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Nanoparticles have proven to be effective in reducing friction and wear in tribological systems. Previous research mainly focused on the behavior of nanoparticles within the contact region, often overlooking the dynamics of particle's ingress into the interface. This study introduces an innovative model to elucidate the entry process of particles in point contact, grounded in mechanical analysis. The model is employed to investigate the distribution and load-bearing capacity of nanoparticles within the interface, considering variables such as velocity, applied load, particle concentration, particle size, and friction coefficient. Relative ball-on-disk experiments were conducted to verify the model's prediction, with particular attention to the elemental distribution of particles along the wear tracks. Both theoretical and experimental results indicate that the distribution of particles shifts from covering the whole contact interface to concentrating at the edge in the movement direction as the external load increases and the velocity decreases. Additionally, while the spatial distribution of particles remains constant, the particle concentration within the interface significantly increases with higher nanoparticle concentrations. The enhanced tribological performance of nanofluid is attributed to a greater number of particles entering the contact region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A conceptual framework is established for the membrane states. • These states start from the construction stage and over the whole design life. • These states can be captured in demand curves through numerical modelling. • The range of water pressure application positions can be bounded by demand curves. • The concept of capacity envelopes and demand curves for the membrane are introduced. Understanding the evolution of the stress-strain states of the sprayed waterproofing membrane within composite sprayed concrete lined (SCL) tunnels from the short-term dry condition to the long-term wet condition is critical to ensure the integrity of the composite SCL tunnels. This paper presents a conceptual framework describing the evolution of the states and demonstrates a methodology that enables the designer to determine the states using a demand curve that bounds all possible stress-strain states of the membrane interface. It firstly presents a conceptual framework for the evolution of the state stress and strain of the membrane interface in typical composite SCL tunnels from short to long term and from 'dry' to 'wet' membrane saturation. A numerical method to simulate this evolution is presented. A numerical analysis of a full composite SCL tunnel in typical over-consolidated ground was carried out for the range of possible locations of groundwater pressure application in the lining, and the results used to demonstrate the process of obtaining a set of stress-strain demand curves for the tunnel. The research shows that the membrane interface in a composite SCL tunnel is in a state of combined normal and shear stress and strain but that these stresses and strains remain finite and do not become unbounded, due to the statically indeterminate nature of the structure. It is however an interaction problem so that the normal and shear stress and strain need to be checked together. Some insights are given as to the nature of a laboratory testing programme that could be carried out on the membrane interface to obtain capacity envelopes to compare with the demand curves for design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sprayed waterproofing enables tension and shear transfer between lining layers. • load transfer can give efficiency gains in lining design, but not in all cases. • A guaranteed benefit of interface tensile bond is sharing of groundwater loading. • Composite action can induce tension in secondary from bending, reducing its capacity. • Concern about water saturation of membrane can be addressed by limiting water head. Introduction of sprayed waterproofing has led to innovation of composite sprayed concrete lined (SCL) tunnels, where placing the waterproofing between primary and secondary layers gives potential for composite structural action, by transmission of tension, compression and shear stresses across the interface. Numerical analysis is required to design such structures taking into account soil-structure interaction and staged construction, but there is currently very limited guidance on how to conduct such analyses. This paper reviews use of numerical analysis to simulate composite SCL tunnels, focussing on soft ground tunnelling. It introduces types of sprayed membrane, their benefits in design and current industry practice for simulating the sprayed membrane interface. Numerical strategies for simulating composite action and their verification against laboratory test data are then described. Recommendations are made of design principles to optimise design of SCL tunnels with spray-applied waterproofing. Further opportunities for research on this topic are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite shell linings consist of primary and secondary sprayed concrete linings separated by a layer of spray-applied waterproofing membrane. In order to design such a lining configuration, a calibrated numerical simulation approach is needed and the impact of interface properties on the composite mechanical behaviour should be understood. A programme of laboratory tests was carried out on beam samples cut from composite shell test panels and subjected to four-point bending under short-term loading. A range of membrane thicknesses and substrate roughness were compared and composite mechanical behaviour quantification methods developed. The behaviour of composite beams was understood and the strain distribution across composite lining cross-section was identified. A numerical model by the finite difference method was then set up for the beams and verified against the test data. With interface stiffnesses obtained from previous element tests, the composite beam model is capable of predicting the strain distribution across the cross-section and real behaviour of composite beam members to within an acceptable level of accuracy taking into account variations arising from workmanship. Sensitivity studies were carried out to understand the impact of interface properties and membrane interface position on the degree of composite action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the control of blood glucose, blood pressure (BP), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and other cardiovascular disease risk factors among patients with type II diabetes in a primary-care setting in Beijing. We performed a cross-sectional, multi-center survey of 4056 patients with type II diabetes aged ≥40 years. In total, 22.6% were current smokers, 10.8% often drank alcohol, 29.0% were obese, and 67.4% participated in adequate levels of physical activity. About 70% of patients reported comorbid hypertension or dyslipidemia. Of these, 70.8% were being treated for diabetes and 79.3% for hypertension; 20.5% were receiving statins and 28.5% aspirin. The proportions of patients achieving their therapeutic target were 52.6% for fasting plasma glucose, 58.2% for BP, and 33.0% for LDL-c. Only 11.1% achieved all three goals. Among 1960 (48.3%) patients with a record of hemoglobin A1C, 27.8% achieved the hemoglobin A1C target (<6.5%). These data suggest that blood glucose and BP were more likely to be well controlled than LDL-c, the likelihood of control of multiple risk factors is low, and that the statin and aspirin use should be intensified in patients with a substantial risk of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our study aimed to elucidate the role of metabolites, bacteria, and fungi in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with bone destruction (BD(+)) and identify some biomarkers to predicate bone progression of RA.Methods: Plasma metabolites of the 127 RA patients and 69 healthy controls were conducted by using nontargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The gut bacteria and fungi were assessed by 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS).Results: Compared with RA patients without bone destruction (BD(-)), some metabolites, bacteria, and fungi were altered in BD(+). Seven metabolites were selected as key metabolites for classifying the BD(+) and BD(-) groups with moderate accuracy (AUC=0.71). Metabolites-groups, metabolites-metabolites, and metabolites-clinical factors had a certain correlation, and 7 metabolites were enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism and L-arginine and proline metabolism pathways. The bacteria and fungi of the BD(+) group showed significant differences in composition and function compared with BD(-) group. The changed 4 bacteria and 12 fungi yielded accuracy (AUC=0.74 and AUC=0.87, respectively) for the two groups. Taking 7 metabolites, 4 bacteria, and 12 fungi as a panel for AUC analysis, an improved AUC of 0.99 significantly discriminated the two groups. The changed metabolites, gut bacteria, and fungi may affect the pathway related to L-arginine.Conclusions: Our nontargeted LC-MS, 16S rRNA, and ITS highlighted a novel link among the metabolites, bacteria, fungi, and pathology of BD(+), which could contribute to our understanding of the role of metabolites, bacteria, and fungi in BD(+) etiology and offered some novel biomarkers to predict the bone progression of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of a spray-applied waterproofing membrane between the primary and secondary lining layers is important to the behaviour of a composite sprayed concrete lined (SCL) tunnel in soft ground. In order to confirm the feasibility of the composite shell lining concept, the structural adequacy of the concrete-membrane interfaces under the effects experienced in a typical tunnel needs to be investigated. This paper presents a series of laboratory tests on samples cut from composite sprayed concrete panels, to which uniaxial compression, direct tension and direct shear loadings are applied over both short- and long-term timeframes under conditions of ambient atmospheric humidity. Test results show that the interfaces are capable of resisting significant compression, tension and shear in both short- and long-term. Failures under these actions should not occur in a typical shallow SCL tunnel, and a degree of composite action between primary and secondary layers should be expected. Influence of substrate roughness and membrane thickness on the measured interface properties has been quantified. Overall, this investigation confirms the existence of composite action for composite sprayed concrete linings in soft ground, and provides parameters based on test results for further research and design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The B 2 O 3 –MgO system has been thermodynamically assessed by CALculation of PHAse Diagram (CALPHAD) technique using Thermo-Calc software. An ionic two-sublattice (I2SL) model, (Mg 2+ ) p (O 2− , BO 3 3 - , B 4 O 7 2 - , B 3 O 4.5 ) Q , is proposed to describe the liquid phase in the system, whereas the Redlich–Kister expression is used to formulate its excess Gibbs energy. All the solid intermediate compounds have been treated as stoichiometric compounds and their Gibbs energy is modeled following Neumann–Kopp's rule. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters for the B 2 O 3 –MgO system are then obtained and the calculated phase diagram and thermodynamic properties of the B 2 O 3 –MgO system agree well with the available phase diagram and experimental data in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining sweet sorghum (SS) with alfalfa (AF) for ensiling has the potential to improve the nutritive value and fermentation characteristics of resultant silages. However, the optimal combination and the associative effects of SS and AF for ensilage have not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the fermentation characteristic and nutritive value of silage mixtures with six different SS to AF ratios. The two forages were ensiled in air free silos for 150 days at room temperature as mixtures containing 0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20, and 100:0 of SS:AF on a fresh weight basis. As the proportion of SS increased in silage, the content of ash, crude protein, saponins, ammonia, acetic acid, propionic acid and pH decreased, while neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber in organic matter, acid detergent lignin, water-soluble carbohydrate, starch, total phenolics and condensed tannins content increased. The silages were evaluated in 24-h incubations with rumen liquor. The in vitro rumen degradability of dry matter and organic matter as well as gas production, pH, ammonia, total volatile fatty acids and methane decreased as the proportion of SS increased in the silage mixtures. This study suggests that high quality silages can be made with SS:AF ratios of 20:80 and 40:60. These silage mixtures offer an opportunity to optimize the nutrient supply for ruminant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Treatment regimens of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) are complicated and individualized. CHOP regimen is well known for the treatment of adult sHLH, but it was not so effective for the 56-year-old male patient in our study. Splenomegaly, one of clinical manifestations of HLH, has urged us to investigate the role of splenectomy in HLH patients. Splenectomy is not only beneficial to confirm the underlying diseases, but also beneficial for the treatment of HLH. Here, we present a case diagnosed as sHLH who has recovered from HLH following comprehensive treatment based on splenectomy. The therapeutic value of splenectomy in sHLH needs further study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

MnO 2 nanorods with controllable scale were grown in the PVDF-g-PMAA modified membrane to form PVDF-g-PMAA@ MnO 2 membrane through the in situ redox reaction of KMnO 4 solution, which is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy-dispersion spectroscopy (EDX). The pore size of the membrane decreased with the increase of KMnO 4 solution concentration. The thermodynamic stability and the hydrophilicity of the membrane were also enhanced by the MnO 2 nanorods. The water flux, bovine serum albumin (BSA)/Lysozyme protein solution flux and rejection, flux recovery, etc. showed effective improvement of the anti-fouling performance of the PVDF-g-PMAA@ MnO 2 membrane. More importantly, it can effectively separate BSA from lysozyme, which provided a potential application in the field of biology, food, and other industrial fields for the requirement of separation and purification. [Display omitted] • PVDF-g-PMAA@MnO 2 filtration membrane fabricated by hydrothermal redox reaction of KMnO 4 solution inside membrane. • Effective separation of BSA and lysozyme protein in aqueous solution. • Improving anti-fouling property of PVDF membrane by irradiation grafting and hydrothermal redox reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) progression is characterized by occurrence of new cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities. In the previous study, we have shown the important role of GATA-2 L359 V mutation in CML progression. To further ascertain the truth of transcription factor GATA-2 in hematological malignancies, we expanded our study to GATA-2 full length by directly sequencing and applied MassARRAY assay into GATA-2 L359 V mutation analysis. Finally, no GATA-2 L359 V mutation was found in 270 acute myeloid leukemia, 30 myelodysplastic syndrome, 50 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 12 chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 40 CML chronic phase and 286 BCR/ABL negative myeloproliferative disorders except CML blast crisis. A new variation of GATA-2 resulted in P250A change was identified, which was not found to have statistical difference between patients with hematological malignancies and healthy control. Hence, we concluded GATA-2 L359 V is exclusively associated with CML progression but not other hematological malignancies and P250A is a new single nucleotide polymorphism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a design method for a Filter-Integrated Single Pole Double Throw (FI-SPDT) switch based on transfer function analysis. Combining the equivalent model of pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (pHEMT) and its parasitic parameters, the proposed method analyzed the transfer function of the SPDT in both ON and OFF states. Consequently, it enables the rapid derivation of theoretical values for the active and passive structures, and thus offers theoretical support for the rapid design of cutoff frequency-controllable and high isolation FI-SPDTs. To validate the proposed design methodology, this paper employed a transfer function design method to calculate the theoretical values of the active and passive structure. Based on these theoretical values, an optimized design was carried out. Eventually, using the 0. 5 μ m GaAs pHEMT process, two FI-SPDTs were developed with cutoff frequencies of 4 GHz and 15 GHz, respectively. Measurement data demonstrates an insertion loss of 0.85 dB and 0.76 dB, with isolation ranging from 30–55 dB and 30–48 dB in the 4–15 GHz range. This further confirms the effectiveness of employing transfer function analysis for developing SPDTs with bandpass characteristics. Additionally, the method proposed in this paper is suitable for the intelligent design of microwave integrated circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve transfer has successfully restored hand function in patients with spastic hemiplegia from chronic central nervous system injuries. However, little is known about the morphology and anatomy of the donor C7 nerve root in patients undergoing this procedure. This study quantified intraoperative measurements of donor C7 nerve roots during CC7 transfer surgery for spastic hemiplegia in patients treated at a high-volume center to describe observed anatomical variations for successful direct anastomosis. A database of images from 21 patients (2 females, 19 males) undergoing CC7 surgery was searched for photographic data that contained a standard ruler measuring donor C7 nerve root length after surgical sectioning and before transfer. Two independent observers analyzed these images and recorded C7 nerve root diameter, length, and branch lengths. Mean (SD) values of donor C7 nerve measurements were length, 53.5 (8.0) mm; diameter, 5.1 (0.9) mm; branch length following surgical sectioning, 18.3 (6.3) mm. Right-sided donor C7 nerve roots yielded significantly longer branches compared with left-sided donor C7 nerve roots (P = 0.01). Other patient factors such as age, sex, or laterality of brain injury did not influence intraoperative anatomy. We report detailed intraoperative measurements of the donor C7 root during CC7 nerve transfer for spastic hemiplegia. These findings describe existing variation in surgical C7 nerve root anatomy in patients undergoing this procedure and may serve as a general reference for the expected donor C7 length in successful direct anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Surface sands and sandstones in the Ordos region, alluvial sands from the surrounding mountains, and fluvial sands in the Yellow River are systemically collected for granulometric, mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic analyses. Fine-grained fractions are small for the Ordos desert sands as well as alluvial sands of the surrounding mountains whereas they are abundant for fluvial sands of the Yellow River. Quartz, feldspar and muscovite are common minerals but their relative proportions are variable for various sediments. REE geochemical compositions are roughly identical but isotopic compositions, particularly εNd(0) values of fine-grained sands vary significantly in the Ordos deserts. Based on the integrated Sr–Nd isotopic data, the possible source areas are isotopically divided into four regions for fine-grained sands in the Ordos deserts: region A, the Helan-Yin mountain ranges; region B, the Ordos sandstone areas; region D, the Tarim Basin, the Alxa Plateau, the Hexi Corridor, the northern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the Yellow River drainage; and region E, the Jungger Basin and the southern Mongolia. Through geochemical and particularly isotopic comparisons in combination with expert meteorological and geographical knowledge, fine-grained sands in the Ordos deserts originated both from weathering of local sandstones and from blowing of fine sediments in region D. The input from region D is subordinate to the local source for fine-grained sands in the Ordos deserts. Contributions from weathering of local sandstones might be roughly homogeneous from the west to the east of the Ordos region as well as the input of fine-grained sediments from remote areas such as the Tarim Basin, the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the Alxa Plateau. Geographical Nd isotopic variations of fine-grained sands in the Ordos deserts might be caused by the input from adjacent places such as the Yellow River drainage due to the near-surface winds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Modern intensive chemotherapy regimens have improved the prognosis for adult patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). With these regimens, the complete response (CR) rates are approximately 75% and long-term disease-free survival (DFS) rates are about 20–35%. For patients with high-risk ALL, DFS rates are only 20% or less. Hyper-CVAD regimen is effective in ALL and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) with increased CR rates and DFS rates. Between June 2002 and October 2006, 53 consecutive adult patients with newly diagnosed adult ALL were treated with Hyper-CVAD regimen for six to eight cycles. The alternating courses were given every 3–4 weeks or earlier if count recovery occurred. CR rates of 73.6% were achieved in 39 patients, the estimated 2-year survival rate was 82.9% and the estimated 2-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was 87.3%. Side effects were as expected, mostly attributed to myelosuppression. Analysis of prognostic factors suggested that some previously well-established poor prognostic factors such as the degree of leukocytosis and central nervous system (CNS) or testicular involvement were less important with this dose-intensive regimen. However, patients with mediastinal disease had lower CR rates (P <0.05), with the presence of hepatomegaly and t(9;22) abnormalities had poor survival (P <0.05). Compared with other established adult ALL regimens, Hyper-CVAD regimen was associated with significantly better CR rates, overall survival and EFS rates. The long-term follow-up results of Hyper-CVAD were favorable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of low-dose cytarabine and aclarubicin in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) protocol in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A total of 50 elderly patients including 8 aged over 70 years were enrolled. All patients were treated with CAG regimen including low-dose cytarabine (10mg/m2 every 12h, days 1–14), aclarubicin (10mg every day, days 1–8), and G-CSF (200μg/m2 every day, days 1–14) priming. The overall response rate was 72.0%, and 29 of 50 (58.0%) patients achieved complete remission, including 23 of 35 (65.8%) with previously untreated AML, 6 of 15 (40.0%) with refractory, relapsed or secondary AML, 4 of 8 (50.0%) aged over 70 years, 4 of 10 (40.0%) with unfavorable cytogenetic aberrations. The early death rate was 7.6%. The median overall survival was 14 months. Myelosuppression was mild to moderate, severe nonhematologic toxicity was not observed. Thus CAG priming regimen as the induction therapy is well tolerated and effective in elderly patients with AML. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]