Comparison of K_(IC) Values for SiC Whisker Reinforced Ceramic Composites Obtained by Using Various Methods

The fracture toughness (KIC) values determined by indentation microfracture method (IM ) for SiC whisker reinforced Al2O3 and ZrO2 based composites were calculated with different IM equations and compared with those obtained by singte edge notched beam (SENB) technique. Experimental results show that the KIC (IM) values calculated with different equations are quite different one from another. For composites without phase transformable components the KIC (IM) and KIC (SENB) values are practically on the same level, but for composites with phase transformable components (partially stabilized zirconia) the KIC (SENB) values are always higher than KIC (IM). This is because that the IM method can not reveal sensitively the toughening effect due to dynamic t-m transformation of ZrO2 as the SENB method does. The accuracy of the IM method depends on the Suitability of the IM equations and was evaluated for the materials used in this investigation. Two new IM equations are suggested with which the KIC (IM ) values can be obtained very close to KIC (SENB) values for composites having phase transformable components.

Finite Element Method for Design of Reinforced Concrete Offshore Platforms

A design method of reinforced concrete (R. C.) offshore platforms with nonlinear finite element analysis is proposed. According to the method, a computer program is developed. In this program nonlinear constitutive relationships and strength criteria of concrete and steel bars are included, and the progressive cracking and crushing of the concrete are taken into account. Based on the stress distribution obtained by the nonlinear finite element analysis, the amount of reinforcement in the control sections can be computed and adjusted automatically by the program to satisfy the requirement of the design. The amount of reinforcement required in the control sections, which are obtained with the nonlinear finite element analysis, is agreeable to that obtained in the experiment. This shows that the design method of R. C. offshore platform with the nonlinear finite element method proposed by the authors is reliable for practical use.

Slope stability analysis of Southern slope of Chengmenshan copper mine,China

The engineering geology and hydrogeology in the southern slope of Chengmenshan copper mine are very complicated,because there is a soft-weak layer between two kinds of sandstones.Field investigations demonstrate that some instability problems might occur in the slope.In this research,the southern slope,which is divided into six sections(I-0,I-1,I-2,II-0,II-1 and II-2),is selected for slope stability analysis using limit equilibrium and numerical method.Stability results show that the values of factor of safety(FOS) of sections I-0,I-1 and I-2 are very low and slope failure is likely to happen.Therefore reinforcement subjected to seismic,water and weak layer according to sections were carried out to increase the factor of safety of the three sections,two methods were used;grouting with hydration of cement and water to increase the cohesion(c) and pre-stressed anchor.Results of reinforcement showed that factor of safety increased more than 1.15.

Reinforcing a Dangerous Rock Mass Using the Flexible Network Method

Because the main failure type of a dangerous rock mass is collapse, the treatment of such a mass should focus on controlling collapse failure. When treating dangerous rock masses, disturbing the mass （e. g. by blasting） needs to be avoided, as this new damage could cause collapse. So the self-bearing capacity of the mountain mass must be used to treat the dangerous rock mass. This article is based on a practical example of the control of a dangerous rock mass at Banyan Mountain, Huangshi, Hubei Province. On the basis of an analysis of damage mechanism and the stability of the dangerous rock mass, a flexible network reinforcement method was designed to prevent the collapse of the rock mass. The deformations of section Ⅱ w of the dangerous rock mass before and after the flexible network reinforcement were calculated using the two-dimensional finite element method. The results show that the maximum deformation reduced by 55 % after the application of the flexible network reinforcement, from 45.99 to 20.75 ram, which demonstrates that the flexible network method is effective, and can provide some scientific basis for the treatment of dangerous rock masses.

Arc-length technique for nonlinear finite element analysis

Nonlinear solution of reinforced concrete structures, particularly complete load-deflection response, requires tracing of the equilibrium path and proper treatment of the limit and bifurcation points. In this regard, ordinary solution techniques lead to instability near the limit points and also have problems in case of snap-through and snap-back. Thus they fail to predict the complete load-displacement response. The arc-length method serves the purpose well in principle, received wide acceptance in finite element analysis, and has been used extensively. However modifications to the basic idea are vital to meet the particular needs of the analysis. This paper reviews some of the recent developments of the method in the last two decades, with particular emphasis on nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structures.

Layout optimization of steel reinforcement in concrete structure using a truss-continuum model

Owing to advancement in advanced manufacturing technology,the reinforcement design of concrete structures has become an important topic in structural engineering.Based on bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization(BESO),a new approach is developed in this study to optimize the reinforcement layout in steel-reinforced concrete(SRC)structures.This approach combines a minimum compliance objective function with a hybrid trusscontinuum model.Furthermore,a modified bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization(M-BESO)method is proposed to control the level of tensile stress in concrete.To fully utilize the tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete,the optimization sensitivity of steel in a concrete–steel composite is integrated with the average normal stress of a neighboring concrete.To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedures,reinforcement layout optimizations of a simply supported beam,a corbel,and a wall with a window are conducted.Clear steel trajectories of SRC structures can be obtained using both methods.The area of critical tensile stress in concrete yielded by the M-BESO is more than 40%lower than that yielded by the uniform design and BESO.Hence,the M-BESO facilitates a fully digital workflow that can be extremely effective for improving the design of steel reinforcements in concrete structures.

Acupuncture at Nèiguān(内关 PC 6) in combination with respiratory reinforcing and reducing method for 38 cases of cardiac neurosis

Objective To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture at Neiguan （内关 PC 6） in combination with respiratory reinforcing and reducing method for treatment of cardiac neurosis. Methods Thirty-eight patients with cardiac neurosis were selected for treatment through acupuncture at PC 6 in combination with respiratory reinforcing and reducing method. With twice per day, treated for 6 days per week, and 4 weeks as one course, the therapeutic effect was assessed after one course. Results Twenty-one cases were cured, 15 cases were remarkably improved, and 2 cases were failed. The total effective rate was 94.7%. Conclusion Acupuncture at PC 6 in combination with respiratory reinforcing and reducing method is effective in treatment of cardiac neurosis.

Observation on lower-reinforcing and upper- reducing acupuncture method for hyperplasia of mammary gland and its influence on estradiol and progesterone

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of lower-reinforcing and upper-reducing acupuncture method for hyperplasia of mammary gland （HMG） and its influence on estradiol （E2） and progesterone （P）. Methods： A randomized, single-blinded and controlled trial was conducted. A total of 124 cases conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized by random number table into a treatment group and a control group, with 62 cases in each group. Patients in both groups received acupuncture therapy at the same acupoints, while patients in the treatment group received lower-reinforcing and upper-reducing method, and patients in the control group received even reinforcing-reducing manipulation. The treatment started around 10 d before menstruation and was conducted every other day. Patients received 5 treatments in each menstruation cycle for consecutive 3 cycles. The levels of E2, P and E2/P and clinical efficacy were measured before and after treatment. Results： After treatment, the breast lump size, pain intensity and concomitant symptoms score in both groups were substantially lower than those before treatment, showing statistical significances （all P〈0.01）, and the improvement in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group, and the between-group comparisons showed statistical significances （all P〈0.01）. After treatment, the overall effective rate was 91.9% in the treatment group, higher than 72.6% in the control group, and the between-group comparison showed a statistical significance （P〈0.01）. After treatment, levels of E2, P and E2/P value showed no statistical significance when compared with those before treatment in the two groups （all P〉0.05）. Conclusion： Lower-reinforcing and upper-reducing acupuncture method can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms and signs in HMG patients, and produce a better effect than even reinforcing-reducing manipulation. The majority of HMG patients＇ E2, P level and E2/P value were not beyond the normal ranges; therefore, acupuncture showed no substantial influence on E2 and P levels and E2/P value.

Effects of Preventive Administration of Juanbi Capsules on TNF-α、 IL-1 And IL-6 Contents of Joint Fluid in the Rabbit with Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective:To probe into the mechanism of the Chinese herbs with functions of reinforcing kidney and supplementing qi for preventing knee osteoarthritis of the rabbit. Methods: Totally 72 healthy Japan long-ear white rabbits, aged 4 months, were randomly divided into 6 groups, blank group (A), model group (B), high dose Chinese herb group (C), middle dose Chinese herb group (D), small dose Chinese herb group (E), aminoglucose hydrochloride capsule control group (F), 12 rabbits in each group. All the rabbits in the groups, except the group A, were fixed with plaster cast for six weeks to establish rabbit knee osteoarthritis. At the same time of modeling, the different doses of Juanbi Capsules and aminoglucose hydrochloride capsule were administrated intragastrically in the group C, D, E, F, respectively, for 4 weeks, for preventive treatment. In the group B, the rabbit was administrated intragastrically with equal volume of normal saline to the medication groups, twice each day, in the morning and the evening, and in the group A, nothing was administrated. After modeling for 6 weeks, the joint fluid was taken and TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 contents were detected with ELISA method, and the articular cartilage was taken for macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Results: In all the preventive treatment groups, the articular cartilage color changed to varying degrees with formation of osteophyte and bone cyst, superficial erosion on the chondral articular surface, and the cartilage defect reached to the mid layer in a part of specimens with cartilage exfoliation, but which in the extent were significantly lower than those in the model group. There were significant differences between the group A and B in TNF-α , IL-1 and IL-6 contents in the joint fluid (P<0.05), indicating that the modeling is successful; and there were significant differences as group B compared with the group C,D, E, F, showing that TNF-α , IL-1 and IL-6 contents are decreased in all the medication groups; and significant differences between group C, D, E suggests that the increase of Chinese herb doses strengthened the effect of reducing TNF-α , IL-1 and IL-6 contents in joint fluid. Conclusion: The Juanbi Capsule prevents osteoarthritis possibly through decreasing serum TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 contents.

Efficacy observation of acupuncture for dry eye syndrome of lung-yin deficiency pattern

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combining two needling manipulations,Er Long Xi Zhu(two dragons playing with a pearl)and Guo Yan Re(heat produced to reach the eyes),in treating dry eye syndrome(DES)of lung-yin deficiency pattern.Methods:Fifty-six eligible DES patients of lung-yin deficiency were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 28 cases in each group.Same acupoints were selected in the two groups:Cuanzhu(BL 2),Sizhukong(TE 23),Taiyang(EX-HN 5)and Fengchi(GB 20)were chosen as the major points and Feishu(BL 13)and Chize(LU 5)as the adjuvant.Er Long Xi Zhu and Guo Yan Re needling manipulations were applied in the observation group while twirling reinforcing manipulation was used in the control group.Treatment was conducted once per day in both groups,for two sets of 15 consecutive days at a 2-day interval.Changes in the symptom score,tear break-up time(BUT)and tear production were observed afterwards,and the clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate was 92.8%in the observation group,higher than 71.4%in the control group,and the between-group difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the symptom score,tear BUT and tear production showed significant improvements in both groups(all P<0.05);the symptom score,BUT and tear production in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Given the same acupoint selection,combining Er Long Xi Zhu and Guo Yan Re needling manipulations can produce more significant clinical efficacy than twirling reinforcing manipulation in treating DES of lung-yin deficiency pattern.

Acupuncture with Du's heat-reinforcing method for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a ran domized con trolled trial

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of Du's heat-reinforcing method and Western medication in treating diarrheapredominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Methods: Sixty-five IBS-D patients were randomized into two groups by the random number table. Thirty-three cases in the treatment group were intervened by acupuncture with Du's heat-reinforcing method, while thirty-two cases in the control group were given oral administration of pinaverium bromide tablets. The intervention lasted 4 weeks for both groups. The IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS), IBS-quality of life (IBS-QOL) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) were adopted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Results: The two groups each had two dropout cases. The clinical recovery rate was 38.7% and the total effective rate was 90.3% in the treatment group versus 13.3% and 66.7% in the control group. The treatment group was superior to the control group in both clinical recovery rate and total effective rate (both P<0.05). After 1-week and 4-week treatment, respectively, the IBS-SSS scores were lower compared with the baseline in both groups, and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05);the score in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group, and the betwee n-g roup differe nee was statistically sign ifica nt (both P<0.05). After 4-week treatme ntz the comp on ent scores of IBS-QOL showed improvements in both groups, and the treatment group was superior to the control group in the improvements of dysphoria, interference with activity, health worry and food avoidanee (all P<0.05). The anxiety and depression scales of HAD (HAD-a, HAD-d) in the treatment group and the HAD-a in the control group obtained significant improvements (all P<0.05);the scores of HAD-a and HAD-d in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture with Du's heat-reinforcing method can effectively ease the symptoms of IBS-D, improve the quality of life and the state of anxiety and depression. It can produce a more significant efficacy than oral administration of pinaverium bromide tablets.

Treatment of Infrapatellar Fat Pad Strain with Mountain-burning Fire Method

Strain of infrapatellar fat pad extensively occurs in people aged over 30 years, who often walk up hills or squat while working. The clinical manifestations are aching and weakness in the knee joints, aggravated when the knee joints are totally extended. Discomfort occurs in mild cases only when walking for long or going up and down the stairs. There is aching feeling in moderate cases when the patients are quiet. The pain is aggravated during exercises when the knee joints are half flexed and the patient can not stand up when squatting for prolonged periods of time. There are aching and weak feelings in the severe cases.

Nitric Oxide Signaling Molecules in Acupoints:Toward Mechanisms of Acupuncture

Recent clinical trial studies have demonstrated that the effects of acupuncture on pain improvement are small and no difference between acupoints and non-points. Whether acupuncture needles must be inserted in specific points depends on whether acupoint specificity exists that is still not resolved, and is now urgent. Previous anatomical studies have demonstrated that acupoints exist higher number of nerve fibers/trunks, blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands as well as density of the gap junction. Recent evidence shows that nitric oxide（NO） level is elevated in the acupoints/meridians and is associated with an enhanced expression of NO synthase endowed with transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1. There is growing evidence from international groups showing that acupuncture induces NO-mediated vasodilatation, which increases local blood flow and allows for a flush of algesic or sensitizing substances, leading to pain relief. Previous studies, using a novel biocapture system, have demonstrated that NOx–（total nitrite and nitrate） and cyclic guanosine monophosphate（c GMP） concentrations are consistently increased over skin acupoints compared to non-meridian control regions（NMCR） in humans. Dermal microdialysis in humans showed that NO-c GMP releases in the subcutaneous tissue of acupoint are higher than those in NMCR and increased by electroacupuncture（EA）. Recent studies have demonstrated that low-frequency electrical stimulation and manual acupuncture with low stimulating force and rate produce an elevation of NO release predominantly over acupoints. In contrast, NO levels over the areas of the skin regions are moderately reduced by high-frequency EA stimulation. The results from anatomical and biochemical studies consistently show that acupoints exist higher levels of NO signaling molecules, and stimulus-evoked NO release is also with a higher level at acupoints. Results suggest that NO signaling molecules contribute to the specificity of acupoints, and selecting well-trained acupuncturetists for using correct acupoints and appropriate parameters should improve acupuncture clinical trial studies.

Short Needling and Herniation of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc： A Report of 100 Cases

Altogether 100 cases of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were treated by needling major points including Yaotu （Extra point）, Yinlingquan （SP 9） and Zusanli （ST 36） with heat-reinforcing manipulation, adjunct points including Weizhong （BL 40） and Sugu （BL 65） in the case of pain radiating to the Bladder Meridian or Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Zulinqi （GB 41） in the case of pain radiating to the Gallbladder Meridian with even reinforcing and reducing manipulation. The result showed that 49 cases got recovery, 37 cases got marked effect, 11 cases got certain effect, 3 cases got no effect and the total effective rate was 97.0%.