Dynamic centrifuge model tests on Tumulus Mounds on cut slopes

The contributions to the eponymous 3rd International ISSMGE TC301 Symposium (Naples, Italy, 22-24 June 2022)Japan's tumulus mounds comprising compacted earth mounds and masonry burial chambers are vulnerable to earthquakes. This study focuses on the seismic behavior of tumulus mounds with sloped foundations. Dynamic centrifuge model tests were conducted using 1/50 scale cross-sectional models of tumulus mounds. The results show that large cracks occurred in the earth mound on the slope side when the shear resistance of the stone joints of the burial chamber was small. The stress distributions in the earth mound during the shaking tests were numerically estimated to identify the stress that caused cracks in the earth mound. The results show that tensile cracks dominantly occur near the surface under low confining pressure. The shear resistance of the stone joints of the burial chamber significantly restrains the opening of the tensile cracks; thus, it is an important factor to be considered when evaluating the seismic resistance of tumulus mounds and developing countermeasures

Increase of aqueous inflammatory factors in macular edema with branch retinal vein occlusion: a case control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study investigated whether soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) has a role in the pathogenesis of macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) together with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A retrospective case control study was performed in 22 patients with BRVO and macular edema, as well as 10 patients with nonischemic ocular diseases as the control group. Retinal ischemia was evaluated by measuring the area of capillary non-perfusion with Scion Image software, while the severity of macular edema was examined by optical coherence tomography. Aqueous humor samples were obtained during the performance of combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery. sICAM-1 and VEGF levels in aqueous humor and plasma specimens were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Aqueous humor levels of sICAM-1 (median: 6.90 ng/ml) and VEGF (median: 169 pg/ml) were significantly elevated in BRVO patients compared with the control group (median: 3.30 pg/ml and 15.6 pg/ml, respectively) (<it>P </it>= 0.005 and <it>P </it>< 0.001, respectively). The aqueous humor level of sICAM-1 was significantly correlated with that of VEGF (<it>P </it>= 0.025). In addition, aqueous levels of both sICAM-1 and VEGF were correlated with the size of the non-perfused area of the retina in BRVO patients (<it>P </it>= 0.021 and <it>P </it>< 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, aqueous levels of sICAM-1 and VEGF were both correlated with the severity of macular edema (<it>P </it>= 0.020 and <it>P </it>= 0.005, respectively).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Both sICAM-1 and VEGF may be involved in the pathogenesis of macular edema associated with BRVO. Measurement of aqueous humor sICAM-1 levels may be useful for assessment of BRVO patients with macular edema, in addition to measurement of VEGF.</p