LncRNA H19 Drives Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts and Collagen Production via Suppression of the miR-29a-3p/miR-29b-3p-VEGFA/TGF-β Axis

Feng Guo,Chengchun Tang,Bo Huang,Lifei Gu,Jun Zhou,Zongyang Mo,Chang Liu,Yuqing Liu 한국분자세포생물학회 2022 Molecules and cells Vol.45 No.3

The aim of this study was to investigating whether lncRNA H19 promotes myocardial fibrosis by suppressing the miR-29a-3p/miR-29b-3p-VEGFA/TGF-β axis. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and healthy volunteers were included in the study, and their biochemical parameters were collected. In addition, pcDNA3.1-H19, si-H19, and miR-29a/b-3p mimic/inhibitor were transfected into cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), and proliferation of CFs was detected by MTT assay. Expression of H19 and miR-29a/b-3p were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, collagen II, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and elastin were measured by western blot analysis. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay was carried out to detect the sponging relationship between H19 and miR-29a/b-3p in CFs. Compared with healthy volunteers, the level of plasma H19 was significantly elevated in patients with AF, while miR-29a-3p and miR-29b-3p were markedly depressed (P < 0.05). Serum expression of lncRNA H19 was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-29a-3p and miR-29b-3p among patients with AF (rs = –0.337, rs = –0.236). Moreover, up-regulation of H19 expression and down-regulation of miR-29a/b-3p expression facilitated proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins. SB431542 and si-VEGFA are able to reverse the promotion of miR-29a/b-3p on proliferation of CFs and ECM-related protein synthesis. The findings of the present study suggest that H19 promoted CF proliferation and collagen synthesis by suppressing the miR-29a-3p/miR-29b-3p-VEGFA/TGF-β axis, and provide support for a potential new direction for the treatment of AF.

Crack detection in concrete slabs by graph-based anomalies calculation

Yuqing Zhou,Weifang Sun,Jiawei Xiang,Binqiang Chen,Wei Feng 국제구조공학회 2022 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.29 No.3

Concrete slab cracks monitoring of modern high-speed railway is important for safety and reliability of train operation, to prevent catastrophic failure, and to reduce maintenance costs. This paper proposes a curvature filtering improved crack detection method in concrete slabs of high-speed railway via graph-based anomalies calculation. Firstly, large curvature information contained in the images is extracted for the crack identification based on an improved curvature filtering method. Secondly, a graph-based model is developed for the image sub-blocks anomalies calculation where the baseline of the subblocks is acquired by crack-free samples. Once the anomaly is large than the acquired baseline, the sub-block is considered as crack-contained block. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method performs better than convolutional neural network method even under different curvature structures and illumination conditions. This work therefore provides a useful tool for concrete slabs crack detection and is broadly applicable to variety of infrastructure systems.

Securing Cooperative Spectrum Sensing against Rational SSDF Attack in Cognitive Radio Networks

( Jingyu Feng ),( Yuqing Zhang ),( Guangyue Lu ),( Liang Zhang ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2014 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.8 No.1

Cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) is considered as a powerful approach to improve the utilization of scarce radio spectrum resources. However, most of CSS schemes assume all secondary users (SU) are honest, and thus offering opportunities for malicious SUs to launch the spectrum sensing data falsification attack (SSDF attack). To combat such misbehaved behaviors, recent efforts have been made to trust schemes. In this paper, we argue that powering CSS with traditional trust schemes is not enough. The rational SSDF attack is found in this paper. Unlike the simple SSDF attack, rational SSDF attackers send out false sensing data on a small number of interested primary users (PUs) rather than all PUs. In this case, rational SSDF attackers can keep up high trustworthiness, resulting in difficultly detecting malicious SUs in the traditional trust schemes. Meanwhile, a defense scheme using a novel trust approach is proposed to counter rational SSDF attack. Simulation results show that this scheme can successfully reduce the power of rational SSDF, and thus ensure the performance of CSS.

A critical review of risks, characteristics, and treatment strategies for potentially toxic elements in wastewater from shale gas extraction

Sun, Yuqing,Wang, Di,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Wang, Linling,Ok, Yong Sik,Feng, Yujie Pergamon 2019 Environment international Vol.125 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Shale gas extraction via horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (HF) has enhanced gas production worldwide, which has altered global energy markets and reduced the prices of natural gas and oil. Water management has become the most challenging issue of HF, as it demands vast amounts of freshwater and generates high volumes of complex liquid wastes contaminated by diverse potentially toxic elements at variable rates. This critical review focuses on characterizing HF wastewater and establishing strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. High prioritization was given to the constituents with mean concentrations over 10 times greater than the maximum contamination level (MCL) guidelines for drinking water. A number of potentially harmful organic compounds in HF wastewaters were identified via the risk quotient approach to predict the associated toxicity for freshwater organisms in recipient surface waters. Currently, two options for HF wastewater treatment are preferred, i.e., disposal by deep well injection or on-site re-use as a fracturing fluid. Supplementary treatment will be enforced by increasingly rigorous regulations. Partial treatment and reuse remain the preferred method for managing HF wastewater where feasible. Otherwise, advanced technologies such as membrane separation/distillation, forward osmosis, mechanical vapor compression, electrocoagulation, advanced oxidation, and adsorption-biological treatment will be required to satisfy the sustainable requirements for reuse or surface discharge.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Shale oil and gas production via hydraulic fracturing poses risks to water quality and quantity. </LI> <LI> High risk level is related with the management of hydraulic fracturing wastewater. </LI> <LI> Wastewater quality data limitation is an obstacle for developing sustainable treatment strategies. </LI> <LI> Integration of multiple technologies is required for wastewater reuse or discharge. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Aging effects on chemical transformation and metal(loid) removal by entrapped nanoscale zero-valent iron for hydraulic fracturing wastewater treatment

Sun, Yuqing,Lei, Cheng,Khan, Eakalak,Chen, Season S.,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Ok, Yong Sik,Lin, Daohui,Feng, Yujie,Li, Xiang-dong Elsevier 2018 Science of the Total Environment Vol.615 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study, alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-alginate entrapped nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) was tested for structural evolution, chemical transformation, and metals/metalloids removal (Cu(II), Cr(VI), Zn(II), and As(V)) after 1–2month passivation in model saline wastewaters from hydraulic fracturing. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed successful prevention of Fe<SUP>0</SUP> corrosion by polymeric entrapment. Increasing ionic strength (<I>I</I>) from 0 to 4.10M (deionized water to Day-90 fracturing wastewater (FWW)) with prolonged aging time induced chemical instability of alginate due to dissociation of carboxyl groups and competition for hydrogen bonding with nZVI, which caused high Na (7.17%) and total organic carbon (24.6%) dissolution from PVA-alginate entrapped nZVI after 2-month immersion in Day-90 FWW. Compared to freshly-made beads, 2-month aging of PVA-alginate entrapped nZVI in Day-90 FWW promoted Cu(II) and Cr(VI) uptake in terms of the highest removal efficiency (84.2% and 70.8%), pseudo-second-order surface area-normalized rate coefficient <I>k</I> <SUB> <I>sa</I> </SUB> (2.09×10<SUP>−1</SUP> Lm<SUP>−2</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP> and 1.84×10<SUP>−1</SUP> Lm<SUP>−2</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP>), and Fe dissolution after 8-h reaction (13.9% and 8.45%). However, the same conditions inhibited Zn(II) and As(V) sequestration in terms of the lowest removal efficiency (31.2% and 39.8%) by PVA-alginate nZVI and <I>k</I> <SUB> <I>sa</I> </SUB> (4.74×10<SUP>−2</SUP> Lm<SUP>−2</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP> and 6.15×10<SUP>−2</SUP> Lm<SUP>−2</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP>) by alginate nZVI. The X-ray spectroscopic analysis and chemical speciation modelling demonstrated that the difference in metals/metalloids removal by entrapped nZVI after aging was attributed to distinctive removal mechanisms: (i) enhanced Cu(II) and Cr(VI) removal by nZVI reduction with accelerated electron transfer after pronounced dissolution of non-conductive polymeric immobilization matrix; (ii) suppressed Zn(II) and As(V) removal by nZVI adsorption due to restrained mass transfer after blockage of surface-active micropores. Entrapped nZVI was chemically fragile and should be properly stored and regularly replaced for good performance.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> nZVI entrapment successfully prevented Fe<SUP>0</SUP> corrosion in fracturing wastewaters. </LI> <LI> Entrapped nZVI was chemically fragile due to dissolution of Na and TOC. </LI> <LI> nZVI passivation promoted Cu(II) and Cr(VI) but inhibited Zn(II) and As(V) removal. </LI> <LI> Effects of nZVI aging on removal efficiency depended on interaction mechanisms. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Zero-valent iron for the abatement of arsenate and selenate from flowback water of hydraulic fracturing

Sun, Yuqing,Chen, Season S.,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Graham, Nigel J.D.,Ok, Yong Sik,Feng, Yujie,Li, Xiang-Dong Elsevier 2017 CHEMOSPHERE - Vol.167 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Zero-valent iron (ZVI) was tested for the removal of 150 μg L<SUP>−1</SUP> As(V) and 350 μg L<SUP>−1</SUP> Se(VI) in high-salinity (ionic strength 0.35–4.10 M) flowback water of hydraulic fracturing. Over 90% As(V) and Se(VI) was removed by 2.5 g L<SUP>−1</SUP> ZVI in Day-14 flowback water up to 96-h reaction, with the remaining concentration below the maximum contaminant level for As(V) and criterion continuous concentration for Se(VI) recommended by US EPA. The kinetics of As(V) and Se(VI) removal followed a pseudo-second-order rate expression with the observed rates of 4.51 × 10<SUP>−2</SUP>–4.91 × 10<SUP>−1</SUP> and 3.48 × 10<SUP>−2</SUP>–6.58 × 10<SUP>−1</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP> (with 0.5–10 g L<SUP>−1</SUP> ZVI), respectively. The results showed that Se(VI) removal significantly decreased with increasing ionic strength, while As(V) removal showed little variation. Common competing anions (nitrate, bicarbonate, silicate, and phosphate), present in shallow groundwater and stormwater, caused marginal Se(VI) desorption (2.42 ± 0.13%) and undetectable As(V) desorption from ZVI. The competition between As(V) and Se(VI) for ZVI removal depended on the initial molar ratio and surface sites, which occurred when the Se(VI) concentration was higher than the As(V) concentration in this study. The characterization of As(V)- and Se(VI)-loaded ZVI by X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis revealed that ZVI gradually converted to magnetite/maghemite corrosion products with lepidocrocite in flowback water over 30 days. Similar corrosion compositions were confirmed in aerobic and anaerobic conditions regardless of the molar ratio of As(V) to Se(VI). The high reactivity and stability of ZVI showed its suitability for <I>in-situ</I> prevention of As(V) and Se(VI) migration due to accidental leakage, spillage, or overflow of flowback water.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> As(V) and Se(VI) in high-salinity flowback water was effectively removed by ZVI. </LI> <LI> As(V) removal was less susceptible to ionic strength variations than Se(V). </LI> <LI> Competing anions in groundwater and stormwater caused insignificant desorption. </LI> <LI> As(V) and Se(VI) competition depended on their molar ratio and ZVI surface sites. </LI> <LI> Surface characteristics of ZVI were unaffected by molar ratio and dissolved oxygen. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Nanoscale zero-valent iron for metal/metalloid removal from model hydraulic fracturing wastewater

Sun, Yuqing,Lei, Cheng,Khan, Eakalak,Chen, Season S.,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Ok, Yong Sik,Lin, Daohui,Feng, Yujie,Li, Xiang-dong Elsevier 2017 CHEMOSPHERE - Vol.176 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) was tested for the removal of Cu(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI), and As(V) in model saline wastewaters from hydraulic fracturing. Increasing ionic strength (<I>I</I>) from 0.35 to 4.10 M (Day-1 to Day-90 wastewaters) increased Cu(II) removal (25.4–80.0%), inhibited Zn(II) removal (58.7–42.9%), slightly increased and then reduced Cr(VI) removal (65.7–44.1%), and almost unaffected As(V) removal (66.7–75.1%) by 8-h reaction with nZVI at 1–2 g L<SUP>−1</SUP>. The removal kinetics conformed to pseudo-second-order model, and increasing <I>I</I> decreased the surface area-normalized rate coefficient (<I>k</I> <SUB> <I>sa</I> </SUB>) of Cu(II) and Cr(VI), probably because agglomeration of nZVI in saline wastewaters restricted diffusion of metal(loid)s to active surface sites. Increasing <I>I</I> induced severe Fe dissolution from 0.37 to 0.77% in DIW to 4.87–13.0% in Day-90 wastewater; and Fe dissolution showed a significant positive correlation with Cu(II) removal. With surface stabilization by alginate and polyvinyl alcohol, the performance of entrapped nZVI in Day-90 wastewater was improved for Zn(II) and Cr(VI), and Fe dissolution was restrained (3.20–7.36%). The X-ray spectroscopic analysis and chemical speciation modelling demonstrated that the difference in removal trends from Day-1 to Day-90 wastewaters was attributed to: (i) distinctive removal mechanisms of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) (adsorption, (co-)precipitation, and reduction), compared to Zn(II) (adsorption) and As(V) (bidentate inner-sphere complexation); and (ii) changes in solution speciation (e.g., from Zn<SUP>2+</SUP> to ZnCl<SUB>3</SUB> <SUP>−</SUP> and ZnCl<SUB>4</SUB> <SUP>2−</SUP>; from CrO<SUB>4</SUB> <SUP>2−</SUP> to CaCrO<SUB>4</SUB> complex). Bare nZVI was susceptible to variations in wastewater chemistry while entrapped nZVI was more stable and environmentally benign, which could be used to remove metals/metalloids before subsequent treatment for reuse/disposal.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> nZVI could remove Cu(II), Zn(II), Cr(VI), and As(V) from fracturing wastewaters. </LI> <LI> High salinity enhanced Fe dissolution and reduced removal rates except Cu(II). </LI> <LI> nZVI entrapment mitigated Fe dissolution and improved metal(loid) removal. </LI> <LI> Removal efficiency varied with interaction mechanisms and solution speciation. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Insights into the subsurface transport of As(V) and Se(VI) in produced water from hydraulic fracturing using soil samples from Qingshankou Formation, Songliao Basin, China

Chen, Season S.,Sun, Yuqing,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Graham, Nigel J.D.,Ok, Yong Sik,Feng, Yujie,Li, Xiang-Dong Elsevier 2017 Environmental pollution Vol.223 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Produced water is a type of wastewater generated from hydraulic fracturing, which may pose a risk to the environment and humans due to its high ionic strength and the presence of elevated concentrations of metals/metalloids that exceed maximum contamination levels. The mobilization of As(V) and Se(VI) in produced water and selected soils from Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin in China were investigated using column experiments and synthetic produced water whose quality was representative of waters arising at different times after well creation. Temporal effects of produced water on metal/metalloid transport and sorption/desorption were investigated by using HYDRUS-1D transport modelling. Rapid breakthrough and long tailings of As(V) and Se(VI) transport were observed in Day 1 and Day 14 solutions, but were reduced in Day 90 solution probably due to the elevated ionic strength. The influence of produced water on the hydrogeological conditions (i.e., change between equilibrium and non-equilibrium transport) was evidenced by the change of tracer breakthrough curves before and after the leaching of produced water. This possibly resulted from the sorption of polyacrylamide (PAM (-CH<SUB>2</SUB>CHCONH<SUB>2</SUB>-)<SUB>n</SUB>) onto soil surfaces, through its use as a friction reducer in fracturing solutions. The sorption was found to be reversible in this study. Minimal amounts of sorbed As(V) were desorbed whereas the majority of sorbed Se(VI) was readily leached out, to an extent which varied with the composition of the produced water. These results showed that the mobilization of As(V) and Se(VI) in soil largely depended on the solution pH and ionic strength. Understanding the differences in metal/metalloid transport in produced water is important for proper risk management.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Earlier breakthrough of metals with increasing ionic strength of flowback solutions. </LI> <LI> Two-region physical non-equilibrium model provided a good fit of metal transport. </LI> <LI> Less non-equilibrium transport in Day 14 and Day 90 than Day 1 flowback solutions. </LI> <LI> Tracer tests indicated reversible change of transport channels due to leaching. </LI> <LI> Sorption/desorption of As(V) and Se(VI) was both pH- and ionic strength-dependent. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Potential impact of flowback water from hydraulic fracturing on agricultural soil quality: Metal/metalloid bioaccessibility, Microtox bioassay, and enzyme activities

Chen, Season S.,Sun, Yuqing,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Graham, Nigel J.D.,Ok, Yong Sik,Feng, Yujie,Li, Xiang-Dong Elsevier 2017 The Science of the total environment Vol.579 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Hydraulic fracturing has advanced the development of shale gas extraction, while inadvertent spills of flowback water may pose a risk to the surrounding environment due to its high salt content, metals/metalloids (As, Se, Fe and Sr), and organic additives. This study investigated the potential impact of flowback water on four representative soils from shale gas regions in Northeast China using synthetic flowback solutions. The compositions of the solutions were representative of flowback water arising at different stages after fracturing well establishment. The effects of solution composition of flowback water on soil ecosystem were assessed in terms of metal mobility and bioaccessibility, as well as biological endpoints using Microtox bioassay (<I>Vibrio fischeri</I>) and enzyme activity tests. After one-month artificial aging of the soils with various flowback solutions, the mobility and bioaccessibility of As(V) and Se(VI) decreased as the ionic strength of the flowback solutions increased. The results inferred a stronger binding affinity of As(V) and Se(VI) with the soils. Nevertheless, the soil toxicity to <I>Vibrio fischeri</I> only presented a moderate increase after aging, while dehydrogenase and phosphomonoesterase activities were significantly suppressed with increasing ionic strength of flowback solutions. On the contrary, polyacrylamide in the flowback solutions led to higher dehydrogenase activity. These results indicated that soil enzyme activities were sensitive to the composition of flowback solutions. A preliminary human health risk assessment related to As(V) suggested a low level of cancer risk through exposure via ingestion, while holistic assessment of environmental implications is required.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> High ionic strength of flowback water reduced mobility of metalloids. </LI> <LI> Relatively high bioaccessibility of metalloids in spite of low mobility </LI> <LI> Soil toxicity moderately increased after 1-month aging with flowback water. </LI> <LI> Soil dehydrogenase activity was affected by PAM in flowback water. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Removal of chlorinated organic solvents from hydraulic fracturing wastewater by bare and entrapped nanoscale zero-valent iron

Lei, Cheng,Sun, Yuqing,Khan, Eakalak,Chen, Season S.,Tsang, Daniel C.W.,Graham, Nigel J.D.,Ok, Yong Sik,Yang, Xin,Lin, Daohui,Feng, Yujie,Li, Xiang-Dong Elsevier 2018 CHEMOSPHERE - Vol.196 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>With the increasing application of hydraulic fracturing, it is urgent to develop an effective and economically feasible method to treat the large volumes of fracturing wastewater. In this study, bare and entrapped nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) were introduced for the removal of carbon tetrachloride (CT) and 1,1,2-trichloroethane (TCA) in model high-salinity fracturing wastewater. With increasing ionic strength (<I>I</I>) from Day-1 (<I>I</I> = 0.35 M) to Day-90 (<I>I</I> = 4.10 M) wastewaters, bare nZVI presented significantly lower removal efficiency of CT (from 53.5% to 38.7%) and 1,1,2-TCA (from 71.1% to 21.7%) and underwent more serious Fe dissolution from 1.31 ± 1.19% in Day-1 to 5.79 ± 0.32% in Day-90 wastewater. Particle aggregation induced by high ionic strength was primarily responsible for the lowered performance of nZVI due to less available reactive sites on nZVI surface. The immobilization of nZVI in alginate with/without polyvinyl alcohol provided resistance to particle aggregation and contributed to the superior performance of entrapped nZVI in Day-90 wastewater for 1,1,2-TCA removal (62.6–72.3%), which also mitigated Fe dissolution (4.00–4.69%). Both adsorption (by polymer matrix) and reduction (by immobilized nZVI) were involved in the 1,1,2-TCA removal by entrapped nZVI. However, after 1-month immersion in synthetic fracturing wastewater, a marked drop in the reactivity of entrapped nZVI for 1,1,2-TCA removal from Day-90 wastewater was observed with significant release of Na and total organic carbon. In summary, bare nZVI was sensitive to the nature of the fracturing wastewater, while the use of environmentally benign entrapped nZVI was more promising for wastewater treatment.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Increasing ionic strength decreased nZVI reactivity and increased Fe dissolution. </LI> <LI> Entrapping nZVI in polymer matrix improved reactivity and limited Fe dissolution. </LI> <LI> Entrapped nZVI removed model chlorinated organic via both adsorption and reduction. </LI> <LI> Aging process was mitigated by polymer matrix but still inhibited nZVI reactivity. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>