Numerical analysis of crack generation within embankment built on expansive soil foundation

In order to analyze the initial cracking behavior of highway embankment in the regions of expansive soil, the changes in peaks of tensile stress and their location on top of the embankment for a typical highway embankment section were simulated by ABAQUS. The simulation results indicate that the matric suction was a concave distribution on top of the expansive soil foundation and that it induced differential deformation of foundation and embankment. The peaks of tensile stress on top of the embankment are not located at a fixed site, but gradually move towards the shoulder following the evaporation duration. When the evaporation intensity is larger, the peak of tensile stress on top of embankment increases at a faster rate following the evaporation duration,and its location is closer to the shoulder. The thicker expansive soil layer helps the peaks of tensile stress to reach the critical tensile stress quickly, but the embankment cannot crack when the expansive soil layer is no more than 1.5m after 30d soil surface evaporation; the higher the embankment, the smaller the peak of tensile stress occurring on top of the highway embankment, and its location will be further away from the shoulder. Therefore, a higher embankment constructed on a thinner expansive soil layer can reduce the crack generation within the highway embankment.

从白玉兰到仙人掌──浅谈张洁创作的美学风貌的嬗变

张洁是现、当代中国有影响的女作家之一。本文探讨张洁创作的美学风貌的嬗变是从三个方面入手：一、由传统到现代；二、既传统又现代，既非传统亦非现代；三、从白玉兰到仙人掌。本文认为，探索张洁小说作品对美的生命的追求和知识女性形象的演变，能使我们对中国现、当代文学的发展有一个比较深入的理解和把握。

Genetic structure of wintering Hooded Cranes (Grus monacha) based on mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences

The Hooded Crane (Grus monacha) is a waterbird wintering in the wetlands of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China. The gradual habitat loss resulting from wetland degradation may have posed negative effects on the structure of our wintering populations. For its effective protection, it is important to conduct an intensive study on the genetic structure of this population. A total of 221 faecal samples, nine feather samples and four muscle samples of Hooded Cranes from four wintering populations, i.e., from Caizi Lake and Shengjin Lake in Anhui, Poyang Lake in Jiangxi and Chongming Dongtan in Shanghai, were collected for this study. Full-length 1103–1104 bp mtDNA D-loop sequences from 72 samples were amplified using PCR. Based on our amplified D-loop sequences and the sequences of two individual birds obtained from GenBank (AB017625 and AB023813), we analyzed the genetic structure of these four wintering Hooded Crane populations. Twenty six variable sites were found among 72 target sequences in the four wintering populations and 23 haplotypes were defined. Genetic diversity analyses showed that the haplotype diversity of Hooded Cranes was 0.823 ± 0.042 with a nucleotide diversity of 0.00157 ± 0.00021. The FST values of the four populations show that there is no significant genetic differentiation among the populations of Hooded Cranes wintering in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Tajima’s D and Fu’s tests suggest that the Hooded Crane populations may have experienced population expansion in their evolutionary history.

Application of 3D stereotomography to the deep-sea data acquired in the South China Sea:a tomography inversion case

A 3D stereotomography algorithm, which is derived from the 3D Cartesian coordinate, is applied for the first time to the deep-sea data acquired in the LH area, South China Sea, to invert a macro velocity model for pre-stack depth migration. The successful implementation of stereotomography is highly dependent on the correct extraction of slowness components and the proper application of regularization terms. With the help of the structure tensor algorithm, a high-quality 3D stereotomography data space is achieved in a very efficient manner. Then, considering that the horizontal slowness in cross-line direction is usually unavailable for 3D narrow-azimuth data, the regularization terms must be enhanced to guarantee a stable convergence of the presented algorithm. The inverted model serves as a good model for the 3D pre-stack depth migration. The synthetic and real data examples demonstrated the robustness and effectiveness of the presented algorithm and the related schemes.

Small sphincterotomy combined with papillary dilation with large balloon permits retrieval of large stones without mechanical lithotripsy

AIM： TO introduce a new method： small endoscopic sphincterotomy （ES） combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation （SES ＋ EPLBD） to treat patients with large biliary stones.METHODS： Retrieval of large biliary stones was performed in 88 patients. Mean stone size was 14 ± 3 mm and mean number of stones was 2.5 ± 3.5. Firstly, ES with a small incision was performed. Next, endoscopic papillary dilation was performed with a large balloon to slowly match the size of the bile duct. Stones were then retrieved from the biliary duct with a balloon and a basket.RESULTS： Stone retrieval was successful in all cases except one cystic duct stone case without the need to crush large stones. Mean procedure time was 30 ± 5 min. Dilating the papillary orifice with a large balloon made it possible to remove large stones smoothly without crushing them. After dilation with the large balloon, there were some instances of oozing, but no perforations. One instance of post-procedural pancreatitis （1%） occurred. CONCLUSION： SES ＋ EPLBD was effective for the retrieval of large biliary stones without the use of mechanical lithotripsy.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in liver transplant recipients

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts （TIPSs） after liver transplantation （LT）. METHODS： Between November 1996 and December 2005, 10 patients with severe recurrent hepatitis C virus infection （n = 4）, ductopenic rejection （n = 5） or portal vein thrombosis （n = 1） were included in this analysis. Eleven TIPSs （one patient underwent two TIPS procedures） were placed for management of therapy-refractory ascites （n = 7）, hydrothorax （n = 2） or bleeding from colonic varices （n = 1）. The median time interval between LT and TIPS placement was 15 （4-158） mo. RESULTS： TIPS placement was successful in all patients. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 12.5 to 8.7 mmHg. Complete and partial remission could be achieved in 43% and 29% of patients with ascites. Both patients with hydrothorax did not respond to TIPS. No recurrent bleeding was seen in the patient with colonic varices. Nine of 10 patients died during the study period. Only one of two patients, who underwent retransplantation after the TIPS procedure, survived. The median survival period after TIPS placement was 3.3 （range 0.4-20） too. The majority of patients died from sepsis with multiorgan failure. CONCLUSION： Indications for TIPS and technical performance in LT patients correspond to those in non-transplanted patients. At least partial control of therapy-refractory ascites and variceal bleeding could be achieved in most patients. Nevertheless, survival rates were disappointing, most probably because of the advanced stages of liver disease at the time of TIPS placement and the high risk of sepsis as a consequence of immunosuppression.

Analysis of tensioned membrane structures considering cable sliding

In routine design of tensioned membrane structures, the membrane is generally modeled using space membrane elements and the cables by space cable elements, with no sliding allowed between the membrane and the cables. On the other hand, large deflections are expected and sliding between the membrane and the cables is inevitable. In the present paper, the general finite element code ABAQUS was employed to investigate the influence of cable sliding on membrane surface on the structural behavior. Three analysis models were devised to fulfill this purpose: (1) The membrane element shares nodes with the cable element; (2) The cable can slide on the membrane surface freely (without friction) and (3) The cable can slide on the membrane surface, but with friction between the cable and the membrane. The sliding problem is modeled using a surface - based contact algorithm. The results from three analysis models are compared, showing that cable sliding has only little influence on the structure shape and on the stress distributions in the membrane. The main influence of cable sliding may be its effect on the dynamic behavior of tensioned membrane structures.

The Numerical Simulation of Collapse Pressure and Boundary of the Cavity Cloud in Venturi

The idea that the collapse proceeds from the outer boundary of the cavity cloud towards its center for the ultrasonic cavitation proposed by Hasson and Morch in 1980s is further developed for calculating the collapse pressure and boundaries of cavity cloud at the collapse stage of bubbles for hydraulic cavitation flow in Venturi in present research. The numerical simulation is carried out based on Gilmore＇s eouations of bubble dynamics, which take account of the compressibility of fluid besides the viscosity and interfacial tension. The collapse of the cavity cloud is considered to proceed layer by layer from the outer cloud towards its inner part. The simulation results indicate that thepredicted boundaries of the cavity cloudat the collapse stage agree.well with the exPerimental ones.It is also found that the maximum collapse pressure of the cavity cloud is several times as high as the collapse pressure of outside boundary, and it is located at a point in the axis, where the cavity cloud disappears completely. This means that a cavity cloud has higher collapse pressure or strength than that of a single bubble due to the interactions of the bubbles. The effects of operation and structural parameters on the collapse pressure are also analyzed in detail.

A case of idiopathic colonic varices: A rare cause of hematochezia misconceived as tumor

Colonic varices are a very rare cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Fewer than 100 cases of colonic varices, and 30 cases of idiopathic colonic varices （ICV） have been reported in the English literature. Among these 30 cases of ICV, 19 cases were diagnosed by angiography, and 7 operated cases were diagnosed later as ileocecal vein deficit, hemangioma, and idiopathic in 1, 1, 5 cases, respectively. We report the case of a 24-year-old man who suffered from multiple episodes of hematochezia of varying degree at the age of 11 years. He had severe anemia with hemoglobin of 21 g/L. On colonoscopy, tortuously dilated submucosal vein and friable ulceration covered with dark necrotic tissues especially at the rectosigmoid region were seen from the rectum up to the distal descending colon. It initially appeared to be carcinoma with varices. Mesenteric angiographic study suggested a colonic hemangioma. Low anterior resection was done due to medically intractable and recurrent hematochezia. Other bowel and mesenteric vascular structures appeared normal. Microscopic examination revealed normal colonic mucosa with dilated veins throughout the submucosa and serosa without representing new vessel growth. Taken all of these findings together, the patient was diagnosed as ICV. His postoperative course was uneventful.

The new structure of fibre glass reinforced plastics bolt

The develop actuality and direction of FRP(fibre glass reinforced plastics) bolt in the world are analyzed The new type structure of FRP bolt was designed Trial data indicate that, all kinds of capability target of this FRP bolt all achieve and exceed the country standard, substitute present metal bolt,wood bolt and bamboo bolt and other side bolt, it can gain magnitude technology and economy benefit FRP bolt mechanization product line produce efficiency is high, its throughput a day are 750 base, this can meet demand of hit small mining company

Effects of "Plateau Bright Pearl" Green Tea on Blood Pressure,Myocardial Ultrastructure and Plasma Angiotensin Ⅱ ( Ang Ⅱ) Content in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats

[Objective] This study aimed to further explore the relationship between tea and health. [Method] Different experimental groups were designed to preliminarily investigate the effects of ＂Plateau Bright Pearl＂ commixed green tea on blood pressure, myocardial ultrastructure and level of plasma angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ） in spontaneous hypertensive rats. [Result] The results showed that ＂Plateau Bright Pearl＂ commixed green tea could significantly decrease blood pressure and level of plasma angiotensin Ⅱ （ang Ⅱ） in spontaneous hypertensive rats and improve ultrastructures of left ventricular mitochondrion and myofibrillae. [Conclusion] ＂Plateau Bright Pearl＂ commixed green tea has many physiological health functions including losing weight, protecting the heart and lowering blood pressure.

Stresses induced by post-tensioned anchor in jointed rock mass

A new analytical study on stresses around a post-tensioned anchor in rocks with two perpendicular joint sets is presented. The assumptions of orthotropic elastic rock with plane strain conditions are made in derivation of the formulations. A tri-linear bond-slip constitutive law is used for modeling the tendon-grout interface behavior and debonding of this interface. The bearing plate width is also considered in the analysis. The obtained solutions are in the integral forms and numerical techniques that have been used for evaluation. In the illustrative example given, the major principal stress is compressive in the anchor free zone and compressive stress concentrations of 815 k Pa and 727 k Pa(for the anchor load of 300 k N) are observed under the bearing plate and the bond length proximal end, respectively. However, large values of tensile stresses with the maximum of-434 k Pa are formed at the bond length distal end. The results obtained using the proposed solution are compared very those of numerical method(FEM).

Effect of Hydrophobic Carbon Chain Length on the Crystal Structure of MCM-41

The mesoporous molecular sieve (MCM)-41 using ionic liquid as template has been prepared. The typical template of ionic liquid was [C16mim]X. In this article, the use of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ([Cnmim]Br, where n=12,14,16,18,20) salts as templates in the synthesis of MCM-41 is reported. The results showed that the synthesized MCM-41 had uniform pore diameter, high surface area and stable framework. The largest surface area of MCM-41 was the one prepared with [C14mim]Br as template. When using [C18min]Br as template, the narrowest pore distribution sample was obtained and the effect of surface tension of template solution to MCM-41 was first discussed.

Examples of Cable-Bar Modular Structures Based on the Class-Theta Tensegrity Systems

The relationship between forms and forces is one of the main topics of structural morphology. This harmonious coexisting link is very strong for systems in tensegrity state, commonly called ＂tensegrity systems＂. It is currently apparent that, among the tensegrity systems, there also exist cable-bar cells with a discontinuous network of cables. It is possible to design a separate set of cables inside the cable-bar elementary cell and to establish a self-stress state of equilibrium. In this connection, the author of this paper suggested to assume a new Class-Theta tensegrity systems. Each of the basic tensegrity systems termed Class-Theta possesses an external and internal set of tension components. The shape of Greek capital letter 69 （Theta） reflects two sets of such components （two sets of tendons, cables, etc.）. This notation corresponds to Skelton＇s Class-k tensegrity structure. As shown in this paper, the Class-Theta tensegrity cell can exemplify a geometrically and practically useful form for the lightweight and long-span modular structures, mainly but not only in view of civil engineering and architecture.

BiHom-H-pseudoalgebras and their constructions

The definition and an example of BiHom-associative H-pseudoalgebra are given.A BiHom-H-pseudoalgebra is an H-pseudoalgebra(A,μ)with two mapsα,β∈HomH(A,A)satisfying the BiHom-associative law which generalizes BiHom-associative algebras and associative H-pseudoalgebras.Secondly,a method which is called the Yau twist of constructing BiHom-associative H-pseudoaglebra(A,(IH■H■Hα)μ,α,β)from an associative H-pseudoalgebra(A,μ)and two maps of H-pseudoalgebrasα,β,is introduced.Thirdly,a generalized form of the Yau twist is discussed.It concerns constructing a BiHom-associative H-pseudoalgebra(A,μ(α■β),α^~α,β^~β)from a BiHom-associative H-pseudoalgebra(A,μ,α^~,β^~)and two mapsα,β∈Hom H(A,A).Finally,a method of constructing BiHom-associative H-pseudoalgebra on tensor product space A■B of two BiHom-associative H-pseudoalgebras is given.

A new technique of combined endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation for variceal bleeding

AIM: To develop a technique of combined endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation (ESL) in which both techniques of endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) can be optimally used.METHODS: ESL was performed in 10 patients (age 46.4±7.9;9 males, 1 female) with cirrhosis of liver using sclerotherapy needle and Speedband, Superview multiple band ligater (Boston Scientific, Microvasive, Watertown, MA). A single band was placed 5-10 cm proximal to the gastro-esophageal junction over each varix from proximal to distal margin,followed by intravariceal injection of 1.5 % ethoxysclerol (4 ml each) 2 to 3 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction on the ligated varices distal to deployed band. EVL was then performed at the injection site. Similarly other varices were also injected and ligated from distal to proximally. In the subsequent sessions, ES alone was performed to sclerose small varices at the gastroesophageal junction.RESULTS: ESL was successfully performed in all patients.A median of 3 (ESL 1, ES 2) sessions (ranged 1-4) were required to eradicate the varices in 9 (90 %) of 10 patients.Recurrence of varices without bleed was seen in 1 patient during a mean follow-up of 10.3 months (ranged 6-15).Two patients died of liver failure. None died of variceal bleeding. None of the patients had procedure related complications.CONCLUSION: ESL may be useful in the fast eradication of esophageal varices. However, randomised controlled trials are required to find out its relative efficacy and impact on variceal recurrence in comparison to ES or EVL.

TLP hull structural design and analysis

Tension leg platform (TLP) has been one of the most favorite deep-water platform concepts for offshore oil and gas field exploration and development. As of now,a total of 24 TLPs have been installed worldwide with 3 more to be installed in the near future and 5 more under design. Most of these installations are in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Water depths for these TLP installations range from 150 m to 1 600 m. It is highly expected that China will have her first TLP designed,fabricated,and installed in the very near future. In order to satisfy the need for a unified hull structural design practice,this paper presents the design philosophy of a conventional TLP hull structure with emphases on critical structural components design and analysis methodologies.

Design and Analysis of Typical Buoyancy Tank Riser Tensioner Systems

The method for design and analysis of a buoyancy tank riser tensioner system （BTRTS） was put forward in this paper, taking the free standing hybrid riser＇s top buoyancy tank as an example. The design procedure was discussed and was also illustrated in a flowchart, after a short description of the global arrangement, structure configuration, and the function of different types of buoyancy tanks （BT）. The objective of this paper is to describe a way of developing a BT with minimal hydro force, maximal net lift, and no redundancy of compartments. The method of determining the main dimensions of the BT, namely the length and the outer diameter, was outlined. A series of investigations was conducted for a West Africa FSHR BT design, and the effect of the ratio of the length to the outer diameter （L/D） on the hydrodynamics and the weight of the BT was discussed. The methodology of designing the internal structure of the BT was presented. The effects of the number of compartments and the dimension of the inner stem on the BT weight and strength were compared. The relationship between inner structure and the number one index of the BT as well as the riser＇s top tension factor （TTF） were illustrated for normal operating conditions and conditions with one or more compartments （or inner stem） damaged. A design instance was given in this paper, when L/D is 4-6, the BT weight and the drag force are compromised. When the BT is divided into 10 compartments, the riser TTF will reach the maximum value, and the ratio of the stem OD to shell OD is about 0.3. A global strength analysis method of the BT and the main load case matrix was also included in the paper, together with the local strength analysis of the buoyancy tank＇s pad-eye assembly.

Overview of the Research and Development for Reduced Activation Ferritic/Martensitic Steel CLF-1

Recent accomplishment by the SWIP for the reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel CLF-1 development has been reviewed. It＇s found that CLF- 1 steel has better room temperature tensile properties than Eurofer97 steel and has a fully martensitic microstructure.

No association between phosphatase and tensin homolog genetic polymorphisms and colon cancer

AIM: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) tumor suppressor gene and risk of colon cancer. METHODS: We utilized a population-based casecontrol study of incident colon cancer individuals (n= 421) and controls (n = 483) aged ≥ 30 years to conduct a comprehensive tagSNP association analysis of the PTEN gene. RESULTS: None of the PTEN SNPs were statistically significantly associated with colon cancer when controlled for age, gender, and race, or when additionally adjusted for other known risk factors (P > 0.05). Haplotype analyses similarly showed no association between the PTEN gene and colon cancer. CONCLUSION: Our study does not support PTEN as a colon cancer susceptibility gene.