Search

To reduce the risk of traffic conflicts in merging area, driver's behavior pattern was analyzed to provide a theoretical basis for traffic control and conflict risk warning. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect the videos in two different types of merging zones: freeway interchange and service area. A vehicle tracking detection model based on YOLOv5 (the fifth version of You Only Look Once) and Deep SORT was constructed to extract traffic flow, speed, vehicle type, and driving trajectory. Acceleration/deceleration distribution and vehicle lane-changing behavior were analyzed. The influence of different vehicle models on vehicle speed and lane-changing behavior was summarized. Based on this data, the mean and standard deviation of velocity, acceleration, and variable acceleration were selected as the characteristic variables for driving style clustering. To avoid redundant information between features, principal component dimensionality reduction was performed, and the dimensionality reduction data was used for K-means and K-means++ clustering to obtain three driving styles. The results show that there are obvious differences in the driving behaviors of vehicles in different types of merging areas, and the characteristics of different areas should be fully considered when conducting traffic conflict warnings., Author(s): Yan Li [1,2,3]; Han Zhang [2,3,4]; Qi Wang (corresponding author) [2,3]; Zijian Wang [1,3]; Xinpeng Yao [1,3] 1. Introduction With the increase of traffic flow, traffic pressure in the [...]

Patching is a common technology used in repairing asphalt-pavement potholes. Due to the differences in material properties between patched- and unpatched-asphalt mixtures, significant strain and stress concentrations could be induced; thus, further cracks and interfacial debonding distress could be caused. As a remedy, the strain and stress concentrations can be alleviated by utilizing optimum patching shapes. Therefore, this paper employed finite element methods (FEM) to deeply analyze the mechanical performance of patched-asphalt pavements embedded with different patching shapes. Three patching shapes, these being rectangular, stair, and trapezoid, were considered for use in pavement pothole repairs based on two- and three-dimensional finite element models. In the two-dimensional models, Top-Down and Bottom-Up crack propagations were simulated to assess the anti-damage performance of the patched pavements with different patching shapes. In addition, the thermal stress behaviors within patched-asphalt pavements were simulated using the two-dimensional model to analyze the performance of the patched pavements during the cooling process in construction. In addition, interface-debonding performance was simulated for the patched-asphalt pavements using three-dimensional models. In light of the simulation results, engineers are expected to better understand the mechanism within patched pavements and to improve the quality of the pavement patching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the complex challenges associated with road traffic flow prediction and congestion management through the enhancement of the attention-based spatiotemporal graph convolutional network (ASTGCN) algorithm. Leveraging toll data and real-time traffic flow information from Orange County, California, the algorithm undergoes refinement to adeptly capture abrupt changes in road traffic dynamics and identify instances of acute congestion. The optimization of the graph structure is approached from both macro and micro perspectives, incorporating key factors such as road toll information, node connectivity, and spatial distances. A novel graph self-learning module is introduced to facilitate real-time adjustments, while an attention mechanism is seamlessly integrated into the spatiotemporal graph convolution module. The resultant model, termed AASTGNet, exhibits superior predictive accuracy compared to existing methodologies, with MAE, RMSE, and MAPE values of 8.6204, 14.0779, and 0.2402, respectively. This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating tolling schemes in road traffic flow prediction, addresses static graph structure limitations, and adapts dynamically to temporal variations and unexpected road events. The findings contribute to advancing the field of traffic prediction and congestion management, providing valuable insights for future research and practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of abnormal lane-changing behavior in road vehicles has applications in traffic management and law enforcement. The primary approach to achieving this detection involves utilizing sensor data to characterize vehicle trajectories, extract distinctive parameters, and establish a detection model. Abnormal lane-changing behaviors can lead to unsafe interactions with surrounding vehicles, thereby increasing traffic risks. Therefore, solely focusing on individual vehicle perspectives and neglecting the influence of surrounding vehicles in abnormal lane-changing behavior detection has limitations. To address this, this study proposes a framework for abnormal lane-changing behavior detection. Initially, the study introduces a novel approach for representing vehicle trajectories that integrates information from surrounding vehicles. This facilitates the extraction of feature parameters considering the interactions between vehicles and distinguishing between different phases of lane-changing. The Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) algorithm is then employed to construct an abnormal lane-changing behavior detection model. The results indicate that this framework exhibits high detection accuracy, with the integration of surrounding vehicle information making a significant contribution to the detection outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise management of interface charge extraction and transport plays a decisive role in enhancing the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a composite of CuS–MXene synthesized in situ by molecular self-assembly is efficiently employed as a hole extractor for all-inorganic CsPbBr3 PSCs. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that due to the spontaneous transfer of partial electrons in MXene functional groups to CuS, a p-type doping and a reduced charge localization of MXene are achieved to improve the interface energy level matching and boost hole extraction and transfer. Meanwhile, an interface bridge of CsPbBr3 → CuS → MXene for rapid hole transport and good interface contact is established because of the formation of the Pb–S bond between CsPbBr3 and CuS, which together with the electron donor groups of MXene further passivates the trap states on the perovskite surface to substantially minimize interfacial charge recombination. Finally, the encapsulation-free CsPbBr3 PSCs tailored with CuS–MXene achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of up to 10.51% and a long-term humidity or temperature tolerance with 90% or over efficiency retention rate in air for 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a multi-objective optimal framework for deploying traffic monitoring cameras at road networks. Compared with previous studies that focused on addressing single traffic problem such as OD estimation, link flow observation, path flow reconstruction, and travel time estimation, this study aims to address a comprehensive traffic management problem, including crash prevention, traffic violation governance, and traffic efficiency improvement. First, a potential principle for selecting the location of traffic monitoring deployment is determined, taking into account the key signalized intersections, areas prone to traffic congestion, crash-prone spots, and areas prone to traffic violations. Then, a multi-objective optimal model is developed to minimize the ATFM (i.e., average traffic volume of each five minutes), TCF (i.e., traffic crash frequency), and TVF (i.e., traffic violation frequency) while adhering to cost constraints. Finally, RVEA and NSGA-II algorithms are used to solve the multi-objective optimal model, respectively, and a comprehensive metric is proposed to evaluate the deployment schemes. The case study results demonstrate that the solutions obtained by the RVEA algorithm outperform those of the NSGA-II algorithm, and the best traffic monitoring deployment rate is 62.79%, under cost constraints. In addition, the comparison using the FAHP method also illustrates that the RVEA scheme is superior to the NSGA-II scheme. The above research results could potentially be used to optimize the locations of traffic cameras in road networks, which help to improve traffic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric freight vehicles have become an important means of transportation in connected and automated environments owing to their numerous advantages. However, the generally short driving range of connected and automated electric freight vehicles (CAEFVs) does not satisfy the growing transport demand. In this study, wireless charging technology is employed to construct a complex driving scenario including urban roads and dynamic wireless charging facilities. A combination of variable-scale elements consisting of vehicles, roads, and the environment is analysed hierarchically to develop a wireless charging scheme for urban transport systems. Using passage efficiency, energy consumption, and passenger comfort as the joint optimisation objectives, an optimal driving model for CAEFVs in wireless charging scenarios at signalised intersections combining scenario boundaries and vehicle dynamic constraints is proposed. Considering the differentiated charging needs of vehicles, this model is divided into a time priority strategy (TPS), balance priority strategy (BPS), and charging priority strategy (CPS). The obtained results reveal that the CPS is superior to the TPS in terms of the charging benefits but requires a longer travel time. Meanwhile, the BPS increases the charging benefits and passing efficiency. This study provides guidance for the deployment of wireless charging lanes with a high application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the security and stability of data transmission in vehicle-road cooperative communication and reduce the error rate of data transmission, a fast data transmission method based on the clustering algorithm is proposed. First, the multisensor information acquisition method of the vehicle networking is used to realize data acquisition and data structure analysis of the vehicle-road cooperative communication, and a data transmission channel model for vehicle-road cooperative communication is constructed. The interference suppression in the data transmission process of the vehicle-road cooperative communication is realized by the matched filter detection algorithm. Then, according to the symbol characteristic distribution of the vehicle-road cooperative communication channel, the baud interval equalization method is used to realize the piecewise equalization adjustment of data transmission for the vehicle-road cooperative communication. With the adaptive error compensation and channel fading suppression, the K-means clustering algorithm is used to carry out the coordinated adjustment to data packets during the rapid data transmission of the vehicle-road cooperative communication. Finally, the adaptive control of data transmission for the vehicle-road cooperative communication is carried out according to the dynamic distribution characteristics of the clustering center so as to reduce the influence of channel fading and intersymbol interference caused by channel spread. The simulation results show that the bit error rate of this method is kept at about 0.05, and the data transmission rate continues to increase, most of which remain above 0.95. This method has strong anti-interference ability for the rapid data transmission of vehicle-road cooperative communication, with lower communication bit error rate, less end-to-end time delay, and higher stability and accuracy of data transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carrier recombination loss induced by defects, imperfect contact and energy level barriers at the buried interface severely restricts the greater advancement of comprehensive performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a versatile inorganic ammonium salt of diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) is exploited as a "double-sided tape" modifier to be deposited at the TiO2/perovskite buried interface, which not only passivates the surface defects of TiO2 and perovskite layers and simultaneously bridges the two films via the chemical reactions of hydrogen phosphate anions and ammonium cations in DAP with TiO2 and CsPbBr3 perovskite, respectively, but also ameliorates the interface contact and energy level alignment. Moreover, a higher quality perovskite film with fewer grain boundaries and defects is tightly formed on the DAP modified TiO2 layer arising from its lower wettability. Consequently, a substantially improved charge transport and extraction and minimized charge recombination are achieved in DAP tailored all-inorganic hole transport layer-free CsPbBr3 PSCs, yielding a power conversion efficiency as high as 10.31% with an impressive open-circuit voltage of 1.621 V, which is highly increased compared to 7.58% for the control device. Furthermore, the optimized device free of encapsulation exhibits a superior long-term stability after exposure to an air atmosphere at 85 °C with 85% RH over 720 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The passivation of defects at perovskite films, surfaces and the promotion of charge extraction across perovskite/carbon back interface are of vital importance to develop the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) free of hole‐transporting layers (HTLs). Herein, an electron donor material with polyamino groups, hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), is used as an efficient surface modifier for tribrominated all‐inorganic perovskite films. The modification with HMTA not only eliminates the defects by forming a bond between N atoms and positively charged ions but also optimizes the energy level structure of the perovskite film and back interface contact. Therefore, CsPbBr3 films with decreased trap states, extended carrier lifetimes, and enhanced hole mobility are gained, which significantly restrains charge recombination and energy loss as well as facilitates charge extraction and transfer at the perovskite/carbon interface. Finally, an improvement of PCE from 6.75% to 10.08% is obtained for carbon‐based HTL‐free CsPbBr3 PSCs without and with HMTA modification, respectively. Furthermore, the HMTA‐modified device without encapsulation presents an enhanced long‐term moisture and heat stability after being stored in the atmospheric environment with 80% relative humidity (RH) at 25 °C and 20% RH at 85 °C, respectively, due to the reduced defects and the improved hydrophobicity of perovskite film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐quality perovskite films with low imperfections, high hole mobility, and matching energy levels play a crucial role in enhancing performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) without hole‐transporting materials (HTMs). Herein, it is demonstrated that the incorporation of a stable tetra‐bisphenol A (TBBPA) with diphenyl ring, polybromides, and hydroxyl groups additive into a perovskite film can simultaneously manipulate the crystal growth and passivate the defects through coordination interaction between the functional group (OH, Br) and the unsaturated halogen and metal ions (Br−, Cs+, and Pb2+), resulting in a reduced grain boundary as well as imperfection and increased hole mobility of the CsPbBr3 perovskite film. In addition, the valence band of a perovskite film with TBBPA additive is shifted upward to approach the work function of the carbon electrode, thereby improving the energy level alignment. Consequently, a significantly boosted charge extraction and reduced charge recombination of the carbon‐based HTM‐free CsPbBr3 PSCs is obtained after incorporating the TBBPA additive, yielding a maximum power conversion efficiency of up to 9.82% of the optimized device. Furthermore, the champion PSC without encapsulation displays a remarkable thermal and moisture stability after being kept in ambient air for 720 h at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR3I1) belongs to nuclear receptor superfamily. It was reported that CAR agonist TCPOBOP induces hepatomegaly but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a potent regulator of organ size. The aim of this study is to explore the role of YAP in CAR activation-induced hepatomegaly and liver regeneration. TCPOBOP-induced CAR activation on hepatomegaly and liver regeneration was evaluated in wild-type (WT) mice, liver-specific YAP-deficient mice, and partial hepatectomy (PHx) mice. The results demonstrate that TCPOBOP can increase the liver-to-body weight ratio in wild-type mice and PHx mice. Hepatocytes enlargement around central vein (CV) area was observed, meanwhile hepatocytes proliferation was promoted as evidenced by the increased number of KI67+ cells around portal vein (PV) area. The protein levels of YAP and its downstream targets were upregulated in TCPOBOP-treated mice and YAP translocation can be induced by CAR activation. Co-immunoprecipitation results suggested a potential protein–protein interaction of CAR and YAP. However, CAR activation-induced hepatomegaly can still be observed in liver-specific YAP-deficient (Yap –/–) mice. In summary, CAR activation promotes hepatomegaly and liver regeneration partially by inducing YAP translocation and interaction with YAP signaling pathway, which provides new insights to further understand the physiological functions of CAR. Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activation promotes hepatomegaly partially by interaction with yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway, and C-Myc, β -catenin and MET are also involved in CAR-induced hepatomegaly. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cell therapy has been proved to be an effective approach to ameliorate the heart remodeling post myocardial infarction (MI). However, poor cell engraftment and survival in ischemic myocardium limits the successful use of cellular therapy for treating MI. Here, we sought to transplant adipose derived-mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) with a hydrogel (NapFF-NO), naphthalene covalently conjugated a short peptide, FFGGG, and β-galactose caged nitric oxide (NO) donor, which can release NO molecule in response to β-galactosidase. AD-MSCs, either from transgenic mice that constitutively express GFP and firefly luciferase (Fluc), or express Fluc under the control of VEGFR2 promoter, were co-transplanted with NapFF-NO hydrogel into murine MI models. Improved cell survival and enhanced cardiac function were confirmed by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and echocardiogram respectively. Moreover, increasing VEGFR2-luc expression was also tracked in real-time in vivo , indicating NapFF-NO hydrogel stimulated VEGF secretion of AD-MSCs. To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of NapFF-NO hydrogel, cell migration assay, paracrine action of AD-MSCs, and histology analysis were carried out. Our results revealed that condition medium from AD-MSCs cultured with NapFF-NO hydrogel could promote endothelial cell migration. Additionally, AD-MSCs showed significant improvement secretion of angiogenic factors VEGF and SDF-1α in the presence of NapFF-NO hydrogel. Finally, postmortem analysis confirmed that transplanted AD-MSCs with NapFF-NO hydrogel could ameliorate heart function by promoting angiogenesis and attenuating ventricular remodeling. In conclusion, NapFF-NO hydrogel can obviously improve therapeutic efficacy of AD-MSCs for MI by increasing cell engraftment and angiogenic paracrine action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is one of the most common diseases that caused high mortality and has become burden to the health care systems. Stem cell transplantation has shown therapeutic effect in ameliorating ischemic damage after cerebral artery occlusion mainly due to their neurogenesis, immune regulation, or effects on the plasticity, proliferation, and survival of host cells. Recent studies demonstrated that skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) could promote central nervous system regeneration in spinal cord injury model or the neonatal peripheral neuron. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of SKPs in a rat model of cerebral ischemia. SKPs were isolated, expanded, and transplanted into rat cortex and striatum after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Our results revealed that SKPs transplantation could improve the behavioral measures of neurological deficit. Moreover, immunohistology confirmed that SKPs could secrete basic FGF and VEGF in the ischemic region and further markedly increase the proliferation of endogenous nestin+ and βIII-tubulin+ neural stem cells. Furthermore, increased angiogenesis induced by SKPs was observed by vWF and α-SMA staining. These data suggest that SKPs induced endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis and protected neuron from hypoxic-ischemic environment. In conclusion, SKPs transplantation may be a promising approach in treatment of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise phase control of Cs-Pb-Br derivatives from 3D CsPbBr 3 to 0D Cs 4 PbBr 6 highly determines the photovoltaic performance of all-inorganic CsPbBr 3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, the preferred phase conversion from precursor to Cs-Pb-Br derivatives is revealed by theoretically calculating the Gibbs free energies (∆G) of various phase conversion processes, allowing for a simplified multi-step solution-processable spin-coating method to hinder the formation of detrimental 0D Cs 4 PbBr 6 phase and enhance the photovoltaic performance of a PSC because of its large exciton binding energy, which is regarded as a recombination center. By further accelerating the interfacial charge extraction with a novel 2D transition metal dichalcogenide ReSe 2 , the hole-free CsPbBr 3 PSC achieves a champion efficiency of 10.67% with an impressive open-circuit voltage of 1.622 V and an excellent long-term stability. This work provides an in-depth understanding on the precise Cs-Pb-Br perovskite phase control and the effect of derivatives on photovoltaic performance of advanced CsPbBr 3 PSCs., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Dexamethasone (Dex), a widely prescribed anti-inflammatory drug, was reported to induce liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) in clinical practice and in animal models. However, the underlying mechanisms are not elucidated. Dex is a known activator of pregnane X receptor (PXR). Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been implicated in chemically induced liver enlargement. Here, the roles of PXR and YAP pathways were investigated in Dex-induced hepatomegaly. Upregulation of PXR downstream proteins, including cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A11, 2B10, and organic anion transporter polypeptide 2 (OATP2), indicated PXR signaling was activated after high dose of Dex (50 mg/kg, i.p.), and Dex at 100 μM activated PXR in the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Dex also increased the expression of total YAP, nuclear YAP, and YAP downstream proteins, including connective tissue growth factor and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61, indicating activation of the YAP pathway. Furthermore, nuclear translocation of YAP was promoted by activation of PXR. However, hepatocyte proliferation was inhibited with significant decrease in the expression of proliferation-related proteins cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen as well as other regulatory factors, such as forkhead box protein M1, c-MYC, and epidermal growth factor receptor. The inhibitory effect of Dex on hepatocyte proliferation was likely due to its anti-inflammation effect of suppression of inflammation factors. β-catenin staining revealed enlarged hepatocytes, which were mostly attributable to the accumulation of lipids, such as triglycerides. In summary, high-dose Dex increased liver size accompanied by enlarged hepatocytes, and this was due to the activation of PXR/YAP and their effects on lipid accumulation but not hepatocyte proliferation. These findings provide new insights for understanding the mechanism of Dex-induced hepatomegaly. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study identified the roles of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and yes-associated protein (YAP) pathways in dexamethasone (Dex)-induced hepatomegaly. Dex induced PXR/YAP activation, enlarged hepatocytes, and promoted liver enlargement with lipid accumulation, such as triglycerides. However, hepatocyte proliferation was inhibited by the anti-inflammatory effect of Dex. These findings provide new insights for understanding the mechanism of Dex-induced hepatomegaly., (Copyright © 2020 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.)

Rationale: MicroRNAs are known to influence the development of a variety of cancers. Previous studies revealed that miR-1291 has antiproliferative functions in cancer cells. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1C (CPT1C) has a vital role in mitochondrial energy metabolism and modulation of cancer cell proliferation. Since both miR-1291 and CPT1C regulate tumor cell metabolism and cancer progression, we hypothesized that they might be regulated synergistically. Methods: A series of cell phenotype indicators, such as BrdU, colony formation, cell cycle, ATP production, ROS accumulation and cell ability to resist metabolic stress, were performed to clarify the effects of miR-1291 and ERRα expression on tumor cell proliferation and metabolism. A xenograft tumor model was used to evaluate cell tumorigenesis. Meta-analysis and bioinformatic prediction were applied in the search for the bridge-link between miR-1291 and CPT1C. RT-qPCR, western-blot and IHC analysis were used for the detection of mRNA and protein expression. Luciferase assays and ChIP assays were conducted for in-depth mechanism studies. Results: The expression of miR-1291 inhibited growth and tumorigenesis as a result of modulation of metabolism. CPT1C expression was indirectly and negatively correlated with miR-1291 levels. ESRRA was identified as a prominent differentially expressed gene in both breast and pancreatic cancer samples, and estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) was found to link miR-1291 and CPT1C. MiR-1291 targeted ERRα and CPT1C was identified as a newly described ERRα target gene. Moreover, ERRα was found to influence cancer cell metabolism and proliferation, consistent with the cellular changes caused by miR-1291. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the existence and mechanism of action of a novel miR-1291-ERRα-CPT1C cancer metabolism axis that may provide new insights and strategies for the development of miRNA-based therapies for malignant cancers., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)