Model Test and Consolidation Analysis of Failure of a Loose Sandy Embankment Dam During Seepage

Failures of earth dam embankments and river dikes, which are constructed of sandy soils with low dry densities, have been observed to occur during rising of water levels. In this paper, a large-scale physical model test was conducted in order to investigate the behavior of a small dam embankment as water levels rose. The test results were simulated by use of a consolidation analysis method coupled with an elastoplastic model for unsaturated soils. All parameters used in the simulation were obtained from element tests; oedometer, triaxial compression, soil water retention, and permeability tests. First, in order to verify the parameters identified, direct shear tests were simulated using the consolidation analysis method; results of the simulation and the tests were consistent. From the embankment model test it was found that the crest of the embankment moved upstream at the first stage of impounding and then moved back. After a seepage surface appeared on the downstream slope, tension cracks occurred on the downstream slope, and sliding occurred through the crack and the downstream toe. The results of the simulation were consistent with those of the model test. This consolidation analysis method could be used to simulate the complex deformations induced by saturation collapse and shear strains and even failure behavior. Old embankments constructed with loose densities might have histories in which cracks occurred on the downstream slopes when the reservoir water level rose, and their stabilities might have decreased.     

The Detection of Immunity against WT1 and SMAD4P130L of EpCAM+ Cancer Cells in Malignant Pleural Effusion

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) provides a liquid tumor microenvironment model that includes cancer cells and immune cells. However, the characteristics of tumor antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cells have not been investigated in detail. Here, we analyzed MPE samples taken from a patient with pancreatic cancer who received a dendritic cell vaccine targeting Wilms’ Tumor 1 (WT1) antigen over the disease course (two points at MPE^1st and 2^nd, two months after MPE1^st). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)⁺ cancer cells (PD-L1⁻ or T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3, TIM-3⁻), both PD-1 or TIM-3 positive CD8⁺ T cells, and CD14⁺CD68⁺CD163⁺TIM-3⁺ macrophages increased from the MPE^1st to MPE^2nd. The ratio of WT1-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (WT1-CTLs) to MPE CD8⁺ T cells and IFN-γ secretion of WT1-CTLs were reduced with disease progression. Coincidentally, the fraction of central memory T (T_CM) of WT1-CTLs was decreased. On the other hand, CD8⁺ T cells in response to SMAD4^P130L, which is homogeneously expressed in EpCAM⁺ cancer cells, were detected using in vitro expansion with the HLA-A*11:01 restrictive SVCVNLYH neoantigen. Furthermore, the CD8⁺ T cell response to SMAD4^P130L was diminished following remarkably decreased numbers of CD8⁺ T_CM in MPE samples. In conclusion, CD8⁺ T cells responding to WT1 or SMAD4^P130L neoantigen expressed in EpCAM⁺ pancreatic cancer cells were detected in MPE. A tumor antigen-specific immune response would provide novel insight into the MPE microenvironment.     

Ultrashort X-ray pulse generation using subpicosecond electron linac

As a promising tool for ultrafast material analyses, we propose to utilize the X-ray pulse which may be generated in a quite simple manner using subpicosecond electron linacs. The properties of the X-ray were numerically studied with the EGS4 code. Verification of the X-ray generation was also conducted at the Nuclear Engineering Research Laboratory (NERL) linac and clear diffraction patterns of characteristic X-ray were obtained for typical single crystals.     

The heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of finned tube banks in forced convection (effects of fin height on pressure drop characteristics)

In recent years the requirement for the reduction of energy consumption has been increasing to solve the problems of global warming and the shortage of petroleum resources. For example, in the power generation field, as thermal power generation occupied 60% of the power generation demand, considerable improvement of the thermal efficiency is required. This paper describes the pressure drop characteristics of finned tube banks used for heat exchangers in thermal power generation that were clarified by testing serrated finned tube banks with different fin heights for improved heat transfer and conventional spiral finned tube banks with different fin heights, and an equation to predict pressure drop which is necessary for the heat exchanger design is proposed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(3): 179–193, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/htj.20112     

Solving fuzzy shortest path problems by neural networks

In this paper, we introduce the neural networks for solving fuzzy shortest path problems. The penalization of the neural networks is realized after transforming into crisp shortest path model. The procedure and efficiency of this approach are shown with numerical simulations.     

Evaluation of Tensile Strength and Fracture Toughness of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Polycrystals with Fracture Surface Analysis

The tensile strength of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZPs) was measured and the fracture surfaces were analyzed with the scanning electron microscope and X-ray microanalyzer. The fracture origins of the pressureless-sintered samples were voids or inclusions such as A1₂O₃, A1₂O₃ with SiO₂, and cubic-ZrO₂, while the fracture origins of the hot isostatically pressed samples were inclusions; no voids were detected at fracture origins. The higher strengths of the hot isostatically pressed samples versus those of the pressureless-sintered samples were consistent with the change in fracture origins. The fracture toughness of the samples calculated from the tensile strength and analysis of the fracture origins was 3.4 to 3.7 MPa √m. These values are lower than those measured with the SEPB method. These discrepancies might be caused by the difference in the state of the fracture origin and its neighborhood, such as the size of the fracture origin and interaction between two surfaces in the precrack.     

Realtime network management support systems at NTT

This paper describes realtime network management support systems which have been developed forntt’s telephone network. In particular, the advanced traffic observation and management information collecting system referred to as Atomics and the traffic congestion control system referred to astcs are presented. The purpose of the development, concept, functions and capabilities of each system are explained. Examples of powerful realtime network management supported by Atomics andTSC are also presented.     

Plastic deformation in diacetylene (PTS) monomer single crystals

The slip systems of diacetylene (PTS) monomer crystals which were deformed with a shear deformation and a micro indentation were determined. The (1 0 0) [0 0 1], (1 0 0) [0 1 0] and (1 0 2) [0 1 0] slip systems eventually were identified as the main slip systems from the stress-strain curves, slip lines and etch-pit arrangements.