A REGULARIZATION NEWTON METHOD FOR MIXED COMPLEMENTARITY PROBLEMS

In this paper, a regularization Newton method for mixed complementarity problem(MCP) based on the reformulation of MCP in [1] is proposed. Its global convergence is proved under the assumption that F is a P0-function. The main feature of our algorithm is that a priori of the existence of an accumulation point for convergence need not to be assumed.

Quasi-Static, Poiseuille Flow of Analgesics from an Elastomeric Pump: Theoretical Determination of Infusion Times and Toxicity Conditions

Background: Elastomeric pumps (elastic balls into which analgesics or antibiotics can be inserted) push medicines through a catheter to a nerve or blood vessel. Since elastomeric pumps are small and need no power source, they fit easily into a pocket during infusion, allowing patient mobility. Elastomeric pumps are widely used and widely studied experimentally, but they have well-known problems, such as maintaining reliable flow rates and avoiding toxicity or other peak-and-trough effects. Objectives: Our research objective is to develop a realistic theoretical model of an elastomeric pump, analyze its flow rates, determine its toxicity conditions, and otherwise improve its operation. We believe this is the first such theoretical model of an elastomeric pump consisting of an elastic, medicine-filled ball attached to a horizontal catheter. Method: Our method is to model the system as a quasi-Poiseuille flow driven by the pressure drop generated by the elastic sphere. We construct an engineering model of the pressure exerted by an elastic sphere and match it to a solution of the one-dimensional radial Navier-Stokes equation that describes flow through a horizontal, cylindrical tube. Results: Our results are that the model accurately reproduces flow rates obtained in clinical studies. We also discover that the flow rate has an unavoidable maximum, which we call the “toxicity bump”, when the radius of the sphere approaches its terminal, unstretched value—an effect that has been observed experimentally. Conclusions: We conclude that by choosing the properties of an elastomeric pump, the toxicity bump can be restricted to less than 10% of the earlier, relatively constant flow rate. Our model also produces a relation between the length of time that the analgesic fluid infuses and the physical properties of the fluid, of the elastomeric sphere and the tube, and of the blood vessel into which the analgesic infuses. From these, we conclude that elastomeric pumps can be designed, using our simple model, to control infusion times while avoiding toxicity effects.

Adaptive optimisation of explosive reactive armour for protection against kinetic energy and shaped charge threats

We evaluate an adaptive optimisation methodology,Bayesian optimisation(BO),for designing a minimum weight explosive reactive armour(ERA)for protection against a surrogate medium calibre kinetic energy(KE)long rod projectile and surrogate shaped charge(SC)warhead.We perform the optimisation using a conventional BO methodology and compare it with a conventional trial-and-error approach from a human expert.A third approach,utilising a novel human-machine teaming framework for BO is also evaluated.Data for the optimisation is generated using numerical simulations that are demonstrated to provide reasonable qualitative agreement with reference experiments.The human-machine teaming methodology is shown to identify the optimum ERA design in the fewest number of evaluations,outperforming both the stand-alone human and stand-alone BO methodologies.From a design space of almost 1800 configurations the human-machine teaming approach identifies the minimum weight ERA design in 10 samples.

Modelling dynamic pantograph loads with combined numerical analysis

Appropriate interaction between pantograph and catenary is imperative for smooth operation of electric trains.Changing heights of overhead lines to accommodate level crossings,overbridges,and tunnels pose significant challenges in maintaining consistent current collection performance as the pantograph aerodynamic profile,and thus aerodynamic load changes significantly with operational height.This research aims to analyse the global flow characteristics and aerodynamic forces acting on individual components of an HSX pantograph operating in different configurations and orientations,such that the results can be combined with multibody simulations to obtain accurate dynamic insight into contact forces.Specifically,computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to investigate the pantograph component loads in a representative setting,such as that of the recessed cavity on a Class 800 train.From an aerodynamic perspective,this study indicates that the total drag force acting on non-fixed components of the pantograph is larger for the knuckle-leading orientation rather than the knuckle-trailing,although the difference between the two is found to reduce with increasing pantograph extension.Combining the aerodynamic loads acting on individual components with multibody tools allows for realistic dynamic insight into the pantograph behaviour.The results obtained show how considering aerodynamic forces enhance the realism of the models,leading to behaviour of the pantograph-catenary contact forces closely matching that seen in experimental tests.

Momentum as Translations at Conformal Infinity

Although General Relativity is the classic example of a physical theory based on differential geometry, the momentum tensor is the only part of the field equation that is not derived from or interpreted with differential geometry. This work extends General Relativity and Einstein-Cartan theory by augmenting the Poincaré group with projective (special) conformal transformations, which are translations at conformal infinity. Momentum becomes a part of the differential geometry of spacetime. The Lie algebra of these transformations is represented by vectorfields on an associated Minkowski fiber space. Variation of projective conformal scalar curvature generates a 2-index tensor that serves as linear momentum in the field equations of General Relativity. The computation yields a constructive realization of Mach’s principle: local inertia is determined by local motion relative to mass at conformal infinity in each fiber. The vectorfields have a cellular structure that is similar to that of turbulent fluids.

有限元分析3种内固定方式治疗伴有内侧骨缺损的C3型股骨远端骨折

目的:伴有内侧骨缺损的股骨远端C3型骨折预后差,目前尚无治疗伴有内侧骨缺损的股骨远端C3型骨折的金标准。本研究采用有限元分析比较股骨远端外侧单钢板、逆行髓内钉和内外侧双钢板这3种治疗伴有内侧骨缺损的股骨远端C3型骨折的内固定方式的生物力学特点,旨在为临床选择内固定治疗方式提供理论依据。方法:选取1位43岁体重60 kg男性志愿者,无股骨骨折及骨病史,股骨X线及CT检测表明骨质条件无异常。运用螺旋CT对志愿者的股骨全长进行层厚1 mm的断层扫描,通过有限元分析方法基于CT采集数据建立伴有内侧骨缺损的股骨远端C3型骨折仿真模型,并分别建立股骨远端外侧解剖钢板(单钢板组)、逆行髓内钉(逆行髓内钉组)以及内外侧双钢板(双钢板组)固定的三维模型。模拟60 kg体重男性行走步态中单足负重中立位受力情况,对装配模型施加300 N轴向应力,观察各组模型中内植物的应力、剪切力、位移、股骨应力分布及骨折端位移情况。结果:单钢板组、逆行髓内钉组、双钢板组的内植物应力峰值分别为149.300、59.281、58.038 MPa,应力峰值均在股骨远端骨缺损部位。单钢板组、逆行髓内钉组、双钢板组的内植物剪切力峰值分别为77.867、30.136、33.505 MPa,均出现在股骨远端骨缺损部位。单钢板组、逆行髓内钉组、双钢板组的内植物位移峰值分别为1.34、1.25、0.83 mm,骨折端位移峰值分别为1.529、1.264、0.880 mm,股骨应力峰值分别为72.682、112.430、40.716 MPa。结论:在治疗伴有内侧骨缺损的股骨远端C3型骨折的3种模型中,双钢板组的内植物位移及应力峰值最小,股骨应力峰值最小,出现内固定断裂风险最低,可能是治疗伴有内侧骨缺损的股骨远端C3型骨折的更好选择。

Influence of climate fluctuations on Pinus palustris growth and drought resilience

The longleaf pine(Pinus palustris Mill.)ecosystem is an endangered ecosystem in the southeastern USA,and efforts to restore the species are ongoing.However,in recent decades,the region has experienced drastic fluctuations between wet and dry growing season conditions from year to year,and it is not fully understood how these fluctuations have influenced the growth of P.palustris.To address this topic,we cored P.palustris trees in woodlands of southwest Georgia and used dendrochronology techniques to determine how climate fluctuations have influenced the growth and drought resilience of P.palustris.We also cored slash pine(Pinus elliottii Engelm.)trees in the same woodlands to compare growth between species.While P.palustris growth was less impacted by adverse climate conditions compared to P.elliottii,the strength of correlations between P.palustris growth and temperature,precipitation,and Palmer Drought Severity Index(PDSI)changed over time.In recent decades,climate conditions during the growing season became more influential on P.palustris growth than the previous year's conditions.This is concerning given that drought severity during the growing season has been increasing.Our results also indicate that P.palustris was less resilient to droughts during the 2000s and 2010s than to those of the 1950s.Under this new climate paradigm,our results suggest that P.palustris might be more susceptible to growth reductions and less resistant to droughts than once expected.This work highlights the importance of understanding the impact of novel climate conditions on P.palustris and has implications for restoration efforts,such as using silvicultural treatments that reduce tree vulnerability to drought(e.g.,thinning)and promote other climate-adapted species in mixture with P.palustris.

现代生命医学与美国相关法律的发展

近30年来现代医学技术的高速发展及惊人进步挑战着世界各国的法律及道德观念。本世纪更因生命科学的巨大发展而被命名为生命科学世纪。现代生命科学在变革世界的同时也带来了史无前例的道德伦理问题,引发了激烈的争论。为了适应这些新的发展,美国的法律做出了相应的变革。这些新的法律法规影响着美国人民的工作生活及几乎所有的法律领域,例如医疗法、家庭法、遗产法、商业法、专利法、刑法等都极大程度地受到现代医学及相关法律的制约与影响。当代各个领域中的美国律师及政治领导人必须熟悉生命医学的有关法律,以为社会提供高质量和全方位的服务。生命医学法律更是当代世界及美国政坛的激战舞台,美国总统布什于2006年7月19日第一次使用了总统否决权,驳回了美国国会新通过的干细胞研究的法律,此举引发了激烈的政治波澜。着重介绍当代美国生命医学法律中的最热点论题,包括医疗决定权、安乐死、人类克隆及人胚胎干细胞研究等有关法律的发展过程及存在的问题与面临的挑战。

生物可降解材料在服装行业的应用现状及发展趋势

可持续时尚是服装行业的重要发展趋势,可降解材料的使用有利于推动可持续时尚的发展。综述了生物可降解材料在服装行业的应用现状,详细阐释生物可降解材料的定义,其分类包括天然生物可降解材料、再生生物可降解材料以及合成可降解材料。根据分类综述了近年来主要的生物可降解材料及其在服装中的应用,总结分析其发展趋势,为未来可降解材料的研究与创新提供一定的参考。

中国传统婚礼服饰形制的变迁

中国传统服饰拥有悠久的历史,婚礼服饰则是各个时期最正式、最隆重的服饰之一。中国婚礼服饰制度起于周代,经过数千年的发展演变,形成了较为完整的礼服体系。近年来传统服饰文化逐步回归大众视野,传统婚礼服饰也被越来越多的人使用。但是,现在人们对传统婚礼服饰了解较为片面。基于此,文章以时间为轴,对传统婚礼服饰的形制变化进行叙述,探究其演变过程,希望为大众了解中国传统婚礼服饰提供帮助。

桥接系统混棒与双棒结构治疗股骨及胫骨骨折的生物力学特点

背景:桥接系统双棒结构为偏心固定,术后可能导致纵向上固定减弱及横向上抗扭转降低。目的:比较桥接组合式内固定系统混棒与双棒结构治疗股骨及胫骨骨折的生物力学特性。方法:以40根短聚甲醛材料配对模拟人体长骨骨干模型20个,其中10个以桥接组合式内固定系统混棒结构固定(混棒结构组),另10个以桥接组合式内固定系统双棒结构固定(双棒结构组),对2组分别进行轴向压缩实验和径向扭转实验(每种实验各选择每组5个模型),观察2组的轴向压缩力与位移情况,以及横向扭转力与角度变化,记录各组曲线出现折点或趋于水平状态时的载荷即最大载荷,并计算屈服载荷。结果与结论:①当轴向压缩屈服载荷≤2 000 N、产生相同位移时,混棒结构组所需轴向压缩屈服载荷大于双棒结构组;当轴向压缩屈服载荷>2000N、产生相同位移时,双棒结构组所需轴向压缩屈服载荷大于混棒结构组,并且双棒结构组最大轴向压缩屈服载荷大于混棒结构组[(2420.60±5.67),(2721.40±5.80)N,t=-82.885,P=0];②当径向扭转屈服载荷≤50 N·m、产生相同角度时,混棒结构组所需的扭矩小于双棒结构组;当径向扭转屈服载荷>50 N·m、产生相同角度时,混棒结构组所需扭矩大于双棒结构组,并且混棒结构组最大径向扭转屈服载荷大于双棒结构组[(101.85±2.97),(85.41±2.82)N·m,t=8.985,P=0];③结果说明,桥接系统混棒与双棒结构纵向上均可坚强固定骨折,但混棒结构固定骨折更稳定、牢靠,更容易促使骨折愈合;混棒结构横向上固定骨折后,骨折端容易产生微动,符合弹性固定,并且最大抗扭转力及抗疲劳性能优于双棒结构,可防止因横向不稳定造成的桥接系统断裂。

基于符号学视角下的山西民间服饰织绣纹样解读

山西民间服饰织绣纹样是山西民间服饰织绣艺术的重要组成部分,其受到当地人民生活环境、民风民俗、宗教信仰等因素的影响,呈现出鲜明的生活化、地域化、民俗化、个人情感主义化的特征,是五千年山西人民劳动的历史文化沉淀。为了更加深入、全面地解读山西民间传统文化,文章以索绪尔的符号学理论为切入点,采用跨学科交叉、田野调查、理论与实物研究相结合的方法,通过分析山西民间织绣纹样的题材与造型、构图与布局、色彩与材料、针法与工艺特征,挖掘其创作过程中的“言与意”,建立系统的山西民间织服饰绣纹样符号架构,可为研究山西民间服饰织绣纹样提供新的思路,拓宽纬度。

爱尔兰诗赏析(二)

早期爱尔兰诗歌,很能用自然的景物去抒发人的性灵、他们在社会上的地位崇高。阿默金(Amergin)的诗、就能反映出爱尔兰的景象:

非平衡电负性离子辅助乙胺的合成

采用直流负高压电晕放电,在强还原环境下研究乙醇蒸汽与氨气的反应。考察了乙醇和氨水的体积比、反应温度、反应时间、放电频率对乙醇转化率的影响。结果表明:在常压100℃、放电频率为9.608 kHz、反应时间为50min、乙醇∶氨水=7mL∶40mL时,乙醇的转化率可以达到38%。此外,对乙醇氨化合成乙胺的机理进行了初步的探索。

Optical Design of Multilayer Achromatic Waveplate by Simulated Annealing Algorithm

We applied a Monte Carlo method -- simulated annealing algorithm -- to carry out the design of multilayer achromatic waveplate. We present solutions for three-, six- and ten-layer achromatic waveplates. The optimized retardance settings are found to be 89°51′39″ ± 0°33′37″ and 89°54′46″ ± 0°22′4″ for the six- and ten-layer waveplates, respectively, for a wavelength range from 1000 nm to 1800 nm. The polarimetric properties of multilayer waveplates are investigated based on several numerical experiments. In contrast to previously proposed three-layer achromatic waveplate, the fast axes of the new six- and ten-layer achromatic waveplate remain at fixed angles, independent of the wavelength. Two applications of multilayer achromatic waveplate are discussed, the general-purpose phase shifter and the birefringent filter in the Infrared Imaging Magnetograph （IRIM） system of the Big Bear Solar Observatory （BBSO）. We also checked an experimental method to measure the retardance of waveplates.

Increased virulence of the oral microbiome in oral squamous cell carcinoma revealed by metatranscriptome analyses

Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) is the most prevalent and most commonly studied oral cancer. However, there is a void regarding the role that the oral microbiome may play in OSCC. Although the relationship between microbial community composition and OSCC has been thoroughly investigated, microbial profiles of the human microbiome in cancer are understudied. Here we performed a small pilot study of community-wide metatranscriptome analysis to profile mRNA expression in the entire oral microbiome in OSCC to reveal molecular functions associated with this disease. Fusobacteria showed a statistically significantly higher number of transcripts at tumour sites and tumour-adjacent sites of cancer patients compared to the healthy controls analysed. Regardless of the community composition, specific metabolic signatures were consistently found in disease. Activities such as iron ion transport, tryptophanase activity, peptidase activities and superoxide dismutase were over-represented in tumour and tumour-adjacent samples when compared to the healthy controls. The expression of putative virulence factors in the oral communities associated with OSCC showed that activities related to capsule biosynthesis, flagellum synthesis and assembly, chemotaxis, iron transport, haemolysins and adhesins were upregulated at tumour sites. Moreover, activities associated with protection against reactive nitrogen intermediates, chemotaxis, flagellar and capsule biosynthesis were also upregulated in non-tumour sites of cancer patients. Although they are preliminary, our results further suggest that Fusobacteria may be the leading phylogenetic group responsible for the increase in expression of virulence factors in the oral microbiome of OSCC patients.

HIV Drug Resistance Profiles and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Viremia Maintained at Very Low Levels

We describe an observational study of clinical, virologic and drug resistance profiles in HIV-positive antiretroviral adherent subjects with stable low level viremia (LLV) 50 - 1000 copies/mL for more than 12 months. Subjects were followed from time of first detectable viral load (VL). In total, 102 episodes of LLV were detected among 80 individuals. The median (mean, range) HIV copy number at genotyping was 250 (486, - 3900) copies/mL after 14 (17.9, 0 - 58) months of LLV. Few patients maintained LLV for the entire 9 years period of observation, with half (52%) experiencing viremic progression following a stable period of LLV either spontaneously or after treatment interruption or failed regimen intensification. In the setting of prolonged periods of sustained LLV, mean duration 22 (range 8 - 106) months, drug resistance (DR) was almost universal. Resistance to ≥1 on-treatment drugs was defined in 97% of specimens and DR to all drugs in the treatment regimen in over half of all patients. Evolution of DR mutations during the period of LLV was observed in 20/28 (71%) subjects with specimens available for follow-up testing. This evolution was associated with viremic progression to levels >1000 copies/mL (p = 0.03). Our data suggest that DR present in patients with LLV is likely to impact long term clinical outcomes, highlighting the importance of optimizing techniques to detect the presence of drug resistant HIV in the setting of LLV and the need for larger prospective studies to assess the emergence of DR in the setting of sustained LLV and the impact of this DR on treatment outcomes.

Salinity effect on the compaction behaviour,matric suction,stiffness and microstructure of a silty soil

To better understand the salinity effect on the compaction behaviour of soil,standard Proctor compaction test was conducted on soil samples with different salinities.Matric suction and small-strain shear modulus,G_(max),were determined and pore size distribution was also investigated on samples statically compacted at different water contents.Results showed that with the decrease of soil salinity from initial value of 2.1‰(g of salt/kg of dry soil)to zero,the maximum dry density increased and the optimum water content decreased,whereas there was no significant change with the increase of soil salinity from 2.1‰ to 6.76‰.Interestingly,it was observed that G_(max) also decreased when the soil salinity decreased from initial value of 2.1‰ to zero and kept almost constant when the soil salinity increased from 2.1‰ to 6.76‰,for dry samples with similar matric suction and also for samples compacted at optimum state and on wet side whose matric suctions were slightly different due to the difference in remoulded water content.Furthermore,the effect of salinity on compaction behaviour and G_(max) decreased for samples compacted from dry side to wet side.The pore size distribution exhibited bi-modal characteristics with two populations of micro-and macro-pores not only for samples compacted on dry side and at optimum state,but also for those compacted on wet side.Further examination showed that the modal size of micro-pores shifted to lower values and that of macro-pores shifted to higher values for saline soil compared to the soil without salt.

Analysis of Some Important Forage Quality Attributes of Southeastern Wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus) Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

Southeastern wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus, Vasey ex L.H. Dewey) is a cool-season, perennial grass native to southeastern United States. Recently, there is a growing interest in its development as a grazing and haying forage crop due to its wide area of adaptation across this region. Consequently, there is a great need for the evaluation of its forage quality by rapid, but accurate analytical methods like Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS). In this study, acceptable NIRS calibration models were developed for: dry matter, DM (n = 113, R2 = 0.904, RSCD = 2.54, RSCIQ = 4.65);crude protein, CP (n = 113, R2 = 0.974, RSCD = 5.16, RSCIQ = 5.92);acid detergent fiber, ADF (n = 116, R2 = 0.896, RSCD = 2.35, RSCIQ = 1.28);neutral detergent fiber, NDF (n = 118, R2 = 0.934, RSCD = 2.53, RSCIQ = 3.38);digestible dry matter, DDM (n = 116, R2 = 0.895, RSCD = 2.36, RSCIQ = 1.35);dry matter intake, DMI (n = 115, R2 = 0.924, RSCD = 2.40, RSCIQ = 2.53);and relative feed value, RFV (n = 114, R2 = 0.932, RSCD = 2.94, RSCIQ = 2.81). Prediction of independent validation sets yielded good agreement between the NIRS predicted values and the laboratory reference values for each of: DM (n = 53, R2 = 0.831, RPD = 2.45, RPIQ = 4.24);CP (n = 57, R2 = 0.967, RPD = 5.37, RPIQ = 7.16);ADF (n = 49, R2 = 0.895, RPD = 2.97, RPIQ = 1.51);NDF (n = 53, R2 = 0.928, RPD = 3.75, RPIQ = 4.22);digestible dry matter, DDM (n = 55, R2 = 0.860, RSCD = 265, RSCIQ = 1.15);dry matter intake, DMI (n = 156, R2 = 0.845, RSCD = 2.48, RSCIQ = 2.11);and relative feed value, RFV (n = 55, R2 = 0.916, RSCD = 3.45, RSCIQ = 3.04) contents, indicating that all seven calibration models had good quantitative information. Therefore, precise, accurate, and rapid analysis of these important forage quality attributes of southeastern wildrye can be routinely done using the developed NIRS calibration models.

经活检证实心肌炎患者的存活情况:一项关于组织病理学、临床和血流动力学预测因素的长期回顾性分析

Objective: We hypothesized that histopathology predicts survival without cardiac transplantation in patients with biopsy- proven myocarditis. Background: The role of endomyocardial biopsy in diagnosing myocarditis remains controversial. Histopathology has been integrated with clinical and hemodynamic features to predict prognosis. However, the influence of histopathology on survival >5 years has not been explored. Methods: We retrospectively identified 112 consecutive patients with histopathologic confirmation of myocarditis. We examined these patients’ clinical presentation, hemodynamic assessment, hospital course, and treatment. We selected 14 variables that might influence survival without cardiac transplantation. Results: A total of 62(55% ) of 112 patients had lymphocytic myocarditis; 88(79% ) and 63(56% ) were alive without cardiac transplantation at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Median follow- up was a mean 95.5 months and median 74.5 months. Among the 55 with complete data of the 14 candidate predictor variables, age, sex, and clinical presentation with congestive heart failure and ventricular(ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) or atrial arrhythmias(atrial fibrillation or flutter) did not predict the study end point of death or need for transplantation. In univariate analysis, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≥ 15 mm Hg significantly predicted the study end point. In multivariate analysis, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≥ 15 mm Hg and histopathology of lymphocytic, granulomatous, or giant cell myocarditis each significantly predicted mortality or transplant(P=.047, P=.013, and P=.054, respectively) on cumulative survival without cardiac transplantation. Conclusions: Histopathology predicts long- term survival in patients with myocarditis. Clinical presentation, including presentation with congestive heart failure, ventricular tachycardia/ ventricular fibrillation, or atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter, does not predict survival without transplantation. Endomyocardial biopsy can play a role in predicting transplant- free survival in patients with myocarditis.