Numerical investigation of the plastic deformation behaviour of graded crushed stone.

A numerical model of the dynamic triaxial test of graded crushed stone was established based on DEM (Discrete Element Method) to study its dynamic characteristics. The influence of test conditions on simulation results was analysed through numerical simulation. A method for determining the test conditions was proposed, and the reliability of the simulation was verified.

Deterioration characteristics of cement-improved loess under dry-wet and freeze-thaw cycles.

The effects of cement dosage, compaction coefficient, molding method (vertical vibration method and static pressure method), and dry-wet and freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical strength of cement-improved loess (CIL) were studied to reveal its strength degradation law under dry-wet and freeze-thaw cycles. Results show that when using the vertical vibration molding method, the strength degradation effect of CIL can be improved by increasing the cement dosage and compaction coefficient; however, it is not obvious. Under the action of dry-wet cycle, damages, such as voids and cracks of CIL, develop continuously.

Giant dumbbell-shaped prostatic cystadenoma presenting as pelvic and scrotal mass.

This study reports the case of an elderly man with a large tumour of the pelvic cavity and scrotum which was once diagnosed as a prostate cyst. Imaging studies considered the source of the tumour to be prostate, and the tumour was ultimately diagnosed by confirmed tissue expression of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate acid phosphatase (PSAP) after surgery. This is the first report about dumbbell-shaped prostatic cystadenoma with invasive growth and even urethral damage, but there was no evidence of clear malignancy.

[Value of modified APACHE II score in predicting postoperative complications in patients with acute obstructing colorectal carcinoma].

Objective: To evaluate the value of modified acute physiologic and chronic health score (APACHE II score) in predicting postoperative complications in patients with acute obstructing colorectal carcinoma.

Methods: Postoperative complications in 92 patients with acute obstructing colorectal carcinoma were evaluated by APACHE II score and modified APACHE II score (severe organ dysfunction and immune damage in chronic health indicators were replaced by the duration and degree of obstruction, which were considered as the severity of intestinal obstruction). The sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index were compared with regard to complication prediction.

Total synthesis of (-)-talaumidin and (-)-galbelgin.

( - )-Talaumidin (1) and ( - )-galbelgin (2) have been synthesized via 4-pentenoic acid as a starting material with the overall yield of about 17.8 and 16.9%, respectively.