Mass Characteristics Research Articles

Experimental study on I/II/III mixed mode fracture characteristics of a combined rock mass under creep loading

I/II/III mixed mode fractures of intersecting joint fissures often occur in natural rock masses, and jointed rock masses are prone to rockbursts in deep underground engineering when subjected to long-term crustal stresses. However, most studies of the mechanical mechanisms of these intersected joints have been conducted by simplifying two-dimensional joint model tests. Furthermore, the fracture mechanisms of two-dimensional intersected joints under tension and compression are completely different from those of three-dimensional joints. This paper presents a novel prefabricated specimen with combinations of intersecting joints capable of detecting the failure behaviours of rock I/II/III mixed mode fractures under creep loading. Uniaxial compression and multistage creep tests are performed on prefabricated sandstone specimens with intersecting joints of 0°/0°, 0°/30°, 0°/60°, and 0°/90°. The experimental results show that with the increase in the number of prefabricated intersecting joints, the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus values of the sandstone specimens gradually decrease. In addition, the sandstone specimens experience relatively few AE events and minor axial strain variations in the first creep stage and the second creep stage of the multistage creep test. The axial strain increases sharply due to the sharp increase in the number of AE events in the third creep stage. The 0°/60° sandstone specimen undergoes accelerated creep failure, resulting in mixed X-shaped tensile‒shear rupture. The RA value is high based on the quantification of the creeping cracks using the acoustic emission parameters of the rise angle (RA) and average frequency (AF). The AF values of the 0°/0°, 0°/30°, and 0°/90° sandstone specimens are high. The experimental results show that a larger joint intersection angle leads to greater mutual restraints and greater effects of prefabricated crack propagation in the rock specimens, thus increasing the final failure strength. Finally, based on the acoustic emission count, a characteristic variable D suitable for characterizing the creep damage evolution of a joint rock mass is established. The findings of this paper can facilitate an effective understanding of the creep effect of I/II/III mixed mode fracture and its micromechanism. The research results will have a certain reference value for the detection and risk mitigation of instantaneous and time-delayed rockbursts.

The most common habitable planets III - Modeling temperature forcing and surface conditions on rocky exoplanets and exomoons

Abstract Small rocky planets, as well as larger planets that suffered extensive volatile loss, tend to be drier and have thinner atmospheres as compared to Earth. Such planets probably outnumber worlds better endowed with volatiles, being the most common habitable planets. For the subgroup of fast rotators following eccentric orbits, atmospheres suffer radiative forcing and their heat capacity provides a method for gauging atmospheric thickness and surface conditions. We further explore the model presented in a previous paper and apply it to real and hypothetical exoplanets in the habitable zone of various classes of stars, simulating atmospheric and orbital characteristics. For planetary eccentricities e ∼0.3, the forcing-induced hypothetical temperature variation would reach ∼80 K for airless planets and ∼10 K for planets with substantial atmospheres. For Kepler-186 f and Kepler-442 b, assuming e ∼0.1, temperature variations can reach ∼24 K. We also consider habitable exomoons in circular orbits around gas giants within the habitable zone, which suffer radiative forcing due to their epicyclic motion. We study several combinations of parameters for the characterization of planets (mass, eccentricity and semi-major axis) and exomoons (mass, orbital radius, albedo and atmospheric characteristics) for different stellar types. For e ∼0.3, exomoon temperature varies up to ∼90 K, while for ∼0.6 variations can reach ∼200 K. Such exomoons may plausibly retain their volatiles by continued volcanic activity fueled by tidal dissipation. Although currently undetectable, such effects might be within reach of future ELT-class telescopes and space missions with mid-infrared and coronagraphic capabilities.

Abstract PO4-26-02: Evaluation of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes as a predictive biomarker of recurrence in patients with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the breast

Abstract Introduction: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) represents around 20% of early breast cancer diagnoses globally. Some studies evaluated risk factors associated with DCIS recurrence. Among these, age, surgical margins, comedonecrosis (CN), high nuclear grade, negative hormone receptors and HER2 expression stand out. Recent approaches have been evaluating the role of the immune microenvironment and its association with recurrence and progression of DCIS. Objective: To evaluate the association between Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in DCIS samples and disease recurrence. To characterize the immunological microenvironment of DCIS, analyzing the presence of TILs, “touching TILs” and desmoplastic reaction and their association with recurrence. Epidemiological, clinical, histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics were also evaluated. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study with patients diagnosed with DCIS and treated at Sao Paulo State Cancer Institute and Hospital das Clinicas of University of Sao Paulo. We included women over 18 years old with a diagnosis of DCIS who underwent treatment from Jan/2007 to Dec/2020. Male patients, patients with a diagnosis of invasive or microinvasive disease in the anatomopathological examination of the surgical specimen or patients with history of any neoplasm were excluded. The main outcome was survival analysis according to the quantification of TILs, adjusted for potential confounders. For that, we collected data on age, presence of palpable mass, imaging findings, histological and IHC characteristics, such as expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and hyperexpression of HER2, type of surgical approach, type of radiation therapy, use of endocrine therapy, length of follow-up, recurrence, and its type. Two pathologists evaluated TILS in the sample with the highest tumor representation and numerically quantified it as percentage. They also evaluated the presence of “touching tils” (lymphocytes in contact with the basement membrane) and desmoplastic reaction in the tumor stroma. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and Cox regression models were used to evaluate survival. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the association between categorical variables. Results: 283 patients met the eligibility criteria. Mean age of patients was 55 years. 15% had a palpable nodule at physical examination. Clustered amorphous microcalcifications were the most prevalent mammographic presentation, found in 41% of the patients. The most frequent histological and IHC features were cribriform presentation (73%) and ER positivity (86%), respectively. Desmoplastic reaction was absent in 10.5%, discreet in 51.9%, moderate in 24% and intense in 13.6% of the patients. Breast conserving surgery was performed in 189 patients, and 100 of them received adjuvant radiation therapy. Mean follow-up was 77.2 months, with a recurrence rate of 9.2%. We observed that tumors with focal necrosis (HR 6.4 [1.39-34.71] p 0.018) or CN (HR 4.53 [1.34 – 15.28] p 0.015) had higher risks of recurrence. Patients with a percentage value of TILs greater than or equal to 17% also had a higher risks of recurrence (HR 2.97 (1.17-7.51) p 0.02). These patients were mostly under 65 years of age (OR 0.45 [0.21 - 0.97] p 0.049). In a multivariate model, CN and TILs>17% remained significantly associated with recurrence (p=0.034 and p=0.035 respectively). There was a trend for invasive recurrence in 76.9% of the patients that relapsed when TILS were greater than or equal to 17% (p 0.062). “Touching TILs” were present in 12.9% of the patients but were not associated with recurrence (p=0.575). Conclusion: In our cohort, high value of TILs (>= 17%) and presence of CN were independently associated with DCIS recurrence. Our findings suggest that TILS are a prognostic immunological biomarker in DCIS and warrant further investigation in prospective trials to determine the most adequate cut-point. Citation Format: Camila Pasetto, Fernando Aguiar, Marcella Peixoto, Maira Doria, Bruna Mota, Jonathan Maesaka, Jose Roberto Filassi, Edmund Baracat, Rodrigo Gonçalves. Evaluation of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes as a predictive biomarker of recurrence in patients with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the breast [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-26-02.

Enhancing rock fragmentation assessment in mine blasting through machine learning algorithms: a practical approach

The optimization of blasting operations greatly benefits from the prediction of rock fragmentation. The main factors that affect fragmentation are rock mass characteristics, blast geometry, and explosive properties. This paper is a step towards the implementation of machine learning and deep learning algorithms for predicting the extent of fragmentation (in percentage) in open pit mining. While various parameters can affect rock fragmentation, this study considers ten among them (i.e., spacing, drill hole diameter, burden, average bench height, powder factor, number of holes, charge per delay, uniaxial compressive strength, specific drilling, and stemming) to train and test the models. However, due to a weak correlation with rock fragmentation, drill diameter, average bench height, compressive strength, stemming, and charge per delay are eliminated to reduce model complexity. A total of 219 data sets having five input features including the number of holes, spacing, burden, specific drilling, and powder factor are used to develop the models. Machine learning models (random forest regression, support vector regression, and XG boost), as well as a deep learning model (neural network regression), are applied to develop a practical way that can optimize the prediction of fragmentation. This study employs performance measures such as R-squared, RMSE, MSE, MAPE, and MAE. The optimization of the model revealed promising results, indicating that the architecture 5-64-32-16-1 exhibits strong performance. Specifically, the model achieved mean squared error (MSE) values of 41.32 and 28.59 on the training and test datasets, respectively. The R2 value for both training and test is 0.83. RFR is also performing well compared to SVR and XG boost with MSE values of 12.37 and 9.89 on training and testing data, respectively.in both sets, the R2 value is 94%. Based on permutation importance and shapely plot values, it is observed that the powder factor has the highest impact, while the burden has the lowest impact on fragmentation.

Heat and mass transfer characteristics of non-equilibrium flash at start stage

Our experiments showed that a V shape pressure drop appeared at start stage of non-equilibrium flash. V shape pressure drop firstly denoted the generating of superheat degree, which should be the starting force driving the non-equilibrium flash. Then evaporated vapor made up the pressure drop. Finally, a dynamic equilibrium was reached between the flash rate and the outflow rate, and the pressure behaved decreasing gradually. However, few published references focus on this start stage of the non-equilibrium flash. In this paper, experiments of the flash were conducted to investigate the heat and mass characteristics during V shape start stage. Dimensionless flash conversion coefficient (FCC) was proposed to normalize the flash with different initial liquid mass at start stage. The effects of initial temperature and the valve opening degree on the heat and mass characteristics of flash during the V drop start stage were studied. The results showed that the pressure of the working fluid changed dramatically during the V drop start stage. The peak of instant liquid superheat was proportional to the opening degree of the valve, which controlled the outflow rate. The flash rate increased with increasing initial temperature and valve opening degree, which had an approximately linear relationship with the flash time. FCC increased with valve opening degree. It could be deduced that flash intensity or flash rate would be higher for an expander with larger outlet area or higher working temperature.

Prediction of jumbo drill penetration rate in underground mines using various machine learning approaches and traditional models.

Estimating penetration rates of Jumbo drills is crucial for optimizing underground mining drilling processes, aiming to reduce costs and time. This study investigates various regression and machine learning methods, including Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Random Forests (RF), to predict the penetration rates (ROP) using multivariate inputs such as operation parameters and rock mass characteristics. The Rock Mass Drillability Index (RDi), incorporating both intact rock properties and structural parameters, was utilized to characterize the rock mass. The dataset was split into 80% for training and 20% for testing. Performance metrics including correlation coefficient (R2), variance accounted for (VAF), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated for each method to evaluate the accuracy of the predictions. SVR exhibited the best prediction performance for ROP, achieving the highest R2, lowest RMSE, MAE, and MAPE, as well as the largest VAF values of 0.94, 0.15, 0.11, 4.84, and 94.13 during training, and 0.91, 0.19, 0.13, 6.02, and 91.11 during testing, respectively. With this high accuracy, we conclude that the proposed machine learning algorithms are valuable and efficient predictors for estimating jumbo drill penetration rates in underground mining operations.

A NEW THEORY OF PARTICLE PHYSICS ABOUT COUPLING SYSTEM AND REGULAR MULTIVARIATE STATE

In this paper, some particle science issues are considered and studied: Why the electric charge can not be fraction for any particles? Why composite particles are easy to split and the mass has decreased? Why the fundamental particles with identical quantum numbers have the unequal mass? These scientific problems are solved by establishing new particle theories: The mechanism of regular multivariate states is proposed to explain the characteristics of fundamental particles, The coupling theory of particle systems is proposed to explain the mass characteristics of composite particles. The scientific analysis of these mechanisms and theories are consistent with the experimental results of many particles, and according to these mechanisms and theories can derive many new particles.

Экспериментальное и численное исследование нагрева стенок камеры сгорания малоразмерного газотурбинного двигателя

The combustion chamber is one of the main components that determine the energy and mass characteristics of the propulsion system. A detailed description of the combustion chambers of some model engines running on kerosene is given. The results of fire tests and numerical studies of combustion chambers of model small-sized gas turbine engines are considered. To qualitatively compare the results of calculations with the data of a physical experiment, annealed colors are used. Based on the results of the research, a map of tem perature distribution on the walls of the combustion chamber was compiled. The internal and external surfaces of the combustion chamber are unevenly colored with tarnished colors. This coloring is a consequence of non-uniform distributions of temperature and concentration of various components of combustion products, and also indicates the formation of a spatial flow in the combustion chamber.

Study on Characteristics of Failure and Energy Evolution of Different Moisture-Containing Soft Rocks under Cyclic Disturbance Loading.

During the coal mining process in soft rock mines with abundant water, the rock mass undergoes cyclic loading and unloading at low frequencies due to factors such as excavation. To investigate the mechanical characteristics and energy evolution laws of different water-containing rock masses under cyclic disturbance loading, a creep dynamic disturbance impact loading system was employed to conduct cyclic disturbance experiments on various water-containing soft rocks (0.00%, 1.74%, 3.48%, 5.21%, 6.95%, and 8.69%). A comparative analysis was conducted on the patterns of input energy density, elastic energy density, dissipated energy density, and damage variables of different water-containing soft rocks during the disturbance process. The results indicate that under the influence of disturbance loading, the peak strength of specimens, except for fully saturated samples, is generally increased to varying degrees. Weakness effects on the elastic modulus were observed in samples with 6.95% water content and saturated samples, while strengthening effects were observed in others. The input energy density of samples is mostly stored in the form of elastic strain energy within the samples, and different water-containing samples adapt to external loads within the first 100 cycles, with almost identical trends in energy indicators. Damage variables during the disturbance process were calculated using the maximum strain method, revealing the evolution of damage in the samples. From an energy evolution perspective, these experimental results elucidate the fatigue damage characteristics of water-containing rock masses under the influence of disturbance loading.

Air-lift characteristics of rock core mass in gas–liquid–solid mixed flow

The air-lift reverse circulation drilling method enables efficient and continuous core extraction. However, the flow characteristics of gas–liquid–solid mixtures during core mass transport are complex, and developing a model to predict performance remains challenging. The flow characteristics of gas–liquid–solid mixtures inside the drill pipe are numerically analyzed by calculating the mixing transport of the core during the airlift process. By solving the momentum equations for multiphase flow, the distribution of physical quantities of three phases and pressure along the depth was calculated, and the laws of influence of the operating parameters on the transport characteristics of the core were analyzed. The results show that the drilling performance is related to the geometric parameters of the pipe and core, drilling speed, and depth. When the submergence ratio is increased to 0.9, the maximum liquid-phase superficial velocity is increased by 109% compared with that when the submergence ratio is 0.6. The size of the annular space gap 67 formed between the core and the pipe wall is the key to the core's mechanical properties, and the differential pressure gradient force increases with increasing core diameter. An increase in well depth reduces the fluid flow. In addition, increasing the pipe diameter improves drilling performance due to reduced friction losses, which elevates the air flow rate required for air-lift reverse circulation operation.

Classification of optical water groups in the subarctic Pacific and adjacent seas using satellite-derived light absorption spectra of chromophoric dissolved organic matter

The characteristics of the water masses that contribute to high biological production in the subarctic Pacific and adjacent seas (SPA) could change because of recent climate change. This study reports on a method to classify water in the SPA into distinct optical water groups using the light absorption coefficient of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), aCDOM(λ), captured using an ocean color satellite. In situ samples obtained from ship surveys between 2006 and 2021 were classified into five optical group numbers (OGN1–OGN5) based on aCDOM parameters in the ultraviolet (UV) region: aCDOM(λ) at 350 nm (aCDOM(350)) and the spectral slopes at 275–295 nm (S275–295) and at 350–400 nm (S350–400). We were also able to identify OGN with a new method using machine learning technique developed in this study that adopted satellite-derived aCDOM(λ) in the visible (VIS) region. The distribution and characteristics of OGN classified using the in situ aCDOM parameters in the UV region supplement the interpretation of the origin and mixing of the water masses classified by temperature and salinity. Relative to in situ samples, the accuracy of the OGN estimation from the ocean color satellites was 83.3%. The satellite-derived OGN were able to distinguish high chlorophyll-a areas where high phytoplankton productivity is expected. In addition, identifying the distribution of OGN from satellites supports improved understanding of the bloom process. This method has potential to help to understand the impact of phenomena from accelerating ocean warming (e.g., sea ice decline, enhancement of stratification and increase in riverine input) on water masses structure and the consequent changes in the phytoplankton productivity in the SPA.

Slope stability analysis of an open pit mine with considering the weathering agent: Field, laboratory and numerical studies

Freezing-thawing (F-T) processes can affect the slope instability of open pit mine wall in cold regions, resulting the increase of mining operations cost and decrease the safety of personnel and equipment. Therefore, estimating the degradation of rockmass geomechanical properties under the weathering agent is crucial for slope stability analysis of an open pit mine in mountain areas. Accordingly, for optimal slope stability analysis of Angouran open-pit mine in this research, variations of physico-mechanical properties of pit wall schist rock including dry density, and uniaxial and triaxial compressive strengths were firstly measured during the defined F-T cycles. Then, the related properties of slope rock mass were determined using the generalized Hoek-Brown criterion. Based on the estimated rock mass characteristics, a numerical model of mine slope was constructed and pit stability conditions was analyzed. According to the obtained results, the displacement of slope rock mass varied from 0 to 14.6 m, occurred in highly weathered schist, indicating the low probability of large collapses. To validate the achieved results, 30 prisms were installed in the north-west wall of mine and in-situ displacements were recorded three times in week for one year. Results indicated that the measured displacements from in-situ monitoring and numerical model are in good agreement, so that the determination coefficient (R2) was obtained 0.80.

Application of seismic methods for determining the depth of the rock mass damage zone around the excavation profile by blasting

Research and determination of the blasting damage zone around the profile of tunnels or underground structures is a platform that would serve to confirm or correct blasting parameters and underground assemblies, that is, geotechnical and main tunnel projects. From the obtained research, the stability of the excavation profile, as well as the safety risk for equipment and personnel on the construction site, would be better understood. Considering the importance of the size of the damage zone of the rock mass in terms of its influence on stability, the amount of primary support elements required to achieve the stability of the excavated space, and the additional costs of stabilization of the excavation and the safety of people and equipment, the aforementioned problem was investigated and processed for specific cases and for the rock mass characteristic for the location in question. From the described research, the change in the elastic characteristics of the rock mass and the depth of the damage zone around the tunnel excavation profile were measured and calculated.

Roadway rock burst prediction based on catastrophe theory

In order to quantitatively calculate the critical depth and critical load of mines affected by rock burst, and to achieve effective prevention and control of rock burst in coal mines, this paper proposes a mechanical model for predicting the occurrence of rock burst in coal mine roadways based on catastrophe theory. Additionally, a theoretical calculation formula for initiating rock burst is derived. The first step was to establish a mechanical analysis model, which directly correlated with the in-situ stress, physical and mechanical characteristics of the coal-rock mass, and engineering structural parameters. Following this, a mechanical instability criterion was derived for the key load-bearing circle within the surrounding rock of the roadway. In the final step, the critical depth and load for rock burst initiation were verified for 25 distinct coal mines in China that were prone to rock burst hazards. The research results demonstrate that the discrepancy between the theoretically calculated critical depth and the actual measured statistical values was less than 35%. In addition, the difference between the theoretically determined critical depth and the value calculated by Pan Yishan was less than 32%. Notably, the ratio of the theoretically calculated critical load to the uniaxial compressive strength of the coal-rock mass ranged from 0.38 to 1.93. This aligns with empirical data on rock burst occurrences, as set out in the engineering classification standards for rock masses. These research outcomes substantiated the practical utility of the proposed theory, thereby laying a robust theoretical groundwork for the quantitative control of rock burst.

Electrically conducting mixed convective nanofluid flow past a nonlinearly slender Riga plate subjected to viscous dissipation and activation energy

This paper reports the mass and energy transmission characteristics of an electrically conducting mixed convective nanofluid flow past a stretching Riga plate. An additional effect of viscous dissipation, Arrhenius activation energy and heat source is also studied. The energy and mass transmissions are evaluated by a zero-mass flux of nanoparticle and convective boundary conditions. Buongiorno’s relations are proposed for the Brownian motion and thermophoretic diffusion. The similarity substitutions are employed to derive the non-dimensional set of modeled equations. The obtained set of equations is numerically processed via parametric continuation method (PCM). Several flow factors affecting the velocity, energy, and mass distributions are graphically discussed. It has been perceived that the fluid velocity field declines with the influence of velocity power index (m), while improves with the upshot of modified Hartmann number (Q). The effect of Schmidt number and chemical reaction diminishes the concentration profile [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the energy curve enhances with the effect of thermophoresis factor, Biot and Eckert number.

Sweeteners in Orodispersible Films: How Much is too Much?

Four natural sweeteners (sucrose, xylitol, fructose, and isomalt) were selected to examine the influence of their qualities and amounts on the characteristics of orodispersible films. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (2% w/w) was utilized as the film-forming polymer and 1% w/w glycerol as a plasticizer. Films were produced through the solvent casting method, rendering them suitable for convenient application in community or hospital pharmacy settings. The physicochemical and optical properties of the films were analyzed, and Fourier-transform infrared analysis was carried out. All films exhibited acceptable disintegration time, uniformity of mass, thickness, and optical characteristics, with significant dependence (p<0.05) on both sweetener type and quantity. Disintegration time varied based on the employed method, as well as the characteristics and amount of sweetener. Additionally, all films maintained pH values within the oral cavity range, suggesting no potential irritancy upon administration. Fourier-transform infrared analysis confirmed the formation of the film and demonstrated compatibility between its components.

Comparison of physical characteristics of mass and luminosity function of disk systems in barred and unbarred spiral galaxies

إحدى أهم الطرق لتقصي توزيع المجرات عبر الزمن الكوني هي دالة اللمعان LF بدلالة كتلة القرص الباريوني ψS(Mb)، القدر . لقد درسنا تقديرًا لكثافة كتلة الباريون في عينة من المجرات الحلزونية القضيبية وغير القضيبية من الادبيات السابقة، والتي تتضمن فعليًا، لكل صنف من الاجرام السماوية ذات المحتوى الباريون المرئي، جزءًا لا يتجزأ من ناتج دالة الضيائية (LF) ونسبة الكتلة إلى الضوء. استخدمت تقنية الانحدار المتعدد لحزمة البرامج الإحصائية في دراستنا ونتائجنا، مثل برنامج تحليل قواعد البيانات والرسوم البيانية)برامج Statistics Win و(Origin Pro . وفقًا للتحليل الإحصائي، هناك علاقة إيجابية قوية وارتباط وثيق للغاية (α MB~1),  ، وغالبًا ما تظهر المجرات الحلزونية القرصية القضيبية وغير القضيبية قدراً مطلقاً بحدود MB &lt; -18 mag . "الركبة" لدالة الضيائية للمجرات الحلزونية تبين قطعًا كبيرًا عند كتلة باريونية تبلغ Mb &gt; 1010 Mʘ للمجرات الحلزونية القضيبية وغير القضيبية. يوفر هذا دليلاً يدعم الفرضية القائلة بأن اللوالب الحلزونية لنظام القرص بدأت تتشكل داخل عتبة كتلة متزايدة. نظرًا لأن زيادة دالة الكتلة الأولية للنجم مع الانزياح نحو الأحمر تكون أسرع بكثير، فقد أشارت النتائج التي توصلنا إليها إلى أن دالة الكتلة الأولية المنتقلة ψS(Mb) للمجرات القضيبية وغير القضيبيةعند انزياح أحمر مرتفع z &gt; 0.027 للمجرات االقضيبية وz &gt; 0.02للمجرات غير القضيبية والذي يبدو أنه يتناقص مقارنة بالكون الحرج.

Comparison of Diffusion MRI Findings of High-Graded Primary Brain Tumors and Metastatic Brain Tumors

Aim: Glioblastomas are the highest grade and most mortal primary brain tumors. Cerebral masses that occur with the metastasis of cancers of tissues other than brain are included in the differential diagnosis of glioblastomas. This study aimed to compare the diffusion-weighted imaging signal characteristics of primary and metastatic brain masses and to describe the findings that may be useful in the differential diagnosis. Material and Methods: Patients with pathologically diagnosed glioblastoma and patients with pathologically diagnosed metastases or radiologically diagnosed brain metastases were included in the study. Diffusion-weighted imaging signal properties in magnetic resonance imaging examinations obtained with a 1.5 Tesla scanner were retrospectively analyzed. The signal features and short and long diameters of the lesions were measured and compared in both patient groups. Results: A total of 54 patients, 24 glioblastomas, and 30 brain metastases were included in the study. The most common signal feature of diffusion-weighted imaging in the glioblastoma group was heterogeneous hyper- and hypointense areas observed in 20 (83.3%) patients. The most common signal feature in the metastasis group was the peripheral hyperintense ring and central hypointense signal in 16 (53.3%) patients. There was no significant relation found between the number of lesions and the primary brain tumor and metastases. Conclusion: Although only signal characteristics are used without quantitative assessment in diffusion-weighted imaging, it may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of primary and metastatic brain masses. It is important to remember that the masses in the two groups can have comparable signal properties.

Three-dimensional damage and rupture patterns of different thicknesses of rock mass with open joints under blast loading

There are an immense number of discontinuous structural surfaces represented by tensile joints in natural rock mass, in which the thickness of tensile joints determines the form how stress wave interacts with joint surface, which has a significant influence on the fracture behavior of jointed rock mass under blast loading. Open joint specimens were prepared using 3D printing technology, an indoor 3D blasting experiment was carried out with respect to different open joint thicknesses. Through CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction, the rupture and the distribution patterns of three-dimensional cracks of the post-blasting specimens were compared, and the rupture characteristics of the rock masses with different open joint thicknesses under blast loading were analyzed. The blasting process of the rock masses with open joints was inverted by AUTODYN numerical simulation software, the effects of open joint thickness on the propagation of stress wave and the three-dimensional damage characteristics of rock mass were revealed. Results showed that under the blast load, the wing cracks derived from the end of the open joints are greatly affected by the thickness of the joints and as the joint thickness increases, the annular derived cracks formed on the right outer surface of the specimen gradually decrease. In case of a change in the open joint thickness, the intensity at which the stress wave diffracts and transmits through the end of the joint will be directly affected. This makes it hard for the wing cracks at the end to initiate, the distribution density of the radial tension cracks traversing through the open joint surface attenuates obviously, resulting in the decrease of the fractal dimension and the damage extent of the specimen. As the thickness of open joints increases, the blast stress wave running through the joint surface will endure a time delay and reduced intensity, the closure of the joint surface gradually reduces, and the degree of stress concentration at the end gets weak. In the course of stress wave propagation, the rock mass on the back-blast side of the joint endures the combined actions of compressive stress field, tensile and tangential stress field and compressive and tangential stress field. As the thickness of open joint increases, the time point for the back-blast side to reach the peak stress is delayed, the intensity of the composite stress field subjected to compressive and tangential stress field decreases, and the normal displacements on the near-blast side and the back-blast side of the joint follow the opposite trend.

A method for analyzing discontinuities characterization using the integration of underground drift point cloud with 3DEC software

The geometric statistical characteristics of rock mass discontinuities, such as mean trace length and intensity, cannot be measured directly and require the use of statistical tools (such as sampling lines, sampling windows, and drilling) for analysis. In this paper, we propose a method for extracting discontinuity characteristics using the 3DEC software in three-dimensional (3D) drift models (3DM). Specifically, we introduce the Surface Disk Discontinuity Model (SDDM) as a representation model for planar and linear discontinuities identified in point clouds. By importing the 3DM and SDDM into 3DEC and utilizing a multi-circular window, we calculate the mean trace lengths and two-dimensional (2D) intensity (P21). Additionally, we propose a method to estimate the three-dimensional (3D) intensity (P32), which provides a more comprehensive reflection of the discontinuous characteristics in different spatial orientations. To validate the proposed method, we apply it to the underground drift of the Jiapigou gold mine in Jilin Province to extract the geometric statistical characteristics of discontinuities. The results demonstrate that our method successfully captures the orientation, trace length, and P32 characteristics of four dominant discontinuity groups in the study area. This approach proves to be an effective technique for utilizing 3D laser scanning to obtain accurate discontinuity characteristics of rock mass.