Imaging of lipids of whole-body specimens in two-dimensional (2D) analysis provides a global picture of the lipid changes in lipid-disturbed diseases, enabling a better understanding of lipid functions and lipid-modulation processes in different organs. However, 2D imaging of a single cross section can hardly characterize the whole-body lipid alterations. In this work, a three-dimensional matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (3D MALDI-MSI) approach was developed for analysis of whole-body zebrafish, for the first time, and applied to identify altered lipids and map their spatial distributions by using a zebrafish model of Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), a neurovisceral lipid storage disorder causing both neurodegenerative disorder and visceral organ damage. The constructed 3D fish model provided comprehensive information on the 3D distribution of lipids of interest and allowed direct correlations between these lipids and organs of the fish. Obtained results revealed that several sphingolipids and phospholipids showed significant alterations and exhibited different localization patterns in various organs such as the brain, spinal cord, intestines, and liver–spleen region in the npc1 gene mutant fish compared to those of the wild type. The whole-body 3D MALDI-MSI approach revealed unique lipid signatures for different NPC1-affected organs, which might offer insights into the link between the impaired lipid storage and subsequent clinical symptoms, such as neurodegeneration and hepatosplenomegaly.

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The haunched joint with ribbed anchor webs in the concrete-filled double steel tubular (CFDST) structure was proposed in this study. The CFDST column and the steel beam were connected by vertical ribbed webs, which were anchored inside the column and connected to the beam web by the bolted connection, and haunches were welded to shift plastic hinges from the joint core to beam ends. The cyclic loading test was conducted on three beam-to-column joint specimens. Seismic behaviors including failure modes, strain and stress responses, hysteretic curves, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity were respectively analyzed. Besides, a finite element (FE) modeling was completed by ABAQUS in consideration of geometric and material nonlinearity. The validity of FE modeling was checked by comparisons between FE results and test results, and research results confirmed that the beam-to-column rotation and the shear deformation in the joint core were small owing to the restriction from the configuration of haunches. Then parametric investigations on connection constructional details, geometric dimensions, material strength, and axial compression ratios, were made to study seismic behaviors of the haunched joint with ribbed anchor webs. It showed that the selected parameters except concrete strength had certain influences on bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation, and corresponding practicable design suggestions were proposed for the application of haunched joints with ribbed anchor webs in CFDST structures.

This study aims to verify which the performance-based design was successfully applied in the construction of the main exhibition hall of the first Hebei Garden Expo, China. Based on the idea of “equality and connectivity” among humans, buildings, and the environment, the exhibition hall was designed using digital shape generation technology, and a special double-skin structure was selected. A bright exterior glass curtain wall separated from the cell-shaped reinforced concrete (RC) structure, not only made the exhibition hall fit into the scenery so well, but also presented an adhesion area with functional links to the RC structure. Joints of the steel tubular truss and the glass curtain wall were optimally designed by means of finite element simulations. During the service of more than a decade, extension of space, function of interactivity, and energy conservation required for a green infrastructure were achieved, highlighting the ecological connectivity of the exhibition hall with the surrounding landscape. The exhibition hall performed synergy of structure and architecture functions and it is still a landmark building in Shijiazhuang, showing an excellent application achievement of the performance-based design.

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