In the process of shield tunneling through soft soil layers,the presence of confined water ahead poses a significant threat to the stability of the tunnel face.Therefore,it is crucial to consider the impact of confine...In the process of shield tunneling through soft soil layers,the presence of confined water ahead poses a significant threat to the stability of the tunnel face.Therefore,it is crucial to consider the impact of confined water on the limit support pressure of the tunnel face.This study employed the finite element method(FEM)to analyze the limit support pressure of shield tunnel face instability within a pressurized water-containing layer.Subsequently,a multiple linear regression approach was applied to derive a concise solution formula for the limit support pressure,incorporating various influencing factors.The analysis yields the following conclusions:1)The influence of confined water on the instability mode of the tunnel face in soft soil layers makes the displacement response of the strata not significant when the face is unstable;2)The limit support pressure increases approximately linearly with the pressure head,shield tunnel diameter,and tunnel burial depth.And inversely proportional to the thickness of the impermeable layer,soil cohesion and internal friction angle;3)Through an engineering case study analysis,the results align well with those obtained from traditional theoretical methods,thereby validating the rationality of the equations proposed in this paper.Furthermore,the proposed equations overcome the limitation of traditional theoretical approaches considering the influence of changes in impermeable layer thickness.It can accurately depict the dynamic variation in the required limit support pressure to maintain the stability of the tunnel face during shield tunneling,thus better reflecting engineering reality.展开更多
A non-precious metal catalyst MnHMTA/C to oxygen reduction reaction was prepared by py- rolyzing a precursor from manganese chloride, hexamethylenetetramine and acetylene black in nitrogen gas atmosphere. The effect o...A non-precious metal catalyst MnHMTA/C to oxygen reduction reaction was prepared by py- rolyzing a precursor from manganese chloride, hexamethylenetetramine and acetylene black in nitrogen gas atmosphere. The effect of heat treatment temperature and flowing of nitrogen gas were investigated. A catalyst with the highest activity can be obtained at 700 ℃. Mn(Ⅱ) ion was changed to MnO in heat treatment, which improved the catalytic activity of the catalyst. Hexamethylenetetramine takes part in the formation of active site of the catalyst as its decomposed gases. The flowing of protective gas takes the decomposed gases out of the tube furnace and brings negative effect on the catalytic activity of the MnHMTA/C catalyst.展开更多
AIM: To study the protective effects and mechanisms of Se-enriched lactobacillus on liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice. METHODS: Seventy-two ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups...AIM: To study the protective effects and mechanisms of Se-enriched lactobacillus on liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice. METHODS: Seventy-two ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, CCl4-induced model group, low Se-enriched lactobacillus treatment group (L-Se group), and high Se-enriched lactobacillus treatment group (H-Se group). During a 3-wk experimental period, the common complete diet was orally provided daily for normal group and model group, and the mice in L-Se and H-Se groups were given a diet with 2 and 4 mg of organoselenium from Se-enriched lactobacillus per kg feed, respectively. From the 2nd wk of experiment, the model group, L-Se group, and H-Se group received abdominal cavity injection of olive oil solution containing 500 mL/L CCl4 (0.07 mL/100 g body mass) to induce liver injury, and the normal group was given olive oil on every other day for over 2 wk. In the first 2 wk post injection with CCl4, mice in each group were killed. The specimens of blood, liver tissue, and macrophages in abdominal cavity fluid were taken. Then the activities of the following liver tissue injury-associated enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content were assayed. Changes of phagocytic rate and phagocytic index in macrophages were observed with Wright-Giemsa stain. Plasma TNF-α level was measured by radioimmunoassay. The level of intracellular free Ca^2+ ([Ca^2+]i) in hepatocytes was detected under a laser scanning confocal microscope. RESULTS: During the entire experimental period, the AST and ALT activities in liver were greatly enhanced by CCl4 and completely blunted by both low and high doses of Se-enriched lactobacillus. The Se-enriched lactobacillus- protected liver homogenate GSH-Px and SOD activities were higher or significantly higher than those in model group and were close to those in normal group. CCl4 significantly increased MDA content in liver homogenates, while administration of Se-enriched lactobacillus prevented MDA elevation. Phagocytic rate and phagocytic index of macrophages decreased after CCl4 treatment compared to those in normal control, but they were dramatically rescued by Se-enriched lactobacillus, showing a greatly higher phagocytic function compared to model group. CCl4 could significantly elevate plasma TNF-α and hepatocyte [Ca^2+]i level, which were also obviously prevented by Se-enriched lactobacillus. CONCLUSION: Se-enriched lactobacillus can intervene in CCl4-induced liver injury in mice by enhancing macrophage function activity to keep normal and beneficial effects, elevating antioxidant-enzyme activities and reducing lipid peroxidation reaction, inhibiting excessive release of TNF-α, preventing the dramatic elevation of [Ca^2+]i in hepatocytes.展开更多
A shield machine with freezing function is proposed in order to realize tool change operation at atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the transformation project of freezing cutterhead and tool change maintenance method ...A shield machine with freezing function is proposed in order to realize tool change operation at atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the transformation project of freezing cutterhead and tool change maintenance method are put forward. Taking the shield construction of Huanxi Power Tunnel as an example, a numerical analysis of the freezing cutter head of the project was carried out. The results show that when the brine temperature is-25 °C, after 30 d of freezing, the thickness of the frozen wall can reach 0.67 m and the average temperature drops to-9.9 °C. When the brine temperature is-30 °C, after 50 d of freezing, the thickness of the frozen wall can reach 1.01 m and the average temperature drops to-12.4 °C. If the thickness of the frozen wall is 0.5 m and the average temperature is-10 °C, as the design index of the frozen wall, the brine temperature should be lower than-28 °C to meet the excavation requirements in 30 d. Analyzing the frozen wall stress under 0.5 m thickness and-10 °C average temperature condition, the tensile safety factor and compressive safety factor are both greater than 2 at the most dangerous position, which can meet the tool change requirements for shield construction.展开更多
In order to ensure the security of information systems, it's essential to make sure that system behaviors are trusted. By analyzing threats that exist in executing procedures, a trust model based on structured pro...In order to ensure the security of information systems, it's essential to make sure that system behaviors are trusted. By analyzing threats that exist in executing procedures, a trust model based on structured protection is proposed. We consider that functional components, system actions and message flows between components are three key factors of information systems. Structured protection requirements on components, connections and action parameters are also provided. Four trusted properties of the model are deducted through formal analysis, and trusted system behavior is defined based on these properties. Furthermore, decision theorem of trusted system behavior is proved. The developed prototype system indicates the model is practical. It is a general theory model built on logic deduction and independent on specific environment and the behaviors of the system designed and implemented following the model are trusted.展开更多
AIM: Lafutidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, exhibits gastro-protective action mediated by capsaicinsensitive afferent neurons (CSN). We compared the effect between lafutidine and capsaicin, with respect to...AIM: Lafutidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, exhibits gastro-protective action mediated by capsaicinsensitive afferent neurons (CSN). We compared the effect between lafutidine and capsaicin, with respect to the interaction with endogenous prostaglandins (PG), nitric oxide (NO) and the afferent neurons, including transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). METHODS: Male SD rats and C57BL/6 mice, both wildtype and prostacyclin IP receptor knockout animals, were used after 18 h of fasting. Gastric lesions were induced by the po administration of HCl/ethanol (60% in 150 mmol/L HCl) in a volume of 1 mL for rats or 0.3 mL for mice. RESULTS: Both lafutidine and capsaicin (1-10 mg/kg, po) afforded dose-dependent protection against HCI/ ethanol in rats and mice. The effects were attenuated by both the ablation of CSN and pretreatment with NG-nitro- L-arginine methyl ester, yet only the effect of capsaicin was mitigated by prior administration of capsazepine, the TRPV1 antagonist, as well as indomethacin. Lafutidine protected the stomach against HCl/ethanol in IP receptor knockout mice, similar to wild-type animals, while capsaicin failed to afford protection in the animals lacking IP receptors. Neither of these agents affected the mucosal PGE2 or 6-keto PGF1α contents in rat stomachs. Capsaicin evoked an increase in [Ca^2+]i in rat TRPV1-transfected HEK293 cells while lafutidine did not. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that although both lafutidine and capsaicin exhibit gastro-protective action mediated by CSN, the mode of their effects differs regarding the dependency on endogenous PGs/IP receptors and TRPV1. It is assumed that lafutidine interacts with CSN at yet unidentified sites other than TRPV1.展开更多
In China,gravity retaining walls are widely used as protection structures against rockfalls,debris flows and debris avalanches along the roads in mountainous areas.In this paper,the Discrete Element Method(DEM) has be...In China,gravity retaining walls are widely used as protection structures against rockfalls,debris flows and debris avalanches along the roads in mountainous areas.In this paper,the Discrete Element Method(DEM) has been used to investigate the impact of granular avalanches and debris flows on retaining walls.The debris is modeled as two dimensional circular disks that interact through frictional sliding contacts.The basic equations that control the deformation and motion of the particles are introduced.A series of numerical experiments were conducted on an idealized debris slide impacting a retaining wall.The parametric study has been performed to examine the influences of slope geometry,travel distance of the sliding mass,wall position,and surface friction on the impact force exerted on the wall.Results show that:1) the force achieves its maximum value when slope angle is equal to 60°,as it varies from 30° to 75°;2) an approximate linear relationship between the impact force and the storage area length is determined.展开更多
A novel polysilicon-assisted silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) is presented and analyzed in this paper, which is fabricated in HHNEC's 0.18μm EEPROM process. The polysilicon-assisted SCRs take advantage of polysi...A novel polysilicon-assisted silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) is presented and analyzed in this paper, which is fabricated in HHNEC's 0.18μm EEPROM process. The polysilicon-assisted SCRs take advantage of polysilicon layer to help bypass electro-static discharge (E S D) current without occupying extra layout area. TLP current-voltage (I-V) measurement results show that given the same layout areas, robustness performance of polysilicon-assisted SCRs can be improved to 3 times of conventional MLSCR's. Moreover, one-finger such polysilicon-assisted SCRs, which occupy only 947 [3mz layout area, can undergo 7-kV HBM ESD stress. Results further demonstrate that the S-type I-V characteristics of polysilicon-assisted SCRs are adjustable to different operating conditions by changing the device dimensions. Compared with traditional SCRs, this new SCR can bypass more ESD currents and consumes smaller IC area.展开更多
This is a comparative study examining the influence of a small-scale dementia unit and a traditional dementia unit on behaviors of the residents. The small-scale unit and the traditional unit were selected through two...This is a comparative study examining the influence of a small-scale dementia unit and a traditional dementia unit on behaviors of the residents. The small-scale unit and the traditional unit were selected through two phases in Vancouver, Canada. Seven residents from each facility completed the study. Physical environmental assessments were performed using two tools: PEAP (professional environmental assessment protocol) and TESS-NH (therapeutic environment screening survey for nursing homes). For the assessment of residents' behaviors, three assessment tools were used: MOSES (multidimensional observation scale for elderly subjects), MDS (minimum data set) and DCM (dementia care mapping). The study found that the residents living in a small-scale environment were more engaged in activities and more likely to respond in understanding their fellow residents. Residents living in a traditional long-term care exhibited fewer signs of social interaction. The findings suggest that a small-scale homelike environment could positively influence people with dementia to be more engaged in social exchanges and activities, and consequently help in reducing their withdrawn behavior.展开更多
The molecular mechanism of how hepatocytes maintain cholesterol homeostasis has become much more transparent with the discovery of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in recent years. These membrane pr...The molecular mechanism of how hepatocytes maintain cholesterol homeostasis has become much more transparent with the discovery of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in recent years. These membrane proteins aremembers of the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLHZip) family of transcription factors. They activate the expression of at least 30 genes involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and lipids. SREBPs are synthesized as precursor proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where they form a complex with another protein, SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP). The SCAP molecule contains a sterol sensory domain. In the presence of high cellular sterol concentrations SCAP confines SREBP to the ER. With low cellular concentrations, SCAP escorts SREBP to activation in the Golgi. There, SREBP undergoes two proteolytic cleavage steps to release the mature, biologically active transcription factor, nuclear SREBP (nSREBP). nSREBP translocates to the nucleus and binds to sterol response elements (SRE) in the promoter/enhancer regions of target genes. Additional transcription factors are required to activate transcription of these genes. Three different SREBPs are known, SREBPs-1a, -1c and -2. SREBP-1a and -1c are isoforms produced from a single gene by alternate splicing. SREBP-2 is encoded by a different gene and does not display any isoforms. It appears that SREBPs alone, in the sequence described above, can exert complete control over cholesterol synthesis, whereas many additional factors (hormones, cytokines, etc.) are required for complete control of lipid metabolism. Medicinal manipulation of the SREBP/SCAP system is expected to prove highly beneficial in the management of cholesterol-related disease.展开更多
【Title】【Author】【Addresses】1Traditional landscape elements such as pasture patches enclosed in a forest matrix are progressively disappearing throughout the European Alps. We assessed the land mosaic shift of a p...【Title】【Author】【Addresses】1Traditional landscape elements such as pasture patches enclosed in a forest matrix are progressively disappearing throughout the European Alps. We assessed the land mosaic shift of a protected area located in the western Italian Alps. In particular, the dynamics of pasture patches were studied at both landscape and stand level. Land-cover mapping through object-oriented analysis of historical aerial photographs was used to assess land-cover changes between 1954 and 2000. Spatial statistics were used to quantify landscape patterns, and field samplings within pasture patches were used to explore tree regeneration structure and composition. Our results showed a significant increase in the number of pasture patches caused by their fragmentation following forest expansion. The total surface area of pasture patches decreased by 43% and their core area decreased by 94%. The encroachment of trees on less accessible areas of the pasture patches caused a reduction of patch shape at landscape scale. The gap filling process started 40-50 years ago and began with an early invasion of light demanding species like sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), followed by European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and secondarily silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Traditional land-use and population decline in the Pesio Valley led to a reduction in ecotone areas. A transition to a more homogeneous landscape is expected in the next decades. Given the cultural and productive nature of these mountain meadow-pasture communities, extensive livestock grazing systems could be used to manage their future conservation.展开更多
Segmental bridges with unbonded prestressed tendons have some advantages, such as the weather independence and the corrosion protection of prestressing tendons. This paper analyzed the behavior of a prestressed segmen...Segmental bridges with unbonded prestressed tendons have some advantages, such as the weather independence and the corrosion protection of prestressing tendons. This paper analyzed the behavior of a prestressed segmental bridge with unbonded tendons under combined loading of torsion, bending and shear. According to the experiment research, a modified skew bending model was developed to calculate the bearing capacity of segmental bridges subjected to combined bending, shear and torsion. The finite element method was used to investigate the deflection behaviors of such structure, also to check the theoretical model. The theoretical and FEM research results were compared favorably with the test results from Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany. Finally, suggestion for the design and construction of segmental bridges with external prestressing was made.展开更多
基金Project(ZDRW-ZS-2021-3)supported by the Key Deployment Projects of Chinese Academy of SciencesProjects(52179116,51991392)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China。
文摘In the process of shield tunneling through soft soil layers,the presence of confined water ahead poses a significant threat to the stability of the tunnel face.Therefore,it is crucial to consider the impact of confined water on the limit support pressure of the tunnel face.This study employed the finite element method(FEM)to analyze the limit support pressure of shield tunnel face instability within a pressurized water-containing layer.Subsequently,a multiple linear regression approach was applied to derive a concise solution formula for the limit support pressure,incorporating various influencing factors.The analysis yields the following conclusions:1)The influence of confined water on the instability mode of the tunnel face in soft soil layers makes the displacement response of the strata not significant when the face is unstable;2)The limit support pressure increases approximately linearly with the pressure head,shield tunnel diameter,and tunnel burial depth.And inversely proportional to the thickness of the impermeable layer,soil cohesion and internal friction angle;3)Through an engineering case study analysis,the results align well with those obtained from traditional theoretical methods,thereby validating the rationality of the equations proposed in this paper.Furthermore,the proposed equations overcome the limitation of traditional theoretical approaches considering the influence of changes in impermeable layer thickness.It can accurately depict the dynamic variation in the required limit support pressure to maintain the stability of the tunnel face during shield tunneling,thus better reflecting engineering reality.
文摘A non-precious metal catalyst MnHMTA/C to oxygen reduction reaction was prepared by py- rolyzing a precursor from manganese chloride, hexamethylenetetramine and acetylene black in nitrogen gas atmosphere. The effect of heat treatment temperature and flowing of nitrogen gas were investigated. A catalyst with the highest activity can be obtained at 700 ℃. Mn(Ⅱ) ion was changed to MnO in heat treatment, which improved the catalytic activity of the catalyst. Hexamethylenetetramine takes part in the formation of active site of the catalyst as its decomposed gases. The flowing of protective gas takes the decomposed gases out of the tube furnace and brings negative effect on the catalytic activity of the MnHMTA/C catalyst.
基金Supported by the Special Programs of State Science and Technology Ministry of China During the 10~(th) 5-Year Plan Period, No. 2002BA518 A12, and Open Foundation from Key Laboratory of Resource Biotechnology of Jiangsu Province, China, No. KJS00033
文摘AIM: To study the protective effects and mechanisms of Se-enriched lactobacillus on liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice. METHODS: Seventy-two ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, CCl4-induced model group, low Se-enriched lactobacillus treatment group (L-Se group), and high Se-enriched lactobacillus treatment group (H-Se group). During a 3-wk experimental period, the common complete diet was orally provided daily for normal group and model group, and the mice in L-Se and H-Se groups were given a diet with 2 and 4 mg of organoselenium from Se-enriched lactobacillus per kg feed, respectively. From the 2nd wk of experiment, the model group, L-Se group, and H-Se group received abdominal cavity injection of olive oil solution containing 500 mL/L CCl4 (0.07 mL/100 g body mass) to induce liver injury, and the normal group was given olive oil on every other day for over 2 wk. In the first 2 wk post injection with CCl4, mice in each group were killed. The specimens of blood, liver tissue, and macrophages in abdominal cavity fluid were taken. Then the activities of the following liver tissue injury-associated enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content were assayed. Changes of phagocytic rate and phagocytic index in macrophages were observed with Wright-Giemsa stain. Plasma TNF-α level was measured by radioimmunoassay. The level of intracellular free Ca^2+ ([Ca^2+]i) in hepatocytes was detected under a laser scanning confocal microscope. RESULTS: During the entire experimental period, the AST and ALT activities in liver were greatly enhanced by CCl4 and completely blunted by both low and high doses of Se-enriched lactobacillus. The Se-enriched lactobacillus- protected liver homogenate GSH-Px and SOD activities were higher or significantly higher than those in model group and were close to those in normal group. CCl4 significantly increased MDA content in liver homogenates, while administration of Se-enriched lactobacillus prevented MDA elevation. Phagocytic rate and phagocytic index of macrophages decreased after CCl4 treatment compared to those in normal control, but they were dramatically rescued by Se-enriched lactobacillus, showing a greatly higher phagocytic function compared to model group. CCl4 could significantly elevate plasma TNF-α and hepatocyte [Ca^2+]i level, which were also obviously prevented by Se-enriched lactobacillus. CONCLUSION: Se-enriched lactobacillus can intervene in CCl4-induced liver injury in mice by enhancing macrophage function activity to keep normal and beneficial effects, elevating antioxidant-enzyme activities and reducing lipid peroxidation reaction, inhibiting excessive release of TNF-α, preventing the dramatic elevation of [Ca^2+]i in hepatocytes.
基金Project(2014FJ1002)supported by the Science and Technology Major Project of Hunan Province,ChinaProject(2012AA041803)supported by National High Technology Research and Development Program of China。
文摘A shield machine with freezing function is proposed in order to realize tool change operation at atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the transformation project of freezing cutterhead and tool change maintenance method are put forward. Taking the shield construction of Huanxi Power Tunnel as an example, a numerical analysis of the freezing cutter head of the project was carried out. The results show that when the brine temperature is-25 °C, after 30 d of freezing, the thickness of the frozen wall can reach 0.67 m and the average temperature drops to-9.9 °C. When the brine temperature is-30 °C, after 50 d of freezing, the thickness of the frozen wall can reach 1.01 m and the average temperature drops to-12.4 °C. If the thickness of the frozen wall is 0.5 m and the average temperature is-10 °C, as the design index of the frozen wall, the brine temperature should be lower than-28 °C to meet the excavation requirements in 30 d. Analyzing the frozen wall stress under 0.5 m thickness and-10 °C average temperature condition, the tensile safety factor and compressive safety factor are both greater than 2 at the most dangerous position, which can meet the tool change requirements for shield construction.
基金supported by National Science and Technology Major Project under Grant No.2012ZX03002003Funds of Key Lab of Fujian Province University Network Security and Cryptology under Grant No.2011009Open Research Project of State Key Laboratory of Information Security in Institute of Software,Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘In order to ensure the security of information systems, it's essential to make sure that system behaviors are trusted. By analyzing threats that exist in executing procedures, a trust model based on structured protection is proposed. We consider that functional components, system actions and message flows between components are three key factors of information systems. Structured protection requirements on components, connections and action parameters are also provided. Four trusted properties of the model are deducted through formal analysis, and trusted system behavior is defined based on these properties. Furthermore, decision theorem of trusted system behavior is proved. The developed prototype system indicates the model is practical. It is a general theory model built on logic deduction and independent on specific environment and the behaviors of the system designed and implemented following the model are trusted.
基金Supported in part by the Kyoto Pharmaceutical University's "21st Century COE" program and the "Open Research" Program from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan
文摘AIM: Lafutidine, a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, exhibits gastro-protective action mediated by capsaicinsensitive afferent neurons (CSN). We compared the effect between lafutidine and capsaicin, with respect to the interaction with endogenous prostaglandins (PG), nitric oxide (NO) and the afferent neurons, including transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). METHODS: Male SD rats and C57BL/6 mice, both wildtype and prostacyclin IP receptor knockout animals, were used after 18 h of fasting. Gastric lesions were induced by the po administration of HCl/ethanol (60% in 150 mmol/L HCl) in a volume of 1 mL for rats or 0.3 mL for mice. RESULTS: Both lafutidine and capsaicin (1-10 mg/kg, po) afforded dose-dependent protection against HCI/ ethanol in rats and mice. The effects were attenuated by both the ablation of CSN and pretreatment with NG-nitro- L-arginine methyl ester, yet only the effect of capsaicin was mitigated by prior administration of capsazepine, the TRPV1 antagonist, as well as indomethacin. Lafutidine protected the stomach against HCl/ethanol in IP receptor knockout mice, similar to wild-type animals, while capsaicin failed to afford protection in the animals lacking IP receptors. Neither of these agents affected the mucosal PGE2 or 6-keto PGF1α contents in rat stomachs. Capsaicin evoked an increase in [Ca^2+]i in rat TRPV1-transfected HEK293 cells while lafutidine did not. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that although both lafutidine and capsaicin exhibit gastro-protective action mediated by CSN, the mode of their effects differs regarding the dependency on endogenous PGs/IP receptors and TRPV1. It is assumed that lafutidine interacts with CSN at yet unidentified sites other than TRPV1.
基金support from the 973 Program of China (Grant No. 2008CB425803)the West Light Foundation of the CAS (Grant No. 09R2200200)
文摘In China,gravity retaining walls are widely used as protection structures against rockfalls,debris flows and debris avalanches along the roads in mountainous areas.In this paper,the Discrete Element Method(DEM) has been used to investigate the impact of granular avalanches and debris flows on retaining walls.The debris is modeled as two dimensional circular disks that interact through frictional sliding contacts.The basic equations that control the deformation and motion of the particles are introduced.A series of numerical experiments were conducted on an idealized debris slide impacting a retaining wall.The parametric study has been performed to examine the influences of slope geometry,travel distance of the sliding mass,wall position,and surface friction on the impact force exerted on the wall.Results show that:1) the force achieves its maximum value when slope angle is equal to 60°,as it varies from 30° to 75°;2) an approximate linear relationship between the impact force and the storage area length is determined.
文摘A novel polysilicon-assisted silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) is presented and analyzed in this paper, which is fabricated in HHNEC's 0.18μm EEPROM process. The polysilicon-assisted SCRs take advantage of polysilicon layer to help bypass electro-static discharge (E S D) current without occupying extra layout area. TLP current-voltage (I-V) measurement results show that given the same layout areas, robustness performance of polysilicon-assisted SCRs can be improved to 3 times of conventional MLSCR's. Moreover, one-finger such polysilicon-assisted SCRs, which occupy only 947 [3mz layout area, can undergo 7-kV HBM ESD stress. Results further demonstrate that the S-type I-V characteristics of polysilicon-assisted SCRs are adjustable to different operating conditions by changing the device dimensions. Compared with traditional SCRs, this new SCR can bypass more ESD currents and consumes smaller IC area.
文摘This is a comparative study examining the influence of a small-scale dementia unit and a traditional dementia unit on behaviors of the residents. The small-scale unit and the traditional unit were selected through two phases in Vancouver, Canada. Seven residents from each facility completed the study. Physical environmental assessments were performed using two tools: PEAP (professional environmental assessment protocol) and TESS-NH (therapeutic environment screening survey for nursing homes). For the assessment of residents' behaviors, three assessment tools were used: MOSES (multidimensional observation scale for elderly subjects), MDS (minimum data set) and DCM (dementia care mapping). The study found that the residents living in a small-scale environment were more engaged in activities and more likely to respond in understanding their fellow residents. Residents living in a traditional long-term care exhibited fewer signs of social interaction. The findings suggest that a small-scale homelike environment could positively influence people with dementia to be more engaged in social exchanges and activities, and consequently help in reducing their withdrawn behavior.
文摘The molecular mechanism of how hepatocytes maintain cholesterol homeostasis has become much more transparent with the discovery of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in recent years. These membrane proteins aremembers of the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLHZip) family of transcription factors. They activate the expression of at least 30 genes involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and lipids. SREBPs are synthesized as precursor proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where they form a complex with another protein, SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP). The SCAP molecule contains a sterol sensory domain. In the presence of high cellular sterol concentrations SCAP confines SREBP to the ER. With low cellular concentrations, SCAP escorts SREBP to activation in the Golgi. There, SREBP undergoes two proteolytic cleavage steps to release the mature, biologically active transcription factor, nuclear SREBP (nSREBP). nSREBP translocates to the nucleus and binds to sterol response elements (SRE) in the promoter/enhancer regions of target genes. Additional transcription factors are required to activate transcription of these genes. Three different SREBPs are known, SREBPs-1a, -1c and -2. SREBP-1a and -1c are isoforms produced from a single gene by alternate splicing. SREBP-2 is encoded by a different gene and does not display any isoforms. It appears that SREBPs alone, in the sequence described above, can exert complete control over cholesterol synthesis, whereas many additional factors (hormones, cytokines, etc.) are required for complete control of lipid metabolism. Medicinal manipulation of the SREBP/SCAP system is expected to prove highly beneficial in the management of cholesterol-related disease.
基金supported by the Piedmont Region through the "Rural development plan (PSR) 2000-2006. Azione I.7 ‘Maintaining and enhancing the ecological stability of forests’ D.D. n. 395 – 15/06/2006" projec
文摘【Title】【Author】【Addresses】1Traditional landscape elements such as pasture patches enclosed in a forest matrix are progressively disappearing throughout the European Alps. We assessed the land mosaic shift of a protected area located in the western Italian Alps. In particular, the dynamics of pasture patches were studied at both landscape and stand level. Land-cover mapping through object-oriented analysis of historical aerial photographs was used to assess land-cover changes between 1954 and 2000. Spatial statistics were used to quantify landscape patterns, and field samplings within pasture patches were used to explore tree regeneration structure and composition. Our results showed a significant increase in the number of pasture patches caused by their fragmentation following forest expansion. The total surface area of pasture patches decreased by 43% and their core area decreased by 94%. The encroachment of trees on less accessible areas of the pasture patches caused a reduction of patch shape at landscape scale. The gap filling process started 40-50 years ago and began with an early invasion of light demanding species like sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), followed by European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and secondarily silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Traditional land-use and population decline in the Pesio Valley led to a reduction in ecotone areas. A transition to a more homogeneous landscape is expected in the next decades. Given the cultural and productive nature of these mountain meadow-pasture communities, extensive livestock grazing systems could be used to manage their future conservation.
文摘Segmental bridges with unbonded prestressed tendons have some advantages, such as the weather independence and the corrosion protection of prestressing tendons. This paper analyzed the behavior of a prestressed segmental bridge with unbonded tendons under combined loading of torsion, bending and shear. According to the experiment research, a modified skew bending model was developed to calculate the bearing capacity of segmental bridges subjected to combined bending, shear and torsion. The finite element method was used to investigate the deflection behaviors of such structure, also to check the theoretical model. The theoretical and FEM research results were compared favorably with the test results from Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany. Finally, suggestion for the design and construction of segmental bridges with external prestressing was made.