and mechanical behavior of CFRP plate-reinforced bridge roof under high temperature with different anchoring measures. Six CFRP-reinforced test beams with different anchoring schemes were designed and constructed. The beam specimens, after the high temperature effects, were tested under four-point bending loads. The crack propagation, beam deflection, mid-span strain and the damage modes were observed and recorded until failure. The stiffness variation and the debonding failure mechanism of the test beams were comparatively investigated. The results indicate that the debonding bearing capacity of the specimens can be improved by the additional anchoring measures. The concrete shrinkage at the crack and the average crack spacing are more effectively reduced, when the additional anchoring measures are placed at the mid-span and the support position. In addition, a theoretical model is proposed for calculating the intermediate crack debonding bearing capacity. Based on the comparative analysis of various models and test results, it is shown that the proposed model could accurately calculate the intermediate crack debonding bearing capacity of the test specimens.

A novel series of 2-ethyl-1-(4-substituted)phenyl-1H-imidazole derivatives was designed, synthesized, and tested for its antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains. Most of the synthesized compounds showed potent inhibition of several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 4-256 nmol mL-1 in vitro. The compound [2-ethyl-1-(4-pentoxy)phenyl-1H-imidazole] exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity. The MIC of this compound against S. aureus was found to be 8 nmol mL-1, smaller than that of the reference agents, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin. Furthermore, the compound exhibited modest activity against several bacterial strains in a dose range of 8-256 nmol mL-1.

Any compression of testicular arteries may lead to loss of spermatogenesis and gonadal hormone production, existence of the variational arteries is accountable in cases of vasoligation, orchidopexy and other surgical approach on them. Anomalies of the testicular blood arteries were observed during dissection of the pelvic cavity in a 68-year-old male cadaver. This report describes a very rare case of lack of testicular arteries. For the blood supply to the testis, thick deferential arteries form some vascular winding and loops and course accompanied by deferent duct to the testis. This case report would serve as ray of light for knowledge of the possible variations of the testicular arteries during surgical procedures.

Cualquier compresión de las arterias testiculares puede conducir a la pérdida de la espermatogénesis y la producción de hormonas gonadales. La existencia de variaciones en las arterias testiculares es relevante en los casos de vasectomía, orquidopexia y otros tipos de abordaje quirúrgico. Se observaron anomalías de las arterias testiculares durante la disección de la cavidad pélvica de un cadáver de sexo masculino de 68 años de edad. En este trabajo se describe un caso muy poco frecuente de ausencia de arterias testiculares. Para el suministro sanguíneo del testículo, se encontraron arterias deferentes gruesas que producen sinuosidad y tortuosidad vascular junto al conducto deferente en los testículos. Este caso podría ser útil para el conocimiento de las posibles variaciones de las arterias testiculares durante los procedimientos quirúrgicos.

INTRODUÇÃO: A insônia é o distúrbio do sono mais comum: relatórios recentes estimam que 25-30% dos adultos sofrem episódios de insônia, enquanto 10% sofrem de distúrbio do sono suficientemente grave para cumprir os critérios de diagnóstico para insônia. Além disso, pouco se sabe sobre os mecanismos, causas, evolução clínica, e consequências desta doença crónica altamente prevalente. Mais de 30 estudos foram publicados sobre o assunto, mas apenas uma pequena proporção encontrou diferenças entre os indivíduos com e sem insônia, por exemplo, na memória de trabalho. OBJETIVO: Examinar as evidências sobre as diferenças entre adultos insones e normais no desempenho da memória de trabalho. MÉTODOS: A pesquisa foi realizada usando uma pesquisa avançada no ISI Web of Science e MEDLINE/PubMed com os termos "sleep", "insônia" e "memória de trabalho" como os principais descritores, que foram cruzados com as seguintes palavras-chave: "testes psicológicos", "neuropsicologia" e "performance". RESULTADOS: Um total de 132 artigos foram identificados na pesquisa realizada no PubMed e Web of Science; 20 duplicações foram excluídas. Após a triagem, 102 artigos foram excluídos, que não estavam relacionadas com o tema proposto. Assim, 10 artigos foram selecionados por critérios de elegibilidade e de exclusão, e incluídos na revisão sistemática. CONCLUSÃO: As descobertas relatadas em nosso estudo sugerem que os deficits leves mas não permanentes de desempenho cognitivo podem ser mascarados por disparidades insignificantes em estudos que comparam indivíduos com insônia com pessoas com sono normal. Tal deficiência pode ser contornada pela análise de amostras maiores e mais bem caracterizadas, em conjunto com o controle metodológico otimizado de fatores que potencialmente podem incorrer em variações entre os participantes.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is the most commonly occurring sleep disorder: recent reports estimate that 25-30% of adults in the general population occasional instances of experience insomnia, while 10% suffer from disturbances severe enough to meet diagnostic criteria for insomnia. Little is known about the mechanisms, causes, clinical course, and consequences of this condition. Over 30 studies have been published on the matter but only a small proportion has found differences in the working memory of individuals with vs. without insomnia. OBJECTIVE: To summarize evidence regarding the differences in working memory performance between insomniac vs. normal adult sleepers. METHODS: The survey was conducted using an advanced search in the ISI Web of Science and MEDLINE/PubMed with the terms "sleep", "insomnia" and "working memory" as major descriptors; these were crossed with the following keywords: "psychological tests", "neuropsychology" and "performance". RESULTS: A total of 112 articles were identified in the search conducted in PubMed and Web of Science. After the screening, 102 articles unrelated to the proposed theme were excluded. Thus, 10 articles were analyzed by the eligibility and exclusion criteria, and included in this systematic review. CONCLUSION: The information resulting from the analysis of the reviewed articles suggests that mild, but not definitive deficits in cognitive performance might be masked by insignificant disparities in studies comparing insomniac individuals with normal sleepers. This shortcoming can be circumvented by larger and better-characterized samples, together with optimized methodological control of factors which might otherwise result in confounding variations among participants.