Centrifuge modeling of unreinforced and multi-row stabilizing piles reinforced landslides subjected to reservoir water level fluctuation

With the construction of the Three Gorges Reservoir dam,frequent reservoir landslide events have been recorded.In recent years,multi-row stabilizing piles(MRSPs)have been used to stabilize massive reservoir landslides in China.In this study,two centrifuge model tests were carried out to study the unreinforced and MRSP-reinforced slopes subjected to reservoir water level(RWL)operation,using the Taping landslide as a prototype.The results indicate that the RWL rising can provide lateral support within the submerged zone and then produce the inward seepage force,eventually strengthening the slope stability.However,a rapid RWL drawdown may induce outward seepage forces and a sudden debuttressing effect,consequently reducing the effective soil normal stress and triggering partial pre-failure within the RWL fluctuation zone.Furthermore,partial deformation and subsequent soil structure damage generate excess pore water pressures,ultimately leading to the overall failure of the reservoir landslide.This study also reveals that a rapid increase in the downslope driving force due to RWL drawdown significantly intensifies the lateral earth pressures exerted on the MRSPs.Conversely,the MRSPs possess a considerable reinforcement effect on the reservoir landslide,transforming the overall failure into a partial deformation and failure situated above and in front of the MRSPs.The mechanical transfer behavior observed in the MRSPs demonstrates a progressive alteration in relation to RWL fluctuations.As the RWL rises,the mechanical states among MRSPs exhibit a growing imbalance.The shear force transfer factor(i.e.the ratio of shear forces on pile of the n th row to that of the first row)increases significantly with the RWL drawdown.This indicates that the mechanical states among MRSPs tend toward an enhanced equilibrium.The insights gained from this study contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the failure mechanisms of reservoir landslides and the mechanical behavior of MRSPs in reservoir banks.

A novel responsive stabilizing Janus nanosilica as a nanoplugging agent in water-based drilling fluids for exploiting hostile shale environments

Thermo-responsive nanocomposites have recently emerged as potential nanoplugging agents for shale stabilization in high-temperature water-based drilling fluids(WBDFs). However, their inhibitory properties have not been very effective in high-temperature drilling operations. Thermo-responsive Janus nanocomposites are expected to strongly interact with clay particles from the inward hemisphere of nanomaterials, which drive the establishment of a tighter hydrophobic membrane over the shale surface at the outward hemisphere under geothermal conditions for shale stabilization. This work combines the synergistic benefits of thermo-responsive and zwitterionic nanomaterials to synchronously enhance the chemical inhibitions and plugging performances in shale under harsh conditions. A novel thermoresponsive Janus nanosilica(TRJS) exhibiting zwitterionic character was synthesized, characterized,and assessed as shale stabilizer for WBDFs at high temperatures. Compared to pristine nanosilica(Si NP)and symmetrical thermo-responsive nanosilica(TRS), TRJS exhibited anti-polyelectrolyte behaviour, in which electrolyte ions screened the electrostatic attraction between the charged particles, potentially stabilizing nanomaterial in hostile shaly environments(i.e., up to saturated brine or API brine). Macroscopically, TRJS exhibited higher chemical inhibition than Si NP and TRS in brine, prompting a better capability to control pressure penetration. TRJS adsorbed onto the clay surface via chemisorption and hydrogen bonding, and the interactions became substantial in brine, according to the results of electrophoretic mobility, surface wettability, and X-ray diffraction. Thus, contributing to the firm trapping of TRJS into the nanopore structure of the shale, triggering the formation of a tight hydrophobic membrane over the shale surface from the outward hemisphere. The addition of TRJS into WBDF had no deleterious effect on fluid properties after hot-treatment at 190℃, implying that TRJS could find potential use as a shale stabilizer in WBDFs in hostile environments.

Stabilizing perovskite precursors with the reductive natural amino acid for printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells

Solution processability significantly advances the development of highly-efficient perovskite solar cells.However,the precursor solution tends to undergo irreversible degradation reactions,impairing the device performance and reproducibility.Here,we utilize a reductive natural amino acid,Nacetylcysteine(NALC),to stabilize the precursor solution for printable carbon-based hole-conductorfree mesoscopic perovskite solar cells.We find that I_(2) can be generated in the aged solution containing methylammonium iodide(MI) in an inert atmosphere and speed up the MA-FA^(+)(formamidinium) reaction which produces large-size cations and hinders the formation of perovskite phase.NALC effectively stabilizes the precursor via its sulfhydryl group which reduces I_(2) back to I^(-)and provides H^(+).The NALC-stabilized precursor which is aged for 1440 h leads to devices with a power conversion efficiency equivalent to 98% of that for devices prepared with the fresh precursor.Furthermore,NALC improves the device power conversion efficiency from 16.16% to 18.41% along with enhanced stability under atmospheric conditions by modifying grain boundaries in perovskite films and reducing associated defects.

Optimal parameter space for stabilizing the ferroelectric phase of Hf_(0.5)Zr_(0.5)O_(2) thin films under strain and electric fields

Hafnia-based ferroelectric materials, like Hf_(0.5)Zr_(0.5)O_(2)(HZO), have received tremendous attention owing to their potentials for building ultra-thin ferroelectric devices. The orthorhombic(O)-phase of HZO is ferroelectric but metastable in its bulk form under ambient conditions, which poses a considerable challenge to maintaining the operation performance of HZO-based ferroelectric devices. Here, we theoretically addressed this issue that provides parameter spaces for stabilizing the O-phase of HZO thin-films under various conditions. Three mechanisms were found to be capable of lowering the relative energy of the O-phase, namely, more significant surface-bulk portion of(111) surfaces, compressive c-axis strain,and positive electric fields. Considering these mechanisms, we plotted two ternary phase diagrams for HZO thin-films where the strain was applied along the in-plane uniaxial and biaxial, respectively. These diagrams indicate the O-phase could be stabilized by solely shrinking the film-thickness below 12.26 nm, ascribed to its lower surface energies. All these results shed considerable light on designing more robust and higher-performance ferroelectric devices.

Effects of stabilizing heat treatment on microstructures and creep behavior of Zn-10Al-2Cu-0.02Ti alloy

The microstructures of as-extruded and stabilizing heat-treated Zn-10Al-2Cu-0.02Ti alloys were observed by scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,electron probe microanalysis and X-ray diffraction analysis techniques.The change in structure after heat treatment and its effects on room temperature creep behavior were investigated by creep experiments at constant stress and slow strain rate tensile tests.The results show that after stabilizing heat treatment（（350℃,30 min,water-cooling）＋（100℃,12 h,air-cooling））,the amount of α＋η lamellar structure decreases,while the amount of cellular and granular structure increases.The heat-treated Zn-10Al-2Cu-0.02Ti alloy exhibits better creep resistance than the as-extruded alloy,and the rate of steady state creep decreases by 96.9% after stabilizing heat treatment.

Experimental Investigation of a Phase-Change Material’s Stabilizing Role in a Pilot of Smart Salt-Gradient Solar Ponds

Faced with the world’s environmental and energy-related challenges,researchers are turning to innovative,sustainable and intelligent solutions to produce,store,and distribute energy.This work explores the trend of using a smart sensor to monitor the stability and efficiency of a salt-gradient solar pond.Several studies have been conducted to improve the thermal efficiency of salt-gradient solar ponds by introducing other materials.This study investigates the thermal and salinity behaviors of a pilot of smart salt-gradient solar ponds with(SGSP)and without(SGSPP)paraffin wax(PW)as a phase-change material(PCM).Temperature and salinity were measured experimentally using a smart sensor,with the measurements being used to investigate the stabilizing effects of placing the PCM in the solar pond’s lower convective zone.The experimental results show that the pond with the PCM(SGSPP)achieved greater thermal and salinity stability,with there being a lesser temperature and salinity gradient between the different layers when compared to a solar pond without thePCM(SGSP).The use of the PCM,therefore,helped control the maximum and minimum temperature of the pond’s storage zone.The UCZ has been found to operate approximately 4 degrees above the average ambient temperature of the day in the SGSPP and 7 degrees in SGSP.Moreover,an unstable situation is generated after 5 days from starting the operation and at 1.9 m from the bottom,and certain points have the tendency to be neutral from the upper depths in 1,3 m of the bottom.

INERTIAL INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF NORTH SEEKING/SIGHT STABILIZING ON VEHICLE

A brand new method of automatic north seeking/sight stabilizing is introduced for usage in land fighting vehicles such as tank, etc. Some inertial devices are installed additionally on the platform along with relative control circuits to make its function of North seeking possible. Double position calculation is adopted in this method, and by alignment at two sites the azimuth angle can be figured out. Also the orientation and the horizontal shifts of the gyro are simultaneously measured and compensated so as to improve the accuracy of north seeking. The system can automatically seek north when the vehicle is immobile. And the time consumption is no more than 5.5 min. Besides, the system can keep azimuth angle and provide tilt angle and pitch angle of the vehicle.

A field experimental study of lignin sand stabilizing material(LSSM) extracted from spent-liquor of straw pulping paper mills

A new technique was introduced for sand stabilization and re-vegetation by use of lignin sand stabilizing material(LSSM). LSSM is a reconstructed organic compound with lignin as the most dominant component from the extracts of black-liquor issued by straw pulp paper mills. Unlike the polyvinyl acetate or foamed asphalt commonly used for dune stabilization, the new material is plant-friendly and can be used with virescence actions simultaneously. The field experimental study was conducted since 2001 in China's Northwest Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and has been proved that LSSM is effective in stabilizing the fugitive dunes, making the arenaceous plants survive and the bare dune vegetative. The advisable solution concentration is 2% and the optimal field spraying quantity is 2 5 L/m^2 The soil nutrients of the stabilized and greened dune, such as organic matter, available phosphorous and total nitrogen are all increased compared with the control treatment, which is certainly helpful to the growth of arenaceous plants. The technique is worthwhile to be popularized because it is provided not only a new method for desertification control but also an outlet for cleaning contaminants issued from the straw paper mills.

Improved plane layout of stabilizing piles based on the piecewise function expression of the irregular driving force

The paper presents an improved plane layout for stabilizing piles based on a proposed piecewise function expression for the irregular driving force. Based on the specific morphological characteristics of a highway landslide, the piecewise function is used to calculate the irregular driving force by dividing the landslide into several sub-areas.Furthermore, the reasonable layout range and pile spacing can be obtained based on the piecewise function expression of the irregular driving force and on relevant research results of the plane layout for stabilizing piles. Therefore, an improved plane layout of stabilizing piles is presented in consideration of a piecewise function expression of the irregular driving force. A highway landslide located in eastern Guizhou Province, China, is analyzed as a case study using the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the theory presented in this paper provides improved economic benefits and can reduce the requirednumber of stabilizing piles by 28.6% compared with the conventional plane layout scheme.

NF-E2:a Novel Regulator of Alpha-hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein Gene Expression

Objective To investigate whether α-hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP), the α-globin-specific molecular chaperone, is regulated by erythroid transcription factor NF-E2. Methods We established the stable cell line with NF-E2p45 (the larger subunit of NF-E2) short hairpin RNA to silence its expression. Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis were performed to detect the expression of AHSP, the histone modifications at AHSP gene locus, and the binding of GATA-1 at the AHSP promoter with NF-E2p45 deficiency. ChIP was also carried out in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-induced DS19 cells and estrogen-induced G1E-ER4 cells to examine NF-E2 binding to the AHSP gene locus and its changes during cell erythroid differentiation. Finally, luciferase assay was applied in HeLa cells transfected with AHSP promoter fragments to examine AHSP promoter activity in the presence of exogenous NF-E2p45. Results We found that AHSP expression was highly dependent on NF-E2p45. NF-E2 bound to the regions across AHSP gene locus in vivo, and the transcription of AHSP was transactivated by exogenous NF-E2p45. In addition, we observed the decrease of H3K4 trimethylation and GATA-1 occupancy at the AHSP gene locus in NF-E2p45-deficient cells. Restoration of GATA-1 in G1E-ER4 cells in turn led to increased DNA binding of NF-E2p45. Conclusion NF-E2 may play an important role in AHSP gene regulation, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the erythroid-specific expression of AHSP as well as new possibilities for β-thalassemia treatment.

Effect of stabilizing elements Nb and Ti on the microstructure and properties of low carbon ferritic stainless steel

The effect of stabilizing elements, such as Nb and Ti, on the microstructure and properties of low carbon ferritic stainless steel （FSS） has been investigated. The results of the Thermo-calc simulation have shown that the interstitial elements, such as C and N, may be completely stabilized by the addition of Nb and Ti. With the increase of Nb and Ti contents ,the α ＋ γ two phases gradually transfer to a single α-phase under a high temperature condition ,and the content of the carbide M23 C6 gradually decreases. The microstructure has indicated that the combined addition of Nb and Ti can promote the recrystallization of the band structure and form more uniform equiaxed grains. Also, with the increase of Nb and Ti contents,the elongation, the r-value and the corrosion resistance of cold-rolled and annealed sheets are improved prominently. In comparison with the effect of Ti ,the addition of Nb is more beneficial to the increase of r-value and the corrosion resistance.

Ubiquitinspecific protease 34 regulates tooth root morphogenesis by stabilizing nuclear factor I/C

Tooth root morphogenesis involves two biological processes,root elongation and dentinogenesis,which are guaranteed by downgrowth of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath(HERS)and normal odontoblast differentiation.Ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation has been reported to precisely regulate various physiological processes,while its role in tooth development is still elusive.Here we show ubiquitinspecific protease 34(USP34)plays a pivotal role in root formation.Deletion of Usp34 in dental mesenchymal cells leads to short root anomaly,characterized by truncated roots and thin root dentin.The USP34-deficient dental pulp cells(DPCs)exhibit decreased odontogenic differentiation with downregulation of nuclear factor I/C(NFIC).Overexpression of NFIC partially restores the impaired odontogenic potential of DPCs.These findings indicate that USP34-dependent deubiquitination is critical for root morphogenesis by stabilizing NFIC.

Grid tie inverter energy stabilizing in smart distribution grid with energy storage

With the growing deployment of smart distribution grid,it has become urgent to investigate the smart distribution grid behavior during transient faults and improve the system stability.The feasibility of segmenting large power grids and multiple smart distribution grids interconnections using energy storage technology for improving the system dynamic stability was studied.The segmentation validity of the large power grids and smart distribution grid inverter output interconnections power system using energy storage technology was proved in terms of theoretical analysis.Then,the influences of the energy storage device location and capacity on the proposed method were discussed in detail.The conclusion is obtained that the ESD optimal locations are allocated at the tie line terminal buses in the interconnected grid,respectively.The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by simulations in an actual power system.

Yolk-shell nanoarchitecture for stabilizing a Ce_(2)S_(3)anode

Rare-earth sulfides are of research interest for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to their abundant lithium intercalation sites and low redox voltage.However,their electrochemical performances are not satisfactory because of poor conductivity and volume change upon electrochemical cycling.Herein,nanoarchitectures ofγ-Ce_(2)S_(3)encapsulated in a hollow mesoporous carbon nanosphere(Ce_(2)S_(3)@HMCS)are fabricated using the self-template strategy combined with the in-sphere sulfuration method and tested as an LIB anode.The void space between the Ce_(2)S_(3)core and the outer layer of the carbon nanosphere has been properly designed and modulated to achieve excellent electrochemical performance in terms of electronic conductivity,reversibility,and rate capability.The reversible capacity of Ce_(2)S_(3)@HMCS is 2.6 times that of the pure Ce_(2)S_(3)anode,which can gradually increase and maintain a capacity of 282 mAh·g^(−1)at a current density of 1 A·g^(-1),and a high Coulombic efficiency(~100%)can be achieved even after 1000 cycles.This good performance is attributed to the unique yolk-shell nanostructure with a highly crystallized and stable Ce3S2 core and volume expansion buffer space upon lithiation/delithiation.Ex situ X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance results indicate that the lithiation of Ce_(2)S_(3)@HMCS is an intercalation process.This study represents an important advancement in precise structural design with in-sphere sulfuration and sheds light on a potential direction for highperformance lithium storage.

Limit analysis method for active earth pressure on laggings between stabilizing piles

Stabilizing pile is a kind of earth shoring structure frequently used in slope engineering. When the piles have cantilever segments above the ground,laggings are usually installed to avoid collapse of soil between piles. Evaluating the earth pressure acting on laggings is of great importance in design process.Since laggings are usually less stiff than piles,the lateral pressure on lagging is much closer to active earth pressure. In order to estimate the lateral earth pressure on lagging more accurately,first,a model test of cantilever stabilizing pile and lagging systems was carried out. Then,basing the experimental results a three-dimensional sliding wedge model was established. Last,the calculation process of the total active force on lagging is presented based on the kinematic approach of limit analysis. A comparison is made between the total active force on lagging calculated by the formula presented in this study and the force on a same-size rigid retaining wall obtained from Rankine's theory. It is found that the proposed method fits well with the experimental results.Parametric studies show that the total active force on lagging increases with the growth of the lagging height and the lagging clear span; while decreases asthe soil internal friction angle and soil cohesion increase.

A general chemical principle for creating closure-stabilizing integrin inhibitors

Integrins are validated drug targets with six approved therapeutics.However,small-molecule inhibitors to three integrins failed in late-stage clinical trials for chronic indications.Such unfavorable outcomes may in part be caused by partial agonism,i.e.,the stabilization of the high-affinity,extended-open integrin conformation.Here,we show that the failed,small-molecule inhibitors of integrinsαIIbβ3 andα4β1 stabilize the high-affinity conformation.Furthermore,we discovered a simple chemical feature present in multipleαIIbβ3 antagonists that stabilizes integrins in their bent-closed conformation.Closing inhibitors contain a polar nitrogen atom that stabilizes,via hydrogen bonds,a water molecule that intervenes between a serine residue and the metal in the metal-ion-dependent adhesion site(MIDAS).Expulsion of this water is a requisite for transition to the open conformation.This change in metal coordination is general to integrins,suggesting broad applicability of the drug-design principle to the integrin family,as validated with a distantly related integrin,α4β1.

High-Throughput Screening of Nanoparticle-Stabilizing Ligands:Application to Preparing Antimicrobial Curcumin Nanoparticles by Antisolvent Precipitation

Water-dispersible curcumin nanoparticles were prepared by bottom-up antisolvent precipitation approach. A new high-throughput screening technique was developed for selecting appropriate ligands stabilizing the nanoparticles in aqueous medium and improving their performance. The initial set of twenty-eight potential stabilizing ligands was evaluated based on their capacity to improve curcumin dispersibility in aqueous medium. The performance of four promising ligands(amino acid proline, polyphenol tannic acid, polycation Polyquaternium 10, and neutral polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone) was tested in ultrasound-aided antisolvent precipitation trials. Using the selected stabilizing ligands diminished the average particle size from ca. 1,200 to 170–230 nm, reduced their dispersity, improved stability, and allowed reaching curcumin concentration of up to 1.4 m M in aqueous medium. Storage stability of the aqueous nanodispersions varied from 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on stabilizing ligand. Studying the effects of ionic strength and pH on size and f-potential of the particles suggested that electrostatic forces and hydrophobic interactions could be the major factors affecting their stability. The ligand-protected nanoparticles showed minimal inhibitory concentration of 400 or500 μM toward Escherichia coli. We suggest that the presented screening approach may be useful for preparing nanoparticles of various poorly water-soluble bioactive materials.

Luminescent properties dependence of water-soluble CdTe quantum dots on stabilizing agents and reaction time

The influence of stabilizing agents and reaction time on the luminescent properties of water-soluble CdTe quantum dots(QDs) was discussed.The thioglycolic acid(TGA)-CdTe ODs were characterized by TEM,XRD and FTIR.It is found that larger-size QDs can be synthesized more easily when L-cysteine(Cys) or golutathione(GSH) is chosen as stabilizing agent and TGA is proper to prepare highly luminescent QDs because of the effect between Cd2+ and sulfhydryl group.Furthermore,the absorption wavelength,full width at half maximum(FWHM),stokes shift,photoluminescence(PL) quantum yield and PL stability of TGA-CdTe are strongly dependent on reaction time,in which the absorption wavelength changes against reaction time with an exponential function.The TGA-CdTe QDs prepared at 2 h possess more excellent luminescent properties.

Bifurcation analysis of visual angle model with anticipated time and stabilizing driving behavior

In the light of the visual angle model(VAM),an improved car-following model considering driver's visual angle,anticipated time and stabilizing driving behavior is proposed so as to investigate how the driver's behavior factors affect the stability of the traffic flow.Based on the model,linear stability analysis is performed together with bifurcation analysis,whose corresponding stability condition is highly fit to the results of the linear analysis.Furthermore,the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau(TDGL)equation and the modified Korteweg–de Vries(m Kd V)equation are derived by nonlinear analysis,and we obtain the relationship of the two equations through the comparison.Finally,parameter calibration and numerical simulation are conducted to verify the validity of the theoretical analysis,whose results are highly consistent with the theoretical analysis.

A New Type of Granular Soil Stabilizing Binder

A new type granular soil stabilizing binder was prepared. Itscomposition was designed in the system ofslag-clinker-gypsum-activating agent. Its properties were comparedwith those of 425~# Portland blastfurnace-slag cement.