Cracks coalescence mechanism and cracks propagation paths in rock-like specimens containing pre-existing random cracks under compression

The mechanism of cracks propagation and cracks coalescence due to compressive loading of the brittle substances containing pre-existing cracks(flaws)was modeled experimentally using specially made rock-like specimens from Portland Pozzolana Cement(PPC).The breakage process of the specimens was studied by inserting single and double flaws with different inclination angles at the center and applying uniaxial compressive stress at both ends of the specimen.The first crack was oriented at 50° from the horizontal direction and kept constant throughout the analysis while the orientation of the second crack was changed.It is experimentally observed that the wing cracks are produced at the first stage of loading and start their propagation toward the direction of uniaxial compressive loading.The secondary cracks may also be produced in form of quasi-coplanar and/or oblique cracks in a stable manner.The secondary cracks may eventually continue their propagation in the direction of maximum principle stress.These experimental works were also simulated numerically by a modified higher order displacement discontinuity method and the cracks propagation and cracks coalescence were studied based on Mode I and Mode II stress intensity factors(SIFs).It is concluded that the wing cracks initiation stresses for the specimens change from 11.3 to 14.1 MPa in the case of numerical simulations and from 7.3 to 13.8 MPa in the case of experimental works.It is observed that cracks coalescence stresses change from 21.8 to 25.3 MPa and from 19.5 to 21.8 MPa in the numerical and experimental analyses,respectively.Comparing some of the numerical and experimental results with those recently cited in the literature validates the results obtained by the proposed study.Finally,a numerical simulation was accomplished to study the effect of confining pressure on the crack propagation process,showing that the SIFs increase and the crack initiation angles change in this case.

Bird specimen number linked with species trait and climate niche breadth

Biological specimens are fundamental for taxonomy and flora/fauna research.More importantly,they also play crucial roles in recording environmental impacts on morphology and behavior,which is vital for biodiversity research and conservation.However,there are few systematic studies on the patterns and drivers of bird specimen number at regional scales.This study is the first attempt to examine the relationships between bird specimen number and species traits as well as climate niche breadth in China,aiming to answer two questions:1)how do species’temperature niche breadth and precipitation niche breadth influence specimen number?2)which trait is most associated with bird specimen number?The associations between bird specimen number and explanatory variables were examined using ordinary least squares,generalized linear models,phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models,and multiple comparisons.The results showed that Muscicapidae was the family with the highest specimen number,and Passeriformes was the order with the highest specimen number.Bird specimen number significantly increased with larger temperature niche breadth and precipitation niche breadth.Specimen number was also positively associated with geographic range size,habitat specificity,hunting vulnerability and clutch size,but negatively associated with body size.These findings suggest that future bird specimen collection should pay more attention to birds with limited ecological niches,large body sizes,and small clutch sizes.This research enhances the use of bird specimen data to study and preserve biodiversity.

Species’ geographical range, environmental range and traits lead to specimen collection preference of dominant plant species of grasslands in Northern China

Many different factors,such as species traits,socio-economic factors,geographical and environmental factors,can lead to specimen collection preference.This study aims to determine whether grassland specimen collection in China is preferred by species traits(i.e.,plant height,flowering and fruiting period),environmental range(i.e.,the temperature and precipitation range)and geographical range(i.e.,distribution range and altitudinal range).Ordinary least squares models and phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the relationships between specimen number and the explanatory variables.Random Forest models were then used to find the most parsimonious multivariate model.The results showed that interannual variation in specimen number between 1900 and 2020 was considerable.Specimen number of these species in southeast China was notably lower than that in northwest China.Environmental range and geographical range of species had significant positive correlations with specimen number.In addition,there were relatively weak but significant associations between specimen number and species trait(i.e.,plant height and flowering and fruiting period).Random Forest models indicated that distribution range was the most important variable,followed by flowering and fruiting period,and altitudinal range.These findings suggest that future floristic surveys should pay more attention to species with small geographical range,narrow environmental range,short plant height,and short flowering and fruiting period.The correction of specimen collection preference will also make the results of species distribution model,species evolution and other works based on specimen data more accurate.

Direct Pointwise Comparison of FE Predictions to StereoDIC Measurements:Developments and Validation Using Double Edge-Notched Tensile Specimen

To compare finite element analysis(FEA)predictions and stereovision digital image correlation(StereoDIC)strain measurements at the same spatial positions throughout a region of interest,a field comparison procedure is developed.The procedure includes(a)conversion of the finite element data into a triangular mesh,(b)selection of a common coordinate system,(c)determination of the rigid body transformation to place both measurements and FEA data in the same system and(d)interpolation of the FEA nodal information to the same spatial locations as the StereoDIC measurements using barycentric coordinates.For an aluminum Al-6061 double edge notched tensile specimen,FEA results are obtained using both the von Mises isotropic yield criterion and Hill’s quadratic anisotropic yield criterion,with the unknown Hill model parameters determined using full-field specimen strain measurements for the nominally plane stress specimen.Using Hill’s quadratic anisotropic yield criterion,the point-by-point comparison of experimentally based full-field strains and stresses to finite element predictions are shown to be in excellent agreement,confirming the effectiveness of the field comparison process.

Application Effect of Feedforward Control in Outpatient Blood Specimen Management

Objective:To analyze the application effect of feedforward control in outpatient blood specimen management.Methods:1,200 patients who had their venous blood collected in outpatient phlebotomy room of our hospital's outpatient clinic from January 2021 to April 2021 were selected as study subjects and divided into 600 cases in the control group and 600 cases in the observation group.The two groups of patients were compared in terms of their satisfaction with the staff,the efficiency of the nurses and the quality of nursing care,turnaround time before specimen analysis,the rejection rate of the blood specimens,and the time of result reporting.Results:After the implementation of feedforward control,patients'satisfaction with staff,nurses work efficiency and quality of care,turnaround time before specimen analysis,specimen rejection rate,and result reporting time in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of feedforward control in the management of outpatient blood specimens has significant effect,which effectively improves patients'satisfaction,enhances the efficiency of nurses and the quality of nursing care,shortens the turnaround time of specimens before analysis and the reporting time of results,and reduces the rejection rate of specimens.

Non-parallel double-crack propagation in rock-like materials under uniaxial compression

Coalescence among fractures would have influence on the stability of rock masses. Deep understanding of mechanical behavior of fractured rock masses is an important mean to identify failure mechanism of geological disaster. In this study, crack propagation processing was studied through loading pre-fractured specimens of concrete block, termed as rock-like material, in uniaxial compression tests. New non-parallel double-crack geometry was introduced to observe crack coalescence. The flaw combinations are different from the normally used flaw configurations. In addition, ultrasonic detection tests were performed on the test blocks. The stress and strain data of these tests and characteristic parameters of sound wave were recorded. The stress-strain curves of each test block under the uniaxial compression test were drawn, relations among deformation characteristics and crack angle of the crack specimens, and their overall strength were analyzed. It is found that strength of the specimen decreases as crack inclination increases under two crack inclinations. The highest uniaxial compressive strength is found in the specimen with the cracks at the same angle in different directions. Based on description of the crack initiation location, crack surface and the ultimate failure patterns, failure modes of eight subtype for test blocks are divided into three categories. It is expected that the study results could be beneficial for engineering application of jointed rock masses.

An experimental study on fracture mechanical behavior of rock-like materials containing two unparallel fissures under uniaxial compression

Strength and deformability characteristics of rock with pre-existing fissures are governed by cracking behavior. To further research the effects of pre-existing fissures on the mechanical properties and crack coalescence process, a series of uniaxial compression tests were carried out for rock-like material with two unparallel fissures.In the present study, cement, quartz sand, and water were used to fabricate a kind of brittle rock-like material cylindrical model specimen. The mechanical properties of rock-like material specimen used in this research were all in good agreement with the brittle rock materials. Two unparallel fissures（a horizontal fissure and an inclined fissure） were created by inserting steel during molding the model specimen.Then all the pre-fissured rock-like specimens were tested under uniaxial compression by a rock mechanics servocontrolled testing system. The peak strength and Young＇s modulus of pre-fissured specimen all first decreased and then increased when the fissure angle increased from 0？to 75？.In order to investigate the crack initiation, propagation and coalescence process, photographic monitoring was adopted to capture images during the entire deformation process.Moreover, acoustic emission（AE） monitoring technique was also used to obtain the AE evolution characteristic of prefissured specimen. The relationship between axial stress, AE events, and the crack coalescence process was set up： when a new crack was initiated or a crack coalescence occurred, thecorresponding axial stress dropped in the axial stress–time curve and a big AE event could be observed simultaneously.Finally, the mechanism of crack propagation under microscopic observation was discussed. These experimental results are expected to increase the understanding of the strength failure behavior and the cracking mechanism of rock containing unparallel fissures.

STUDY ON DAMAGE BIFURCATION AND INSTABILITY OF ROCK-LIKE MATERIALS

The critical bifurcation orientation and its corresponding hardening modulus for rock-like geomaterials are derived by considering the effect of stiffness degradation and volumetric dilatancy under the assumption of isotropic damage. The dependency of the localized orientation on the degree of damage and initial Poisson＇s ratio of rock is examined and the bifurcation behavior of the uniaxial compression sample under the plane-stress condition is compared with that under plane-strain condition. It is shown that the localization orientation angle intimately depends on both the initial Poisson＇s ratio and degree of damage for the rock sample under the uniaxial compression condition. As the initial Poisson＇s ratio or degree of damage increases, the orientation angle of the plane on which localization tends to be initiated gets to decrease. At the same time, the localization orientation angle of a rock sample under the plane-stress condition is larger than that under the plane-strain condition.

Experimental study of polyurethane foam reinforced soil used as a rock-like material

In this study, p o ly u reth an e foam ty p e th e rm o se t polym erizing, d u e to chem ical reaction b e tw e e n itsliquid ingredients, w as teste d as b in d e r afte r solidifying and th e n a rock-like m aterial m ixing w ith asandy silt ty p e soil w as prep ared . The uniaxial com pressive stren g th s （UCSs） o f p o ly u reth an e foamreinforced soil specim ens w ere d e term in ed for different p o ly u reth an e ratios in th e m ixture. A dditionally,a series o f te sts o n slake durability, im pact value, freezing-th aw in g resistance, and ab rasio n resistance ofp o ly u reth an e reinforced soil （PRS） m ix tu re w as co n d u cted . The UCS values over 3 M Pa w ere m easuredfrom th e PRS specim ens. The testin g results show ed th a t tre a te d soil can econom ically b ecom e adesirable rock-like m aterial in term s o f slake d u ra b ility a n d resistances ag ain st freezing-thaw ing, im pacteffect an d abrasion. As a n o th e r ch aracteristic o f th e rock-like m aterial m ade w ith p o ly u reth an e foam,u n it volum e w eig h t w as found to be q uite low er th a n th o se o f n atu ral rock m aterials.

Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery I-type F method vs conventional robotic resection for lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Robotic resection using the natural orifice specimen extraction surgery I-type F method(R-NOSES I-F)is a novel minimally invasive surgical strategy for the treatment of lower rectal cancer.However,the current literature on this method is limited to case reports,and further investigation into its safety and feasibility is warranted.AIM To evaluate the safety and feasibility of R-NOSES I-F for the treatment of low rectal cancer.METHODS From September 2018 to February 2022,206 patients diagnosed with low rectal cancer at First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were included in this retrospective analysis.Of these patients,22 underwent R-NOSES I-F surgery(RNOSES I-F group)and 76 underwent conventional robotic-assisted low rectal cancer resection(RLRC group).Clinicopathological data of all patients were collected and analyzed.Postoperative outcomes and prognoses were compared between the two groups.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.RESULTS Patients in the R-NOSES I-F group had a significantly lower visual analog score for pain on postoperative day 1(1.7±0.7 vs 2.2±0.6,P=0.003)and shorter postoperative anal venting time(2.7±0.6 vs 3.5±0.7,P<0.001)than those in the RLRC group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of sex,age,body mass index,tumor size,TNM stage,operative time,intrao-perative bleeding,postoperative complications,or inflammatory response(P>0.05).Postoperative anal and urinary functions,as assessed by Wexner,low anterior resection syndrome,and International Prostate Symptom Scale scores,were similar in both groups(P>0.05).Long-term follow-up revealed no significant differences in the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION R-NOSES I-F is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of lower rectal cancer.It improves pain relief,promotes gastrointestinal function recovery,and helps avoid incision-related complications.

Identification of the Discrete Element Model Parameters for Rock-Like Brittle Materials

An inverse method for parameters identification of discrete element model combined with experiment is proposed.The inverse problem of parameter identification is transmitted to solve an optimization problem by minimizing the distance between the numerical calculations and experiment responses.In this method,the discrete element method is employed as numerical calculator for the forward problem.Then,the orthogonal experiment design with range analysis was used to carry out parameters sensitivity analysis.In addition,to improve the computational efficiency,the approximate model technique is used to replace the actual computational model.The intergeneration projection genetic algorithm(IP-GA)is employed as the optimization algorithm.Consequently,the parameters of the discrete element model are determined.To verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the inverse results,the comparisons of shape deviation experiments with discrete element simulations are provided.It indicates that the effective and reliable discrete element model parameters can be quickly obtained through several sets of experimental data.Hence,this inverse method can be applied more widely to determine the parameters of discrete element model for other materials.

类岩石试件三轴扰动破坏特性试验研究

为研究高应力围岩扰动破坏机制,开展了不同围压下类岩石试件的三轴常规压缩和三轴循环扰动试验,得到了试件的扰动应力–应变规律和变形破坏特征,并对试件开展了核磁共振(Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)成像试验,从微观角度进一步阐明了试件扰动破坏机理。研究结果表明:(1)试件在不同围压下均存在一个阈值强度,轴向荷载超过阈值强度后,轴向变形对扰动变得敏感,再次施加扰动会引起试件显著变形,当轴向荷载低于阈值强度时,变形对扰动不敏感。阈值强度与极限强度的比值可以反映试件的抗扰动能力,随着围压增大,该比值呈现逐步递减的规律,说明高围压下试件抗扰动能力下降,对扰动作用更敏感。(2)扰动作用下类岩石试件存在弱化效应,如常规三轴10MPa围压下试件表现出腰鼓破坏,而受扰动作用后,试件呈现斜切脆性破坏,与常规三轴5MPa围压下破坏形态相近。(3)岩石试件在高应力作用下进入塑性流动状态,内部颗粒重新排列,内部小孔隙与大孔隙的占比减少,而中孔隙的占比显著增多,试件内部孔隙率整体降低。

Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Analysis of Pyrite Thin Specimens

To explore ways to improve the accuracy of quantitative analysis of samples in the micrometer to nanometer range of magnitudes,we adopted analytical transmission electron microscopy(AEM/EDS)for qualitative and quantitative analysis of pyrite materials.Additionally,the k factor of pyrite is calculated experimentally.To develop an appropriate non-standard quantitative analysis model for pyrite materials,the experimentally calculated k factor is compared with that estimated from the non-standard quantitative analytical model of the instrument software.The experimental findings demonstrate that the EDS attached to a TEM can be employed for precise quantitative analysis of micro-and nanoscale regions of pyrite materials.Furthermore,it serves as a reference for improving the results of the EDS quantitative analysis of other sulfides.

Statistical Analysis and Countermeasures for Specimen Rejection in the Emergency Department

The rejected specimens from the Emergency Department of the Center of Clinical Laboratory from January 1,2022 to January 1,2023 were analyzed to reduce the specimen rejection rates and to improve the quality of inspection.The results showed that there were 1488 samples of rejected specimens and the non-conforming rate was 0.58%.The departments involved were mainly the Emergency Department,the Hematology Department,the Cardiology Department,the Intensive Care Department,and the Brain Surgery Department.Among the reasons for rejection,blood hemolysis accounted for 43.15%,blood coagulation accounted for 26.61%,and the rate of insufficient specimens was 17.14%.Among them,the sample rejection rate for arterial blood gas analysis was the highest,which accounted for 1.74%;followed by specimens for coagulation test,which was 1.18%.These results indicate the main reason for producing rejected specimens is mainly due to not following the standard operating procedure.Specimen rejection can largely be avoided if the standards for specimen collection are strictly followed.

数智化全自动标本转移系统在手术病理标本前处理流程中的应用

目的:探讨在数智化管理背景下,由手术室护士主导的数智化全自动标本转移系统在手术病理标本前处理流程中的应用效果,为提高手术病理标本质量提供参考。方法:构建数智化全自动标本转移系统,并将其应用于手术病理标本前处理流程中,比较系统应用前(2023年4月—7月)和系统应用后(2023年8月—11月)的病理标本送检效率、送检质量、手术室护士心理压力及医护人员满意度。结果:应用数智化全自动标本转移系统后,病理标本前处理流程时长较应用前平均减少3.66 min,一次性接收合格率由87.07%提高至96.42%,病理送检质量满意率较高,护士工作压力显著缓解,医务人员满意度明显提高,以上差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:数智化全自动标本转移系统应用于手术标本前处理流程中可有效提高手术标本前处理效率并缓解护士工作压力,保障病理标本送检质量,为医疗诊断提供可靠的依据,有效减少医务人员职业暴露,提升医护人员满意度。

寄生虫虫卵悬液永久封制玻片标本制作方法探索

目的:探索寄生虫虫卵液永久玻片封制标本的最佳制作方法。方法:在现有研究的基础上,改良虫卵悬液保存配方,再结合不同封片方法制作虫卵玻片标本,保存1 a后,再对其制作效果对进行观察。结果:用体积分数为50%的鸡蛋清、40%的福尔马林、10%的甘油配制的蛋白甘油液保存虫卵,再进行石蜡圈+树胶双封片制作效果最佳。结论:经比较发现虫卵保存液中甘油的含量多少对于虫卵永久封制玻片标本效果的影响很大,其次封制方法对于虫卵液的长期保存也尤为重要。

甲状腺结节大小对超声引导下细针穿刺活检标本质量影响的研究

本研究旨在评估甲状腺结节大小对超声引导下细针穿刺活检(US-FNAB)标本质量的影响。回顾性分析由同一名超声医生独立完成的614例共733个甲状腺结节US-FNAB患者资料,根据甲状腺结节直径分为A组(<5 mm)、B组(5~10 mm)和C组(>10 mm),比较各组间标本不满意率。A组189个结节,不满意率为11.6%(22/189);B组397个结节,不满意率为10.8%(43/397);C组147个结节,不满意率为9.5%(14/147)。三组间US-FNAB标本不满意率比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。对于一名具有丰富操作经验的医生,甲状腺结节大小不会影响US-FNAB的标本质量。

2015-2021年CHINET尿液分离菌分布和耐药性变迁

目的了解2015-2021年CHINET细菌耐药监测网中尿液分离菌的分布和耐药性。方法收集CHINET细菌耐药监测网51家医疗机构2015-2021年所有尿液标本临床分离菌的耐药监测数据资料,采用WHONET 5.6软件进行统计分析。结果2012-2021年尿液标本共分离细菌261893株,其中革兰阳性菌62219株,占23.8%,革兰阴性菌199674株占76.2%。常见的分离菌依次为大肠埃希菌(46.7%)、屎肠球菌(10.4%)、肺炎克雷伯菌(9.8%)、粪肠球菌(8.7%)、奇异变形杆菌(3.5%)、铜绿假单胞菌(3.4%)、无乳链球菌(2.6%)和阴沟肠杆菌(2.1%)。上述细菌主要分离自住院患者,女性多见于男性,成人多见于儿童。大肠埃希菌、肺炎克雷伯菌和奇异变形杆菌中产超广谱β内酰胺酶(ESBL)菌株分别占53.2%、52.8%和37.0%。耐碳青霉烯类的大肠埃希菌、肺炎克雷伯菌、铜绿假单胞菌和鲍曼不动杆菌中检出率分别为1.7%、18.5%、16.4%和40.3%。粪肠球菌对氨苄西林、呋喃妥因、利奈唑胺、万古霉素、替考拉宁和磷霉素的耐药率<10%,屎肠球菌对氨苄西林、左氧氟沙星、红霉素的耐药率>90%,对万古霉素、利奈唑胺和替考拉宁的耐药率<2%。ICU住院患者分离的大肠埃希菌、肺炎克雷伯菌、铜绿假单胞菌和鲍曼不动杆菌对大部分抗菌药物的耐药率明显高于门诊患者和非ICU住院患者。结论尿液标本临床分离菌主要以大肠埃希菌、肠球菌和肺炎克雷伯菌为主,不同人群尿液标本中分离的细菌种类和耐药性不尽相同,应重视细菌耐药监测,减少抗菌药物的不合理使用。

结直肠癌经自然腔道取标本手术的早期炎性反应、肿瘤学治疗结局与远期预后

目的:比较结直肠癌传统腹腔镜手术(laparoscopic surgery,LAP)与无腹部辅助切口是经自然腔道取标本手术(natural orifice specimen extraction surgery,NOSES)术后的炎性反应程度、肿瘤学治疗结局与远期生存预后。方法:共1 020例患者纳入研究,其中NOSES组416例,LAP组604例。倾向得分匹配平衡两组患者基线资料,最后,两组各有344例患者纳入研究。收集两组患者临床病理特征、围手术期参数、早期炎性反应指标与预后信息。研究终点为5年总生存期(overall survival,OS)、无瘤生存率(disease-free survival,DFS)与无局部复发率生存率(local-recurrence free survival,LRFS)。结果:NOSES具有术后疼痛轻(P<0.05)、额外麻醉药物使用比例少(11.0%vs 29.9%,P<0.001)、切口并发症发生率低(1.5%vs 4.4%,P=0.023)、术后胃肠道功能恢复快(2.7 vs 3.3天,P=0.022)等短期优势。NOSES组患者术后第2天平均体温显著高于LAP组(37.3 vs 37.1℃,P=0.031)。此外,NOSES组患者术后第1、3天的平均中性粒细胞百分比与术后第3天的C反应蛋白水平显著高于LAP组(P<0.05)。然而,两组患者术后盆腔感染并发症发生率无显著差异(0.9%vs 1.2%,P=1.000)。此外,两组患者标本长度、近端切缘距肿瘤距离、远端切缘距肿瘤距离和淋巴结清扫数量等病理结果方面无统计学差异(P>0.05)。预后方面,两组患者有着相似的5年OS(91.6%vs 89.3%,P=0.434)、DFS(84.1%vs 83.6%,P=0.898)与LRFS(95.9%vs 94.0%,P=0.369)。结论:结直肠癌NOSES是安全可行的,有着疼痛轻、恢复快、切口并发症发生率低等明显的短期优势。虽然NOSES手术会在早期引起较强的急性全身炎性反应,然而并不会转化为相关并发症。此外,NOSES手术与LAP有着相似的肿瘤学治疗结局与远期预后,可以在临床工作中广泛开展与推广。

钢筋混凝土板柱节点冲切性能研究进展

为提高板柱节点冲切性能从而促进其工程应用,比较了各类抗冲切元件的不同布置形式、形状尺寸、几何参数以及组合形式对节点抗冲切承载力的影响,概括了受损板柱节点修复与加固的研究现状,梳理了不同开洞尺寸、距离、数量、形状及偏心荷载作用下开洞板柱试件抗冲切性能的研究成果,归纳了有无抗冲切钢筋和配置型钢剪力架板柱节点的抗冲切承载力计算方法以及基于机器学习的板柱节点冲切承载力预测方法。结果表明:各类抗冲切元件可通过改变布置形式、形状尺寸、几何参数以及元件组合从而改善板柱节点的冲切性能;板件开洞的尺寸越大、距离越远、数量越多,对节点的抗冲切性能越不利;基于数值模拟和规范改进得出的冲切承载力计算公式仅对特定试验有较高的预测精度,尚未形成较为统一的承载力计算公式,而基于机器学习的冲切承载力预测模型是未来研究的重点;需进一步开展关于受损板柱节点修复与加固方法的研究,对完善板柱节点抗冲切性能研究理论体系具有重要意义。