Visualizing Complex Anatomical Structure in Bamboo Nodes Based on X-ray Microtomography

In recent years,bamboo has been widely used in a broad range of applications,a thorough understanding of the structural characteristics of bamboo nodes is essential for better processing and manufacturing of biomimetic materials.This study investigated the complex anatomical structure for the nodes of two bamboo species,Indocalamus latifolius(Keng)McClure and Shibataea chinensis Nakai,using a high-resolution X-ray microtomography(μCT).The results show that the vascular bundle system in the nodal region of I.latifolius and S.chinensis is a net-like structure composed of horizontal and axial vascular bundles.Furthermore,the fiber sheath surrounding metaxylem vessels tended to be shorter in the tangential direction.This structure of bamboo nodes facilitates the tangential and axial transport of moisture and nutrients.The anatomical structure of I.latifolius and S.chinensis nodes has obvious differences,especially in the arrangement of vascular bundles.Vascular bundle frequency was significantly higher in S.chinensis nodes than in I.latifolius nodes.These findings indicate thatμCT is a nondestructive three-dimensional imaging method that can used to examine the anatomical structure of bamboo nodes.

Bamboo Nodes of Vocal Fold — A Clinical Study of 14 Cases

Objective Bamboo node(BN)of vocal folds is a rare disease which is mostly associated with autoimmune diseases and always involves women as reported in literature.The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and the treatments in a series of BN cases.Methods We retrospectively collected and reviewed clinical information of all patients who presented bamboo nodes by fibreoptic laryngoscopy from 2011 to 2020 in our hospital,including the demographic information,clinical symptoms,associated autoimmune diseases,voice abuse,treatments,and outcomes.Patients were followed up periodically at clinics with fibreoptic laryngoscopy and/or voice recovery evaluation using the selt assessed voice visual analog scale(VAS).Results Tdtally 14 patients were diagnosed with BN and were included in the study.BN involved both women(8/14,57.1%)and men(6/14,42.9%).Bilateral lesions were found in 13 patients(92.9%).The most common symptom of BN was hoarseness(100%).Ten(71.4%)of 14 patients experienced voice abuse.Thirteen(92.9%)of them were concomitant with autoimmunity disease,and received medication therapy for the underlying autoimmune diseases;one patient received anti-acid treatment for the gastroesophageal reflux disease.Voice rests were performed in all patients.Voice recovered completely in 3 cases(21.4%),improved remarkably in 8 cases(57.1%),improved slightly in 1 case(7.1%),and no improvement in 2 cases(14.3%).Conclusions BNs are mostly associated with autoimmune disease and vocal abuse.It may occur in both females and males・Conservative treatment for the underlying autoimmune diseases and vocal rest are beneficial to voice recovery in most of the patients,and can be used as the first choice of treatment.

Nodes Effect on the Bending Performance of Laminated Bamboo Lumber Unit

This research studied the ultimate bearing capacity of laminated bamboo lumber(LBL)unit and thereby calculated the maximum bending moment.The load-displacement chart for all specimens was obtained.Then the flexural capacity of members with and without bamboo nodes in the middle section was coMPared.The bending experiment phenomenon of LBL unit was concluded.Different failure modes of bending components were analysed and concluded.Finally,the bending behaviour of LBL units is coMPared with other bamboo and timber products.It is shown that the average ultimate load of BS members is 866.1 N,the average flexural strength is 101 MPa,the average modulus of elasticity is 8.3 GPa,and the average maximum displacement is 17.02 mm.The average ultimate load of BNS members is 1008.1 N,the average flexural strength is 118.02 MPa,the average modulus of elasticity is 9.9 GPa,and the average maximum displacement is 18.26 mm.Laminated bamboo lumber(LBL)unit without bamboo nodes(BNS)has relatively higher flexural strength coMPared with LBL unit with bamboo nodes(BS).The presence of bamboo nodes reduces the strength of the entire structure.Three failure modes were concluded for BS members,and two failure modes were observed for BNS members during the experimental process.According to a coMParison between the LBL unit and other products,the flexural strength and bending modulus of elasticity of the LBL unit are similar as bamboo scrimber and raw bamboo components,which is much higher than timber components.