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Typical rockfall analysis requires detailed discontinuity measurements; however, the use of conventional contact approaches can be challenging on cliffs. In this study, a novel automatic method for rockfall susceptibility is proposed to identify potential rockfall areas by topographic information on steep slopes generated by a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). The rockfall susceptibility can be determined using the proposed method via the following four steps: first, automatic spatial information of discontinuity extraction based on high-resolution point clouds; second, defining the spatial intersection areas of discontinuities with different statistical properties; third, evaluating the contribution of discontinuity intersections to rockfalls and estimating potential rockfall hazardous blocks based on kinematic analysis; and finally, mapping the rockfall susceptibility through the overall index. Our method can be used to expedite discontinuity measurements from high-resolution point clouds, optimize the processing of discontinuity statistics for the analysis of rockfall source areas, and permit users to visualize and intuitively access potential rockfall areas to facilitate effective measures to control rockfall hazards or implementation. The method was implemented in MATLAB for excavated slopes, and the credibility of our computational results was verified by visual inspection and a comparison to the source locations of rock detachment events. The results showed that the areas in case 1 with a high susceptibility were in line with the geometry of the discontinuities, and the predicted potential failure areas in case 2 were consistent with the rockfall events. This automated process allows rapid acquisition of potential rockfall areas over a broad-scale survey area, which helps to reduce the time of investigation and the uncertainty in further treatment. Highlights: An automatic mapping method based on high-resolution point clouds was utilized for rockfall susceptibility evaluation. An evaluation method was proposed for potential hazardous rockfall blocks based on discontinuity extraction and kinematic analysis. The method was implemented in MATLAB and validated by actual rockfall events on an excavated slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are one of the major factors threatening human life and social development. Monitoring and early warning of landslides are important parts of disaster prevention and control. However, due to complex terrain conditions, landslide monitoring in mountainous watersheds and high mountain valleys usually faces issues of high difficulty, high danger, poor data integrity, and low data accuracy compared with plains or hilly areas. Based on the fusion of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry, this article proposes a landslide deformation monitoring method that can be applied to complex terrain conditions where there are access restrictions and blind areas. The method is based on TLS to increase the number and range of ground control points (GCPs) of UAVs within the visual range and then uses assumed control points (ACPs) to reconstruct the UAV model and calculate landslide displacement in invisible areas. In addition, this article proposes and verifies a formula based on an allometricl equation to estimate the error between the calculated and real displacements based on this method. Then, we applied this method to a real landslide case and successfully realized landslide monitoring under the conditions of access limitation and blind areas. The proposed method enables landslide monitoring to overcome terrain restrictions, and it makes it possible to perform large-scale and high-precision ground deformation measurements with limited working ranges, which can be an effective tool for landslide monitoring in emergency situations and long-term risk evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On June 17, 2020, a sequential disaster event, including debris flows, dammed lakes and the reactivation of ancient landslides, occurred in Danba County, Southwest China. The debris flow, which was triggered by short-term heavy rainfall, caused damage to houses and casualties, eventually leading to the blockage of the main channel of the Xiaojinchuan River as well as the formation of a debris flow–dammed lake. The outburst flood induced by the breakage of the debris flow dam caused devastating damage to dozens of villages, towns, and national highway G350 downstream. Moreover, an ancient landslide located on the left bank was reactivated during the outburst flood and experienced a large degree of deformation for several months. According to this sequential disaster event, we conducted on-site surveys and monitoring using three-dimensional terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The development and dynamic evolution mechanism of the debris flow, dammed lake, and reactivated ancient landslide were illustrated based on the monitoring data. The results show that the erosion of outburst floods is the main cause of the deep and shallow sliding of the ancient landslide, and the presence of landslide deposits or unstable slopes near the debris flow dam sites is the key factor in the amplification and expansion of the disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A repetitive pulsed power supply prototype has been designed and implemented for the RCS beam extraction kicker in the CSNS upgrade. The pulsed power supply features an ultra-low impedance Blumlein PFN to generate a fast front and high-current pulse, and a saturable magnetic switch to sharpen the pulse's rising edge at the nanosecond time scale. A detailed report is provided on the practical engineering issues arising from the ultra-low impedance Blumlein PFN in the paper. Additionally, we have utilized simulation and experimental methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the saturation magnetic switch in sharpening the excitation current at the nanosecond time scale. The developed pulsed power supply is capable of generating a pulse current of 6660 A with a rise time of 248 ns, a pulse flat-top duration of 628 ns, a time jitter of ±4.5 ns, and a flat-top ripple of ≤±1 % at a repetition rate of 25 Hz. The design and experimental results of this pulsed power supply are presented in detail in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive review of weak decays of charmed hadrons (D 0/ +, |$D^+_s$| and |$\Lambda ^+_c$|⁠) based on analyses of the threshold data from e + e − annihilation in the BESIII experiment is presented. Current experimental challenges and successes in understanding decays of the charmed hadrons are discussed. Precise calibrations of quantum chromodynamics and tests of the standard model are provided by measurements of purely leptonic and semi-leptonic decays of charmed hadrons, and lepton universality is probed in purely leptonic decays of charmed mesons to three generations of leptons. Quantum correlations in threshold data samples provide access to strong phases in the neutral D meson decays and probe the decay dynamics of the charmed Λ c baryon. Charm physics studies with near-threshold production of charmed particle pairs are unique to BESIII, and provide many important opportunities and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-landslide high slopes have always been at increased risk for rockfall disasters, posing a considerable threat to the slope toe area and making it very difficult to manage. In this paper, a comprehensive rockfall hazard assessment strategy based on high-resolution terrestrial laser scanning is proposed. A high-resolution digital terrain model was obtained based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and data processing. Combined with a three-dimensional (3D) probabilistic model, the movement of rock blocks is simulated, and the mechanical parameters for simulation are corrected by 3D back analysis. Finally, based on hierarchical analysis process (AHP) and raster calculation, a rockfall hazard map can be obtained. The method was applied to analyze rockfall hazards on the post-landslide rock slope in Ganluo County. It was found that the rockfall hazard of the post-landslide slope is a great threat to the personnel and equipment of the emergency rescue at the site, and its long-term rockfall risk is also a big hidden danger to the railway at the foot of the slope. The planned 3 m high and 1500 kJ energy capacity protection net has 87.22% interception efficiency, but it is difficult to stop the falling rocks with high speed or high bouncing height. According to the characteristics of rockfall hazards, recommendations for rockfall hazard mitigation measures are proposed, including two aspects of rockfall source area remediation and rockfall transport path blocking. The case of rockfall hazard assessment in Ganluo County provides new methods and ideas for the management of rockfall hazard on post-landslide rock slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debris avalanches have complex structures due to the internal discreteness of fragmentation events. From a meso perspective, a debris avalanche is essentially a collection of debris particles of various sizes. Friction and collision events are directly influenced by the gradation of debris particles, restricting the movement process of debris avalanches. Accordingly, a series of numerical simulations have been conducted to research the influence of motion behavior based on experimental tests. The results indicate that the inhomogeneous character of a debris avalanche creates a conducive particle structure for the movement of the debris avalanche, in which the fine particles can play a role in the conversion of sliding to rolling at the bottom, causing the reduction of friction dissipation and the differentiation of particle friction resistance along the vertical direction, which continues until deposition. Sudden decreases in friction resistance occurring on high-speed, fluid-like debris avalanches are primarily correlated to the particular particle structure due to the significant inhomogeneity of particle gradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The runout behavior of rockfall is mostly determined by the terrain and its mechanical parameters. The two factors can be significantly changed in a short period of time due to rockfall deposits in high-frequency rockfall regions. In this paper, a self-evolution process of rockfall from the Hongshiyan post-earthquake rock slope is observed and analyzed. This self-evolution process of the rockfall is the consequence of the re-occurrences of a large number of rockfall events in a short period of time, which lead to an increase in the elevation, slope angle, and hardness of the terrain, and aggravate further the severity of subsequent rockfall disasters. In order to analyze the self-evolution process, numerical simulations based on a probabilistic model were carried out on eight different conditions to analyze the interaction between the rockfall and different ground surface. The corresponding rockfall hazard was then analyzed according to a quantitative assessment method. The statistics of the average class (AC) and mitigation index (MI) of the rockfall were proposed to quantify the rockfall characteristics in different conditions. The effectiveness of structural and non-structural rockfall protection measures in high-frequency rockfall areas was discussed. An interim non-structural measure that addresses the self-evolution of rockfall is proposed to improve the mitigation efficiency, which can also reduce the maintenance cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent rockfall events at the Huashiya cliff near the dam site of Jinsha Hydropower Station poses great threats to construction projects along the Jinsha River. In order to protect the construction area, a comprehensive analysis of rockfall hazard was carried out including field survey, numerical simulation, quantitative assessment and mitigation strategy. High resolution Digital Terrain Model (DTM) was created by Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), then used for the identification of rockfall sources and simulation of rockfall run-out behaviours. Approximately 60 rockfall simulations were conducted to analyze the interaction between rockfall block and protection nets. Quantitative assessment of rockfall hazard was then made to visualize the distribution and hazard of rockfall. The difference between the 60 rockfall simulations was quantified through Rockfall Interception Ratio (RIR) and the Energy Ratio of Overflying Rockfall (EROR). By integrating RIR, EROR and cost, the performance of protection measures were quantitatively assessed. Then, an optimization strategy was proposed to improve the cost-efficiency of the protection system. At the end of this paper, some problems that can be encountered when creating DTM and hazard maps were discussed, and some advices for designing passive protection system were introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Endotoxin-associated acute kidney injury (AKI), a disease characterized by marked oxidative stress and inflammation disease, is a major cause of mortality in critically ill patients. Mitochondrial fission and pyroptosis often occur in AKI. However, the underlying biological pathways involved in endotoxin AKI remain poorly understood, especially those related to mitochondrial dynamics equilibrium disregulation and pyroptosis. Previous studies suggest that heme oxygenase- (HO-) 1 confers cytoprotection against AKI during endotoxic shock, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) takes part in mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, in this study, we examine the roles of HO-1/PINK1 in maintaining the dynamic process of mitochondrial fusion/fission to inhibit pyroptosis and mitigate acute kidney injury in rats exposed to endotoxin. Methods. An endotoxin-associated AKI model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used in our study. Wild-type (WT) rats and PINK1 knockout (PINK1KO) rats, respectively, were divided into four groups: the control, LPS, Znpp+LPS, and Hemin+LPS groups. Rats were sacrificed 6 h after intraperitoneal injecting LPS to assess renal function, oxidative stress, and inflammation by plasma. Mitochondrial dynamics, morphology, and pyroptosis were evaluated by histological examinations. Results. In the rats with LPS-induced endotoxemia, the expression of HO-1 and PINK1 were upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels. These rats also exhibited inflammatory response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial fission, pyroptosis, and decreased renal function. After upregulating HO-1 in normal rats, pyroptosis was inhibited; mitochondrial fission and inflammatory response to oxidative stress were decreased; and the renal function was improved. The effects were reversed by adding Znpp (a type of HO-1 inhibitor). Finally, after PINK1 knockout, there is no statistical difference in the LPS-treated group and Hemin or Znpp pretreated group. Conclusions. HO-1 inhibits inflammation response and oxidative stress and regulates mitochondria fusion/fission to inhibit pyroptosis, which can alleviate endotoxin-induced AKI by PINK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local topography and structural features of discontinuities have a great effect on the movement characteristics and failure mechanisms of the unstable rock blocks of the rock slope. By taking full advantage of the geometric information contained in the multi-temporal terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds, a technique based on a roto-translation method has been developed to track and monitor the movement behavior of blocks in unstable rock slopes. The technique can be completed in three stages: (a) a preliminary change detection is used to distinguish the unstable area by means of a shortest distance (SD) algorithm; (b) an automatic discontinuity identification algorithm is implemented to visually identify the discontinuity sets and to exactly delineate rock blocks in unstable areas; and (c) finally a roto-translation movement monitoring method is applied to track and monitor the unstable rock blocks. This technique permits the user to visually identify the discontinuity sets and to determine their orientation, and therefore provides detailed information of geometric compounding relationships between the slope and joint systems as well as the forming rock blocks which are the key impacts to stability of the rock slope. It permits the user to exactly and visually delineate the rock blocks in the unstable area, and thus the completely tracking and monitoring of lock block movement in unstable rock slopes can be effectively conducted. It overcomes the limited precision of the single TLS points and provides an actual 3D movement measuring method for the blocks rather than a shortest distance. The technique was first used in the movement behavior monitoring of the unstable rock blocks in a post-earthquake high rock slope. The results show that the rock block movement monitoring technique is well suited for providing high-quality data in the assessment of rock failure hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hai-bo Li, Yue-ren Xu, Jia-wen Zhou, Xie-kang Wang and Jie Dou contributed equally to this work. Because of these local emergency responses, 11 survivors were successfully rescued from the landslide-affected area shortly after the occurrence of the landslide. The Shuicheng landslide is a typical example of a heavy rainfall-induced long-runout landslide, which was also affected by some human activities. [Extracted from the article]

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) play a key role in the pathogenesis and development of glaucoma. The present study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of long noncoding RNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in glaucoma development through regulating the apoptosis of RGCs. Rat models of chronic glaucoma were successfully established by translimbal laser photocoagulation. Retinal tissues were collected to determine the density of RGCs through Toluidine blue staining. The overexpression vector or short hairpin RNA for GAS5 or enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) was transfected into RGCs after in vitro pressurization culture to examine the function of GAS5 in RGC apoptosis. The involvement of EZH2 and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) was further identified. Cell apoptosis after laser treatment and transfection was assessed by flow cytometry. We found abundant GAS5 expression and a reduction in RGC density in the retinal tissues of glaucoma rats. Silencing of GAS5 led to increased EZH2 expression and decreased ABCA1 expression in RGCs. In addition, upregulation of EZH2 promoted trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3, thereby suppressing ABCA1 expression and eventually leading to the inhibition of RGC apoptosis. These findings provide further understanding of the function of GAS5 in RGC apoptosis. We conclude that downregulation of GAS5 could help relieve glaucoma symptoms. GAS5 is therefore a promising target for developing novel therapeutic approaches for treating patients with glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of the landslide dam is believed to be case-specific and closely related to the dynamics of failure mass movement and river bed topography. This study focuses on two massive landslides, which blocked the Jinsha River twice on October 11 and November 3, 2018, respectively. The unique feature of these two sequential events was that the remnant of the 1st landslide dam body after break had a significant influence on the formation and shape of the 2nd landslide dam. Multiple methods were used to investigate landslides triggering factors and formation mechanism of these two landslide dams, including traditional field investigation, satellite remote sensing, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 3D image technology. After long-term creeping deformation under gravitational and hydrological effects, the first failure eventually occurred due to the short-term heavy rainfall in early October 2018. With a high speed along the steep slide bed, the failure mass of the 1st landslide rushed towards the opposite (left) bank of the Jinsha River, while the failure mass of 2nd landslide mainly accumulated at the toe of the slope (right bank) as a result of obstruction from the remaining body of the 1st landslide dam after overflowing. Another important observation is the scraping and entrainment effect on the 2nd landslide; consequently, the volume of the failure mass, which was about 2.0 × 106 m3 at source area based on UAV data, increased significantly to more than 6.0 × 106 m3. This substantially enlarged the volume of the new landslide dam with an unexpected height; thus, overflowing was not possible without manual excavation. An additional investigation implies that the Baige remnant slope is likely to fail again with considerable failure mass. These analyses presented in the paper indicate that multiple occurrences of landslides can significantly increase the risks associated with the compound landslide dams, considering also the volume amplification effect. Thus, timely measures should be carried out to reduce the unexpected devastating consequences prior to possible re-occurrence of landslide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a typical abrupt geological hazard, rockfalls are widely distributed and occur frequently. It is often difficult to predict the occurrence, and therefore record and monitor the whole failure process of rockfalls. In this study, with the combined use of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and ground-based radar interferometry (GB-InSAR) technologies, a typical small collapse in the Hongshiyan post-earthquake rock slope was monitored. An accurate TLS three-dimensional (3D) rock slope model of the study area was established with high-resolution geometry and morphology information, the discontinuity sets and their orientations and distributions were visually identified and analyzed by means of an automatic discontinuity identification algorithm. A perspective view of the whole dynamic failure process of the small collapse was achieved; the displacement behavior during critical sliding stage was revealed by integrating the high-accuracy (millimetric) GB-InSAR monitoring results into the TLS 3D model. It can be used for a complete analysis of the failure behavior and stability assessment of the rock slope during a phase of emergency. The unstable rock block on the slope exhibited a rapid growth of displacement. The dynamic failure process of the rock block underwent three obvious accelerating periods. There was a correspondence between the spatial expansion of the moving area and the process of cracking propagation of rock bridges. The stability of the perilous rock above the tafoni was controlled by the connectivity of rock bridges. Thanks to monitoring, early warning and preventive measure were taken, which avoided a possible undesirable event. This typical case study can provide a reference for the monitoring of an unstable rock slope and the understanding of the evolution of rock block kinematics before collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new phenylpropanoid allopyranosides (1 – 5), along with five known compounds (6 – 10) were isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga dahurica. Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods, as well as comparison with literatures. The anti-inflammatory activities of all isolates were evaluated. Compounds 6 , 9 and 10 exhibited inhibitory effects on PGE 2 production in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC 50 values of 19.72, 6.33 and 39.90 µM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In a large underground powerhouse, the surrounding rock mass at the intersection of the caverns has multiple free faces. This rock mass is more susceptible to stability issues because of its peculiar structure. This paper takes the Baihetan underground powerhouse as a case study example, wherein the failure issue of multi-freeface surrounding rock mass appears prominent. Through analysis of monitoring data from multi-point extensometers, it has been concluded that the average daily deformation of the main powerhouse sidewall on downstream side in the presence of multi-freeface rock mass proves larger than that on upstream side; the maximum deformation reaches 0.48 mm/d, overshadowing that at the rock anchor beam as well. The multi-freeface surrounding rock mass is not only more subject to large deformation but also shows more sensitivity to positional change in the working face. Moreover, the sidewall and rock anchor beam witness greater spatial deformation compared with the arch area from a spatial perspective, and from the point of time the time-related deformation presents a step growth, which tends to eventually converge. The failure mechanism is also discussed, where fiercer stress redistribution and denser cracks account for the greater deformation of the multi-freeface surrounding rock mass. In general, a wide range of underground powerhouse stability issues has arisen with respect to huge-scale and adverse geological conditions since the construction of the Baihetan Hydropower Station, and settling these issues will undoubtedly have milestone significance with regard to the construction and development of hydropower engineering projects among the worldwide. Highlights • Spatial-temporal characteristics of deformation in powerhouse are studied. • Deformation at different location in powerhouse is analyzed contrastively. • Large deformation evolution of multi-freeface surrounding rock mass is discussed. • Failure mechanism of multi-freeface surrounding rock mass is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforcing a landslide dam and converting a landslide-dammed lake to a hydraulically engineered lake is a sound means to address this natural disaster. The Hongshiyan landslide-dammed lake reconstruction project provides an excellent example. However, the stability of the remnant slope is crucial to the reconstruction of this project. It is essential to analyse the formation failure mechanisms of the Hongshiyan landslide and evaluate the stability of the remnant slope. Combined with field investigations and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 3D image technologies, the failure mechanisms of the Hongshiyan landslide and the stability of the remnant slope were qualitatively studied and discussed. The dynamic process and failure mechanism of the Hongshiyan landslide are significantly different to conventional landslides. The dynamic process of the Hongshiyan landslide can be divided into three stages: time-dependent deformation stage, earthquake-induced failure stage and an unloading recovery stage. The failure mechanism can be summarised as follows: tension–crush–shattering–sliding. The stability conditions of the remnant slope are worse than those of conventional landslides under the same conditions. Toppling and small collapse are possibly occurring at the back scarp of the remnant slope because of the steep slope gradient, well-developed tension fractures and frequent occurrence of aftershocks and rainstorms. Based on the density, opening degree, porosity and connectivity of the cracks, as well as instability risk probabilities, the rock mass of the back scarp of the remnant slope can be divided into three zones: the seismically damaged zone, the unloading damaged zone and the stable zone. To guarantee the safety of the remnant slope and reduce secondary earthquake or rainstorm disasters, corresponding comprehensive treatment measures must be taken to ensure long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of absolute ethanol combined with n-butyl cyanoacrylate sclerotherapy in the treatment of Puig's classified advanced venous malformation. Sclerotherapy was performed in 121 children (52 males and 69 females; age range, 5 months to 16 years) with venous malformations under general anesthesia between April 2009 and October 2014 at the Department of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Anomalies, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China. The patients with venous malformations were diagnosed and classified according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. According to the characteristics of intraoperative percutaneous angiography, 21 patient cases (9 males and 12 females; age range, 6 months to 14 years) were classified as advanced Puig's venous malformation. These 21 patients were treated with absolute ethanol combined with n-butyl cyanoacrylate. The patients were followed-up for 6–24 months (average, 15 months) after treatment. Following treatment with absolute ethanol combined with n-butyl cyanoacrylate, 15 cases were controlled and the total effective rate was 71% (15/21). However, 1 patient developed skin ulcerations, which was classed as a minor complication, 1 patient developed ectopic embolism caused by n-butyl cyanoacrylate reflux, and 1 patient developed transient pulmonary hypertension, the latter two complications were classified as major. Notably, the incidence rate of minor and major complications were 14.3%. To conclude, the present findings indicated that absolute ethanol combined with n-butyl cyanoacrylate sclerotherapy was a safe and effective method with a low complication rate in the treatment of Puig's classified advanced venous malformation in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Geometric information and discontinuity characterization of rock masses are the key aspects of the analysis of the evolution and failure mechanisms of rockfalls. With the advantageous use of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), the accurate three-dimensional (3D) spatial information of rock slopes can be obtained without contact. By conducting a fuzzy K-means algorithm in this study, the automatic identification of discontinuity sets is achieved, and dominant occurrences of rock mass discontinuities in each local region can be acquired in great detail. This automatic identification method permits the user to visually identify the discontinuity sets and acquire their spacial distribution features, e.g. occurrences, spacings, trace lengths and their geometric compounding relationships. At the same time, based on the shortest distance (SD) algorithm and the surface-to-plane volume calculation algorithm, the distributions, shapes, volumes and scars of the rockfalls can be accurately detected over the monitored time interval. These methods are able to provide adequate investigations and quantitative assessment for the rockfall failure mechanisms and evolutions of the Hongshiyan post failure rock slope after the 2014 Ludian earthquake. The topography of the landslide surface, mechanical properties, scales and the structural features of the discontinuities have a significant effect on the failure mechanisms, distributions and volumes of rockfalls. The main failure mechanisms of the rockfall investigated in this rock slope can be divided into plane failure, wedge failure and toppling failure. The plane and wedge failures mainly occurred in the landslide surface while the toppling failures are mainly observed along the edge of the post failure slope, which is obviously responded by preferred discontinuities. The reverse-dip stratified structure characteristics and the excavation disturbances during the recovering and slope treatment stage induce numerous progressive and continuous failures of rockfalls. The results are beneficial for the design and optimization of rockfall treatments. Highlights • The accurate 3D surface models of the Hongshiyan remnant rock slope have been established using the TLS technology. • Discontinuity sets are visually identified using the automatic discontinuity identification method. • Distributions, shapes, volumes of rockfalls are accurately detected over the monitored time interval. • Failure and evolution mechanisms of rockfalls have been quantitatively analyzed and assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the plane wave expansion method, we introduced the concept and theory of two-dimensional function photonic crystal, and compared the theoretical difference of two-dimensional function photonic crystal with the conventional photonic crystal. In Numerical calculation, with COMSOL software based on finite element method, we have studied the bandgap structure, defect mode and eigenfield distribution for the two-dimensional function photonic crystal with and without point defect. For the two-dimensional function photonic crystal, the dielectric constant of dielectric column is the space coordinate function, which can be realized by the electro-optic effect and the Kerr effect. In the paper, we studied the dielectric constant function form is 𝜀 (r) = kr + b, and the parameters k and b can be adjusted by changing the electric field or light intensity applied to the dielectric column. By changing the parameters k or b of the dielectric column dielectric constant, we found the two-dimensional function photonic crystal transmission characteristics have the adjustability, i.e., the bandgap structure, the bandgap position and width, the defect mode position, width and number and the defect mode eigenfield distribution can be changed by adjusting the parameters k or b, which can be used to conveniently design the bandgap structure that we need. These conclusions will provide important theoretical basis and methods for optical devices design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation and failure of the surrounding rock mass is a key issue during the construction of large‐scale underground powerhouse, and large discontinuities are likely to cause this problem in the presence of complex geological structures. This article takes the right bank underground powerhouse of the Baihetan Hydropower Station as a case study. In this case, deformation mutation of the surrounding rock mass occurred in the south section of the main powerhouse, with the maximum deformation reaching 178 mm, and the deformation and failure of different parts showed differences. A comprehensive study integrating field survey, site monitoring, laboratory test and numerical simulation was carried out. By field survey and monitoring, characteristics of deformation and failure are described, and the spatiotemporal difference in deformation is analysed. The stress evolution during excavation is studied based on numerical simulations, the mechanical response of rock is derived through laboratory tests, and the mechanism of spatiotemporal difference is revealed. The results indicate that the main reason for the spatiotemporal difference is the presence of slightly inclining interlayer shear zone C4. In the south section, the excavation‐induced stress concentration at the arch was enhanced due to C4, with the maximum principal stress exceeding 70 MPa, and the high compressive stress here triggered the deformation mutation of surrounding rock mass. After undergoing a stress path from concentration to unloading, the surrounding rock mass at the downstream sidewall was seriously damaged, and its deformation also mutated under approximately vertical stress. The mutation resulted in the uneven spatial distribution, large increment and time‐dependent feature of deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast and accurate assessment of slope topography and geological information and understanding of slope deformation evolution are of great significance in emergency investigation and monitoring of landslides. In this study, using the geometric information contained in terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds, an automatic discontinuity identification algorithm and a quantitative overall displacement evaluation method were developed. The automatic discontinuity identification algorithm is based on a k-means fuzzy cluster, allowing fast visual identification of any discontinuity from the acquired point cloud data to obtain accurate geometric information including occurrence, spacing, and continuity. It can provide adequate assessment of potentially unstable blocks in landslides during emergency disposal. The quantitative overall displacement evaluation method characterizes the overall displacement trend of local areas based on statistics from the M3C2 algorithm results. It can be used to quantify the deformation/displacement of relatively independent blocks (or local areas of slopes) and provides technical support for multi-temporal monitoring of potentially unstable blocks during emergency landslide disposal. These methods were applied to the Baige landslide during emergency disposal in 2019. Based on a comprehensive geological survey and monitoring results, the overall remnant slope was in a relatively stable state after the Baige landslide. However, the back edge of the slope was somewhat broken, and there were two large blocks with a relatively high risk of instability. The results show that these methods can provide effective technical support for emergency investigation, monitoring, and risk assessment of large-scale landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the effects of carbon-nitrogen ratio (CNR) on nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emission and quantify N 2 O spatial distribution in subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS), layered sampling method was introduced. Results showed that low N 2 O emission rate (1.43 mg/m 2 ·h) and conversion rate (0.1% accounting for influent TN) were obtained when CNR increased up to as high as 10. The highest N 2 O emission (3.14 mg/m 2 ·h) was observed at CNR of 6. Instead, independent of CNR variations, 0–75 cm was the main contributor for N 2 O emission. The results indicated that layered sampling method is necessary in revealing N 2 O spatial distribution in soil layers. Carbon source availability and nitrogen load and their ratio (i.e. CNR) determined N 2 O emission rate. CNR of medium level leads to an increase in N 2 O emission rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Retinal Müller cells could be induced to differentiate into retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but RGCs derived from Müller cells have defects in axon growth, leading to a defect in signal conduction. In this study we aimed to explore the role of miR-124 in axon growth of RGCs derived from Müller cells. Methods: Müller cells were isolated from rat retina and induced to dedifferentiate into retinal stem cells. The stem cells were infected by PGC-FU-Atoh7-GFP lentivirus and then transfected with miR-124 or anti-miR-124, and the length of axon was compared. Furthermore, the cells were injected into the eyes of rat chronic ocular hypertension glaucoma model and axon growth in vivo was examined. The targeting of CoREST by miR-124 was detected by luciferase assay. Results: In retinal stem cells, the length of axon was 1,792±64.54 µm in miR-124 group, 509±21.35 µm in control group, and only 87.9±9.24 µm in anti-miR-124 group. In rat model, miR-124 promoted axon growth of RGCs differentiated from retinal stem cells. Furthermore, we found that miR-124 negatively regulated CoREST via directly targeting the binding site in CoREST 3′ UTR. Conclusions: We provide the first evidence that miR-124 regulates axon growth of RGCs derived from Müller cells, and miR-124 has translational potential for gene therapy of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of long noncoding RNA-MALAT1 (LncRNA-MALAT1) on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with glaucoma. Methods: RGCs were isolated and cultured, and monoclonal antibodies (anti-rat Thy-1, Brn3a and RBPMS) were examined by immunocytochemistry. An overexpression vector MALAT1-RNA activation (RNAa), gene knockout vector MALAT1-RNA interference (RNAi), and control vector MALAT1-negative control (NC) were constructed. A chronic high intraocular pressure (IOP) rat model of glaucoma was established by episcleral vein cauterization. The RGCs were divided into the RGC control, RGC pressure, RGC pressure + MALAT1-NC, RGC pressure + MALAT1-RNAi and RGC pressure + MALAT1-RNAa groups. Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the normal, high IOP, high IOP + MALAT1-NC, high IOP + MALAT1-RNAa and high IOP + MALAT1-RNAi groups. qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of LncRNA-MALAT1 and PI3K/Akt. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nickend labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry were used to detect RGC apoptosis. Results: Immunocytochemistry revealed that the cultured RGCs reached 90% purity. Compared with the RGC pressure + MALAT1-NC group, the RGC pressure + MALAT1-RNAa group exhibited elevated expression levels of MALAT1, lower total protein levels of PI3K and Akt and decreased RGC apoptosis, while these expression levels were reversed in the RGC pressure + MALAT1- RNAi group. RGC numbers and PI3K/Akt expression levels in the high IOP model groups were lower than those in the normal group. In the high IOP + MALAT1-RNAa group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K/Akt were reduced but higher than those in the other three high IOP model groups. Additionally, RGC numbers in the high IOP + MALAT1-RNAa group were lower than those in the normal group but higher than those in the other three high IOP model groups. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that LncRNA-MALAT1 could inhibit RGC apoptosis in glaucoma through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the excavation process of the underground powerhouse caverns at the Houziyan Hydropower Station, some failure phenomena (including split, spalling, ballooning and cracking of the shotcrete layer) occurred and posed a great threat to the safety of the structure, construction equipment and people's lives. Monitoring data show that the surrounding rock mass deformation at several locations (more than 17% of the total monitoring points) is larger than 50 mm after the sixth step of excavation, which is beyond the average deformation of completed underground main powerhouse caverns under similar scale and in-situ stress conditions in China. The field investigations, monitoring data and numerical simulations indicate that high second principal stress with a direction sub-vertical to the axis of the main powerhouse has a remarkable effect on the deformation and failure of the underground powerhouse. The failure types along the depth of the high sidewall at the main powerhouse can be identified as peeling off at the surface and slabbing and spalling at the near surface and deeper tension fracture failure. The failure at the high sidewall of the main powerhouse has obvious time effects. Expanding the deep fractures, tension and sliding of weak structural planes is highly correlated with the increase of the deformations, and the high second principal stress leads to an increase of the dynamic unloading effects and unloading relaxation degree, which lead to a higher occurrence of crack expansion and deep fractures. Meanwhile, the relatively high second principal stress exacerbated the stress concentration at the upstream spandrel and downstream arch foot of the main powerhouse and led to serious ballooning and cracking of the shotcrete layer and split failure of the surrounding rock mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endotoxin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is commonly observed in clinical practice. Renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) pyroptosis is one of the main factors leading to the development of endotoxin-induced AKI. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to pyroptosis. However, the biological pathways involved in the potential lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pyroptosis of RTECs, notably those associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, are poorly understood. Previous studies have demonstrated that heme oxygenase (HO)-1 confers cell protection via the induction of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) expression through PTEN to regulate mitochondrial fusion/fission during endotoxin-induced AKI in vivo. Therefore, the present study investigated the role of HO-1/PINK1 in maintaining mitochondrial function and inhibiting the pyroptosis of RTECs exposed to LPS. Primary cultures of RTECs were obtained from wild-type (WT) and PINK1-knockout (PINK1KO) rats. An in vitro model of endotoxin-associated RTEC injury was established following treatment of the cells with LPS. The WT RTECs were divided into the control, LPS, Znpp + LPS and Hemin + LPS groups, and the PINK1KO RTECs were divided into the control, LPS and Hemin + LPS groups. RTECs were exposed to LPS for 6 h to assess cell viability, inflammation, pyroptosis and mitochondrial function. In the LPS-treated RTECs, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HO-1 and PINK1 were upregulated. Cell viability, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate were decreased, whereas the inflammatory response, pyroptosis and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were increased. The cell inflammatory response and the induction of pyroptosis were inhibited, whereas the levels of mitochondrial ROS were decreased. In addition, the cell viability and ATP levels were increased in the WT RTECs following the upregulation of HO-1 expression. These effects were reversed by the downregulation of HO-1 expression. However, no statistically significant differences were noted between the LPS and the Hemin + LPS groups in the PINK1KO RTECs. Collectively, the findings of the present study indicate that HO-1 inhibits inflammation and regulates mitochondrial function by inhibiting the pyroptosis of LPS-exposed RTECs via PINK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lateral confinement effect significantly influences wave amplitude at the generation and propagation stage. A series of physical experiments and numerical simulations considering different parameters was conducted to study the effect of lateral confinement on waves, and the enlargement percentage from lateral confinement on the maximum wave amplitude has been estimated and validated. Results indicate that sliding mass is the most significant factor influencing the wave amplitude on wave generation, with an average influence ratio of 19.0%, and there is a lower influence ratio of 12.3% for particle size parameter. The enlargement percentage induced by lateral confinement decreases from 55.0% to 31.1% on wave generation location as the slide Froude number increases. On the location of wave propagation, the enlargement percentage increases as the slide Froude number increases, ranging from 17.4% to 47.7%. Equations of the enlargement percentage are presented in this study to align the maximum wave amplitude when physical experiments are influenced by lateral confinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a 12-month study period, the levels, distributions, sources and ecological risk of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in subsurface water of Shenyang (the largest urban industrial relocation base in China). The results showed that ΣPAH concentration ranged from 0.21 to 1.07 µg/L, in descending order as follows, summer, autumn, spring and winter. Comparing with the situations before relocation, there was a significant decrease in Fluorene, Phenanthrene and Anthracene levels. The content of Banzo[a]pyrene was in high level. Relatively high 16 EPA-PAHs concentrations were observed at downstream sites suggesting that after the industrial relocation, residual 16 EPA-PAHs in soil and sediments could be desorbed and resuspended in water. From a global perspective, contamination of subsurface water PAHs can be categorized as moderate level. Source analysis suggested that without industrial waste input, pyrogenic soureces were the major contributors for PAHs pollution in winter. Petrogenic and pyrogenic inputs were equally important sources for PAHs pollution in other seasons. Due to incomplete combustion of wood and coal, ecological risk of Banzo[a]pyrene was high in the winter, indicating that to alleviate 16 EPA-PAH contamination, segmented remediation and energy structure adjustment would be equally important in urban industrial relocation areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jinping I underground powerhouse is deeply buried and is one of the largest underground powerhouses in China. As a result of high levels of in situ stress, complex geological conditions and the effects of excavation in adjacent caverns, the surrounding rock mass has been severely deformed and broken, and excavation damaged zones (EDZs) have become major obstacles to the design of cavern excavation and support. Field investigations and monitoring data indicated that there are two main modes of failure: high tangential stress induced failure and progressive failure, which have occurred on the mountain side and the river valley side of the Jinping I underground powerhouse. These two main modes of failure were due to strong secondary principal stress forces in the sub-parallel directions and sub-vertical directions, acting on the axes of the main powerhouse on the mountain side and on the river valley side, respectively. Deformations and EDZs on the river valley side were generally larger than those found along the mountain side, and the distribution of deformations was consistent with the distribution of EDZs. The evolution of the EDZ on the river valley side has clearly been time dependent, especially along the downstream arch abutment, and the EDZ was considerably enlarged with further excavation. Additionally, the deformation of the surrounding rock mass was first initiated from the edge of the excavation area and gradually extended to deeper areas away from the opening. However, the EDZ on the mountain side was enlarged only during the first two phases of excavation. The extension of pre-existing cracks and the creation of new fractures has mainly occurred in the oldest EDZ section, and the HDZ has been visibly enlarged, whereas the EDZ has shown little change in other excavation phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides falling into water bodies can generate impulsive waves. The process of wave generation induced by far subaerial granular landslide has been investigated through series physical experiments. The slide Froude number has been quantified considered the parameters of slide mass and water such as grain size, water depth and impact angle. The effect of impact angle, grain size and water depth on the variation of generated wave amplitude is 0.11%, 1.52% and 2.89% respectively when every 1% change in the value of the parameter. On the three governing parameters the water depth is the most sensitive to the wave amplitude, secondly the grain size and final for the impact angle. The intruding pattern of granular debris, the landslide generated wave types and maximum wave amplitude have been systematically discussed. The degree of impact interaction between the slides and water under different conditions is characterized by the value of the slide Froude number, and the empirical relationships linking the slide Froude number with the produced wave amplitude and wave classifications have been conducted based on experimental data, which is useful to illustrate the triggering mechanisms and dynamic process of impact landslide waves on high debris avalanches. • Landslide-generated wave experiments from subaerial granular debris were conducted in different conditions. • Degree of impact interaction between slides and water can be characterized by value of slide Froude number. • Wave classification and maximum amplitude of landslide generated wave were quantized based on slide Froude number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive review of purely leptonic and semileptonic decays of D0(+), , and charmed baryons (including , Ξc, and Ωc). The precise studies of these decays help deepen our understanding and knowledge of quantum chromodynamics via measuring decay constants and form factors, and test the Standard Model through examining the unitarity of the Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa matrix and lepton flavor universality. We give an overview of the theoretical and experimental tools before discussing the recent progress. The data sets collected by the Beijing Spectrometer III (BESIII) near the production thresholds of , , and offer important opportunities for studies of charm physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Olecranon osteotomy and paratricipital approaches were widely used in the treatment of type C distal humerus fracture but some disadvantages exist, so a combined medial and lateral approach was designed. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of combined medial and lateral approach with the paratricipital approach in open reduction and internal fixation of type C distal humerus fractures. Methods: From May 2018 to April 2020, 37 patients with type C distal humerus fracture who accepted open reduction and internal fixation in our hospital were enrolled in this study. All cases were randomly divided into two groups according to the surgical approach: combined medial and lateral approach group (19 cases), paratricipital approach group (18 cases). All of the patients received open reduction and double vertical plates fixation. The operation and follow‐up indexes, including operation time, blood loss, incision length, triceps muscle strength, flexion‐extension arc of elbow and forearm rotation arc, were recorded and compared. Caja score was used to assess the quality of fractures reduction. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was used to evaluate the elbow function in the follow‐up. Complications such as incision infection, ulnar nerve injury, degenerative osteoarthritis, and heterotopic ossification were analyzed. Results: The differences in age, gender, and AO classification of fractures between two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The sum of medial and lateral incision length of combined approach group was longer than the midline incision of paratricipital approach group (15.4 ± 0.8 vs. 14.6 ± 0.8, p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in operation time (103.5 ± 10.2 vs. 106.0 ± 8.8, p > 0.05), blood loss (71.3 ± 24.5 vs. 72.8 ± 24.6, p > 0.05), and Caja score (16.05 ± 5.67 vs. 15.56 ± 5.66, p > 0.05). During the follow‐up, the MEPS of combined approach group was higher than that of paratricipital approach group at 3 months postoperatively (80.5 ± 5.7 vs. 68.9 ± 8.1, p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in MEPS at 6 months postoperatively (83.9 ± 6.6 vs. 79.7 ± 7.0, p > 0.05) and at the last follow‐up (86.8 ± 7.1 vs. 86.9 ± 7.7, p > 0.05) between the two groups. There was no significant difference in triceps muscle strength (p > 0.05), flexion‐extension arc (126.8 ± 5.3 vs. 128.9 ± 6.0, p > 0.05), and forearm rotation arc (163.2 ± 5.3 vs. 163.6 ± 4.8, p > 0.05) at the last follow‐up. Although the incidence of complication of combined approach group (15.8%) was lower than that of paratricipital approach group (22.2%), the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The combined medial and lateral approach was an effective and safe way of open reduction and internal fixation for type C distal humerus fractures. Compared with the paratricipital approach, the combined medial and lateral approach could restore the elbow function more quickly postoperatively, and the long‐term results were comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the isolation of bioactive nitrogenous compounds from Acorus tatarinowii, a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating central nervous system diseases. Information on the details of the results of the study are discussed. The study shows that nitrogenous compounds include tatarine D (2) identified as a new azafluoranthene alkaloid and tatarine E (9) as a new lignanamide.

In blind motion deblurring, leading methods today tend towards highly non-convex approximations of the l 0 -norm, especially in the image regularization term. In this paper, we propose a simple, effective and fast approach for the estimation of the motion blur-kernel, through a bi-l 0 -l 2 -norm regularization imposed on both the intermediate sharp image and the blur-kernel. Compared with existing methods, the proposed regularization is shown to be more effective and robust, leading to a more accurate motion blur-kernel and a better final restored image. A fast numerical scheme is deployed for alternatingly computing the sharp image and the blur-kernel, by coupling the operator splitting and augmented Lagrangian methods. Experimental results on both a benchmark image dataset and real-world motion blurred images show that the proposed approach is highly competitive with state-of-the-art methods in both deblurring effectiveness and computational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on two new sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia annua, a fragrant herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. The study presented the isolation and structural elucidation of the sesquiterpenoids by the anaysis of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), calculated equivalent circulating density (ECD) and crystal X-ray diffraction. Results showed the presence of a proton spin system.

A series of novel 5-alkyl(aryl)-3-[(3-trifluoromethyl)anilino]-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-4-imines were designed and synthesized by the multistep reactions. 1 reacted with 3-(trifluoromethyl)aniline to obtain N, S-acetals 2 in the presence of 10 mol% DBU. 2 reacted with hydrazine to form 5-amino-3-[(3-trifluoromethyl)anilino]-1H-pyrazol-4- nitrile 3, the target compounds 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k, 5l, 5m were obtained by the reaction of 3 with triethyl orthoformate followed by the of 4 with various amines. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, EI-MS, and elemental analyses. The preliminary bioassay indicated that some of them displayed moderate herbicidal activity against dicotyledonous weed Brassica campestris L at the concentration of 100 mg/L. For example, compounds 5f, 5g, 5h, and 5j possessed 60.1%, 63.4%, 67.1%, and 61.3% inhibition against Brassica campestris L at the concentration of 100 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three new iridoid glucosides, 6″-O-trans-feruloylgenipin gentiobioside (1), 2′-O-trans-caffeoylgardoside (2), jasmigeniposide A (3), and one new bis-iridoid glucoside, jasmigeniposide B (4), along with six known analogues (5–10), were isolated from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. Anti-virus activity of isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro and only compound 9 showed moderate inhibitory activity against H1N1 with 50% effective concentration (EC50) value of 104.36μM, and selective index (SI) value greater than 4.79. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Vaccine-mediated Th1-biased CD4+ T cell responses have been shown to be crucial for protection against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In this study, we investigated whether a vaccine composed of CD4+ T cell epitopes together with Th1 adjuvants could confer protection against H. pylori in a mouse model. We constructed an epitope-based vaccine, designated Epivac, which was composed of predicted immunodominant CD4+ T cell epitopes from H. pylori adhesin A (HpaA), urease B (UreB) and cytotoxin-associated gene A product (CagA). Together with four different Th1 adjuvants, Epivac was administered subcutaneously and the prophylactic potential was examined. Compared to non-immunized mice, immunization with Epivac alone or with a Th1 adjuvant significantly reduced H. pylori colonization, and better protection was observed when an adjuvant was used. Immunized mice exhibited a strong local and systemic Th1-biased immune response, which may contribute to the inhibition of H. pylori colonization. Though a significant specific antibody response was induced by the vaccine, no correlation was found between the intensity of the humoral response and the protective effect. Our results suggest that a vaccine containing CD4+ T cell epitopes is a promising candidate for protection against H. pylori infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We study the electromagnetic Dalitz decay modes of J/ψ → P l+l- (P = π0, η or η′). In these decays, the lepton pairs are formed by internal conversion of an intermediate virtual photon with invariant mass ml+l-. Study of the effective-mass spectrum of the l+l- will shed light on the dynamic transition form factor , which characterizes the electromagnetic structure arising at the vertex of the transition J/ψ to pseudoscalars. We also discuss the direct productions of a GeV scale vector U boson in these processes J/ψ → PU (U → l+l-). It is responsible for mediating a new U(1)d interaction, as recently exploited in the context of weakly interacting massive particle dark matter. In this paper, we firstly use the usual pole approximation for the form factor to estimate the decay rate of J/ψ → P l+l- in the Standard Model. Then the reach of searching for the dark photon is estimated. We suggest that these Dalitz decays can be used to search for the light U boson in the BESIII experiment with a huge J/ψ data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hadron physics represents the study of strongly interacting matter in all its manifestations and understanding its properties and interactions. The interest in this field has been revitalized by the discovery of new light hadrons, charmonium- and bottomonium-like states. In this paper, the most recent experimental results from different experiments are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Sadaovsk formula, the site monitoring data of rock mass induced by bench blasting and pre-splitting blasting in Taishan Nuclear Power Station was analyzed, and the results show that the K and a values of vibration velocity caused by pre-split blasting are larger than that of bench blasting within the scope of 20-200 m. Through dimensional analysis, the function relation between the vibration frequency and the charge weight per delay and distance from explosion was established. Furthermore, the rock vibration frequency of these two kinds of blasting was compared by means of regression analysis. The results show that the vibration frequency decreases with the increasing of charge weight per delay or distance from explosion. The rock vibration frequency of pre-splitting blasting is higher than bench blasting for the same explosion distance, and the gap becomes smaller with the increasing of maximum charge weight per delay. The attenuation with distance of vibration frequency of pre-splitting blasting is more rapid than bench blasting for the same maximum charge weight per delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bedding rock with intercalation for bench blasting model is made by limestone mine clay which embedded in precast cement mortar models. Blasting model test of bedding rock with intercalation were carried out under different blasting conditions. The test results show that the intercalation after blasting is divided into four regions: blasting cavity region, tightness region, affected region and undisturbed region. The blasting cavity region, tightness region, affected region constitute the lamination region. Tightness density increases first and then decreases with source distance, and finally reduces to the density before blasting. The lamination range of the model increases with the increase of intercaltion water content, source distance and explosive dosage. And the lamination range increases at first, and then decreases with the increase of intercalation thickness. The experiment which the explosive cartridge is located at different positions proved that different charge locations in the blast hole can reduce or overcome lamination effect of the bedding rock with intercalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The subsurface wastewater infiltration (SWI) system proved to be an effective and low-cost technique for decentralized sewage treatment in areas without adequate domestic treatment facilities. Field-scale experiments were conducted through a deep SWI system, with effective depth of 1.5m, under hydraulic loading rates of 0.040, 0.065, 0.081 and 0.10m3/m2 d. Taking the hydraulic and treatment efficiencies into consideration, the hydraulic loading rate of 0.081m3/m2 d was recommended. Under this condition, NH3–N, TN, and COD removal efficiencies were 86.2±3.0, 80.7±1.9 and 84.8±2.1%, respectively. In the effluent, NH3–N concentration declined to 2.3–4.4mg/L, accounting for 63.2–65.6% of TN. NO3–N concentration increased from 0.2 to 0.3mg/L in the influent to 2.0–2.5mg/L in the effluent. The nitrifying bacteria number declined with increased depth, while the amount of denitrifying bacteria increased. The analysis of results about the nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria distribution indicated that the most effective ranges for nitrification and denitrification process were 0.3–0.7m and 0.7–1.5m, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we study CP violation in $\Lambda_c^+\to BP$ and $\Lambda_c^+\to BV$ decays, where B, P and V denote a light spin-½ baryon, pseudoscalar and a vector meson respectively. In these processes the T odd CP violating triple-product (TP) correlations are examined. The genuine CP violating observables which are composed of the helicity amplitudes occurring in the angular distribution are constructed. Experimentally, by performing a full angular analysis it is shown how one may extract the helicity amplitudes and then obtain the TP asymmetries. We estimate the TP asymmetries in $\Lambda^+_c$ decays to be negligible in the Standard Model making these processes an excellent place to look for new physics. Taking a two-Higgs doublet model, as an example of new physics, we show that large TP asymmetries are possible in these decays. Finally, we discuss how BES-III and super τ-charm experiments will be sensitive to these CP violating signals in $\Lambda_c^+$ decays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using dc magnetron sputtering, Fe/Pt/Au multilayer films were prepared, and the effects of Au layer thickness and annealing temperature on structure and magnetic properties of the Fe/Pt/Au multilayer films were investigated. The as-deposited Fe/Pt/Au multilayer films have good periodic structure with composition modulation along the growth direction. The stress stored in the as-deposited films promoted the ordering of the films annealed at 400°C. When the films were annealed at 500°C, the thicker Au layer could restrain the order–disorder transformation region volume and lead to the decrease of the ordered volume fraction with Au layer thickness increasing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We study an experimental search of a GeV scale vector boson at BES-III/BEPCII. It is responsible for mediating a new interaction, as recently exploited in the context of weakly interacting massive particle dark matter. At low energy colliders this dark state can be efficiently probed. We discuss the direct productions of this light vector U boson and the decay of this state with BES-III data and its foreseen larger data. In particular, we show that Higgs''-strahlung in the dark sector can lead to multilepton signatures, which probe the physics range for kinetic mixing parameter over a large portion of the parameter space. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this Letter, we intend to study the problem of CP violation in D meson by decay mode in which the T violating triple-product correlation is examined. That would undoubtedly be another excellent probe of New Physics beyond Standard Model. For the neutral D, we focus on direct CP violation without considering oscillation. Experimentally, by a full angular analysis one may obtain such CP violating signals, and particularly it is worth mentioning that the upcoming large D data samples at BES-III in Beijing will provide a great opportunity to perform it. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]