Generalised framework of limit equilibrium methods for slope stability analysis

A generalised framework is proposed in this paper incorporating almost all of the existing limit equilibrium methods of slices for slope stability analysis with general slip surfaces. The force and moment equilibrium equations are derived in terms of the factor of safety and the initially assumed normal stress distribution over the slip surface, multiplied by a modification function involving two auxiliary unknowns. These equations are then analytically solved to yield explicit expressions for the factor of safety. Various assumptions regarding the interslice forces can be transformed into a unified form of expression for the normal stress distribution along the slip surface. An iterative procedure is developed to expedite the convergence of the solution for the factor of safety. Experience to date indicates that the process generally converges within a few iterations. Computation schemes are suggested to avoid numerical difficulty, especially in computing the factor of safety associated with the rigorous Janbu method. The present framework can be readily implemented in a computer program, giving solutions of slope stability associated with a number of conventional methods of slices.published_or_final_versio

Structural and electronic properties of C59X (X=B,N): The extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model

The molecules C59X (X=B,N) are investigated by the extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. The obtained results for the energy levels and molecular structures are compared with those from a self-consistent-field molecular-orbital (SCF-MO) method. We have found that by choosing suitable empirical parameters, most of the features included in the results of the SCF-MO method can be well reproduced. Other structural and electronic properties such as the excess electron density and the amplitude of the midgap states have also been studied. © 1995 The American Physical Society.published_or_final_versio

Orientational phase transition in molecular monolayer on an air–water interface

A theoretical model is presented to study the phase transition of molecular orientation in a Langmuir monolayer on air–water interface. The polar molecules are treated as rodlike dipoles with three types of interactions; short-range steric repulsive interaction among the molecules, polar interaction between the molecules and water surface, and dipolar interaction among the molecules. The orientational order parameters, 〈cos θ〉 and 〈(3 cos 2 θ- 1)/2〉, are calculated as functions of the molecular density and temperature. It is shown that compressing the molecular area will lead to a continuous phase transition of the molecular orientation. ©1997 American Institute of Physics.published_or_final_versio

Nonlinear optical properties of the substituted fullerenes C59X (X=B,N)

Using the extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model and the sum-over-state method, we have calculated the third-order nonlinear polarizability γ and its dispersion spectra for single substituted fullerenes C59X (X=B or N atoms). Obtained results indicate that the substitute doping increases rather heavily the γ value, both the static and the dynamical response peak values. For C59N, the highest peak value of γ (at 3ω∼0.96 eV) is found to be about 30 times larger than that for pure C60, which may be important for its practical use. © 1995 The American Physical Society.published_or_final_versio

A numerical study of the bearing capacity factor Nγ

Values of the bearing capacity factor Nγ are numerically computed using the method of triangular slices. Three assumptions of the value of ψ, the base angle of the active wedge, are analyzed, corresponding to the following three cases: (1) ψ = φ, the internal friction angle; (2) ψ = 45° + φ/2; and (3) ψ has a value such that Nγ is a minimum. The location of the critical failure surface is presented and the numerical solutions to Nγ for the three cases are approximated by simple equations. The influence of the base angle on the value of Nγ is investigated. Comparisons of the present solutions are made with those commonly used in foundation engineering practice.published_or_final_versio

A New Three-Dimensional Subsulfide Ir₂In₈S with Dirac Semimetal Behavior

Dirac and Weyl semimetals host exotic quasiparticles with unconventional transport properties, such as high magnetoresistance and carrier mobility. Recent years have witnessed a huge number of newly predicted topological semimetals from existing databases; however, experimental verification often lags behind such predictions. Common reasons are synthetic difficulties or the stability of predicted phases. Here, we report the synthesis of the Type-II Dirac semimetal Ir2In8S, an air-stable compound with a new structure type. This material has two Dirac crossings in its electronic structure along the Γ-Z direction of the Brillouin zone. We further show that Ir2In8S has a high electron carrier mobility of ~10,000 cm2/Vs at 1.8 K, and a large, non-saturating transverse magnetoresistance of ~6000% at 3.34 K in a 14 T applied field. Shubnikov de-Haas oscillations reveal several small Fermi pockets and the possibility of a nontrivial Berry phase. With its facile crystal growth, novel structure type, and striking electronic structure, Ir2In8S introduces a new material system to study topological semimetals and enable advances in the field of topological materials

A Replicating Modified Vaccinia Tiantan Strain Expressing an Avian-Derived Influenza H5N1 Hemagglutinin Induce Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies and Cross-Clade Protective Immunity in Mice

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Increased S-nitrosylation and proteasomal degradation of caspase-3 during infection contribute to the persistence of adherent invasive escherichia coli (AIEC) in immune cells

Adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) have been implicated as a causative agent of Crohn's disease (CD) due to their isolation from the intestines of CD sufferers and their ability to persist in macrophages inducing granulomas. The rapid intracellular multiplication of AIEC sets it apart from other enteric pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium which after limited replication induce programmed cell death (PCD). Understanding the response of infected cells to the increased AIEC bacterial load and associated metabolic stress may offer insights into AIEC pathogenesis and its association with CD. Here we show that AIEC persistence within macrophages and dendritic cells is facilitated by increased proteasomal degradation of caspase-3. In addition S-nitrosylation of pro- and active forms of caspase-3, which can inhibit the enzymes activity, is increased in AIEC infected macrophages. This S-nitrosylated caspase-3 was seen to accumulate upon inhibition of the proteasome indicating an additional role for S-nitrosylation in inducing caspase-3 degradation in a manner independent of ubiquitination. In addition to the autophagic genetic defects that are linked to CD, this delay in apoptosis mediated in AIEC infected cells through increased degradation of caspase-3, may be an essential factor in its prolonged persistence in CD patients