A novel probabilistic feasible region method for reliability-based design optimization with varying standard deviation

Zihao Wu,Zhenzhong Chen,Ge Chen,Xiaoke Li,Chen Jiang,Xuehui Gan,Haobo Qiu,Liang Gao 대한기계학회 2023 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.37 No.9

An effective method for reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) problems taking uncertainties into account is the probabilistic feasible region (PFR) approach. The PFR approach is built around the fixed nature of the standard deviation in general RBDO problems. Therefore, the accuracy of the PFR approach will be affected when dealing with RBDO problems with varying standard deviation. To improve the accuracy of PFR method in solving the RBDO problems with varying standard deviation, a novel probabilistic feasible region strategy considering varying standard deviations (PFR-vstd) approach is suggested in this paper. In place of the initial probabilistic feasible region in standard normal space, a new probabilistic feasible region is established in original design space in this novel approach. The results of four applications demonstrate the high accuracy and sufficient efficiency of PFR-vstd method. The findings demonstrate that PFR-vstd method is capable of accurately resolving RBDO problems with varying standard deviation.

Identification and Characterization of EDT1 Conferring Drought Tolerance in Rice

Tao Wu,Mingxing Zhang,Hongjia Zhang,Kai Huang,Mojun Chen,Chen Chen,Xue Yang,Zhao Li,Haoyuan Chen,Zhiming Ma,Xunming Zhang,Wenzhu Jiang,Xinglin Du 한국식물학회 2019 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.62 No.1

Basic Leucine Zipper (bZIP) transcription factors(TFs) play important roles in many processes, especially inabiotic stress response in plants. In this study, we characterizeda new gene EHANCED DROUGHT TOLERANCE 1 (EDT1),member of group E of bZIP transcription factor family inrice. The EDT1 protein contains one bZIP domain, oneputative nuclear localization signal (NLS) and six conservedphosphorylation sites. The expression of EDT1 is suppressedby several abiotic stresses, such as cold, droutht, and salt. Corresponding with expression patterns, several stress-associatedcis-acting elements were found in the EDT1 promoter. Theresults of subcellular localization and transactivation abilityanalyses indicated that EDT1 was localized in the nucleusand functioned as a nuclear protein, with its transactivationactivity primarily located in N-terminal. Transgenic riceoverexpressing EDT1 showed drought tolerance that hasbeen significantly improved. Real-time PCR analysis revealedthat some stress-related genes, such as OsbZIP12, SNAC1,OsLEA3, OsbZIP16, OsbZIP10 and OsABI2 were up-regulatedin EDT1 overexpression lines. These results indicate thatEDT1 plays a positive role in drought tolerance and providesvaluable targets for breeding drought-tolerant rice cultivars.

An efficient time-variant reliability-based design optimization method based on probabilistic feasible region

Zihao Wu,Zhenzhong Chen,Ge Chen,Xiaoke Li,Chen Jiang,Xuehui Gan,Haobo Qiu,Liang Gao 대한기계학회 2023 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.37 No.3

Time-variant reliability-based design optimization (T-RBDO) issues are probabilistic design problems that assess the dependability of the design across time. The engineering situation is most closely resembled by it. The approaches to resolving T-RBDO problems, nevertheless, are convoluted and time-consuming. In this paper, an effective strategy for solving RBDO issues are extended to resolving TRBDO problems in order to increase efficiency. To solve T-RBDO challenges, the time-variant probabilistic feasible region (T-PFR) approach, which is based on the PFR method for resolving RBDO issues, was presented. The idea of the equivalent inverse most probable point (EIMPP) is put out in this methodology. Based on the EIMPP, the probabilistic feasible region is likewise developed for time-variant constraints. The effective tactic of the proposed method is to identify the non-active time-variant constraints using the probabilistic feasible region and to forego conducting time reliability analysis on them. Three mathematics and two engineering issues demonstrate that the suggested solution is viable and effective.

Therapeutic Effects and Adverse Drug Reactions are Affected by Icotinib Exposure and CYP2C19 and EGFR Genotypes in Chinese Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Chen, Jia,Zheng, Xin,Liu, Dong-Yang,Zhao, Qian,Wu, Yi-Wen,Tan, Fen-Lai,Wang, Yin-Xiang,Jiang, Ji,Hu, Pei Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.17

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate how CYP2C19 affects icotinib and metabolite' exposure, and to determine whether the exposure and EGFR genotype influences survival time, tumor metastasis and adverse drug reactions. Materials and Methods: 274 NSCLC patients who accepted 125mg icotinib/t.i.d. were chosen from a phase III study. Blood samples were obtained in $672^{nd}$ ($4^{th}$ week) and $1,680^{th}$ hours ($10^{th}$ week), and plasma was used to quantify the concentration of icotinib and blood cells were sampled to check the genotypes. Clinical data were also collected at the same time, including EGFR genotypes. Plasma concentrations were assessed by HPLC-MS/MS and genotype by sequencing. All data were analyzed through SPSS 17.0 and SAS 9.2. Results: CYP 2C19 genotypes affected bio-transformation from icotinib to M24 and M26, especially in poor-metabolisers. Higher icotinib concentrations (>1000 ng/mL) not only increased patient PFS and OS but also reduced tumor metastasis. Patients with mutant EGFR experienced a higher median PFS and OS (234 and 627 days), especially those with the 19del genotype demonstrating higher PR ratio. Patients who suffered grade II skin toxicity had a higher icotinib exposure than those with grade I skin toxicity or no adverse effects. Liver toxic reactions might occur in patients with greater M20 and M23 plasma concentrations. Conclusions: CYP2C19 polymorphisms significantly affect icotinib, M24 and M26 exposure. Patients with mutant EGFR genotype and higher icotinib concentration might have increased PFS and OS and lower tumor metastasis. Liver ADR events and serious skin effects might be respectively induced by greater M20, M23 and icotinib concentrations.

Overexpression and Clinicopathological Contribution of DcR3 in Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma Tissues

Jiang, Yi-Qiang,Zhong, Teng-Fei,Dang, Yi-Wu,Zou, Ling-Song,Yang, Liu,Yang, Xia,Chen, Gang Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.21

Background: To explore the expression of DcR3 protein and its clinicopathological significance in bladder urothelial carcinomas (BUC). Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of DcR3, caspase-3, Bcl-2, VEGF, Ki-67, PCNA and P53 in 166 BUC and 56 normal bladder tissues. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of DcR3 in the supernatants of cultured BUC cells. Results: Overexpression of DcR3 was found in BUC tissues and cell lines, with significant elevation as compared to normal bladder tissues (p<0.0001). Higher DcR3 expression was related to the status of invasion, lymph node metastasis and recurrence. Furthermore, DcR3 expression was negatively correlated with caspase-3 and positively associated with Bcl-2, VEGF, Ki-67 labeling index (LI), PCNA LI and P53 (all p<0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: DcR3 may play a crucial role as an oncogene in tumorigenesis, deterioration and progress of BUC via influencing related pathways of apoptosis, proliferation and angiogenesis. The detection of DcR3 protein in the formalinfixed and paraffin-embedded samples could assist to predict in prognosis of BUC patients.

Hierarchical porous ECM scaffolds incorporating GDF-5 fabricated by cryogenic 3D printing to promote articular cartilage regeneration

Wu Jiang,Fu Liwei,Yan Zineng,Yang Yu,Yin Han,Li Pinxue,Yuan Xun,Ding Zhengang,Kang Teng,Tian Zhuang,Liao Zhiyao,Tian Guangzhao,Ning Chao,Li Yuguo,Sui Xiang,Chen Mingxue,Liu Shuyun,Guo Quanyi 한국생체재료학회 2023 생체재료학회지 Vol.27 No.00

In recent years, there has been significant research progress on in situ articular cartilage (AC) tissue engineering with endogenous stem cells, which uses biological materials or bioactive factors to improve the regeneration microenvironment and recruit more endogenous stem cells from the joint cavity to the defect area to promote cartilage regeneration.In this study, we used ECM alone as a bioink in low-temperature deposition manufacturing (LDM) 3D printing and then successfully fabricated a hierarchical porous ECM scaffold incorporating GDF-5.Comparative in vitro experiments showed that the 7% ECM scaffolds had the best biocompatibility. After the addition of GDF-5 protein, the ECM scaffolds significantly improved bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) migration and chondrogenic differentiation. Most importantly, the in vivo results showed that the ECM/GDF-5 scaffold significantly enhanced in situ cartilage repair.In conclusion, this study reports the construction of a new scaffold based on the concept of in situ regeneration, and we believe that our findings will provide a new treatment strategy for AC defect repair.

Photocatalytic oxidation of gas-phase Hg0 by carbon spheres supported visible-light-driven CuO–TiO2

Jiang Wu,Chaoen Li,Xiantuo Chen,Jing Zhang,Lili Zhao,Tianfang Huang,Tao Hu,Chong Zhang,Bu Ni,Xiao Zhou,Pankun Liang,Wenbo Zhang 한국공업화학회 2017 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.46 No.-

A simplified approach for the fabrication of CuO/TiO2@C is demonstrated. In this study, low cost CuO/TiO2@C photocatalysts (CSs loading 0.25–2 wt.%) were prepared, characterized and evaluated for gasphaseHg0 oxidation. The obtained CuO/TiO2@C photocatalysts were used to remove gaseous elementalmercury under UV light and LED respectively, and the optimum doping of content of CSs was determined. The results showed that the CuO/TiO2@C photocatalysts were highly efficient in oxidizing Hg0, reachingabove 64% when the CSs doping reached 0.5 wt.%. We have proposed that the probable mechanism bywhich CuO/TiO2@C photocatalysts remove gaseous elemental mercury: with CSs doping, CSs can act assensitizer and transfer electrons to the semiconductors, triggering the formation of very reactive radicalsto improve photocatalytic efficiency.

Proposals for flexural capacity prediction method of externally prestressed concrete beam

Wu-Tong Yan,Liang-Jiang Chen,Bing Han,Feng Wei,Hui-Bing Xie,Jia-Ping Yu 국제구조공학회 2022 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.83 No.3

Flexural capacity prediction is a challenging problem for externally prestressed concrete beams (EPCBs) due to the unbonded phenomenon between the concrete beam and external tendons. Many prediction equations have been provided in previous research but typically ignored the differences in deformation mode between internal and external unbonded tendons. The availability of these equations for EPCBs is controversial due to the inconsistent deformation modes and ignored secondorder effects. In this study, the deformation characteristics and collapse mechanism of EPCB are carefully considered, and the ultimate deflected shape curves are derived based on the simplified curvature distribution. With the compatible relation between external tendons and the concrete beam, the equations of tendon elongation and eccentricity loss at ultimate states are derived, and the geometric interpretation is clearly presented. Combined with the sectional equilibrium equations, a rational and simplified flexural capacity prediction method for EPCBs is proposed. The key parameter, plastic hinge length, is emphatically discussed and determined by the sensitivity analysis of 324 FE analysis results. With 94 collected laboratory-tested results, the effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed, and comparisons with the previous formulas are made. The results show the better prediction accuracy of the proposed method for both stress increments and flexural capacity of EPCBs and the main reasons are discussed.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon graphite composites reinforced by carbon nanofibers

Chen Yixing,Tu Chuanjun,Liu Yanli,Liu Ping,Gong Pei,Wu Guangning,Huang Xia,Chen Jian,Liu Tianhua,Jiang Jizhou 한국탄소학회 2023 Carbon Letters Vol.33 No.2

Renewed interest in the reinforced carbon graphite composites has intrigued the community in the advanced materials fields. In this work, we present a simple carbon nanofibers reinforced carbon graphite composites synthetic method by incorporating mixture of coal tar pitch, synthetic graphite, pitch coke and the dispersion liquid of carbon nanofibers via liquid-phase mixing process. The impact of carbon nanofiber utilization on the microstructures and mechanical properties of carbon graphite composites are studied systematically. The covalent surface modification of carbon nanofibers effectively improves its microstructure and thereby promotes the carbon graphite composites’ dispersion behavior. We propose that a small amount of carbon nanofibers could promote the carbonization process of carbon graphite composites, facilitating the densification of carbon graphite composites and reducing the undesired open porosity. The amount of 0.7 wt % of carbon nanofiber concentration allows the enhancement of bend and compressive strength of carbon graphite composites up to 36.50 MPa and 60.46 MPa, increased by 167.9% and 146.9% compared with the pure carbon graphite composite, respectively. Our findings can be rationalized due to the improvement in the mechanical strength of carbon graphite composites could be attributed due to pull-out of carbon nanofibers from the matrix and bridging effect across the crack pores within the matrix.

Dissecting the meteorological and genetic factors affecting rice grain quality in Northeast China

Chen Mojun,Li Zhao,Huang Jie,Yan Yongfeng,Wu Tao,Bian Mingdi,Zhou Jinsong,Wang Yongjun,Lyv Yanjie,Hu Guanghui,Jin Yong-Mei,Huang Kai,Guo Liping,Jiang Wenzhu,Du Xinglin 한국유전학회 2021 Genes & Genomics Vol.43 No.8

Background The Northeast Plain of China, which is an important region for the production of high grain quality rice in China. However, the grain quality of the rice produced varies across this region, even for the same cultivar. Objective In order to explore the meteorological factors that have the greatest infuence on quality and the transcriptional level diferences between diferent cultivars and diferent locations at grain flling stage. Methods We grew eight rice cultivars in three locations in Northeast China during two growing seasons (2017 and 2018). We recorded meteorological conditions, including air temperature, air temperature range, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) during the grain-flling stage of each cultivar, and analyzed the grain quality of those eight cultivars. Results Across all eight cultivars, meteorological factors had a stronger efect on eating quality than genotype, while genotype had a stronger efect on milling quality. Of the three environmental factors assessed, PAR was signifcantly correlated with the most grain quality traits. Using RNA-sequencing analysis, we identifed 573 environment-specifc DEGs (Diferentially Expressed Genes), and 119 genotype-specifc DEGs; 11 DEGs were responsive to genotype×environment interactions. These DEGs were involved in many key metabolic processes. Conclusion Our results indicated that interactions among environmental factors, especially PAR, afected rice quality in Northeast China. Further analyses of the DEGs identifed herein may provide useful information for future breeding programs aiming to develop high grain quality rice varieties suitable for cultivation across Northeast China.