Novel experimental strategy for high resolution AFM imaging of membrane-associated bacterial toxins

Bacterial pore-forming toxins （PFTs） are essential virulence factors of many human pathogens. Knowl- edge of their structure within the membrane is critical for an understanding of their function in pathogenesis and for the development of useful therapy. Atomic force microscopy （AFM） has often been employed to structurally interrogate many membrane proteins, including PFTs, owing to its ability to produce sub-nanometer resolution images of samples under aqueous solution. However, an absolute prerequisite for AFM studies is that the samples are single-layered and closely-packed, which is frequently challenging with PFTs. Here, using the prototypical member of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin family of PFTs, perfringolysin O （PFO）, as a test sample, we have developed a simple, highly robust method that routinely produces clean, closely-packed samples across the entire specimen surface. In this approach, we first use a small Teflon well to prepare the supported lipid bilayer, remove the sample from the well, and then directly apply the proteins to the bilayer. For reasons that are not clear, bilayer preparation in the Teflon well is essential. We anticipate that this simple method will prove widely useful for the preparation of similar samples, and thereby enable AFM imaging of the greatest range of bacterial PFTs to the highest possible resolution.     

Estimation of delay variability at signalized intersections for urban arterial performance evaluation

Urban arterial performance evaluation has been broadly studied, with the major focus on average travel time estimation. However, in view of the stochastic nature of interrupted flow, the ability to capture the characteristics of travel time variability has become a critical step in determining arterial level of service (LOS). This article first presents a stochastic approach that integrates classic cumulative curves and probability theories in order to investigate delay variability at signalized intersections, as a dominant part of the link travel time variability. This serves as a basis for arterial travel time estimation, which can be obtained through a convolution of individual link travel time distributions. The proposed approach is then applied in the estimation of travel time along one arterial in Shanghai, China, with abundant automatic vehicle identification (AVI) data sources. The travel time variability is evaluated thoroughly at 30-min intervals, with promising results achieved in comparison to the field measurements. In addition, the estimated travel time distributions are utilized to illustrate the probability of multiple LOS ranges, namely, reliability LOS. The results provide insights into how we might achieve a more reliable and informative understanding of arterial performance.     

Modelling,simulation and applications of longitudinal train dynamics

ABSTRACT

Significant developments in longitudinal train simulation and an overview of the approaches to train models and modelling vehicle force inputs are firstly presented. The most important modelling task, that of the wagon connection, consisting of energy absorption devices such as draft gears and buffers, draw gear stiffness, coupler slack and structural stiffness is then presented. Detailed attention is given to the modelling approaches for friction wedge damped and polymer draft gears. A significant issue in longitudinal train dynamics is the modelling and calculation of the input forces – the co-dimensional problem. The need to push traction performances higher has led to research and improvement in the accuracy of traction modelling which is discussed. A co-simulation method that combines longitudinal train simulation, locomotive traction control and locomotive vehicle dynamics is presented. The modelling of other forces, braking propulsion resistance, curve drag and grade forces are also discussed. As extensions to conventional longitudinal train dynamics, lateral forces and coupler impacts are examined in regards to interaction with wagon lateral and vertical dynamics. Various applications of longitudinal train dynamics are then presented. As an alternative to the tradition single wagon mass approach to longitudinal train dynamics, an example incorporating fully detailed wagon dynamics is presented for a crash analysis problem. Further applications of starting traction, air braking, distributed power, energy analysis and tippler operation are also presented.     

A signal-based fault detection and classification method for heavy haul wagons

This paper proposes a signal-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) system for heavy haul wagons considering the special requirements of low cost and robustness. The sensor network of the proposed system consists of just two accelerometers mounted on the front left and rear right of the carbody. Seven fault indicators (FIs) are proposed based on the cross-correlation analyses of the sensor-collected acceleration signals. Bolster spring fault conditions are focused on in this paper, including two different levels (small faults and moderate faults) and two locations (faults in the left and right bolster springs of the first bogie). A fully detailed dynamic model of a typical 40t axle load heavy haul wagon is developed to evaluate the deterioration of dynamic behaviour under proposed fault conditions and demonstrate the detectability of the proposed FDI method. Even though the fault conditions considered in this paper did not deteriorate the wagon dynamic behaviour dramatically, the proposed FIs show great sensitivity to the bolster spring faults. The most effective and efficient FIs are chosen for fault detection and classification. Analysis results indicate that it is possible to detect changes in bolster stiffness of ±25% and identify the fault location.     

掺锶磷酸钙骨水泥的体外细胞生物学性能评价及其与掺锶量的相关性

目的 评价"SrHPO4/Ca4(PO4)2O/CaHPO4"系掺锶磷灰石骨水泥的生物相容性及其与掺锶量的关系.方法 通过急性全身毒性、热原性、溶血性、体外细胞毒性以及成骨细胞在材料表面的黏附、增殖与表达等实验,检测材料的性能及生物降解潜能.结果 "SrHPO4/Ca4(PO4)2O/CaHPO4"系掺锶磷灰石骨水泥的急性全身毒性、热原性、溶血性、体外细胞毒性均为合格.Sr-CPC的热原性、溶血性以及碱性磷酸酶值与掺锶量呈非线性关系.结论 含锶磷酸钙骨水泥体外细胞生物相容性良好,是安全的新型骨组织工程支架材料.     

Simulation and analysis of vehicle stability based on ADAMS/CAR differential brake

To improve the braking safety of automobiles, the author studied the effect of differential brake on the stabilities. To analyze the mechanical characteristics of differential brake, automotive subsystem models were built by applying ADAMS/CAR, and automotive mechanics simulation model was built by setting the main subsystems such as body, engine and brake. The simulation model studied the distribution mode of three kinds of differential brake, and beeline braking stability and turning braking stability were simulated. It shows that differential brake can amend turning shortage of automobile brake and improve its braking stability, but the effect of automobile mass on its braking stability is great. So the distribution mode of braking force and the effect of mass change should be considered while differential brake is applied.     

Role of candesartan against cerebral ischemia and oxidative damage in normotensive rats

Objective Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ ) contributes to modulating blood pressure by stimulation of Ang Ⅱ AT1 receptors. We devised a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to assess whether oxidative damage is decreased after pretreatment with Angiotensin Ⅱ AT1 receptor blocker (ARB). Methods After 2 weeks pretreatment with ARB 0. 5 and 1 mg/kg, the male Wister rats were subjected to 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). At 24 h, the lumen diameter of middle cerebral artery, the plasma level of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and HIF-1 a levels were recorded and compared. Results After pretrcatment with ARB 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, blood pressure did not significantly change compared with that of controls. In the group of candesartan at 1 mg/(kg· day), the lumen diameter was significantly increased compared to that in control group [(86.0±5.0) μm vs. (69.0± 2.1) μm; P<0. 01, n = 6- 8]. The plasma 8-OHdG levels of ARB pretreatment groups were decreased. In immunohistochemical findings, 8-OHdG- and HIF-1α-containing cells in ARB pretreatment groups were decreased. Conclusion Brain ischemia and oxidative damage can be reversed by AT1 receptor blockade in normotensive rats after transient cerebral artery occlusion.     

兔眼环孢霉素A缓释微球的眼内释药性研究

目的建立兔眼房水中环孢霉素A缓释微球的高效液相测定方法,考察在不同给药剂量下兔眼房水中的药物代谢特性,为该药预防后发性白内障提供理论依据。方法兔眼行晶体囊外摘除,左眼前房及囊袋内注射环孢素微球,右眼给予空白微球作对照,采用高效液相色谱法监测给药后4周内兔眼房水中环孢霉素A的浓度。色谱柱为反相C18硅胶柱,柱温为60℃,流动相为乙腈-水(67∶33),检测波长210nm。结果兔眼房水中环孢霉素A的浓度在0.13-1.25mg/L范围内呈良好线性关系(r=0.9951),最低检测浓度0.13mg/L,回收率95.91%,日间和日内精密度均小于5.0%。缓释微球的释药速率适中,兔眼前房给药后可在2周内维持较高浓度,高低两种给药剂量下,环孢霉素A的吸收半衰期(t1/2Ka)和血浆清除速率(CL)经检验无统计学差异,药时曲线下面积(AUC)和峰浓度(Cmax)与剂量之间线性相关。结论环孢素A缓释微球在兔眼内有较高的生物利用度,实验期内可达到抑制后发性白内障的有效浓度。     

超大型预制桥墩吊装过程数值计算

以某跨海工程超大型预制桥墩吊装方案为例,基于有限元分析软件ANSYS建立超大型预制桥墩的数值模型,施加重力场模拟吊装过程,得到了吊装过程中桥墩的受力状态,评定了吊装方案的优劣。针对吊装过程中桥墩及吊装件较危险的受力区域进行分析,提出了优化建议。     

动力总成悬置支架多目标拓扑优化和强度分析

基于Optistruct,以支架的最小柔度、最大固有频率作为优化目标函数;以应力、体积作为约束函数,对一发动机后拉杆安装支架进行拓扑优化,优化结果表明:在满足悬置支架强度和模态要求下,质量减少了12%。