In this work,a numerical study of the effects of soil-structure interaction(SSI)and granular material-structure interaction(GSI)on the nonlinear response and seismic capacity of flat-bottomed storage silos is conducte...In this work,a numerical study of the effects of soil-structure interaction(SSI)and granular material-structure interaction(GSI)on the nonlinear response and seismic capacity of flat-bottomed storage silos is conducted.A series of incremental dynamic analyses(IDA)are performed on a case of large reinforced concrete silo using 10 seismic recordings.The IDA results are given by two average IDA capacity curves,which are represented,as well as the seismic capacity of the studied structure,with and without a consideration of the SSI while accounting for the effect of GSI.These curves are used to quantify and evaluate the damage of the studied silo by utilizing two damage indices,one based on dissipated energy and the other on displacement and dissipated energy.The cumulative energy dissipation curves obtained by the average IDA capacity curves with and without SSI are presented as a function of the base shear,and these curves allow one to obtain the two critical points and the different limit states of the structure.It is observed that the SSI and GSI significantly influence the seismic response and capacity of the studied structure,particularly at higher levels of PGA.Moreover,the effect of the SSI reduces the damage index of the studied structure by 4%.展开更多
In this study, simplified numerical models are developed to analyze the soil-structure interaction （SSI） effect on frame structures equipped with viscoelastic dampers （VEDs） based on pile group foundation. First, ...In this study, simplified numerical models are developed to analyze the soil-structure interaction （SSI） effect on frame structures equipped with viscoelastic dampers （VEDs） based on pile group foundation. First, a single degree-of- freedom （SDOF） oscillator is successfully utilized to replace the SDOF energy dissipated structure considering the SSI effect. The equivalent period and damping ratio of the system are obtained through analogical analysis using the frequency transfer function with adoption of the modal strain energy （MSE） technique. Aparametric analysis is carried out to study the SSI effect on the performance of VEDs. Then the equilibrium equations of the multi degree-of-freedom （MDOF） structure with VEDs considering SSI effect are established in the frequency domain. Based on the assumption that the superstructure of the coupled system possesses the classical normal mode, the MDOF superstructure is decoupled to a set of individual SDOF systems resting on a rigid foundation with adoption of the MSE technique through formula derivation. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed methods have the advantage of reducing computational cost, however, retaining the satisfactory accuracy. The numerical method proposed herein can provide a fast evaluation of the efficiency of VEDs considering the SSI effect.展开更多
The grid-based multi-velocity field technique has become increasingly popular for simulating the Material Point Method(MPM)in contact problems.However,this traditional technique has some shortcomings,such as(1)early c...The grid-based multi-velocity field technique has become increasingly popular for simulating the Material Point Method(MPM)in contact problems.However,this traditional technique has some shortcomings,such as(1)early contact and contact penetration can occur when the contact conditions are unsuitable,and(2)the method is not available for contact problems involving rigid-nonrigid materials,which can cause numerical instability.This study presents a new hybrid contact approach for the MPM to address these limitations to simulate the soil and structure interactions.The approach combines the advantages of point-point and point-segment contacts to implement contact detection,satisfying the impenetrability condition and smoothing the corner contact problem.The proposed approach is first validated through a disk test on an inclined slope.Then,several typical cases,such as granular collapse,bearing capacity,and deformation of a flexible retaining wall,are simulated to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approach compared with FEM or analytical solutions.Finally,the proposed method is used to simulate the impact of sand flow on a deformable structure.The results show that the proposed contact approach can well describe the phenomenon of soil-structure interaction problems.展开更多
A dynamic analysis of both twisting and regular towers is carried out to determine the results of considering soil-structure interaction(SSI)on high-rise buildings.In addition,the difference between the seismic perfor...A dynamic analysis of both twisting and regular towers is carried out to determine the results of considering soil-structure interaction(SSI)on high-rise buildings.In addition,the difference between the seismic performance of using twisting towers over regular ones is investigated.The twisting tower is a simulation of the Evolution Tower(Moscow).The towers’skeletons consist of RC elements and rest on a reinforced concrete piled-raft foundation.The soil model is considered as multi-layered with the same soil properties as the zone chosen for the analysis(New Mansoura City,Egypt).The only difference between both towers is their shape in elevation.The whole system is modelled and analyzed in a single step as one full 3D model,which is known as the direct approach in SSI.All analyses are carried out using finite-element software(Midas GTS NX).Dynamic output responses due to three records of seismic loads are proposed and presented in some graphs.Based on the results,it is concluded that SSI has a considerable effect on the dynamic response of tall buildings mainly because of the foundation flexibility,as it leads to lengthening the vibration period,increasing the story drift and the base shear for both cases.展开更多
As inferred from earthquake engineering literature,considering soil structure interaction(SSI)effects is important in evaluating the response of transmission line towers(TLT)to dynamic loads such as impulse loads.The ...As inferred from earthquake engineering literature,considering soil structure interaction(SSI)effects is important in evaluating the response of transmission line towers(TLT)to dynamic loads such as impulse loads.The proposed study investigates the dynamic effects of SSI on TLT behavior.Linear and non-linearmodels are studied.In the linearmodel,the soil is represented by complex impedances,dependent of dynamic frequency,determined from numerical simulations.The nonlinearmodel considers the soil non-linear behavior in its material constitutive law and foundation uplift in a non-linear time history analysis.The simplified structure behavior of a typical lattice transmission tower is assessed.The analysis of frequency and time domain are followed through varying soil stiffness and damping values.Three different shock durations are investigated.The soil-structure system with equivalent dynamic properties is determined.The behaviors achieved utilizing a rigid and a flexible base for the structures is compared to estimate the impact of taking SSI into account in the calculation.The current mainstream approach in structural engineering,emphasizing the importance of the SSI effect,is illustrated using an example where the SSI effect could be detrimental to the structure.Furthermore,the non-linear analysis results are analyzed to show the linear approach’s limitations in the event of grand deformations.展开更多
The nonlinear behavior of a soil-foundation system may alter the seismic response of a structure by providing additional flexibility to the system and dissipating hysteretic energy at the soil-foundation interface. Ho...The nonlinear behavior of a soil-foundation system may alter the seismic response of a structure by providing additional flexibility to the system and dissipating hysteretic energy at the soil-foundation interface. However, the current design practice is still reluctant to consider the nonlinearity of the soil-foundation system, primarily due to lack of reliable modeling techniques. This study is motivated towards evaluating the effect of nonlinear soil-structure interaction （SSI） on the seismic responses of low-rise steel moment resisting frame （SMRF） structures. In order to achieve this, a Winkler- based approach is adopted, where the soil beneath the foundation is assumed to be a system of closely-spaced, independent, nonlinear spring elements. Static pushover analysis and nonlinear dynamic analyses are performed on a 3-story SMRF building and the performance of the structure is evaluated through a variety of force and displacement demand parameters. It is observed that incorporation of nonlinear SSI leads to an increase in story displacement demand and a significant reduction in base moment, base shear and inter-story drift demands, indicating the importance of its consideration towards achieving an economic, yet safe seismic design.展开更多
The flexoelectric effect refers to the electromechanical coupling between electric polarization and mechanical strain gradient.It universally exists in a variety of materials in any space group,such as liquid crystals...The flexoelectric effect refers to the electromechanical coupling between electric polarization and mechanical strain gradient.It universally exists in a variety of materials in any space group,such as liquid crystals,dielectrics,biological materials,and semiconductors.Because of its unique size effect,nanoscale flexoelectricity has shown novel phenomena and promising applications in electronics,optronics,mechatronics,and photovoltaics.In this review,we provide a succinct report on the discovery and development of the flexoelectric effect,focusing on flexoelectric materials and related applications.Finally,we discuss recent flexoelectric research progress and still‐unsolved problems.展开更多
Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest managemen...Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest management.However,studies have shown that agroforestry can not only improve land productivity and biodiversity but also regulate some ecosystem services.This study reviews the impacts of physical and biological factors on herbivorous pests,parasites,and predatory natural enemies in fruit-crop agroforestry systems.Fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity by altering crop layouts,regulating the microclimate and soil quality,and offering food resources and shelter for natural enemies,thus promoting biological pest control.This enhances biological control and makes the agrocomplex system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that volatile plant substances attract or repel pests and natural enemies based on the characteristics of the insects themselves.When scientifically designed,fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity and favorable microclimatic conditions,which enhance biological pest control and make the agroforestry system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that fruit-crop agroforestry systems can provide richer food resources and habitat,enhancing biological pest control and improving pest management.展开更多
Liver cancer is the fourth cause of cancer-related deaths and the primary cause of death in patients with compensated cirrhosis.In recent years,the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of liver cancer...Liver cancer is the fourth cause of cancer-related deaths and the primary cause of death in patients with compensated cirrhosis.In recent years,the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of liver cancer has attracted more and more attention and recognition.Luteolin(LUT)and glycyrrhetinic(GA)are natural compounds extracted from Chinese herbal medicine.LUT exhibits various biological activity including anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,antiviral,anti-tumor,and neuroprotective effects.GA significantly inhibits the growth and metastasis of cancer cells.However,the low water solubility of both compounds hinders their clinical applications.In this study,rod-shaped nanoparticles(NPs)self-assembled from LUT and GA were designed to enhance drug solubility and tumor-targeting capability.We verified that the assembly mechanism of the NPs was π-π stacking.These NPs significantly inhibited the proliferation of liver cancer cells while had no significant effect on normal liver cells.In a mouse model of liver cancer,these NPs demonstrated superior tumor-targeting ability due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect,and the affinity of GA for liver cancer cells,resulting in better therapeutic efficacy with lower systemic toxicity.Results of network pharmacology analysis showed that LUT and GA respectively targeted estrogen receptor 1(ESR1)protein and cyclin-dependent kinase 1(CDK1)protein to corporately induce tumor cell cycle arrest,which induced the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation.In conclusion,this study provides a novel reference for the treatment of liver cancer.展开更多
Fertilization or atmospheric deposition of nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)to terrestrial ecosystems can alter soil N(P)availability and the nature of nutrient limitation for plant growth.Changing the allocation of leaf P...Fertilization or atmospheric deposition of nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)to terrestrial ecosystems can alter soil N(P)availability and the nature of nutrient limitation for plant growth.Changing the allocation of leaf P fractions is potentially an adaptive strategy for plants to cope with soil N(P)availability and nutrient-limiting conditions.However,the impact of the interactions between imbalanced anthropogenic N and P inputs on the concentrations and allocation proportions of leaf P fractions in forest woody plants remains elusive.We conducted a metaanalysis of data about the concentrations and allocation proportions of leaf P fractions,specifically associated with individual and combined additions of N and P in evergreen forests,the dominant vegetation type in southern China where the primary productivity is usually considered limited by P.This assessment allowed us to quantitatively evaluate the effects of N and P additions alone and interactively on leaf P allocation and use strategies.Nitrogen addition(exacerbating P limitation)reduced the concentrations of leaf total P and different leaf P fractions.Nitrogen addition reduced the allocation to leaf metabolic P but increased the allocation to other fractions,while P addition showed opposite trends.The simultaneous additions of N and P showed an antagonistic(mutual suppression)effect on the concentrations of leaf P fractions,but an additive(summary)effect on the allocation proportions of leaf P fractions.These results highlight the importance of strategies of leaf P fraction allocation in forest plants under changes in environmental nutrient availability.Importantly,our study identified critical interactions associated with combined N and P inputs that affect leaf P fractions,thus aiding in predicting plant acclimation strategies in the context of intensifying and imbalanced anthropogenic nutrient inputs.展开更多
Elastic response spectra that take into account the effects of soil-structure interaction on soft soils are developed. The response spectra are calculated utilizing a 3 DOF system including deformations of the superst...Elastic response spectra that take into account the effects of soil-structure interaction on soft soils are developed. The response spectra are calculated utilizing a 3 DOF system including deformations of the superstructure and foundation. The equations of motion of the system are solved using direct integration under normalized earthquake records. Statistical processing of the results is implemented resulting in response spectra for "short and dense buildings with low interaction", "short and dense buildings with high interaction", "tall and light buildings with low interaction" and "tall and light buildings with high interaction". The resulting response spectra are smoothed and discussed.展开更多
In the practice of healthcare,patient-reported outcomes(PROs)and PRO measures(PROMs)are used as an attempt to observe the changes in complex clinical situations.They guide us in making decisions based on the evidence ...In the practice of healthcare,patient-reported outcomes(PROs)and PRO measures(PROMs)are used as an attempt to observe the changes in complex clinical situations.They guide us in making decisions based on the evidence regarding patient care by recording the change in outcomes for a particular treatment to a given condition and finally to understand whether a patient will benefit from a particular treatment and to quantify the treatment effect.For any PROM to be usable in health care,we need it to be reliable,encapsulating the points of interest with the potential to detect any real change.Using structured outcome measures routinely in clinical practice helps the physician to understand the functional limitation of a patient that would otherwise not be clear in an office interview,and this allows the physician and patient to have a meaningful conver-sation as well as a customized plan for each patient.Having mentioned the rationale and the benefits of PROMs,understanding the quantification process is crucial before embarking on management decisions.A better interpretation of change needs to identify the treatment effect based on clinical relevance for a given condition.There are a multiple set of measurement indices to serve this effect and most of them are used interchangeably without clear demarcation on their differences.This article details the various quantification metrics used to evaluate the treatment effect using PROMs,their limitations and the scope of usage and implementation in clinical practice.展开更多
Structural regulation of Pd-based electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination(EHDC)catalyst for constructing high-efficient cathode materials with low noble metal content and high atom utilization is crucial but still challe...Structural regulation of Pd-based electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination(EHDC)catalyst for constructing high-efficient cathode materials with low noble metal content and high atom utilization is crucial but still challenging.Herein,a support electron inductive effect of Pd-Mn/Ni foam catalyst was proposed via in-situ Mn doping to optimize the electronic structure of the Ni foam(NF),which can inductive regulation of Pd for improving the EHDC performance.The mass activity and current efficiency of Pd-Mn/NF catalyst are 2.91 and 1.34 times superior to that of Pd/NF with 2,4-dichlorophenol as model compound,respectively.The Mn-doped interlayer optimized the electronic structure of Pd by bringing the d-state closer to the Fermi level than Pd on the NF surface,which optimizied the binding of EHDC intermediates.Additionally,the Mn-doped interlayer acted as a promoter for generating H∗and accelerating the EHDC reaction.This work presents a simple and effective regulation strategy for constructing high-efficient cathode catalyst for the EHDC of chlorinated organic compounds.展开更多
Low-electrode capacitive deionization(FCDI)is an emerging desalination technology with great potential for removal and/or recycling ions from a range of waters.However,it still suffers from inefficient charge transfer...Low-electrode capacitive deionization(FCDI)is an emerging desalination technology with great potential for removal and/or recycling ions from a range of waters.However,it still suffers from inefficient charge transfer and ion transport kinetics due to weak turbulence and low electric intensity in flow electrodes,both restricted by the current collectors.Herein,a new tip-array current collector(designated as T-CC)was developed to replace the conventional planar current collectors,which intensifies both the charge transfer and ion transport significantly.The effects of tip arrays on flow and electric fields were studied by both computational simulations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy,which revealed the reduction of ion transport barrier,charge transport barrier and internal resistance.With the voltage increased from 1.0 to 1.5 and 2.0 V,the T-CC-based FCDI system(T-FCDI)exhibited average salt removal rates(ASRR)of 0.18,0.50,and 0.89μmol cm^(-2) min^(-1),respectively,which are 1.82,2.65,and 2.48 folds higher than that of the conventional serpentine current collectors,and 1.48,1.67,and 1.49 folds higher than that of the planar current collectors.Meanwhile,with the solid content in flow electrodes increased from 1 to 5 wt%,the ASRR for T-FCDI increased from 0.29 to 0.50μmol cm^(-2) min^(-1),which are 1.70 and 1.67 folds higher than that of the planar current collectors.Additionally,a salt removal efficiency of 99.89%was achieved with T-FCDI and the charge efficiency remained above 95%after 24 h of operation,thus showing its superior long-term stability.展开更多
Objective The use of lasers has been an important part of urology in the treatment of stone and prostate disease.The thermal effects of lasers in lithotripsy have been a subject of debate over the years.The objective ...Objective The use of lasers has been an important part of urology in the treatment of stone and prostate disease.The thermal effects of lasers in lithotripsy have been a subject of debate over the years.The objective of this review was to assess the current state of knowledge available on the thermal effects of lasers in lithotripsy,as well as explore any new areas where studies are needed.Methods In August 2022,a keyword search on Google Scholar,PubMed,and Scopus for all papers containing the phrases“thermal effects”AND“laser”AND“lithotripsy”AND“urology”was done followed by citation jumping to other studies pertaining to the topic and 35 relevant papers were included in our study.The data from relevant papers were segregated into five groups according to the factor studied and type of study,and tables were created for a comparison of data.Results Temperature above the threshold of 43℃ was reached only when the power was>40 W and when there was adequate irrigation(at least 15–30 mL/min).Shorter lasing time divided by lithotripsy time or operator duty cycles less than 70%also resulted in a smaller temperature rise.Conclusion At least eight factors modify the thermal effects of lasers,and most importantly,the use of chilled irrigation at higher perfusion rates,lower power settings of<40 W,and with a shorter operator duty cycle will help to prevent thermal injuries from occurring.Stones impacted in the ureter or pelvi-ureteric junction further increase the probability of thermal injuries during laser firing.展开更多
Exosomes(Exos)are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells and serve as crucial mediators of intercellular communication.They play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases and offer promi...Exosomes(Exos)are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells and serve as crucial mediators of intercellular communication.They play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases and offer promising avenues for therapeutic interventions.Exos derived from mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have significant immunomodulatory properties.They effectively regulate immune responses by modulating both innate and adaptive immunity.These Exos can inhibit excessive inflammatory responses and promote tissue repair.Moreover,they participate in antigen presentation,which is essential for activating immune responses.The cargo of these Exos,including ligands,proteins,and microRNAs,can suppress T cell activity or enhance the population of immunosuppressive cells to dampen the immune response.By inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation,acting on macrophages,and increasing the population of regulatory T cells,these Exos contribute to maintaining immune and metabolic homeostasis.Furthermore,they can activate immune-related signaling pathways or serve as vehicles to deliver microRNAs and other bioactive substances to target tumor cells,which holds potential for immunotherapy applications.Given the immense therapeutic potential of MSC-derived Exos,this review comprehensively explores their mechanisms of immune regulation and therapeutic applications in areas such as infection control,tumor suppression,and autoimmune disease management.This article aims to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the actions of MSC-derived Exos,offering theoretical references for their future clinical utilization as cell-free drug preparations.展开更多
It is known that structural stiffness and strength distributions have an important role in the seismic response of buildings. The effect of using different code-specified lateral load patterns on the seismic performan...It is known that structural stiffness and strength distributions have an important role in the seismic response of buildings. The effect of using different code-specified lateral load patterns on the seismic performance of fixed-base buildings has been investigated by researchers during the past two decades. However, no investigation has yet been carried out for the case of soil-structure systems. In the present study, through intensive parametric analyses of 21,600 linear and nonlinear MDOF systems and considering five different shear strength and stiffness distribution patterns, including three code-specified patterns as well as uniform and concentric patterns subjected to a group of earthquakes recorded on alluvium and soft soils, the effect of structural characteristics distribution on the strength demand and ductility reduction factor of MDOF fixed-base and soil-structure systems are parametrically investigated. The results of this study show that depending on the level of inelasticity, soil flexibility and number of degrees-of-freedoms (DOFs), structural characteristics distribution can significantly affect the strength demand and ductility reduction factor of MDOF systems. It is also found that at high levels of inelasticity, the ductility reduction factor of low-rise MDOF soil-structure systems could be significantly less than that of fixed-base structures and the reduction is less pronounced as the number of stories increases.展开更多
Excellent progress has been made in the last few decades in the cure rates of pediatric malignancies,with more than 80%of children with cancer who have access to contemporary treatment being cured.However,the therapie...Excellent progress has been made in the last few decades in the cure rates of pediatric malignancies,with more than 80%of children with cancer who have access to contemporary treatment being cured.However,the therapies responsible for this survival can also produce adverse physical and psychological long-term outcomes,referred to as late effects,which appear months to years after the completion of cancer treatment.Research has shown that 60%to 90%of childhood cancer survivors(CCSs)develop one or more chronic health conditions,and 20%to 80%of survivors experience severe or life-threatening complications during adulthood.Therefore,understanding the late side effects of such treatments is important to improve the health and quality of life of the growing population of CCSs.展开更多
Mn-based layered oxides(KMO)have emerged as one of the promising low-cost cathodes for potassiumion batteries(PIBs).However,due to the multiple-phase transitions and the distortion in the MnO6structure induced by the ...Mn-based layered oxides(KMO)have emerged as one of the promising low-cost cathodes for potassiumion batteries(PIBs).However,due to the multiple-phase transitions and the distortion in the MnO6structure induced by the Jahn-Teller(JT)effect associated with Mn-ion,the cathode exhibits poor structural stability.Herein,we propose a strategy to enhance structural stability by introducing robust metal-oxygen(M-O)bonds,which can realize the pinning effect to constrain the distortion in the transition metal(TM)layer.Concurrently,all the elements employed have exceptionally high crustal abundance.As a proof of concept,the designed K_(0.5)Mn_(0.9)Mg_(0.025)Ti_(0.025)Al_(0.05)O_(2)cathode exhibited a discharge capacity of approximately 100 mA h g^(-1)at 20 mA g^(-1)with 79%capacity retention over 50 cycles,and 73%capacity retention over 200 cycles at 200 mA g^(-1),showcased much better battery performance than the designed cathode with less robust M-O bonds.The properties of the formed M-O bonds were investigated using theoretical calculations.The enhanced dynamics,mitigated JT effect,and improved structural stability were elucidated through the in-situ X-ray diffractometer(XRD),in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)(and distribution of relaxation times(DRT)method),and ex-situ X-ray absorption fine structure(XAFS)tests.This study holds substantial reference value for the future design of costeffective Mn-based layered cathodes for PIBs.展开更多
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence,magnetocaloric materials as well as other materials are being developed with increased efficiency and enhanced performance.However,most studies do not take phase t...With the rapid development of artificial intelligence,magnetocaloric materials as well as other materials are being developed with increased efficiency and enhanced performance.However,most studies do not take phase transitions into account,and as a result,the predictions are usually not accurate enough.In this context,we have established an explicable relationship between alloy compositions and phase transition by feature imputation.A facile machine learning is proposed to screen candidate NiMn-based Heusler alloys with desired magnetic entropy change and magnetic transition temperature with a high accuracy R^(2)≈0.98.As expected,the measured properties of prepared NiMn-based alloys,including phase transition type,magnetic entropy changes and transition temperature,are all in good agreement with the ML predictions.As well as being the first to demonstrate an explicable relationship between alloy compositions,phase transitions and magnetocaloric properties,our proposed ML model is highly predictive and interpretable,which can provide a strong theoretical foundation for identifying high-performance magnetocaloric materials in the future.展开更多
文摘In this work,a numerical study of the effects of soil-structure interaction(SSI)and granular material-structure interaction(GSI)on the nonlinear response and seismic capacity of flat-bottomed storage silos is conducted.A series of incremental dynamic analyses(IDA)are performed on a case of large reinforced concrete silo using 10 seismic recordings.The IDA results are given by two average IDA capacity curves,which are represented,as well as the seismic capacity of the studied structure,with and without a consideration of the SSI while accounting for the effect of GSI.These curves are used to quantify and evaluate the damage of the studied silo by utilizing two damage indices,one based on dissipated energy and the other on displacement and dissipated energy.The cumulative energy dissipation curves obtained by the average IDA capacity curves with and without SSI are presented as a function of the base shear,and these curves allow one to obtain the two critical points and the different limit states of the structure.It is observed that the SSI and GSI significantly influence the seismic response and capacity of the studied structure,particularly at higher levels of PGA.Moreover,the effect of the SSI reduces the damage index of the studied structure by 4%.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.51678302 and 51678301Jiangsu Province Industry-University-Research Joint Innovation Fund--Prospective Joint Research Project under Grant No.BY2014005-05Major Program of Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China under Grant No.14KJA560001
文摘In this study, simplified numerical models are developed to analyze the soil-structure interaction （SSI） effect on frame structures equipped with viscoelastic dampers （VEDs） based on pile group foundation. First, a single degree-of- freedom （SDOF） oscillator is successfully utilized to replace the SDOF energy dissipated structure considering the SSI effect. The equivalent period and damping ratio of the system are obtained through analogical analysis using the frequency transfer function with adoption of the modal strain energy （MSE） technique. Aparametric analysis is carried out to study the SSI effect on the performance of VEDs. Then the equilibrium equations of the multi degree-of-freedom （MDOF） structure with VEDs considering SSI effect are established in the frequency domain. Based on the assumption that the superstructure of the coupled system possesses the classical normal mode, the MDOF superstructure is decoupled to a set of individual SDOF systems resting on a rigid foundation with adoption of the MSE technique through formula derivation. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed methods have the advantage of reducing computational cost, however, retaining the satisfactory accuracy. The numerical method proposed herein can provide a fast evaluation of the efficiency of VEDs considering the SSI effect.
基金funding support from the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52022060)the Key Laboratory of Impact and Safety Engineering(Ningbo University).
文摘The grid-based multi-velocity field technique has become increasingly popular for simulating the Material Point Method(MPM)in contact problems.However,this traditional technique has some shortcomings,such as(1)early contact and contact penetration can occur when the contact conditions are unsuitable,and(2)the method is not available for contact problems involving rigid-nonrigid materials,which can cause numerical instability.This study presents a new hybrid contact approach for the MPM to address these limitations to simulate the soil and structure interactions.The approach combines the advantages of point-point and point-segment contacts to implement contact detection,satisfying the impenetrability condition and smoothing the corner contact problem.The proposed approach is first validated through a disk test on an inclined slope.Then,several typical cases,such as granular collapse,bearing capacity,and deformation of a flexible retaining wall,are simulated to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approach compared with FEM or analytical solutions.Finally,the proposed method is used to simulate the impact of sand flow on a deformable structure.The results show that the proposed contact approach can well describe the phenomenon of soil-structure interaction problems.
文摘A dynamic analysis of both twisting and regular towers is carried out to determine the results of considering soil-structure interaction(SSI)on high-rise buildings.In addition,the difference between the seismic performance of using twisting towers over regular ones is investigated.The twisting tower is a simulation of the Evolution Tower(Moscow).The towers’skeletons consist of RC elements and rest on a reinforced concrete piled-raft foundation.The soil model is considered as multi-layered with the same soil properties as the zone chosen for the analysis(New Mansoura City,Egypt).The only difference between both towers is their shape in elevation.The whole system is modelled and analyzed in a single step as one full 3D model,which is known as the direct approach in SSI.All analyses are carried out using finite-element software(Midas GTS NX).Dynamic output responses due to three records of seismic loads are proposed and presented in some graphs.Based on the results,it is concluded that SSI has a considerable effect on the dynamic response of tall buildings mainly because of the foundation flexibility,as it leads to lengthening the vibration period,increasing the story drift and the base shear for both cases.
基金This work was financed by The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC)and Hydro-Québec Transénergy(HQTE).
文摘As inferred from earthquake engineering literature,considering soil structure interaction(SSI)effects is important in evaluating the response of transmission line towers(TLT)to dynamic loads such as impulse loads.The proposed study investigates the dynamic effects of SSI on TLT behavior.Linear and non-linearmodels are studied.In the linearmodel,the soil is represented by complex impedances,dependent of dynamic frequency,determined from numerical simulations.The nonlinearmodel considers the soil non-linear behavior in its material constitutive law and foundation uplift in a non-linear time history analysis.The simplified structure behavior of a typical lattice transmission tower is assessed.The analysis of frequency and time domain are followed through varying soil stiffness and damping values.Three different shock durations are investigated.The soil-structure system with equivalent dynamic properties is determined.The behaviors achieved utilizing a rigid and a flexible base for the structures is compared to estimate the impact of taking SSI into account in the calculation.The current mainstream approach in structural engineering,emphasizing the importance of the SSI effect,is illustrated using an example where the SSI effect could be detrimental to the structure.Furthermore,the non-linear analysis results are analyzed to show the linear approach’s limitations in the event of grand deformations.
文摘The nonlinear behavior of a soil-foundation system may alter the seismic response of a structure by providing additional flexibility to the system and dissipating hysteretic energy at the soil-foundation interface. However, the current design practice is still reluctant to consider the nonlinearity of the soil-foundation system, primarily due to lack of reliable modeling techniques. This study is motivated towards evaluating the effect of nonlinear soil-structure interaction （SSI） on the seismic responses of low-rise steel moment resisting frame （SMRF） structures. In order to achieve this, a Winkler- based approach is adopted, where the soil beneath the foundation is assumed to be a system of closely-spaced, independent, nonlinear spring elements. Static pushover analysis and nonlinear dynamic analyses are performed on a 3-story SMRF building and the performance of the structure is evaluated through a variety of force and displacement demand parameters. It is observed that incorporation of nonlinear SSI leads to an increase in story displacement demand and a significant reduction in base moment, base shear and inter-story drift demands, indicating the importance of its consideration towards achieving an economic, yet safe seismic design.
基金support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52192611,51872031,61904013,and 62405157)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Nos.2023M741890 and GZC20231215)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘The flexoelectric effect refers to the electromechanical coupling between electric polarization and mechanical strain gradient.It universally exists in a variety of materials in any space group,such as liquid crystals,dielectrics,biological materials,and semiconductors.Because of its unique size effect,nanoscale flexoelectricity has shown novel phenomena and promising applications in electronics,optronics,mechatronics,and photovoltaics.In this review,we provide a succinct report on the discovery and development of the flexoelectric effect,focusing on flexoelectric materials and related applications.Finally,we discuss recent flexoelectric research progress and still‐unsolved problems.
文摘Agricultural intensification has led to an increase in monoculture and the use of chemical pesticides,resulting in a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in ecosystem services,particularly biological pest management.However,studies have shown that agroforestry can not only improve land productivity and biodiversity but also regulate some ecosystem services.This study reviews the impacts of physical and biological factors on herbivorous pests,parasites,and predatory natural enemies in fruit-crop agroforestry systems.Fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity by altering crop layouts,regulating the microclimate and soil quality,and offering food resources and shelter for natural enemies,thus promoting biological pest control.This enhances biological control and makes the agrocomplex system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that volatile plant substances attract or repel pests and natural enemies based on the characteristics of the insects themselves.When scientifically designed,fruit-crop agroforestry systems provide high spatial heterogeneity and favorable microclimatic conditions,which enhance biological pest control and make the agroforestry system an effective tool for sustainable agriculture.Our research shows that fruit-crop agroforestry systems can provide richer food resources and habitat,enhancing biological pest control and improving pest management.
基金the financial support from Henan Province Natural Science Foundation(No.252300420583)Henan Provincial Science and Technology Research Project(Nos.242102310455,242102310473,242102310517)the Key Project of Science and Technology Research funded by the Henan Provincial Department of Education(No.24A350002)。
文摘Liver cancer is the fourth cause of cancer-related deaths and the primary cause of death in patients with compensated cirrhosis.In recent years,the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of liver cancer has attracted more and more attention and recognition.Luteolin(LUT)and glycyrrhetinic(GA)are natural compounds extracted from Chinese herbal medicine.LUT exhibits various biological activity including anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,antiviral,anti-tumor,and neuroprotective effects.GA significantly inhibits the growth and metastasis of cancer cells.However,the low water solubility of both compounds hinders their clinical applications.In this study,rod-shaped nanoparticles(NPs)self-assembled from LUT and GA were designed to enhance drug solubility and tumor-targeting capability.We verified that the assembly mechanism of the NPs was π-π stacking.These NPs significantly inhibited the proliferation of liver cancer cells while had no significant effect on normal liver cells.In a mouse model of liver cancer,these NPs demonstrated superior tumor-targeting ability due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect,and the affinity of GA for liver cancer cells,resulting in better therapeutic efficacy with lower systemic toxicity.Results of network pharmacology analysis showed that LUT and GA respectively targeted estrogen receptor 1(ESR1)protein and cyclin-dependent kinase 1(CDK1)protein to corporately induce tumor cell cycle arrest,which induced the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation.In conclusion,this study provides a novel reference for the treatment of liver cancer.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41473068)supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2022M722667)。
文摘Fertilization or atmospheric deposition of nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)to terrestrial ecosystems can alter soil N(P)availability and the nature of nutrient limitation for plant growth.Changing the allocation of leaf P fractions is potentially an adaptive strategy for plants to cope with soil N(P)availability and nutrient-limiting conditions.However,the impact of the interactions between imbalanced anthropogenic N and P inputs on the concentrations and allocation proportions of leaf P fractions in forest woody plants remains elusive.We conducted a metaanalysis of data about the concentrations and allocation proportions of leaf P fractions,specifically associated with individual and combined additions of N and P in evergreen forests,the dominant vegetation type in southern China where the primary productivity is usually considered limited by P.This assessment allowed us to quantitatively evaluate the effects of N and P additions alone and interactively on leaf P allocation and use strategies.Nitrogen addition(exacerbating P limitation)reduced the concentrations of leaf total P and different leaf P fractions.Nitrogen addition reduced the allocation to leaf metabolic P but increased the allocation to other fractions,while P addition showed opposite trends.The simultaneous additions of N and P showed an antagonistic(mutual suppression)effect on the concentrations of leaf P fractions,but an additive(summary)effect on the allocation proportions of leaf P fractions.These results highlight the importance of strategies of leaf P fraction allocation in forest plants under changes in environmental nutrient availability.Importantly,our study identified critical interactions associated with combined N and P inputs that affect leaf P fractions,thus aiding in predicting plant acclimation strategies in the context of intensifying and imbalanced anthropogenic nutrient inputs.
文摘Elastic response spectra that take into account the effects of soil-structure interaction on soft soils are developed. The response spectra are calculated utilizing a 3 DOF system including deformations of the superstructure and foundation. The equations of motion of the system are solved using direct integration under normalized earthquake records. Statistical processing of the results is implemented resulting in response spectra for "short and dense buildings with low interaction", "short and dense buildings with high interaction", "tall and light buildings with low interaction" and "tall and light buildings with high interaction". The resulting response spectra are smoothed and discussed.
文摘In the practice of healthcare,patient-reported outcomes(PROs)and PRO measures(PROMs)are used as an attempt to observe the changes in complex clinical situations.They guide us in making decisions based on the evidence regarding patient care by recording the change in outcomes for a particular treatment to a given condition and finally to understand whether a patient will benefit from a particular treatment and to quantify the treatment effect.For any PROM to be usable in health care,we need it to be reliable,encapsulating the points of interest with the potential to detect any real change.Using structured outcome measures routinely in clinical practice helps the physician to understand the functional limitation of a patient that would otherwise not be clear in an office interview,and this allows the physician and patient to have a meaningful conver-sation as well as a customized plan for each patient.Having mentioned the rationale and the benefits of PROMs,understanding the quantification process is crucial before embarking on management decisions.A better interpretation of change needs to identify the treatment effect based on clinical relevance for a given condition.There are a multiple set of measurement indices to serve this effect and most of them are used interchangeably without clear demarcation on their differences.This article details the various quantification metrics used to evaluate the treatment effect using PROMs,their limitations and the scope of usage and implementation in clinical practice.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22178388 and 22108306)Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province(No.tsqn201909065)Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau(No.cstc2019jscx-gksb X0032).
文摘Structural regulation of Pd-based electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination(EHDC)catalyst for constructing high-efficient cathode materials with low noble metal content and high atom utilization is crucial but still challenging.Herein,a support electron inductive effect of Pd-Mn/Ni foam catalyst was proposed via in-situ Mn doping to optimize the electronic structure of the Ni foam(NF),which can inductive regulation of Pd for improving the EHDC performance.The mass activity and current efficiency of Pd-Mn/NF catalyst are 2.91 and 1.34 times superior to that of Pd/NF with 2,4-dichlorophenol as model compound,respectively.The Mn-doped interlayer optimized the electronic structure of Pd by bringing the d-state closer to the Fermi level than Pd on the NF surface,which optimizied the binding of EHDC intermediates.Additionally,the Mn-doped interlayer acted as a promoter for generating H∗and accelerating the EHDC reaction.This work presents a simple and effective regulation strategy for constructing high-efficient cathode catalyst for the EHDC of chlorinated organic compounds.
基金supported by the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(JCYJ20230808105111022,JCYJ20220818095806013)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong(2023A1515012267)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22178223)the Royal Society/NSFC cost share program(IEC\NSFC\223372).
文摘Low-electrode capacitive deionization(FCDI)is an emerging desalination technology with great potential for removal and/or recycling ions from a range of waters.However,it still suffers from inefficient charge transfer and ion transport kinetics due to weak turbulence and low electric intensity in flow electrodes,both restricted by the current collectors.Herein,a new tip-array current collector(designated as T-CC)was developed to replace the conventional planar current collectors,which intensifies both the charge transfer and ion transport significantly.The effects of tip arrays on flow and electric fields were studied by both computational simulations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy,which revealed the reduction of ion transport barrier,charge transport barrier and internal resistance.With the voltage increased from 1.0 to 1.5 and 2.0 V,the T-CC-based FCDI system(T-FCDI)exhibited average salt removal rates(ASRR)of 0.18,0.50,and 0.89μmol cm^(-2) min^(-1),respectively,which are 1.82,2.65,and 2.48 folds higher than that of the conventional serpentine current collectors,and 1.48,1.67,and 1.49 folds higher than that of the planar current collectors.Meanwhile,with the solid content in flow electrodes increased from 1 to 5 wt%,the ASRR for T-FCDI increased from 0.29 to 0.50μmol cm^(-2) min^(-1),which are 1.70 and 1.67 folds higher than that of the planar current collectors.Additionally,a salt removal efficiency of 99.89%was achieved with T-FCDI and the charge efficiency remained above 95%after 24 h of operation,thus showing its superior long-term stability.
文摘Objective The use of lasers has been an important part of urology in the treatment of stone and prostate disease.The thermal effects of lasers in lithotripsy have been a subject of debate over the years.The objective of this review was to assess the current state of knowledge available on the thermal effects of lasers in lithotripsy,as well as explore any new areas where studies are needed.Methods In August 2022,a keyword search on Google Scholar,PubMed,and Scopus for all papers containing the phrases“thermal effects”AND“laser”AND“lithotripsy”AND“urology”was done followed by citation jumping to other studies pertaining to the topic and 35 relevant papers were included in our study.The data from relevant papers were segregated into five groups according to the factor studied and type of study,and tables were created for a comparison of data.Results Temperature above the threshold of 43℃ was reached only when the power was>40 W and when there was adequate irrigation(at least 15–30 mL/min).Shorter lasing time divided by lithotripsy time or operator duty cycles less than 70%also resulted in a smaller temperature rise.Conclusion At least eight factors modify the thermal effects of lasers,and most importantly,the use of chilled irrigation at higher perfusion rates,lower power settings of<40 W,and with a shorter operator duty cycle will help to prevent thermal injuries from occurring.Stones impacted in the ureter or pelvi-ureteric junction further increase the probability of thermal injuries during laser firing.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82072537the General Project of Hunan Natural Science Foundation,No.2022JJ30412 and No.2021JJ30464.
文摘Exosomes(Exos)are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells and serve as crucial mediators of intercellular communication.They play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases and offer promising avenues for therapeutic interventions.Exos derived from mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have significant immunomodulatory properties.They effectively regulate immune responses by modulating both innate and adaptive immunity.These Exos can inhibit excessive inflammatory responses and promote tissue repair.Moreover,they participate in antigen presentation,which is essential for activating immune responses.The cargo of these Exos,including ligands,proteins,and microRNAs,can suppress T cell activity or enhance the population of immunosuppressive cells to dampen the immune response.By inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation,acting on macrophages,and increasing the population of regulatory T cells,these Exos contribute to maintaining immune and metabolic homeostasis.Furthermore,they can activate immune-related signaling pathways or serve as vehicles to deliver microRNAs and other bioactive substances to target tumor cells,which holds potential for immunotherapy applications.Given the immense therapeutic potential of MSC-derived Exos,this review comprehensively explores their mechanisms of immune regulation and therapeutic applications in areas such as infection control,tumor suppression,and autoimmune disease management.This article aims to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the actions of MSC-derived Exos,offering theoretical references for their future clinical utilization as cell-free drug preparations.
文摘It is known that structural stiffness and strength distributions have an important role in the seismic response of buildings. The effect of using different code-specified lateral load patterns on the seismic performance of fixed-base buildings has been investigated by researchers during the past two decades. However, no investigation has yet been carried out for the case of soil-structure systems. In the present study, through intensive parametric analyses of 21,600 linear and nonlinear MDOF systems and considering five different shear strength and stiffness distribution patterns, including three code-specified patterns as well as uniform and concentric patterns subjected to a group of earthquakes recorded on alluvium and soft soils, the effect of structural characteristics distribution on the strength demand and ductility reduction factor of MDOF fixed-base and soil-structure systems are parametrically investigated. The results of this study show that depending on the level of inelasticity, soil flexibility and number of degrees-of-freedoms (DOFs), structural characteristics distribution can significantly affect the strength demand and ductility reduction factor of MDOF systems. It is also found that at high levels of inelasticity, the ductility reduction factor of low-rise MDOF soil-structure systems could be significantly less than that of fixed-base structures and the reduction is less pronounced as the number of stories increases.
文摘Excellent progress has been made in the last few decades in the cure rates of pediatric malignancies,with more than 80%of children with cancer who have access to contemporary treatment being cured.However,the therapies responsible for this survival can also produce adverse physical and psychological long-term outcomes,referred to as late effects,which appear months to years after the completion of cancer treatment.Research has shown that 60%to 90%of childhood cancer survivors(CCSs)develop one or more chronic health conditions,and 20%to 80%of survivors experience severe or life-threatening complications during adulthood.Therefore,understanding the late side effects of such treatments is important to improve the health and quality of life of the growing population of CCSs.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(52274295)the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(E2021501029)+3 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(N2423051,N2423053,N2302016,N2423019,N2323013,N2423005)the Science and Technology Project of Hebei Education Department(QN2024238)the Basic Research Program Project of Shijiazhuang City for Universities Stationed in Hebei Province(241790937A)the Science and Technology Project of Qinhuangdao City in 2023.
文摘Mn-based layered oxides(KMO)have emerged as one of the promising low-cost cathodes for potassiumion batteries(PIBs).However,due to the multiple-phase transitions and the distortion in the MnO6structure induced by the Jahn-Teller(JT)effect associated with Mn-ion,the cathode exhibits poor structural stability.Herein,we propose a strategy to enhance structural stability by introducing robust metal-oxygen(M-O)bonds,which can realize the pinning effect to constrain the distortion in the transition metal(TM)layer.Concurrently,all the elements employed have exceptionally high crustal abundance.As a proof of concept,the designed K_(0.5)Mn_(0.9)Mg_(0.025)Ti_(0.025)Al_(0.05)O_(2)cathode exhibited a discharge capacity of approximately 100 mA h g^(-1)at 20 mA g^(-1)with 79%capacity retention over 50 cycles,and 73%capacity retention over 200 cycles at 200 mA g^(-1),showcased much better battery performance than the designed cathode with less robust M-O bonds.The properties of the formed M-O bonds were investigated using theoretical calculations.The enhanced dynamics,mitigated JT effect,and improved structural stability were elucidated through the in-situ X-ray diffractometer(XRD),in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS)(and distribution of relaxation times(DRT)method),and ex-situ X-ray absorption fine structure(XAFS)tests.This study holds substantial reference value for the future design of costeffective Mn-based layered cathodes for PIBs.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFE0109500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52071255,52301250,52171190 and 12304027)+2 种基金the Key R&D Project of Shaanxi Province(No.2022GXLH-01-07)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(China)the World-Class Universities(Disciplines)and the Characteristic Development Guidance Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘With the rapid development of artificial intelligence,magnetocaloric materials as well as other materials are being developed with increased efficiency and enhanced performance.However,most studies do not take phase transitions into account,and as a result,the predictions are usually not accurate enough.In this context,we have established an explicable relationship between alloy compositions and phase transition by feature imputation.A facile machine learning is proposed to screen candidate NiMn-based Heusler alloys with desired magnetic entropy change and magnetic transition temperature with a high accuracy R^(2)≈0.98.As expected,the measured properties of prepared NiMn-based alloys,including phase transition type,magnetic entropy changes and transition temperature,are all in good agreement with the ML predictions.As well as being the first to demonstrate an explicable relationship between alloy compositions,phase transitions and magnetocaloric properties,our proposed ML model is highly predictive and interpretable,which can provide a strong theoretical foundation for identifying high-performance magnetocaloric materials in the future.
