Smoothness Prior Approach for Spectral Smoothing and Baseline Correction

Smoothness prior approach for spectral smoothing is investigated using Fourier frequency filter analysis.We show that the regularization parameter in penalized least squares could continuously control the bandwidth of low-pass filter.Besides,due to its property of interpolating the missing values automatically and smoothly,a spectral baseline correction algorithm based on the approach is proposed.This algorithm generally comprises spectral peak detection and baseline estimation.First,the spectral peak regions are detected and identified according to the second derivatives.Then,generalized smoothness prior approach combining identification information could estimate the baseline in peak regions.Results with both the simulated and real spectra show accurate baseline-corrected signals with this method.

A Dual Domain Robust Reversible Watermarking Algorithm for Frame Grouping Videos Using Scene Smoothness

The proposed robust reversible watermarking algorithm addresses the compatibility challenges between robustness and reversibility in existing video watermarking techniques by leveraging scene smoothness for frame grouping videos.Grounded in the H.264 video coding standard,the algorithm first employs traditional robust watermark stitching technology to embed watermark information in the low-frequency coefficient domain of the U channel.Subsequently,it utilizes histogram migration techniques in the high-frequency coefficient domain of the U channel to embed auxiliary information,enabling successful watermark extraction and lossless recovery of the original video content.Experimental results demonstrate the algorithm’s strong imperceptibility,with each embedded frame in the experimental videos achieving a mean peak signal-to-noise ratio of 49.3830 dB and a mean structural similarity of 0.9996.Compared with the three comparison algorithms,the performance of the two experimental indexes is improved by 7.59%and 0.4%on average.At the same time,the proposed algorithm has strong robustness to both offline and online attacks:In the face of offline attacks,the average normalized correlation coefficient between the extracted watermark and the original watermark is 0.9989,and the average bit error rate is 0.0089.In the face of online attacks,the normalized correlation coefficient between the extracted watermark and the original watermark is 0.8840,and the mean bit error rate is 0.2269.Compared with the three comparison algorithms,the performance of the two experimental indexes is improved by 1.27%and 18.16%on average,highlighting the algorithm’s robustness.Furthermore,the algorithm exhibits low computational complexity,with the mean encoding and the mean decoding time differentials during experimental video processing being 3.934 and 2.273 s,respectively,underscoring its practical utility.

A generalized nonlinear three-dimensional Hoek‒Brown failure criterion

To understand the strengths of rocks under complex stress states,a generalized nonlinear threedimensional(3D)Hoek‒Brown failure(NGHB)criterion was proposed in this study.This criterion shares the same parameters with the generalized HB(GHB)criterion and inherits the parameter advantages of GHB.Two new parameters,b,and n,were introduced into the NGHB criterion that primarily controls the deviatoric plane shape of the NGHB criterion under triaxial tension and compression,respectively.The NGHB criterion can consider the influence of intermediate principal stress(IPS),where the deviatoric plane shape satisfies the smoothness requirements,while the HB criterion not.This criterion can degenerate into the two modified 3D HB criteria,the Priest criterion under triaxial compression condition and the HB criterion under triaxial compression and tension condition.This criterion was verified using true triaxial test data for different parameters,six types of rocks,and two kinds of in situ rock masses.For comparison,three existing 3D HB criteria were selected for performance comparison research.The result showed that the NGHB criterion gave better prediction performance than other criteria.The prediction errors of the strength of six types of rocks and two kinds of in situ rock masses were in the range of 2.0724%-3.5091%and 1.0144%-3.2321%,respectively.The proposed criterion lays a preliminary theoretical foundation for prediction of engineering rock mass strength under complex in situ stress conditions.

Retrospective and prospective review of the generalized nonlinear strength theory for geomaterials

Strength theory is the basic theory for calculating and designing the strength of engineering materials in civil,hydraulic,mechanical,aerospace,military,and other engineering disciplines.Therefore,the comprehensive study of the generalized nonlinear strength theory(GNST)of geomaterials has significance for the construction of engineering rock strength.This paper reviews the GNST of geomaterials to demonstrate the research status of nonlinear strength characteristics of geomaterials under complex stress paths.First,it systematically summarizes the research progress of GNST(classical and empirical criteria).Then,the latest research the authors conducted over the past five years on the GNST is introduced,and a generalized three-dimensional(3D)nonlinear Hoek‒Brown(HB)criterion(NGHB criterion)is proposed for practical applications.This criterion can be degenerated into the existing three modified HB criteria and has a better prediction performance.The strength prediction errors for six rocks and two in-situ rock masses are 2.0724%-3.5091%and 1.0144%-3.2321%,respectively.Finally,the development and outlook of the GNST are expounded,and a new topic about the building strength index of rock mass and determining the strength of in-situ engineering rock mass is proposed.The summarization of the GNST provides theoretical traceability and optimization for constructing in-situ engineering rock mass strength.

Effect of the interval between two shocks on ejecta formation from the grooved aluminum surface

This work focuses on the effect of the interval between two shocks on the ejecta formation from the grooved aluminum(Al_(1100))surface by using smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical simulation.Two unsupported shocks are obtained by the plate-impact between sample and two flyers at interval,with a peak pressure of approximately 30 GPa for each shock.When the shock interval varies from 2.11 to 7.67 times the groove depth,the bubble velocity reduces to a constant,and the micro jetting factor R_(J) from spike to bubble exhibits a non-monotonic change that decreases initially and then increases.At a shock interval of 3.6 times the groove depth,micro jetting factor R_(J) from spike to bubble reaches its minimum value of approximately 0.6.While,the micro jetting factor R_(F) from spike to free surface decreases linearly at first,and stabilizes around 0.25 once the shock interval surpasses 4.18 times the groove depth.When the shock interval is less than 4.18 times the groove depth,the unloading wave generated by the breakout of the first shock wave is superimpose with the unloading part of the second shock wave to form a large tensile area.

Integrated strategy for real-time wind power fluctuation mitigation and energy storage system control

To address the impact of wind-power fluctuations on the stability of power systems,we propose a comprehensive approach that integrates multiple strategies and methods to enhance the efficiency and reliability of a system.First,we employ a strategy that restricts long-and short-term power output deviations to smoothen wind power fluctuations in real time.Second,we adopt the sliding window instantaneous complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise(SW-ICEEMDAN)strategy to achieve real-time decomposition of the energy storage power,facilitating internal power distribution within the hybrid energy storage system.Finally,we introduce a rule-based multi-fuzzy control strategy for the secondary adjustment of the initial power allocation commands for different energy storage components.Through simulation validation,we demonstrate that the proposed comprehensive control strategy can smoothen wind power fluctuations in real time and decompose energy storage power.Compared with traditional empirical mode decomposition(EMD),ensemble empirical mode decomposition(EEMD),and complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise(CEEMDAN)decomposition strategies,the configuration of the energy storage system under the SW-ICEEMDAN control strategy is more optimal.Additionally,the state-of-charge of energy storage components fluctuates within a reasonable range,enhancing the stability of the power system and ensuring the secure operation of the energy storage system.

A modified smoothed particle hydrodynamics method considering residual stress for simulating failure and its application in layered rock mass

Residual strength is an indispensable factor in evaluating rock fracture,yet the current Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics(SPH)framework rarely considers its influence when simulating fracture.An improved cracking strategy considering residual stress in the base bond SPH method was proposed to simulate failures in layered rocks and slopes and verified by experimental results and other simulation methods(i.e.,the discrete element method).Modified Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion was applied to distinguish the mixed failure of tensile and shear.Bond fracture markψwas introduced to improve the kernel function after tensile damage,and the calculation of residual stress after the damage was derived after shear damage.Numerical simulations were carried out to evaluate its performance under different stress and scale conditions and to verify its effectiveness in realistically reproducing crack initiation and propagation and coalescence,even fracture and separation.The results indicate that the improved cracking strategy precisely captures the fracture and failure pattern in layered rocks and rock slopes.The residual stress of brittle tock is correctly captured by the improved SPH method.The improved SPH method that considers residual strength shows an approximately 13%improvement in accuracy for the safety factor of anti-dip layered slopes compared to the method that does not consider residual strength,as validated against analytical solutions.We infer that the improved SPH method is effective and shows promise for applications to continuous and discontinuous rock masses.

Cucurbitacins mitigate vascular neointimal hyperplasia by suppressing cyclin A2 expression and inhibiting VSMC proliferation

Background:Restenosis frequently occurs after percutaneous angioplasty in patients with vascular occlusion and seriously threatens their health.Substantial evidence has revealed that preventing vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation using a drug-eluting stent is an effective approach to improve restenosis.Cucurbitacins have been demonstrated to exert an anti-proliferation effect in various tumors and a hypoten-sive effect.This study aims to investigate the role of cucurbitacins extracted from Cucumis melo L.(CuECs)and cucurbitacin B(CuB)on restenosis.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were subjected to left carotid artery ligation and subcu-taneously injected with CuECs or CuB for 4 weeks.Hematoxylin-Eosin,immuno-fluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining were used to evaluate the effect of CuECs and CuB on neointimal hyperplasia.Western blot,real-time PCR,flow cytometry analysis,EdU staining and cellular immunofluorescence assay were em-ployed to measure the effects of CuECs and CuB on cell proliferation and the cell cycle in vitro.The potential interactions of CuECs with cyclin A2 were performed by molecular docking.Results:The results demonstrated that both CuECs and CuB exhibited significant inhibitory effects on neointimal hyperplasia and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.Furthermore,CuECs and CuB mediated cell cycle arrest at the S phase.Autodocking analysis demonstrated that CuB,CuD,CuE and CuI had high binding en-ergy for cyclin A2.Our study also showed that CuECs and CuB dramatically inhibited FBS-induced cyclin A2 expression.Moreover,the expression of cyclin A2 in CuEC-and CuB-treated neointima was downregulated.Conclusions:CuECs,especially CuB,exert an anti-proliferation effect in VSMCs and may be potential drugs to prevent restenosis.

An Innovative Coupled Common-Node Discrete Element Method-Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Model Developed with LS-DYNA and Its Applications

In this study,a common-node DEM-SPH coupling model based on the shared node method is proposed,and a fluid–structure coupling method using the common-node discrete element method-smoothed particle hydrodynamics(DS-SPH)method is developed using LS-DYNA software.The DEM and SPH are established on the same node to create common-node DEM-SPH particles,allowing for fluid–structure interactions.Numerical simulations of various scenarios,including water entry of a rigid sphere,dam-break propagation over wet beds,impact on an ice plate floating on water and ice accumulation on offshore structures,are conducted.The interaction between DS particles and SPH fluid and the crack generation mechanism and expansion characteristics of the ice plate under the interaction of structure and fluid are also studied.The results are compared with available data to verify the proposed coupling method.Notably,the simulation results demonstrated that controlling the cutoff pressure of internal SPH particles could effectively control particle splashing during ice crushing failure.

3D printed grafts with gradient structures for organized vascular regeneration

Synthetic vascular grafts suitable for small-diameter arteries(<6 mm) are in great need.However,there are still no commercially available small-diameter vascular grafts(SDVGs) in clinical practice due to thrombosis and stenosis after in vivo implantation.When designing SDVGs,many studies emphasized reendothelization but ignored the importance of reconstruction of the smooth muscle layer(SML).To facilitate rapid SML regeneration,a high-resolution 3D printing method was used to create a novel bilayer SDVG with structures and mechanical properties mimicking natural arteries.Bioinspired by the collagen alignment of SML,the inner layer of the grafts had larger pore sizes and high porosity to accelerate the infiltration of cells and their circumferential alignment,which could facilitate SML reconstruction for compliance restoration and spontaneous endothelialization.The outer layer was designed to induce fibroblast recruitment by low porosity and minor pore size and provide SDVG with sufficient mechanical strength.One month after implantation,the arteries regenerated by 3D-printed grafts exhibited better pulsatility than electrospun grafts,with a compliance(8.9%) approaching that of natural arteries(11.36%) and significantly higher than that of electrospun ones(1.9%).The 3D-printed vascular demonstrated a three-layer structure more closely resembling natural arteries while electrospun grafts showed incomplete endothelium and immature SML.Our study shows the importance of SML reconstruction during vascular graft regeneration and provides an effective strategy to reconstruct blood vessels through 3D-printed structures rapidly.

Quantitative proteomics analysis reveals the pathogenesis of obstructed defecation syndrome caused by abnormal expression of dystrophin

BACKGROUND Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)represents the most prevalent form of chronic constipation,affecting a diverse patient population,leading to numerous complications,and imposing a significant burden on healthcare resources.Most ODS patients have insufficient rectal propulsion,but the exact mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of ODS remains unclear.AIM To explore the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of ODS.METHODS A total of 30 pairs of rectal samples were collected from patients with ODS(ODS group)or grade IV prolapsed hemorrhoids without constipation(control group)for quantitative proteomic and bioinformatic analysis.Subsequently,50 pairs of paraffin-embedded rectal specimens were selected for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence studies to validate the analysis results.Human intestinal smooth cell contractile function experiments and electrophysiological experiments were conducted to verify the physiological functions of target proteins.Cellular ultrastructure was detected using transmission electron microscopy.RESULTS In comparison to the control group,the expression level of dystrophin(DMD)in rectal specimens from ODS patients was markedly reduced.This finding was corroborated using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques.The diminished expression of DMD compromised the contractile function of intestinal smooth muscle cells.At the molecular level,nucleoporin protein 153 and L-type voltage-gated calcium channel were found to be overexpressed in intestinal smooth muscle cells exhibiting downregulated DMD expression.Electrophysiological experiments confirmed an excessive influx of calcium ions into these cells.Moreover,vacuolar-like structures which may be associated with excessive calcium influx were observed in the cells by transmission electron microscopy.CONCLUSION Decreased DMD expression in intestinal smooth muscle may upregulate L-type voltage-gated calcium channel expression,leading to excessive calcium influx which may cause a decrease in rectal propulsion,thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of ODS.

A new strain-based pentagonal membrane finite element for solid mechanics problems

Polygonal finite elements remain an attractive option in finite element analysis due to their flexibility in modelingarbitrary shapes compared to triangles.In this study,a pentagonal membrane element was developed with thestrain approach for the first time.The element possesses invariance,and the equilibrium constraint was appliedto the assumed strain field using corrective coefficients.Inspired by the advancing front technique,a pentagonalmesh was generated,and the mesh quality was enhanced with Laplacian smoothing.The performance of thedeveloped pentagonal element was assessed in a few numerical tests,and the results revealed its suitability inmodeling the bending of beams.Besides,the numerical results are enhanced when pentagonal elements are usedin mesh transitions along boundaries to smoothen curved edges and capture distributed loads.

Numerical Simulations of Wave Impact Forces on the Open-Type Sea Access Road Using A Two-Phase SPH Model

A numerical study based on a two-dimensional two-phase SPH(Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics)model to analyze the action of water waves on open-type sea access roads is presented.The study is a continuation of the analyses presented by Chen et al.(2022),in which the sea access roads are semi-immersed.In this new configuration,the sea access roads are placed above the still water level,therefore the presence of the air phase becomes a relevant issue in the determination of the wave forces acting on the structures.Indeed,the comparison of wave forces on the open-type sea access roads obtained from the single and two-phase SPH models with the experimental results shows that the latter are in much better agreement.So in the numerical simulations,a two-phaseδ-SPH model is adopted to investigate the dynamical problems.Based on the numerical results,the maximum horizontal and uplifting wave forces acting on the sea access roads are analyzed by considering different wave conditions and geometries of the structures.In particular,the presence of the girder is analyzed and the differences in the wave forces due to the air cushion effects which are created below the structure are highlighted.

Accelerated Primal-Dual Projection Neurodynamic Approach With Time Scaling for Linear and Set Constrained Convex Optimization Problems

The Nesterov accelerated dynamical approach serves as an essential tool for addressing convex optimization problems with accelerated convergence rates.Most previous studies in this field have primarily concentrated on unconstrained smooth con-vex optimization problems.In this paper,on the basis of primal-dual dynamical approach,Nesterov accelerated dynamical approach,projection operator and directional gradient,we present two accelerated primal-dual projection neurodynamic approaches with time scaling to address convex optimization problems with smooth and nonsmooth objective functions subject to linear and set constraints,which consist of a second-order ODE(ordinary differential equation)or differential conclusion system for the primal variables and a first-order ODE for the dual vari-ables.By satisfying specific conditions for time scaling,we demonstrate that the proposed approaches have a faster conver-gence rate.This only requires assuming convexity of the objective function.We validate the effectiveness of our proposed two accel-erated primal-dual projection neurodynamic approaches through numerical experiments.

A Novel Foreign Object Detection Method in Transmission Lines Based on Improved YOLOv8n

The rapid pace of urban development has resulted in the widespread presence of construction equipment andincreasingly complex conditions in transmission corridors. These conditions pose a serious threat to the safeoperation of the power grid.Machine vision technology, particularly object recognition technology, has beenwidelyemployed to identify foreign objects in transmission line images. Despite its wide application, the technique faceslimitations due to the complex environmental background and other auxiliary factors. To address these challenges,this study introduces an improved YOLOv8n. The traditional stepwise convolution and pooling layers are replacedwith a spatial-depth convolution (SPD-Conv) module, aiming to improve the algorithm’s efficacy in recognizinglow-resolution and small-size objects. The algorithm’s feature extraction network is improved by using a LargeSelective Kernel (LSK) attention mechanism, which enhances the ability to extract relevant features. Additionally,the SIoU Loss function is used instead of the Complete Intersection over Union (CIoU) Loss to facilitate fasterconvergence of the algorithm. Through experimental verification, the improved YOLOv8n model achieves adetection accuracy of 88.8% on the test set. The recognition accuracy of cranes is improved by 2.9%, which isa significant enhancement compared to the unimproved algorithm. This improvement effectively enhances theaccuracy of recognizing foreign objects on transmission lines and proves the effectiveness of the new algorithm.

Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus ameliorate restenosis via improving inflammation and regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Restenosis is a common complication following coronary angioplasty.The traditional use of seaweeds for health benefits has increasingly been explored,however few studies exist reporting its protective effects on the development of restenosis and gut dysbiosis.The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of seaweed extracts(SE) of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus in inhibiting intimal hyperplasia in a rat model of restenosis and its underlying mechanisms in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells(vSMCs).16S rRNA sequencing was done to investigate the regulatory effect of SE on the gut microbiome of injured rats.As indicated by the results,SE significantly inhibited the progression of intimal hyperplasia in vivo,attenuated inflammation in macrophages and could inhibit the proliferation,dedifferentiation and migration of vSMCs.It was observed through immunoblotting assays that treatment with SE significantly upregulated PTEN expression in macrophages and inhibited the upregulation of PI3K and AKT expression in vSMCs.Meanwhile,according to the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis,supplementation with SE modulated gut microbiota composition in injured rats.In conclusion,SE could ameliorate intimal hyperplasia by inhibiting inflammation and vSMCs proliferation through the regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and modulating the gut microbiome.

Laryngeal leiomyoma:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Leiomyomas(LMs)are mesenchymal tumors that arise from smooth muscle cells.LMs most commonly arise in organs with an abundance of smooth muscle such as the uterus and gastrointestinal tract.Conversely,LMs are rarely detected in the head and neck region.In this study,we report a rare case of laryngeal LM(LLM)and summarized the clinical characteristics of reported LLMs to help clinicians better understand this rare disease and improve its diagnosis,treatment,and postoperative course.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old man was admitted to our ENT outpatient clinic with a chief complaint of pharynx discomfort for 2 months.Laryngoscopy performed under topical anesthesia revealed a solitary,pink mass at the tubercle of epiglottis.Surgery via laryngeal endoscopy was performed under general anesthesia,and the lesion was excised easily.Positive immunohistochemical staining for desmin and smooth-muscle actin indicated a smooth muscle origin and the diagnosis was laryngeal leiomyoma.After surgery,the patient’s condition was stable,and he was discharged 2 d after surgery.During the 1-year postoperative period,the patient’s condition remained stable without evidence of recurrence.CONCLUSION Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for LLMs,its early diagnosis and differential diagnosis have important clinical significance.

Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics Simulation of Ship Motion and Tank Sloshing under the Effect of Regular Waves

Predicting the response of liquefied natural gas(LNG)contained in vessels subjected to external waves is extremely important to ensure the safety of the transportation process.In this study,the coupled behavior due to ship motion and liquid tank sloshing has been simulated by the Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics(SPH)method.Firstly,the sloshing flow in a rectangular tank was simulated and the related loads were analyzed to verify and validate the accuracy of the present SPH solver.Then,a three-dimensional simplified LNG carrier model,including two prismatic liquid tanks and a wave tank,was introduced.Different conditions were examined corresponding to different wave lengths,wave heights,wave heading angles,and tank loading rates.Finally,the effects of liquid tank loading rate on LNG ship motions and sloshing loading were analyzed,thereby showing that the SPH method can effectively provide useful indications for the design of liquid cargo ships.

Charting the course:India's health expenditure projections for 2035

Objectives Understanding past trends and forecasting future changes in health spending is vital for planning and reducing reliance on out-of-pocket(OOP)expenses.The current study analyzed health expenditure patterns in India and forecasted future trends and patterns until 2035.Methods Data on health expenditure in India from 2000 to 2019 was collected from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)iLibrary and National Health Accounts 2019 databases.Gross domestic product(GDP)data from the World Bank was also utilized.Descriptive statistics analyzed the composition and pattern,while the exponential smoothing model forecasted future health expenditures.Results The findings revealed that expenditure made by OOP is the primary health financing source,followed by government and pre-paid private spending.The percentage of GDP allocated to total health expenditure remains stable,while the per capita health expenditure fluctuates.Variations in expenditure among states are observed,with Karnataka relying heavily on pre-paid private coverage.Future projections suggest a decline in per capita and total health expenditure as a share of GDP,with a slight increase in the government’s share.Pre-paid private expenditure per capita and OOP health expenditure as a share of the total is projected to remain relatively constant but still high in absolute terms.Conclusion The study highlights variations in health spending in India,characterized by high OOP spending,limited public coverage,and a need for investments,and reforms to improve healthcare access and equity.

THREE KINDS OF DENTABILITIES IN BANACH SPACES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

In this paper,we study some dentabilities in Banach spaces which are closely related to the famous Radon-Nikodym property.We introduce the concepts of the weak^(*)-weak denting point and the weak^(*)-weak^(*)denting point of a set.These are the generalizations of the weak^(*)denting point of a set in a dual Banach space.By use of the weak^(*)-weak denting point,we characterize the very smooth space,the point of weak^(*)-weak continuity,and the extreme point of a unit ball in a dual Banach space.Meanwhile,we also characterize an approximatively weak compact Chebyshev set in dual Banach spaces.Moreover,we define the nearly weak dentability in Banach spaces,which is a generalization of near dentability.We prove the necessary and sufficient conditions of the reflexivity by nearly weak dentability.We also obtain that nearly weak dentability is equivalent to both the approximatively weak compactness of Banach spaces and the w-strong proximinality of every closed convex subset of Banach spaces.