Research on shape optimization of CSG dams

The multi-objective optimization method was used for shape optimization of cement sand and gravel （CSG） dams in this study. The economic efficiency, the sensitivities of maximum horizontal displacement and maximum settlement of the dam to water level changes, the overall stability, and the overall strength security were taken into account during the optimization process. Three weight coefficient selection schemes were adopted to conduct shape optimization of a dam, and the case studies lead to the conclusion that both the upstream-and downstream dam slope ratios for the optimal cross-section equal 1：0.7, which is consistent with the empirically observed range of 1：0.6 to 1;0.8 for the upstream and downstream dam slope ratios of CSG dams. Therefore, the present study is of certain reference value for designing CSG dams.

Estimations of Three Characteristic Stress Ratios for Rockfill Material Considering Particle Breakage

The particle breakage during specimen shearing has a significant influence on the critical-state line (CSL) of the rockfill material. A series of large-scale triaxial compression tests on the rockfill material from Henan Province (HPR) were conducted in a wide range of initial void ratios and confining pressures. The influences of the particle breakage on the critical-state stress ratio Mc, the peak stress ratio Mp and dilatancy stress ratio Md were investigated. The deviatoric stress and particle breakage of the HPR at the critical state increase with the increase in confining pressure, while the influences of the initial void ratio on these behaviors are too little to be considered. The gradient of the CSL in the q-p space of the rockfilL Mc, was found to be passively correlated with the particle breakage index rather than being a constant. Additionally, the observed values of Mc at low confining pressures (low particle breakage occur) will be substantially undervalued if Mc is estimated as a constant. In the critical-state-theorybased constitutive models, Mp and Md are estimated as the combinations of Mc and state parameter 0. It is believed that the simulations of Mp and Md when Mc is correlated with Br are obviously more favorable than those when Mc is constant.

Molecular mechanisms of leukemia-associated proteindegradation

Chemical biology,using small molecules as probes to study the cellular signaling network,has developed rapidly in recent years.The interaction between chemistry and biology not only provides new insight into the understanding of cellular activities,but also generates new lead compounds for the treatment of diseases.Transcription factors and kinases such as retinoic acid receptor-alpha(RARα),acute myeloid leukemia 1(AML1),CAAT/enhancer-binding proteinα(C/EBPα),c-myc,and c-abl play important roles in the differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.Abnormalities in these proteins may cause the dysregulation of hematopoi-esis and even the occurrence of leukemia.Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation represents a critical mechan-ism in regulating the cellular levels and functions of these proteins.Thus,targeting protein degradation has been emerging as an important strategy to conquer malignant diseases.In this review,we will summarize the recent advances in the understanding of the roles of protein degradation in leukemia,with an emphasis on the mechanisms revealed by small molecules.

Practical notes on an integrated curriculum of hematology

Objective To review the experiences on an integrated curriculum of hematology for eight-year students in the first half of 2015 and to lay the foundation for improvement and application to students in the five-year program of clinical medicine.Methods The reform processes were described and the advantages and disadvantages of the integrated curriculum were analyzed by using descriptive and comparative methodologies.Results The original teaching contents were simplified.A teaching group composed of basic science researchers and clinicians was established.New small-group learning mode was conducted.Conclusion The integrated hematology course was established and after improvement this course can be implemented into the five-year program of clinical medicine in the future.