Microstructure effect of mechanical and cracking behaviors on brittle rocks using image-based fast Fourier transform method

The internal microstructures of rock materials, including mineral heterogeneity and intrinsic microdefects, exert a significant influence on their nonlinear mechanical and cracking behaviors. It is of great significance to accurately characterize the actual microstructures and their influence on stress and damage evolution inside the rocks. In this study, an image-based fast Fourier transform (FFT) method is developed for reconstructing the actual rock microstructures by combining it with the digital image processing (DIP) technique. A series of experimental investigations were conducted to acquire information regarding the actual microstructure and the mechanical properties. Based on these experimental evidences, the processed microstructure information, in conjunction with the proposed micromechanical model, is incorporated into the numerical calculation. The proposed image-based FFT method was firstly validated through uniaxial compression tests. Subsequently, it was employed to predict and analyze the influence of microstructure on macroscopic mechanical behaviors, local stress distribution and the internal crack evolution process in brittle rocks. The distribution of feldspar is considerably more heterogeneous and scattered than that of quartz, which results in a greater propensity for the formation of cracks in feldspar. It is observed that initial cracks and new cracks, including intragranular and boundary ones, ultimately coalesce and connect as the primary through cracks, which are predominantly distributed along the boundary of the feldspar. This phenomenon is also predicted by the proposed numerical method. The results indicate that the proposed numerical method provides an effective approach for analyzing, understanding and predicting the nonlinear mechanical and cracking behaviors of brittle rocks by taking into account the actual microstructure characteristics.

Experiments on image data augmentation techniques for geological rock type classification with convolutional neural networks

The integration of image analysis through deep learning(DL)into rock classification represents a significant leap forward in geological research.While traditional methods remain invaluable for their expertise and historical context,DL offers a powerful complement by enhancing the speed,objectivity,and precision of the classification process.This research explores the significance of image data augmentation techniques in optimizing the performance of convolutional neural networks(CNNs)for geological image analysis,particularly in the classification of igneous,metamorphic,and sedimentary rock types from rock thin section(RTS)images.This study primarily focuses on classic image augmentation techniques and evaluates their impact on model accuracy and precision.Results demonstrate that augmentation techniques like Equalize significantly enhance the model's classification capabilities,achieving an F1-Score of 0.9869 for igneous rocks,0.9884 for metamorphic rocks,and 0.9929 for sedimentary rocks,representing improvements compared to the baseline original results.Moreover,the weighted average F1-Score across all classes and techniques is 0.9886,indicating an enhancement.Conversely,methods like Distort lead to decreased accuracy and F1-Score,with an F1-Score of 0.949 for igneous rocks,0.954 for metamorphic rocks,and 0.9416 for sedimentary rocks,exacerbating the performance compared to the baseline.The study underscores the practicality of image data augmentation in geological image classification and advocates for the adoption of DL methods in this domain for automation and improved results.The findings of this study can benefit various fields,including remote sensing,mineral exploration,and environmental monitoring,by enhancing the accuracy of geological image analysis both for scientific research and industrial applications.

电针内关穴通过抑制RhoA/ROCK信号通路活化减轻脂多糖诱导脓毒症小鼠心功能障碍

【目的】观察电针内关穴减轻脂多糖(LPS)诱导的脓毒症模型小鼠心功能障碍的作用机制。【方法】将48只雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为4组,即正常对照组、生理盐水+电针组、脓毒症模型组、脓毒症+电针组。脓毒症模型组及脓毒症+电针组小鼠给予腹腔注射LPS(5 mg/kg)诱导脓毒症心肌损伤模型。LPS注射后立即对小鼠实施电针治疗。于LPS处理后6 h,采用彩色超声心动图监测小鼠左心室短轴收缩末期内径(LVIDs)和短轴缩短率(FS)。酶联免疫吸附分析(ELISA)检测血清炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)水平,蛋白免疫印迹(Western Blot)法检测心脏组织中Rho激酶(ROCK)1、ROCK2蛋白表达水平及肌球蛋白磷酸酶底物1(MYPT1)、肌球蛋白轻链2(MLC2)磷酸化水平。【结果】与正常对照组比较,脓毒症模型组小鼠LVIDs增加(P<0.05),FS下降(P<0.05),血清中TNF-α、IL-6含量均升高(P<0.001),心脏组织MYPT1磷酸化水平显著升高(P<0.05);与脓毒症模型组比较,脓毒症+电针组LVIDs降低(P<0.05),FS升高(P<0.05),血清中TNF-α、IL-6含量下降(P<0.05或P<0.01),MYPT1磷酸化水平显著降低(P<0.05)。各组ROCK1、ROCK2蛋白表达水平以及MLC2的磷酸化水平无显著性差异(P>0.05)。【结论】电针内关穴可能通过抑制心脏组织RhoA/ROCK信号通路活化,减轻脓毒症模型小鼠全身和局部炎性反应水平,改善心功能,产生心肌保护效应。

化瘀通络灸对血管性痴呆大鼠RhoA/ROCK轴突生长抑制性信号通路相关蛋白表达的影响

目的:观察化瘀通络灸对血管性痴呆大鼠Ras同源物基因组成员A(Ras homolog gene family member A,RhoA)/Rho激酶(Rho associated protein kinase, ROCK)轴突生长抑制性信号通路相关蛋白的影响,探讨其治疗血管性痴呆的机制。方法:使用Morris水迷宫筛除贴壁、原地旋转或溺水的Wistar大鼠,将符合条件大鼠分为假手术组、造模组。假手术组暴露大鼠颈总动脉;造模组用改良的双侧颈总动脉永久结扎术制备血管性痴呆大鼠模型,术后3 d用水迷宫对大鼠进行模型鉴定,将合格者随机分为模型组、艾灸组和西药组。于鉴定次日对大鼠进行治疗,艾灸组悬灸百会、大椎、神庭,20 min/次,1次/d, 1周为1疗程,2个疗程间休息1 d,共3个疗程;西药组用吡拉西坦溶液灌胃,2次/d;假手术组、模型组行灸架固定。治疗结束,取大鼠脑组织,用免疫荧光单染法、蛋白免疫印迹法检测其脑内目的蛋白RhoA、Rho相关螺旋卷曲蛋白激酶Ⅱ(Rho protein-related curl spiral kinase-Ⅱ,ROCKⅡ)、肌球蛋白轻链磷酸化(Phosphorylation of myosin light chain, P-MLC)的阳性表达。结果:模型组大鼠海马、皮质RhoA、ROCKⅡ、P-MLC蛋白表达高于假手术组(P<0.01);艾灸组、西药组海马和皮质RhoA、ROCKⅡ、P-MLC蛋白表达较模型组低(P<0.05);艾灸组皮质ROCKⅡ蛋白表达较西药组稍低(P<0.05);艾灸组与西药组海马ROCKⅡ、海马与皮质RhoA、P-MLC蛋白表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:化瘀通络灸可能是通过下调RhoA/ROCK轴突生长抑制性信号通路相关蛋白的表达提高血管性痴呆大鼠的记忆力,从而发挥治疗血管性痴呆的作用。

Correlation between the rock mass properties and maximum horizontal stress:A case study of overcoring stress measurements

Understanding the mechanical properties of the lithologies is crucial to accurately determine the horizontal stress magnitude.To investigate the correlation between the rock mass properties and maximum horizontal stress,the three-dimensional(3D)stress tensors at 89 measuring points determined using an improved overcoring technique in nine mines in China were adopted,a newly defined characteristic parameter C_(ERP)was proposed as an indicator for evaluating the structural properties of rock masses,and a fuzzy relation matrix was established using the information distribution method.The results indicate that both the vertical stress and horizontal stress exhibit a good linear growth relationship with depth.There is no remarkable correlation between the elastic modulus,Poisson's ratio and depth,and the distribution of data points is scattered and messy.Moreover,there is no obvious relationship between the rock quality designation(RQD)and depth.The maximum horizontal stress σ_(H) is a function of rock properties,showing a certain linear relationship with the C_(ERP)at the same depth.In addition,the overall change trend of σ_(H) determined by the established fuzzy identification method is to increase with the increase of C_(ERP).The fuzzy identification method also demonstrates a relatively detailed local relationship betweenσ_H and C_(ERP),and the predicted curve rises in a fluctuating way,which is in accord well with the measured stress data.

参附注射液通过NgR1/Lingo-1/p75NTR复合物及RhoA/ROCKⅡ信号通路减轻心肺复苏脑损伤机制的研究

目的观察参附注射液对心脏骤停后脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠的神经保护作用,研究其是否通过调控NgR1/RhoA/ROCKⅡ信号通路及其上游因子Nogo受体相互作用蛋白1(Lingo-1)和p75神经营养因子受体(p75NTR),减轻脑损伤并促进神经轴突再生。方法制备心脏骤停/心肺复苏大鼠模型,将大鼠分为模型组、参附组、拮抗剂组及参拮组。通过ELISA检测各组脑组织中NgR1、p75NTR、Lingo-1、RhoA和RockⅡ的表达水平,并通过HE染色观察脑组织损伤情况。结果ELISA结果显示,心脏骤停后大鼠脑皮层中,模型组的各指标表达在特定时间点显著升高,尤其在3 d时NgR1、p75NTR、RhoA和ROCKⅡ达到峰值,显著高于空白组(P<0.01);参附组、拮抗剂组及参拮组的各指标表达水平均显著低于模型组(P<0.01),其中参拮组在所有时间点均表现出较低的NgR1、p75NTR、Lingo-1、RhoA及ROCKⅡ水平,尤其在3 d和7 d的ROCKⅡ和RhoA表达方面,显著低于模型组(P<0.01),RhoA在7 d时显著低于空白组(P<0.01)。HE染色结果表明,参附组和参拮组在各时间点的脑组织结构恢复效果优于模型组,细胞排列改善,水肿减轻。结论参附注射液通过调控NgR1/RhoA/ROCKⅡ信号通路及其上游因子,减轻了心脏骤停后脑缺血再灌注损伤,促进了神经轴突再生与功能恢复。

Can laser irradiation improve the strength of weak rock mass?

Controllable rock cracking technology is crucial for the exploration and exploitation of deep underground resources.Many existing studies have been dedicated to the laser-assisted rock-weakening technology.It has been proved that laser irradiation can improve drilling and blasting efficiency when combined with mechanical rock fracturing methods,which are irrelevant for borehole stabilization.To improve the latter,this study used laser ablation for borehole reinforcement.The high-power laser was applied to typical rock samples(sandstone,mudstone and coal)in both dry and saturated conditions.Multi-technique observations and measurements were used to fully understand the peculiar modifications of the specimens under laser treatment,i.e.mechanical loading,acoustic emission(AE)monitoring,digital image correlation(DIC)strain field evaluation,infrared thermography(IRT)monitoring and X-ray computed tomography(CT)scanning.The results showed that,in addition to the effects already demonstrated,laser irradiation can improve the strength of the soft rock,especially in the saturated state.The process involved a complicated phase change including melting and evaporation of the matrix under high-temperature and high-pressure to form a glassy high strength silicate material.This process is similar to the reaction between molten lava and water,or the impact of an asteroid on the earth.Inspired by the results,a conceptual path for a new borehole stabilization technology using laser ablation was outlined.

Alkaline igneous rocks,a potential source of rare metals and radioactive minerals:Case study at Amreit area,south Eastern Desert,Egypt

Alkaline igneous rocks represent one of the most economically important resources of radioactive minerals and rare metals.New field observations and petrographic studies are integrated with whole-rock geochemical analyses and Gamma ray spectroscopy data of alkaline rocks associated with the Amreit complex.The fieldwork was achieved by the collection of more than forty samples from alkaline granites and alkaline syenites.The youngest rocks cropping out in the study area are the cogenetic alkaline rocks,ranging from alkaline granite to alkaline syenite.These alkaline rocks are composed essentially of K-feldspar,alkali amphiboles(arfvedsonite),and sodic pyroxene,with accessories such as zircon,apatite,and ilmenite.Mineral characterization of the highly radioactive zones in both alkaline granite and alkaline syenite displays enrichment in monazite,thorite,zircon,ferro-columbite,xenotime,and allanite minerals.Geochemical analyses indicate that the Amreit rocks are alkaline with peralkaline affinity and have high concentrations of total alkalis(K_(2)O+Na_(2)O),large ion lithophile elements(LILEs;Ba and Rb),high field strength elements(HFSEs;Y,Zr and Nb),rare earth elements(REEs)and significantly depleted in K,Sr,P,Ti,and Eu,typically of post-collision A-type granites.Typically,the Amreit alkaline igneous rocks are classified as within plate granites and display A2 subtype characteristics.The fractionation of K-feldspars played a distinctive role during the magmatic evolution of these alkaline rocks.The geochemical characteristics indicate that the studied alkaline igneous rocks which were originated by fractional crystallization of alkaline magmas were responsible for the enrichment of the REE and rare metals in the residual melt.The high radioactivity is essentially related to accessory minerals,such as zircon,allanite,and monazite.The alkaline granite is the most U-and Thrich rock,where radioactivity level reaches up to 14.7 ppm(181.55 Bq/kg)e U,40.6 ppm(164.84 Bq/kg)e Th,whereas in alkaline syenite radioactivity level is 8.5 ppm(104.96 Bq/kg)e U,30.2 ppm(122.61 Bq/kg)e Th.These observations suppose that these alkaline rocks may be important targets for REEs and radioactive mineral exploration.

Assessing ground stability of a vertical backfilled stope considering creep behaviors of surrounding rocks

Backfill is often employed in mining operations for ground support,with its positive impact on ground stability acknowledged in many underground mines.However,existing studies have predominantly focused only on the stress development within the backfill material,leaving the influence of stope backfilling on stress distribution in surrounding rock mass and ground stability largely unexplored.Therefore,this paper presents numerical models in FLAC3D to investigate,for the first time,the time-dependent stress redistribution around a vertical backfilled stope and its implications on ground stability,considering the creep of surrounding rock mass.Using the Soft Soil constitutive model,the compressibility of backfill under large pressure was captured.It is found that the creep deformation of rock mass exercises compression on backfill and results in a less void ratio and increased modulus for fill material.The compacted backfill conversely influenced the stress distribution and ground stability of rock mass which was a combined effect of wall creep and compressibility of backfill.With the increase of time or/and creep deformation,the minimum principal stress in the rocks surrounding the backfilled stope increased towards the pre-mining stress state,while the deviatoric stress reduces leading to an increased factor of safety and improved ground stability.This improvement effect of backfill on ground stability increased with the increase of mine depth and stope height,while it is also more pronounced for the narrow stope,the backfill with a smaller compression index,and the soft rocks with a smaller viscosity coefficient.Furthermore,the results emphasize the importance of minimizing empty time and backfilling extracted stope as soon as possible for ground control.Reduction of filling gap height enhances the local stability around the roof of stope.

An adjustable bio-sealing method for rock fracture leakage mitigation

This study proposed a repeated adjustable mixture injection strategy(RAM)based microbial induced carbonate precipitation(MICP)for efficient mitigation of rock fracture leakage.Granite fractures with small apertures were investigated,and bio-sealing experiments were conducted using five different cementation solution(CS)concentrations(0.25−2 M).The results showed that the RAM-based bio-sealing method can seal and bond the small aperture rock fractures with high efficiency and uniform precipitation by adjusting the CS concentration.The RAM-based bio-sealing mechanism is attributed to the following four stages:(1)fixation of bacterial flocs onto the fracture surfaces,(2)precipitation of CaCO3 onto the fracture surfaces,(3)growth of pre-precipitated CaCO3 and adhesion of new-suspended CaCO3,and(4)bridging and clogging processes.The optimal CS concentration of 1 M resulted in a fracture filling rate up to 85%,a transmissivity reduction of 4 orders of magnitude,and a shear strength ranging from 512 kPa to 688 kPa.The bio-sealing effect was found to be influenced by the CS concentration on bacterial attachment,calcium carbonate yield and calcium carbonate bulk density.The CS concentration of 1 M promoted bacterial attachment,and increased calcium carbonate yield as well as calcium carbonate bulk density,while concentrations above 1 M had the opposite effect.The bulk density of calcium carbonate played a crucial role in the sealing and bonding performance of bio-sealed fractures,particularly at comparable filling ratios and bridging areas.The bulk density was regulated by the size of calcium carbonate crystals and was determined by Ca2+concentration in the CS.This study provides valuable insights into the RAM-based bio-sealing method,highlighting its potential for efficient rock fracture leakage mitigation through precise control of CS concentration and understanding the underlying mechanisms.

Pore-scale investigation of forced imbibition in porous rocks through interface curvature and pore topology analysis

Forced imbibition,the invasion of a wetting fluid into porous rocks,plays an important role in the effective exploitation of hydrocarbon resources and the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide.However,the interface dynamics influenced by complex topology commonly leads to non-wetting fluid trapping.Particularly,the underlying mechanisms under viscously unfavorable conditions remain unclear.This study employs a direct numerical simulation method to simulate forced imbibition through the reconstructed digital rocks of sandstone.The interface dynamics and fluid–fluid interactions are investigated through transient simulations,while the pore topology metrics are introduced to analyze the impact on steady-state residual fluid distribution obtained by a pseudo-transient scheme.The results show that the cooperative pore-filling process promoted by corner flow is dominant at low capillary numbers.This leads to unstable inlet pressure,mass flow,and interface curvature,which correspond to complicated interface dynamics and higher residual fluid saturation.During forced imbibition,the interface curvature gradually increases,with the pore-filling mechanisms involving the cooperation of main terminal meniscus movement and arc menisci filling.Complex topology with small diameter pores may result in the destabilization of interface curvature.The residual fluid saturation is negatively correlated with porosity and pore throat size,and positively correlated with tortuosity and aspect ratio.A large mean coordination number characterizing global connectivity promotes imbibition.However,high connectivity characterized by the standardized Euler number corresponding to small pores is associated with a high probability of non-wetting fluid trapping.

Multiscale modeling of thermo-hydromechanical behavior of clayey rocks and application to geological disposal of radioactive waste

This work is devoted to numerical analysis of thermo-hydromechanical problem and cracking process in saturated porous media in the context of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste.The fundamental background of thermo-poro-elastoplasticity theory is first summarized.The emphasis is put on the effect of pore fluid pressure on plastic deformation.A micromechanics-based elastoplastic model is then presented for a class of clayey rocks considered as host rock.Based on linear and nonlinear homogenization techniques,the proposed model is able to systematically account for the influences of porosity and mineral composition on macroscopic elastic properties and plastic yield strength.The initial anisotropy and time-dependent deformation are also taken into account.The induced cracking process is described by using a non-local damage model.A specific hybrid formulation is proposed,able to conveniently capture tensile,shear and mixed cracks.In particular,the influences of pore pressure and confining stress on the shear cracking mechanism are taken into account.The proposed model is applied to investigating thermo-hydromechanical responses and induced damage evolution in laboratory tests at the sample scale.In the last part,an in situ heating experiment is analyzed by using the proposed model.Numerical results are compared with experimental data and field measurements in terms of temperature variation,pore fluid pressure change and induced damaged zone.

Microwave irradiation-induced deterioration of rock mechanical properties and implications for mechanized hard rock excavation

In this study,a novel microwave-water cooling-assisted mechanical rock breakage method was proposed to address the issues of severe tool wear at elevated temperatures,poor rock microwave absorption,and excessive microwave energy consumption.The investigation object was sandstone,which was irradiated at 4 kW microwave power for 60 s,180 s,300 s,and 420 s,followed by air and water cooling.Subsequently,uniaxial compression,Brazilian tension,and fracture tests were conducted.The evolution of damage in sandstone was measured using active and passive nondestructive acoustic detection methods.The roughness of the fracture surfaces of the specimens was quantified using the box-counting method.The damage mechanisms of microwave heating and water cooling on sandstone were discussed from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives.The experimental results demonstrated that as the duration of the microwave irradiation increased,the P-wave velocity,uniaxial compressive strength(UCS),elastic modulus(E),tensile strength,and fracture toughness of sandstone exhibited various degrees of weakness and were further weakened by water cooling.Furthermore,an increase in the microwave irradiation duration enhanced the damaging effect of water cooling.The P-wave velocity of the sandstone was proportional to the mechanical parameters.Microwave heating and water cooling weakened the brittleness of the sandstone to a certain extent.The fractal dimension of the fracture surface was correlated with the duration of microwave heating,and the water-cooling treatment resulted in a rougher fracture surface.An analysis of the instantaneous cutting rate revealed that water cooling can substantially enhance the efficiency of microwave-assisted rock breakage.

Aluminum foam as buffer layer used in soft rock tunnel with large deformation

The squeezing deformation of surrounding rock is an important factor restricting the safe construction and long-term operation of tunnels when a tunnel passes through soft strata with high ground stress.Under such soft rock geological conditions,the large deformation of the surrounding rock can easily lead to the failure of supporting structures,including shotcrete cracks,spalling,and steel arch distortion.To improve the lining support performance during the large deformation of squeezed surrounding rock,this work selects aluminum foam with densities of 0.25 g/cm3,0.42 g/cm3 and 0.61 g/cm3 as the buffer layer material and carries out uniaxial confined compression tests.Through the evaluation and analysis of energy absorption and the comparison of the yield pressure of aluminum foam with those of other cushioning materials and yield pressure support systems,the strength,deformation and energy absorption of aluminum foam with a density of 0.25 g/cm3 meet the yield pressure performance requirements.The numerical model of the buffer layer yielding support system is then established via the finite element analysis software ABAQUS,and the influence of the buffer layer setting on the lining support is analyzed.Compared with the conventional support scheme,the addition of an aluminum foam buffer layer can reduce the stress and deformation of the primary support and secondary lining.The maximum and minimum principal stresses of the primary support are reduced by 13%and 15%,respectively.The maximum and minimum principal stresses of the secondary lining are reduced by 15%and 12%,respectively,and the displacement deformation of the secondary lining position is reduced by 15%.In summary,the application of aluminum foam buffer layer can reduce the stress and deformation of the primary support and secondary lining,improve the stress safety of the support and reduce the deformation of the support.

Characterizing large deformation of soft rock tunnel using microseismic monitoring and numerical simulation

Surrounding rock deterioration and large deformation have always been a significant difficulty in designing and constructing tunnels in soft rock.The key lies in real-time perception and quantitative assessment of the damaged area around the tunnel.An in situ microseismic(MS)monitoring system is established in the plateau soft tock tunnel.This technique facilitates spatiotemporal monitoring of the rock mass's fracturing expansion and squeezing deformation,which agree well with field convergence deformation results.The formation mechanisms of progressive failure evolution of soft rock tunnels were discussed and analyzed with MS data and numerical results.The results demonstrate that:(1)Localized stress concentration and layered rock result in significant asymmetry in micro-fractures propagation in the tunnel radial section.As excavation continues,the fracture extension area extends into the deep surrounding rockmass on the east side affected by the weak bedding;(2)Tunnel excavation and long-term deformation can induce tensile shear action on the rock mass,vertical tension fractures(account for 45%)exist in deep rockmass,which play a crucial role in controlling the macroscopic failure of surrounding rock;and(3)Based on the radiated MS energy,a three-dimensional model was created to visualize the damage zone of the tunnel surrounding rock.The model depicted varying degrees of damage,and three high damage zones were identified.Generally,the depth of high damage zone ranged from 4 m to 12 m.This study may be a valuable reference for the warning and controlling of large deformations in similar projects.

Effect of surface crack on the bearing capacity of strip footing placed on rock mass

In hilly regions,the existence of surface cracks in rock mass induces a potential threat to structural stability.Thus,the present research aims to explore the impact of surface cracks on the loadbearing capacity of strip footing placed on the rock mass.By taking into account the various boundary constraints across the surface of crack edges,the study investigates the presence of two categories of surface cracks,namely(1)separated crack,and(2)fine crack.The lower bound limit analysis is employed in conjunction with the finite element method(LBFELA)to conduct the numerical analysis.In order to evaluate rock mass yielding,the power conic programming(PCP)method is utilized to implement the generalized Hoek-Brown(GHB)failure criterion.The stability of the strip footing is analyzed by determining the bearing capacity factor(Nσγ),which is presented in the form of design charts by varying the strength parameters of rock,including the Geological Strength Index(GSI),Hoek-Brown material parameter(mi),Disturbance factor(D),and Normalised Uniaxial Compressive Strength(σci/γB),whereγis the unit weight of rock mass,and B is the width of strip footing.The study also investigates the impact of cracks on strip footings,considering different positions of the crack(LC)and depths of the crack(DC).The results demonstrate that the influence of the fine crack is only noticeable until the LC/B ratio reaches 6.However,for the separated crack,its impact remains significant even when the LC/B ratio exceeds 16.The appearance of fine crack at the edge of the footing results in a decrease in the magnitude Nσγof up to 45%,indicating a substantial reduction in the stability of the footing.The failure patterns are presented and discussed in detail for various cases in this study to examine the effect of surface cracks on the strip footing and to address the extent of the plastic collapse.

电针对肌萎缩侧索硬化症小鼠TDP-43及RhoA/ROCK2信号通路的影响

目的观察电针对肌萎缩侧索硬化症(ALS)小鼠大脑皮层RhoA/ROCK2信号通路的影响,探讨电针改善ALS小鼠运动功能的作用机制。方法将雄性hSOD1G93A小鼠随机分为模型组和电针组,同窝野生雄性小鼠作为空白组,每组12只。小鼠60日龄开始,电针组取“百会”及双侧“天柱”“天枢”,每日电针10 min,连续5 d休息2 d,共3周。采用转棒实验和旷场实验评估小鼠运动功能,尼氏染色观察大脑皮层神经元损伤情况,Western blot检测大脑皮层Tar DNA结合蛋白-43(TDP-43)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、白细胞介素(IL)-1β、RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达,免疫荧光染色检测大脑皮层离子钙结合衔接分子1(Iba-1)、胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)阳性表达。结果与空白组比较,模型组小鼠转棒潜伏期和旷场运动总距离缩短(P<0.01),大脑皮层神经元损伤明显,尼氏体固缩、数量减少(P<0.01),大脑皮层TDP-43、TNF-α、IL-1β、RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达升高(P<0.01),Iba-1、GFAP阳性表达升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,电针组小鼠转棒潜伏期和旷场运动总距离延长(P<0.05),大脑皮层神经元损伤程度减轻,尼氏体数量增加(P<0.05),大脑皮层TDP-43、TNF-α、IL-1β、RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),Iba-1、GFAP阳性表达降低(P<0.05)。结论电针可改善ALS模型小鼠运动功能,其作用机制可能与抑制大脑皮层RhoA/ROCK2信号通路活性进而缓解神经炎性有关。

An extended discontinuous deformation analysis for simulation of grouting reinforcement in a water-rich fractured rock tunnel

Grouting has been the most effective approach to mitigate water inrush disasters in underground engineering due to its ability to plug groundwater and enhance rock strength.Nevertheless,there is a lack of potent numerical tools for assessing the grouting effectiveness in water-rich fractured strata.In this study,the hydro-mechanical coupled discontinuous deformation analysis(HM-DDA)is inaugurally extended to simulate the grouting process in a water-rich discrete fracture network(DFN),including the slurry migration,fracture dilation,water plugging in a seepage field,and joint reinforcement after coagulation.To validate the capabilities of the developed method,several numerical examples are conducted incorporating the Newtonian fluid and Bingham slurry.The simulation results closely align with the analytical solutions.Additionally,a set of compression tests is conducted on the fresh and grouted rock specimens to verify the reinforcement method and calibrate the rational properties of reinforced joints.An engineering-scale model based on a real water inrush case of the Yonglian tunnel in a water-rich fractured zone has been established.The model demonstrates the effectiveness of grouting reinforcement in mitigating water inrush disaster.The results indicate that increased grouting pressure greatly affects the regulation of water outflow from the tunnel face and the prevention of rock detachment face after excavation.

Disturbance failure mechanism of highly stressed rock in deep excavation:Current status and prospects

This article reviews the current status on the dynamic behavior of highly stressed rocks under disturbances.Firstly,the experimental apparatus,methods,and theories related to the disturbance dynamics of deep,high-stress rock are reviewed,followed by the introduction of scholars’research on deep rock deformation and failure from an energy perspective.Subsequently,with a backdrop of highstress phenomena in deep hard rock,such as rock bursts and core disking,we delve into the current state of research on rock microstructure analysis and residual stresses from the perspective of studying the energy storage mechanisms in rocks.Thereafter,the current state of research on the mechanical response and the energy dissipation of highly stressed rock formations is briefly retrospected.Finally,the insufficient aspects in the current research on the disturbance and failure mechanisms in deep,highly stressed rock formations are summarized,and prospects for future research are provided.This work provides new avenues for the research on the mechanical response and damage-fracture mechanisms of rocks under high-stress conditions.

Rho/ROCK信号通路在糖尿病视网膜病变中的研究进展

糖尿病视网膜病变(diabetic retinopathy,DR)是导致劳动年龄人群视力障碍的重要原因,其复杂的发病机制尚未完全明确。虽然一些新兴治疗方法在DR的治疗中取得显著疗效,但仍存在治疗效果欠佳及并发症等问题。Rho GTP酶是一种小分子蛋白,通过激活下游蛋白ROCK参与细胞骨架调节等多种细胞活动。在DR发病过程中Rho/ROCK信号通路被激活,抑制Rho/ROCK信号传导可能抑制DR的进展。本文从炎症、新生血管、血-视网膜屏障(blood retinal barrier,BRB)、晚期糖基化终末产物(advanced glycation end products,AGEs)、糖尿病视网膜神经变性(diabetic retinal neurodegeneration,DRN)等方面阐述Rho/ROCK信号通路在DR发病机制中的研究进展,以期为DR的治疗提供新思路。