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Based on the uniaxial compression test, this study examined the effect of the dip angle of the rock formation on crack initiation, propagation, and penetration failure mechanism under the combined effects of freeze–thaw and load, utilizing the discrete element programmed. The results show that: The fracture area of fractured rock mass is mainly caused by fatigue damage caused by stress concentration at the end of fracture. The crack propagation path at the crack tip may be deflected due to the influence of freeze–thaw cycles. With the increase of the dip angle of the rock bridge, the failure mechanism of the rock sample gradually evolved from a single tension failure to a mixed tension-shear failure, and the fractal dimension of the crack increased first and then decreased. When the dip angle of the rock bridge is α < 60°, the relative displacement of the outer tip of the crack is shear dislocation, resulting in a low degree of stress. When the dip angle of the rock bridge is α ≥ 60°, the crack is separated and open, and the secondary inclined crack at the outer tip is transformed into a secondary coplanar crack, and the crack propagates from the loading direction to the crack direction. The deflection of the stress concentration area at the tip of the crack causes the deflection of the crack propagation direction, and the peak strength is inverted "spoon". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tectonically active steep mountain belts, such as those in west Sichuan in China, frequent landslide disasters can occur during the rainy season. High-locality landslides often initiate with the failure of fractured rock masses or regolith near the ridge of a high and steep slope. Often, these events occur suddenly in the sense that people downslope are caught by surprise. High-locality landslides can be destructive owing to the large momentum and entrainment potential of the moving mass. Increasing attention has been given to these events since the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Indeed, slope ridges are particularly susceptible of topographic amplification of the seismic shaking, resulting in mechanical weakening that predisposes them to enhanced weathering and rain-triggered failures years or decades after the mainshock. Risk reduction in such cases must begin with a systematic surveying of the ridges to identify criticalities. Then, quantitative (numerical) approaches must be used to evaluate volumes and describe the movement. Risk assessments can then be produced, and mitigations suggested. Here, we describe the Tonghua landslide in Li County, which is currently in a creeping stage but threatens critical infrastructures and dwellings. We monitored the site for 3 years and identified additional potentially unstable areas before performing physically based modeling and hazard zonation. Our results could be useful in decision-making for risk reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dickeya zeae is a globally important bacterial pathogen that has been reported to cause severe soft rot diseases in several essential food crops, including bananas, rice, maize, and potatoes. Carvacrol, a hydrophobic terpene component, is found in aromatic plants of the Labiatae family and various essential oils. However, little work has been done on its antimicrobial potential against D. zeae. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the functional mechanism of carvacrol against D. zeae. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of carvacrol against D. zeae were 0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL, respectively. Carvacrol affected the cell membrane of D. zeae, as revealed by decreased intracellular ATP concentration, nucleic acid leakage, and decreased membrane potential. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs confirmed that D. zeae cell membranes were damaged by carvacrol. Furthermore, a significant inhibition of D. zeae swimming motility and biofilm formation was observed following treatments with carvacrol at sub-inhibitory concentrations, indicating a significantly negative effect on these virulence factors. Accordingly, the tissue infection test revealed that carvacrol significantly reduced the pathogenicity of D. zeae. In a pot experiment, inoculated banana seedlings displayed remarkably lesser disease symptoms following treatment with carvacrol, and the control efficiency for banana soft rot was 32.0% at 14 days post-inoculation. To summarize, carvacrol exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against D. zeae and great potential applications in the control of D. zeae-associated crop diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A consequent slope, comprising weak planes in the same dip direction along the slope face, is the most dangerous type of rock slope. Herein, a consequent landslide that occurred on May 5, 2018, in Mabian County, Southwest China, was investigated. This landslide occurred in a region with a complex geological background and strong geological activity and is considered a typical consequent landslide. Field investigations and aerial photographic interpretations revealed that the rock mass slipped along the contact surface of the strongly and moderately weathered rock mass, triggered by continuous rainfall. A depth-integrated continuum method was used to study the dynamic process of the landslide. The applicability of the depth-integrated method was verified by comparing the moving boundary of the landslide extracted from a video with the simulation results. The results show that the velocity of the landslide first increased and then decreased from the top to the bottom of the landslide and reached a maximum of 21 m/s in the middle of the landslide. Based on this method, we predicted the potential danger zones and velocity distribution of unstable masses next to the Mabian landslide. On comparing the calculated results of a depth-integrated continuum method with the Scheidegger method, in the case of the Mabian landslide, a reduction factor λ was added to the Scheidegger formula to achieve a modified formula that determines the velocity of such consequent landslides relatively accurately. This work could provide reference for the study of landslide velocity and disaster prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is on two large sequential landslides which formed a dam and the resulting lake that occurred along the Jinsha River on October 11 and November 3, 2018. About 24 and 9 × 106 m3 of material failed and rushed into the river, respectively. Both landslides totally blocked the river and induced hazard chains. Four multi-temporal unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based high-resolution images and digital elevation models (DEMs) before and after the landslides were obtained and merged. The initial deformation of the two landslides can be clearly captured by optical remote-sensing images and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) analysis. The depth-integrated continuum method was adopted to analyze the dynamic process of both landslides, using the same basal friction angle and cohesion. The computational results matched well with field measurements and observations. It is shown that the evaluation of potentially landslide-prone areas by the depth-integrated continuum method is feasible and is able to provide significant information before a possible event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial soft rot caused by Dickeya zeae MS1 (Erwinia chrysanthemi) is one of the most devastating banana diseases worldwide. However, knowledge of the development and ecological interactions of D. zeae MS1 biofilm is limited. Here, we visualized the development and architecture of D. zeae MS1 biofilm using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and we evaluated the ability of D. zeae MS1 to form biofilms under different environmental conditions (carbon sources, temperatures, pH levels and mineral elements) using a microtiter plate assay. We found that the development of D. zeae MS1 biofilm could be categorized into four phases and that mature biofilm consisted of a highly organized architecture of both bacterial cells and a self-produced matrix of extracellular polysaccharides. Furthermore, sucrose was the most suitable carbon source for supporting the growth of biofilm cells and that 32 °C and pH 7.0 were the most favorable of the temperatures and pH levels examined. Meanwhile, the addition of Ca2+, Fe2+, K+ and Na+ enhanced the formation of biofilm in minimal medium cultures, whereas 2.5 mM Cu2+ and Mn2+ was inhibitory. A better understanding of biofilm formation under different environmental parameters will improve our knowledge of the growth kinetics of D. zeae MS1 biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue crack damage in the epoxy asphalt concrete pavement of long-span steel bridge deck is still one of the most severe problems even though the fatigue endurance performance has been studied for a long time. In this study, it aimed at exploring the mechanism why the fatigue damage of the epoxy asphalt concrete occurred, as well as finding out the reason why fatigue test results in laboratory were different from those in practical engineering application. A finite element mechanics method was first applied to analyze the maximum strain value of the epoxy asphalt concrete pavement at different load positions, then fatigue performance of the epoxy asphalt concrete was investigated using a four-point bending fatigue testing method, and finally a three-parameter fatigue equation model, which was demonstrated to be feasible and rational, was utilized to determine fatigue endurance limit for the first time. The fatigue damage of the epoxy asphalt concrete occurred in a short time once the strain level with driving load was larger than fatigue endurance limit. In contrast, the fatigue damage did not appear in a long time if the strain level was less than the fatigue endurance limit. It is suggested that the fatigue endurance limit be adopted as a control parameter in the design phase of epoxy asphalt concrete pavement. These findings advance previous design specifications in the world, and could help extending service life of epoxy asphalt concrete pavement of long-span steel bridge deck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion-pair chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was evaluated and validated for the determination of arsenic species in fruit juice and fruit drink products. A Phenomenex analytical column (Prodigy 3 μ ODS (3) 4 μm × 2.0 mm × 150 mm) and a mobile phase consisting of 5 mmol l malonic acid, 3 mmol l of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide solution and 5 % methanol were used to achieve arsenic speciation separation. The arsenic species were detected at m/ z 75 with an Agilent 7500cx ICP-MS. After demonstrating the method was sensitive, accurate and fit for purpose, and it was applied to analyze 96 fruit juice and fruit drink samples. Speciation analysis of the 96 fruit juice and fruit drink products revealed that inorganic arsenic was the major species found in the majority of juice products tested in the study. The concentration of inorganic arsenic (sum of As and As) ranged from

In this study, we compared a high performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) method and an isotope dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry (ID-GC-MS) method for the analysis of methylmercury (MeHg) in fish samples. Using HPLC-ICP-MS, the limit of detection (LOD) was 2.0 ngHg · g for inorganic Hg and was 5.0 ngHg · g for MeHg. In comparison, the LOD for MeHg was 3.4 ngHg · g for using ID-GC-MS. Certified reference material (CRM) results agreed well with certified values for both methods. The mean recovery for analysis of CRM BCR 463 by HPLC-ICP-MS was 99 ± 2.1 % for MeHg and was 103 ± 2.1 % for total Hg. Two CRMs, BCR 463 and CRM DORM2, were analyzed by ID-GC-MS, the mean recovery of MeHg was 87 ± 1.9 % for BCR 463, and the mean recovery of MeHg was 102 ± 2.9 % for CRM DORM2. Matrix samples spiked with Hg or MeHg at various concentrations were analyzed by two methods. For HPLC-ICP-MS method, the mean recovery for MeHg spiked samples was 93 ± 4.2 %. For ID-GC-MS method, the mean recovery for MeHg spiked samples was 91 ± 5.2 %. A total of 19 predatory fish and 54 tuna fish samples were analyzed using both methods. No significant difference was observed between the MeHg data generated from both methods. The average relative standard deviation (RSD) between the two datasets for 19 predatory fish samples was 8.8 %. The average RSD between two datasets for 54 tuna fish samples was 4.4 %.The HPLC-ICP-MS method offers substantial advantages over the method of ID-GC-MS because the former method can determine the total mercury (Hg) and MeHg in a single chromatographic run and the analysis time is much shorter. The latter method is time consuming due to overnight digestion and having to conduct presample analysis for signal-matched isotope dilution spiking and requires more expensive isotope labeled reagents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article covers challenges and trends in the determination of some major food chemical contaminants and allergens, which-among others-are being monitored by Health Canada's Food Directorate and for which background levels in food and human exposure are being analyzed and calculated. Eleven different contaminants/contaminant groups and allergens have been selected for detailed discussion in this paper. They occur in foods as a result of: use as a food additive or ingredient; processing-induced reactions; food packaging migration; deliberate adulteration; and/or presence as a chemical contaminant or natural toxin in the environment. Examples include acrylamide as a food-processing-induced contaminant, bisphenol A as a food packaging-derived chemical, melamine and related compounds as food adulterants and persistent organic pollutants, and perchlorate as an environmental contaminant. Ochratoxin A, fumonisins, and paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins are examples of naturally occurring toxins whereas sulfites, peanuts, and milk exemplify common allergenic food additives/ingredients. To deal with the increasing number of sample matrices and analytes of interest, two analytical approaches have become increasingly prevalent. The first has been the development of rapid screening methods for a variety of analytes based on immunochemical techniques, utilizing ELISA or surface plasmon resonance technology. The second is the development of highly sophisticated multi-analyte methods based on liquid chromatography coupled with multiple-stage mass spectrometry for identification and simultaneous quantification of a wide range of contaminants, often with much less requirement for tedious cleanup procedures. Whereas rapid screening methods enable testing of large numbers of samples, the multi analyte mass spectrometric methods enable full quantification with confirmation of the analytes of interest. Both approaches are useful when gathering surveillance data to determine occurrence and background levels of both recognized and newly identified contaminants in foods in order to estimate human daily intake for health risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the statistical properties of the urban public bus networks of two cities (Beijing and Chengdu) in China. To this end, we present a comprehensive survey of the degree distribution, average path length, and clustering of both networks. It is shown that both networks exhibit small world behavior and are hierarchically organized. We also discuss the differences between the statistical properties displayed by the two networks. In addition, we propose a weight distribution approach to study the passenger flow through the public bus networks we considered. A hierarchical structure is observed here also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified total synthesis of cystothiazole A is described. In this synthetic strategy, a one-step transformation of acylated oxazolidinone to β-ketoester has been successfully applied, thus making the synthetic route more efficient. This method may also be potentially applied in synthesis of other related β-substituted-β-methoxyl acrylates (bb-MOAs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single microwave extraction of heavy metals Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb by the extractants CaCl2, EDTA, CH3COOH and HCl has been established. The experimental conditions were optimized. A microwave power of 60% and an extraction time of 25 min were adopted. Comparison of microwave extraction and conventional extraction methods revealed that results obtained by microwave techniques were generally in a good agreement with those obtained by use of extraction methods; use of the former resulted in substantial time saving and a better precision, however. Microwave extraction was used to evaluate the bioavailability of heavy metals in soils. Single correlation analysis was performed to establish the relationship between the concentrations of the extractable heavy metals in wet rhizosphere soils and their concentrations in wheat ( Troticum aestivum L.) grown on the soils under greenhouse conditions. The correlation coefficients between the extractable metals in soils and their concentrations in wheat roots were found to be 0.5398–0.7819, 0.6425–0.8073, 0.5568–0.8276, 0.5851–0.6087 for the extractants CaCl2, EDTA, CH3COOH, and HCl, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]