Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways...Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function.The process of muscle contra ction,orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events,is at the core of skeletal muscle function.Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction.Within muscle fibers,calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force.Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling.The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis.Myogenic regulators coordinate the diffe rentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability.Seve ral muscle-related diseases,including congenital myasthenic disorders,sarcopenia,muscular dystrophies,and metabolic myopathies,are underpinned by dys regulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle.Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function,enhancing regeneration,and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways.Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway,a critical regulator of myogenesis,muscle regeneration,and metabolic function,and the Hippo signaling pathway.In recent years,more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers,and at the neuromuscular junction.In fact,research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers.In this review,we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways,focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology.However,an in-depth discussion of the noncanonical Wnt pathway,the fibro/a dipogenic precursors,or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hospice care plays an important role in improving the quality of life of advanced cancer patients,but controversy remains over whether age affects the attitudes of family members toward hospice care.AIM To ...BACKGROUND Hospice care plays an important role in improving the quality of life of advanced cancer patients,but controversy remains over whether age affects the attitudes of family members toward hospice care.AIM To investigate the attitudes of family members of advanced cancer patients of different ages toward hospice care.METHODS The study participants were 175 family members of patients with advanced cancer from January 2020 and October 2022.The participants were divided into youth(<40 years,n=65),middle-aged(40–60 years,n=59),and elderly(>60 years,n=51)groups.Researchers investigated and compared the degree of awareness regarding hospice care,attitudes,and whether the family members of patients would choose hospice care.RESULTS Among the family members of 175 patients,approximately 28%(49/175)were aware of hospice care.Awareness of hospice care,the proportion of hospice care acceptance and adaptation attitudes,and the proportion of those who chose hospice care in the youth group were higher in the middle-aged and elderly groups(P<0.05).No statistically significant difference was found in these three indicators between the middle-aged and elderly groups(P>0.05).Hospice care was chosen mainly to relieve pain and reduce unnecessary treatment,whereas the reasons for not choosing hospice care were mainly distrust and ethical concerns.CONCLUSION The family members of patients with advanced cancer had relatively low awareness of hospice care,while youth had a higher awareness of hospice care,acceptance,and adaptation attitudes,and were more willing to choose hospice care.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the associated collateral stigma of the family members of schizophrenia patients and analyze its current status and influencing factors. Methods: The Link Depreciation-Discrimination Percepti...Objective: To investigate the associated collateral stigma of the family members of schizophrenia patients and analyze its current status and influencing factors. Methods: The Link Depreciation-Discrimination Perception Scale was used to investigate the status quo of the associated stigma of the family members of 169 schizophrenia patients diagnosed in 4 hospitals in a certain province. The results of the investigation were analyzed and summarized. Results: The detection rate of stigma associated with the family members of schizophrenia patients was 72.78%, with a score of 28.41 ± 3.92 points. The main influencing factors were the family member’s education level, the patient’s illness duration, the family member’s occupation, and the family-patient relationship. Conclusion: The detection rate of stigma associated with schizophrenia was relatively high. This requires increased attention and appropriate nursing intervention.展开更多
Based on experiments, a computer program is developed. The calculated results agree well with the experimental results. The flexural behavior of T shaped high strength concrete members subjected to axial compression ...Based on experiments, a computer program is developed. The calculated results agree well with the experimental results. The flexural behavior of T shaped high strength concrete members subjected to axial compression and biaxial bending is studied. The main factors affecting the flexural behavior of T shaped high strength concrete members are loading angle, axial compression ratio and reinforcement ratio.展开更多
Adaptive truss structures are a new kind of structures with integrated active members,whose dynamic characteristies can be beneficially modified to meet mission requirements.Active members containing actuating and sen...Adaptive truss structures are a new kind of structures with integrated active members,whose dynamic characteristies can be beneficially modified to meet mission requirements.Active members containing actuating and sensing units are the major components of adaptive truss structures.Modeling of adaptive truss structures is a key step to analyze the structural dynamic characteristics.A new experimental modal analysis approach,in which active members are used as excitatiDn sources for modal test,has been proposed in this paper.The excitation forces generated by the active members, which are different from the excitation forces exerted on structures in the conventional modal test,are internal forces for the truss structures.The relation between internal excitation forces and external forces is revealed such that the traditional identification method can be adopted to obtain modal parameters of adaptive structures.Placement problem of the active member in adaptive truss structures is also discussed in this work. Modal test and analysis are conducted with a planar adaptive truss structure by using piezoelectric active members in order to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.展开更多
An experimental program was initiated to investigate the seismic performance of built-up laced steel brace members. Quasi-static testing of twelve typical steel built-up laced member (BLM) specimens was conducted. T...An experimental program was initiated to investigate the seismic performance of built-up laced steel brace members. Quasi-static testing of twelve typical steel built-up laced member (BLM) specimens was conducted. These were designed to span a range of parameters typically encountered for such members based on findings from a survey of commonly used shapes and details that have been historically used. The specimens were subdivided into groups of three different cross-sectional shapes, namely built-up I-shape section, and built-up box shapes buckling about the x or the y axis. Within each group, global and local buckling slenderness ratios had either kl/r values of 60 or 120, and b/t ratios of 8 or 16. The specific inelastic cyclic behavior germane to each specimen, and general observations on overall member hysteretic behavior as a function of the considered parameters, are reported. A companion paper (Lee and Bruneau 2008) investigates this observed response against predictions from analytical models, and behavior in the perspective of system performance.展开更多
Carboxyl terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein(CHIP or STUB1) is an E3 ligase and regulates the stability of several proteins which are involved in different cellular functions. Our previous studies demonstrated tha...Carboxyl terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein(CHIP or STUB1) is an E3 ligase and regulates the stability of several proteins which are involved in different cellular functions. Our previous studies demonstrated that Chip deficient mice display bone loss phenotype due to increased osteoclast formation through enhancing TRAF6 activity in osteoclasts. In this study we provide novel evidence about the function of CHIP. We found that osteoblast differentiation and bone formation were also decreased in Chip KO mice. In bone marrow stromal(BMS) cells derived from Chip^-/- mice, expression of a panel of osteoblast marker genes was significantly decreased. ALP activity and mineralized bone matrix formation were also reduced in Chip-deficient BMS cells. We also found that in addition to the regulation of TRAF6, CHIP also inhibits TNFα-induced NF-κB signaling through promoting TRAF2 and TRAF5 degradation. Specific deletion of Chip in BMS cells downregulated expression of osteoblast marker genes which could be reversed by the addition of NF-κB inhibitor. These results demonstrate that the osteopenic phenotype observed in Chip^-/- mice was due to the combination of increased osteoclast formation and decreased osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, our findings indicate a significant role of CHIP in bone remodeling.展开更多
Single layer two-way grid shell with in-plane and out-of-plane tension members is a new type of single-layer latticed shell roofs. Compared with traditional single-layer latticed shells,this new type has a unique mesh...Single layer two-way grid shell with in-plane and out-of-plane tension members is a new type of single-layer latticed shell roofs. Compared with traditional single-layer latticed shells,this new type has a unique mesh form and excellent rigidity. In order to further understand the buckling behaviors of single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with tension members,the buckling experiments have been undertaken to investigate the effect of tension members,in either out-of-plane or in-plane placement. A single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with out-of-plane tension members has been tested under symmetric and asymmetric loading. The tension member placement,the introducing initial axial force to tension members and the load patterns are considered to investigate the buckling behavior. Experimental results indicate that four long out-ofplane tension members work well under symmetrical loading,but only two long out-of-plane tension members work under asymmetrical loading. It can be concluded that the PC bar members used as tension members for this study are useful in the construction of a single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with structural members intersecting at small angles.展开更多
The test results described in Part 1 of this paper (Lee and Bruneau, 2008) on twelve steel built-up laced members (BLMs) subjected to quasi-static loading are analyzed to provide better knowledge on their seismic ...The test results described in Part 1 of this paper (Lee and Bruneau, 2008) on twelve steel built-up laced members (BLMs) subjected to quasi-static loading are analyzed to provide better knowledge on their seismic behavior. Strength capacity of the BLM specimens is correlated with the strength predicted by the AISC LRFD Specifications. Assessments of hysteretic properties such as ductility capacity, energy dissipation capacity, and strength degradation after buckling of the specimen are performed. The compressive strength of BLMs is found to be relatively well predicted by the AISC LRFD Specifications. BLMs with smaller kl/r were ductile but failed to reach the target ductility of 3.0 before starting to fracture, while those with larger kl/r could meet the ductility demand in most cases. The normalized energy dissipation ratio, EC/ET and the normalized compressive strength degradation, Cr″/Cr of BLMs typically decrease as normalized displacements δ/δb,exp increase, and the ratios for specimens with larger kl/r dropped more rapidly than for specimens with smaller kl/r; similar trends were observed for the monolithic braces. The BLMs with a smaller slenderness ratio, kl/r, and width-to-thickness ratio, b/t, experienced a larger number of inelastic cycles than those with larger ratios.展开更多
During the course of knowledge economic, setting up e nterprise dynamic alliances is gradually becoming the most effective way for the enterprises, which seek fast development. There are many researches about enter pr...During the course of knowledge economic, setting up e nterprise dynamic alliances is gradually becoming the most effective way for the enterprises, which seek fast development. There are many researches about enter prise dynamic alliances in other fields, but there is few research about leg al relationship among members of enterprise dynamic alliances and ownership of i ntellectual property achievements which are brought by dynamic alliances. Th is paper discusses legal relationship among members of dynamic alliances and own ership of intellectual property achievements under various legal relationshi ps from the point of view of law.展开更多
AIM: To assess presence and severity of associative stigma in family members of psychotic patients and factors for higher associative stigma.METHODS: Standardized semi-structured interview of 150 family members of psy...AIM: To assess presence and severity of associative stigma in family members of psychotic patients and factors for higher associative stigma.METHODS: Standardized semi-structured interview of 150 family members of psychotic patients receiving full time treatment. This study on associative stigma in family members of psychotic patients was part of a larger research program on the burden of the family, using "Interview for the Burden of the Family" and the chapters stigma, treatment and attribution from the "Family interview Schedule". The respondents were relatives, one per patient, either partner or parent. The patients had been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder. All contacts with patients and relatives were in Dutch. Relatives were deemed suitable to participate in this research if they saw the patient at least once a week. Recruitment took place in a standardized way: after obtaining the patient's consent, the relatives were approached to participate. The results were analyzed using SPSS Version 18.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of associative stigma in this sample is 86%. Feelings of depression in the majority of family members are prominent. Twenty-one point three percent experienced guilt more or less frequent, while shame was less pronounced. Also, 18.6% of allrespondents indicated that they tried to hide the illness of their family member for others regularly or more. Three six point seven percent really kept secret about it in certain circumstances and 29.3% made efforts to explain what the situation or psychiatric condition of their family member really is like. Factors with marked significance towards higher associative stigma are a worsened relationship between the patient and the family member, conduct problems to family members, the patients' residence in a residential care setting, and hereditary attributional factors like genetic hereditability and character. The level of associative stigma has significantly been predicted by the burden of aggressive disruptions to family housemates of the psychotic patient.CONCLUSION: Family members of psychotic patients in Flanders experience higher associative stigma compared to previous international research. Disruptive behavior by the patient towards in-housing family members is the most accurate predictor of higher associative stigma.展开更多
Background:This study examined the determinants of loan repayment among microcredit finance group members in Delta State,Nigeria.Methods:To capture the determinants of loan repayment in the study area,a total of 48 mi...Background:This study examined the determinants of loan repayment among microcredit finance group members in Delta State,Nigeria.Methods:To capture the determinants of loan repayment in the study area,a total of 48 microcredit groups and 300 microcredit group members were randomly selected through a multi-stage random sampling technique.The study data was collected by questionnaire.Statistical tools such as simple descriptive statistics(table,frequency,percentage and mean)and a multiple regression analysis were used to examine the data.Results:The results indicate that females form a greater proportion of the study area microcredit group members at 70%,moreover 73%of the respondents have a household size of between 6 to 10 persons.These findings revealed that the groups had a mean 8 years of existence with a mean membership size of 13 persons.Further,an average interest rate of 40 percent per annum was charged on loans,with mean loan duration of 6 months.The regression’s result demonstrated that the determinants of the group member’s loan repayment included the group member’s age,household size,house income,and educational level,the amount of credit received,length of stay in their locality,distance to the credit source,supervision and disbursement lag.Conclusion:Therefore it was suggested that the various agricultural microcredit finance groups should carefully examine the significant determinants of loan repayment for the approach’s viability and sustainability and for optimum repayment performance.展开更多
The constitutive relation of bond-slip on steel and concrete interface is proposed for short steel reinforced concrete (SRC) column. Based on the experimental research on bond-slip performance, a mechanical model of...The constitutive relation of bond-slip on steel and concrete interface is proposed for short steel reinforced concrete (SRC) column. Based on the experimental research on bond-slip performance, a mechanical model of short SRC column in pulling or pushing test is established. By means of the elasto-plasticity theory the explicit formulation of bond-slip constitutive relation τ-s in different anchor-hold place of push and pull member is investigated under the conditions of balance and boundary. The study shows that the constitutive relation is relevant to the embedment length and the thickness of concrete cover. The results are continuous descriptions of bond-slip constitutive relation and can be used to analyze the non-linear performance of SRC members. Results indicate that the principle of the method is correct and it performs well for short SRC column.展开更多
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming has been identified as a core hallmark of cancer.Solute carrier family 2 is a major glucose carrier family.It consists of 14 members,and we mainly study solute carrier family 2 membe...BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming has been identified as a core hallmark of cancer.Solute carrier family 2 is a major glucose carrier family.It consists of 14 members,and we mainly study solute carrier family 2 member 1(SLC2A1)and solute carrier family 2 member 2(SLC2A2)here.SLC2A1,mainly existing in human erythrocytes,brain endothelial cells,and normal placenta,was found to be increased in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),while SLC2A2,the major transporter of the normal liver,was decreased in HCC.AIM To identify if SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were associated with immune infiltration in addition to participating in the metabolic reprogramming in HCC.METHODS The expression levels of SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were tested in HepG2 cells,HepG215 cells,and multiple databases.The clinical characteristics and survival data of SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were examined by multiple databases.The correlation between SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 was analyzed by multiple databases.The functions and pathways in which SLC2A1,SLC2A2,and frequently altered neighbor genes were involved were discussed in String.Immune infiltration levels and immune marker genes associated with SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were discussed from multiple databases.RESULTS The expression level of SLC2A1 was up-regulated,but the expression level of SLC2A2 was down-regulated in HepG2 cells,HepG215 cells,and liver cancer patients.The expression levels of SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were related to tumor volume,grade,and stage in HCC.Interestingly,the expression levels of SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were negatively correlated.Further,high SLC2A1 expression and low SLC2A2 expression were linked to poor overall survival and relapse-free survival.SLC2A1,SLC2A2,and frequently altered neighbor genes played a major role in the occurrence and development of tumors.Notably,SLC2A1 was positively correlated with tumor immune infiltration,while SLC2A2 was negatively correlated with tumor immune infiltration.Particularly,SLC2A2 methylation was positively correlated with lymphocytes.CONCLUSION SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 are independent therapeutic targets for HCC,and they are quintessential marker molecules for predicting and regulating the number and status of immune cells in HCC.展开更多
To solve the problem of life estimation of reinforced concrete (RC) members after fire, an analysis is made of the resistance of RC members after fire. On basis of the resistance, the life of RC members after fire i...To solve the problem of life estimation of reinforced concrete (RC) members after fire, an analysis is made of the resistance of RC members after fire. On basis of the resistance, the life of RC members after fire is analyzed by using JC (Jukes and Cantor) method. Then the calculation models for the resistance and the life estimation of RC members after fire are put forward, and an example analysis proves their reliability and accuracy.展开更多
Background:The present investigation tested the efficacy of the Tennant Biomodulator,a novel pain management intervention that uses biofeedback-modulated electrical stimulation,to reduce chronic pain and its psychosoc...Background:The present investigation tested the efficacy of the Tennant Biomodulator,a novel pain management intervention that uses biofeedback-modulated electrical stimulation,to reduce chronic pain and its psychosocial sequelae in a sample of current and former military service members.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting was compared to two commonly used,non-pharmacological pain treatments—traditional Chinese acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)—in a comparative efficacy,randomized,open-label trial.Methods:Participants included 100 active duty and retired service men and women with chronic pain undergoing treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas,USA,randomly assigned to receive six,weekly sessions of either Tennant Biomodulator treatment,traditional Chinese acupuncture,or TENS,in addition to usual care.Recruitment was conducted between May 2010 to September 2013.Outcome measures were collected at intake,before and after each treatment session,and at a 1-month follow-up.Intent-to-treat analyses were used throughout,with mixed models used to investigate main effects of group,time,and group×time interactions with consideration given to quadratic effects.Outcomes measured included ratings of chronic pain,pain-related functional disability,and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and depression.Results:On average,regardless of their treatment group,participants exhibited a 16%reduction in pain measured by the Brooke Army Medical Center’s Clinic Pain Log[F(1,335)=55.7,P<0.0001]and an 11%reduction in pain-related disability measured by the Million Visual Analog Scale[MVAS:F(1,84)=28.3,P<0.0001]from baseline to the end of treatment,but no one treatment performed better than the other,and the reductions in pain and pain-related disability were largely lost by 1-month follow-up.Symptoms of PTSD and depression did not change significantly as a function of time or group.Conclusions:Findings build on previous work suggesting that traditional Chinese acupuncture and TENS can reduce pain and its functional sequelae without risks associated with pharmacological pain management.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting performs as well as these other interventions.Based on the present findings,large,randomized controlled trials on the Tennant Biomodulator are indicated.Future work should test this device using its full range of settings for pain-related psychological health.Trial registration:Clincialtrials.gov(NCT01752010);registered December 14,2012.展开更多
The reference values of serum perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) concentrations were evaluated based on the human blood samples collected from Kashi, Xinjiang. And human serum samples of fa...The reference values of serum perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) concentrations were evaluated based on the human blood samples collected from Kashi, Xinjiang. And human serum samples of family members from Liaoning were evaluated for levels of PFOS and PFOA with the purpose to compare exposure pathways for family members. Among the 110 blood specimens from Kashi, the detection frequency of PFOS and PFOA was 93% and 6%, respectively. Reference values of serum PFOS, evaluated as the 90th percentiles of the concentrations, were determined to be 6.44 μg/L. Significant positive correlations were observed for serum levels of PFOS and PFOA among family members in Liaoning. Specially, stronger correlation between mother and offspring was observed than that between father and offspring. And stronger correlation of serum PFOS and PFOA levels was observed among fam- ily members in rural areas than those in big and small-medium cities. Difference in the association of serum PFOS and PFOA level among family members suggested that exposure in the outdoor and working environment of different oc- cupations should be evaluated. Present study provides reference values for exposure assessment in China and potential pathways of human exposure to PFOS and PFOA.展开更多
In order to clarify the possible relationship between the changes of behavior/personality and metabolic changes of 5 hydroxytryptamine (5 HT) in Antarctic expedition members, plasma tryptophan (Trp) and urinary 5 ...In order to clarify the possible relationship between the changes of behavior/personality and metabolic changes of 5 hydroxytryptamine (5 HT) in Antarctic expedition members, plasma tryptophan (Trp) and urinary 5 hydroxy 3 indoleacetic acid (5 HIAA) were studied for 24 winter over and 19 summer over members of the 8th and 11th CHINARE respectively. Results showed that plasma Trp decreased significantly after residing 1 ̄3 months at Great Wall Station and did not recover on returning back to Beijing from Antarctica by two weeks travelling. Urinary 5 HIAA increased significantly after residing 6 months at Great Wall Station, and recovered on returning back to Beijing from Antarctica in the winter over members. The decrease of plasma Trp may be related to the decline of brain 5 HT which might play a role in the changes of behavior/personality . Increase of urinary 5 HIAA might reflect metabolic changes of 5 HT as a whole, but cold weather involving in the release response of platelet should be considered. Therefore, supplement of related food rich in Trp or intervention of L Trp might be valuable.展开更多
Since Changes of cardiac function, el ectroencephalogram findings, immune responses as well as the personality of the Antarctic expedition members had been reported by our group, the underlying contribution of behavio...Since Changes of cardiac function, el ectroencephalogram findings, immune responses as well as the personality of the Antarctic expedition members had been reported by our group, the underlying contribution of behavior and physiological changeS would be further studied in this time. Samples were taken,under standardized procedures, on the same individual at different time such as (A) before leaving to Antarctica(B) 2 weeks after arrival at Great Wall Saution(C) 12. 5 months after arrival(D) after returning back to Beijing for a break(summer-over memos) (E)after returning back to Dening for a long break(winter-over member).Results showed that a Prominent increase of urinary Noradrenaline(NE) in Antarctica(B) decreased at(C),and retUrned to the normal range in comparison with(A) and(D). The increase Of urinary Adrenaline was even greater than that of NE at Antarctica(B). It indicated that an rather early response in activation of sylnpothetic system,especially the adrenal glands,gradually lowered down as time went on.Plasma and urinary cortisol also inereased significantly at Antarctica(B), but sustained for a long time even after returning back to Beijing. Both parameters are closely related to stress syndrome.Plasma Tryptophan decreased significantly at Antarctica (B). Some even sustained after retUrning to Beijing(E). Whether or not,such changes might correlated to the change of 5-HT metabolism in brain,in turn to show some effeCt on psychoological or mental disturbanceS,which should be carefully evaluated.Serum MDA, the perokidation product, increaSing together with the findings of decreased RBC SOD activity, the scanvengrr for O2, and increased plasma glucuronidase, the lysozyme release from damage of lysosome membrane, strongly indicated the presence of cellular damage by increasing O2 production and membrase perokidation and with damage Of lysosome unduly. Severe cold and extensive ultraviolet expeure should be considered carefully.The sitwficances of the above findings were discuss and the possible preventive or therapeutic measures have ben suggested. Since the destruction of the ozonelayer might increase the extent of ultraviolet radiation,it is worth to further investigate the biological damage effect of ultraviolet in Antarctica.展开更多
An accelerated decay test and a natural decay test were conducted synchronically to explore the strength degradation of decaying wood members under long-term exposure to natural environment.A natural decay test was ca...An accelerated decay test and a natural decay test were conducted synchronically to explore the strength degradation of decaying wood members under long-term exposure to natural environment.A natural decay test was carried out to measure the bending strength,compressive strength parallel to grain and modulus of elasticity of the wood members,with 6 groups of specimens decayed in natural environment for 3 to 18 months respectively.To compare with corresponding decay test,in which 6 other groups of specimens were measured under accelerated conditions.The experimental data collected were evaluated by Pearson productmoment for the correlation.The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the accelerated decay were highly correlated with those in natural environment,both of which decreased in the same trend.Under the given test conditions,the mean value of the accelerated decay test data were curve-fitted to achieve the time-dependent degradation model of the bending strength,the compressive strength parallel to grain,as well as the modulus of elasticity.Due to the high correlation,the acceleration shift factors(ASF)of the two tests were derived,where the bending strength of 2.934,the compressive strength parallel to grain of 2.519 and the elastic modulus of 2.346 were employed to formulate the strength degradation models in the long-term natural environment.The results verify that the exponential functionσ=σ0e^(-βt)enables to exactly capture the degradation of the mechanical properties of wood members decayed in natural environment.展开更多
基金supported by the German Research Council(Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,HA3309/3-1/2,HA3309/6-1,HA3309/7-1)。
文摘Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function.The process of muscle contra ction,orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events,is at the core of skeletal muscle function.Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction.Within muscle fibers,calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force.Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling.The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis.Myogenic regulators coordinate the diffe rentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability.Seve ral muscle-related diseases,including congenital myasthenic disorders,sarcopenia,muscular dystrophies,and metabolic myopathies,are underpinned by dys regulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle.Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function,enhancing regeneration,and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways.Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway,a critical regulator of myogenesis,muscle regeneration,and metabolic function,and the Hippo signaling pathway.In recent years,more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers,and at the neuromuscular junction.In fact,research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers.In this review,we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways,focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology.However,an in-depth discussion of the noncanonical Wnt pathway,the fibro/a dipogenic precursors,or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.
文摘BACKGROUND Hospice care plays an important role in improving the quality of life of advanced cancer patients,but controversy remains over whether age affects the attitudes of family members toward hospice care.AIM To investigate the attitudes of family members of advanced cancer patients of different ages toward hospice care.METHODS The study participants were 175 family members of patients with advanced cancer from January 2020 and October 2022.The participants were divided into youth(<40 years,n=65),middle-aged(40–60 years,n=59),and elderly(>60 years,n=51)groups.Researchers investigated and compared the degree of awareness regarding hospice care,attitudes,and whether the family members of patients would choose hospice care.RESULTS Among the family members of 175 patients,approximately 28%(49/175)were aware of hospice care.Awareness of hospice care,the proportion of hospice care acceptance and adaptation attitudes,and the proportion of those who chose hospice care in the youth group were higher in the middle-aged and elderly groups(P<0.05).No statistically significant difference was found in these three indicators between the middle-aged and elderly groups(P>0.05).Hospice care was chosen mainly to relieve pain and reduce unnecessary treatment,whereas the reasons for not choosing hospice care were mainly distrust and ethical concerns.CONCLUSION The family members of patients with advanced cancer had relatively low awareness of hospice care,while youth had a higher awareness of hospice care,acceptance,and adaptation attitudes,and were more willing to choose hospice care.
文摘Objective: To investigate the associated collateral stigma of the family members of schizophrenia patients and analyze its current status and influencing factors. Methods: The Link Depreciation-Discrimination Perception Scale was used to investigate the status quo of the associated stigma of the family members of 169 schizophrenia patients diagnosed in 4 hospitals in a certain province. The results of the investigation were analyzed and summarized. Results: The detection rate of stigma associated with the family members of schizophrenia patients was 72.78%, with a score of 28.41 ± 3.92 points. The main influencing factors were the family member’s education level, the patient’s illness duration, the family member’s occupation, and the family-patient relationship. Conclusion: The detection rate of stigma associated with schizophrenia was relatively high. This requires increased attention and appropriate nursing intervention.
文摘Based on experiments, a computer program is developed. The calculated results agree well with the experimental results. The flexural behavior of T shaped high strength concrete members subjected to axial compression and biaxial bending is studied. The main factors affecting the flexural behavior of T shaped high strength concrete members are loading angle, axial compression ratio and reinforcement ratio.
文摘Adaptive truss structures are a new kind of structures with integrated active members,whose dynamic characteristies can be beneficially modified to meet mission requirements.Active members containing actuating and sensing units are the major components of adaptive truss structures.Modeling of adaptive truss structures is a key step to analyze the structural dynamic characteristics.A new experimental modal analysis approach,in which active members are used as excitatiDn sources for modal test,has been proposed in this paper.The excitation forces generated by the active members, which are different from the excitation forces exerted on structures in the conventional modal test,are internal forces for the truss structures.The relation between internal excitation forces and external forces is revealed such that the traditional identification method can be adopted to obtain modal parameters of adaptive structures.Placement problem of the active member in adaptive truss structures is also discussed in this work. Modal test and analysis are conducted with a planar adaptive truss structure by using piezoelectric active members in order to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
基金Federal Highway Administration Under Grant No. DTFH61-98-C-00094
文摘An experimental program was initiated to investigate the seismic performance of built-up laced steel brace members. Quasi-static testing of twelve typical steel built-up laced member (BLM) specimens was conducted. These were designed to span a range of parameters typically encountered for such members based on findings from a survey of commonly used shapes and details that have been historically used. The specimens were subdivided into groups of three different cross-sectional shapes, namely built-up I-shape section, and built-up box shapes buckling about the x or the y axis. Within each group, global and local buckling slenderness ratios had either kl/r values of 60 or 120, and b/t ratios of 8 or 16. The specific inelastic cyclic behavior germane to each specimen, and general observations on overall member hysteretic behavior as a function of the considered parameters, are reported. A companion paper (Lee and Bruneau 2008) investigates this observed response against predictions from analytical models, and behavior in the perspective of system performance.
基金supported by National Institutes of Health Grants, R01 AR054465, R01 AR070222, and R01 AR070222supported by the grants of Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) to TW (grants No. 81301531 and 81572104)+1 种基金supported by the grant from Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Committee, China (grant No. JCYJ20160331114205502)the grant from Shenzhen Development and Reform Committee, China for Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory of Orthopedic Regenerative Technologies
文摘Carboxyl terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein(CHIP or STUB1) is an E3 ligase and regulates the stability of several proteins which are involved in different cellular functions. Our previous studies demonstrated that Chip deficient mice display bone loss phenotype due to increased osteoclast formation through enhancing TRAF6 activity in osteoclasts. In this study we provide novel evidence about the function of CHIP. We found that osteoblast differentiation and bone formation were also decreased in Chip KO mice. In bone marrow stromal(BMS) cells derived from Chip^-/- mice, expression of a panel of osteoblast marker genes was significantly decreased. ALP activity and mineralized bone matrix formation were also reduced in Chip-deficient BMS cells. We also found that in addition to the regulation of TRAF6, CHIP also inhibits TNFα-induced NF-κB signaling through promoting TRAF2 and TRAF5 degradation. Specific deletion of Chip in BMS cells downregulated expression of osteoblast marker genes which could be reversed by the addition of NF-κB inhibitor. These results demonstrate that the osteopenic phenotype observed in Chip^-/- mice was due to the combination of increased osteoclast formation and decreased osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, our findings indicate a significant role of CHIP in bone remodeling.
基金Sponsored by the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2015M571422)Heilongjiang Province Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.LBH-Z14095)"Young Talents"Project of Northeast Agricultural University(Grant No.14QC50)
文摘Single layer two-way grid shell with in-plane and out-of-plane tension members is a new type of single-layer latticed shell roofs. Compared with traditional single-layer latticed shells,this new type has a unique mesh form and excellent rigidity. In order to further understand the buckling behaviors of single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with tension members,the buckling experiments have been undertaken to investigate the effect of tension members,in either out-of-plane or in-plane placement. A single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with out-of-plane tension members has been tested under symmetric and asymmetric loading. The tension member placement,the introducing initial axial force to tension members and the load patterns are considered to investigate the buckling behavior. Experimental results indicate that four long out-ofplane tension members work well under symmetrical loading,but only two long out-of-plane tension members work under asymmetrical loading. It can be concluded that the PC bar members used as tension members for this study are useful in the construction of a single layer two-way grid cylindrical shell roof with structural members intersecting at small angles.
基金Federal Highway Administration Under Grant No.DTFH61-98-C-00094
文摘The test results described in Part 1 of this paper (Lee and Bruneau, 2008) on twelve steel built-up laced members (BLMs) subjected to quasi-static loading are analyzed to provide better knowledge on their seismic behavior. Strength capacity of the BLM specimens is correlated with the strength predicted by the AISC LRFD Specifications. Assessments of hysteretic properties such as ductility capacity, energy dissipation capacity, and strength degradation after buckling of the specimen are performed. The compressive strength of BLMs is found to be relatively well predicted by the AISC LRFD Specifications. BLMs with smaller kl/r were ductile but failed to reach the target ductility of 3.0 before starting to fracture, while those with larger kl/r could meet the ductility demand in most cases. The normalized energy dissipation ratio, EC/ET and the normalized compressive strength degradation, Cr″/Cr of BLMs typically decrease as normalized displacements δ/δb,exp increase, and the ratios for specimens with larger kl/r dropped more rapidly than for specimens with smaller kl/r; similar trends were observed for the monolithic braces. The BLMs with a smaller slenderness ratio, kl/r, and width-to-thickness ratio, b/t, experienced a larger number of inelastic cycles than those with larger ratios.
基金Project (No .70 1 71 0 0 7)supportedbyNationalScienceFoundationofChina
文摘During the course of knowledge economic, setting up e nterprise dynamic alliances is gradually becoming the most effective way for the enterprises, which seek fast development. There are many researches about enter prise dynamic alliances in other fields, but there is few research about leg al relationship among members of enterprise dynamic alliances and ownership of i ntellectual property achievements which are brought by dynamic alliances. Th is paper discusses legal relationship among members of dynamic alliances and own ership of intellectual property achievements under various legal relationshi ps from the point of view of law.
文摘AIM: To assess presence and severity of associative stigma in family members of psychotic patients and factors for higher associative stigma.METHODS: Standardized semi-structured interview of 150 family members of psychotic patients receiving full time treatment. This study on associative stigma in family members of psychotic patients was part of a larger research program on the burden of the family, using "Interview for the Burden of the Family" and the chapters stigma, treatment and attribution from the "Family interview Schedule". The respondents were relatives, one per patient, either partner or parent. The patients had been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder. All contacts with patients and relatives were in Dutch. Relatives were deemed suitable to participate in this research if they saw the patient at least once a week. Recruitment took place in a standardized way: after obtaining the patient's consent, the relatives were approached to participate. The results were analyzed using SPSS Version 18.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of associative stigma in this sample is 86%. Feelings of depression in the majority of family members are prominent. Twenty-one point three percent experienced guilt more or less frequent, while shame was less pronounced. Also, 18.6% of allrespondents indicated that they tried to hide the illness of their family member for others regularly or more. Three six point seven percent really kept secret about it in certain circumstances and 29.3% made efforts to explain what the situation or psychiatric condition of their family member really is like. Factors with marked significance towards higher associative stigma are a worsened relationship between the patient and the family member, conduct problems to family members, the patients' residence in a residential care setting, and hereditary attributional factors like genetic hereditability and character. The level of associative stigma has significantly been predicted by the burden of aggressive disruptions to family housemates of the psychotic patient.CONCLUSION: Family members of psychotic patients in Flanders experience higher associative stigma compared to previous international research. Disruptive behavior by the patient towards in-housing family members is the most accurate predictor of higher associative stigma.
文摘Background:This study examined the determinants of loan repayment among microcredit finance group members in Delta State,Nigeria.Methods:To capture the determinants of loan repayment in the study area,a total of 48 microcredit groups and 300 microcredit group members were randomly selected through a multi-stage random sampling technique.The study data was collected by questionnaire.Statistical tools such as simple descriptive statistics(table,frequency,percentage and mean)and a multiple regression analysis were used to examine the data.Results:The results indicate that females form a greater proportion of the study area microcredit group members at 70%,moreover 73%of the respondents have a household size of between 6 to 10 persons.These findings revealed that the groups had a mean 8 years of existence with a mean membership size of 13 persons.Further,an average interest rate of 40 percent per annum was charged on loans,with mean loan duration of 6 months.The regression’s result demonstrated that the determinants of the group member’s loan repayment included the group member’s age,household size,house income,and educational level,the amount of credit received,length of stay in their locality,distance to the credit source,supervision and disbursement lag.Conclusion:Therefore it was suggested that the various agricultural microcredit finance groups should carefully examine the significant determinants of loan repayment for the approach’s viability and sustainability and for optimum repayment performance.
基金Sponsored by the Science and Technology Program Project of Henan Province(002462004)
文摘The constitutive relation of bond-slip on steel and concrete interface is proposed for short steel reinforced concrete (SRC) column. Based on the experimental research on bond-slip performance, a mechanical model of short SRC column in pulling or pushing test is established. By means of the elasto-plasticity theory the explicit formulation of bond-slip constitutive relation τ-s in different anchor-hold place of push and pull member is investigated under the conditions of balance and boundary. The study shows that the constitutive relation is relevant to the embedment length and the thickness of concrete cover. The results are continuous descriptions of bond-slip constitutive relation and can be used to analyze the non-linear performance of SRC members. Results indicate that the principle of the method is correct and it performs well for short SRC column.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81873112Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No.H2020423009+2 种基金Hundred Outstanding Innovative Talents Support Program of Universities in Hebei Province,No.SLRC2019043Basic Scientific Research Project of Hebei Provincial Colleges and Universities,No.JTZ2020005Scientific and Technological Capability Improvement Project of the Hebei University of Chinese Medicine,No.KTZ2019002.
文摘BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming has been identified as a core hallmark of cancer.Solute carrier family 2 is a major glucose carrier family.It consists of 14 members,and we mainly study solute carrier family 2 member 1(SLC2A1)and solute carrier family 2 member 2(SLC2A2)here.SLC2A1,mainly existing in human erythrocytes,brain endothelial cells,and normal placenta,was found to be increased in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),while SLC2A2,the major transporter of the normal liver,was decreased in HCC.AIM To identify if SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were associated with immune infiltration in addition to participating in the metabolic reprogramming in HCC.METHODS The expression levels of SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were tested in HepG2 cells,HepG215 cells,and multiple databases.The clinical characteristics and survival data of SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were examined by multiple databases.The correlation between SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 was analyzed by multiple databases.The functions and pathways in which SLC2A1,SLC2A2,and frequently altered neighbor genes were involved were discussed in String.Immune infiltration levels and immune marker genes associated with SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were discussed from multiple databases.RESULTS The expression level of SLC2A1 was up-regulated,but the expression level of SLC2A2 was down-regulated in HepG2 cells,HepG215 cells,and liver cancer patients.The expression levels of SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were related to tumor volume,grade,and stage in HCC.Interestingly,the expression levels of SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 were negatively correlated.Further,high SLC2A1 expression and low SLC2A2 expression were linked to poor overall survival and relapse-free survival.SLC2A1,SLC2A2,and frequently altered neighbor genes played a major role in the occurrence and development of tumors.Notably,SLC2A1 was positively correlated with tumor immune infiltration,while SLC2A2 was negatively correlated with tumor immune infiltration.Particularly,SLC2A2 methylation was positively correlated with lymphocytes.CONCLUSION SLC2A1 and SLC2A2 are independent therapeutic targets for HCC,and they are quintessential marker molecules for predicting and regulating the number and status of immune cells in HCC.
文摘To solve the problem of life estimation of reinforced concrete (RC) members after fire, an analysis is made of the resistance of RC members after fire. On basis of the resistance, the life of RC members after fire is analyzed by using JC (Jukes and Cantor) method. Then the calculation models for the resistance and the life estimation of RC members after fire are put forward, and an example analysis proves their reliability and accuracy.
基金funding source was grant#W81XWH-06-2-0279 from the United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity through the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Centerwhich was provided to the Samueli Institutefunding was provided as a gift to the Samueli Institute by an anonymous donor with no conflicts of interest to declare。
文摘Background:The present investigation tested the efficacy of the Tennant Biomodulator,a novel pain management intervention that uses biofeedback-modulated electrical stimulation,to reduce chronic pain and its psychosocial sequelae in a sample of current and former military service members.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting was compared to two commonly used,non-pharmacological pain treatments—traditional Chinese acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)—in a comparative efficacy,randomized,open-label trial.Methods:Participants included 100 active duty and retired service men and women with chronic pain undergoing treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas,USA,randomly assigned to receive six,weekly sessions of either Tennant Biomodulator treatment,traditional Chinese acupuncture,or TENS,in addition to usual care.Recruitment was conducted between May 2010 to September 2013.Outcome measures were collected at intake,before and after each treatment session,and at a 1-month follow-up.Intent-to-treat analyses were used throughout,with mixed models used to investigate main effects of group,time,and group×time interactions with consideration given to quadratic effects.Outcomes measured included ratings of chronic pain,pain-related functional disability,and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and depression.Results:On average,regardless of their treatment group,participants exhibited a 16%reduction in pain measured by the Brooke Army Medical Center’s Clinic Pain Log[F(1,335)=55.7,P<0.0001]and an 11%reduction in pain-related disability measured by the Million Visual Analog Scale[MVAS:F(1,84)=28.3,P<0.0001]from baseline to the end of treatment,but no one treatment performed better than the other,and the reductions in pain and pain-related disability were largely lost by 1-month follow-up.Symptoms of PTSD and depression did not change significantly as a function of time or group.Conclusions:Findings build on previous work suggesting that traditional Chinese acupuncture and TENS can reduce pain and its functional sequelae without risks associated with pharmacological pain management.The Tennant Biomodulator used on its most basic setting performs as well as these other interventions.Based on the present findings,large,randomized controlled trials on the Tennant Biomodulator are indicated.Future work should test this device using its full range of settings for pain-related psychological health.Trial registration:Clincialtrials.gov(NCT01752010);registered December 14,2012.
文摘The reference values of serum perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) concentrations were evaluated based on the human blood samples collected from Kashi, Xinjiang. And human serum samples of family members from Liaoning were evaluated for levels of PFOS and PFOA with the purpose to compare exposure pathways for family members. Among the 110 blood specimens from Kashi, the detection frequency of PFOS and PFOA was 93% and 6%, respectively. Reference values of serum PFOS, evaluated as the 90th percentiles of the concentrations, were determined to be 6.44 μg/L. Significant positive correlations were observed for serum levels of PFOS and PFOA among family members in Liaoning. Specially, stronger correlation between mother and offspring was observed than that between father and offspring. And stronger correlation of serum PFOS and PFOA levels was observed among fam- ily members in rural areas than those in big and small-medium cities. Difference in the association of serum PFOS and PFOA level among family members suggested that exposure in the outdoor and working environment of different oc- cupations should be evaluated. Present study provides reference values for exposure assessment in China and potential pathways of human exposure to PFOS and PFOA.
文摘In order to clarify the possible relationship between the changes of behavior/personality and metabolic changes of 5 hydroxytryptamine (5 HT) in Antarctic expedition members, plasma tryptophan (Trp) and urinary 5 hydroxy 3 indoleacetic acid (5 HIAA) were studied for 24 winter over and 19 summer over members of the 8th and 11th CHINARE respectively. Results showed that plasma Trp decreased significantly after residing 1 ̄3 months at Great Wall Station and did not recover on returning back to Beijing from Antarctica by two weeks travelling. Urinary 5 HIAA increased significantly after residing 6 months at Great Wall Station, and recovered on returning back to Beijing from Antarctica in the winter over members. The decrease of plasma Trp may be related to the decline of brain 5 HT which might play a role in the changes of behavior/personality . Increase of urinary 5 HIAA might reflect metabolic changes of 5 HT as a whole, but cold weather involving in the release response of platelet should be considered. Therefore, supplement of related food rich in Trp or intervention of L Trp might be valuable.
文摘Since Changes of cardiac function, el ectroencephalogram findings, immune responses as well as the personality of the Antarctic expedition members had been reported by our group, the underlying contribution of behavior and physiological changeS would be further studied in this time. Samples were taken,under standardized procedures, on the same individual at different time such as (A) before leaving to Antarctica(B) 2 weeks after arrival at Great Wall Saution(C) 12. 5 months after arrival(D) after returning back to Beijing for a break(summer-over memos) (E)after returning back to Dening for a long break(winter-over member).Results showed that a Prominent increase of urinary Noradrenaline(NE) in Antarctica(B) decreased at(C),and retUrned to the normal range in comparison with(A) and(D). The increase Of urinary Adrenaline was even greater than that of NE at Antarctica(B). It indicated that an rather early response in activation of sylnpothetic system,especially the adrenal glands,gradually lowered down as time went on.Plasma and urinary cortisol also inereased significantly at Antarctica(B), but sustained for a long time even after returning back to Beijing. Both parameters are closely related to stress syndrome.Plasma Tryptophan decreased significantly at Antarctica (B). Some even sustained after retUrning to Beijing(E). Whether or not,such changes might correlated to the change of 5-HT metabolism in brain,in turn to show some effeCt on psychoological or mental disturbanceS,which should be carefully evaluated.Serum MDA, the perokidation product, increaSing together with the findings of decreased RBC SOD activity, the scanvengrr for O2, and increased plasma glucuronidase, the lysozyme release from damage of lysosome membrane, strongly indicated the presence of cellular damage by increasing O2 production and membrase perokidation and with damage Of lysosome unduly. Severe cold and extensive ultraviolet expeure should be considered carefully.The sitwficances of the above findings were discuss and the possible preventive or therapeutic measures have ben suggested. Since the destruction of the ozonelayer might increase the extent of ultraviolet radiation,it is worth to further investigate the biological damage effect of ultraviolet in Antarctica.
基金supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51208399)Natural Science Foundation of Hubei province of China(No.2018CFB645)Hubei Key Laboratory of Roadway Bridge and Structure Engineering(Wuhan University of Technology)(No.DQJJ201706).
文摘An accelerated decay test and a natural decay test were conducted synchronically to explore the strength degradation of decaying wood members under long-term exposure to natural environment.A natural decay test was carried out to measure the bending strength,compressive strength parallel to grain and modulus of elasticity of the wood members,with 6 groups of specimens decayed in natural environment for 3 to 18 months respectively.To compare with corresponding decay test,in which 6 other groups of specimens were measured under accelerated conditions.The experimental data collected were evaluated by Pearson productmoment for the correlation.The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the accelerated decay were highly correlated with those in natural environment,both of which decreased in the same trend.Under the given test conditions,the mean value of the accelerated decay test data were curve-fitted to achieve the time-dependent degradation model of the bending strength,the compressive strength parallel to grain,as well as the modulus of elasticity.Due to the high correlation,the acceleration shift factors(ASF)of the two tests were derived,where the bending strength of 2.934,the compressive strength parallel to grain of 2.519 and the elastic modulus of 2.346 were employed to formulate the strength degradation models in the long-term natural environment.The results verify that the exponential functionσ=σ0e^(-βt)enables to exactly capture the degradation of the mechanical properties of wood members decayed in natural environment.