Prospects on the application of HTS SQUID magnetometry to nondestructive evaluation (NDE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinstock, H.

1993-04-01

In light of recent advances in the fabrication of low-noise HTS SQUIDs, a review is presented on the use of LTS SQUID magnetometry for nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Examples are given on applications relating to defects in steel, subsurface cracks in aircraft frames, and voids in non-metallic structures. HTS SQUIDs may make a significant difference in the acceptance of these applications because sensing coils will be closer to a sample under test, there will be greater instrument portability and the problem of bringing liquid helium to remote locations will be eliminated.

Directional Reflective Surface Formed via Gradient-Impeding Acoustic Meta-Surfaces

PubMed Central

Song, Kyungjun; Kim, Jedo; Hur, Shin; Kwak, Jun-Hyuk; Lee, Seong-Hyun; Kim, Taesung

2016-01-01

Artificially designed acoustic meta-surfaces have the ability to manipulate sound energy to an extraordinary extent. Here, we report on a new type of directional reflective surface consisting of an array of sub-wavelength Helmholtz resonators with varying internal coiled path lengths, which induce a reflection phase gradient along a planar acoustic meta-surface. The acoustically reshaped reflective surface created by the gradient-impeding meta-surface yields a distinct focal line similar to a parabolic cylinder antenna, and is used for directive sound beamforming. Focused beam steering can be also obtained by repositioning the source (or receiver) off axis, i.e., displaced from the focal line. Besides flat reflective surfaces, complex surfaces such as convex or conformal shapes may be used for sound beamforming, thus facilitating easy application in sound reinforcement systems. Therefore, directional reflective surfaces have promising applications in fields such as acoustic imaging, sonic weaponry, and underwater communication. PMID:27562634

SQUID magnetometry from nanometer to centimeter length scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatridge, Michael Jonathan

Information stored in magnetic fields plays an important role in everyday life. This information exists over a remarkably wide range of sizes, so that magnetometry at a variety of length scales can extract useful information. Examples at centimeter to millimeter length scales include measurement of spatial and temporal character of fields generated in the human brain and heart, and active manipulation of spins in the human body for non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At micron length scales, magnetometry can be used to measure magnetic objects such as flux qubits; at nanometer length scales it can be used to study individual magnetic domains, and even individual spins. The development of Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) based magnetometer for two such applications, in vivo prepolarized, ultra-low field MRI of humans and dispersive readout of SQUIDs for micro- and nanoscale magnetometry, are the focus of this thesis. Conventional MRI has developed into a powerful clinical tool for imaging the human body. This technique is based on nuclear magnetic resonance of protons with the addition application of three-dimensional magnetic field gradients to encode spatial information. Most clinical MRI systems involve magnetic fields generated by superconducting magnets, and the current trend is to higher magnetic fields than the widely used 1.5-T systems. Nonetheless, there is ongoing interest in the development of less expensive imagers operating at lower fields. The prepolarized, SQUID detected ultra-low field MRI (ULF MRI) developed by the Clarke group allows imaging in very weak fields (typically 132 muT, corresponding to a resonant frequency of 5.6 kHz). At these low field strengths, there is enhanced contrast in the longitudinal relaxation time of various tissue types, enabling imaging of objects which are not visible to conventional MRI, for instance prostate cancer. We are currently investigating the contrast between normal and cancerous

μ SR and magnetometry study of superconducting 5% Pt-doped IrTe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, M. N.; Medina, T.; Munsie, T. J.; Cheung, S. C.; Frandsen, B. A.; Liu, L.; Yan, J.; Mandrus, D.; Uemura, Y. J.; Luke, G. M.

2016-11-01

We present magnetometry and muon spin rotation (μ SR ) measurements of the superconducting dichalcogenide Ir0.95Pt0.05Te2 . From both sets of measurements, we calculate the penetration depth and thence superfluid density as a function of temperature. The temperature dependence of the superfluid densities from both sets of data indicate fully gapped superconductivity that can be fit to a conventional s -wave model and yield fitting parameters consistent with a BCS weak coupling superconductor. We therefore see no evidence for exotic superconductivity in Ir0.95Pt0.05Te2 .

Surface supported gold-organic hybrids: on-surface synthesis and surface directed orientation.

PubMed

Zhang, Haiming; Franke, Jörn-Holger; Zhong, Dingyong; Li, Yan; Timmer, Alexander; Arado, Oscar Díaz; Mönig, Harry; Wang, Hong; Chi, Lifeng; Wang, Zhaohui; Müllen, Klaus; Fuchs, Harald

2014-04-09

The surface-assisted synthesis of gold-organic hybrids on Au (111) and Au (100) surfaces is repotred by thermally initiated dehalogenation of chloro-substituted perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimides (PBIs). Structures and surface-directed alignment of the Au-PBI chains are investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy in ultra high vacuum conditions. Using dichloro-PBI as a model system, the mechanism for the formation of Au-PBI dimer is revealed with scanning tunnelling microscopy studies and density functional theory calculations. A PBI radical generated from the homolytic C-Cl bond dissociation can covalently bind a surface gold atom and partially pull it out of the surface to form stable PBI-Au hybrid species, which also gives rise to the surface-directed alignment of the Au-PBI chains on reconstructed Au (100) surfaces. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

μ SR and magnetometry study of superconducting 5% Pt-doped IrTe 2

DOE PAGES

Wilson, M. N.; Medina, T.; Munsie, T. J.; ...

2016-11-11

In this paper, we present magnetometry and muon spin rotation ( SR) measurements of the superconducting dichalcogenide Ir 0.95Pt 0.05Te 2. From both sets of measurements we calculate the penetration depth and thence superfluid density as a function of temperature. The temperature dependence of the superfluid densities from both sets of data indicate fully gapped superconductivity that can be fit to a conventional s-wave model and yield fitting parameters consistent with a BCS weak coupling superconductor. Finally, we therefore see no evidence for exotic superconductivity in Ir 0.95Pt 0.05Te 2.

Precision bounds for gradient magnetometry with atomic ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apellaniz, Iagoba; Urizar-Lanz, Iñigo; Zimborás, Zoltán; Hyllus, Philipp; Tóth, Géza

2018-05-01

We study gradient magnetometry with an ensemble of atoms with arbitrary spin. We calculate precision bounds for estimating the gradient of the magnetic field based on the quantum Fisher information. For quantum states that are invariant under homogeneous magnetic fields, we need to measure a single observable to estimate the gradient. On the other hand, for states that are sensitive to homogeneous fields, a simultaneous measurement is needed, as the homogeneous field must also be estimated. We prove that for the cases studied in this paper, such a measurement is feasible. We present a method to calculate precision bounds for gradient estimation with a chain of atoms or with two spatially separated atomic ensembles. We also consider a single atomic ensemble with an arbitrary density profile, where the atoms cannot be addressed individually, and which is a very relevant case for experiments. Our model can take into account even correlations between particle positions. While in most of the discussion we consider an ensemble of localized particles that are classical with respect to their spatial degree of freedom, we also discuss the case of gradient metrology with a single Bose-Einstein condensate.

Hydrophilic directional slippery rough surfaces for water harvesting

PubMed Central

Sun, Nan; Nielsen, Steven O.; Wang, Jing

2018-01-01

Multifunctional surfaces that are favorable for both droplet nucleation and removal are highly desirable for water harvesting applications but are rare. Inspired by the unique functions of pitcher plants and rice leaves, we present a hydrophilic directional slippery rough surface (SRS) that is capable of rapidly nucleating and removing water droplets. Our surfaces consist of nanotextured directional microgrooves in which the nanotextures alone are infused with hydrophilic liquid lubricant. We have shown through molecular dynamics simulations that the physical origin of the efficient droplet nucleation is attributed to the hydrophilic surface functional groups, whereas the rapid droplet removal is due to the significantly reduced droplet pinning of the directional surface structures and slippery interface. We have further demonstrated that the SRS, owing to its large surface area, hydrophilic slippery interface, and directional liquid repellency, outperforms conventional liquid-repellent surfaces in water harvesting applications. PMID:29670942

Hole Fermi surface in Bi2Se3 probed by quantum oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piot, B. A.; Desrat, W.; Maude, D. K.; Orlita, M.; Potemski, M.; Martinez, G.; Hor, Y. S.

2016-04-01

Transport and torque magnetometry measurements are performed at high magnetic fields and low temperatures in a series of p-type (Ca-doped) Bi2Se3 crystals. The angular dependence of the Shubnikov-de Haas and de Haas-van Alphen quantum oscillations enables us to determine the Fermi surface of the bulk valence band states as a function of the carrier density. At low density, the angular dependence exhibits a downturn in the oscillations frequency between 0∘ and 90∘, reflecting a bag-shaped hole Fermi surface. The detection of a single frequency for all tilt angles rules out the existence of a Fermi surface with different extremal cross sections down to 24 meV. There is therefore no signature of a camelback in the valence band of our bulk samples, in accordance with the direct band gap predicted by G W calculations.

Application of SQUIDs to low temperature and high magnetic field measurements—Ultra low noise torque magnetometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnold, F.; Naumann, M.; Lühmann, Th.; Mackenzie, A. P.; Hassinger, E.

2018-02-01

Torque magnetometry is a key method to measure the magnetic anisotropy and quantum oscillations in metals. In order to resolve quantum oscillations in sub-millimeter sized samples, piezo-electric micro-cantilevers were introduced. In the case of strongly correlated metals with large Fermi surfaces and high cyclotron masses, magnetic torque resolving powers in excess of 104 are required at temperatures well below 1 K and magnetic fields beyond 10 T. Here, we present a new broadband read-out scheme for piezo-electric micro-cantilevers via Wheatstone-type resistance measurements in magnetic fields up to 15 T and temperatures down to 200 mK. By using a two-stage superconducting-quantum interference device as a null detector of a cold Wheatstone bridge, we were able to achieve a magnetic moment resolution of Δm = 4 × 10-15 J/T at maximal field and 700 mK, outperforming conventional magnetometers by at least one order of magnitude in this temperature and magnetic field range. Exemplary de Haas-van Alphen measurement of a newly grown delafossite, PdRhO2, was used to show the superior performance of our setup.

Broadband magnetometry by infrared-absorption detection of nitrogen-vacancy ensembles in diamond

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Acosta, V. M.; Bauch, E.; Jarmola, A.

We demonstrate magnetometry by detection of the spin state of high-density nitrogen-vacancy ensembles in diamond using optical absorption at 1042 nm. With this technique, measurement contrast, and collection efficiency can approach unity, leading to an increase in magnetic sensitivity compared to the more common method of collecting red fluorescence. Working at 75 K with a sensor with effective volume 50x50x300 {mu}m{sup 3}, we project photon shot-noise limited sensitivity of 5 pT in one second of acquisition and bandwidth from dc to a few megahertz. Operation in a gradiometer configuration yields a noise floor of 7 nT{sub rms} at {approx}110 Hzmore » in one second of acquisition.« less

Directional self-cleaning superoleophobic surface.

PubMed

Zhao, Hong; Law, Kock-Yee

2012-08-14

In this work, we report the creation of a grooved surface comprising 3 μm grooves (height ~4 μm) separated by 3 μm from each other on a silicon wafer by photolithography. The grooved surface was then modified chemically with a fluorosilane layer (FOTS). The surface property was studied by both static and dynamic contact angle measurements using water, hexadecane, and a polyethylene wax ink as the probing liquids. Results show that the grooved surface is both superhydrophobic and superoleophobic. Its observed contact angles agree well with the calculated Cassie-Baxter angles. More importantly, we are able to make a replica of the composite wax ink-air interface and study it by SEM. Microscopy results not only show that the droplet of the wax ink "sits" on air in the composite interface but also further reveal that the ink drop actually pins underneath the re-entrant structure in the side wall of the grooved structure. Contact angle measurement results indicate that wetting on the grooved surface is anisotropic. Although liquid drops are found to have lower static and advancing contact angles in the parallel direction, the drops are found to be more mobile, showing smaller hysteresis and lower sliding angles (as compared to the FOTS wafer surface and a comparable 3-μm-diameter pillar array FOTS surface). The enhanced mobility is attributable to the lowering of the resistance against an advancing liquid because 50% of the advancing area is made of a solid strip where the liquid likes to wet. This also implies that the contact line for advancing is no longer smooth but rather is ragged, having the solid strip area leading the wetting and the air strip area trailing behind. This interpretation is supported by imaging the geometry of the contact lines using molten ink drops recovered from the sliding angle experiments in both the parallel and orthogonal directions. Because the grooved surface is mechanically stronger against mechanical abrasion, the self

Directional emittance surface measurement system and process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Puram, Chith K. (Inventor); Daryabeigi, Kamran (Inventor); Wright, Robert (Inventor); Alderfer, David W. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

Apparatus and process for measuring the variation of directional emittance of surfaces at various temperatures using a radiometric infrared imaging system. A surface test sample is coated onto a copper target plate provided with selective heating within the desired incremental temperature range to be tested and positioned onto a precision rotator to present selected inclination angles of the sample relative to the fixed positioned and optically aligned infrared imager. A thermal insulator holder maintains the target plate on the precision rotator. A screen display of the temperature obtained by the infrared imager, and inclination readings are provided with computer calculations of directional emittance being performed automatically according to equations provided to convert selected incremental target temperatures and inclination angles to relative target directional emittance values. The directional emittance of flat black lacquer and an epoxy resin measurements obtained are in agreement with the predictions of the electromagnetic theory and with directional emittance data inferred from directional reflectance measurements made on a spectrophotometer.

Direct Observation of Very Large Zero-Field Splitting in a Tetrahedral Ni(II)Se4 Coordination Complex.

PubMed

Jiang, Shang-Da; Maganas, Dimitrios; Levesanos, Nikolaos; Ferentinos, Eleftherios; Haas, Sabrina; Thirunavukkuarasu, Komalavalli; Krzystek, J; Dressel, Martin; Bogani, Lapo; Neese, Frank; Kyritsis, Panayotis

2015-10-14

The high-spin (S = 1) tetrahedral Ni(II) complex [Ni{(i)Pr2P(Se)NP(Se)(i)Pr2}2] was investigated by magnetometry, spectroscopic, and quantum chemical methods. Angle-resolved magnetometry studies revealed the orientation of the magnetization principal axes. The very large zero-field splitting (zfs), D = 45.40(2) cm(-1), E = 1.91(2) cm(-1), of the complex was accurately determined by far-infrared magnetic spectroscopy, directly observing transitions between the spin sublevels of the triplet ground state. These are the largest zfs values ever determined--directly--for a high-spin Ni(II) complex. Ab initio calculations further probed the electronic structure of the system, elucidating the factors controlling the sign and magnitude of D. The latter is dominated by spin-orbit coupling contributions of the Ni ions, whereas the corresponding effects of the Se atoms are remarkably smaller.

Tutorial: Magnetic resonance with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond—microwave engineering, materials science, and magnetometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, Eisuke; Sasaki, Kento

2018-04-01

This tutorial article provides a concise and pedagogical overview on negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. The research on the NV centers has attracted enormous attention for its application to quantum sensing, encompassing the areas of not only physics and applied physics but also chemistry, biology, and life sciences. Nonetheless, its key technical aspects can be understood from the viewpoint of magnetic resonance. We focus on three facets of this ever-expanding research field, to which our viewpoint is especially relevant: microwave engineering, materials science, and magnetometry. In explaining these aspects, we provide a technical basis and up-to-date technologies for research on the NV centers.

Tuning of Magnetic Anisotropy in Hexairon(III) Rings by Host-Guest Interactions: An Investigation by High-Field Torque Magnetometry.

PubMed

Cornia; Affronte; Jansen; Abbati; Gatteschi

1999-08-01

Full chemical control of magnetic anisotropy in hexairon(III) rings can be achieved by varying the size of the guest alkali metal ion. Dramatically different anisotropies characterize the Li(I) and Na(I) complexes of [Fe(6)(OMe)(12)(L)(6)] (L=1,3-propanedione derivatives; a schematic representation of the Li(I) complex is shown), as revealed by high-field torque magnetometry-Iron: (g), oxygen: o, carbon: o, Li(+): plus sign in circle.

Modification of Surface Energy via Direct Laser Ablative Surface Patterning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wohl, Christopher J., Jr. (Inventor); Belcher, Marcus A. (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Hopkins, John W. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Surface energy of a substrate is changed without the need for any template, mask, or additional coating medium applied to the substrate. At least one beam of energy directly ablates a substrate surface to form a predefined topographical pattern at the surface. Each beam of energy has a width of approximately 25 micrometers and an energy of approximately 1-500 microJoules. Features in the topographical pattern have a width of approximately 1-500 micrometers and a height of approximately 1.4-100 micrometers.

Uni-directional liquid spreading on asymmetric nanostructured surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Kuang-Han; Xiao, Rong; Wang, Evelyn N.

2010-05-01

Controlling surface wettability and liquid spreading on patterned surfaces is of significant interest for a broad range of applications, including DNA microarrays, digital lab-on-a-chip, anti-fogging and fog-harvesting, inkjet printing and thin-film lubrication. Advancements in surface engineering, with the fabrication of various micro/nanoscale topographic features, and selective chemical patterning on surfaces, have enhanced surface wettability and enabled control of the liquid film thickness and final wetted shape. In addition, groove geometries and patterned surface chemistries have produced anisotropic wetting, where contact-angle variations in different directions resulted in elongated droplet shapes. In all of these studies, however, the wetting behaviour preserves left-right symmetry. Here, we demonstrate that we can harness the design of asymmetric nanostructured surfaces to achieve uni-directional liquid spreading, where the liquid propagates in a single preferred direction and pins in all others. Through experiments and modelling, we determined that the spreading characteristic is dependent on the degree of nanostructure asymmetry, the height-to-spacing ratio of the nanostructures and the intrinsic contact angle. The theory, based on an energy argument, provides excellent agreement with experimental data. The insights gained from this work offer new opportunities to tailor advanced nanostructures to achieve active control of complex flow patterns and wetting on demand.

Spin ensemble-based AC magnetometry using concatenated dynamical decoupling at low temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farfurnik, D.; Jarmola, A.; Budker, D.; Bar-Gill, N.

2018-01-01

Ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond are widely used as AC magnetometers. While such measurements are usually performed using standard (XY) dynamical decoupling (DD) protocols at room temperature, we study the sensitivities achieved by utilizing various DD protocols, for measuring magnetic AC fields at frequencies in the 10-250 kHz range, at room temperature and 77 K. By performing measurements on an isotopically pure 12C sample, we find that the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill protocol, which is not robust against pulse imperfections, is less efficient for magnetometry than robust XY-based sequences. The concatenation of a standard XY-based protocol may enhance the sensitivities only for measuring high-frequency fields, for which many (> 500) DD pulses are necessary and the robustness against pulse imperfections is critical. Moreover, we show that cooling is effective only for measuring low-frequency fields (˜10 kHz), for which the experiment time approaches T 1 at a small number of applied DD pulses.

Detection of magnetically enhanced cancer tumors using SQUID magnetometry: A feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenning, G. G.; Rodriguez, R.; Zotev, V. S.; Moslemi, A.; Wilson, S.; Hawel, L.; Byus, C.; Kovach, J. S.

2005-01-01

Nanoparticles bound to various biological molecules and pharmacological agents can be administered systemically, to humans without apparent toxicity. This opens an era in the targeting of specific tissues and disease processes for noninvasive imaging and treatment. An important class of particles used predominantly for magnetic resonance imaging is based on iron-oxide ferrites. We performed computer simulations using experimentally determined values for concentrations of superparamagnetic particles achievable in specific tissues of the mouse in vivo and concentrations of particles linked to monoclonal antibodies specific to antigens of two human cancer cell lines in vitro. An instrument to target distance of 12cm, into the body, was selected as relevant to our goal of developing a rapid inexpensive method of scanning the body for occult disease. The simulations demonstrate the potential feasibility of superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry to detect induced magnetic fields in focal concentrations of superparamagnetic particles targeted, in vivo, to sites of disease.

Cytocompatibility of Direct Laser Interference-patterned Titanium Surfaces for Implants.

PubMed

Hartjen, Philip; Nada, Ola; Silva, Thiago Gundelwein; Precht, Clarissa; Henningsen, Anders; Holthaus, Marzellus GROßE; Gulow, Nikolai; Friedrich, Reinhard E; Hanken, Henning; Heiland, Max; Zwahr, Christoph; Smeets, Ralf; Jung, Ole

2017-01-01

In an effort to generate titanium surfaces for implants with improved osseointegration, we used direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) to modify the surface of pure titanium grade 4 of four different structures. We assessed in vitro cytoxicity and cell attachment, as well as the viability and proliferation of cells cultured directly on the surfaces. Attachment of the cells to the modified surfaces was comparably good compared to that of cells on grit-blasted and acid-etched reference titanium surfaces. In concordance with this, viability and proliferation of the cells directly cultured on the specimens were similar on all the titanium surfaces, regardless of the laser modification, indicating good cytocompatibility. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Effects of rock wool on the lungs evaluated by magnetometry and biopersistence test

PubMed Central

Kudo, Yuichiro; Kotani, Makoto; Tomita, Masayuki; Aizawa, Yoshiharu

2009-01-01

Background Asbestos has been reported to cause pulmonary fibrosis, and its use has been banned all over the world. The related industries are facing an urgent need to develop a safer fibrous substance. Rock wool (RW), a kind of asbestos substitute, is widely used in the construction industry. In order to evaluate the safety of RW, we performed a nose-only inhalation exposure study in rats. After one-month observation period, the potential of RW fibers to cause pulmonary toxicity was evaluated based on lung magnetometry findings, pulmonary biopersistence, and pneumopathology. Methods Using the nose-only inhalation exposure system, 6 male Fischer 344 rats (6 to 10 weeks old) were exposed to RW fibers at a target fiber concentration of 100 fibers/cm3 (length [L] > 20 μm) for 6 hours daily, for 5 consecutive days. As a magnetometric indicator, 3 mg of triiron tetraoxide suspended in 0.2 mL of physiological saline was intratracheally administered after RW exposure to these rats and 6 unexposed rats (controls). During one second magnetization in 50 mT external magnetic field, all magnetic particles were aligned, and immediately afterwards the strength of their remanent magnetic field in the rat lungs was measured in both groups. Magnetization and measurement of the decay (relaxation) of this remanent magnetic field was performed over 40 minutes on 1, 3, 14, and 28 days after RW exposure, and reflected cytoskeleton dependent intracellular transport within macrophages in the lung. Similarly, 24 and 12 male Fisher 344-rats were used for biopersistence test and pathologic evaluation, respectively. Results In the lung magnetometric evaluation, biopersistence test and pathological evaluation, the arithmetic mean value of the total fiber concentration was 650.2, 344.7 and 390.7 fibers/cm3, respectively, and 156.6, 93.1 and 95.0 fibers/cm3 for fibers with L > 20 μm, respectively. The lung magnetometric evaluation revealed that impaired relaxation indicating cytoskeletal

Direct Measurement of the Surface Energy of Graphene.

PubMed

van Engers, Christian D; Cousens, Nico E A; Babenko, Vitaliy; Britton, Jude; Zappone, Bruno; Grobert, Nicole; Perkin, Susan

2017-06-14

Graphene produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a promising candidate for implementing graphene in a range of technologies. In most device configurations, one side of the graphene is supported by a solid substrate, wheras the other side is in contact with a medium of interest, such as a liquid or other two-dimensional material within a van der Waals stack. In such devices, graphene interacts on both faces via noncovalent interactions and therefore surface energies are key parameters for device fabrication and operation. In this work, we directly measured adhesive forces and surface energies of CVD-grown graphene in dry nitrogen, water, and sodium cholate using a modified surface force balance. For this, we fabricated large (∼1 cm 2 ) and clean graphene-coated surfaces with smooth topography at both macro- and nanoscales. By bringing two such surfaces into contact and measuring the force required to separate them, we measured the surface energy of single-layer graphene in dry nitrogen to be 115 ± 4 mJ/m 2 , which was similar to that of few-layer graphene (119 ± 3 mJ/m 2 ). In water and sodium cholate, we measured interfacial energies of 83 ± 7 and 29 ± 6 mJ/m 2 , respectively. Our work provides the first direct measurement of graphene surface energy and is expected to have an impact both on the development of graphene-based devices and contribute to the fundamental understanding of surface interactions.

Plasmon Surface Polariton Dispersion by Direct Optical Observation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swalen, J. D.; And Others

1980-01-01

Describes several simple experiments that can be used to observe directly the dispersion curve of plasmon surface polaritons (PSP) on flat metal surfaces. A method is described of observing the increonental change in the wave vector of the PSP due to coatings that differ in thickness by a few nanometers. (Author/CS)

Direct Observation of Twisted Surface skyrmions in Bulk Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, S. L.; van der Laan, G.; Wang, W. W.; Haghighirad, A. A.; Hesjedal, T.

2018-06-01

Magnetic skyrmions in noncentrosymmetric helimagnets with Dn symmetry are Bloch-type magnetization swirls with a helicity angle of ±9 0 ° . At the surface of helimagnetic thin films below a critical thickness, a twisted skyrmion state with an arbitrary helicity angle has been proposed; however, its direct experimental observation has remained elusive. Here, we show that circularly polarized resonant elastic x-ray scattering is able to unambiguously measure the helicity angle of surface skyrmions, providing direct experimental evidence that a twisted skyrmion surface state also exists in bulk systems. The exact surface helicity angles of twisted skyrmions for both left- and right-handed chiral bulk Cu2 OSeO3 , in the single as well as in the multidomain skyrmion lattice state, are determined, revealing their detailed internal structure. Our findings suggest that a skyrmion surface reconstruction is a universal phenomenon, stemming from the breaking of translational symmetry at the interface.

Continuous directional water transport on the peristome surface of Nepenthes alata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Huawei; Zhang, Pengfei; Zhang, Liwen; Liu, Hongliang; Jiang, Ying; Zhang, Deyuan; Han, Zhiwu; Jiang, Lei

2016-04-01

Numerous natural systems contain surfaces or threads that enable directional water transport. This behaviour is usually ascribed to hierarchical structural features at the microscale and nanoscale, with gradients in surface energy and gradients in Laplace pressure thought to be the main driving forces. Here we study the prey-trapping pitcher organs of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes alata. We find that continuous, directional water transport occurs on the surface of the ‘peristome’—the rim of the pitcher—because of its multiscale structure, which optimizes and enhances capillary rise in the transport direction, and prevents backflow by pinning in place any water front that is moving in the reverse direction. This results not only in unidirectional flow despite the absence of any surface-energy gradient, but also in a transport speed that is much higher than previously thought. We anticipate that the basic ‘design’ principles underlying this behaviour could be used to develop artificial fluid-transport systems with practical applications.

Direct observation of a surface resonance state and surface band inversion control in black phosphorus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehlen, N.; Sanna, A.; Senkovskiy, B. V.; Petaccia, L.; Fedorov, A. V.; Profeta, G.; Grüneis, A.

2018-01-01

We report a Cs-doping-induced band inversion and the direct observation of a surface resonance state with an elliptical Fermi surface in black phosphorus (BP) using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. By selectively inducing a higher electron concentration (1.7 ×1014cm-2 ) in the topmost layer, the changes in the Coulomb potential are sufficiently large to cause surface band inversion between the parabolic valence band of BP and a parabolic surface state around the Γ point of the BP Brillouin zone. Tight-binding calculations reveal that band gap openings at the crossing points in the two high-symmetry directions of the Brillouin zone require out-of-plane hopping and breaking of the glide mirror symmetry. Ab initio calculations are in very good agreement with the experiment if a stacking fault on the BP surface is taken into account. The demonstrated level of control over the band structure suggests the potential application of few-layer phosphorene in topological field-effect transistors.

Direct instrumental identification of catalytically active surface sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfisterer, Jonas H. K.; Liang, Yunchang; Schneider, Oliver; Bandarenka, Aliaksandr S.

2017-09-01

The activity of heterogeneous catalysts—which are involved in some 80 per cent of processes in the chemical and energy industries—is determined by the electronic structure of specific surface sites that offer optimal binding of reaction intermediates. Directly identifying and monitoring these sites during a reaction should therefore provide insight that might aid the targeted development of heterogeneous catalysts and electrocatalysts (those that participate in electrochemical reactions) for practical applications. The invention of the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) and the electrochemical STM promised to deliver such imaging capabilities, and both have indeed contributed greatly to our atomistic understanding of heterogeneous catalysis. But although the STM has been used to probe and initiate surface reactions, and has even enabled local measurements of reactivity in some systems, it is not generally thought to be suited to the direct identification of catalytically active surface sites under reaction conditions. Here we demonstrate, however, that common STMs can readily map the catalytic activity of surfaces with high spatial resolution: we show that by monitoring relative changes in the tunnelling current noise, active sites can be distinguished in an almost quantitative fashion according to their ability to catalyse the hydrogen-evolution reaction or the oxygen-reduction reaction. These data allow us to evaluate directly the importance and relative contribution to overall catalyst activity of different defects and sites at the boundaries between two materials. With its ability to deliver such information and its ready applicability to different systems, we anticipate that our method will aid the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts.

The Saga of Light-Matter Interaction and Magneto-optical Effects Applications to Atomic Magnetometry, Laser-cooled Atoms, Atomic Clocks, Geomagnetism, and Plant Bio-magnetism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corsini, Eric P.

The quest to expand the limited sensorial domain, in particular to bridge the inability to gauge magnetic fields near and far, has driven the fabrication of remedial tools. The interaction of ferromagnetic material with a magnetic field had been the only available technique to gauge that field for several millennium. The advent of electricity and associated classical phenomena captured in the four Maxwell equations, were a step forward. In the early 1900s, the model of quantum mechanics provided a two-way leap forward. One came from the newly understood interaction of light and matter, and more specifically the three-way coupling of photons, atoms' angular momenta, and magnetic field, which are the foundations of atomic magnetometry. The other came from magnetically sensitive quantum effects in a fabricated energy-ladder form of matter cooled to a temperature below that of the energy steps; these quantum effects gave rise to the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Research using atomic magnetometers and SQUIDs has resulted in thousands of publications, text books, and conferences. The current status in each field is well described in Refs. [48,49,38,42] and all references therein. In this work we develop and investigate techniques and applications pertaining to atomic magnetometry. [Full text: eric.corsini gmail.com].

Directional Emissivity Effects on Martian Surface Brightness Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitman, K. M.; Wolff, M. J.; Bandfield, J. L.; Clancy, R. T.; Clayton, G. C.

2001-11-01

The angular dependence of thermal emission from the surface of Mars has not been well characterized. Although nadir sequences constitute most of the MGS/TES Martian surface observations [1,2], a significant number scans of Martian surfaces at multiple emission angles (emission phase function (EPF) sequences) also exist. Such data can provide insight into surface structures, thermal inertias, and non-isotropic corrections to thermal emission measurements [3]. The availability of abundant EPF data as well as the added utility of such observations for atmospheric characterization provide the impetus for examining the phenomenon of directional emissivity. We present examples of directional emissivity effects on brightness temperature spectra for a variety of typical Martian surfaces. We examine the theoretical development by Hapke (1993, 1996) [4,5] and compare his algorithm to that of Mishchenko et al. (1999) [6]. These results are then compared to relevant TES EPF data. This work is supported through NASA grant NAGS-9820 (MJW) and JPL contract no. 961471 (RTC). [1] Smith et al. (1998), AAS-DPS meeting # 30, # 11.P07. [2] Kieffer, Mullins, & Titus (1998), EOS, 79, 533. [3] Jakosky, Finiol, & Henderson (1990), JGR, 17, 985--988. [4] Hapke, B. (1993), Theory of Reflectance & Emittance Spectroscopy, Cambridge Univ. Press, NY. [5] Hapke, B. (1996), JGR, 101, E7, 16817--16831. [6] Mishchenko et al. (1999), JQSRT, 63, 409--432.

Ultra-high sensitivity moment magnetometry of geological samples using magnetic microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lima, Eduardo A.; Weiss, Benjamin P.

2016-09-01

Useful paleomagnetic information is expected to be recorded by samples with moments up to three orders of magnitude below the detection limit of standard superconducting rock magnetometers. Such samples are now detectable using recently developed magnetic microscopes, which map the magnetic fields above room-temperature samples with unprecedented spatial resolutions and field sensitivities. However, realizing this potential requires the development of techniques for retrieving sample moments from magnetic microscopy data. With this goal, we developed a technique for uniquely obtaining the net magnetic moment of geological samples from magnetic microscopy maps of unresolved or nearly unresolved magnetization. This technique is particularly powerful for analyzing small, weakly magnetized samples such as meteoritic chondrules and terrestrial silicate crystals like zircons. We validated this technique by applying it to field maps generated from synthetic sources and also to field maps measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscope above geological samples with moments down to 10-15 Am2. For the most magnetic rock samples, the net moments estimated from the SQUID microscope data are within error of independent moment measurements acquired using lower sensitivity standard rock magnetometers. In addition to its superior moment sensitivity, SQUID microscope net moment magnetometry also enables the identification and isolation of magnetic contamination and background sources, which is critical for improving accuracy in paleomagnetic studies of weakly magnetic samples.

Combined measurement of directional Raman scattering and surface-plasmon-polariton cone from adsorbates on smooth planar gold surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nyamekye, Charles K. A.; Weibel, Stephen C.; Bobbitt, Jonathan M.

Directional-surface-plasmon-coupled Raman scattering (directional RS) has the combined benefits of surface plasmon resonance and Raman spectroscopy, and provides the ability to measure adsorption and monolayer-sensitive chemical information. Directional RS is performed by optically coupling a 50-nm gold film to a Weierstrass prism in the Kretschmann configuration and scanning the angle of the incident laser under total internal reflection. The collected parameters on the prism side of the interface include a full surface-plasmon-polariton cone and the full Raman signal radiating from the cone as a function of incident angle. An instrument for performing directional RS and a quantitative study of themore » instrumental parameters are herein reported. To test the sensitivity and quantify the instrument parameters, self-assembled monolayers and 10 to 100-nm polymer films are studied. The signals are found to be well-modeled by two calculated angle-dependent parameters: three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain calculations of the electric field generated in the sample layer and projected to the far-field, and Fresnel calculations of the reflected light intensity. This is the first report of the quantitative study of the full surface-plasmon-polariton cone intensity, cone diameter, and directional Raman signal as a function of incident angle. We propose that directional RS is a viable alternative to surface plasmon resonance when added chemical information is beneficial.« less

Combined measurement of directional Raman scattering and surface-plasmon-polariton cone from adsorbates on smooth planar gold surfaces

DOE PAGES

Nyamekye, Charles K. A.; Weibel, Stephen C.; Bobbitt, Jonathan M.; ...

2017-09-15

Directional-surface-plasmon-coupled Raman scattering (directional RS) has the combined benefits of surface plasmon resonance and Raman spectroscopy, and provides the ability to measure adsorption and monolayer-sensitive chemical information. Directional RS is performed by optically coupling a 50-nm gold film to a Weierstrass prism in the Kretschmann configuration and scanning the angle of the incident laser under total internal reflection. The collected parameters on the prism side of the interface include a full surface-plasmon-polariton cone and the full Raman signal radiating from the cone as a function of incident angle. An instrument for performing directional RS and a quantitative study of themore » instrumental parameters are herein reported. To test the sensitivity and quantify the instrument parameters, self-assembled monolayers and 10 to 100-nm polymer films are studied. The signals are found to be well-modeled by two calculated angle-dependent parameters: three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain calculations of the electric field generated in the sample layer and projected to the far-field, and Fresnel calculations of the reflected light intensity. This is the first report of the quantitative study of the full surface-plasmon-polariton cone intensity, cone diameter, and directional Raman signal as a function of incident angle. We propose that directional RS is a viable alternative to surface plasmon resonance when added chemical information is beneficial.« less

Fiber-Optic Magnetometry and Thermometry Using Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance With Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blakley, Sean Michael

Nitrogen--vacancy diamond (NVD) quantum sensors are an emerging technology that has shown great promise in areas like high-resolution thermometry and magnetometry. Optical fibers provide attractive new application paradigms for NVD technology. A detailed description of the fabrication processes associated with the development of novel fiber-optic NVD probes are presented in this work. The demonstrated probes are tested on paradigmatic model systems designed to ascertain their suitability for use in challenging biological environments. Methods employing optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) are used to accurately measure and map temperature distributions of small objects and to demonstrate emergent temperature-dependent phenomena in genetically modified living organisms. These methods are also used to create detailed high resolution spatial maps of both magnetic scalar and magnetic vector field distributions of spatially localized weak field features in the presence of a noisy, high-field background.

Method for measuring surface shear stress magnitude and direction using liquid crystal coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reda, Daniel C. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A method is provided for determining surface shear magnitude and direction at every point on a surface. The surface is covered with a shear stress sensitive liquid crystal coating and illuminated by white light from a normal direction. A video camera is positioned at an oblique angle above the surface to observe the color of the liquid crystal at that angle. The shear magnitude and direction are derived from the color information. A method of calibrating the device is also provided.

Probing Anisotropic Surface Properties of Molybdenite by Direct Force Measurements.

PubMed

Lu, Zhenzhen; Liu, Qingxia; Xu, Zhenghe; Zeng, Hongbo

2015-10-27

Probing anisotropic surface properties of layer-type mineral is fundamentally important in understanding its surface charge and wettability for a variety of applications. In this study, the surface properties of the face and the edge surfaces of natural molybdenite (MoS2) were investigated by direct surface force measurements using atomic force microscope (AFM). The interaction forces between the AFM tip (Si3N4) and face or edge surface of molybdenite were measured in 10 mM NaCl solutions at various pHs. The force profiles were well-fitted with classical DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) theory to determine the surface potentials of the face and the edge surfaces of molybdenite. The surface potentials of both the face and edge surfaces become more negative with increasing pH. At neutral and alkaline conditions, the edge surface exhibits more negative surface potential than the face surface, which is possibly due to molybdate and hydromolybdate ions on the edge surface. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the edge surface was determined around pH 3 while PZC of the face surface was not observed in the range of pH 3-11. The interaction forces between octadecyltrichlorosilane-treated AFM tip (OTS-tip) and face or edge surface of molybdenite were also measured at various pHs to study the wettability of molybdenite surfaces. An attractive force between the OTS-tip and the face surface was detected. The force profiles were well-fitted by considering DLVO forces and additional hydrophobic force. Our results suggest the hydrophobic feature of the face surface of molybdenite. In contrast, no attractive force between the OTS-tip and the edge surface was detected. This is the first study in directly measuring surface charge and wettability of the pristine face and edge surfaces of molybdenite through surface force measurements.

A direct immunoassay for detecting diatoms in groundwater as an indicator of the direct influence of surface water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walker, C.E.; Schrock, R.M.; Reilly, T.J.; Baehr, A.L.

2005-01-01

Groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDISW) is of concern in communities where growing public demand on groundwater resources has resulted in increased withdrawals and hydraulic stress near surface water bodies. Under these conditions, contaminants such as methyl-tert butyl ether (MTBE) and biological materials have been detected in domestic wells. Other contaminants and pathogens associated with surface water are not routinely tested for in groundwater-supplied systems. To address the need for methods to easily identify potentially vulnerable supplies, a direct immunoassay for the quantitative detection of diatoms in raw water samples was developed as a measure of surface water influence on groundwater. Cell wall preparations from Nitzschia palea Ku??tzing, a freshwater diatom found throughout North America, were used to produce a polyclonal antibody that was applied in a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed to detect the presence of N. palea cell wall components. The direct immunoassay allows detection at 500 cells L-1, a level similar to diatom concentrations observed in samples of groundwater collected near the test site. This investigation was the first attempt to utilize an ELISA as an indicator of surface water influence on groundwater. Further research is needed to develop more specific diatom-based monoclonal antibodies, determine cross-reactivity, and optimize sample processing and ELISA procedures for development of a standardized method. ?? Springer 2005.

A direct immunoassay for detecting diatoms in groundwater as an indicator of the direct influence of surface water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walker, C.E.; Schrock, R.M.; Reilly, T.J.; Baehr, A.L.

2005-01-01

Groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDISW) is of concern in communities where growing public demand on groundwater resources has resulted in increased withdrawals and hydraulic stress near surface water bodies. Under these conditions, contaminants such as methyl-tert butyl ether (MTBE) and biological materials have been detected in domestic wells. Other contaminants and pathogens associated with surface water are not routinely tested for in groundwater-supplied systems. To address the need for methods to easily identify potentially vulnerable supplies, a direct immunoassay for the quantitative detection of diatoms in raw water samples was developed as a measure of surface water influence on groundwater. Cell wall preparations from Nitzschia palea Kützing, a freshwater diatom found throughout North America, were used to produce a polyclonal antibody that was applied in a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed to detect the presence of N. palea cell wall components. The direct immunoassay allows detection at 500 cells L−1, a level similar to diatom concentrations observed in samples of groundwater collected near the test site. This investigation was the first attempt to utilize an ELISA as an indicator of surface water influence on groundwater. Further research is needed to develop more specific diatom-based monoclonal antibodies, determine cross-reactivity, and optimize sample processing and ELISA procedures for development of a standardized method.

Direct organocatalytic enantioselective functionalization of SiOx surfaces.

PubMed

Parkin, John David; Chisholm, Ross; Frost, Aileen B; Bailey, Richard G; Smith, Andrew David; Hähner, Georg

2018-06-05

Traditional methods to prepare chiral surfaces involve either the adsorption of a chiral molecule onto an achiral surface, or adsorption of a species that forms a chiral template creating lattices with long range order. To date only limited alternative strategies to prepare chiral surfaces have been studied. In this manuscript a "bottom up" approach is developed that allows the preparation of chiral surfaces by direct enantioselective organocatalysis on a functionalized Si-oxide supported self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The efficient catalytic generation of enantiomerically enriched organic surfaces is achieved using a commercially available homogeneous isothiourea catalyst (HyperBTM) that promotes an enantioselective Michael-lactonization process upon a Si-oxide supported self-assembled monolayer functionalized with a reactive trifluoroenone group. Chiral atomic force microscopy (chi-AFM) is used to probe the enantiomeric enrichment of the organic films by measurement of the force distributions arising from interaction of D- or L-cysteine modified AFM tips and the organic films. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Directional motion of impacting drops on dual-textured surfaces.

PubMed

Vaikuntanathan, V; Sivakumar, D

2012-09-01

In this work, we analyze the directional movement of impacting liquid drops on dual-textured solid surfaces comprising two different surface morphologies: a textured surface and a smooth surface. The dynamics of liquid drops impacting onto the junction line between the two parts of the dual-textured surfaces is studied experimentally for varying drop impact velocity. The dual-textured surfaces used here featured a variation in their textures' geometrical parameters as well as their surface chemistry. Two types of liquid drop differing in their surface tension were used. The impact process develops a net horizontal drop velocity towards the higher-wettability surface portion and results in a bulk movement of the impacting drop liquid. The final distance moved by the impacting drop from the junction line decreases with increasing impacting drop Weber number We. A fully theoretical model, employing a balance of forces acting at the drop contact line as well as energy conservation, is formulated to determine the variation, with We, of net horizontal drop velocity and subsequent movement of the impacting drop on the dual-textured surfaces.

Micro- and nano-porous surface patterns prepared by surface-confined directional melt crystallization of solvent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Byoung Soo; Kim, Hyun Jin; An, Suyeong; Chi, Sangwon; Kim, Junseok; Lee, Jonghwi

2017-07-01

Recently, numerous attempts have been made to engineer micro- and nano-porous surface patterns or to develop convenient preparation methods for the practical applications of self-cleaning surfaces, water-repellent surfaces, novel textures, etc. Herein, we introduce a simple, cheap, and repeatable crystallization-based method to produce porous surface structures, on any surface of already fabricated polymeric materials. Contact of the solvent phase with cooled polymer surfaces enabled the limited dissolution of the surfaces and the subsequent extremely fast melt crystallization of the solvent. After removing the crystals, various micro- and nano-porous patterns were obtained, whose pore sizes ranged over three orders of magnitude. Pore depth was linearly dependent on the dissolution time. Crystal growth was mainly directed normal to the surfaces, but it was also controlled in-plane, resulting in cylindrical or lamellar structures. Superhydrophobic surfaces were successfully prepared on both polystyrene and polycarbonate. This process offers a novel surface engineering tool for a variety of polymer surfaces, whose topology can be conveniently controlled over a wide range by crystal engineering.

Development and evaluation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) magnetometry systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parvar, Kiyavash

In this thesis, the procedure of conducting magnetic surveys from a UAV platform is investigated. In the process of evaluating UAVs for such surveys, magnetic sensors capable of operating on a UAV platform were tested using a terrestrial survey, as well as on a UAV-platform. Results were then compared to a model of the area generated using a proton precession magnetometer. Magnetic signature of the UAVs are discussed and impact values are calculated. For a better understanding of the magnetic fields around UAVs some micro-surveys were conducted with the help of a fluxgate magnetometer around two UAVs. Results of such surveys were used to determine a location to mount the magnetometer during the survey. A test survey over a known anomaly (a visible chromite outcrop in Oman) is conducted in order to determine the feasibility of using UAV-based magnetometry for chromite exploration. Observations were taken at two different elevations in order to generate a 3-D model of the magnetic field. Later, after applying upward continuation filters and comparing the calculated results to the real values, the reliability and uncertainty levels of such filters were investigated. Results show that magnetometery on UAV platforms is feasible. Unwanted signals can be noticeable and produce fake anomalies by the end of each line because of the swinging effect of the suspended magnetometer below the UAV. This should be reduced by hardware and software modifications i.e. applying non-linear filters and mounting the sensor on a rigid rod. Also, it was derived that the error level associated with upward continuation filters exceeds 45% and thus, using such filters instead of actual observations is not suggested in gradiometry. Moreover, 3-D magnetic gradient surveys can be beneficial for future inversion problems.

Vertical directivities of seismic arrays on the ground surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiraishi, H.; Asanuma, H.

2012-12-01

Microtremor survey method (MSM) is a technique to estimate subsurface velocity structures by inverting phase velocities of the surface waves in the microtremors. We can explorer the S-wave velocity structures at significantly lower expenses by the MSM than the conventional geophysical techniques because of its passive nature. Coherent waves across an array are identified in the MSM, and, therefore, all the existing velocity inversion methods have been deduced under an implicit assumption of horizontal velocity structure. However, it is expected that the development of the 3D inversion theory would drastically enhance applicability and reliability of the MSM. We, hence, investigated the characteristics of vertical directivities of the arrays deployed on the ground surface as an initial step for deriving the 3D MSM. We have firstly examined the response of an elemental two sensor array to which plane waves propagates from the deep crust with a certain angle of incident, and then examined the characteristics of several types of arrays, including triangular and circular arrays to clarify the characteristics of practical arrays. Real part of the complex coherence function, which has been derived to evaluate coherence of the Rayleigh wave between sensors for plane waves (Shiraishi et al., 2006), has been applied for this investigation. Our results showed that the directivity varies according to a parameter kr ( k : wave number, r : separation of the sensors ). A vertical directivity of two sensor array at kr = π shows a rotationally-symmetrical shape (Figure (a)). In contrast, an equilateral triangle array has a conspicuous directivity toward the vertical direction (cf. Figure (b)). This divergence suggests that the shape of the vertical directivity significantly depend on the geometry, and a sharp directivity toward just beneath the array can be realized by designing the vertical directivity. We concluded from this study that 3D MSM is feasible and further study to

Directional Thermal Emission and Absorption from Surface Microstructures in Metalized Plastics

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

conductive surfaces for directional emission is presented. First, key accomplishments in exploiting surface plasmons for coherent thermal emission from...than as an absorbing coating . In the 2005 design proposed by Lee et al., thermally excited surface waves at a silicon carbide to photonic crystal stack...sufficiently to significantly effect the film durability and thermal conductivity , the profile of the cavity begins to change shape. Although a case

Two-dimensional Fermi surfaces in Kondo insulating SmB6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Gang

There has been renewed interest in Samarium Hexaboride, which is a strongly correlated heavy Fermion material. Hybridization between itinerant electrons and localized orbitals lead to an opening of charge gap at low temperature. However, the resistivity of SmB6 does not diverge at low temperature. Former studies suggested that this residual conductance is contributed by various origins. Recent theoretical developments suggest that the particular symmetry of energy bands of SmB6 may host a topologically non-trivial surface state, i.e., a topological Kondo insulator. To probe the Fermiology of the possible metallic surface state, we use sensitive torque magnetometry to detect the de Haas van Alphen (dHvA) effect due to Landau level quantization on flux-grown crystals, down to He-3 temperature and up to 45 Tesla. Our angular and temperature dependent data suggest two-dimensional Fermi Surfaces lie in both crystalline (001) and (101) surface planes of SmB6.

Direct measurement of nonlinear dispersion relation for water surface waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magnus Arnesen Taklo, Tore; Trulsen, Karsten; Elias Krogstad, Harald; Gramstad, Odin; Nieto Borge, José Carlos; Jensen, Atle

2013-04-01

The linear dispersion relation for water surface waves is often taken for granted for the interpretation of wave measurements. High-resolution spatiotemporal measurements suitable for direct validation of the linear dispersion relation are on the other hand rarely available. While the imaging of the ocean surface with nautical radar does provide the desired spatiotemporal coverage, the interpretation of the radar images currently depends on the linear dispersion relation as a prerequisite, (Nieto Borge et al., 2004). Krogstad & Trulsen (2010) carried out numerical simulations with the nonlinear Schrödinger equation and its generalizations demonstrating that the nonlinear evolution of wave fields may render the linear dispersion relation inadequate for proper interpretation of observations, the reason being that the necessary domain of simultaneous coverage in space and time would allow significant nonlinear evolution. They found that components above the spectral peak can have larger phase and group velocities than anticipated by linear theory, and that the spectrum does not maintain a thin dispersion surface. We have run laboratory experiments and accurate numerical simulations designed to have sufficient resolution in space and time to deduce the dispersion relation directly. For a JONSWAP spectrum we find that the linear dispersion relation can be appropriate for the interpretation of spatiotemporal measurements. For a Gaussian spectrum with narrower bandwidth we find that the dynamic nonlinear evolution in space and time causes the directly measured dispersion relation to deviate from the linear dispersion surface in good agreement with our previous numerical predictions. This work has been supported by RCN grant 214556/F20. Krogstad, H. E. & Trulsen, K. (2010) Interpretations and observations of ocean wave spectra. Ocean Dynamics 60:973-991. Nieto Borge, J. C., Rodríguez, G., Hessner, K., Izquierdo, P. (2004) Inversion of marine radar images for surface wave

Direct measurement of sub-Debye-length attraction between oppositely charged surfaces.

PubMed

Kampf, Nir; Ben-Yaakov, Dan; Andelman, David; Safran, S A; Klein, Jacob

2009-09-11

Using a surface force balance with fast video analysis, we have measured directly the attractive forces between oppositely charged solid surfaces (charge densities sigma(+), sigma(-)) across water over the entire range of interaction, in particular, at surface separations D below the Debye screening length lambda(S). At very low salt concentration we find a long-ranged attraction between the surfaces (onset ca. 100 nm), whose variation at Dsurface charge asymmetry (sigma(+) not equal to |sigma(-)|).

High-Rate Assembly of Nanomaterials on Insulating Surfaces Using Electro-Fluidic Directed Assembly.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Cihan; Sirman, Asli; Halder, Aditi; Busnaina, Ahmed

2017-08-22

Conductive or semiconducting nanomaterials-based applications such as electronics and sensors often require direct placement of such nanomaterials on insulating surfaces. Most fluidic-based directed assembly techniques on insulating surfaces utilize capillary force and evaporation but are diffusion limited and slow. Electrophoretic-based assembly, on the other hand, is fast but can only be utilized for assembly on a conductive surface. Here, we present a directed assembly technique that enables rapid assembly of nanomaterials on insulating surfaces. The approach leverages and combines fluidic and electrophoretic assembly by applying the electric field through an insulating surface via a conductive film underneath. The approach (called electro-fluidic) yields an assembly process that is 2 orders of magnitude faster compared to fluidic assembly. By understanding the forces on the assembly process, we have demonstrated the controlled assembly of various types of nanomaterials that are conducting, semiconducting, and insulating including nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes on insulating rigid and flexible substrates. The presented approach shows great promise for making practical devices in miniaturized sensors and flexible electronics.

Defect detection and classification of machined surfaces under multiple illuminant directions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Yi; Weng, Xin; Swonger, C. W.; Ni, Jun

2010-08-01

Continuous improvement of product quality is crucial to the successful and competitive automotive manufacturing industry in the 21st century. The presence of surface porosity located on flat machined surfaces such as cylinder heads/blocks and transmission cases may allow leaks of coolant, oil, or combustion gas between critical mating surfaces, thus causing damage to the engine or transmission. Therefore 100% inline inspection plays an important role for improving product quality. Although the techniques of image processing and machine vision have been applied to machined surface inspection and well improved in the past 20 years, in today's automotive industry, surface porosity inspection is still done by skilled humans, which is costly, tedious, time consuming and not capable of reliably detecting small defects. In our study, an automated defect detection and classification system for flat machined surfaces has been designed and constructed. In this paper, the importance of the illuminant direction in a machine vision system was first emphasized and then the surface defect inspection system under multiple directional illuminations was designed and constructed. After that, image processing algorithms were developed to realize 5 types of 2D or 3D surface defects (pore, 2D blemish, residue dirt, scratch, and gouge) detection and classification. The steps of image processing include: (1) image acquisition and contrast enhancement (2) defect segmentation and feature extraction (3) defect classification. An artificial machined surface and an actual automotive part: cylinder head surface were tested and, as a result, microscopic surface defects can be accurately detected and assigned to a surface defect class. The cycle time of this system can be sufficiently fast that implementation of 100% inline inspection is feasible. The field of view of this system is 150mm×225mm and the surfaces larger than the field of view can be stitched together in software.

Emplacement of Zebín Hill, Jičín Volcanic Field, Bohemian Paradise, Czech Republic: Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility, Ground Magnetometry, Electric Resistivity Tomography, and Paleomagnetic Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petronis, M. S.; Rapprich, , V.; Valenta, J.; Leman, J.; Brister, A. R.; van Wyk de Vries, B.

2014-12-01

A well-preserved set of mid-Miocene tuff-cones and their feeders outcrop in the Jičín Volcanic Field, Czech Republic. Zebín Hill is a tuff cone that has been quarried to reveal the volcanoes feeder system. This edifice offers the opportunity to understand how magma is transported through a monogenetic pyroclastic cone. Rock types include a coarse-grained basal phreatomagmatic layer and a stratified upper wall facies both of which are penetrated by feeder dikes. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and paleomagnetic data were collected at twenty-one sites from feeder dikes and the main conduit of the volcano. A high-resolution ground magnetometry survey, electric resistivity tomography and seismic tomography were also conducted. Magnetic susceptibility intensity indicates that the dominant magnetic mineral is a ferromagnetic phase with little contribution from paramagnetic minerals. AMS ellipsoids shapes are both oblate and prolate and inferred magma flow directions indicate magma flow away from the central vent area and subhorizontal flow towards and away from the axial conduit; both upward and downward magma flow is evident at some sites. Curie point estimates yield a spectrum of results indicating a mixture of high-Ti titanomagnetite, iron sulfide, and low-Ti titanomagnetite. Ground magnetometry data indicate that both normal and reverse polarity rocks are present at Zebín Hill. Paleomagnetic data confirm the ground magnetic data in that both normal and reverse polarity rocks are present. Most sites yield a single component magnetization that is well grouped at the site level and carried by pseudosingle domain titanomagnetite. The presence of both normal and reverse polarity magnetizations from the volcano indicate that significant time passed during the growth of this monogenic system. Complex system of branching dikes has been also observed from electric resistivity tomography. The simple external structure of monogenetic volcanoes hides a rather

Fabrication of multi-functional silicon surface by direct laser writing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Ashwani Kumar; Soni, R. K.

2018-05-01

We present a simple, quick and one-step methodology based on nano-second laser direct writing for the fabrication of micro-nanostructures on silicon surface. The fabricated surfaces suppress the optical reflection by multiple reflection due to light trapping effect to a much lower value than polished silicon surface. These textured surfaces offer high enhancement ability after gold nanoparticle deposition and then explored for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for specific molecular detection. The effect of laser scanning line interval on optical reflection and SERS signal enhancement ability was also investigated. Our results indicate that low optical reflection substrates exhibit uniform SERS enhancement with enhancement factor of the order of 106. Furthermore, this methodology provide an alternative approach for cost-effective large area fabrication with good control over feature size.

Polarization-Directed Surface Plasmon Polariton Launching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gong, Yu; Joly, Alan G.; El-Khoury, Patrick Z.

The relative intensities of propagating surface plasmons (PSPs) simultaneously launched from opposing edges of a symmetric trench structure etched into a silver thin film may be controllably varied by tuning the linear polarization of the driving field. This is demonstrated through transient multiphoton photoemission electron microscopy measurements performed using a pair of spatially separated phase-locked femtosecond pulses. Our measurements are rationalized using finite-difference time domain simulations, which reveal that the coupling efficiency into the PSP modes is inversely proportional to the magnitude of the localized surface plasmon fields excited at the trench edges. Additional experiments on single step edges alsomore » show asymmetric PSP launching with respect to polarization, analogous to the trench results. Our combined experimental and computational results allude to the interplay between localized and propagating surface plasmon modes in the trench; strong coupling to the localized modes at the edges correlates to weak coupling to the PSP modes. Simultaneous excitation of the electric fields localized at both edges of the trench results in complex interactions between the right- and left-side PSP modes with Fabry-Perot and cylindrical modes. This results in a trench width-dependent PSP intensity ratio using otherwise identical driving fields. A systematic exploration of polarization directed PSP launching from a series of trench structures reveals an optimal PSP contrast ratio of 4.2 using a 500 nm-wide trench.« less

Directional mass transport in an atmospheric pressure surface barrier discharge.

PubMed

Dickenson, A; Morabit, Y; Hasan, M I; Walsh, J L

2017-10-25

In an atmospheric pressure surface barrier discharge the inherent physical separation between the plasma generation region and downstream point of application reduces the flux of reactive chemical species reaching the sample, potentially limiting application efficacy. This contribution explores the impact of manipulating the phase angle of the applied voltage to exert a level of control over the electrohydrodynamic forces generated by the plasma. As these forces produce a convective flow which is the primary mechanism of species transport, the technique facilitates the targeted delivery of reactive species to a downstream point without compromising the underpinning species generation mechanisms. Particle Imaging Velocimetry measurements are used to demonstrate that a phase shift between sinusoidal voltages applied to adjacent electrodes in a surface barrier discharge results in a significant deviation in the direction of the plasma induced gas flow. Using a two-dimensional numerical air plasma model, it is shown that the phase shift impacts the spatial distribution of the deposited charge on the dielectric surface between the adjacent electrodes. The modified surface charge distribution reduces the propagation length of the discharge ignited on the lagging electrode, causing an imbalance in the generated forces and consequently a variation in the direction of the resulting gas flow.

Determining eyeball surface area directly exposed to the effects of external factors.

PubMed

Juliszewski, Tadeusz; Kadłuczka, Filip; Kiełbasa, Paweł

2016-01-01

This article discusses determining the surface area of eyeballs of men and women exposed to the direct effects of external factors in the working environment. For one eye, the mean surface is 172-182 mm(2). The determined surface area can be used in formulas for calculating the exposure of eyeballs to harmful chemical substances in workplace air.

A handheld SPIO-based sentinel lymph node mapping device using differential magnetometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waanders, S.; Visscher, M.; Wildeboer, R. R.; Oderkerk, T. O. B.; Krooshoop, H. J. G.; ten Haken, B.

2016-11-01

Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become a staple tool in the diagnosis of breast cancer. By replacing the morbidity-plagued axillary node clearance with removing only those nodes most likely to contain metastases, it has greatly improved the quality of life of many breast cancer patients. However, due to the use of ionizing radiation emitted by the technetium-based tracer material, the current sentinel lymph node biopsy has serious drawbacks. Most urgently, the reliance on radioisotopes limits the application of this procedure to small parts of the developed world, and it imposes restrictions on patient planning and hospital logistics. Magnetic alternatives have been tested in recent years, but all have their own drawbacks, mostly related to interference from metallic instruments and electromagnetic noise coming from the human body. In this paper, we demonstrate an alternative approach that utilizes the unique nonlinear magnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to eliminate the drawbacks of both the traditional gamma-radiation centered approach and the novel magnetic techniques pioneered by others. Contrary to many other nonlinear magnetic approaches however, field amplitudes are limited to 5 mT, which enables handheld operation without additional cooling. We show that excellent mass sensitivity can be obtained without the need for external re-balancing of the probe to negate any influences from the human body. Additionally, we show how this approach can be used to suppress artefacts resulting from the presence of metallic instruments, which are a significant dealbreaker when using conventional magnetometry-based approaches.

Seismoball: A Small Europa Orbiter Drop-Off Probe for Early Exploration of the Europan Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tamppari, L.; Zimmerman, W.; Green, J.

2001-01-01

Recent magnetometry data received from Galileo indicate that the most likely explanation for the magnetic signature there is indeed a global conducting layer below the surface. This conducting layer is well matched by a salty, mineral rich strata beneath the Europan ice crust or a salt water ocean. Galileo imaging results show a variety of terrain types thought to contain young material; for example, lineaments, chaotic terrain, and eruption features. Additionally, Galileo images have shown indications of areas of up-welling where subsurface material periodically gets pushed to the surface due to the forces of fracturing, butting, and refreezing of the ice sheet. While Europa Orbiter will provide close-flyby high resolution images, as well as magnetometry, spectroscopy and other remote sensing data of the surface, it will not be able to provide essential engineering data like surface hardness and surface ice structure needed to support eventual landed missions. Additionally, ice chemical composition at microscopic scales can only be studied in detail through in situ instrumentation. Seismoball is a small probe designed to be injected into a surface intersect orbit around Europa. Using small reverse thrusters, the probe will be capable of nulling the high horizontal injection velocity as it approaches the 2 km surface injection altitude, thus allowing it to fall to the surface at an impact velocity of < 100m/sec (much less than the DS-2 impact velocities). The external breakaway thruster structure and crushable exterior shell absorb the impact energy while allowing the science instrument suite to remain intact. JPL has already started analyzing the entry dynamics and designing/building a small, low mass probe which will withstand the impact g-forces and fit as a 'carry-on' on board the Europa Orbiter. The probe will carry a suite of 5-6 micro-instruments for imaging the surface (both microscopic and far-field), surface and shallow subsurface ice temperatures

Direct quantitative identification of the “surface trans-effect”

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deimel, Peter S.; Bababrik, Reda M.; Wang, Bin

The strong parallels between coordination chemistry and adsorption on metal surfaces, with molecules and ligands forming local bonds to individual atoms within a metal surface, have been established over many years of study. The recently proposed “surface trans-effect” (STE) appears to be a further manifestation of this analogous behaviour, but so far the true nature of the modified molecule–metal surface bonding has been unclear. The STE could play an important role in determining the reactivities of surface-supported metal–organic complexes, influencing the design of systems for future applications. However, the current understanding of this effect is incomplete and lacks reliable structuralmore » parameters with which to benchmark theoretical calculations. Using X-ray standing waves, we demonstrate that ligation of ammonia and water to iron phthalocyanine (FePc) on Ag(111) increases the adsorption height of the central Fe atom; dispersion corrected density functional theory calculations accurately model this structural effect. The calculated charge redistribution in the FePc/H 2O electronic structure induced by adsorption shows an accumulation of charge along the σ-bonding direction between the surface, the Fe atom and the water molecule, similar to the redistribution caused by ammonia. Finally, this apparent σ-donor nature of the observed STE on Ag(111) is shown to involve bonding to the delocalised metal surface electrons rather than local bonding to one or more surface atoms, thus indicating that this is a true surface trans-effect.« less

Direct quantitative identification of the “surface trans-effect”

DOE PAGES

Deimel, Peter S.; Bababrik, Reda M.; Wang, Bin; ...

2016-06-09

The strong parallels between coordination chemistry and adsorption on metal surfaces, with molecules and ligands forming local bonds to individual atoms within a metal surface, have been established over many years of study. The recently proposed “surface trans-effect” (STE) appears to be a further manifestation of this analogous behaviour, but so far the true nature of the modified molecule–metal surface bonding has been unclear. The STE could play an important role in determining the reactivities of surface-supported metal–organic complexes, influencing the design of systems for future applications. However, the current understanding of this effect is incomplete and lacks reliable structuralmore » parameters with which to benchmark theoretical calculations. Using X-ray standing waves, we demonstrate that ligation of ammonia and water to iron phthalocyanine (FePc) on Ag(111) increases the adsorption height of the central Fe atom; dispersion corrected density functional theory calculations accurately model this structural effect. The calculated charge redistribution in the FePc/H 2O electronic structure induced by adsorption shows an accumulation of charge along the σ-bonding direction between the surface, the Fe atom and the water molecule, similar to the redistribution caused by ammonia. Finally, this apparent σ-donor nature of the observed STE on Ag(111) is shown to involve bonding to the delocalised metal surface electrons rather than local bonding to one or more surface atoms, thus indicating that this is a true surface trans-effect.« less

Engineered microtopographies and surface chemistries direct cell attachment and function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magin, Chelsea Marie

topographically modified surface (R2=0.82). Functionalized PEGDMA hydrogels significantly reduced attachment and attachment strength of Navicula and C. marina. These hydrogels also reduced attachment of zoospores of Ulva compared to PDMSe. Attachment of Ulva to microtopographies in PDMSe and PEGDMA-co-HEMA negatively correlated with ERIII*Re (R2 = 0.94 and R2 = 0.99, respectively). Incorporating a surface energy term into this equation created a correlation between the attachment densities of cells from two evolutionarily diverse groups on substrates of two surface chemistries with an equation that describes the various microtopographies and surface chemistries in terms of surface energy (R2 = 0.80). The current Attachment Model can now be used to design engineered antifouling surface microtopographies and chemistries that inhibit the attachment of organisms from three evoluntionarily diverse groups. Hydrogels based on PEGDMA were also chosen as a substratum material for mammalian cell culture. Capturing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and inducing differentiation into the endothelial cell (EC) phenotype is the ideal way to re-endothelialize a small-diameter vascular graft. Substratum elasticity has been reported to direct stem cell differentiation into specific lineages. Functionalized PEGDMA hydrogels provided good compliance, high fidelity of topographic features and sites for surface modification with biomolecules. Fibronectin grafting and topography both increased EC attachment. This combination of adjustable elasticity, surface chemistry and topography has the potential to promote the capture and differentiation of EPCs into a confluent EC monolayer. Engineered microtopographies replicated in PDMSe directed elongation and alignment of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) compared to smooth surfaces. Engineered cellular micro-environments were created with specific surface energies defined by chemistry

Overview of bureau research directed towards surface powered haulage safety

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

May, J.P.; Aldinger, J.A.

1995-12-31

Surface mining operations, including mills and preparation plants, employ over 260,000 people. This represents a significant contribution to our nation`s economy and an important source of skilled and well-paying jobs. As mine production has shifted from underground to surface, and with continuing advances in underground mine safety, surface mining has unfortunately become the leader in mine fatalities. In 1994 surface mining accidents accounted for 49% of all mine fatalities, followed by underground mining with 37% and mills and preparation plants with 14%. The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has targeted surface mining as an important research priority to reduce themore » social and economic costs associated with fatalities and lost-work-time injuries. USBM safety research focuses on the development of technologies that can enhance productivity and reduce mining costs through a reduction in the number and severity of mining accidents. This report summarizes a number of completed and ongoing research programs directed towards surface powered haulage--the single largest category of fatalities in surface mining and a major cause of lost workdays. Research products designed for industry are highlighted and future USBM surface mining safety research is discussed.« less

Water transport mechanism through open capillaries analyzed by direct surface modifications on biological surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishii, Daisuke; Horiguchi, Hiroko; Hirai, Yuji; Yabu, Hiroshi; Matsuo, Yasutaka; Ijiro, Kuniharu; Tsujii, Kaoru; Shimozawa, Tateo; Hariyama, Takahiko; Shimomura, Masatsugu

2013-10-01

Some small animals only use water transport mechanisms passively driven by surface energies. However, little is known about passive water transport mechanisms because it is difficult to measure the wettability of microstructures in small areas and determine the chemistry of biological surfaces. Herein, we developed to directly analyse the structural effects of wettability of chemically modified biological surfaces by using a nanoliter volume water droplet and a hi-speed video system. The wharf roach Ligia exotica transports water only by using open capillaries in its legs containing hair- and paddle-like microstructures. The structural effects of legs chemically modified with a self-assembled monolayer were analysed, so that the wharf roach has a smart water transport system passively driven by differences of wettability between the microstructures. We anticipate that this passive water transport mechanism may inspire novel biomimetic fluid manipulations with or without a gravitational field.

Physical Sensing of Surface Properties by Microswimmers--Directing Bacterial Motion via Wall Slip.

PubMed

Hu, Jinglei; Wysocki, Adam; Winkler, Roland G; Gompper, Gerhard

2015-05-20

Bacteria such as Escherichia coli swim along circular trajectories adjacent to surfaces. Thereby, the orientation (clockwise, counterclockwise) and the curvature depend on the surface properties. We employ mesoscale hydrodynamic simulations of a mechano-elastic model of E. coli, with a spherocylindrical body propelled by a bundle of rotating helical flagella, to study quantitatively the curvature of the appearing circular trajectories. We demonstrate that the cell is sensitive to nanoscale changes in the surface slip length. The results are employed to propose a novel approach to directing bacterial motion on striped surfaces with different slip lengths, which implies a transformation of the circular motion into a snaking motion along the stripe boundaries. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by a simulation of active Brownian rods, which also reveals a dependence of directional motion on the stripe width.

Direct numerical simulation of variable surface tension flows using a Volume-of-Fluid method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seric, Ivana; Afkhami, Shahriar; Kondic, Lou

2018-01-01

We develop a general methodology for the inclusion of a variable surface tension coefficient into a Volume-of-Fluid based Navier-Stokes solver. This new numerical model provides a robust and accurate method for computing the surface gradients directly by finding the tangent directions on the interface using height functions. The implementation is applicable to both temperature and concentration dependent surface tension coefficient, along with the setups involving a large jump in the temperature between the fluid and its surrounding, as well as the situations where the concentration should be strictly confined to the fluid domain, such as the mixing of fluids with different surface tension coefficients. We demonstrate the applicability of our method to the thermocapillary migration of bubbles and the coalescence of drops characterized by a different surface tension coefficient.

Surface Structure Formation in Direct Chill (DC) Casting of Al Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayat, Nazlin; Carlberg, Torbjörn

2014-05-01

The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of the surface zone formation during direct chill (DC) casting of aluminum billets produced by the air slip technology. The depth of the shell zone, with compositions deviating from the bulk, is of large importance for the subsequent extrusion productivity and quality of final products. The surface microstructures of 6060 and 6005 aluminum alloys in three different surface appearances—defect free, wavy surface, and spot defects—were studied. The surface microstructures and outer appearance, segregation depth, and phase formation were investigated for the mentioned cases. The results were discussed and explained based on the exudation of liquid metal through the mushy zone and the fact that the exudated liquid is contained within a surface oxide skin. Outward solidification in the surface layer was quantitatively analyzed, and the oxide skin movements explained meniscus line formation. Phases forming at different positions in the segregation zone were analyzed and coupled to a cellular solidification in the exudated layer.

Radiative decay engineering 3. Surface plasmon-coupled directional emission

PubMed Central

Lakowicz, Joseph R.

2009-01-01

A new method of fluorescence detection that promises to increase sensitivity by 20- to 1000-fold is described. This method will also decrease the contribution of sample autofluorescence to the detected signal. The method depends on the coupling of excited fluorophores with the surface plasmon resonance present in thin metal films, typically silver and gold. The phenomenon of surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) occurs for fluorophores 20–250 nm from the metal surface, allowing detection of fluorophores over substantial distances beyond the metal–sample interface. SPCE depends on interactions of the excited fluorophore with the metal surface. This interaction is independent of the mode of excitation; that is, it does not require evanescent wave or surface-plasmon excitation. In a sense, SPCE is the inverse process of the surface plasmon resonance absorption of thin metal films. Importantly, SPCE occurs over a narrow angular distribution, converting normally isotropic emission into easily collected directional emission. Up to 50% of the emission from unoriented samples can be collected, much larger than typical fluorescence collection efficiencies near 1% or less. SPCE is due only to fluorophores near the metal surface and may be regarded as emission from the induced surface plasmons. Autofluorescence from more distal parts of the sample is decreased due to decreased coupling. SPCE is highly polarized and autofluorescence can be further decreased by collecting only the polarized component or only the light propagating with the appropriate angle. Examples showing how simple optical configurations can be used in diagnostics, sensing, or biotechnology applications are presented. Surface plasmon-coupled emission is likely to find widespread applications throughout the biosciences. PMID:14690679

Direct Observation of Charge Transfer at a MgO(111) Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subramanian, A.; Marks, L. D.; Warschkow, O.; Ellis, D. E.

2004-01-01

Transmission electron diffraction (TED) combined with direct methods have been used to study the √(3)×√(3)R30° reconstruction on the polar (111) surface of MgO and refine the valence charge distribution. The surface is nonstoichiometric and is terminated by a single magnesium atom. A charge-compensating electron hole is localized in the next oxygen layer and there is a nominal charge transfer from the oxygen atoms to the top magnesium atom. The partial charges that we obtain for the surface atoms are in reasonable agreement with empirical bond-valence estimations.

Directed block copolymer self-assembly implemented via surface-embedded electrets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Mei-Ling; Wang, Dong; Wan, Li-Jun

2016-02-01

Block copolymer (BCP) nanolithography is widely recognized as a promising complementary approach to circumvent the feature size limits of conventional photolithography. The directed self-assembly of BCP thin film to form ordered nanostructures with controlled orientation and localized pattern has been the key challenge for practical nanolithography applications. Here we show that BCP nanopatterns can be directed on localized surface electrets defined by electron-beam irradiation to realize diverse features in a simple, effective and non-destructive manner. Charged electrets can generate a built-in electric field in BCP thin film and induce the formation of perpendicularly oriented microdomain of BCP film. The electret-directed orientation control of BCP film can be either integrated with mask-based patterning technique or realized by electron-beam direct-writing method to fabricate microscale arbitrary lateral patterns down to single BCP cylinder nanopattern. The electret-directed BCP self-assembly could provide an alternative means for BCP-based nanolithography, with high resolution.

Multisensor satellite data integration for sea surface wind speed and direction determination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glackin, D. L.; Pihos, G. G.; Wheelock, S. L.

1984-01-01

Techniques to integrate meteorological data from various satellite sensors to yield a global measure of sea surface wind speed and direction for input to the Navy's operational weather forecast models were investigated. The sensors were launched or will be launched, specifically the GOES visible and infrared imaging sensor, the Nimbus-7 SMMR, and the DMSP SSM/I instrument. An algorithm for the extrapolation to the sea surface of wind directions as derived from successive GOES cloud images was developed. This wind veering algorithm is relatively simple, accounts for the major physical variables, and seems to represent the best solution that can be found with existing data. An algorithm for the interpolation of the scattered observed data to a common geographical grid was implemented. The algorithm is based on a combination of inverse distance weighting and trend surface fitting, and is suited to combing wind data from disparate sources.

Comparison of progressive addition lenses by direct measurement of surface shape.

PubMed

Huang, Ching-Yao; Raasch, Thomas W; Yi, Allen Y; Bullimore, Mark A

2013-06-01

To compare the optical properties of five state-of-the-art progressive addition lenses (PALs) by direct physical measurement of surface shape. Five contemporary freeform PALs (Varilux Comfort Enhanced, Varilux Physio Enhanced, Hoya Lifestyle, Shamir Autograph, and Zeiss Individual) with plano distance power and a +2.00-diopter add were measured with a coordinate measuring machine. The front and back surface heights were physically measured, and the optical properties of each surface, and their combination, were calculated with custom MATLAB routines. Surface shape was described as the sum of Zernike polynomials. Progressive addition lenses were represented as contour plots of spherical equivalent power, cylindrical power, and higher order aberrations (HOAs). Maximum power rate, minimum 1.00-DC corridor width, percentage of lens area with less than 1.00 DC, and root mean square of HOAs were also compared. Comfort Enhanced and Physio Enhanced have freeform front surfaces, Shamir Autograph and Zeiss Individual have freeform back surfaces, and Hoya Lifestyle has freeform properties on both surfaces. However, the overall optical properties are similar, regardless of the lens design. The maximum power rate is between 0.08 and 0.12 diopters per millimeter and the minimum corridor width is between 8 and 11 mm. For a 40-mm lens diameter, the percentage of lens area with less than 1.00 DC is between 64 and 76%. The third-order Zernike terms are the dominant high-order terms in HOAs (78 to 93% of overall shape variance). Higher order aberrations are higher along the corridor area and around the near zone. The maximum root mean square of HOAs based on a 4.5-mm pupil size around the corridor area is between 0.05 and 0.06 µm. This nonoptical method using a coordinate measuring machine can be used to evaluate a PAL by surface height measurements, with the optical properties directly related to its front and back surface designs.

Direct Femtosecond Laser Surface Structuring with Optical Vortex Beams Generated by a q-plate

PubMed Central

JJ Nivas, Jijil; He, Shutong; Rubano, Andrea; Vecchione, Antonio; Paparo, Domenico; Marrucci, Lorenzo; Bruzzese, Riccardo; Amoruso, Salvatore

2015-01-01

Creation of patterns and structures on surfaces at the micro- and nano-scale is a field of growing interest. Direct femtosecond laser surface structuring with a Gaussian-like beam intensity profile has already distinguished itself as a versatile method to fabricate surface structures on metals and semiconductors. Here we present an approach for direct femtosecond laser surface structuring based on optical vortex beams with different spatial distributions of the state of polarization, which are easily generated by means of a q-plate. The different states of an optical vortex beam carrying an orbital angular momentum ℓ = ±1 are used to demonstrate the fabrication of various regular surface patterns on silicon. The spatial features of the regular rippled and grooved surface structures are correlated with the state of polarization of the optical vortex beam. Moreover, scattered surface wave theory approach is used to rationalize the dependence of the surface structures on the local state of the laser beam characteristics (polarization and fluence). The present approach can be further extended to fabricate even more complex and unconventional surface structures by exploiting the possibilities offered by femtosecond optical vector fields. PMID:26658307

Fabrication of multi-scale periodic surface structures on Ti-6Al-4V by direct laser writing and direct laser interference patterning for modified wettability applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huerta-Murillo, D.; Aguilar-Morales, A. I.; Alamri, S.; Cardoso, J. T.; Jagdheesh, R.; Lasagni, A. F.; Ocaña, J. L.

2017-11-01

In this work, hierarchical surface patterns fabricated on Ti-6Al-4V alloy combining two laser micro-machining techniques are presented. The used technologies are based on nanosecond Direct Laser Writing and picosecond Direct Laser Interference Patterning. Squared shape micro-cells with different hatch distances were produced by Direct Laser Writing with depths values in the micro-scale, forming a well-defined closed packet. Subsequently, cross-like periodic patterns were fabricated by means of Direct Laser Interference Patterning using a two-beam configuration, generating a dual-scale periodic surface structure in both micro- and nano-scale due to the formation of Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structure after the picosecond process. As a result a triple hierarchical periodic surface structure was generated. The surface morphology of the irradiated area was characterized with scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. Additionally, static contact angle measurements were made to analyze the wettability behavior of the structures, showing a hydrophobic behavior for the hierarchical structures.

NOx Direct Decomposition: Potentially Enhanced Thermodynamics and Kinetics on Chemically Modified Ferroelectric Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakekhani, Arvin; Ismail-Beigi, Sohrab

2014-03-01

NOx are regulated pollutants produced during automotive combustion. As part of an effort to design catalysts for NOx decomposition that operate in oxygen rich environment and permit greater fuel efficiency, we study chemistry of NOx on (001) ferroelectric surfaces. Changing the polarization at such surfaces modifies electronic properties and leads to switchable surface chemistry. Using first principles theory, our previous work has shown that addition of catalytic RuO2 monolayer on ferroelectric PbTiO3 surface makes direct decomposition of NO thermodynamically favorable for one polarization. Furthermore, the usual problem of blockage of catalytic sites by strong oxygen binding is overcome by flipping polarization that helps desorb the oxygen. We describe a thermodynamic cycle for direct NO decomposition followed by desorption of N2 and O2. We provide energy barriers and transition states for key steps of the cycle as well as describing their dependence on polarization direction. We end by pointing out how a switchable order parameter of substrate,in this case ferroelectric polarization, allows us to break away from some standard compromises for catalyst design(e.g. the Sabatier principle). This enlarges the set of potentially catalytic metals. Primary support from Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, North America, Inc.

Illustrating Surface Shape in Volume Data via Principal Direction-Driven 3D Line Integral Convolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Interrante, Victoria

1997-01-01

The three-dimensional shape and relative depth of a smoothly curving layered transparent surface may be communicated particularly effectively when the surface is artistically enhanced with sparsely distributed opaque detail. This paper describes how the set of principal directions and principal curvatures specified by local geometric operators can be understood to define a natural 'flow' over the surface of an object, and can be used to guide the placement of the lines of a stroke texture that seeks to represent 3D shape information in a perceptually intuitive way. The driving application for this work is the visualization of layered isovalue surfaces in volume data, where the particular identity of an individual surface is not generally known a priori and observers will typically wish to view a variety of different level surfaces from the same distribution, superimposed over underlying opaque structures. By advecting an evenly distributed set of tiny opaque particles, and the empty space between them, via 3D line integral convolution through the vector field defined by the principal directions and principal curvatures of the level surfaces passing through each gridpoint of a 3D volume, it is possible to generate a single scan-converted solid stroke texture that may intuitively represent the essential shape information of any level surface in the volume. To generate longer strokes over more highly curved areas, where the directional information is both most stable and most relevant, and to simultaneously downplay the visual impact of directional information in the flatter regions, one may dynamically redefine the length of the filter kernel according to the magnitude of the maximum principal curvature of the level surface at the point around which it is applied.

Understanding gas-surface interactions from direct force measurements using a specialized torsion balance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, S. R.; Hoffbauer, M. A.

1996-01-01

The first comprehensive measurements of the magnitude and direction of the forces exerted on surfaces by molecular beams are discussed and used to obtain information about the microscopic properties of the gas-surface interactions. This unique approach is not based on microscopic measurements of the scattered molecules. The reduced force coefficients are introduced as a new set of parameters that completely describe the macroscopic average momentum transfer to a surface by an incident molecular beam. By using a specialized torsion balance and molecular beams of N2, CO, CO2, and H2, the reduced force coefficients are determined from direct measurements of the force components exerted on surface of a solar panel array material, Kapton, SiO2-coated Kapton, and Z-93 as a function of the angle of incidence ranging from 0 degrees to 85 degrees. The absolute flux densities of the molecular beams were measured using a different torsion balance with a beam-stop that nullified the force of the scattered molecules. Standard time-of-flight techniques were used to determine the flux-weighted average velocities of the various molecular beams ranging from 1600 m/s to 4600 m/s. The reduced force coefficients can be used to directly obtain macroscopic average properties of the scattered molecules, such as the flux-weighted average velocity and translational energy, that can then be used to determine microscopic details concerning gas-surface interactions without the complications associated with averaging microscopic measurements.

Smoothing and roughening of slip surfaces in direct shear experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sagy, Amir; Badt, Nir; Hatzor, Yossef H.

2015-04-01

Faults in the upper crust contain discrete slip surfaces which have absorbed a significant part of the shear displacement along them. Field measurements demonstrate that these surfaces are rough at all measurable scales and indicate that surfaces of relatively large-slip faults are statistically smoother than those of small-slip faults. However, post faulting and surface erosion process that might affect the geometry of outcrops cannot be discounted in such measurements. Here we present experimental results for the evolution of shear surface topography as function of slip distance and normal stress in direct shear experiments. A single prismatic fine grain limestone block is first fractured in tension mode using the four-point bending test methodology and then the fracture surface topography is scanned using a laser profilometer. We then shear the obtained tensile fracture surfaces in direct shear, ensuring the original fracture surfaces are in a perfectly matching configuration at the beginning of the shear test. First, shearing is conducted to distances varying from 5 to 15 mm under constant normal stress of 2MPa and a constant displacement rate of 0.05 mm/s using two closed-loop servo controlled hydraulic pistons, supplying normal and shear forces (Davidesko et al., 2014). In the tested configuration peak shear stress is typically attained after a shear displacement of about 2-3 mm, beyond which lower shear stress is required to continue shearing at the preset displacement rate of 0.05 mm/s as is typical for initially rough joints. Following some initial compression the interface begins to dilate and continues to do so until the end of the test. The sheared tensile fracture surface is then scanned again and the geometrical evolution, in term of RMS roughness and power spectral density (PSD) is analyzed. We show that shearing smooth the surface along all our measurements scales. The roughness ratio, measured by initial PSD / final PSD for each wavelength

Constructive, collaborative, contextual, and self-directed learning in surface anatomy education.

PubMed

Bergman, Esther M; Sieben, Judith M; Smailbegovic, Ida; de Bruin, Anique B H; Scherpbier, Albert J J A; van der Vleuten, Cees P M

2013-01-01

Anatomy education often consists of a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, the latter frequently including surface anatomy. Studying surface anatomy enables students to elaborate on their knowledge of the cadaver's static anatomy by enabling the visualization of structures, especially those of the musculoskeletal system, move and function in a living human being. A recent development in teaching methods for surface anatomy is body painting, which several studies suggest increases both student motivation and knowledge acquisition. This article focuses on a teaching approach and is a translational contribution to existing literature. In line with best evidence medical education, the aim of this article is twofold: to briefly inform teachers about constructivist learning theory and elaborate on the principles of constructive, collaborative, contextual, and self-directed learning; and to provide teachers with an example of how to implement these learning principles to change the approach to teaching surface anatomy. Student evaluations of this new approach demonstrate that the application of these learning principles leads to higher student satisfaction. However, research suggests that even better results could be achieved by further adjustments in the application of contextual and self-directed learning principles. Successful implementation and guidance of peer physical examination is crucial for the described approach, but research shows that other options, like using life models, seem to work equally well. Future research on surface anatomy should focus on increasing the students' ability to apply anatomical knowledge and defining the setting in which certain teaching methods and approaches have a positive effect. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.

Direct laser writing of microstructures on optically opaque and reflective surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rekštytė, S.; Jonavičius, T.; Malinauskas, M.

2014-02-01

Direct laser writing (DLW) based on ultra-localized polymerization is an efficient way to produce three-dimensional (3D) micro/nano-structures for diverse applications in science and industry. It is attractive for its flexibility to materialize CAD models out of wide spectrum of materials on the desired substrates. In case of direct laser lithography, photo-crosslinking can be achieved by tightly focusing ultrashort laser pulses to a photo- or thermo-polymers. Selectively exposing material to laser radiation allows creating fully 3D structures with submicrometer spatial resolution. In this paper we present DLW results of hybrid organic-inorganic material SZ2080 on optically opaque and reflective surfaces, such as silicon and various metals (Cr, Ti, Au). Our studies prove that one can precisely fabricate 2D and 3D structures with lower than 1 μm spatial resolution even on glossy or rough surfaces (surface roughness rms 0.068-0.670 μm) using sample translation velocities of up to 1 mm/s. Using femtosecond high pulse repetition rate laser, sample translation velocity can reach over 1 mm/s ensuring repeatable submicrometer structuring resolution.

Frequency splitter based on the directional emission from surface modes in dielectric photonic crystal structures.

PubMed

Tasolamprou, Anna C; Zhang, Lei; Kafesaki, Maria; Koschny, Thomas; Soukoulis, Costas M

2015-06-01

We demonstrate the numerical design and the experimental validation of frequency dependent directional emission from a dielectric photonic crystal structure. The wave propagates through a photonic crystal line-defect waveguide, while a surface layer at the termination of the photonic crystal enables the excitation of surface modes and a subsequent grating layer transforms the surface energy into outgoing propagating waves of the form of a directional beam. The angle of the beam is controlled by the frequency and the structure operates as a frequency splitter in the intermediate and far field region.

Frequency splitter based on the directional emission from surface modes in dielectric photonic crystal structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tasolamprou, Anna C.; Zhang, Lei; Kafesaki, Maria

2015-05-19

We demonstrate the numerical design and the experimental validation of frequency dependent directional emission from a dielectric photonic crystal structure. The wave propagates through a photonic crystal line-defect waveguide, while a surface layer at the termination of the photonic crystal enables the excitation of surface modes and a subsequent grating layer transforms the surface energy into outgoing propagating waves of the form of a directional beam. Furthermore, the angle of the beam is controlled by the frequency and the structure operates as a frequency splitter in the intermediate and far field region.

Mission Adaptive Uas Capabilities for Earth Science and Resource Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunagan, S.; Fladeland, M.; Ippolito, C.; Knudson, M.; Young, Z.

2015-04-01

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are important assets for accessing high risk airspace and incorporate technologies for sensor coordination, onboard processing, tele-communication, unconventional flight control, and ground based monitoring and optimization. These capabilities permit adaptive mission management in the face of complex requirements and chaotic external influences. NASA Ames Research Center has led a number of Earth science remote sensing missions directed at the assessment of natural resources and here we describe two resource mapping problems having mission characteristics requiring a mission adaptive capability extensible to other resource assessment challenges. One example involves the requirement for careful control over solar angle geometry for passive reflectance measurements. This constraint exists when collecting imaging spectroscopy data over vegetation for time series analysis or for the coastal ocean where solar angle combines with sea state to produce surface glint that can obscure the signal. Furthermore, the primary flight control imperative to minimize tracking error should compromise with the requirement to minimize aircraft motion artifacts in the spatial measurement distribution. A second example involves mapping of natural resources in the Earth's crust using precision magnetometry. In this case the vehicle flight path must be oriented to optimize magnetic flux gradients over a spatial domain having continually emerging features, while optimizing the efficiency of the spatial mapping task. These requirements were highlighted in recent Earth Science missions including the OCEANIA mission directed at improving the capability for spectral and radiometric reflectance measurements in the coastal ocean, and the Surprise Valley Mission directed at mapping sub-surface mineral composition and faults, using high-sensitivity magnetometry. This paper reports the development of specific aircraft control approaches to incorporate the unusual and

Surface preparation for high purity alumina ceramics enabling direct brazing in hydrogen atmospheres

DOEpatents

Cadden, Charles H.; Yang, Nancy Yuan Chi; Hosking, Floyd M.

2001-01-01

The present invention relates to a method for preparing the surface of a high purity alumina ceramic or sapphire specimen that enables direct brazing in a hydrogen atmosphere using an active braze alloy. The present invention also relates to a method for directly brazing a high purity alumina ceramic or sapphire specimen to a ceramic or metal member using this method of surface preparation, and to articles produced by this brazing method. The presence of silicon, in the form of a SiO.sub.2 -containing surface layer, can more than double the tensile bond strength in alumina ceramic joints brazed in a hydrogen atmosphere using an active Au-16Ni-0.75 Mo-1.75V filler metal. A thin silicon coating applied by PVD processing can, after air firing, produce a semi-continuous coverage of the alumina surface with a SiO.sub.2 film. Room temperature tensile strength was found to be proportional to the fraction of air fired surface covered by silicon-containing films. Similarly, the ratio of substrate fracture versus interface separation was also related to the amount of surface silicon present prior to brazing. This process can replace the need to perform a "moly-manganese" metallization step.

Physical Sensing of Surface Properties by Microswimmers – Directing Bacterial Motion via Wall Slip

PubMed Central

Hu, Jinglei; Wysocki, Adam; Winkler, Roland G.; Gompper, Gerhard

2015-01-01

Bacteria such as Escherichia coli swim along circular trajectories adjacent to surfaces. Thereby, the orientation (clockwise, counterclockwise) and the curvature depend on the surface properties. We employ mesoscale hydrodynamic simulations of a mechano-elastic model of E. coli, with a spherocylindrical body propelled by a bundle of rotating helical flagella, to study quantitatively the curvature of the appearing circular trajectories. We demonstrate that the cell is sensitive to nanoscale changes in the surface slip length. The results are employed to propose a novel approach to directing bacterial motion on striped surfaces with different slip lengths, which implies a transformation of the circular motion into a snaking motion along the stripe boundaries. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by a simulation of active Brownian rods, which also reveals a dependence of directional motion on the stripe width. PMID:25993019

Surface Plasmon-Coupled Directional Enhanced Raman Scattering by Means of the Reverse Kretschmann Configuration.

PubMed

Huo, Si-Xin; Liu, Qian; Cao, Shuo-Hui; Cai, Wei-Peng; Meng, Ling-Yan; Xie, Kai-Xin; Zhai, Yan-Yun; Zong, Cheng; Yang, Zhi-Lin; Ren, Bin; Li, Yao-Qun

2015-06-04

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a unique analytical technique that provides fingerprint spectra, yet facing the obstacle of low collection efficiency. In this study, we demonstrated a simple approach to measure surface plasmon-coupled directional enhanced Raman scattering by means of the reverse Kretschmann configuration (RK-SPCR). Highly directional and p-polarized Raman scattering of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) was observed on a nanoparticle-on-film substrate at 46° through the prism coupler with a sharp angle distribution (full width at half-maximum of ∼3.3°). Because of the improved collection efficiency, the Raman scattering signal was enhanced 30-fold over the conventional SERS mode; this was consistent with finite-difference time-domain simulations. The effect of nanoparticles on the coupling efficiency of propagated surface plasmons was investigated. Possessing straightforward implementation and directional enhancement of Raman scattering, RK-SPCR is anticipated to simplify SERS instruments and to be broadly applicable to biochemical assays.

Assessing Impact Direction in 3-point Bending of Human Femora: Incomplete Butterfly Fractures and Fracture Surfaces,.

PubMed

Isa, Mariyam I; Fenton, Todd W; Deland, Trevor; Haut, Roger C

2018-01-01

Current literature associates bending failure with butterfly fracture, in which fracture initiates transversely at the tensile surface of a bent bone and branches as it propagates toward the impact surface. The orientation of the resulting wedge fragment is often considered diagnostic of impact direction. However, experimental studies indicate bending does not always produce complete butterfly fractures or produces wedge fragments variably in tension or compression, precluding their use in interpreting directionality. This study reports results of experimental 3-point bending tests on thirteen unembalmed human femora. Complete fracture patterns varied following bending failure, but incomplete fractures and fracture surface characteristics were observed in all impacted specimens. A flat, billowy fracture surface was observed in tension, while jagged, angular peaks were observed in compression. Impact direction was accurately reconstructed using incomplete tension wedge butterfly fractures and tension and compression fracture surface criteria in all thirteen specimens. © 2017 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Directional Spread of Surface-Associated Retroviruses Regulated by Differential Virus-Cell Interactions▿ †

PubMed Central

Sherer, Nathan M.; Jin, Jing; Mothes, Walther

2010-01-01

The spread of viral infections involves the directional progression of virus particles from infected cells to uninfected target cells. Prior to entry, the binding of virus particles to specific cell surface receptors can trigger virus surfing, an actin-dependent lateral transport of viruses toward the cell body (M. J. Lehmann et al., J. Cell Biol. 170:317-325, 2005; M. Schelhaas, et al., PLoS Pathog. 4:e1000148, 2008; J. L. Smith, D. S. Lidke, and M. A. Ozbun, Virology 381:16-21, 2008). Here, we have used live-cell imaging to demonstrate that for cells chronically infected with the gammaretrovirus murine leukemia virus in which receptor has been downregulated, a significant portion of completely assembled virus particles are not immediately released into the supernatant but retain long-term association with the cell surface. Retention can be attributed, at least in part, to nonspecific particle attachment to cell surface glycosylaminoglycans. In contrast to virus surfing, viruses retained at the surface of infected cells undergo a lateral motility that is random and actin independent. This diffusive motility can be abruptly halted and converted into inward surfing after treatment with Polybrene, a soluble cation that increases virus-cell adsorption. In the absence of Polybrene, particle diffusion allows for an outward flow of viruses to the infected cell periphery. Peripheral particles are readily captured by and transmitted to neighboring uninfected target cells in a directional fashion. These data demonstrate a surface-based mechanism for the directional spread of viruses regulated by differential virus-cell interactions. PMID:20089647

Low-T magnetometry study of S = 1 Q2D [Ni(pyz) 2(H 2O) 2](BF 4) 2 (pyz = pyrazine)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Manson, J. L.; Villa, D. Y.; Blackmore, W. J. A.

2017-02-13

[Ni(pyz) 2(H 2O) 2](BF 4) 2 (pyz = N 2C 4H 4) was synthesized by a solvent-free technique and its structure solved by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction.1 The compound contains S = 1 Ni(II) ions and has tetragonal symmetry. Two-D [Ni(pyz) 2(H 2O) 2] 2+ square lattices propagate in the ab-plane and stack along the c-axis (Fig. 1). Water ligands occupy axial sites and form H-bonds with interlayer BF 4 - ions. SQUID magnetometry shows a possible transition to long-range magnetic order near 3 K. We measured the magnetization of [Ni(pyz) 2(H 2O) 2](BF 4) 2 as a function ofmore » temperature to search for field-induced phase transitions and briefly report those findings here.« less

Surface entropy of liquids via a direct Monte Carlo approach - Application to liquid Si

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Z. Q.; Stroud, D.

1990-01-01

Two methods are presented for a direct Monte Carlo evaluation of the surface entropy S(s) of a liquid interacting by specified, volume-independent potentials. The first method is based on an application of the approach of Ferrenberg and Swendsen (1988, 1989) to Monte Carlo simulations at two different temperatures; it gives much more reliable results for S(s) in liquid Si than previous calculations based on numerical differentiation. The second method expresses the surface entropy directly as a canonical average at fixed temperature.

Self-referenced directional enhanced Raman scattering using plasmon waveguide resonance for surface and bulk sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Xiu-mei; Gao, Ran; Lu, Dan-feng; Qi, Zhi-mei

2018-01-01

Surface plasmon-coupled emission has been widely used in fluorescence imaging, biochemical sensing, and enhanced Raman spectroscopy. A self-referenced directional enhanced Raman scattering for simultaneous detection of surface and bulk effects by using plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) based surface plasmon-coupled emission has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Raman scattering was captured on the prism side in Kretschmann-surface plasmon-coupled emission. The distinct penetration depths (δ) of the evanescent field for the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes result in different detected distances of the Raman signal. The experimental results demonstrate that the self-referenced directional enhanced Raman scattering of the TE and TM modes based on the PWR can detect and distinguish the surface and bulk effects simultaneously, which appears to have potential applications in researches of chemistry, medicine, and biology.

Generating grids directly on CAD database surfaces using a parametric evaluator approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatzhe, Timothy D.; Melson, Thomas G.

1995-01-01

A very important, but often overlooked step in grid generation is acquiring a suitable geometry definition of the vehicle to be analyzed. In the past, geometry was usually obtained by generating a number of cross-sections of each component. A number of recent efforts have focussed on non-uniform rational B-spline surfaces (NURBS) to provide as single type of analytic surface to deal with inside the grid generator. This approach has required the development of tools to read other types of surfaces and convert them, either exactly or by approximation, into a NURBS surface. This paper describes a more generic parametric evaluator approach, which does not rely on a particular surface type internal to the grid generation system and is less restrictive in the number of surface types that can be represented exactly. This approach has been implemented in the McDonnell Douglas grid generation system, MACGS, and offers direct access to all types of surfaces from a Unigraphics part file.

Direct vs. indirect pathway for nitrobenzene reduction reaction on a Ni catalyst surface: a density functional study.

PubMed

Mahata, Arup; Rai, Rohit K; Choudhuri, Indrani; Singh, Sanjay K; Pathak, Biswarup

2014-12-21

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to understand and address the previous experimental results that showed the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline prefers direct over indirect reaction pathways irrespective of the catalyst surface. Nitrobenzene to aniline conversion occurs via the hydroxyl amine intermediate (direct pathway) or via the azoxybenzene intermediate (indirect pathway). Through our computational study we calculated the spin polarized and dispersion corrected reaction energies and activation barriers corresponding to various reaction pathways for the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline over a Ni catalyst surface. The adsorption behaviour of the substrate, nitrobenzene, on the catalyst surface was also considered and the energetically most preferable structural orientation was elucidated. Our study indicates that the parallel adsorption behaviour of the molecules over a catalyst surface is preferable over vertical adsorption behaviour. Based on the reaction energies and activation barrier of the various elementary steps involved in direct or indirect reaction pathways, we find that the direct reduction pathway of nitrobenzene over the Ni(111) catalyst surface is more favourable than the indirect reaction pathway.

Surface intervalley scattering on GaAs(110): Direct observation with picosecond laser photoemission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haight, R.; Silberman, J. A.

1989-02-01

Angle-resolved laser photoemission investigations of the laser excited GaAs(110) surface have revealed a previously unobserved valley of the C3 unoccupied surface band whose minimum is at X¯ in the surface Brillouin zone. Electron population in this valley increases only as a result of scattering from the directly photoexcited valley at Γ¯. With high momentum resolution, we have isolated the dynamic electron population changes at both Γ¯ and X¯ and deduced the scattering time between the two valleys.

Surface-Charge-Based Micro-Models--A Solid Foundation for Learning about Direct Current Circuits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirvonen, P. E.

2007-01-01

This study explores how the use of a surface-charge-based instructional approach affects introductory university level students' understanding of direct current (dc) circuits. The introduced teaching intervention includes electrostatics, surface-charge-based micro-models that explain the existence of an electric field inside the current-carrying…

Effect of nanoscale surface roughness on the bonding energy of direct-bonded silicon wafers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miki, N.; Spearing, S. M.

2003-11-01

Direct wafer bonding of silicon wafers is a promising technology for manufacturing three-dimensional complex microelectromechanical systems as well as silicon-on-insulator substrates. Previous work has reported that the bond quality declines with increasing surface roughness, however, this relationship has not been quantified. This article explicitly correlates the bond quality, which is quantified by the apparent bonding energy, and the surface morphology via the bearing ratio, which describes the area of surface lying above a given depth. The apparent bonding energy is considered to be proportional to the real area of contact. The effective area of contact is defined as the area sufficiently close to contribute to the attractive force between the two bonding wafers. Experiments were conducted with silicon wafers whose surfaces were roughened by a buffered oxide etch solution (BOE, HF:NH4F=1:7) and/or a potassium hydroxide solution. The surface roughness was measured by atomic force microscopy. The wafers were direct bonded to polished "monitor" wafers following a standard RCA cleaning and the resulting bonding energy was measured by the crack-opening method. The experimental results revealed a clear correlation between the bonding energy and the bearing ratio. A bearing depth of ˜1.4 nm was found to be appropriate for the characterization of direct-bonded silicon at room temperature, which is consistent with the thickness of the water layer at the interface responsible for the hydrogen bonds that link the mating wafers.

Analysis of hydrogen adsorption and surface binding configuration on tungsten using direct recoil spectrometry

DOE PAGES

Kolasinski, R. D.; Hammond, K. D.; Whaley, J. A.; ...

2014-12-03

In our work, we apply low energy ion beam analysis to examine directly how the adsorbed hydrogen concentration and binding configuration on W(1 0 0) depend on temperature. We exposed the tungsten surface to fluxes of both atomic and molecular H and D. We then probed the H isotopes adsorbed along different crystal directions using 1–2 keV Ne + ions. At saturation coverage, H occupies two-fold bridge sites on W(1 0 0) at 25 °C. Moreover, the H coverage dramatically changes the behavior of channeled ions, as does reconstruction of the surface W atoms. For the exposure conditions examined here,more » we find that surface sites remain populated with H until the surface temperature reaches 200 °C. Then, we observe H rapidly desorbing until only a residual concentration remains at 450 °C. Development of an efficient atomistic model that accurately reproduces the experimental ion energy spectra and azimuthal variation of recoiled H is underway.« less

Direct measurements of meltwater runoff on the Greenland ice sheet surface.

PubMed

Smith, Laurence C; Yang, Kang; Pitcher, Lincoln H; Overstreet, Brandon T; Chu, Vena W; Rennermalm, Åsa K; Ryan, Jonathan C; Cooper, Matthew G; Gleason, Colin J; Tedesco, Marco; Jeyaratnam, Jeyavinoth; van As, Dirk; van den Broeke, Michiel R; van de Berg, Willem Jan; Noël, Brice; Langen, Peter L; Cullather, Richard I; Zhao, Bin; Willis, Michael J; Hubbard, Alun; Box, Jason E; Jenner, Brittany A; Behar, Alberto E

2017-12-12

Meltwater runoff from the Greenland ice sheet surface influences surface mass balance (SMB), ice dynamics, and global sea level rise, but is estimated with climate models and thus difficult to validate. We present a way to measure ice surface runoff directly, from hourly in situ supraglacial river discharge measurements and simultaneous high-resolution satellite/drone remote sensing of upstream fluvial catchment area. A first 72-h trial for a 63.1-km 2 moulin-terminating internally drained catchment (IDC) on Greenland's midelevation (1,207-1,381 m above sea level) ablation zone is compared with melt and runoff simulations from HIRHAM5, MAR3.6, RACMO2.3, MERRA-2, and SEB climate/SMB models. Current models cannot reproduce peak discharges or timing of runoff entering moulins but are improved using synthetic unit hydrograph (SUH) theory. Retroactive SUH applications to two older field studies reproduce their findings, signifying that remotely sensed IDC area, shape, and supraglacial river length are useful for predicting delays in peak runoff delivery to moulins. Applying SUH to HIRHAM5, MAR3.6, and RACMO2.3 gridded melt products for 799 surrounding IDCs suggests their terminal moulins receive lower peak discharges, less diurnal variability, and asynchronous runoff timing relative to climate/SMB model output alone. Conversely, large IDCs produce high moulin discharges, even at high elevations where melt rates are low. During this particular field experiment, models overestimated runoff by +21 to +58%, linked to overestimated surface ablation and possible meltwater retention in bare, porous, low-density ice. Direct measurements of ice surface runoff will improve climate/SMB models, and incorporating remotely sensed IDCs will aid coupling of SMB with ice dynamics and subglacial systems. Copyright © 2017 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Direct measurements of meltwater runoff on the Greenland ice sheet surface

PubMed Central

Smith, Laurence C.; Yang, Kang; Pitcher, Lincoln H; Overstreet, Brandon T.; Chu, Vena W.; Rennermalm, Åsa K.; Ryan, Jonathan C.; Cooper, Matthew G.; Gleason, Colin J.; Tedesco, Marco; Jeyaratnam, Jeyavinoth; van As, Dirk; van den Broeke, Michiel R.; van de Berg, Willem Jan; Noël, Brice; Langen, Peter L.; Cullather, Richard I.; Zhao, Bin; Hubbard, Alun; Box, Jason E.; Jenner, Brittany A.; Behar, Alberto E.

2017-01-01

Meltwater runoff from the Greenland ice sheet surface influences surface mass balance (SMB), ice dynamics, and global sea level rise, but is estimated with climate models and thus difficult to validate. We present a way to measure ice surface runoff directly, from hourly in situ supraglacial river discharge measurements and simultaneous high-resolution satellite/drone remote sensing of upstream fluvial catchment area. A first 72-h trial for a 63.1-km2 moulin-terminating internally drained catchment (IDC) on Greenland’s midelevation (1,207–1,381 m above sea level) ablation zone is compared with melt and runoff simulations from HIRHAM5, MAR3.6, RACMO2.3, MERRA-2, and SEB climate/SMB models. Current models cannot reproduce peak discharges or timing of runoff entering moulins but are improved using synthetic unit hydrograph (SUH) theory. Retroactive SUH applications to two older field studies reproduce their findings, signifying that remotely sensed IDC area, shape, and supraglacial river length are useful for predicting delays in peak runoff delivery to moulins. Applying SUH to HIRHAM5, MAR3.6, and RACMO2.3 gridded melt products for 799 surrounding IDCs suggests their terminal moulins receive lower peak discharges, less diurnal variability, and asynchronous runoff timing relative to climate/SMB model output alone. Conversely, large IDCs produce high moulin discharges, even at high elevations where melt rates are low. During this particular field experiment, models overestimated runoff by +21 to +58%, linked to overestimated surface ablation and possible meltwater retention in bare, porous, low-density ice. Direct measurements of ice surface runoff will improve climate/SMB models, and incorporating remotely sensed IDCs will aid coupling of SMB with ice dynamics and subglacial systems. PMID:29208716

Direct measurements of meltwater runoff on the Greenland ice sheet surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Laurence C.; Yang, Kang; Pitcher, Lincoln H.; Overstreet, Brandon T.; Chu, Vena W.; Rennermalm, Åsa K.; Ryan, Jonathan C.; Cooper, Matthew G.; Gleason, Colin J.; Tedesco, Marco; Jeyaratnam, Jeyavinoth; van As, Dirk; van den Broeke, Michiel R.; van de Berg, Willem Jan; Noël, Brice; Langen, Peter L.; Cullather, Richard I.; Zhao, Bin; Willis, Michael J.; Hubbard, Alun; Box, Jason E.; Jenner, Brittany A.; Behar, Alberto E.

2017-12-01

Meltwater runoff from the Greenland ice sheet surface influences surface mass balance (SMB), ice dynamics, and global sea level rise, but is estimated with climate models and thus difficult to validate. We present a way to measure ice surface runoff directly, from hourly in situ supraglacial river discharge measurements and simultaneous high-resolution satellite/drone remote sensing of upstream fluvial catchment area. A first 72-h trial for a 63.1-km2 moulin-terminating internally drained catchment (IDC) on Greenland's midelevation (1,207–1,381 m above sea level) ablation zone is compared with melt and runoff simulations from HIRHAM5, MAR3.6, RACMO2.3, MERRA-2, and SEB climate/SMB models. Current models cannot reproduce peak discharges or timing of runoff entering moulins but are improved using synthetic unit hydrograph (SUH) theory. Retroactive SUH applications to two older field studies reproduce their findings, signifying that remotely sensed IDC area, shape, and supraglacial river length are useful for predicting delays in peak runoff delivery to moulins. Applying SUH to HIRHAM5, MAR3.6, and RACMO2.3 gridded melt products for 799 surrounding IDCs suggests their terminal moulins receive lower peak discharges, less diurnal variability, and asynchronous runoff timing relative to climate/SMB model output alone. Conversely, large IDCs produce high moulin discharges, even at high elevations where melt rates are low. During this particular field experiment, models overestimated runoff by +21 to +58%, linked to overestimated surface ablation and possible meltwater retention in bare, porous, low-density ice. Direct measurements of ice surface runoff will improve climate/SMB models, and incorporating remotely sensed IDCs will aid coupling of SMB with ice dynamics and subglacial systems.

Thickness and angular dependent magnetic anisotropy of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin films by Vectorial Magneto Optical Kerr Magnetometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaluvadi, S. K.; Perna, P.; Ajejas, F.; Camarero, J.; Pautrat, A.; Flament, S.; Méchin, L.

2017-10-01

We investigate the in-plane magnetic anisotropy in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin films grown on SrTiO3 (001) substrate using angular dependent room temperature Vectorial Magneto-Optical Kerr Magnetometry. The experimental data reveals that the magnetic anisotropy symmetry landscape significantly changes depending upon the strain and thickness. At low film thickness (12 and 25 nm) the dominant uniaxial anisotropy is due to interface effects, step edges due to mis-cut angle of SrTiO3 substrate. At intermediate thickness, the magnetic anisotropy presents a competition between magnetocrystalline (biaxial) and substrate step induced (uniaxial) anisotropy. Depending upon their relative strengths, a profound biaxial or uniaxial or mixed anisotropy is favoured. Above the critical thickness, magnetocrystalline anisotropy dominates all other effects and shows a biaxial anisotropy.

Effects of multi-directional vibrotactile feedback on vestibular-deficient postural performance during continuous multi-directional support surface perturbations.

PubMed

Sienko, K H; Balkwill, M D; Oddsson, L I E; Wall, C

2008-01-01

Single-axis vibrotactile feedback of trunk tilt provided in real-time has previously been shown to significantly reduce the root-mean-square (RMS) trunk sway in subjects with vestibular loss during single-axis perturbation. This research examines the effect of multi-directional vibrotactile feedback on postural sway during continuous multi-directional surface perturbations when the subjects' eyes are closed. Eight subjects with vestibular loss donned a multi-axis feedback device that mapped body tilt estimates onto their torsos with a 3-row by 16-column array of tactile actuators (tactors). Tactor row indicated tilt magnitude and tactor column indicated tilt direction. Root-mean-square trunk tilt, elliptical fits to trunk sway trajectory areas, percentage of time spent outside a no vibrotactile feedback zone, RMS center of pressure, and anchoring index parameters indicating intersegmental coordination were used to assess the efficacy of the multi-directional vibrotactile balance aid. Four tactor display configurations in addition to the tactors off configuration were evaluated. Subjects had significantly reduced RMS trunk sway, significantly smaller elliptical fits of the trajectory area, and spent significantly less time outside of the no feedback zone in the tactors on versus the tactors off configuration. Among the displays evaluated in this study, there was not an optimal tactor column configuration for standing tasks involving continuous surface perturbations. Furthermore, subjects performed worse when erroneous information was displayed. Therefore, a spatial resolution of 90 degrees (4 columns) seems to be as effective as a spatial resolution of 22.5 degrees (16 columns) for control of standing.

Photo-Induced Click Chemistry for DNA Surface Structuring by Direct Laser Writing.

PubMed

Kerbs, Antonina; Mueller, Patrick; Kaupp, Michael; Ahmed, Ishtiaq; Quick, Alexander S; Abt, Doris; Wegener, Martin; Niemeyer, Christof M; Barner-Kowollik, Christopher; Fruk, Ljiljana

2017-04-11

Oligonucleotides containing photo-caged dienes were prepared and shown to react quantitatively in a light-induced Diels-Alder cycloaddition with functional maleimides in aqueous solution within minutes. Due to its high yield and fast rate, the reaction was exploited for DNA surface patterning with sub-micrometer resolution employing direct laser writing (DLW). Functional DNA arrays were written by direct laser writing (DLW) in variable patterns, which were further encoded with fluorophores and proteins through DNA directed immobilization. This mild and efficient light-driven platform technology holds promise for the fabrication of complex bioarrays with sub-micron resolution. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Interpretation of surface and planetary directional albedos for vegetated regions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cess, Robert D.; Vulis, Inna L.

1989-01-01

An atmospheric solar radiation model has been coupled with surface reflectance measurements for two vegetation types, pasture land and savannah, in order to address several issues associated with understanding the directional planetary albedo; i.e., the dependence of planetary albedo upon solar zenith angle. These include an elucidation of processes that influence the variation of planetary albedo with solar zenith angle, as well as emphasizing potential problems associated with converting narrowband planetary albedo measurements to broadband quantities. It is suggested that, for vegetated surfaces, this latter task could be somewhat formidable, since the model simulations indicate that narrowband to broadband conversions strongly depend upon vegetation type. A further aspect of this paper is to illustrate a procedure by which reciprocity inconsistencies within a bidirectional reflectance dataset, if they are not too severe, can be circumvented.

Surface morphology and dislocation characteristics near the surface of 4H-SiC wafer using multi-directional scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

Sato, Takahiro; Orai, Yoshihisa; Suzuki, Yuya; Ito, Hiroyuki; Isshiki, Toshiyuki; Fukui, Munetoshi; Nakamura, Kuniyasu; Schamp, C T

2017-10-01

To improve the reliability of silicon carbide (SiC) electronic power devices, the characteristics of various kinds of crystal defects should be precisely understood. Of particular importance is understanding the correlation between the surface morphology and the near surface dislocations. In order to analyze the dislocations near the surface of 4H-SiC wafers, a dislocation analysis protocol has been developed. This protocol consists of the following process: (1) inspection of surface defects using low energy scanning electron microscopy (LESEM), (2) identification of small and shallow etch pits using KOH low temperature etching, (3) classification of etch pits using LESEM, (4) specimen preparation of several hundred nanometer thick sample using the in-situ focused ion beam micro-sampling® technique, (5) crystallographic analysis using the selected diffraction mode of the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), and (6) determination of the Burgers vector using multi-directional STEM (MD-STEM). The results show a correlation between the triangular terrace shaped surface defects and an hexagonal etch pit arising from threading dislocations, linear shaped surface defects and elliptical shaped etch pits arising from basal plane dislocations. Through the observation of the sample from two orthogonal directions via the MD-STEM technique, a basal plane dislocation is found to dissociate into an extended dislocation bound by two partial dislocations. A protocol developed and presented in this paper enables one to correlate near surface defects of a 4H-SiC wafer with the root cause dislocations giving rise to those surface defects. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Direct Determination of the Dependence of the Surface Shear and Dilatational Viscosities on the Thermodynamic State of the Interface: Theoretical Foundations.

PubMed

Lopez; Hirsa

1998-10-01

Recent developments in nonlinear optical techniques for noninvasive probing of a surfactant influenced gas/liquid interface allow for the measurement of the surfactant surface concentration, c, and thus provide new opportunities for the direct determination of its intrinsic viscosities. Here, we present the theoretical foundations, based on the Boussinesq-Scriven surface model without the usual simplification of constant viscosities, for an experimental technique to directly measure the surface shear (µs) and dilatational (kappas) viscosities of a Newtonian interface as functions of the surfactant surface concentration. This ability to directly measure the surfactant concentration permits the use of a simple surface flow for the measurement of the surface viscosities. The requirements are that the interface must be nearly flat, and the flow steady, axisymmetric, and swirling; these flow conditions can be achieved in the deep-channel viscometer driven at relatively fast rates. The tangential stress balance on such an interface leads to two equations; the balance in the azimuthal direction involves only µs and its gradients, and the balance in the radial direction involves both µs and kappas and their gradients. By further exploiting recent developments in laser-based flow measuring techniques, the surface velocities and their gradients which appear in the two equations can be measured directly. The surface tension gradient, which appears in the radial balance equation, is incorporated from the equation of state for the surfactant system and direct measurements of the surfactant surface concentration distribution. The stress balance equations are then ordinary differential equations in the surface viscosities as functions of radial position, which can be readily integrated. Since c is measured as a function of radial position, we then have a direct measurement of µs and kappas as functions of c. Numerical computations of the Navier-Stokes equations are performed

Detection of the ODMR signal of a nitrogen vacancy centre in nanodiamond in propagating surface plasmons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Baiaty, Zahraa; Cumming, Benjamin P.; Gan, Xiaosong; Gu, Min

2018-02-01

We demonstrate that the optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) signal of a nitrogen vacancy (NV) centre can be coupled to propagating surface plasmons for the detection of the NV centre spin states, and of external magnetic fields. By coupling the spin dependent luminescence signal of a NV centre in a nanodiamond (ND) to a chemically synthesized silver nanowire, we demonstrate the readout of the ODMR signal as a reduction in the surface plasmon polariton intensity, with improved contrast in comparison to the emission from the NV centre. Furthermore, on the application of a permanent magnetic field from zero to 13 G, we demonstrate that the Zeeman splitting of the magnetic spin states of the nitrogen vacancy centre ground states can also be detected in the coupled surface plasmons. This is an important step in the development of a compact on-chip information processing system utilizing the nitrogen vacancy in nanodiamond as an on-chip source with efficient magnetometry sensing properties.

Solvent Separating Secondary Metabolites Directly from Biosynthetic Tissue for Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Rudd, David; Benkendorff, Kirsten; Voelcker, Nicolas H.

2015-01-01

Marine bioactive metabolites are often heterogeneously expressed in tissues both spatially and over time. Therefore, traditional solvent extraction methods benefit from an understanding of the in situ sites of biosynthesis and storage to deal with heterogeneity and maximize yield. Recently, surface-assisted mass spectrometry (MS) methods namely nanostructure-assisted laser desorption ionisation (NALDI) and desorption ionisation on porous silicon (DIOS) surfaces have been developed to enable the direct detection of low molecular weight metabolites. Since direct tissue NALDI-MS or DIOS-MS produce complex spectra due to the wide variety of other metabolites and fragments present in the low mass range, we report here the use of “on surface” solvent separation directly from mollusc tissue onto nanostructured surfaces for MS analysis, as a mechanism for simplifying data annotation and detecting possible artefacts from compound delocalization during the preparative steps. Water, ethanol, chloroform and hexane selectively extracted a range of choline esters, brominated indoles and lipids from Dicathais orbita hypobranchial tissue imprints. These compounds could be quantified on the nanostructured surfaces by comparison to standard curves generated from the pure compounds. Surface-assisted MS could have broad utility for detecting a broad range of secondary metabolites in complex marine tissue samples. PMID:25786067

NASA Workshop on future directions in surface modeling and grid generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandalsem, W. R.; Smith, R. E.; Choo, Y. K.; Birckelbaw, L. D.; Vogel, A. A.

1992-01-01

Given here is a summary of the paper sessions and panel discussions of the NASA Workshop on Future Directions in Surface Modeling and Grid Generation held a NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, December 5-7, 1989. The purpose was to assess U.S. capabilities in surface modeling and grid generation and take steps to improve the focus and pace of these disciplines within NASA. The organization of the workshop centered around overviews from NASA centers and expert presentations from U.S. corporations and universities. Small discussion groups were held and summarized by group leaders. Brief overviews and a panel discussion by representatives from the DoD were held, and a NASA-only session concluded the meeting. In the NASA Program Planning Session summary there are five recommended steps for NASA to take to improve the development and application of surface modeling and grid generation.

Adsorption of the diazo dye Direct Red 23 onto a zinc oxide surface: A spectroscopic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucilha, Adriana Campano; Bonancêa, Carlos Eduardo; Barreto, Wagner José; Takashima, Keiko

2010-01-01

The adsorption of the diazo dye Direct Red 23 onto a zinc oxide surface at 30 °C in the dark was investigated. The color reduction was monitored by spectrophotometry at 503 nm. The FTIR and Raman spectra of the Direct Red 23 adsorption as a function of ZnO concentration were registered. From the PM3 semi-empirical calculations of the atomic charge density and dipole moment of the Direct Red 23 molecule, it was demonstrated that the azo dye molecule may be adsorbed onto the ZnO surface through molecule geometry modifications, enhancing the interfacial area causing a variation in the bonding frequencies.

Trace element content and magnetic properties of commercial HOPG samples studied by ion beam microscopy and SQUID magnetometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spemann, D., E-mail: spemann@uni-leipzig.de; Esquinazi, P., E-mail: esquin@physik.uni-leipzig.de; Setzer, A.

In this study, the impurity concentration and magnetic response of nine highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) samples with different grades and from different providers were determined using ion beam microscopy and SQUID magnetometry. Apart from sideface contaminations in the as-received state, bulk contamination of the samples in most cases consists of disk-shaped micron-sized particles made of Ti and V with an additional Fe contamination around the grain perimeter. The saturation magnetization typically increases with Fe concentration, however, there is no simple correlation between Fe content and magnetic moment. The saturation magnetization of one, respectively six, out of nine samples clearlymore » exceeds the maximum contribution from pure Fe or Fe{sub 3}C. For most samples the temperature dependence of the remanence decreases linearly with T – a dependence found previously for defect-induced magnetism (DIM) in HOPG. We conclude that apart from magnetic impurities, additional contribution to the ferromagnetic magnetization exists in pristine HOPG in agreement with previous studies. A comparative study between the results of ion beam microscopy and the commonly used EDX analysis shows clearly that EDX is not a reliable method for quantitative trace elemental analysis in graphite, clarifying weaknesses and discrepancies in the element concentrations given in the recent literature.« less

Direct-laser metal writing of surface acoustic wave transducers for integrated-optic spatial light modulators in lithium niobate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, Bianca C.; Savidis, Nickolaos; Moebius, Michael; Jolly, Sundeep; Mazur, Eric; Bove, V. Michael

2017-02-01

Recently, the fabrication of high-resolution silver nanostructures using a femtosecond laser-based direct write process in a gelatin matrix was reported. The application of direct metal writing towards feature development has also been explored with direct metal fusion, in which metal is fused onto the surface of the substrate via a femtosecond laser process. In this paper, we present a comparative study of gelatin matrix and metal fusion approaches for directly laser-written fabrication of surface acoustic wave transducers on a lithium niobate substrate for application in integrated optic spatial light modulators.

DETECTION OF A GROUND-WATER/SURFACE-WATER INTERFACE WITH DIRECT-PUSH EQUIPMENT

EPA Science Inventory

A ground-water/surface-water interface (GSI) was documented at the Thermo Chem CERCLA Site in Muskegon, MI via direct-push (DP) sampling. At that time, contaminated ground water flowed from the upland area of the site into the Black Creek floodplain. DP rods equipped with a 1.5...

Laser desorption with corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry for direct surface detection of explosives.

PubMed

Sabo, M; Malásková, M; Matejčík, S

2014-10-21

We present a new highly sensitive technique for the detection of explosives directly from the surface using laser desorption-corona discharge-ion mobility spectrometry (LD-CD-IMS). We have developed LD based on laser diode modules (LDM) and the technique was tested using three different LDM (445, 532 and 665 nm). The explosives were detected directly from the surface without any further preparation. We discuss the mechanism of the LD and the limitations of this technique such as desorption time, transport time and desorption area. After the evaluation of experimental data, we estimated the potential limits of detection of this method to be 0.6 pg for TNT, 2.8 pg for RDX and 8.4 pg for PETN.

Growth of room temperature ferromagnetic Ge1-xMnx quantum dots on hydrogen passivated Si (100) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gastaldo, Daniele; Conta, Gianluca; Coïsson, Marco; Amato, Giampiero; Tiberto, Paola; Allia, Paolo

2018-05-01

A method for the synthesis of room-temperature ferromagnetic dilute semiconductor Ge1-xMnx (5 % < x < 8 %) quantum dots by molecular beam epitaxy by selective growth on hydrogen terminated silicon (100) surface is presented. The functionalized substrates, as well as the nanostructures, were characterized in situ by reflection high-energy electron diffraction. The quantum dots density and equivalent radius were extracted from field emission scanning electron microscope pictures, obtained ex-situ. Magnetic characterizations were performed by superconducting quantum interference device vibrating sample magnetometry revealing that ferromagnetic order is maintained up to room temperature: two different ferromagnetic phases were identified by the analysis of the field cooled - zero field cooled measurements.

Magneto-Structural Correlations in Pseudotetrahedral Forms of the [Co(SPh)4]2- Complex Probed by Magnetometry, MCD Spectroscopy, Advanced EPR Techniques, and ab Initio Electronic Structure Calculations.

PubMed

Suturina, Elizaveta A; Nehrkorn, Joscha; Zadrozny, Joseph M; Liu, Junjie; Atanasov, Mihail; Weyhermüller, Thomas; Maganas, Dimitrios; Hill, Stephen; Schnegg, Alexander; Bill, Eckhard; Long, Jeffrey R; Neese, Frank

2017-03-06

The magnetic properties of pseudotetrahedral Co(II) complexes spawned intense interest after (PPh 4 ) 2 [Co(SPh) 4 ] was shown to be the first mononuclear transition-metal complex displaying slow relaxation of the magnetization in the absence of a direct current magnetic field. However, there are differing reports on its fundamental magnetic spin Hamiltonian (SH) parameters, which arise from inherent experimental challenges in detecting large zero-field splittings. There are also remarkable changes in the SH parameters of [Co(SPh) 4 ] 2- upon structural variations, depending on the counterion and crystallization conditions. In this work, four complementary experimental techniques are utilized to unambiguously determine the SH parameters for two different salts of [Co(SPh) 4 ] 2- : (PPh 4 ) 2 [Co(SPh) 4 ] (1) and (NEt 4 ) 2 [Co(SPh) 4 ] (2). The characterization methods employed include multifield SQUID magnetometry, high-field/high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (HF-EPR), variable-field variable-temperature magnetic circular dichroism (VTVH-MCD), and frequency domain Fourier transform THz-EPR (FD-FT THz-EPR). Notably, the paramagnetic Co(II) complex [Co(SPh) 4 ] 2- shows strong axial magnetic anisotropy in 1, with D = -55(1) cm -1 and E/D = 0.00(3), but rhombic anisotropy is seen for 2, with D = +11(1) cm -1 and E/D = 0.18(3). Multireference ab initio CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations enable interpretation of the remarkable variation of D and its dependence on the electronic structure and geometry.

Optical Magnetometry for Detecting Underwater Objects

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-21

underwater object. The two mechanisms responsible for the polarization rotation are the Surface Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (SMOKE) and the Faraday effect...the underwater object itself ( Faraday effect). An analytical expression is obtained for the polarization-rotated field when the incident plane wave...Washington, DC 20375-5320 October 2014 – August 2015 NRL *University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-4111 Faraday SMOKE 67-4374-C4 1 Optical

Monolayer of Hydrazine Facilitates the Direct Covalent Attachment of C60 Fullerene to a Silicon Surface.

PubMed

Gao, Fei; Teplyakov, Andrew V

2017-09-05

The development of oxygen-free organic-inorganic interfaces has led to new schemes for the functionalization of silicon surfaces with nitrogen-based chemical groups. However, building layers of large structures directly on this functionalized surface has remained elusive. This work confirms the path to form a stable interface between silicon and buckminsterfullerene C 60 based on covalent chemical bonds. The starting point for this modification is the hydrazine-reacted Si(111) surface with the diamine functionality, which is further reacted directly with the C 60 molecules. The chemistry of this process is confirmed spectroscopically and microscopically and can be used to form organic-inorganic interfaces separated by a single layer of nitrogen.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against surface molecules of multicell spheroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinez, Andrew O.

1994-01-01

The objective of this project is to generate a library of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against surface molecules of tumor and transformed cells grown as multicell spheroids (MCS). These MCS are highly organized, 3-dimensional multicellular structures which exhibit many characteristics of in vivo organized tissues not found in conventional monolayer or suspension culture. Therefore MCS make better in vitro model systems to study the interactions of mammalian cells, and provide a functional assay for surface adhesion molecules. This project also involves investigations of cell-cell interactions in a gravity-based environment. It will provide a base of scientific information necessary to expand the focus of the project in future years to microgravity and hypergravity-based environments. This project also has the potential to yield important materials (e.g., cellular products) which may prove useful in the diagnosis and/or treatment of certain human diseases. Moreover, this project supports the training of both undergraduate and graduate students; thus, it will assist in developing a pool of future scientists with research experience in an area (gravitational biology) of interest to NASA.

Factors affecting the establishment of direct-seeded pine on surface-mine spoils

Treesearch

William T. Plass

1974-01-01

In a greenhouse study the emergence, survival, and growth of seven species of pine were related to chemical and textural characteristics of 12 Kentucky spoils. The results identify three factors that may affect the establishment of direct-seeded pine on surface-mine spoils. First, fine-textured spoil material may restrict seedling emergence. Coarse-textured sandstones...

Direct deposition of silver nanoplates on quartz surface by sequence pre-treatment hydroxylation and silanisation.

PubMed

Abu Bakar, Norhayati; Mat Salleh, Muhamad; Ali Umar, Akrajas; Shapter, Joseph George

2017-01-01

Silver nanoparticles deposited on quartz substrates are widely used as SERS substrates. The nanoparticles can be deposited directly from colloidal solution by dipping technique. However, the adhesion of the particles on the quartz surface is very poor. Normally the substrate is pre-treated with hydroxylation or silanisation process. In this paper, we have demonstrated that the application of the sequence pre-treatment hydroxylation and silanisation have improved the density of silver nanoplates desposited on the quartz surface. •Sequence hydroxylation and silanisation pre-treatment assists the deposition of the nanoplate on the surface.•Various immersion times of the quartz surface into the colloidal nanoplates determined size distributions and density surface of the nanoplates on the surface.

Low-temperature direct copper-to-copper bonding enabled by creep on (111) surfaces of nanotwinned Cu

PubMed Central

Liu, Chien-Min; Lin, Han-Wen; Huang, Yi-Sa; Chu, Yi-Cheng; Chen, Chih; Lyu, Dian-Rong; Chen, Kuan-Neng; Tu, King-Ning

2015-01-01

Direct Cu-to-Cu bonding was achieved at temperatures of 150–250 °C using a compressive stress of 100 psi (0.69 MPa) held for 10–60 min at 10−3 torr. The key controlling parameter for direct bonding is rapid surface diffusion on (111) surface of Cu. Instead of using (111) oriented single crystal of Cu, oriented (111) texture of extremely high degree, exceeding 90%, was fabricated using the oriented nano-twin Cu. The bonded interface between two (111) surfaces forms a twist-type grain boundary. If the grain boundary has a low angle, it has a hexagonal network of screw dislocations. Such network image was obtained by plan-view transmission electron microscopy. A simple kinetic model of surface creep is presented; and the calculated and measured time of bonding is in reasonable agreement. PMID:25962757

Interaction of intense laser pulses with gas for two-color THz generation and remote magnetometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Luke A.

The interaction of intense laser pulses with atmospheric gases is studied in two contexts: (i) the generation of broadband terahertz radiation via two-color photoionization currents in nitrogen, and (ii) the generation of an electromagnetic wakefield by the induced magnetization currents of oxygen. (i) A laser pulse propagation simulation code was developed to investigate the radiation patterns from two-color THz generation in nitrogen. Understanding the mechanism for conical, two-color THz furthers the development of broadband THz sources. Two-color photoionization produces a cycle-averaged current driving broadband, conically emitted THz radiation. The THz emission angle is found to be determined by an optical Cherenkov effect, occurring when the front velocity of the ionization induced current source is greater than the THz phase velocity. (ii) A laser pulse propagating in the atmosphere is capable of exciting a magnetic dipole transition in molecular oxygen. The resulting transient current creates a co-propagating electromagnetic field behind the laser pulse, i.e. the wakefield, which has a rotated polarization that depends on the background magnetic field. This effect is analyzed to determine it's suitability for remote atmospheric magnetometry for the detection of underwater and underground objects. In the proposed approach, Kerr self-focusing is used to bring a polarized, high-intensity, laser pulse to focus at a remote detection site where the laser pulse induces a ringing in the oxygen magnetization. The detection signature for underwater and underground objects is the change in the wakefield polarization between different measurement locations. The magnetic dipole transition line that is considered is the b-X transition band of oxygen near 762 nm.

New directions in lubrication, materials, wear, and surface interactions - Tribology in the 80's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loomis, W. R. (Editor)

1985-01-01

New directions in tribology are described. A range of topics is addressed, extending from fundamental research on tribological materials of all kinds and their surface effects, to final technological applications in mechanical components such as bearings, gears, and seals. The general topics addressed include: importance and definition of materials in tribology; future directions of research in adhesion and friction, wear and wear-resistant materials, and liquid lubricants and additives; status and new directions in elastohydrodynamic lubrication and solid lubricants; and tribological materials for mechanical components of the future.

Intense deformation field at oceanic front inferred from directional sea surface roughness observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rascle, Nicolas; Molemaker, Jeroen; Marié, Louis; Nouguier, Frédéric; Chapron, Bertrand; Lund, Björn; Mouche, Alexis

2017-06-01

Fine-scale current gradients at the ocean surface can be observed by sea surface roughness. More specifically, directional surface roughness anomalies are related to the different horizontal current gradient components. This paper reports results from a dedicated experiment during the Lagrangian Submesoscale Experiment (LASER) drifter deployment. A very sharp front, 50 m wide, is detected simultaneously in drifter trajectories, sea surface temperature, and sea surface roughness. A new observational method is applied, using Sun glitter reflections during multiple airplane passes to reconstruct the multiangle roughness anomaly. This multiangle anomaly is consistent with wave-current interactions over a front, including both cross-front convergence and along-front shear with cyclonic vorticity. Qualitatively, results agree with drifters and X-band radar observations. Quantitatively, the sharpness of roughness anomaly suggests intense current gradients, 0.3 m s-1 over the 50 m wide front. This work opens new perspectives for monitoring intense oceanic fronts using drones or satellite constellations.

Copper foils with gradient structure in thickness direction and different roughnesses on two surfaces fabricated by double rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xi-yong; Liu, Xue-feng; Zou, Wen-jiang; Xie, Jian-xin

2013-12-01

Copper foils with gradient structure in thickness direction and different roughnesses on two surfaces were fabricated by double rolling. The two surface morphologies of double-rolled copper foils are quite different, and the surface roughness values are 61 and 1095 nm, respectively. The roughness value of matt surface can meet the requirement for bonding the resin matrix with copper foils used for flexible printed circuit boards, thus may omit traditional roughening treatment; the microstructure of double-rolled copper foils demonstrates an obviously asymmetric gradient feature. From bright surface to matt surface in thickness direction, the average grain size first increases from 2.3 to 7.4 μm and then decreases to 3.6 μm; compared with conventional rolled copper foils, the double-rolled copper foils exhibit a remarkably increased bending fatigue life, and the increased range is about 16.2%.

Direct measurement of the plasma screening length and surface potential near the lunar terminator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Benson, J.

1977-05-01

Direct measurement of the lunar dayside surface potential and screening length has been made by the suprathermal ion detector experiment (Side) near the terminator. In a region 20degree--30degree from the terminator at the Apollo 14 and 15 sites the surface potential is found to be approximately 50 V negative, and the screening length to be about 1 km. This value of the screening length is more than 2 orders of magnitude greater than the solar wind 'Debye' length. The strong negative surface potential in this region may be due to enhanced temperature and density of the solar wind plasma.

Direct measurement of the plasma screening length and surface potential near the lunar terminator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benson, J.

1977-01-01

Direct measurement of the lunar dayside surface potential and screening length has been made by the suprathermal ion detector experiment (Side) near the terminator. In a region 20-30 deg from the terminator at the Apollo 14 and 15 sites the surface potential is found to be approximately 50 V negative, and the screening length to be about 1 km. This value of the screening length is more than 2 orders of magnitude greater than the solar wind 'Debye' length. The strong negative surface potential in this region may be due to enhanced temperature and density of the solar wind plasma.

Derivation of martian surface slope characteristics from directional thermal infrared radiometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandfield, Joshua L.; Edwards, Christopher S.

2008-01-01

Directional thermal infrared measurements of the martian surface is one of a variety of methods that may be used to characterize surface roughness and slopes at scales smaller than can be obtained by orbital imagery. Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) emission phase function (EPF) observations show distinct apparent temperature variations with azimuth and emission angle that are consistent with the presence of warm, sunlit and cool, shaded slopes at typically ˜0.1 m scales. A surface model of a Gaussian distribution of azimuth independent slopes (described by θ-bar) is combined with a thermal model to predict surface temperature from each viewing angle and azimuth of the TES EPF observation. The models can be used to predict surface slopes using the difference in measured apparent temperature from 2 separate 60-70° emission angle observations taken ˜180° in azimuth relative to each other. Most martian surfaces are consistent with low to moderate slope distributions. The slope distributions display distinct correlations with latitude, longitude, and albedo. Exceptionally smooth surfaces are located at lower latitudes in both the southern highlands as well as in high albedo dusty terrains. High slopes are associated with southern high-latitude patterned ground and north polar sand dunes. There is little apparent correlation between high resolution imagery and the derived θ-bar, with exceptions such as duneforms. This method can be used to characterize potential landing sites by assuming fractal scaling behavior to meter scales. More precisely targeted thermal infrared observations from other spacecraft instruments are capable of significantly reducing uncertainty as well as reducing measurement spot size from 10s of kilometers to sub-kilometer scales.

AMT measurements compared with gravimetry and magnetometry for structural study of a sedimentary basin: Letlhakeng-Botlhapatlou groundwater project, Botswana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourgeois, B.; Mathieu, F.; Vachette, C.; Vaubourg, P.

1994-02-01

Within the framework of hydrogeological studies for additional water supply to the main towns of Botswana, the BRGM company has carried out a multimethod geophysical survey of a large sedimentary basin in the Kalahari desert, for the purpose of assessing its water resources. On a regional scale, gravimetry, magnetometry and audio-magnetotellurics (AMT) were used to determine the structure of the basin, which is intensely faulted into horsts and grabens. Next, a number of favourable areas were selected for detailed profiling with horizontal portable loop EM (HLEM) and DC electrical arrays to locate accurately the fractured zones at the edges of grabens, the targets for exploratory drillholes. The AMT method proved to be the most effective for mapping the basement of the basin, thanks to the good resistivity contrast between the resistive basement and its conductive cover, and to the regional constancy of sedimentary organisation of the cover. The presence of the uniformly resistive Kalahari Sands at the top of the cover was also very favourable, protecting AMT data from troublesome "static" effects. These good conditions enabled a fast and innovative quantitative interpretation of AMT soundings, determined by borehole calibration and based on the reading of the apparent resistivity at a single frequency (10 Hz).

Direct Observation of Domain-Wall Surface Tension by Deflating or Inflating a Magnetic Bubble

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xueying; Vernier, Nicolas; Zhao, Weisheng; Yu, Haiming; Vila, Laurent; Zhang, Yue; Ravelosona, Dafiné

2018-02-01

The surface energy of a magnetic domain wall (DW) strongly affects its static and dynamic behaviors. However, this effect is seldom directly observed, and some of the related phenomena are not well understood. Moreover, a reliable method to quantify the DW surface energy is still absent. Here, we report a series of experiments in which the DW surface energy becomes a dominant parameter. We observe that a semicircular magnetic domain bubble can spontaneously collapse under the Laplace pressure induced by DW surface energy. We further demonstrate that the surface energy can lead to a geometrically induced pinning when the DW propagates in a Hall cross or from a nanowire into a nucleation pad. Based on these observations, we develop two methods to quantify the DW surface energy, which can be very helpful in the estimation of intrinsic parameters such as Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions or exchange stiffness in magnetic ultrathin films.

Adapter-directed display: a modular design for shuttling display on phage surfaces.

PubMed

Wang, Kevin Caili; Wang, Xinwei; Zhong, Pingyu; Luo, Peter Peizhi

2010-02-05

A novel adapter-directed phage display system was developed with modular features. In this system, the target protein is expressed as a fusion protein consisting of adapter GR1 from the phagemid vector, while the recombinant phage coat protein is expressed as a fusion protein consisting of adapter GR2 in the helper phage vector. Surface display of the target protein is accomplished through specific heterodimerization of GR1 and GR2 adapters, followed by incorporation of the heterodimers into phage particles. A series of engineered helper phages were constructed to facilitate both display valency and formats, based on various phage coat proteins. As the target protein is independent of a specific phage coat protein, this modular system allows the target protein to be displayed on any given phage coat protein and allows various display formats from the same vector without the need for reengineering. Here, we demonstrate the shuttling display of a single-chain Fv antibody on phage surfaces between multivalent and monovalent formats, as well as the shuttling display of an antigen-binding fragment molecule on phage coat proteins pIII, pVII, and pVIII using the same phagemid vectors combined with different helper phage vectors. This adapter-directed display concept has been applied to eukaryotic yeast surface display and to a novel cross-species display that can shuttle between prokaryotic phage and eukaryotic yeast systems. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against surface molecules of multicell spheroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinez, Andrew O.

1994-01-01

The objective of this project is to generate a library of monoclonial antibodies (MAbs) directed against surface molecules of tumor and transformed cells grown as multicell spheroids (MCS). These MCS are highly organized, 3-dimensional multicellular structures which exhibit many characteristics of in vivo organized tissues which are not found in conventional monolayer or suspension culture. In brief, MCS combine the relevance or organized tissues with in vitro methodology making the MCS a good model system to study the interactions of mammalian cells, and thereby provide a functional assay for surface adhesion molecules. This project also involves investigations of cell-cell interactions in a gravity-based environment. It will provide an important base of scientific information for future comparative studies on the effects of hypergravity and simulated microgravity environments on cell-cell interactions. This project also has the potential to yield important materials (e.g. cellular products) which may be useful for the diagnosis and/or treatment of certain human diseases. Moreover, this project supports the training of one undergraduate and one graduate student; thus, it will also assist in developing a pool of future scientists with research experience in gravitational biology research.

Direct determination of the local Hamaker constant of inorganic surfaces based on scanning force microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krajina, Brad A.; Kocherlakota, Lakshmi S.; Overney, René M., E-mail: roverney@u.washington.edu

The energetics involved in the bonding fluctuations between nanometer-sized silicon dioxide (SiO{sub 2}) probes and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS{sub 2}) could be quantified directly and locally on the submicron scale via a time-temperature superposition analysis of the lateral forces between scanning force microscopy silicon dioxide probes and inorganic sample surfaces. The so-called “intrinsic friction analysis” (IFA) provided direct access to the Hamaker constants for HOPG and MoS{sub 2}, as well as the control sample, calcium fluoride (CaF{sub 2}). The use of scanning probe enables nanoscopic analysis of bonding fluctuations, thereby overcoming challenges associated with largermore » scale inhomogeneity and surface roughness common to conventional techniques used to determine surface free energies and dielectric properties. A complementary numerical analysis based on optical and electron energy loss spectroscopy and the Lifshitz quantum electrodynamic theory of van der Waals interactions is provided and confirms quantitatively the IFA results.« less

Direct determination of the local Hamaker constant of inorganic surfaces based on scanning force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krajina, Brad A.; Kocherlakota, Lakshmi S.; Overney, René M.

2014-10-01

The energetics involved in the bonding fluctuations between nanometer-sized silicon dioxide (SiO2) probes and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) could be quantified directly and locally on the submicron scale via a time-temperature superposition analysis of the lateral forces between scanning force microscopy silicon dioxide probes and inorganic sample surfaces. The so-called "intrinsic friction analysis" (IFA) provided direct access to the Hamaker constants for HOPG and MoS2, as well as the control sample, calcium fluoride (CaF2). The use of scanning probe enables nanoscopic analysis of bonding fluctuations, thereby overcoming challenges associated with larger scale inhomogeneity and surface roughness common to conventional techniques used to determine surface free energies and dielectric properties. A complementary numerical analysis based on optical and electron energy loss spectroscopy and the Lifshitz quantum electrodynamic theory of van der Waals interactions is provided and confirms quantitatively the IFA results.

Direct determination of the local Hamaker constant of inorganic surfaces based on scanning force microscopy.

PubMed

Krajina, Brad A; Kocherlakota, Lakshmi S; Overney, René M

2014-10-28

The energetics involved in the bonding fluctuations between nanometer-sized silicon dioxide (SiO2) probes and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) could be quantified directly and locally on the submicron scale via a time-temperature superposition analysis of the lateral forces between scanning force microscopy silicon dioxide probes and inorganic sample surfaces. The so-called "intrinsic friction analysis" (IFA) provided direct access to the Hamaker constants for HOPG and MoS2, as well as the control sample, calcium fluoride (CaF2). The use of scanning probe enables nanoscopic analysis of bonding fluctuations, thereby overcoming challenges associated with larger scale inhomogeneity and surface roughness common to conventional techniques used to determine surface free energies and dielectric properties. A complementary numerical analysis based on optical and electron energy loss spectroscopy and the Lifshitz quantum electrodynamic theory of van der Waals interactions is provided and confirms quantitatively the IFA results.

Vector magnetometer based on synchronous manipulation of nitrogen-vacancy centers in all crystal directions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chen; Yuan, Heng; Zhang, Ning; Xu, Lixia; Zhang, Jixing; Li, Bo; Fang, Jiancheng

2018-04-01

Negatively charged nitrogen vacancy (NV‑) centers in diamond have been extensively studied as high-sensitivity magnetometers, showcasing a wide range of applications. This study experimentally demonstrates a vector magnetometry scheme based on synchronous manipulation of NV‑ center ensembles in all crystal directions using double frequency microwaves (MWs) and multi-coupled-strip-lines (mCSL) waveguide. The application of the mCSL waveguide ensures a high degree of synchrony (99%) for manipulating NV‑ centers in multiple orientations in a large volume. Manipulation with double frequency MWs makes NV‑ centers of all four crystal directions involved, and additionally leads to an enhancement of the manipulation field. In this work, by monitoring the changes in the slope of the resonance line consisting of multi-axes NV‑ centers, measurement of the direction of the external field vector was demonstrated with a sensitivity of {{10}\\prime}/\\sqrt{Hz} . Based on the scheme, the fluorescence signal contrast was improved by four times higher and the sensitivity to the magnetic field strength was improved by two times. The method provides a more practical way of achieving vector sensors based on NV‑ center ensembles in diamond.

Photodegradation of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface microlayer under direct solar irradiance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, K.; Dickhut, R.M.

1995-12-31

Photodegradation kinetics of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the presence of various particle and dissolved phases were examined in surface microlayer (SM) and surface water under direct solar irradiance during different seasons. Halflives of PAHs during different seasons in the various media were determined. The results showed shorter halflives measured at the surface for PAHs in the SM media than in surface water. Submergence depth also significantly affected rate constants, and halflives for PAH compounds were 1.4 to 5 times shorter at the surface than at 14cm depth below the surface. In bulk SM media, the annual average halflivesmore » varied from 1.3 to 43 hours (midday) with different PAH compounds, and in filtered SM from 1.8 to 56.9 hours (midday). The effects of particles and DOC on the photodegradation of PAHs were also inspected. The results showed particulates and DOC both enhanced or decreased the photodegradation rate constants for selected PAHs. Overall, PAH photoreactivity is related to the compound`s maximum net atomic charge (MNAC) on the most reactive carbon center of a specific PAH molecule.« less

Thermal management of VECSELs by front surface direct liquid cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smyth, Conor J. C.; Mirkhanov, Shamil; Quarterman, Adrian H.; Wilcox, Keith G.

2016-03-01

Efficient thermal management is vital for VECSELs, affecting the output power and several aspects of performance of the device. Presently there exist two distinct methods of effective thermal management which both possess their merits and disadvantages. Substrate removal of the VECSEL gain chip has proved a successful method in devices emitting at a wavelength near 1μm. However for other wavelengths the substrate removal technique has proved less effective primarily due to the thermal impedance of the distributed Bragg reflectors. The second method of thermal management involves the use of crystalline heat spreaders bonded to the gain chip surface. Although this is an effective thermal management scheme, the disadvantages are additional loss and the etalon effect that filters the gain spectrum, making mode locking more difficult and normally resulting in multiple peaks in the spectrum. There are considerable disadvantages associated with both methods attributed to heatspreader cost and sample processing. It is for these reasons that a proposed alternative, front surface liquid cooling, has been investigated in this project. Direct liquid cooling involves flowing a temperature-controlled liquid over the sample's surface. In this project COMSOL was used to model surface liquid cooling of a VECSEL sample in order to investigate and compare its potential thermal management with current standard thermal management techniques. Based on modelling, experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the performance of the technique. While modelling suggests that this is potentially a mid-performance low cost alternative to existing techniques, experimental measurements to date do not reflect the performance predicted from modelling.

Protein consensus-based surface engineering (ProCoS): a computer-assisted method for directed protein evolution.

PubMed

Shivange, Amol V; Hoeffken, Hans Wolfgang; Haefner, Stefan; Schwaneberg, Ulrich

2016-12-01

Protein consensus-based surface engineering (ProCoS) is a simple and efficient method for directed protein evolution combining computational analysis and molecular biology tools to engineer protein surfaces. ProCoS is based on the hypothesis that conserved residues originated from a common ancestor and that these residues are crucial for the function of a protein, whereas highly variable regions (situated on the surface of a protein) can be targeted for surface engineering to maximize performance. ProCoS comprises four main steps: ( i ) identification of conserved and highly variable regions; ( ii ) protein sequence design by substituting residues in the highly variable regions, and gene synthesis; ( iii ) in vitro DNA recombination of synthetic genes; and ( iv ) screening for active variants. ProCoS is a simple method for surface mutagenesis in which multiple sequence alignment is used for selection of surface residues based on a structural model. To demonstrate the technique's utility for directed evolution, the surface of a phytase enzyme from Yersinia mollaretii (Ymphytase) was subjected to ProCoS. Screening just 1050 clones from ProCoS engineering-guided mutant libraries yielded an enzyme with 34 amino acid substitutions. The surface-engineered Ymphytase exhibited 3.8-fold higher pH stability (at pH 2.8 for 3 h) and retained 40% of the enzyme's specific activity (400 U/mg) compared with the wild-type Ymphytase. The pH stability might be attributed to a significantly increased (20 percentage points; from 9% to 29%) number of negatively charged amino acids on the surface of the engineered phytase.

Implementation and use of direct-flow connections in a coupled ground-water and surface-water model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Swain, Eric D.

1994-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey's MODFLOW finite-difference ground-water flow model has been coupled with three surface-water packages - the MODBRANCH, River, and Stream packages - to simulate surface water and its interaction with ground water. Prior to the development of the coupling packages, the only interaction between these modeling packages was that leakage values could be passed between MODFLOW and the three surface-water packages. To facilitate wider and more flexible uses of the models, a computer program was developed and added to MODFLOW to allow direct flows or stages to be passed between any of the packages and MODFLOW. The flows or stages calculated in one package can be set as boundary discharges or stages to be used in another package. Several modeling packages can be used in the same simulation depending upon the level of sophistication needed in the various reaches being modeled. This computer program is especially useful when any of the River, Stream, or MODBRANCH packages are used to model a river flowing directly into or out of wetlands in direct connection with the aquifer and represented in the model as an aquifer block. A field case study is shown to illustrate an application.

Vector MO magnetometry for mapping microwave currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Višňovský, Š.; Lišková-Jakubisová, E.; Harward, I.; Celinski, Z.

2018-05-01

Magneto-optic (MO) effects in magnetic multilayers (MML) can be employed in non-invasive 2D mapping of microwave (mw) radiation on the surface of semiconductor chips. A typical sensor configuration consists of Fe nanolayers sandwiched with dielectrics on a thin Si substrate transparent to mw radiation. To extend the observation bandwidth, Δf, up to 100 GHz range the sensor works at ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency in applied magnetic flux density, Bappl. The mw currents excite the precession of magnetization, M, in magnetic nanolayers proportional to their amplitude. The MO component reflected on the sensor surface is proportional to the amplitude of M component, M⊥. The laser source operates at the wavelength of 410 nm. Its plane of incidence is oriented perpendicular to the M⊥ plane. M⊥ oscillates between polar and transverse configurations. A substantial improvement of MO figure of merit takes place in aperiodic MML. More favorable Δf vs. Bappl dependence and MO response can potentially be achieved in MML imbedding hexagonal ferrite or Co nanolayers with in-plane magnetic anisotropy.

Direct Epoxidation of Propylene over Stabilized Cu + Surface Sites on Ti Modified Cu 2O

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, X.; Kattel, S.; Xiong, K.

2015-07-17

Direct propylene epoxidation by O 2 is a challenging reaction because of the strong tendency for complete combustion. Results from the current study demonstrate the feasibility to tune the epoxidation selectivity by generating highly dispersed and stabilized Cu + active sites in a TiCuO x mixed oxide. The TiCuO x surface anchors the key surface intermediate, oxametallacycle, leading to higher selectivity for epoxidation of propylene.

Is Agency Skin Deep? Surface Attributes Influence Infants' Sensitivity to Goal-Directed Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guajardo, Jose J.; Woodward, Amanda L.

2004-01-01

Three studies investigated the role of surface attributes in infants' identification of agents, using a habituation paradigm designed to tap infants' interpretation of grasping as goal directed (Woodward, 1998). When they viewed a bare human hand grasping objects, 7- and 12-month-old infants focused on the relation between the hand and its goal.…

Directed Evolution to Engineer Monobody for FRET Biosensor Assembly and Imaging at Live-Cell Surface.

PubMed

Limsakul, Praopim; Peng, Qin; Wu, Yiqian; Allen, Molly E; Liang, Jing; Remacle, Albert G; Lopez, Tyler; Ge, Xin; Kay, Brian K; Zhao, Huimin; Strongin, Alex Y; Yang, Xiang-Lei; Lu, Shaoying; Wang, Yingxiao

2018-04-19

Monitoring enzymatic activities at the cell surface is challenging due to the poor efficiency of transport and membrane integration of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors. Therefore, we developed a hybrid biosensor with separate donor and acceptor that assemble in situ. The directed evolution and sequence-function analysis technologies were integrated to engineer a monobody variant (PEbody) that binds to R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) dye. PEbody was used for visualizing the dynamic formation/separation of intercellular junctions. We further fused PEbody with the enhanced CFP and an enzyme-specific peptide at the extracellular surface to create a hybrid FRET biosensor upon R-PE capture for monitoring membrane-type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) activities. This biosensor revealed asymmetric distribution of MT1-MMP activities, which were high and low at loose and stable cell-cell contacts, respectively. Therefore, directed evolution and rational design are promising tools to engineer molecular binders and hybrid FRET biosensors for monitoring molecular regulations at the surface of living cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Direct k-space imaging of Mahan cones at clean and Bi-covered Cu(111) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winkelmann, Aimo; Akin Ünal, A.; Tusche, Christian; Ellguth, Martin; Chiang, Cheng-Tien; Kirschner, Jürgen

2012-08-01

Using a specifically tailored experimental approach, we revisit the exemplary effect of photoemission from quasi-free electronic states in crystals. Applying a momentum microscope, we measure photoelectron momentum patterns emitted into the complete half-space above the sample after excitation from a linearly polarized laser light source. By the application of a fully three-dimensional (3D) geometrical model of direct optical transitions, we explain the characteristic intensity distributions that are formed by the photoelectrons in k-space under the combination of energy conservation and crystal momentum conservation in the 3D bulk as well as at the two-dimensional (2D) surface. For bismuth surface alloys on Cu(111), the energy-resolved photoelectron momentum patterns allow us to identify specific emission processes in which bulk excited electrons are subsequently diffracted by an atomic 2D surface grating. The polarization dependence of the observed intensity features in momentum space is explained based on the different relative orientations of characteristic reciprocal space directions with respect to the electric field vector of the incident light.

Direct observation of surface-state thermal oscillations in SmB6 oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas, Brian; Stern, Alex; Efimkin, Dmitry K.; Fisk, Zachary; Xia, Jing

2018-01-01

SmB6 is a mixed valence Kondo insulator that exhibits a sharp increase in resistance following an activated behavior that levels off and saturates below 4 K. This behavior can be explained by the proposal of SmB6 representing a new state of matter, a topological Kondo insulator, in which a Kondo gap is developed, and topologically protected surface conduction dominates low-temperature transport. Exploiting its nonlinear dynamics, a tunable SmB6 oscillator device was recently demonstrated, where a small dc current generates large oscillating voltages at frequencies from a few Hz to hundreds of MHz. This behavior was explained by a theoretical model describing the thermal and electronic dynamics of coupled surface and bulk states. However, a crucial aspect of this model, the predicted temperature oscillation in the surface state, has not been experimentally observed to date. This is largely due to the technical difficulty of detecting an oscillating temperature of the very thin surface state. Here we report direct measurements of the time-dependent surface-state temperature in SmB6 with a RuO2 microthermometer. Our results agree quantitatively with the theoretically simulated temperature waveform, and hence support the validity of the oscillator model, which will provide accurate theoretical guidance for developing future SmB6 oscillators at higher frequencies.

Direct Comparison of Surface and Bulk Relaxation of PS - A Temperature Dependent Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wen-Li; Sambasivan, Sharadha; Wang, Chia-Ying; Genzer, Jan; Fischer, Daniel A.

2005-03-01

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy was used to measure simultaneously the relaxation rates of polystyrene (PS) molecules at the free surface and in the bulk. The samples were uniaxially oriented at room temperature via a modified cold rolling process. The density of the oriented samples as determined by liquid immersion technique is identical to that of bulk PS. At temperatures below its bulk glass transition temperature the rate of surface and bulk chain relaxation was monitored by measuring the partial-electron yield (PEY) and the fluorescence NEXAFS yields (FS), respectively, both parallel and perpendicular to the stretching direction. The decay rate of the dichroic ratios from both PEY and FY at various temperatures was taken as a measure of the relaxation rate of surface and bulk molecules respectively. In addition, the decay rate of the optical birefringence was also measured to provide an independent measure of the bulk relaxation. Relaxation of PS chains was found to occur faster on the surface relative to the bulk. The magnitude of the surface glass transition temperature suppression over the bulk was estimated to be 18 C based on the measured temperature dependence of the relaxation rates.

On Surface Losses in Direct Metal Laser Sintering Printed Millimeter and Submillimeter Waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmberg, Max; Dancila, Dragos; Rydberg, Anders; Hjörvarsson, Björgvin; Jansson, Ulf; Marattukalam, Jithin James; Johansson, Niklas; Andersson, Joakim

2018-02-01

Different lengths of WR3 (220-330 GHz) and WR10 (75-110 GHz) waveguides are fabricated through direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). The losses in these waveguides are measured and modelled using the Huray surface roughness model. The losses in WR3 are around 0.3 dB/mm and in WR10 0.05 dB/mm. The Huray equation model is accounting relatively good for the attenuation in the WR10 waveguide but deviates more in the WR3 waveguide. The model is compared to finite element simulations of the losses assuming an approximate surface structure similar to the resulting one from the DMLS process.

On Surface Losses in Direct Metal Laser Sintering Printed Millimeter and Submillimeter Waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmberg, Max; Dancila, Dragos; Rydberg, Anders; Hjörvarsson, Björgvin; Jansson, Ulf; Marattukalam, Jithin James; Johansson, Niklas; Andersson, Joakim

2018-06-01

Different lengths of WR3 (220-330 GHz) and WR10 (75-110 GHz) waveguides are fabricated through direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). The losses in these waveguides are measured and modelled using the Huray surface roughness model. The losses in WR3 are around 0.3 dB/mm and in WR10 0.05 dB/mm. The Huray equation model is accounting relatively good for the attenuation in the WR10 waveguide but deviates more in the WR3 waveguide. The model is compared to finite element simulations of the losses assuming an approximate surface structure similar to the resulting one from the DMLS process.

Directed aggregation of carbon nanotube on curved surfaces by polymer induced depletion attraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hsin-Chieh; Jiang, Hong-Ren

2017-12-01

In this study, we show that by chemically grafting macromolecule, polyethylene glycol (PEG), onto CNTs, PEG-CNTs become dispersible in an aqueous solution with tunable depletion interactions with each other. The aggregation of the PEG-CNTs can be controlled by adding PEG polymers into the solution. PEG-CNTs not only aggregate with each other but also tend to aggregate on curved surfaces. Due to this property, we show that PEG-CNTs can be directed to aggregate on particles and patterned surfaces. Depletion interaction induced aggregation of PEG-CNTs may provide a method to place PEG-CNTs on a specific position for different applications ranging from biomedical to industrial usages.

Direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow over a liquid-infused micro-grooved surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Jaehee; Jung, Taeyong; Choi, Haecheon; Kim, John

2016-11-01

Recently a superhydrophobic surface has drawn much attention as a passive device to achieve high drag reduction. Despite the high performance promised at ideal conditions, maintaining the interface in real flow conditions is an intractable problem. A non-wetting surface, known as the slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) or the lubricant-impregnated surface (LIS), has shown a potential for drag reduction, as the working fluid slips at the interface but cannot penetrate into the lubricant layer. In the present study, we perform direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow over a liquid-infused micro-grooved surface to investigate the effects of this surface on the interfacial slip and drag reduction. The flow rate of water is maintained constant corresponding to Reτ 180 in a fully developed turbulent channel flow, and the lubricant layer is shear-driven by the turbulent water flow. The lubricant layer is also simulated with the assumption that the interface is flat (i.e. the surface tension effect is neglected). The solid substrate in which the lubricant is infused is modelled as straight ridges using an immersed boundary method. DNS results show that drag reduction by the liquid-infused surface is highly dependent on the viscosity of the lubricant.

Surface-Directed Synthesis of Erbium-Doped Yttrium Oxide Nanoparticles within Organosilane Zeptoliter Containers

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

We introduce an approach to synthesize rare earth oxide nanoparticles using high temperature without aggregation of the nanoparticles. The dispersity of the nanoparticles is controlled at the nanoscale by using small organosilane molds as reaction containers. Zeptoliter reaction vessels prepared from organosilane self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were used for the surface-directed synthesis of rare earth oxide (REO) nanoparticles. Nanopores of octadecyltrichlorosilane were prepared on Si(111) using particle lithography with immersion steps. The nanopores were filled with a precursor solution of erbium and yttrium salts to confine the crystallization step to occur within individual zeptoliter-sized organosilane reaction vessels. Areas between the nanopores were separated by a matrix film of octadecyltrichlorosilane. With heating, the organosilane template was removed by calcination to generate a surface array of erbium-doped yttria nanoparticles. Nanoparticles synthesized by the surface-directed approach retain the periodic arrangement of the nanopores formed from mesoparticle masks. While bulk rare earth oxides can be readily prepared by solid state methods at high temperature (>900 °C), approaches for preparing REO nanoparticles are limited. Conventional wet chemistry methods are limited to low temperatures according to the boiling points of the solvents used for synthesis. To achieve crystallinity of REO nanoparticles requires steps for high-temperature processing of samples, which can cause self-aggregation and dispersity in sample diameters. The facile steps for particle lithography address the problems of aggregation and the requirement for high-temperature synthesis. PMID:25163977

Measurement of lunar and planetary magnetic fields by reflection of low energy electrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, K. A.; Lin, R. P.; Mcguire, R. E.; Mccoy, J. E.

1975-01-01

The paper describes the technique of planetary electron reflection magnetometry (PERM), a method for measuring the magnitude, direction, and scale size of magnetic fields near the surface of the moon and other planetary bodies with weak and small-scale-size surface fields. It is noted that the PERM technique is based on the ability of magnetic fields to reflect charged particles. A qualitative account of the implementation of the technique is presented along with some results obtained by the Apollo 15 and 16 Particles and Fields subsatellites. The quantitative aspects of PERM are treated by examining solutions to the equation of motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field, computing reflection coefficients on the basis of trajectory calculations, and determining the direction of the lunar surface magnetic field. The sensitivity of the PERM technique is calculated, and effects of lunar electric fields and spacecraft potentials on the measurements are described. Extension of the technique to Mars and Venus is discussed.

A directional entrapment modification on the polyethylene surface by the amphiphilic modifier of stearyl-alcohol poly(ethylene oxide) ether

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Qiang; Chen, Yi; Huang, Juexin; Huang, Jian; Wang, Xiaolin; Yao, Jiaying

2018-05-01

A novel entrapment modification method involving directional implantation of the amphiphilic modifier of stearyl-alcohol poly(ethylene oxide) ether (AEO) into the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) surface is proposed. This modification technique allows the AEO modifier to be able to spontaneously attain and subsequently penetrate into the swollen HDPE surface with its hydrophobic stearyl segment, while its hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) segment spontaneously points to water. The AEO modifier with a HLB number below 8.7 was proved appropriate for the directional entrapment, Nevertheless, AEOs with larger HLB numbers were also effective modifiers in the presence of salt additives. In addition, a larger and hydrophobic micelle, induced respectively by the AEO concentration above 1.3 × 10-2 mol/L and the entrapping temperature above the cloud point of AEO, could lead to a sharp contact angle decline of the modified surface. Finally, a hydrophilic HDPE surface with the modifier coverage of 38.9% was reached by the directional entrapment method, which is far larger than that of 19.2% by the traditional entrapment method.

Glucose-sensitive QCM-sensors via direct surface RAFT polymerization.

PubMed

Sugnaux, Caroline; Klok, H-A

2014-08-01

Thin, phenylboronic acid-containing polymer coatings are potentially attractive sensory layers for a range of glucose monitoring systems. This contribution presents the synthesis and properties of glucose-sensitive polymer brushes obtained via surface RAFT polymerization of 3-methacrylamido phenylboronic acid (MAPBA). This synthetic strategy is attractive since it allows the controlled growth of PMAPBA brushes with film thicknesses of up to 20 nm via direct polymerization of MAPBA without the need for additional post-polymerization modification or deprotection steps. QCM-D sensor chips modified with a PMAPBA layer respond with a linear change in the shift of the fundamental resonance frequency over a range of physiologically relevant glucose concentrations and are insensitive toward the presence of fructose, thus validating the potential of these polymer brush films as glucose sensory thin coatings. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Direct simulation of electroosmosis around a spherical particle with inhomogeneously acquired surface charge.

PubMed

Alizadeh, Amer; Wang, Moran

2017-03-01

Uncovering electroosmosis around an inhomogeneously acquired charge spherical particle in a confined space could provide detailed insights into its broad applications from biology to geology. In the present study, we developed a direct simulation method with the effects of inhomogeneously acquired charges on the particle surface considered, which has been validated by the available analytical and experimental data. Modeling results reveal that the surface charge and zeta potential, which are acquired through chemical interactions, strongly depend on the local solution properties and the particle size. The surface charge and zeta potential of the particle would significantly vary with the tangential positions on the particle surface by increasing the particle radius. Moreover, regarding the streaming potential for a particle-fluid tube system, our results uncover that the streaming potential has a reverse relation with the particle size in a micro or nanotube. To explain this phenomenon, we present a simple relation that bridges the streaming potential with the particle size and tube radius, zeta potential, bulk and surface conductivity. This relation could predict good results specifically for higher ion concentrations and provide deeper understanding of the particle size effects on the streaming potential measurements of the particle fluid tube system. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Measurement of Near-Surface Salinity, Temperature and Directional Wave Spectra using a Novel Wave-Following, Lagrangian Surface Contact Buoy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyle, J. P.

2016-02-01

Results from a surface contact drifter buoy which measures near-surface conductivity ( 10 cm depth), sea state characteristics and near-surface water temperature ( 2 cm depth) are described. This light (< 750 gram), wave-following discus buoy platform has a hull diameter of 25 cm and a thickness of approximately 3 cm. The buoy is designed to allow for capsize events, but remains top up because it is ballasted for self-righting. It has a small above-surface profile and low windage, resulting in near-Lagrangian drift characteristics. It is autonomous, with low power requirements and solar panel battery recharging. Onboard sensors include an inductive toroidal conductivity probe for salinity measurement, a nine-degrees-of-freedom motion package for derivation of directional wave spectra and a thermocouple for water temperature measurement. Data retrieval for expendable, ocean-going operation uses an onboard Argos transmitter. Scientific results as well as data processing algorithms are presented from laboratory and field experiments which support qualification of buoy platform measurements. These include sensor calibration experiments, longer-term dock-side biofouling experiments during 2013-2014 and a series of short-duration ocean deployments in the Gulf Stream in 2014. In addition, a treatment method will be described which appears to minimize the effects of biofouling on the inductive conductivity probe when in coastal surface waters. Due to its low cost and ease of deployment, scores, perhaps hundreds of these novel instruments could be deployed from ships or aircraft during process studies or to provide surface validation for satellite-based measurements, particularly in high precipitation regions.

Light Management in Transparent Conducting Oxides by Direct Fabrication of Periodic Surface Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckhardt, S.; Sachse, C.; Lasagni, A. F.

Line- and hexagonal-like periodic textures were fabricated on aluminium zinc oxide (AZO) using direct laser interference patterning method. It was found that hexagonally patterned surfaces show a higher performance in both transparency and diffraction properties compared to line-like textured and non-patterned substrates. Furthermore, the electrical resistance of the processed AZO coated substrates remained below the tolerance values for transparent conducting electrodes.

Experimental demonstration of tunable directional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons with a subwavelength metallic double slit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaowei; Tan, Qiaofeng; Bai, Benfeng; Jin, Guofan

2011-06-01

We demonstrate experimentally the directional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on a metal film by a subwavelength double slit under backside illumination, based on the interference of SPPs generated by the two slits. By varying the incident angle, the SPPs can be tunably directed into two opposite propagating directions with a predetermined splitting ratio. Under certain incident angle, unidirectional SPP excitation can be achieved. This compact directional SPP coupler is potentially useful for many on-chip applications. As an example, we show the integration of the double-slit couplers with SPP Bragg mirrors, which can effectively realize selective coupling of SPPs into different ports in an integrated plasmonic chip.

Observation and control of blinking nitrogen-vacancy centres in discrete nanodiamonds.

PubMed

Bradac, C; Gaebel, T; Naidoo, N; Sellars, M J; Twamley, J; Brown, L J; Barnard, A S; Plakhotnik, T; Zvyagin, A V; Rabeau, J R

2010-05-01

Nitrogen-vacancy colour centres in diamond can undergo strong, spin-sensitive optical transitions under ambient conditions, which makes them attractive for applications in quantum optics, nanoscale magnetometry and biolabelling. Although nitrogen-vacancy centres have been observed in aggregated detonation nanodiamonds and milled nanodiamonds, they have not been observed in very small isolated nanodiamonds. Here, we report the first direct observation of nitrogen-vacancy centres in discrete 5-nm nanodiamonds at room temperature, including evidence for intermittency in the luminescence (blinking) from the nanodiamonds. We also show that it is possible to control this blinking by modifying the surface of the nanodiamonds.

Wrinkled, wavelength-tunable graphene-based surface topographies for directing cell alignment and morphology

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhongying; Tonderys, Daniel; Leggett, Susan E.; Williams, Evelyn Kendall; Kiani, Mehrdad T.; Steinberg, Ruben Spitz; Qiu, Yang; Wong, Ian Y.; Hurt, Robert H.

2015-01-01

Textured surfaces with periodic topographical features and long-range order are highly attractive for directing cell-material interactions. They mimic physiological environments more accurately than planar surfaces and can fundamentally alter cell alignment, shape, gene expression, and cellular assembly into superstructures or microtissues. Here we demonstrate for the first time that wrinkled graphene-based surfaces are suitable as textured cell attachment substrates, and that engineered wrinkling can dramatically alter cell alignment and morphology. The wrinkled surfaces are fabricated by graphene oxide wet deposition onto pre-stretched elastomers followed by relaxation and mild thermal treatment to stabilize the films in cell culture medium. Multilayer graphene oxide films form periodic, delaminated buckle textures whose wavelengths and amplitudes can be systematically tuned by variation in the wet deposition process. Human and murine fibroblasts attach to these textured films and remain viable, while developing pronounced alignment and elongation relative to those on planar graphene controls. Compared to lithographic patterning of nanogratings, this method has advantages in the simplicity and scalability of fabrication, as well as the opportunity to couple the use of topographic cues with the unique conductive, adsorptive, or barrier properties of graphene materials for functional biomedical devices. PMID:25848137

[Measurement of Speed and Direction of Ocean Surface Winds Using Quik Scat Scatterometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stiles, Bryan; Pollard, Brian

2000-01-01

The SeaWinds on QuikSCAT scatterometer was developed by NASA JPL to measure the speed and direction of ocean surface winds. Simulations performed to estimate the performance of the instrument prior to its launch have indicated that the mid-swath accuracy is worse than that of the rest of the swath. This behavior is a general characteristic of scanning pencil beam scatterometers. For SeaWinds, the accuracy of the rest of the swath, and the size of the swath are such that the instrument meets its science requirements despite mid-swath shortcomings. However, by understanding the problem at mid-swath, we can improve the performance there as well. We discuss the underlying causes of the problem in detail and propose a new wind retrieval algorithm which improves mid-swath performance. The directional discrimination ability of the instrument varies with cross track distance wind speed, and direction. By estimating the range of likely wind directions for each measurement cell, one can optimally apply information from neighboring cells where necessary in order to reduce random wind direction errors without significantly degrading the resolution of the resultant wind field. In this manner we are able to achieve mid-swath RMS wind direction errors as low as 15 degrees for low winds and 10 degrees for moderate to high winds, while at the same time preserving high resolution structures such as cyclones and fronts.

Fabrication of Low Cost Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors Using Direct Printing by Aerosol Inkjet

DOE PAGES

Morales-Rodriguez, Marissa E.; Joshi, Pooran C.; Humphries, James R.; ...

2018-04-09

Advancements in additive manufacturing techniques, printed electronics, and nanomaterials have made it possible for the cost-effective fabrication of sensors and systems. Low-cost sensors for continuous and real time monitoring of physical and chemical parameters will directly impact the energy-efficiency, safety, and manufacturing challenges of diverse technology sectors. In this paper, we present the design, printing, and characterization of a two-port surface acoustic wave (SAW) integrated on LiNbO 3 substrate. The aerosol jet printer was used for direct-writing of interdigitated transducers for SAW devices with center frequency in the range of 40-87 MHz. In conclusion, the linear response of a temperaturemore » sensor based on the SAW design shows promise for direct-writing of environmental sensors on low-temperature substrates.« less

Fabrication of Low Cost Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors Using Direct Printing by Aerosol Inkjet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morales-Rodriguez, Marissa E.; Joshi, Pooran C.; Humphries, James R.

Advancements in additive manufacturing techniques, printed electronics, and nanomaterials have made it possible for the cost-effective fabrication of sensors and systems. Low-cost sensors for continuous and real time monitoring of physical and chemical parameters will directly impact the energy-efficiency, safety, and manufacturing challenges of diverse technology sectors. In this paper, we present the design, printing, and characterization of a two-port surface acoustic wave (SAW) integrated on LiNbO 3 substrate. The aerosol jet printer was used for direct-writing of interdigitated transducers for SAW devices with center frequency in the range of 40-87 MHz. In conclusion, the linear response of a temperaturemore » sensor based on the SAW design shows promise for direct-writing of environmental sensors on low-temperature substrates.« less

Experimental demonstration of tunable directional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons with a subwavelength metallic double slit

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li Xiaowei; Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanotechnology Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084; Tan Qiaofeng

2011-06-20

We demonstrate experimentally the directional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on a metal film by a subwavelength double slit under backside illumination, based on the interference of SPPs generated by the two slits. By varying the incident angle, the SPPs can be tunably directed into two opposite propagating directions with a predetermined splitting ratio. Under certain incident angle, unidirectional SPP excitation can be achieved. This compact directional SPP coupler is potentially useful for many on-chip applications. As an example, we show the integration of the double-slit couplers with SPP Bragg mirrors, which can effectively realize selective coupling of SPPsmore » into different ports in an integrated plasmonic chip.« less

Probing surface charge potentials of clay basal planes and edges by direct force measurements.

PubMed

Zhao, Hongying; Bhattacharjee, Subir; Chow, Ross; Wallace, Dean; Masliyah, Jacob H; Xu, Zhenghe

2008-11-18

The dispersion and gelation of clay suspensions have major impact on a number of industries, such as ceramic and composite materials processing, paper making, cement production, and consumer product formulation. To fundamentally understand controlling mechanisms of clay dispersion and gelation, it is necessary to study anisotropic surface charge properties and colloidal interactions of clay particles. In this study, a colloidal probe technique was employed to study the interaction forces between a silica probe and clay basal plane/edge surfaces. A muscovite mica was used as a representative of 2:1 phyllosilicate clay minerals. The muscovite basal plane was prepared by cleavage, while the edge surface was obtained by a microtome cutting technique. Direct force measurements demonstrated the anisotropic surface charge properties of the basal plane and edge surface. For the basal plane, the long-range forces were monotonically repulsive within pH 6-10 and the measured forces were pH-independent, thereby confirming that clay basal planes have permanent surface charge from isomorphic substitution of lattice elements. The measured interaction forces were fitted well with the classical DLVO theory. The surface potentials of muscovite basal plane derived from the measured force profiles were in good agreement with those reported in the literature. In the case of edge surfaces, the measured forces were monotonically repulsive at pH 10, decreasing with pH, and changed to be attractive at pH 5.6, strongly suggesting that the charge on the clay edge surfaces is pH-dependent. The measured force profiles could not be reasonably fitted with the classical DLVO theory, even with very small surface potential values, unless the surface roughness was considered. The surface element integration (SEI) method was used to calculate the DLVO forces to account for the surface roughness. The surface potentials of the muscovite edges were derived by fitting the measured force profiles with the

Synergetic effect of yeast cell-surface expression of cellulase and expansin-like protein on direct ethanol production from cellulose

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Numerous studies have examined the direct fermentation of cellulosic materials by cellulase-expressing yeast; however, ethanol productivity in these systems has not yet reached an industrial level. Certain microorganisms, such as the cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma reesei, produce expansin-like proteins, which have a cellulose-loosening effect that may increase the breakdown of cellulose. Here, to improve the direct conversion of cellulose to ethanol, yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-displaying cellulase and expansin-like protein on the cell surface were constructed and examined for direct ethanol fermentation performance. Results The cellulase and expansin-like protein co-expressing strain showed 246 mU/g-wet cell of phosphoric acid swollen cellulose (PASC) degradation activity, which corresponded to 2.9-fold higher activity than that of a cellulase-expressing strain. This result clearly demonstrated that yeast cell-surface expressed cellulase and expansin-like protein act synergistically to breakdown cellulose. In fermentation experiments examining direct ethanol production from PASC, the cellulase and expansin-like protein co-expressing strain produced 3.4 g/L ethanol after 96 h of fermentation, a concentration that was 1.4-fold higher than that achieved by the cellulase-expressing strain (2.5 g/L). Conclusions The PASC degradation and fermentation ability of an engineered yeast strain was markedly improved by co-expressing cellulase and expansin-like protein on the cell surface. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the synergetic effect of co-expressing cellulase and expansin-like protein on a yeast cell surface, which may be a promising strategy for constructing direct ethanol fermenting yeast from cellulose. PMID:23835302

Superconductive imaging surface magnetometer

DOEpatents

Overton, Jr., William C.; van Hulsteyn, David B.; Flynn, Edward R.

1991-01-01

An improved pick-up coil system for use with Superconducting Quantum Interference Device gradiometers and magnetometers involving the use of superconducting plates near conventional pick-up coil arrangements to provide imaging of nearby dipole sources and to deflect environmental magnetic noise away from the pick-up coils. This allows the practice of gradiometry and magnetometry in magnetically unshielded environments. One embodiment uses a hemispherically shaped superconducting plate with interior pick-up coils, allowing brain wave measurements to be made on human patients. another embodiment using flat superconducting plates could be used in non-destructive evaluation of materials.

HYPGEO - A collaboration between geophysics and remote sensing for mineral exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Uwe; Frei, Michaela; Petersen, Hauke; Papenfuß, Anne; Ibs-von Seht, Malte; Stolz, Ronny; Queitsch, Matthias; Buchholz, Peter; Siemon, Bernhard

2017-04-01

The German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) aims to promote and design application oriented, generic techniques for the detection and 3D-characterisation of mineral deposits. Most newly developed mineral mining structures are still exploiting near surface sources. Since exploration and exploitation of mineral resources are increasingly under public review concerning environmental issues and social acceptance, non-invasive methods using satellites, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles are preferred techniques within this investigation. Therefore, a data combination of helicopter-borne gamma ray spectrometry, hyperspectral imagery and full tensor gradient magnetometry is being evaluated. Test areas are open pit mining structures in Aznalcollar and Tharsis within the Pyrite Belt of southern Spain. First test flights using gamma-ray spectrometry and gradient magnetometry using SQUID-based sensors have been performed. Hyperspectral imagery has been applied on ground. Rock and core samples from the mines have been taken or investigated for further analysis. The basic idea is to combine surface triggered signals from gamma-ray spectrometry and hyperspectral imagery to enhance the detection of shallow mineralisation structures. In order to investigate whether these structures are connected with near-surface ore veins, gradient magnetometry was applied to model subsurface formations. To verify that good correlations between the applied methods are given, open pit mining structures were chosen, where the mineral content and the local to regional geology is well known.

A Versatile Class of Cell Surface Directional Motors Gives Rise to Gliding Motility and Sporulation in Myxococcus xanthus

PubMed Central

Wartel, Morgane; Czerwinski, Fabian; Le Gall, Anne-Valérie; Mauriello, Emilia M. F.; Bergam, Ptissam; Brun, Yves V.; Shaevitz, Joshua; Mignot, Tâm

2013-01-01

Eukaryotic cells utilize an arsenal of processive transport systems to deliver macromolecules to specific subcellular sites. In prokaryotes, such transport mechanisms have only been shown to mediate gliding motility, a form of microbial surface translocation. Here, we show that the motility function of the Myxococcus xanthus Agl-Glt machinery results from the recent specialization of a versatile class of bacterial transporters. Specifically, we demonstrate that the Agl motility motor is modular and dissociates from the rest of the gliding machinery (the Glt complex) to bind the newly expressed Nfs complex, a close Glt paralogue, during sporulation. Following this association, the Agl system transports Nfs proteins directionally around the spore surface. Since the main spore coat polymer is secreted at discrete sites around the spore surface, its transport by Agl-Nfs ensures its distribution around the spore. Thus, the Agl-Glt/Nfs machineries may constitute a novel class of directional bacterial surface transporters that can be diversified to specific tasks depending on the cognate cargo and machinery-specific accessories. PMID:24339744

Biomedical surface analysis: Evolution and future directions (Review)

PubMed Central

Castner, David G.

2017-01-01

This review describes some of the major advances made in biomedical surface analysis over the past 30–40 years. Starting from a single technique analysis of homogeneous surfaces, it has been developed into a complementary, multitechnique approach for obtaining detailed, comprehensive information about a wide range of surfaces and interfaces of interest to the biomedical community. Significant advances have been made in each surface analysis technique, as well as how the techniques are combined to provide detailed information about biological surfaces and interfaces. The driving force for these advances has been that the surface of a biomaterial is the interface between the biological environment and the biomaterial, and so, the state-of-the-art in instrumentation, experimental protocols, and data analysis methods need to be developed so that the detailed surface structure and composition of biomedical devices can be determined and related to their biological performance. Examples of these advances, as well as areas for future developments, are described for immobilized proteins, complex biomedical surfaces, nanoparticles, and 2D/3D imaging of biological materials. PMID:28438024

Direct estimation of land surface albedo from VIIRS data: Algorithm improvement and preliminary validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dongdong; Liang, Shunlin; He, Tao; Yu, Yunyue

2013-11-01

surface albedo (LSA), part of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) surface albedo environmental data record (EDR), is an essential variable regulating shortwave energy exchange between the land surface and the atmosphere. Two sub-algorithms, the dark pixel sub-algorithm (DPSA) and the bright pixel sub-algorithm (BPSA), were proposed for retrieving LSA from VIIRS data. The BPSA estimates LSA directly from VIIRS top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance through simulation of atmospheric radiative transfer. Several changes have been made to improve the BPSA since the deployment of VIIRS. A database of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) is collected and converted to bidirectional reflectance at VIIRS bands. The converted reflectance is then used as input to the atmospheric radiative transfer model to generate a look-up table (LUT) of regression coefficients with consideration of surface BRDF. Before its implementation in the operational system, the new BPSA is tested on the local infrastructure. The incorporation of the surface BRDF improves the accuracy of LSA estimation and reduces the temporal variation of LSA over stable surfaces. VIIRS LSA retrievals agree well with the MODIS albedo products. Comparison with field measurements at seven Surface Radiation (SURFRAD) Network sites shows that VIIRS LSA retrieved from the LUT with surface BRDF has an R2 value of 0.80 and root mean square error of 0.049, better than MODIS albedo products. The VIIRS results have a slight negative bias of 0.004, whereas the MODIS albedo is underestimated with a larger negative bias of 0.026.

Large-Area Direct Laser-Shock Imprinting of a 3D Biomimic Hierarchical Metal Surface for Triboelectric Nanogenerators.

PubMed

Jin, Shengyu; Wang, Yixiu; Motlag, Maithilee; Gao, Shengjie; Xu, Jin; Nian, Qiong; Wu, Wenzhuo; Cheng, Gary J

2018-03-01

Ongoing efforts in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) focus on enhancing power generation, but obstacles concerning the economical and cost-effective production of TENGs continue to prevail. Micro-/nanostructure engineering of polymer surfaces has been dominantly utilized for boosting the contact triboelectrification, with deposited metal electrodes for collecting the scavenged energy. Nevertheless, this state-of-the-art approach is limited by the vague potential for producing 3D hierarchical surface structures with conformable coverage of high-quality metal. Laser-shock imprinting (LSI) is emerging as a potentially scalable approach for directly surface patterning of a wide range of metals with 3D nanoscale structures by design, benefiting from the ultrahigh-strain-rate forming process. Here, a TENG device is demonstrated with LSI-processed biomimetic hierarchically structured metal electrodes for efficient harvesting of water-drop energy in the environment. Mimicking and transferring hierarchical microstructures from natural templates, such as leaves, into these water-TENG devices is effective regarding repelling water drops from the device surface, since surface hydrophobicity from these biomicrostructures maximizes the TENG output. Among various leaves' microstructures, hierarchical microstructures from dried bamboo leaves are preferable regarding maximizing power output, which is attributed to their unique structures, containing both dense nanostructures and microscale features, compared with other types of leaves. Also, the triboelectric output is significantly improved by closely mimicking the hydrophobic nature of the leaves in the LSI-processed metal surface after functionalizing it with low-surface-energy self-assembled-monolayers. The approach opens doors to new manufacturable TENG technologies for economically feasible and ecologically friendly production of functional devices with directly patterned 3D biomimic metallic surfaces in energy

Establishing Antibacterial Multilayer Films on the Surface of Direct Metal Laser Sintered Titanium Primed with Phase-Transited Lysozyme

PubMed Central

Guan, Binbin; Wang, Haorong; Xu, Ruiqing; Zheng, Guoying; Yang, Jie; Liu, Zihao; Cao, Man; Wu, Mingyao; Song, Jinhua; Li, Neng; Li, Ting; Cai, Qing; Yang, Xiaoping; Li, Yanqiu; Zhang, Xu

2016-01-01

Direct metal laser sintering is a technology that allows the fabrication of titanium (Ti) implants with a functional gradation of porosity and surface roughness according to three-dimensional (3D) computer data. The surface roughness of direct metal laser sintered titanium (DMLS-Ti) implants may provide abundant binding sites for bacteria. Bacterial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation can cause unsatisfactory cell adhesion and implant-related infections. To prevent such infections, a novel phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) was utilized as an initial functional layer to simply and effectively prime DMLS-Ti surfaces for subsequent coating with antibacterial multilayers. The purpose of the present study was to establish a surface with dual biological functionality. The minocycline-loaded polyelectrolyte multilayers of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS) formed via a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique on PTL-functionalized DMLS-Ti were designed to inhibit pathogenic microbial infections while allowing the DMLS-Ti itself and the modified coatings to retain acceptable biocompatibility. The experimental results indicate that the DMLS-Ti and the hydrogel treated surfaces can inhibit early bacterial adhesion while completely preserving osteoblast functions. This design is expected to gain considerable interest in the medical field and to have good potential for applications in multifunctional DMLS-Ti implants. PMID:27821857

Establishing Antibacterial Multilayer Films on the Surface of Direct Metal Laser Sintered Titanium Primed with Phase-Transited Lysozyme.

PubMed

Guan, Binbin; Wang, Haorong; Xu, Ruiqing; Zheng, Guoying; Yang, Jie; Liu, Zihao; Cao, Man; Wu, Mingyao; Song, Jinhua; Li, Neng; Li, Ting; Cai, Qing; Yang, Xiaoping; Li, Yanqiu; Zhang, Xu

2016-11-08

Direct metal laser sintering is a technology that allows the fabrication of titanium (Ti) implants with a functional gradation of porosity and surface roughness according to three-dimensional (3D) computer data. The surface roughness of direct metal laser sintered titanium (DMLS-Ti) implants may provide abundant binding sites for bacteria. Bacterial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation can cause unsatisfactory cell adhesion and implant-related infections. To prevent such infections, a novel phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) was utilized as an initial functional layer to simply and effectively prime DMLS-Ti surfaces for subsequent coating with antibacterial multilayers. The purpose of the present study was to establish a surface with dual biological functionality. The minocycline-loaded polyelectrolyte multilayers of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS) formed via a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique on PTL-functionalized DMLS-Ti were designed to inhibit pathogenic microbial infections while allowing the DMLS-Ti itself and the modified coatings to retain acceptable biocompatibility. The experimental results indicate that the DMLS-Ti and the hydrogel treated surfaces can inhibit early bacterial adhesion while completely preserving osteoblast functions. This design is expected to gain considerable interest in the medical field and to have good potential for applications in multifunctional DMLS-Ti implants.

Establishing Antibacterial Multilayer Films on the Surface of Direct Metal Laser Sintered Titanium Primed with Phase-Transited Lysozyme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Binbin; Wang, Haorong; Xu, Ruiqing; Zheng, Guoying; Yang, Jie; Liu, Zihao; Cao, Man; Wu, Mingyao; Song, Jinhua; Li, Neng; Li, Ting; Cai, Qing; Yang, Xiaoping; Li, Yanqiu; Zhang, Xu

2016-11-01

Direct metal laser sintering is a technology that allows the fabrication of titanium (Ti) implants with a functional gradation of porosity and surface roughness according to three-dimensional (3D) computer data. The surface roughness of direct metal laser sintered titanium (DMLS-Ti) implants may provide abundant binding sites for bacteria. Bacterial colonization and subsequent biofilm formation can cause unsatisfactory cell adhesion and implant-related infections. To prevent such infections, a novel phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) was utilized as an initial functional layer to simply and effectively prime DMLS-Ti surfaces for subsequent coating with antibacterial multilayers. The purpose of the present study was to establish a surface with dual biological functionality. The minocycline-loaded polyelectrolyte multilayers of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS) formed via a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique on PTL-functionalized DMLS-Ti were designed to inhibit pathogenic microbial infections while allowing the DMLS-Ti itself and the modified coatings to retain acceptable biocompatibility. The experimental results indicate that the DMLS-Ti and the hydrogel treated surfaces can inhibit early bacterial adhesion while completely preserving osteoblast functions. This design is expected to gain considerable interest in the medical field and to have good potential for applications in multifunctional DMLS-Ti implants.

Correlation between surface morphology and electrical properties of VO2 films grown by direct thermal oxidation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Joonseok; Park, Changwoo; Park, Sungkyun; Mun, Bongjin Simon; Ju, Honglyoul

2015-10-01

We investigate surface morphology and electrical properties of VO2 films fabricated by direct thermal oxidation method. The VO2 film prepared with oxidation temperature at 580 °C exhibits excellent qualities of VO2 characteristics, e.g. a metal-insulator transition (MIT) near 67 °C, a resistivity ratio of ∼2.3 × 104, and a bandgap of 0.7 eV. The analysis of surface morphology with electrical resistivity of VO2 films reveals that the transport properties of VO2 films are closely related to the grain size and surface roughness that vary with oxidation annealing temperatures.

An Artificial Turf-Based Surrogate Surface Collector for the Direct Measurement of Atmospheric Mercury Dry Deposition

PubMed Central

Hall, Naima L.; Dvonch, Joseph Timothy; Marsik, Frank J.; Barres, James A.; Landis, Matthew S.

2017-01-01

This paper describes the development of a new artificial turf surrogate surface (ATSS) sampler for use in the measurement of mercury (Hg) dry deposition. In contrast to many existing surrogate surface designs, the ATSS utilizes a three-dimensional deposition surface that may more closely mimic the physical structure of many natural surfaces than traditional flat surrogate surface designs (water, filter, greased Mylar film). The ATSS has been designed to overcome several complicating factors that can impact the integrity of samples with other direct measurement approaches by providing a passive system which can be deployed for both short and extended periods of time (days to weeks), and is not contaminated by precipitation and/or invalidated by strong winds. Performance characteristics including collocated precision, in-field procedural and laboratory blanks were evaluated. The results of these performance evaluations included a mean collocated precision of 9%, low blanks (0.8 ng), high extraction efficiency (97%–103%), and a quantitative matrix spike recovery (100%). PMID:28208603

Research on the effect of coverage rate on the surface quality in laser direct writing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Xuetao; Tu, Dawei

2017-07-01

Direct writing technique is usually used in femtosecond laser two-photon micromachining. The size of the scanning step is an important factor affecting the surface quality and machining efficiency of micro devices. According to the mechanism of two-photon polymerization, combining the distribution function of light intensity and the free radical concentration theory, we establish the mathematical model of coverage of solidification unit, then analyze the effect of coverage on the machining quality and efficiency. Using the principle of exposure equivalence, we also obtained the analytic expressions of the relationship among the surface quality characteristic parameters of microdevices and the scanning step, and carried out the numerical simulation and experiment. The results show that the scanning step has little influence on the surface quality of the line when it is much smaller than the size of the solidification unit. However, with increasing scanning step, the smoothness of line surface is reduced rapidly, and the surface quality becomes much worse.

Flight paths of seabirds soaring over the ocean surface enable measurement of fine-scale wind speed and direction.

PubMed

Yonehara, Yoshinari; Goto, Yusuke; Yoda, Ken; Watanuki, Yutaka; Young, Lindsay C; Weimerskirch, Henri; Bost, Charles-André; Sato, Katsufumi

2016-08-09

Ocean surface winds are an essential factor in understanding the physical interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean. Surface winds measured by satellite scatterometers and buoys cover most of the global ocean; however, there are still spatial and temporal gaps and finer-scale variations of wind that may be overlooked, particularly in coastal areas. Here, we show that flight paths of soaring seabirds can be used to estimate fine-scale (every 5 min, ∼5 km) ocean surface winds. Fine-scale global positioning system (GPS) positional data revealed that soaring seabirds flew tortuously and ground speed fluctuated presumably due to tail winds and head winds. Taking advantage of the ground speed difference in relation to flight direction, we reliably estimated wind speed and direction experienced by the birds. These bird-based wind velocities were significantly correlated with wind velocities estimated by satellite-borne scatterometers. Furthermore, extensive travel distances and flight duration of the seabirds enabled a wide range of high-resolution wind observations, especially in coastal areas. Our study suggests that seabirds provide a platform from which to measure ocean surface winds, potentially complementing conventional wind measurements by covering spatial and temporal measurement gaps.

Flight paths of seabirds soaring over the ocean surface enable measurement of fine-scale wind speed and direction

PubMed Central

Yonehara, Yoshinari; Goto, Yusuke; Yoda, Ken; Watanuki, Yutaka; Young, Lindsay C.; Weimerskirch, Henri; Bost, Charles-André; Sato, Katsufumi

2016-01-01

Ocean surface winds are an essential factor in understanding the physical interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean. Surface winds measured by satellite scatterometers and buoys cover most of the global ocean; however, there are still spatial and temporal gaps and finer-scale variations of wind that may be overlooked, particularly in coastal areas. Here, we show that flight paths of soaring seabirds can be used to estimate fine-scale (every 5 min, ∼5 km) ocean surface winds. Fine-scale global positioning system (GPS) positional data revealed that soaring seabirds flew tortuously and ground speed fluctuated presumably due to tail winds and head winds. Taking advantage of the ground speed difference in relation to flight direction, we reliably estimated wind speed and direction experienced by the birds. These bird-based wind velocities were significantly correlated with wind velocities estimated by satellite-borne scatterometers. Furthermore, extensive travel distances and flight duration of the seabirds enabled a wide range of high-resolution wind observations, especially in coastal areas. Our study suggests that seabirds provide a platform from which to measure ocean surface winds, potentially complementing conventional wind measurements by covering spatial and temporal measurement gaps. PMID:27457932

Stereo imaging and cytocompatibility of a model dental implant surface formed by direct laser fabrication.

PubMed

Mangano, Carlo; Raspanti, Mario; Traini, Tonino; Piattelli, Adriano; Sammons, Rachel

2009-03-01

Direct laser fabrication (DLF) allows solids with complex geometry to be produced by sintering metal powder particles in a focused laser beam. In this study, 10 Ti6Al4V alloy model dental root implants were obtained by DLF, and surface characterization was carried out using stereo scanning electron microscopy to produce 3D reconstructions. The surfaces were extremely irregular, with approximately 100 microm deep, narrow intercommunicating crevices, shallow depressions and deep, rounded pits of widely variable shape and size, showing ample scope for interlocking with the host bone. Roughness parameters were as follows: R(t), 360.8 microm; R(z), 358.4 microm; R(a), 67.4 microm; and R(q), 78.0 microm. Disc specimens produced by DLF with an identically prepared surface were used for biocompatibility studies with rat calvarial osteoblasts: After 9 days, cells had attached and spread on the DLF surface, spanning across the crevices, and voids. Cell density was similar to that on a commercial rough microtextured surface but lower than on commercial smooth machined and smooth-textured grit-blasted, acid-etched surfaces. Human fibrin clot extension on the DLF surface was slightly improved by inorganic acid etching to increase the microroughness. With further refinements, DLF could be an economical means of manufacturing implants from titanium alloys. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A kinetic model for the characteristic surface morphologies of thin films by directional vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kun-Dar; Huang, Po-Yu

2017-12-01

In order to simulate a process of directional vapor deposition, in this study, a numerical approach was applied to model the growth and evolution of surface morphologies for the crystallographic structures of thin films. The critical factors affecting the surface morphologies in a deposition process, such as the crystallographic symmetry, anisotropic interfacial energy, shadowing effect, and deposition rate, were all enclosed in the theoretical model. By altering the parameters of crystallographic symmetry in the structures, the faceted nano-columns with rectangular and hexagonal shapes were established in the simulation results. Furthermore, for revealing the influences of the anisotropic strength and the deposition rate theoretically on the crystallographic structure formations, various parameters adjusted in the numerical calculations were also investigated. Not only the morphologies but also the surface roughnesses for different processing conditions were distinctly demonstrated with the quantitative analysis of the simulations.

Modulating the activity of protein conjugated to gold nanoparticles by site-directed orientation and surface density of bound protein.

PubMed

Liu, Feng; Wang, Lei; Wang, Hongwei; Yuan, Lin; Li, Jingwen; Brash, John Law; Chen, Hong

2015-02-18

The key property of protein-nanoparticle conjugates is the bioactivity of the protein. The ability to accurately modulate the activity of protein on the nanoparticles at the interfaces is important in many applications. In the work reported here, modulation of the activity of protein-gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugates by specifically orienting the protein and by varying the surface density of the protein was investigated. Different orientations were achieved by introducing cysteine (Cys) residues at specific sites for binding to gold. We chose Escherichia coli inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPase) as a model protein and used site-directed mutagenesis to generate two mutant types (MTs) with a single Cys residue on the surface: MT1 with Cys near the active center and MT2 with Cys far from the active center. The relative activities of AuNP conjugates with wild type (WT), MT1, and MT2 were found to be 44.8%, 68.8%, and 91.2% of native PPase in aqueous solution. Site-directed orientation with the binding site far from the active center thus allowed almost complete preservation of the protein activity. The relative activity of WT and MT2 conjugates did not change with the surface density of the protein, while that of MT1 increased significantly with increasing surface density. These results demonstrate that site-directed orientation and surface density can both modulate the activity of proteins conjugated to AuNP and that orientation has a greater effect than density. Furthermore, increasing the surface density of the specifically oriented protein MT2, while having no significant effect on the specific activity of the protein, still allowed increased protein loading on the AuNP and thus increased the total protein activity. This is of great importance in the study on the interface of protein and nanoparticle and the applications for enzyme immobilization, drug delivery, and biocatalysis.

Surface plasmon induced direct detection of long wavelength photons.

PubMed

Tong, Jinchao; Zhou, Wei; Qu, Yue; Xu, Zhengji; Huang, Zhiming; Zhang, Dao Hua

2017-11-21

Millimeter and terahertz wave photodetectors have long been of great interest due to a wide range of applications, but they still face challenges in detection performance. Here, we propose a new strategy for the direct detection of millimeter and terahertz wave photons based on localized surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP)-induced non-equilibrium electrons in antenna-assisted subwavelength ohmic metal-semiconductor-metal (OMSM) structures. The subwavelength OMSM structure is used to convert the absorbed photons into localized SPPs, which then induce non-equilibrium electrons in the structure, while the antenna increases the number of photons coupled into the OMSM structure. When the structure is biased and illuminated, the unidirectional flow of the SPP-induced non-equilibrium electrons forms a photocurrent. The energy of the detected photons is determined by the structure rather than the band gap of the semiconductor. The detection scheme is confirmed by simulation and experimental results from the devices, made of gold and InSb, and a room temperature noise equivalent power (NEP) of 1.5 × 10 -13 W Hz -1/2 is achieved.

An Optical Sensor for Measuring the Position and Slanting Direction of Flat Surfaces

PubMed Central

Chen, Yu-Ta; Huang, Yen-Sheng; Liu, Chien-Sheng

2016-01-01

Automated optical inspection is a very important technique. For this reason, this study proposes an optical non-contact slanting surface measuring system. The essential features of the measurement system are obtained through simulations using the optical design software Zemax. The actual propagation of laser beams within the measurement system is traced by using a homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM), the skew-ray tracing method, and a first-order Taylor series expansion. Additionally, a complete mathematical model that describes the variations in light spots on photoelectric sensors and the corresponding changes in the sample orientation and distance was established. Finally, a laboratory prototype system was constructed on an optical bench to verify experimentally the proposed system. This measurement system can simultaneously detect the slanting angles (x, z) in the x and z directions of the sample and the distance (y) between the biconvex lens and the flat sample surface. PMID:27409619

An Optical Sensor for Measuring the Position and Slanting Direction of Flat Surfaces.

PubMed

Chen, Yu-Ta; Huang, Yen-Sheng; Liu, Chien-Sheng

2016-07-09

Automated optical inspection is a very important technique. For this reason, this study proposes an optical non-contact slanting surface measuring system. The essential features of the measurement system are obtained through simulations using the optical design software Zemax. The actual propagation of laser beams within the measurement system is traced by using a homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM), the skew-ray tracing method, and a first-order Taylor series expansion. Additionally, a complete mathematical model that describes the variations in light spots on photoelectric sensors and the corresponding changes in the sample orientation and distance was established. Finally, a laboratory prototype system was constructed on an optical bench to verify experimentally the proposed system. This measurement system can simultaneously detect the slanting angles (x, z) in the x and z directions of the sample and the distance (y) between the biconvex lens and the flat sample surface.

Grating-assisted surface acoustic wave directional couplers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golan, G.; Griffel, G.; Seidman, A.; Croitoru, N.

1991-07-01

Physical properties of novel grating-assisted Y directional couplers are examined using the coupled-mode theory. A general formalism for the analysis of the lateral perturbed directional coupler properties is presented. Explicit expressions for waveguide key parameters such as coupling length, grating period, and other structural characterizations, are obtained. The influence of other physical properties such as time and frequency response or cutoff conditions are also analyzed. A plane grating-assisted directional coupler is presented and examined as a basic component in the integrated acoustic technology.

A Probe for Measuring Spacecraft Surface Potentials Using a Direct-Gate Field Effect Transistor.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-30

SURFACE POTENTIALS USING A DIRECT-GATE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR Mark N. Horenstein Anton Havretic Trustees of Boston University 881 Commonwealth Avenue...1933 Transistor 6. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT NUMBER 7. AUTHOR(s) S. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER(&) ’_5 Mark N. Horenstein Anton Mavretic F19628-82-K-00 34...at AFGL. These tests can be considered the bench mark tests for device performance, with all elements of the monitoring system optimized to eliminate

Direct patterning of a cyclotriveratrylene derivative for directed self-assembly of C60

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osner, Zachary R.; Nyamjav, Dorjderem; Holz, Richard C.; Becker, Daniel P.

2011-07-01

A novel apex-modified cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) derivative with an attached thiolane-containing lipoic acid linker was directly patterned onto gold substrates via dip-pen nanolithography (DPN). The addition of a dithiolane-containing linker to the apex of CTV provides a molecule that can adhere to a gold surface with its bowl-shaped cavity directed away from the surface, thereby providing a surface-bound CTV host that can be used for the directed assembly of guest molecules. Subsequent exposure of these CTV microarrays to C60 in toluene resulted in the directed assembly of predesigned, spatially controlled, high-density microarrays of C60. The molecular recognition capabilities of this CTV template toward C60 provides proof-of-concept that supramolecular CTV scaffolds can be directly patterned onto surfaces providing a foundation for the development of organic electronic and optoelectronic materials.

Multidecadal variations of solar radiation reaching the surface and the role of aerosol direct radiative effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chin, M.; Diehl, T. L.; Bian, H.; Yu, H.; Kucsera, T. L.; Wild, M., Sr.; Hakuba, M. Z.; Qian, Y.; Stackhouse, P. W., Jr.; Pinker, R. T.; Zhang, Y.; Kato, S.; Loeb, N. G.; Kinne, S.; Streets, D. G.

2017-12-01

Incoming solar radiation drives the Earth's climate system. Long-term surface observations of the solar radiation reaching the surface (RSFC) have shown decreasing or increasing trends, often referred to as solar "dimming" or "brightening", in many regions of the world in the past several decades. Such long-term variation of RSFC mostly reflects the change of the solar-attenuation components within the atmosphere. Anthropogenic emissions of aerosols and precursor gases have changed significantly in the past decades with 50-80% reduction in North America and Europe but an increase of similar magnitude in East and South Asia since 1980, mirroring the change in RSFC over those regions. This has led to suggestions that aerosols play a critical role in determining RSFC trends. This work is to assess the role of direct radiative effects of aerosols on the solar "dimming" and "brightening" trends with modeling studies. First, we will show the trends of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and aerosol surface concentrations in different regions from 1980 to 2009 with remote sensing and in-situ data as well as model simulations, and attribute those changes to anthropogenic or natural sources. We will then show the trends of RSFC from the model and compare the results with observations from the surface networks and satellite-based products. Furthermore, we will use the GOCART model to attribute the "dimming/ brightening" trends to the changes of aerosols through the direct radiative effects. Finally, we will discuss the way forward to understand the aerosol effects on RSFC (as well as on other climate variables) through aerosol-cloud-radiation interactions.

Direct surface analysis of pesticides on soil, leaves, grass, and stainless steel by static secondary ion mass spectrometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ingram, J.C.; Groenewold, G.S.; Appelhans, A.D.

1997-02-01

Direct surface analyses by static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) were performed for the following pesticides adsorbed on dandelion leaves, grass, soil, and stainless steel samples: alachlor, atrazine, captan, carbofuran, chlorpyrifos, chlorosulfuron, chlorthal-dimethyl, cypermethrin, 2,4-D, diuron, glyphosate, malathion, methomyl, methyl arsonic acid, mocap, norflurazon, oxyfluorfen, paraquat, temik, and trifluralin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate static SIMS as a tool for pesticide analysis, principally for use in screening samples for pesticides. The advantage of direct surface analysis compared with conventional pesticide analysis methods is the elimination of sample pretreatment including extraction, which streamlines the analysis substantially; total analysismore » time for SIMS analysis was ca. 10 min/sample. Detection of 16 of the 20 pesticides on all four substrates was achieved. Of the remaining four pesticides, only one (trifluralin) was not detected on any of the samples. The minimum detectable quantity was determined for paraquat on soil in order to evaluate the efficacy of using SIMS as a screening tool. Paraquat was detected at 3 pg/mm{sup 2} (c.a. 0.005 monolayers). The results of these studies suggest that SIMS is capable of direct surface detection of a range of pesticides, with low volatility, polar pesticides being the most easily detected. 25 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Directed transport by surface chemical potential gradients for enhancing analyte collection in nanoscale sensors.

PubMed

Sitt, Amit; Hess, Henry

2015-05-13

Nanoscale detectors hold great promise for single molecule detection and the analysis of small volumes of dilute samples. However, the probability of an analyte reaching the nanosensor in a dilute solution is extremely low due to the sensor's small size. Here, we examine the use of a chemical potential gradient along a surface to accelerate analyte capture by nanoscale sensors. Utilizing a simple model for transport induced by surface binding energy gradients, we study the effect of the gradient on the efficiency of collecting nanoparticles and single and double stranded DNA. The results indicate that chemical potential gradients along a surface can lead to an acceleration of analyte capture by several orders of magnitude compared to direct collection from the solution. The improvement in collection is limited to a relatively narrow window of gradient slopes, and its extent strongly depends on the size of the gradient patch. Our model allows the optimization of gradient layouts and sheds light on the fundamental characteristics of chemical potential gradient induced transport.

Quantitative surface topography assessment of directly compressed and roller compacted tablet cores using photometric stereo image analysis.

PubMed

Allesø, Morten; Holm, Per; Carstensen, Jens Michael; Holm, René

2016-05-25

Surface topography, in the context of surface smoothness/roughness, was investigated by the use of an image analysis technique, MultiRay™, related to photometric stereo, on different tablet batches manufactured either by direct compression or roller compaction. In the present study, oblique illumination of the tablet (darkfield) was considered and the area of cracks and pores in the surface was used as a measure of tablet surface topography; the higher a value, the rougher the surface. The investigations demonstrated a high precision of the proposed technique, which was able to rapidly (within milliseconds) and quantitatively measure the obtained surface topography of the produced tablets. Compaction history, in the form of applied roll force and tablet punch pressure, was also reflected in the measured smoothness of the tablet surfaces. Generally it was found that a higher degree of plastic deformation of the microcrystalline cellulose resulted in a smoother tablet surface. This altogether demonstrated that the technique provides the pharmaceutical developer with a reliable, quantitative response parameter for visual appearance of solid dosage forms, which may be used for process and ultimately product optimization. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Direct impression on agar surface as a diagnostic sampling procedure for candida balanitis.

PubMed

Lisboa, Carmen; Santos, António; Azevedo, Filomena; Pina-Vaz, Cidália; Rodrigues, Acácio Gonçalves

2010-02-01

The diagnosis of candida balanitis should be based upon both clinical and mycological data. The procedure of material collection is a critical issue to confirm or rule out the clinical diagnosis of candida balanitis. To compare direct impression of the glans on the agar surface of solid culture media with the collection of genital exudates with cotton swab for the diagnosis of candida balanitis. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out during a 36-month period. Sexually transmitted disease clinic attendees with balanitis and asymptomatic men were included. Specimens for yeast culture were collected from the glans penis and inner preputial layer using the direct impression on CHROMagar candida medium and by swabbing with a sterile cotton swab. Among 478 men enrolled, 189 had balanitis. The prevalence of candida balanitis was 17.8% (85/478) confirmed after culture by direct impression; the swab method detected only 54/85 (63.5%) of these men. Of the 289 asymptomatic men, 36 (12.5%) yielded Candida spp; the swab method detected only 38.9% of these men. The risk of having candida balanitis is 8.9 (IC 95% 2.48 to 32.04) whenever the number of candida colonies recovered by direct impression was greater than 10. Direct impression on CHROMagar candida medium resulted in the highest Candida spp recovery rate. More than 10 colonies yielded by impression culture were statistically associated with candida balanitis. This method shows the ideal profile for sampling the male genital area for yeasts and should be included in the management of balanitis.

A novel optical biosensor for direct and selective determination of serotonin in serum by Solid Surface-Room Temperature Phosphorescence.

PubMed

Ramon-Marquez, Teresa; Medina-Castillo, Antonio L; Fernandez-Gutierrez, Alberto; Fernandez-Sanchez, Jorge F

2016-08-15

This paper describes a novel biosensor which combines the use of nanotechnology (non-woven nanofibre mat) with Solid Surface-Room Temperature Phosphorescence (SS-RTP) measurement for the determination of serotonin in human serum. The developed biosensor is simple and can be directly applied in serum; only requires a simple clean-up protocol. Therefore it is the first time that serotonin is analysed directly in serum with a non-enzymatic technique. This new approach is based on the covalent immobilization of serotonin directly from serum on a functional nanofibre material (Tiss®-Link) with a preactivated surface for direct covalent immobilization of primary and secondary amines, and the subsequent measurement of serotonin phosphorescent emission from the solid surface. The phosphorescent detection allows avoiding the interference from any fluorescence emission or scattering light from any molecule present in the serum sample which can be also immobilised on the nanofibre material. The determination of serotonin with this SS-RTP sensor overcomes some limitations, such as large interference from the matrix and high cost and complexity of many of the methods widely used for serotonin analysis. The potential applicability of the sensor in the clinical diagnosis was demonstrated by analysing serum samples from seven healthy volunteers. The method was validated with an external reference laboratory, obtaining a correlation coefficient of 0.997 which indicates excellent correlation between the two methods. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Direct in vivo inflammatory cell-induced corrosion of CoCrMo alloy orthopedic implant surfaces.

PubMed

Gilbert, Jeremy L; Sivan, Shiril; Liu, Yangping; Kocagöz, Sevi B; Arnholt, Christina M; Kurtz, Steven M

2015-01-01

Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy, used for over five decades in orthopedic implants, may corrode and release wear debris into the body during use. These degradation products may stimulate immune and inflammatory responses in vivo. We report here on evidence of direct inflammatory cell-induced corrosion of human implanted and retrieved CoCrMo implant surfaces. Corrosion morphology on CoCrMo implant surfaces, in unique and characteristic patterns, and the presence of cellular remnants and biological materials intimately entwined with the corrosion indicates direct cellular attack under the cell membrane region of adhered and/or migrating inflammatory cells. Evidence supports a Fenton-like reaction mechanism driving corrosion in which reactive oxygen species are the major driver of corrosion. Using in vitro tests, large increases in corrosion susceptibility of CoCrMo were seen (40-100 fold) when immersed in phosphate buffered saline solutions modified with hydrogen peroxide and hydrochloric acid to represent the chemistry under inflammatory cells. This discovery raises significant new questions about the clinical consequences of such corrosion interactions, the role of patient inflammatory reactions, and the detailed mechanisms at play. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Direct In Vivo Inflammatory Cell-Induced Corrosion of CoCrMo Alloy Orthopedic Implant Surfaces

PubMed Central

Gilbert, Jeremy L.; Sivan, Shiril; Liu, Yangping; Kocagöz, Sevi; Arnholt, Christina; Kurtz, Steven M.

2014-01-01

Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, used for over four decades in orthopedic implants, may corrode and release wear debris into the body during use. These degradation products may stimulate immune and inflammatory responses in vivo. We report here on evidence of direct inflammatory cell-induced corrosion of human implanted and retrieved CoCrMo implant surfaces. Corrosion morphology on CoCrMo implant surfaces, in unique and characteristic patterns, and the presence of cellular remnants and biological materials intimately entwined with the corrosion indicates direct cellular attack under the cell membrane region of adhered and/or migrating inflammatory cells. Evidence supports a Fenton-like reaction mechanism driving corrosion in which reactive oxygen species are the major driver of corrosion. Using in vitro tests, large increases in corrosion susceptibility of CoCrMo were seen (40 to 100 fold) when immersed in phosphate buffered saline solutions modified with hydrogen peroxide and HCl to represent the chemistry under inflammatory cells. This discovery raises significant new questions about the clinical consequences of such corrosion interactions, the role of patient inflammatory reactions, and the detailed mechanisms at play. PMID:24619511

ZnO nanostructures directly grown on paper and bacterial cellulose substrates without any surface modification layer.

PubMed

Costa, Saionara V; Gonçalves, Agnaldo S; Zaguete, Maria A; Mazon, Talita; Nogueira, Ana F

2013-09-21

In this report, hierarchical ZnO nano- and microstructures were directly grown for the first time on a bacterial cellulose substrate and on two additional different papers by hydrothermal synthesis without any surface modification layer. Compactness and smoothness of the substrates are two important parameters that allow the growth of oriented structures.

Comparing the shear bond strength of direct and indirect composite inlays in relation to different surface conditioning and curing techniques

PubMed Central

Zorba, Yahya Orcun; Ilday, Nurcan Ozakar; Bayındır, Yusuf Ziya; Demirbuga, Sezer

2013-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that different surface conditioning (etch and rinse and self-etch) and curing techniques (light cure/dual cure) had no effect on the shear bond strength of direct and indirect composite inlays. Materials and Methods: A total of 112 extracted human molar teeth were horizontally sectioned and randomly divided into two groups according to restoration technique (direct and indirect restorations). Each group was further subdivided into seven subgroups (n = 8) according to bonding agent (etch and rinse adhesives Scotchbond multi-purpose plus, All-Bond 3, Adper Single Bond and Prime Bond NT; and self-etch adhesives Clearfil Liner Bond, Futurabond DC and G bond). Indirect composites were cemented to dentin surfaces using dual-curing luting cement. Shear bond strength of specimens was tested using a Universal Testing Machine. Two samples from each subgroup were evaluated under Scanning electron microscopy to see the failing modes. Data was analyzed using independent sample t-tests and Tukey's tests. Results: Surface conditioning and curing of bonding agents were all found to have significant effects on shear bond strength (P < 0.05) of both direct and indirect composite inlays. With direct restoration, etch and rinse systems and dual-cured bonding agents yielded higher bond strengths than indirect restoration, self-etch systems and light-cured bonding agents. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that direct restoration to be a more reliable method than indirect restoration. Although etch and rinse bonding systems showed higher shear bond strength to dentin than self-etch systems, both systems can be safely used for the adhesion of direct as well as indirect restorations. PMID:24932118

Comparing the shear bond strength of direct and indirect composite inlays in relation to different surface conditioning and curing techniques.

PubMed

Zorba, Yahya Orcun; Ilday, Nurcan Ozakar; Bayındır, Yusuf Ziya; Demirbuga, Sezer

2013-10-01

The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that different surface conditioning (etch and rinse and self-etch) and curing techniques (light cure/dual cure) had no effect on the shear bond strength of direct and indirect composite inlays. A total of 112 extracted human molar teeth were horizontally sectioned and randomly divided into two groups according to restoration technique (direct and indirect restorations). Each group was further subdivided into seven subgroups (n = 8) according to bonding agent (etch and rinse adhesives Scotchbond multi-purpose plus, All-Bond 3, Adper Single Bond and Prime Bond NT; and self-etch adhesives Clearfil Liner Bond, Futurabond DC and G bond). Indirect composites were cemented to dentin surfaces using dual-curing luting cement. Shear bond strength of specimens was tested using a Universal Testing Machine. Two samples from each subgroup were evaluated under Scanning electron microscopy to see the failing modes. Data was analyzed using independent sample t-tests and Tukey's tests. Surface conditioning and curing of bonding agents were all found to have significant effects on shear bond strength (P < 0.05) of both direct and indirect composite inlays. With direct restoration, etch and rinse systems and dual-cured bonding agents yielded higher bond strengths than indirect restoration, self-etch systems and light-cured bonding agents. The results of the present study indicated that direct restoration to be a more reliable method than indirect restoration. Although etch and rinse bonding systems showed higher shear bond strength to dentin than self-etch systems, both systems can be safely used for the adhesion of direct as well as indirect restorations.

Direct Covalent Grafting of Phytate to Titanium Surfaces through Ti-O-P Bonding Shows Bone Stimulating Surface Properties and Decreased Bacterial Adhesion.

PubMed

Córdoba, Alba; Hierro-Oliva, Margarita; Pacha-Olivenza, Miguel Ángel; Fernández-Calderón, María Coronada; Perelló, Joan; Isern, Bernat; González-Martín, María Luisa; Monjo, Marta; Ramis, Joana M

2016-05-11

Myo-inositol hexaphosphate, also called phytic acid or phytate (IP6), is a natural molecule abundant in vegetable seeds and legumes. Among other functions, IP6 inhibits bone resorption. It is adsorbed on the surface of hydroxyapatite, inhibiting its dissolution and decreasing the progressive loss of bone mass. We present here a method to directly functionalize Ti surfaces covalently with IP6, without using a cross-linker molecule, through the reaction of the phosphate groups of IP6 with the TiO2 layer of Ti substrates. The grafting reaction consisted of an immersion in an IP6 solution to allow the physisorption of the molecules onto the substrate, followed by a heating step to obtain its chemisorption, in an adaptation of the T-Bag method. The reaction was highly dependent on the IP6 solution pH, only achieving a covalent Ti-O-P bond at pH 0. We evaluated two acidic pretreatments of the Ti surface, to increase its hydroxylic content, HNO3 30% and HF 0.2%. The structure of the coated surfaces was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and ellipsometry. The stability of the IP6 coating after three months of storage and after sterilization with γ-irradiation was also determined. Then, we evaluated the biological effect of Ti-IP6 surfaces in vitro on MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells, showing an osteogenic effect. Finally, the effect of the surfaces on the adhesion and biofilm viability of oral microorganisms S. mutans and S. sanguinis was also studied, and we found that Ti-IP6 surfaces decreased the adhesion of S. sanguinis. A surface that actively improves osseointegration while decreasing the bacterial adhesion could be suitable for use in bone implants.

Surface-directed capillary system; theory, experiments and applications.

PubMed

Bouaidat, Salim; Hansen, Ole; Bruus, Henrik; Berendsen, Christian; Bau-Madsen, Niels Kristian; Thomsen, Peter; Wolff, Anders; Jonsmann, Jacques

2005-08-01

We present a capillary flow system for liquid transport in microsystems. Our simple microfluidic system consists of two planar parallel surfaces, separated by spacers. One of the surfaces is entirely hydrophobic, the other mainly hydrophobic, but with hydrophilic pathways defined on it by photolithographic means. By controlling the wetting properties of the surfaces in this manner, the liquid can be confined to certain areas defined by the hydrophilic pathways. This technique eliminates the need for alignment of the two surfaces. Patterned plasma-polymerized hexafluoropropene constitutes the hydrophobic areas, whereas the untreated glass surface constitutes the hydrophilic pathways. We developed a theoretical model of the capillary flow and obtained analytical solutions which are in good agreement with the experimental results. The capillarity-driven microflow system was also used to pattern and immobilize biological material on planar substrates: well-defined 200 microm wide strips of human cells (HeLa) and fluorescence labelled proteins (fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled bovine serum albumin, i.e., FITC-BSA) were fabricated using the capillary flow system presented here.

Directional and dynamic modulation of the optical emission of an individual GaAs nanowire using surface acoustic waves.

PubMed

Kinzel, Jörg B; Rudolph, Daniel; Bichler, Max; Abstreiter, Gerhard; Finley, Jonathan J; Koblmüller, Gregor; Wixforth, Achim; Krenner, Hubert J

2011-04-13

We report on optical experiments performed on individual GaAs nanowires and the manipulation of their temporal emission characteristics using a surface acoustic wave. We find a pronounced, characteristic suppression of the emission intensity for the surface acoustic wave propagation aligned with the axis of the nanowire. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this quenching is dynamical as it shows a pronounced modulation as the local phase of the surface acoustic wave is tuned. These effects are strongly reduced for a surface acoustic wave applied in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the nanowire due to their inherent one-dimensional geometry. We resolve a fully dynamic modulation of the nanowire emission up to 678 MHz not limited by the physical properties of the nanowires.

On the attempts to measure water (and other volatiles) directly at the surface of a comet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, I. P.; Sheridan, S.; Morgan, G. H.; Barber, S. J.; Morse, A. D.

2017-04-01

The Ptolemy instrument on the Philae lander (of the Rosetta space mission) was able to make measurements of the major volatiles, water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, directly at the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. We give some background to the mission and highlight those instruments that have already given insights into the notion of water in comets, and which will continue to do so as more results are either acquired or more fully interpreted. On the basis of our results, we show how comets may in fact be heterogeneous over their surface, and how surface measurements can be used in a quest to comprehend the daily cycles of processes that affect the evolution of comets. This article is part of the themed issue 'The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System'.

Magnetometry with Low-Resistance Proximity Josephson Junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabdaraghi, R. N.; Peltonen, J. T.; Golubev, D. S.; Pekola, J. P.

2018-06-01

We characterize a niobium-based superconducting quantum interference proximity transistor (Nb-SQUIPT) and its key constituent formed by a Nb-Cu-Nb SNS weak link. The Nb-SQUIPT and SNS devices are fabricated simultaneously in two separate lithography and deposition steps, relying on Ar ion cleaning of the Nb contact surfaces. The quality of the Nb-Cu interface is characterized by measuring the temperature-dependent equilibrium critical supercurrent of the SNS junction. In the Nb-SQUIPT device, we observe a maximum flux-to-current transfer function value of about 55 nA/Φ_0 in the sub-gap regime of bias voltages. This results in suppression of power dissipation down to a few fW. Low-bias operation of the device with a relatively low probe junction resistance decreases the dissipation by up to two orders of magnitude compared to a conventional device based on an Al-Cu-Al SNS junction and an Al tunnel probe (Al-SQUIPT).

Chemically directing d-block heterometallics to nanocrystal surfaces as molecular beacons of surface structure

DOE PAGES

Rosen, Evelyn L.; Gilmore, Keith; Sawvel, April M.; ...

2015-07-28

Our understanding of structure and bonding in nanoscale materials is incomplete without knowledge of their surface structure. Needed are better surveying capabilities responsive not only to different atoms at the surface, but also their respective coordination environments. We report here that d-block organometallics, when placed at nanocrystal surfaces through heterometallic bonds, serve as molecular beacons broadcasting local surface structure in atomic detail. This unique ability stems from their elemental specificity and the sensitivity of their d-orbital level alignment to local coordination environment, which can be assessed spectroscopically. Re-surfacing cadmium and lead chalcogenide nanocrystals with iron- or ruthenium-based molecular beacons ismore » readily accomplished with trimethylsilylated cyclopentadienyl metal carbonyls. For PbSe nanocrystals with iron-based beacons, we show how core-level X-ray spectroscopies and DFT calculations enrich our understanding of both charge and atomic reorganization at the surface when beacons are bound.« less

Hybrid optical (freeform) components--functionalization of nonplanar optical surfaces by direct picosecond laser ablation.

PubMed

Kleindienst, Roman; Kampmann, Ronald; Stoebenau, Sebastian; Sinzinger, Stefan

2011-07-01

The performance of optical systems is typically improved by increasing the number of conventionally fabricated optical components (spheres, aspheres, and gratings). This approach is automatically connected to a system enlargement, as well as potentially higher assembly and maintenance costs. Hybrid optical freeform components can help to overcome this trade-off. They merge several optical functions within fewer but more complex optical surfaces, e.g., elements comprising shallow refractive/reflective and high-frequency diffractive structures. However, providing the flexibility and precision essential for their realization is one of the major challenges in the field of optical component fabrication. In this article we present tailored integrated machining techniques suitable for rapid prototyping as well as the fabrication of molding tools for low-cost mass replication of hybrid optical freeform components. To produce the different feature sizes with optical surface quality, we successively combine mechanical machining modes (ultraprecision micromilling and fly cutting) with precisely aligned direct picosecond laser ablation in an integrated fabrication approach. The fabrication accuracy and surface quality achieved by our integrated fabrication approach are demonstrated with profilometric measurements and experimental investigations of the optical performance.

Directed evolution of an angiopoietin-2 ligand trap by somatic hypermutation and cell surface display.

PubMed

Brindle, Nicholas P J; Sale, Julian E; Arakawa, Hiroshi; Buerstedde, Jean-Marie; Nuamchit, Teonchit; Sharma, Shikha; Steele, Kathryn H

2013-11-15

Tie2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is essential for the development and maintenance of blood vessels through binding the soluble ligands angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) and 2 (Ang2). Ang1 is constitutively produced by perivascular cells and is protective of the adult vasculature. Ang2 plays an important role in blood vessel formation and is normally expressed during development. However, its re-expression in disease states, including cancer and sepsis, results in destabilization of blood vessels contributing to the pathology of these conditions. Ang2 is thus an attractive therapeutic target. Here we report the directed evolution of a ligand trap for Ang2 by harnessing the B cell somatic hypermutation machinery and coupling this to selectable cell surface display of a Tie2 ectodomain. Directed evolution produced an unexpected combination of mutations resulting in loss of Ang1 binding but maintenance of Ang2 binding. A soluble form of the evolved ectodomain binds Ang2 but not Ang1. Furthermore, the soluble evolved ectodomain blocks Ang2 effects on endothelial cells without interfering with Ang1 activity. Our study has created a novel Ang2 ligand trap and provided proof of concept for combining surface display and exogenous gene diversification in B cells for evolution of a non-immunoglobulin target.

Serial number coding and decoding by laser interference direct patterning on the original product surface for anti-counterfeiting.

PubMed

Park, In-Yong; Ahn, Sanghoon; Kim, Youngduk; Bae, Han-Sung; Kang, Hee-Shin; Yoo, Jason; Noh, Jiwhan

2017-06-26

Here, we investigate a method to distinguish the counterfeits by patterning multiple reflective type grating directly on the surface of the original product and analyze the serial number from its rotation angles of diffracted fringes. The micro-sized gratings were fabricated on the surface of the material at high speeds by illuminating the interference fringe generated by passing a high-energy pulse laser through the Fresnel biprism. In addition, analysis of the grating's diffraction fringes was performed using a continuous wave laser.

Fabrication of hydrophobic structures on coronary stent surface based on direct three-beam laser interference lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Long-yue; Zhou, Wei-qi; Wang, Yuan-bo; Wang, Si-qi; Bai, Chong; Li, Shi-ming; Liu, Bin; Wang, Jun-nan; Cui, Cheng-kun; Li, Yong-liang

2016-05-01

To solve the problems with coronary stent implantation, coronary artery stent surface was directly modified by three-beam laser interference lithography through imitating the water-repellent surface of lotus leaf, and uniform micro-nano structures with the controllable period were fabricated. The morphological properties and contact angle (CA) of the microstructure were measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and CA system. The water repellency of stent was also evaluated by the contact and then separation between the water drop and the stent. The results show that the close-packed concave structure with the period of about 12 μm can be fabricated on the stent surface with special parameters (incident angle of 3°, laser energy density of 2.2 J·cm-2 and exposure time of 80 s) by using the three-beam laser at 1 064 nm, and the structure has good water repellency with CA of 120°.

On the attempts to measure water (and other volatiles) directly at the surface of a comet

PubMed Central

Sheridan, S.; Morgan, G. H.; Barber, S. J.; Morse, A. D.

2017-01-01

The Ptolemy instrument on the Philae lander (of the Rosetta space mission) was able to make measurements of the major volatiles, water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, directly at the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. We give some background to the mission and highlight those instruments that have already given insights into the notion of water in comets, and which will continue to do so as more results are either acquired or more fully interpreted. On the basis of our results, we show how comets may in fact be heterogeneous over their surface, and how surface measurements can be used in a quest to comprehend the daily cycles of processes that affect the evolution of comets. This article is part of the themed issue ‘The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System’. PMID:28416724

Direct writing of continuous and discontinuous sub-wavelength periodic surface structures on single-crystalline silicon using femtosecond laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kuladeep, Rajamudili; Sahoo, Chakradhar; Narayana Rao, Desai, E-mail: dnrsp@uohyd.ernet.in, E-mail: dnr-laserlab@yahoo.com

Laser-induced ripples or uniform arrays of continuous near sub-wavelength or discontinuous deep sub-wavelength structures are formed on single-crystalline silicon (Si) by femtosecond (fs) laser direct writing technique. Laser irradiation was performed on Si wafers at normal incidence in air and by immersing them in dimethyl sulfoxide using linearly polarized Ti:sapphire fs laser pulses of ∼110 fs pulse duration and ∼800 nm wavelength. Morphology studies of laser written surfaces reveal that sub-wavelength features are oriented perpendicular to laser polarization, while their morphology and spatial periodicity depend on the surrounding dielectric medium. The formation mechanism of the sub-wavelength features is explained by interferencemore » of incident laser with surface plasmon polaritons. This work proves the feasibility of fs laser direct writing technique for the fabrication of sub-wavelength features, which could help in fabrication of advanced electro-optic devices.« less

Direct Effect of Dielectric Surface Energy on Carrier Transport in Organic Field-Effect Transistors.

PubMed

Zhou, Shujun; Tang, Qingxin; Tian, Hongkun; Zhao, Xiaoli; Tong, Yanhong; Barlow, Stephen; Marder, Seth R; Liu, Yichun

2018-05-09

The understanding of the characteristics of gate dielectric that leads to optimized carrier transport remains controversial, and the conventional studies applied organic semiconductor thin films, which introduces the effect of dielectric on the growth of the deposited semiconductor thin films and hence only can explore the indirect effects. Here, we introduce pregrown organic single crystals to eliminate the indirect effect (semiconductor growth) in the conventional studies and to undertake an investigation of the direct effect of dielectric on carrier transport. It is shown that the matching of the polar and dispersive components of surface energy between semiconductor and dielectric is favorable for higher mobility. This new empirical finding may show the direct relationship between dielectric and carrier transport for the optimized mobility of organic field-effect transistors and hence show a promising potential for the development of next-generation high-performance organic electronic devices.

Fingerprints of surface magnetism in Cr2O3 based exchange bias heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xi; Wang, Yi; Binek, Ch.

2009-03-01

Magnetoelectric materials experienced a recent revival as promising components of novel spintronic devices [1, 2, 3]. Since the magnetoelectric (ME) effect is relativistically small in traditional antiferromagnetic (AF) compounds like Cr2O3 (max. αzz 4ps/m) and also cross-coupling between ferroic order parameters is typically small in the modern multiferroics, it is a challenge to electrically induce sufficient magnetization required for the envisioned device applications. In exchange bias systems the bias field depends critically on the AF interface magnetization. Hence, a strong relation between the latter and the surface magnetization of the free Cr2O3 pinning layer can be expected. Our recent research indicates that there are surface magnetic phase transitions in free Cr2O3 (111) films accompanying surface structural phase transitions. Well defined AF interface magnetization is initialized through ME annealing to T=20K. Subsequently, the interface magnetization is thermally driven through phase transitions at T=120 and 210K. Their effects on the exchange bias are studied in Cr2O3 (111)/CoPt films with the help of polar Kerr and SQUID magnetometry. [1] P. Borisov et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 117203 (2005). [2] Ch. Binek, B.Doudin, J. Phys. Condens. Matter 17, L39 (2005). [3] R. Ramesh et al. 2007 Nature Materials 6 21. Financial support by NSF through Career DMR-0547887, MRSEC DMR-0820521 and the NRI.

Exchange biased Co3O4 nanowires: A new insight into its magnetic core-shell nature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, S.; Jose, A.; Thanveer, T.; Anantharaman, M. R.

2017-06-01

We investigated interfacial exchange coupling effect in nano casted Co3O4 nanowires. Magnetometry measurements indicated that the magnetic response of the wires has two contributions. First one from the core of the wire which has characteristics of a 2D-DAFF(two-dimensional diluted antiferromagnet in a field). The second one is from uncompensated surface spins which get magnetically ordered towards the field direction once field cooled below 25 K. Below 25 K, the net magnetization of the core of the wire gets exchange coupled with the uncompensated surface spins giving rise to exchange bias effect. The unique 2D-DAFF/spin-glass core/shell heterostructure showed a pronounced training effect in the first field cycling itself. The magnitude of exchange bias field showed a maximum at intermediate cooling fields and for the higher cooling field, exchange bias got reduced.

Self-assembling siloxane bilayer directly on SiO2 surface of micro-cantilevers for long-term highly repeatable sensing to trace explosives.

PubMed

Chen, Ying; Xu, Pengcheng; Li, Xinxin

2010-07-02

This paper presents a novel sensing layer modification technique for static micro-cantilever sensors that detect trace explosives by measuring specific adsorption-induced surface stress. For the first time, a method of directly modifying a siloxane sensing bilayer on an SiO(2) surface is proposed to replace the conventional self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiols on Au to avoid the trouble from long-term unstable Au-S bonds. For modifying the long-term reliable sensing bilayer on the piezoresistor-integrated micro-cantilevers, a siloxane-head bottom layer is self-assembled directly on the SiO(2) cantilever surface, which is followed by grafting another explosive-sensing-group functionalized molecule layer on top of the siloxane layer. The siloxane-modified sensor has experimentally exhibited a highly resoluble response to 0.1 ppb TNT vapor. More importantly, the repeated detection results after 140 days show no obvious attenuation in sensing signal. Also observed experimentally, the specific adsorption of the siloxane sensing bilayer to TNT molecules causes a tensile surface stress on the cantilever. Herein the measured tensile surface stress is in contrast to the compressive surface stress normally measured from conventional cantilever sensors where the sensitive thiol-SAMs are modified on an Au surface. The reason for this newly observed phenomenon is discussed and preliminarily analyzed.

New Generation Materials and Structures for Nanophotonics and Nanoelectronics

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-30

been investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. The nanoparticles appear to have excess surfactants on their surface, but...processes. We continued analysis of the vibrational modes of the InP/II- VI core-shell nanoparticles determined by IR and Raman studies, and initiated...photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), BET surface area analysis , transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and SQUID magnetometry. In

Isolation and Characterization of Surface and Subsurface Bacteria in Seawater of Mantanani Island, Kota Belud, Sabah by Direct and Enrichment Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benard, L. D.; Tuah, P. M.; Suadin, E. G.; Jamian, N.

2015-04-01

The distribution of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial may vary between surface and subsurface of the seawater. One of the identified contributors is the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon. The isolation and characterization of bacteria using Direct and Enrichment techniques helps in identifying dominant bacterial populations in seawater of Mantanani Island, Kota Belud, Sabah, potential of further investigation as hydrocarbon degrader. Crude oil (5% v/v) was added as the carbon source for bacteria in Enrichment technique. For surface seawater, the highest population of bacteria identified for both Direct and Enrichment technique were 2.60 × 107 CFU/mL and 3.84 × 106 CFU/mL respectively. Meanwhile, for subsurface seawater, the highest population of bacteria identified for both Direct and Enrichment technique were 5.21 × 106 CFU/mL and 8.99 × 107 CFU/mL respectively. Dominant species in surface seawater were characterized as Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus-RMSF-C1 and RMSF-C2 and Alcanivorax borkumensis-RMSF-C3, RMSF-C4 and RMSF-C5. As for subsurface seawater, dominant species were characterized as Pseudomonas luteola-SSBR-W1, Burkholderia cepacia-SSBR-C1, Rhizobium radiobacter- SSBR-C3 and Leuconostoc-cremois -SSBR-C4.

Direct and indirect effects of atmospheric conditions and soil moisture on surface energy partitioning revealed by a prolonged drought at a temperate forest site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gu, Lianhong; Meyers, T. P.; Pallardy, Stephen G.

2006-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanism that controls the variation of surface energy partitioning between latent and sensible heat fluxes at a temperate deciduous forest site in central Missouri, USA. Taking advantage of multiple micrometeorological and ecophysiological measurements and a prolonged drought in the middle of the 2005 growing season at this site, we studied how soil moisture, atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and net radiation affected surface energy partitioning. We stratified these factors to minimize potential confounding effects of correlation among them. We found that all three factors had direct effects on surface energy partitioning,more » but more important, all three factors also had crucial indirect effects. The direct effect of soil moisture was characterized by a rapid decrease in Bowen ratio with increasing soil moisture when the soil was dry and by insensitivity of Bowen ratio to variations in soil moisture when the soil was wet. However, the rate of decrease in Bowen ratio when the soil was dry and the level of soil moisture above which Bowen ratio became insensitive to changes in soil moisture depended on atmospheric conditions. The direct effect of increased net radiation was to increase Bowen ratio. The direct effect of VPD was very nonlinear: Increased VPD decreased Bowen ratio at low VPD but increased Bowen ratio at high VPD. The indirect effects were much more complicated. Reduced soil moisture weakened the influence of VPD but enhanced the influence of net adiation on surface energy partitioning. Soil moisture also controlled how net radiation influenced the relationship between surface energy partitioning and VPD and how VPD affected the relationship between surface energy partitioning and net radiation. Furthermore, both increased VPD and increased net radiation enhanced the sensitivity of Bowen ratio to changes in soil moisture and the effect of drought on surface energy partitioning. The direct and

Direct chemical vapor deposition of graphene on dielectric surfaces

DOEpatents

Zhang, Yuegang; Ismach, Ariel

2014-04-29

A substrate is provided that has a metallic layer on a substrate surface of a substrate. A film made of a two dimensional (2-D) material, such as graphene, is deposited on a metallic surface of the metallic layer. The metallic layer is dewet and/or removed to provide the film on the substrate surface.

Distinguishing magnetic blocking and surface spin-glass freezing in nickel ferrite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadeem, K.; Krenn, H.; Traussing, T.; Letofsky-Papst, I.

2011-01-01

Nickel ferrite nanoparticles dispersed in SiO2 matrix have been synthesized by sol-gel method. Structural analysis has been performed by using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic properties have been investigated by using superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. In addition to the average blocking temperature peak at TB=120 K measured by a zero field cooled temperature scan of the dc susceptibility, an additional hump near 15 K is observed. Temperature dependent out-of-phase ac susceptibility shows the same features: one broad peak at high temperature and a second narrow peak at low temperature. The high temperature peak corresponds to magnetic blocking of individual nanoparticles, while the low temperature peak is attributed to surface spin-glass freezing which becomes dominant for decreasing particle diameter. To prove the dynamics of the spin (dis)order in both regimes of freezing and blocking, the frequency dependent ac susceptibility is investigated under a biasing dc field. The frequency shift in the "frozen" low-temperature ac susceptibility peak is fitted to a dynamic scaling law with a critical exponent zv=7.5, which indicates a spin-glass phase. Exchange bias is turned on at low temperature which signifies the existence of a strong core-shell interaction. Aging and memory effects are further unique fingerprints of a spin-glass freezing on the surface of isolated magnetic nanoparticles.

Label-free direct surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of nucleic acids (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerrini, Luca; Morla-Folch, Judit; Gisbert-Quilis, Patricia; Xie, Hainan; Alvarez-Puebla, Ramon

2016-03-01

Recently, plasmonic-based biosensing has experienced an unprecedented level of attention, with a particular focus on the nucleic acid detection, offering efficient solutions to engineer simple, fast, highly sensitive sensing platforms while overcoming important limitations of PCR and microarray techniques. In the broad field of plasmonics, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has arisen as a powerful analytical tool for detection and structural characterization of biomolecules. Today applications of SERS to nucleic acid analysis largely rely on indirect strategies, which have been demonstrated very effective for pure sensing purposes but completely dismiss the exquisite structural information provided by the direct acquisition of the biomolecular vibrational fingerprint. Contrarily, direct label-free SERS of nucleic acid shows an outstanding potential in terms of chemical-specific information which, however, remained largely unexpressed mainly because of the inherent poor spectral reproducibility and/or limited sensitivity. To address these limitations, we developed a fast and affordable high-throughput screening direct SERS method for gaining detailed genomic information on nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and for the characterization and quantitative recognition of DNA interactions with exogenous agents. The simple strategy relies on the electrostatic adhesion of DNA/RNA onto positively-charged silver colloids that promotes the nanoparticle aggregation into stable clusters yielding intense and reproducible SERS spectra at picogram level (i.e. the analysis can be performed without the necessity of amplification steps thus providing realistic direct information of the nucleic acid in its native state). We anticipate this method to gain a vast impact and set of applications in different fields, including medical diagnostics, genomic screening, drug discovery, forensic science and even molecular electronics.

A method for the direct measurement of surface tension of collected atmospherically relevant aerosol particles using atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hritz, Andrew D.; Raymond, Timothy M.; Dutcher, Dabrina D.

2016-08-01

Accurate estimates of particle surface tension are required for models concerning atmospheric aerosol nucleation and activation. However, it is difficult to collect the volumes of atmospheric aerosol required by typical instruments that measure surface tension, such as goniometers or Wilhelmy plates. In this work, a method that measures, ex situ, the surface tension of collected liquid nanoparticles using atomic force microscopy is presented. A film of particles is collected via impaction and is probed using nanoneedle tips with the atomic force microscope. This micro-Wilhelmy method allows for direct measurements of the surface tension of small amounts of sample. This method was verified using liquids, whose surface tensions were known. Particles of ozone oxidized α-pinene, a well-characterized system, were then produced, collected, and analyzed using this method to demonstrate its applicability for liquid aerosol samples. It was determined that oxidized α-pinene particles formed in dry conditions have a surface tension similar to that of pure α-pinene, and oxidized α-pinene particles formed in more humid conditions have a surface tension that is significantly higher.

The design and use of a hydraulic potentiomanometer for direct measurement of differences in hydraulic head between groundwater and surface water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Winter, Thomas C.; LaBaugh, James W.; Rosenberry, Donald O.

1988-01-01

The hydraulic potentiomanometer described herein consists of a potentiometer connected to a manometer by a flexible tube. The device is used to directly measure the direction of seepage as well as the hydraulic-head difference between groundwater and surface water. The device works most effectively in sandy materials. For accurate measurements the device must be free of air leaks.

Direct measurement of surface carbon concentrations. [in lunar soil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Filleux, C.; Tombrello, T. A.; Burnett, D. S.

1977-01-01

Measurements of surface concentrations of carbon in lunar soils and soil breccias provide information on the origin of carbon in the regolith. The reaction C-12 (d, p sub zero) is used to measure 'surface' and 'volume' concentrations in lunar samples. This method has a depth resolution of 1 micron, which permits only a 'surface' and a 'volume' component to be measured. Three of four Apollo 16 double drive tube samples show a surface carbon concentration of about 8 by 10 to the 14th power/sq cm, whereas the fourth sample gave 4 by 10 to the 14th power/sq cm. It can be convincingly shown that the measured concentration does not originate from fluorocarbon or hydrocarbon contaminants. Surface adsorbed layers of CO or CO2 are removed by a sputter cleaning procedure using a 2-MeV F beam. It is shown that the residual C concentration of 8 by 10 to the 14th power/sq cm cannot be further reduced by increased F fluence, and it is therefore concluded that it is truly lunar. If one assumes that the measured surface C concentration is a steady-state concentration determined only by a balance between solar-wind implantation and sputtering, a sputter erosion rate of 0.1 A/yr is obtained. However, it would be more profitable to use an independently derived sputter erosion rate to test the hypothesis of a solar-wind origin of the surface carbon.

Identification of distant drug off-targets by direct superposition of binding pocket surfaces.

PubMed

Schumann, Marcel; Armen, Roger S

2013-01-01

Correctly predicting off-targets for a given molecular structure, which would have the ability to bind a large range of ligands, is both particularly difficult and important if they share no significant sequence or fold similarity with the respective molecular target ("distant off-targets"). A novel approach for identification of off-targets by direct superposition of protein binding pocket surfaces is presented and applied to a set of well-studied and highly relevant drug targets, including representative kinases and nuclear hormone receptors. The entire Protein Data Bank is searched for similar binding pockets and convincing distant off-target candidates were identified that share no significant sequence or fold similarity with the respective target structure. These putative target off-target pairs are further supported by the existence of compounds that bind strongly to both with high topological similarity, and in some cases, literature examples of individual compounds that bind to both. Also, our results clearly show that it is possible for binding pockets to exhibit a striking surface similarity, while the respective off-target shares neither significant sequence nor significant fold similarity with the respective molecular target ("distant off-target").

Identification of Distant Drug Off-Targets by Direct Superposition of Binding Pocket Surfaces

PubMed Central

Schumann, Marcel; Armen, Roger S.

2013-01-01

Correctly predicting off-targets for a given molecular structure, which would have the ability to bind a large range of ligands, is both particularly difficult and important if they share no significant sequence or fold similarity with the respective molecular target (“distant off-targets”). A novel approach for identification of off-targets by direct superposition of protein binding pocket surfaces is presented and applied to a set of well-studied and highly relevant drug targets, including representative kinases and nuclear hormone receptors. The entire Protein Data Bank is searched for similar binding pockets and convincing distant off-target candidates were identified that share no significant sequence or fold similarity with the respective target structure. These putative target off-target pairs are further supported by the existence of compounds that bind strongly to both with high topological similarity, and in some cases, literature examples of individual compounds that bind to both. Also, our results clearly show that it is possible for binding pockets to exhibit a striking surface similarity, while the respective off-target shares neither significant sequence nor significant fold similarity with the respective molecular target (“distant off-target”). PMID:24391782

Angular tuning of the magnetic birefringence in rippled cobalt films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arranz, Miguel A., E-mail: MiguelAngel.Arranz@uclm.es; Colino, José M.

We report the measurement of magnetically induced birefringence in rippled Co films. For this purpose, the magneto-optical properties of ion beam eroded ferromagnetic films were studied using Kerr magnetometry and magnetic birefringence in the transmitted light intensity. Upon sufficient ion sculpting, these ripple surface nanostructures developed a defined uniaxial anisotropy in the in-plane magnetization, finely tuning the magnetic birefringence effect. We have studied its dependence on the relative orientation between the ripple direction and the magnetic field, and found this effect to be dramatically correlated with the capability to neatly distinguish the mechanisms for the in-plane magnetization reversal, i.e., rotationmore » and nucleation. This double refraction corresponds univocally to the two magnetization axes, parallel and perpendicular to the ripples direction. We have also observed that tuned birefringence in stack assemblies of rippled Co films, which enables us to technically manipulate the number and direction of refraction axes.« less

Direct Identification of Dilute Surface Spins on Al2 O3 : Origin of Flux Noise in Quantum Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Graaf, S. E.; Adamyan, A. A.; Lindström, T.; Erts, D.; Kubatkin, S. E.; Tzalenchuk, A. Ya.; Danilov, A. V.

2017-02-01

An on-chip electron spin resonance technique is applied to reveal the nature and origin of surface spins on Al2 O3 . We measure a spin density of 2.2 ×1 017 spins/m2 , attributed to physisorbed atomic hydrogen and S =1 /2 electron spin states on the surface. This is direct evidence for the nature of spins responsible for flux noise in quantum circuits, which has been an issue of interest for several decades. Our findings open up a new approach to the identification and controlled reduction of paramagnetic sources of noise and decoherence in superconducting quantum devices.

The design and use of a hydraulic potentiomanometer for direct measurement of differences in hydraulic head between groundwater and surface water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Winter, T.C.; LaBaugh, J.W.; Rosenberry, P.O.

1988-01-01

The hydraulic potentiomanometer described herein consists of a potentiometer connected to a manometer by a flexible tube. The device is used to directly measure the direction of seepage as well as the hydraulic-head difference between groundwater and surface water. The device works most effectively in sandy materials. For accurate measurements the device must be free of air leaks. -Authors

Force-activatable coating enables high-resolution cellular force imaging directly on regular cell culture surfaces.

PubMed

Sarkar, Anwesha; Zhao, Yuanchang; Wang, Yongliang; Wang, Xuefeng

2018-06-25

Integrin-transmitted cellular forces are crucial mechanical signals regulating a vast range of cell functions. Although various methods have been developed to visualize and quantify cellular forces at the cell-matrix interface, a method with high performance and low technical barrier is still in demand. Here we developed a force-activatable coating (FAC), which can be simply coated on regular cell culture apparatus' surfaces by physical adsorption, and turn these surfaces to force reporting platforms that enable cellular force mapping directly by fluorescence imaging. The FAC molecule consists of an adhesive domain for surface coating and a force-reporting domain which can be activated to fluoresce by integrin molecular tension. The tension threshold required for FAC activation is tunable in 10-60 piconewton (pN), allowing the selective imaging of cellular force contributed by integrin tension at different force levels. We tested the performance of two FACs with tension thresholds of 12 and 54 pN (nominal values), respectively, on both glass and polystyrene surfaces. Cellular forces were successfully mapped by fluorescence imaging on all the surfaces. FAC-coated surfaces also enable co-imaging of cellular forces and cell structures in both live cells and immunostained cells, therefore opening a new avenue for the study of the interplay of force and structure. We demonstrated the co-imaging of integrin tension and talin clustering in live cells, and concluded that talin clustering always occurs before the generation of integrin tension above 54 pN, reinforcing the notion that talin is an important adaptor protein for integrin tension transmission. Overall, FAC provides a highly convenient approach that is accessible to general biological laboratories for the study of cellular forces with high sensitivity and resolution, thus holding the potential to greatly boost the research of cell mechanobiology.

Luminescence evolution from alumina ceramic surface before flashover under direct and alternating current voltage in vacuum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Su, Guo-Qiang; Wang, Yi-Bo; Song, Bai-Peng

2016-06-15

The luminescence evolution phenomena from alumina ceramic surface in vacuum under high voltage of direct and alternating current are reported, with the voltage covering a large range from far below to close to the flashover voltage. Its time resolved and spatial distributed behaviors are examined by a photon counting system and an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) together with a digital camera, respectively. The luminescence before flashover exhibits two stages as voltage increasing, i.e., under a relative low voltage (Stage A), the luminescence is ascribed to radiative recombination of hetero-charges injected into the sample surface layer by Schottky effect; under amore » higher voltage (Stage B), a stable secondary electron emission process, resulting from the Fowler-Nordheim emission at the cathode triple junction (CTJ), is responsible for the luminescence. Spectrum analysis implies that inner secondary electrons within the surface layer of alumina generated during the SSEE process also participate in the luminescence of Stage B. A comprehensive interpretation of the flashover process is formulated, which might promote a better understanding of flashover issue in vacuum.« less

Luminescence evolution from alumina ceramic surface before flashover under direct and alternating current voltage in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Guo-Qiang; Wang, Yi-Bo; Song, Bai-Peng; Mu, Hai-Bao; Zhang, Guan-Jun; Li, Feng; Wang, Meng

2016-06-01

The luminescence evolution phenomena from alumina ceramic surface in vacuum under high voltage of direct and alternating current are reported, with the voltage covering a large range from far below to close to the flashover voltage. Its time resolved and spatial distributed behaviors are examined by a photon counting system and an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) together with a digital camera, respectively. The luminescence before flashover exhibits two stages as voltage increasing, i.e., under a relative low voltage (Stage A), the luminescence is ascribed to radiative recombination of hetero-charges injected into the sample surface layer by Schottky effect; under a higher voltage (Stage B), a stable secondary electron emission process, resulting from the Fowler-Nordheim emission at the cathode triple junction (CTJ), is responsible for the luminescence. Spectrum analysis implies that inner secondary electrons within the surface layer of alumina generated during the SSEE process also participate in the luminescence of Stage B. A comprehensive interpretation of the flashover process is formulated, which might promote a better understanding of flashover issue in vacuum.

Tunable plasmonic nanocavity with Ge2Sb2Te5 film for directional launching of surface plasmons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Hee-Dong; Hwang, Chi-Young; Kim, Hyuntai; Choi, Muhan; Lee, Seung-Yeol

2018-04-01

A tunable plasmonic nanocavity which consists of a metallic groove with submerged ultra-thin Ge2Sb2Te5 film is proposed for controlling the on/off characteristics of directional surface plasmon polaritions (SPPs) launching. Different mechanisms of launching SPPs using two orthogonal incident polarizations are investigated to reveal the SPP generation characteristics from the proposed nanocavity. By choosing the appropriate position of Ge2Sb2Te5 film, we report that the directional launching characteristics of SPPs can be controlled by changing the phase state of extremely small volume of Ge2Sb2Te5 film, which shows up to 37 dB of extinction ratio changing characteristics.

Paleomagnetic Analysis Using SQUID Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiss, Benjamin P.; Lima, Eduardo A.; Fong, Luis E.; Baudenbacher, Franz J.

2007-01-01

Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscopes are a new generation of instruments that map magnetic fields with unprecedented spatial resolution and moment sensitivity. Unlike standard rock magnetometers, SQUID microscopes map magnetic fields rather than measuring magnetic moments such that the sample magnetization pattern must be retrieved from source model fits to the measured field data. In this paper, we presented the first direct comparison between paleomagnetic analyses on natural samples using joint measurements from SQUID microscopy and moment magnetometry. We demonstrated that in combination with apriori geologic and petrographic data, SQUID microscopy can accurately characterize the magnetization of lunar glass spherules and Hawaiian basalt. The bulk moment magnitude and direction of these samples inferred from inversions of SQUID microscopy data match direct measurements on the same samples using moment magnetometry. In addition, these inversions provide unique constraints on the magnetization distribution within the sample. These measurements are among the most sensitive and highest resolution quantitative paleomagnetic studies of natural remanent magnetization to date. We expect that this technique will be able to extend many other standard paleomagnetic techniques to previously inaccessible microscale samples.

A direct evidence of vibrationally delocalized response at ice surface.

PubMed

Ishiyama, Tatsuya; Morita, Akihiro

2014-11-14

Surface-specific vibrational spectroscopic responses at isotope diluted ice and amorphous ice are investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. The intense response specific to the ordinary crystal ice surface is predicted to be significantly suppressed in the isotopically diluted and amorphous ices, demonstrating the vibrational delocalization at the ordinary ice surface. The collective vibration at the ice surface is also analyzed with varying temperature by the MD simulation.

On the Direct Assimilation of Along-track Sea Surface Height Observations into a Free-surface Ocean Model Using a Weak Constraints Four Dimensional Variational (4dvar) Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngodock, H.; Carrier, M.; Smith, S. R.; Souopgui, I.; Martin, P.; Jacobs, G. A.

2016-02-01

The representer method is adopted for solving a weak constraints 4dvar problem for the assimilation of ocean observations including along-track SSH, using a free surface ocean model. Direct 4dvar assimilation of SSH observations along the satellite tracks requires that the adjoint model be integrated with Dirac impulses on the right hand side of the adjoint equations for the surface elevation equation. The solution of this adjoint model will inevitably include surface gravity waves, and it constitutes the forcing for the tangent linear model (TLM) according to the representer method. This yields an analysis that is contaminated by gravity waves. A method for avoiding the generation of the surface gravity waves in the analysis is proposed in this study; it consists of removing the adjoint of the free surface from the right hand side (rhs) of the free surface mode in the TLM. The information from the SSH observations will still propagate to all other variables via the adjoint of the balance relationship between the barotropic and baroclinic modes, resulting in the correction to the surface elevation. Two assimilation experiments are carried out in the Gulf of Mexico: one with adjoint forcing included on the rhs of the TLM free surface equation, and the other without. Both analyses are evaluated against the assimilated SSH observations, SSH maps from Aviso and independent surface drifters, showing that the analysis that did not include adjoint forcing in the free surface is more accurate. This study shows that when a weak constraint 4dvar approach is considered for the assimilation of along-track SSH observations using a free surface model, with the aim of correcting the mesoscale circulation, an independent model error should not be assigned to the free surface.

Irradiation direction from texture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koenderink, Jan J.; Pont, Sylvia C.

2003-10-01

We present a theory of image texture resulting from the shading of corrugated (three-dimensional textured) surfaces, Lambertian on the micro scale, in the domain of geometrical optics. The derivation applies to isotropic Gaussian random surfaces, under collimated illumination, in normal view. The theory predicts the structure tensors from either the gradient or the Hessian of the image intensity and allows inferences of the direction of irradiation of the surface. Although the assumptions appear prima facie rather restrictive, even for surfaces that are not at all Gaussian, with the bidirectional reflectance distribution function far from Lambertian and vignetting and multiple scattering present, we empirically recover the direction of irradiation with an accuracy of a few degrees.

Lotus-on-chip: computer-aided design and 3D direct laser writing of bioinspired surfaces for controlling the wettability of materials and devices.

PubMed

Lantada, Andrés Díaz; Hengsbach, Stefan; Bade, Klaus

2017-10-16

In this study we present the combination of a math-based design strategy with direct laser writing as high-precision technology for promoting solid free-form fabrication of multi-scale biomimetic surfaces. Results show a remarkable control of surface topography and wettability properties. Different examples of surfaces inspired on the lotus leaf, which to our knowledge are obtained for the first time following a computer-aided design with this degree of precision, are presented. Design and manufacturing strategies towards microfluidic systems whose fluid driving capabilities are obtained just by promoting a design-controlled wettability of their surfaces, are also discussed and illustrated by means of conceptual proofs. According to our experience, the synergies between the presented computer-aided design strategy and the capabilities of direct laser writing, supported by innovative writing strategies to promote final size while maintaining high precision, constitute a relevant step forward towards materials and devices with design-controlled multi-scale and micro-structured surfaces for advanced functionalities. To our knowledge, the surface geometry of the lotus leaf, which has relevant industrial applications thanks to its hydrophobic and self-cleaning behavior, has not yet been adequately modeled and manufactured in an additive way with the degree of precision that we present here.

Methods of conditioning direct methanol fuel cells

DOEpatents

Rice, Cynthia; Ren, Xiaoming; Gottesfeld, Shimshon

2005-11-08

Methods for conditioning the membrane electrode assembly of a direct methanol fuel cell ("DMFC") are disclosed. In a first method, an electrical current of polarity opposite to that used in a functioning direct methanol fuel cell is passed through the anode surface of the membrane electrode assembly. In a second method, methanol is supplied to an anode surface of the membrane electrode assembly, allowed to cross over the polymer electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly to a cathode surface of the membrane electrode assembly, and an electrical current of polarity opposite to that in a functioning direct methanol fuel cell is drawn through the membrane electrode assembly, wherein methanol is oxidized at the cathode surface of the membrane electrode assembly while the catalyst on the anode surface is reduced. Surface oxides on the direct methanol fuel cell anode catalyst of the membrane electrode assembly are thereby reduced.

Multiscale Characterization of Bacterial Swarming Illuminates Principles Governing Directed Surface Motility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strickland, Ben; Hoeger, Kentaro; Ursell, Tristan

In many systems, individual characteristics interact, leading to the spontaneous emergence of order and complexity. In biological settings like microbes, such collective behaviors can imbue a variety of benefits to constituent individuals, including increased spatial range, improved access to nutrients, and enhanced resistance to antibiotic threats. To untangle the biophysical underpinnings of collective motility, we use passive tracers and a curated genetic library of Bacillus subtilis, including motile, non-motile, biofilm-deficient, and non-chemotactic mutants. We characterize and connect individual behavior on the microscopic scale to macroscopic colony morphology and motility of dendritic swarming. We analyze the persistence and dynamics of coordinated movement on length scales up to 4 orders of magnitude larger than that of individual cells, revealing rapid and directed responses of microbial groups to external stimuli, such as avoidance dynamics across chemical gradients. Our observations uncover the biophysical interplay between individual motility, surface wetness, phenotypic diversity, and external physical forces that robustly precipitate coordinated group behavior in microbes, and suggest general principles that govern the transition from individual to group behavior.

Diffusion dynamics of the Li+ ion on a model surface of amorphous carbon: a direct molecular orbital dynamics study.

PubMed

Tachikawa, Hiroto; Shimizu, Akira

2005-07-14

Diffusion processes of the Li+ ion on a model surface of amorphous carbon (Li+C96H24 system) have been investigated by means of the direct molecular orbital (MO) dynamics method at the semiempirical AM1 level. The total energy and energy gradient on the full-dimensional AM1 potential energy surface were calculated at each time step in the dynamics calculation. The optimized structure, where Li+ is located in the center of the cluster, was used as the initial structure at time zero. The dynamics calculation was carried out in the temperature range 100-1000 K. The calculations showed that the Li+ ion vibrates around the equilibrium point below 200 K, while the Li+ ion moves on the surface above 250 K. At intermediate temperatures (300 K < T < 400 K), the ion moves on the surface and falls in the edge regions of the cluster. At higher temperatures (600 K < T), the Li+ ion transfers freely on the surface and edge regions. The diffusion pathway of the Li+ ion was discussed on the basis of theoretical results.

Compact Magnetic Antennas for Directional Excitation of Surface Plasmons

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

Steininger, G.; Koch, M.; von Plessen, G.; Feldmann, J. Launching surface plasmons into nanoholes in metal films. Appl. Phys. Lett. 2000, 76, 140−142...plasmons at single nanoholes in Au films. Appl. Phys. Lett. 2004, 85, 467−469. (14) Baudrion, A.-L.; et al. Coupling efficiency of light to surface

Land Surface Albedo from MERIS Reflectances Using MODIS Directional Factors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schaaf, Crystal L. B.; Gao, Feng; Strahler, Alan H.

2004-01-01

MERIS Level 2 surface reflectance products are now available to the scientific community. This paper demonstrates the production of MERIS-derived surface albedo and Nadir Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) adjusted reflectances by coupling the MERIS data with MODIS BRDF products. Initial efforts rely on the specification of surface anisotropy as provided by the global MODIS BRDF product for a first guess of the shape of the BRDF and then make use all of the coincidently available, partially atmospherically corrected, cloud cleared, MERIS observations to generate MERIS-derived BRDF and surface albedo quantities for each location. Comparisons between MODIS (aerosol-corrected) and MERIS (not-yet aerosol-corrected) surface values from April and May 2003 are also presented for case studies in Spain and California as well as preliminary comparisons with field data from the Devil's Rock Surfrad/BSRN site.

Analysis on vertical directional couplers with long range surface plasmons for multilayer optical routing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alam, B., E-mail: badrul.alam@uniroma1.it; Veroli, A.; Benedetti, A.

2016-08-28

A structure featuring vertical directional coupling of long-range surface plasmon polaritons between strip waveguides at λ = 1.55 μm is investigated with the aim of producing efficient elements that enable optical multilayer routing for 3D photonics. We have introduced a practical computational method to calculate the interaction on the bent part. This method allows us both to assess the importance of the interaction in the bent part and to control it by a suitable choice of the fabrication parameters that helps also to restrain effects due to fabrication issues. The scheme adopted here allows to reduce the insertion losses compared with othermore » planar and multilayer devices.« less

Surface invasive cleavage assay on a maskless light-directed diamond DNA microarray for genome-wide human SNP mapping.

PubMed

Nie, Bei; Yang, Min; Fu, Weiling; Liang, Zhiqing

2015-07-07

The surface invasive cleavage assay, because of its innate accuracy and ability for self-signal amplification, provides a potential route for the mapping of hundreds of thousands of human SNP sites. However, its performance on a high density DNA array has not yet been established, due to the unusual "hairpin" probe design on the microarray and the lack of chemical stability of commercially available substrates. Here we present an applicable method to implement a nanocrystalline diamond thin film as an alternative substrate for fabricating an addressable DNA array using maskless light-directed photochemistry, producing the most chemically stable and biocompatible system for genetic analysis and enzymatic reactions. The surface invasive cleavage reaction, followed by degenerated primer ligation and post-rolling circle amplification is consecutively performed on the addressable diamond DNA array, accurately mapping SNP sites from PCR-amplified human genomic target DNA. Furthermore, a specially-designed DNA array containing dual probes in the same pixel is fabricated by following a reverse light-directed DNA synthesis protocol. This essentially enables us to decipher thousands of SNP alleles in a single-pot reaction by the simple addition of enzyme, target and reaction buffers.

When lithography meets self-assembly: a review of recent advances in the directed assembly of complex metal nanostructures on planar and textured surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Robert A.; Menumerov, Eredzhep; Neretina, Svetlana

2017-07-01

One of the foremost challenges in nanofabrication is the establishment of a processing science that integrates wafer-based materials, techniques, and devices with the extraordinary physicochemical properties accessible when materials are reduced to nanoscale dimensions. Such a merger would allow for exacting controls on nanostructure positioning, promote cooperative phenomenon between adjacent nanostructures and/or substrate materials, and allow for electrical contact to individual or groups of nanostructures. With neither self-assembly nor top-down lithographic processes being able to adequately meet this challenge, advancements have often relied on a hybrid strategy that utilizes lithographically-defined features to direct the assembly of nanostructures into organized patterns. While these so-called directed assembly techniques have proven viable, much of this effort has focused on the assembly of periodic arrays of spherical or near-spherical nanostructures comprised of a single element. Work directed toward the fabrication of more complex nanostructures, while still at a nascent stage, has nevertheless demonstrated the possibility of forming arrays of nanocubes, nanorods, nanoprisms, nanoshells, nanocages, nanoframes, core-shell structures, Janus structures, and various alloys on the substrate surface. In this topical review, we describe the progress made in the directed assembly of periodic arrays of these complex metal nanostructures on planar and textured substrates. The review is divided into three broad strategies reliant on: (i) the deterministic positioning of colloidal structures, (ii) the reorganization of deposited metal films at elevated temperatures, and (iii) liquid-phase chemistry practiced directly on the substrate surface. These strategies collectively utilize a broad range of techniques including capillary assembly, microcontact printing, chemical surface modulation, templated dewetting, nanoimprint lithography, and dip-pen nanolithography and

Surface-Directed Assembly of Sequence-Defined Synthetic Polymers into Networks of Hexagonally Patterned Nanoribbons with Controlled Functionalities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Chun-Long; Zuckermann, Ronald N.; DeYoreo, James J.

The exquisite self-assembly of proteins and peptides in nature into highly ordered functional materials has inspired innovative approaches to biomimetic materials design and synthesis. Here we report the assembly of peptoids—a class of highly stable sequence-defined synthetic polymers—into biomimetic materials on mica surfaces. The assembling 12-mer peptoid contains alternating acidic and aromatic residues, and the presence of Ca2+ cations creates peptoid-peptoid and peptoid-mica interactions that drive assembly. In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that peptoids first assemble into discrete nanoparticles, these particles then transform into hexagonally-patterned nanoribbons on mica surfaces. AFM-based dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) studies show that peptoid-micamore » interactions are much stronger than peptoidpeptoid interactions in the presence of Ca2+, illuminating the physical parameters that drive peptoid assembly. We further demonstrate the display of functional groups at the N-terminus of assembling peptoid sequence to produce biomimetic materials with similar hierarchical structures. This research demonstrates that surface-directed peptoid assembly can be used as a robust platform to develop biomimetic coating materials for applications.« less

Vertical coherence and forward scattering from the sea surface and the relation to the directional wave spectrum.

PubMed

Dahl, Peter H; Plant, William J; Dall'Osto, David R

2013-09-01

Results of an experiment to measure vertical spatial coherence from acoustic paths interacting once with the sea surface but at perpendicular azimuth angles are presented. The measurements were part of the Shallow Water 2006 program that took place off the coast of New Jersey in August 2006. An acoustic source, frequency range 6-20 kHz, was deployed at depth 40 m, and signals were recorded on a 1.4 m long vertical line array centered at depth 25 m and positioned at range 200 m. The vertical array consisted of four omni-directional hydrophones and vertical coherences were computed between pairs of these hydrophones. Measurements were made over four source-receiver bearing angles separated by 90°, during which sea surface conditions remained stable and characterized by a root-mean-square wave height of 0.17 m and a mixture of swell and wind waves. Vertical coherences show a statistically significant difference depending on source-receiver bearing when the acoustic frequency is less than about 12 kHz, with results tending to fade at higher frequencies. This paper presents field observations and comparisons of these observations with two modeling approaches, one based on bistatic forward scattering and the other on a rough surface parabolic wave equation utilizing synthetic sea surfaces.

Inbound waves in the solar corona: A direct indicator of Alfvén surface location

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DeForest, C. E.; Howard, T. A.; McComas, D. J., E-mail: deforest@boulder.swri.edu

The tenuous supersonic solar wind that streams from the top of the corona passes through a natural boundary—the Alfvén surface—that marks the causal disconnection of individual packets of plasma and magnetic flux from the Sun itself. The Alfvén surface is the locus where the radial motion of the accelerating solar wind passes the radial Alfvén speed, and therefore any displacement of material cannot carry information back down into the corona. It is thus the natural outer boundary of the solar corona and the inner boundary of interplanetary space. Using a new and unique motion analysis to separate inbound and outboundmore » motions in synoptic visible-light image sequences from the COR2 coronagraph on board the STEREO-A spacecraft, we have identified inbound wave motion in the outer corona beyond 6 solar radii for the first time and used it to determine that the Alfvén surface is at least 12 solar radii from the Sun over the polar coronal holes and 15 solar radii in the streamer belt, well beyond the distance planned for NASA's upcoming Solar Probe Plus mission. To our knowledge, this is the first measurement of inbound waves in the outer solar corona and the first direct measurement of lower bounds for the Alfvén surface.« less

Direct determination of surface albedos from satellite imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mekler, Y.; Joseph, J. H.

1983-01-01

An empirical method to measure the spectral surface albedo of surfaces from Landsat imagery is presented and analyzed. The empiricism in the method is due only to the fact that three parameters of the solution must be determined for each spectral photograph of an image on the basis of independently known albedos at three points. The approach is otherwise based on exact solutions of the radiative transfer equation for upwelling intensity. Application of the method allows the routine construction of spectral albedo maps from satelite imagery, without requiring detailed knowledge of the atmospheric aerosol content, as long as the optical depth is less than 0.75, and of the calibration of the satellite sensor.

Status and directions of modified tribological surfaces by ion processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, Talivaldis

1988-01-01

An overview is presented of recent advances in modifying contacting surfaces in motion by the various ion assisted surface coating/modification processes to reduce and control tribological failures. The ion assisted coating processes and the surface modification processes offer the greatest potential to custom tailor and optimize the tribological performance. Hard, wear resistant and low shear coatings deposited by the ion assisted processes are discussed. Primarily the recent advances of sputtered MoS2 ion plated Au, Ag, Pb lubricating films and sputtered and ion plated hard, wear resistant TiN, HfN, TiC films are described in terms of structural property performance interrelationships which lead to improved adhesion, cohesion, nucleation, morphological growth, density, film thickness as determined by structural and chemical characterization and frictional and wear behavior. Also, the recent tribological advances using the surface modification processes such as ion implantation, ion beam mixing is discussed with emphasis on the development of lubricous high temperature ceramic surfaces.

Quantifying surface albedo and other direct biogeophysical climate forcings of forestry activities.

PubMed

Bright, Ryan M; Zhao, Kaiguang; Jackson, Robert B; Cherubini, Francesco

2015-09-01

By altering fluxes of heat, momentum, and moisture exchanges between the land surface and atmosphere, forestry and other land-use activities affect climate. Although long recognized scientifically as being important, these so-called biogeophysical forcings are rarely included in climate policies for forestry and other land management projects due to the many challenges associated with their quantification. Here, we review the scientific literature in the fields of atmospheric science and terrestrial ecology in light of three main objectives: (i) to elucidate the challenges associated with quantifying biogeophysical climate forcings connected to land use and land management, with a focus on the forestry sector; (ii) to identify and describe scientific approaches and/or metrics facilitating the quantification and interpretation of direct biogeophysical climate forcings; and (iii) to identify and recommend research priorities that can help overcome the challenges of their attribution to specific land-use activities, bridging the knowledge gap between the climate modeling, forest ecology, and resource management communities. We find that ignoring surface biogeophysics may mislead climate mitigation policies, yet existing metrics are unlikely to be sufficient. Successful metrics ought to (i) include both radiative and nonradiative climate forcings; (ii) reconcile disparities between biogeophysical and biogeochemical forcings, and (iii) acknowledge trade-offs between global and local climate benefits. We call for more coordinated research among terrestrial ecologists, resource managers, and coupled climate modelers to harmonize datasets, refine analytical techniques, and corroborate and validate metrics that are more amenable to analyses at the scale of an individual site or region. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Unique features of laterally aligned GeSi nanowires self-assembled on the vicinal Si (001) surface misoriented toward the [100] direction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Tong; Vastola, Guglielmo; Zhang, Yong-Wei; Ren, Qijun; Fan, Yongliang; Zhong, Zhenyang

2015-03-01

We demonstrate laterally aligned and catalyst-free GeSi nanowires (NWs) via self-assembly of Ge on miscut Si (001) substrates toward the [100] direction by an angle θ (θ < 11°). The NWs are bordered by (001) and (105) facets, which are thermodynamically stable. By tuning the miscut angle θ, the NW height can be easily modulated with a nearly constant width. The thickness of the wetting layer beneath the NWs also shows a peculiar behavior with a minimum at around 6°. An analytical model, considering the variation of both the surface energy and the strain energy of the epilayer on vicinal surfaces with the miscut angle and layer thickness, shows good overall agreement with the experimental results. It discloses that both the surface energy and stain energy of the epilayer on vicinal surfaces can be considerably affected in the same trend by the surface steps. Our results not only shed new light on the growth mechanism during heteroepitaxial growth, but also pave a prominent way to fabricate and meanwhile modulate laterally aligned and dislocation-free NWs.We demonstrate laterally aligned and catalyst-free GeSi nanowires (NWs) via self-assembly of Ge on miscut Si (001) substrates toward the [100] direction by an angle θ (θ < 11°). The NWs are bordered by (001) and (105) facets, which are thermodynamically stable. By tuning the miscut angle θ, the NW height can be easily modulated with a nearly constant width. The thickness of the wetting layer beneath the NWs also shows a peculiar behavior with a minimum at around 6°. An analytical model, considering the variation of both the surface energy and the strain energy of the epilayer on vicinal surfaces with the miscut angle and layer thickness, shows good overall agreement with the experimental results. It discloses that both the surface energy and stain energy of the epilayer on vicinal surfaces can be considerably affected in the same trend by the surface steps. Our results not only shed new light on the growth

Unidirectional superhydrophobic surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, Manu; Bush, John

2007-11-01

It has long been known that the hairy, waxy cuticle of water-walking insects renders them water-repellent; they thus exhibit high static contact angles. We have recently demonstrated that by the virtue of the geometry and flexibility of the hair, the integument is also directionally anisotropic and so plays a key propulsive role. We here report our attempts to design and implement an analogous synthetic surface that exhibits unidirectional adhesion. The surface effectively acts like a fluidic-diode; allowing contact lines to advance in only one direction. When vibrated randomly, drops suspended on the surface advance in only one direction. Applications in valve-less pumps and drop transport in microfluidic devices are discussed.

Validation of Direct Analysis Real Time source/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for organophosphate quantitation on wafer surface.

PubMed

Hayeck, Nathalie; Ravier, Sylvain; Gemayel, Rachel; Gligorovski, Sasho; Poulet, Irène; Maalouly, Jacqueline; Wortham, Henri

2015-11-01

Microelectronic wafers are exposed to airborne molecular contamination (AMC) during the fabrication process of microelectronic components. The organophosphate compounds belonging to the dopant group are one of the most harmful groups. Once adsorbed on the wafer surface these compounds hardly desorb and could diffuse in the bulk of the wafer and invert the wafer from p-type to n-type. The presence of these compounds on wafer surface could have electrical effect on the microelectronic components. For these reasons, it is of importance to control the amount of these compounds on the surface of the wafer. As a result, a fast quantitative and qualitative analytical method, nondestructive for the wafers, is needed to be able to adjust the process and avoid the loss of an important quantity of processed wafers due to the contamination by organophosphate compounds. Here we developed and validated an analytical method for the determination of organic compounds adsorbed on the surface of microelectronic wafers using the Direct Analysis in Real Time-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (DART-ToF-MS) system. Specifically, the developed methodology concerns the organophosphate group. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The role of direct photolysis and indirect photochemistry in the environmental fate of ethylhexyl methoxy cinnamate (EHMC) in surface waters.

PubMed

Vione, D; Calza, P; Galli, F; Fabbri, D; Santoro, V; Medana, C

2015-12-15

The aquatic environmental fate of ethylhexyl methoxy cinnamate (EHMC), one of the most used UVB filters worldwide, was studied by assessing its environmental persistence and photoinduced transformations. The role of direct and indirect photolysis was evaluated. Direct photolysis was shown to play a key role, and this process is expected to be the main attenuation route of EHMC in sunlit surface waters. In contrast, the reaction with OH radicals would be negligible and that with (3)CDOM* would at most be a secondary process. The measurement of the quantum yield of direct photolysis and of the rate constants of reaction with photogenerated transient species (or, sometimes, the use of reasonable values for the latter) allowed the prediction of the EHMC half-life time in surface waters, by means of a validated photochemical model. The predicted EHMC lifetime is of the order of hours to a few days in fair-weather summertime, and the main factors controlling the EHMC phototransformation in sunlit surface waters would be the water depth and the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. The formation of transformation products (TPs) was followed as well via HPLC/HRMS. Three TPs were detected in the samples exposed to UVA radiation, while one additional TP was detected in the samples exposed to UVB radiation. The detected TPs comprised 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, a hydroxylated derivative and dimeric species. Through the use of heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO2, seven additional TPs were identified, most of them resulting from the further degradation of primary TPs formed through direct photolysis and that might be detected in aquatic systems as well. The photodegradation of EHMC in the presence of TiO2 yielded more toxic TPs than the parent compound (as determined with the Vibrio fischeri Microtox assay). The increased toxicity is partially accounted for by the formation of 4-methoxybenzaldehyde. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Direct observation of pitting corrosion evolutions on carbon steel surfaces at the nano-to-micro- scales.

PubMed

Guo, Peng; La Plante, Erika Callagon; Wang, Bu; Chen, Xin; Balonis, Magdalena; Bauchy, Mathieu; Sant, Gaurav

2018-05-22

The Cl - -induced corrosion of metals and alloys is of relevance to a wide range of engineered materials, structures, and systems. Because of the challenges in studying pitting corrosion in a quantitative and statistically significant manner, its kinetics remain poorly understood. Herein, by direct, nano- to micro-scale observations using vertical scanning interferometry (VSI), we examine the temporal evolution of pitting corrosion on AISI 1045 carbon steel over large surface areas in Cl - -free, and Cl - -enriched solutions. Special focus is paid to examine the nucleation and growth of pits, and the associated formation of roughened regions on steel surfaces. By statistical analysis of hundreds of individual pits, three stages of pitting corrosion, namely, induction, propagation, and saturation, are quantitatively distinguished. By quantifying the kinetics of these processes, we contextualize our current understanding of electrochemical corrosion within a framework that considers spatial dynamics and morphology evolutions. In the presence of Cl - ions, corrosion is highly accelerated due to multiple autocatalytic factors including destabilization of protective surface oxide films and preservation of aggressive microenvironments within the pits, both of which promote continued pit nucleation and growth. These findings offer new insights into predicting and modeling steel corrosion processes in mid-pH aqueous environments.

C2 Domain of Protein Kinase Cα: Elucidation of the Membrane Docking Surface by Site-Directed Fluorescence and Spin Labeling†

PubMed Central

Kohout, Susy C.; Corbalán-García, Senena; Gómez-Fernández, Juan C.; Falke, Joseph J.

2013-01-01

The C2 domain is a conserved signaling motif that triggers membrane docking in a Ca2+-dependent manner, but the membrane docking surfaces of many C2 domains have not yet been identified. Two extreme models can be proposed for the docking of the protein kinase Cα (PKCα) C2 domain to membranes. In the parallel model, the membrane-docking surface includes the Ca2+ binding loops and an anion binding site on β-strands 3–4, such that the β-strands are oriented parallel to the membrane. In the perpendicular model, the docking surface is localized to the Ca2+ binding loops and the β-strands are oriented perpendicular to the membrane surface. The present study utilizes site-directed fluorescence and spin-labeling to map out the membrane docking surface of the PKCα C2 domain. Single cysteine residues were engineered into 18 locations scattered over all regions of the protein surface, and were used as attachment sites for spectroscopic probes. The environmentally sensitive fluorescein probe identified positions where Ca2+ activation or membrane docking trigger measurable fluorescence changes. Ca2+ binding was found to initiate a global conformational change, while membrane docking triggered the largest fluorescein environmental changes at labeling positions on the three Ca2+ binding loops (CBL), thereby localizing these loops to the membrane docking surface. Complementary EPR power saturation measurements were carried out using a nitroxide spin probe to determine a membrane depth parameter, Φ, for each spin-labeled mutant. Positive membrane depth parameters indicative of membrane insertion were found for three positions, all located on the Ca2+ binding loops: N189 on CBL 1, and both R249 and R252 on CBL 3. In addition, EPR power saturation revealed that five positions near the anion binding site are partially protected from collisions with an aqueous paramagnetic probe, indicating that the anion binding site lies at or near the surface of the headgroup layer

Atomic layer deposition of ruthenium surface-coating on porous platinum catalysts for high-performance direct ethanol solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Heon Jae; Kim, Jun Woo; Jang, Dong Young; Shim, Joon Hyung

2015-09-01

Pt-Ru bi-metallic catalysts are synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Ru surface-coating on sputtered Pt mesh. The catalysts are evaluated in direct ethanol solid oxide fuel cells (DESOFCs) in the temperature range of 300-500 °C. Island-growth of the ALD Ru coating is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The performance of the DESOFCs is evaluated based on the current-voltage output and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Genuine reduction of the polarization impedance, and enhanced power output with improved surface kinetics are achieved with the optimized ALD Ru surface-coating compared to bare Pt. The chemical composition of the Pt/ALD Ru electrode surface after fuel cell operation is analyzed via XPS. Enhanced cell performance is clearly achieved, attributed to the effective Pt/ALD Ru bi-metallic catalysis, including oxidation of Cdbnd O by Ru, and de-protonation of ethanol and cleavage of C-C bonds by Pt, as supported by surface morphology analysis which confirms formation of a large amount of carbon on bare Pt after the ethanol-fuel-cell test.

Direct surface analysis coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry reveals heterogeneous composition of the cuticle of Hibiscus trionum petals.

PubMed

Giorio, Chiara; Moyroud, Edwige; Glover, Beverley J; Skelton, Paul C; Kalberer, Markus

2015-10-06

Plant cuticle, which is the outermost layer covering the aerial parts of all plants including petals and leaves, can present a wide range of patterns that, combined with cell shape, can generate unique physical, mechanical, or optical properties. For example, arrays of regularly spaced nanoridges have been found on the dark (anthocyanin-rich) portion at the base of the petals of Hibiscus trionum. Those ridges act as a diffraction grating, producing an iridescent effect. Because the surface of the distal white region of the petals is smooth and noniridescent, a selective chemical characterization of the surface of the petals on different portions (i.e., ridged vs smooth) is needed to understand whether distinct cuticular patterns correlate with distinct chemical compositions of the cuticle. In the present study, a rapid screening method has been developed for the direct surface analysis of Hibiscus trionum petals using liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. The optimized method was used to characterize a wide range of plant metabolites and cuticle monomers on the upper (adaxial) surface of the petals on both the white/smooth and anthocyanic/ridged regions, and on the lower (abaxial) surface, which is entirely smooth. The main components detected on the surface of the petals are low-molecular-weight organic acids, sugars, and flavonoids. The ridged portion on the upper surface of the petal is enriched in long-chain fatty acids, which are constituents of the wax fraction of the cuticle. These compounds were not detected on the white/smooth region of the upper petal surface or on the smooth lower surface.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against surface molecules of multicell spheroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinez, Andrew O.

1993-01-01

The objective of this project is to generate a library of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to surface molecules of mammalian tumor and transformed cells grown as multicell spheroids (MCS). These MCS are highly organized, three dimensional multicellular structures which exhibit many characteristics of in vivo organized tissues not found in conventional monolayer or suspension culture; therefore, MCS make better in vitro model systems to study the interactions of mammalian cells. Additionally, they provide a functional assay for surface adhesion molecules.

Surface photovoltage spectroscopy applied to gallium arsenide surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bynik, C. E.

1975-01-01

The experimental and theoretical basis for surface photovoltage spectroscopy is outlined. Results of this technique applied to gallium arsenide surfaces, are reviewed and discussed. The results suggest that in gallium arsenide the surface voltage may be due to deep bulk impurity acceptor states that are pinned at the Fermi level at the surface. Establishment of the validity of this model will indicate the direction to proceed to increase the efficiency of gallium arsenide solar cells.

Cell directional migration and oriented division on three-dimensional laser-induced periodic surface structures on polystyrene.

PubMed

Wang, Xuefeng; Ohlin, Christian A; Lu, Qinghua; Hu, Jun

2008-05-01

The extracellular matrix in animal tissues usually provides a three-dimensional structural support to cells in addition to performing various other important functions. In the present study, wavy submicrometer laser-irradiated periodic surface structures (LIPSS) were produced on a smooth polystyrene film by polarized laser irradiation with a wavelength of 266 nm. Rat C6 glioma cells exhibited directional migration and oriented division on laser-irradiated polystyrene, which was parallel to the direction of LIPSS. However, rat C6 glioma cells on smooth polystyrene moved in a three-step invasion cycle, with faster migration speed than that on laser-irradiated polystyrene. In addition, focal adhesions examined by immunostaining focal adhesion kinase in human epithelial carcinoma HeLa cells were punctuated on smooth polystyrene, whereas dash-like on laser-irradiated polystyrene. We hypothesized that LIPSS on laser-irradiated polystyrene acted as an anisotropic and persistent mechanical stimulus to guide cell anisotropic spreading, migration and division through focal adhesions.

Visual direction finding by fishes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waterman, T. H.

1972-01-01

The use of visual orientation, in the absence of landmarks, for underwater direction finding exercises by fishes is reviewed. Celestial directional clues observed directly near the water surface or indirectly at an asymptatic depth are suggested as possible orientation aids.

Effect of flattened surface morphology of anodized aluminum oxide templates on the magnetic properties of nanoporous Co/Pt and Co/Pd thin multilayered films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, T. N. Anh; Fedotova, J.; Kasiuk, J.; Bayev, V.; Kupreeva, O.; Lazarouk, S.; Manh, D. H.; Vu, D. L.; Chung, S.; Åkerman, J.; Altynov, V.; Maximenko, A.

2018-01-01

For the first time, nanoporous Al2O3 templates with smoothed surface relief characterized by flattened interpore areas were used in the fabrication of Co/Pd and Co/Pt multilayers (MLs) with strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). Alternating gradient magnetometry (AGM) revealed perfectly conserved PMA in the Co/Pd and Co/Pt porous MLs (antidot arrays) with a ratio of remanent magnetization (Mr) to saturation magnetization (MS) of about 0.99, anisotropy fields (Ha) of up to 2.6 kOe, and a small deviation angle of 8° between the easy magnetization axis and the normal to the film surface. The sufficient magnetic hardening of the porous MLs with enhanced coercive field HC of up to ∼1.9 kOe for Co/Pd and ∼1.5 kOe for Co/Pt MLs, as compared to the continuous reference samples (∼1.5-2 times), is associated with the pinning of the magnetic moments on the nanopore edges. Application of the Stoner-Wohlfarth model for fitting the experimental M/MS(H) curves yielded clear evidence of the predominantly coherent rotation mechanism of magnetization reversal in the porous films.

Pressure ulcer prevention: a randomized controlled trial of 2 risk-directed strategies for patient surface assignment.

PubMed

Inman, K J; Dymock, K; Fysh, N; Robbins, B; Rutledge, F S; Sibbald, W J

1999-03-01

To compare the clinical utility, in terms of incidence of pressure ulcer (PU) development, and economic impact of 2 programs of patient surface assignment for PU prevention. Randomized controlled clinical trial with economic evaluation. 30-bed multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU), serving as the regional trauma center. 144 consecutive eligible patients at risk for the development of PUs. PU risk was assessed on admission using the Skin Ulcer Risk Evaluation (SURE) Score, and patients were randomized to either the experimental (purchase) or control group (purchase/rent). Based on their SURE Score, patients were assigned a specialty surface if needed. Patients received head-to-toe skin assessments twice weekly, new PUs were documented, a new SURE Score was calculated, and specialty surfaces were upgraded or downgraded as necessary. The incidence of PUs by site and severity, and cost. Multivariate logistic regression and decision modeling. No significant differences were detected between groups with respect to baseline population characteristics, nor in the development of PUs. Predictors of PU development were ICU length of stay and SURE Score. The experimental (purchase) group was the less costly strategy. Under baseline assumptions, surface costs per at-risk patient were $76 CDN and $171 CDN in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The savings of $95 CDN per at-risk patient translates into conservative annual savings of $47,500 CDN. Using an objective, risk-based method of patient surface assignment, the authors compared the clinical and economic outcomes of 2 programs of PU prevention. In a direct comparison of alternatives, the strategy that emphasized purchased rather than rented products proved to be the more economical. Finally, this approach illustrates how by prospectively capturing data on both the costs and consequences of competing alternatives, a more objective and informed decision-making process can result.

An Assessment of the Surface Longwave Direct Radiative Effect of Airborne Saharan Dust During the NAMMA Field Campaign

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansell, R. A.; Tsay, S. C.; Ji, Q.; Hsu, N. C.; Jeong, M. J.; Wang, S. H.; Reid, J. S.; Liou, K. N.; Ou, S. C.

2010-01-01

In September 2006, NASA Goddard s mobile ground-based laboratories were deployed to Sal Island in Cape Verde (16.73degN, 22.93degW) to support the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (NAMMA) field study. The Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI), a key instrument for spectrally characterizing the thermal IR, was used to retrieve the dust IR aerosol optical depths (AOTs) in order to examine the diurnal variability of airborne dust with emphasis on three separate dust events. AERI retrievals of dust AOT are compared with those from the coincident/collocated multifilter rotating shadow-band radiometer (MFRSR), micropulse lidar (MPL), and NASA Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) sensors. The retrieved AOTs are then inputted into the Fu-Liou 1D radiative transfer model to evaluate local instantaneous direct longwave radiative effects (DRE(sub LW)) of dust at the surface in cloud-free atmospheres and its sensitivity to dust microphysical parameters. The top-of-atmosphere DRE(sub LW) and longwave heating rate profiles are also evaluated. Instantaneous surface DRE(sub LW) ranges from 2 to 10 W/sq m and exhibits a strong linear dependence with dust AOT yielding a DRE(sub LW) of 16 W/sq m per unit dust AOT. The DRE(sub LW) is estimated to be approx.42% of the diurnally averaged direct shortwave radiative effect at the surface but of opposite sign, partly compensating for the shortwave losses. Certainly nonnegligible, the authors conclude that DRE(sub LW) can significantly impact the atmospheric energetics, representing an important component in the study of regional climate variation.

Near Surface Geophysical Investigations of Potential Direct Recharge Zones in the Biscayne Aquifer within Everglades National Park, Florida.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mount, G.; Comas, X.

2017-12-01

The karstic Miami Limestone of the Biscayne aquifer is characterized as having water flow that is controlled by the presence of dissolution enhanced porosity and mega-porous features. The dissolution features and other high porosity areas create horizontal preferential flow paths and high rates of ground water velocity, which may not be accurately conceptualized in groundwater flow models. In addition, recent research suggests the presence of numerous vertical dissolution features across Everglades National Park at Long Pine Key Trail, that may act as areas of direct recharge to the aquifer. These vertical features have been identified through ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys as areas of velocity pull-down which have been modeled to have porosity values higher than the surrounding Miami Limestone. As climate change may induce larger and longer temporal variability between wet and dry times in the Everglades, a more comprehensive understanding of preferential flow pathways from the surface to the aquifer would be a great benefit to modelers and planners. This research utilizes near surface geophysical techniques, such as GPR, to identify these vertical dissolution features and then estimate the spatial variability of porosity using petrophysical models. GPR transects that were collected for several kilometers along the Long Pine Key Trail, show numerous pull down areas that correspond to dissolution enhanced porosity zones within the Miami Limestone. Additional 3D GPR surveys have attempted to delineate the boundaries of these features to elucidate their geometry for future modelling studies. We demonstrate the ability of near surface geophysics and petrophysical models to identify dissolution enhanced porosity in shallow karstic limestones to better understand areas that may act as zones of direct recharge into the Biscayne Aquifer.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide coated on the surface of cellulose nanospheres for the rapid removal of textile dye under mild condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Yunfeng; Qin, Zongyi; Liu, Yannan; Cheng, Miao; Qian, Pengfei; Wang, Qian; Zhu, Meifang

2015-12-01

Magnetic composite nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared by anchoring iron oxide (Fe3O4) on the surface of carboxyl cellulose nanospheres through a facile chemical co-precipitation method. The as-prepared MNPs were characterized by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurement, thermal gravity analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry. These MNPs were of a generally spherical shape with a narrow size distribution, and exhibited superparamagnetic behaviors with high saturation magnetization. High efficient removal of Navy blue in aqueous solution was demonstrated at room temperature in a Fenton-like system containing the MNPs and H2O2, which benefited from small particle size, large surface area, high chemical activity, and good dispersibility of the MNPs. The removal efficiency of Navy blue induced by the MNPs prepared at a weight ratio of cellulose to iron of 1:2 were 90.6% at the first minute of the degradation reaction, and 98.0% for 5 min. Furthermore, these MNPs could be efficiently recycled and reused by using an external magnetic field. The approach presented in this paper promotes the use of renewable natural resources as templates for the preparation and stabilization of various inorganic nanomaterials for the purpose of catalysis, magnetic resonance imaging, biomedical and other potential applications.

Engineering antiparallel charge-transfer cascades into supramolecular n/p-heterojunction photosystems: toward directional self-sorting on surfaces.

PubMed

Lista, Marco; Areephong, Jetsuda; Orentas, Edvinas; Charbonnaz, Pierre; Sakai, Naomi; Matile, Stefan

2012-01-01

This contribution describes recent progress made with the design, synthesis and evaluation of supramolecular architectures for artificial photosynthesis. Emphasis is on the possible introduction of antiparallel redox gradients into the co-axial hole- and electron-transporting channels of supramolecular n/p-heterojunctions, and on directional, uniform axial and alternate lateral self-sorting to get there. Recent results suggest that two-component gradients in both channels are sufficient for photoinduced charge separation over very long distances. Removal of one gradient leads to charge recombination at the usual critical distances, inversion of both gradients causes photocurrent inhibition. These promising results call for user-friendly, cheap and fast approaches to oriented multicomponent architectures on solid surfaces. However, the reduction of efforts devoted to covalent organic synthesis will have to be compensated by the development of strategic concepts on the supramolecular level to tackle basic questions such as self-sorting on surfaces.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against surface molecules of multicell spheroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinez, Andrew O.

1993-01-01

The objective of this project is to generate a library of monoclonal antibodies (MAb's) to surface molecules involved in the cell-cell interactions of mammalian cells grown as multicell spheroids (MCS). MCS are highly organized 3-dimensional multicellular structures which exhibit many characteristics in vivo tissues not found in conventional monolayer or suspension culture. They also provide a functional assay for surface adhesion molecules. In brief, MCS combine the relevance of organized tissues with the accuracy of in vitro methodology. Further, one can manipulate these MCS experimentally to discern important information about their biology.

Sensing roughness and polish direction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakobsen, M. L.; Olesen, A. S.; Larsen, H. E.; Stubager, J.; Hanson, S. G.; Pedersen, T. F.; Pedersen, H. C.

2016-04-01

As a part of the work carried out on a project supported by the Danish council for technology and innovation, we have investigated the option of smoothing standard CNC machined surfaces. In the process of constructing optical prototypes, involving custom-designed optics, the development cost and time consumption can become relatively large numbers in a research budget. Machining the optical surfaces directly is expensive and time consuming. Alternatively, a more standardized and cheaper machining method can be used, but then the object needs to be manually polished. During the polishing process the operator needs information about the RMS-value of the surface roughness and the current direction of the scratches introduces by the polishing process. The RMS-value indicates to the operator how far he is from the final finish, and the scratch orientation is often specified by the customer in order to avoid complications during the casting process. In this work we present a method for measuring the RMS-values of the surface roughness while simultaneously determining the polishing direction. We are mainly interested in the RMS-values in the range from 0 - 100 nm, which corresponds to the finish categories of A1, A2 and A3. Based on simple intensity measurements we estimates the RMS-value of the surface roughness, and by using a sectioned annual photo-detector to collect the scattered light we can determine the direction of polishing and distinguish light scattered from random structures and light scattered from scratches.

Surface energy and surface stress on vicinals by revisiting the Shuttleworth relation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hecquet, Pascal

2018-04-01

In 1998 [Surf. Sci. 412/413, 639 (1998)], we showed that the step stress on vicinals varies as 1/L, L being the distance between steps, while the inter-step interaction energy primarily follows the law as 1/L2 from the well-known Marchenko-Parshin model. In this paper, we give a better understanding of the interaction term of the step stress. The step stress is calculated with respect to the nominal surface stress. Consequently, we calculate the diagonal surface stresses in both the vicinal system (x, y, z) where z is normal to the vicinal and the projected system (x, b, c) where b is normal to the nominal terrace. Moreover, we calculate the surface stresses by using two methods: the first called the 'Zero' method, from the surface pressure forces and the second called the 'One' method, by homogeneously deforming the vicinal in the parallel direction, x or y, and by calculating the surface energy excess proportional to the deformation. By using the 'One' method on the vicinal Cu(0 1 M), we find that the step deformations, due to the applied deformation, vary as 1/L by the same factor for the tensor directions bb and cb, and by twice the same factor for the parallel direction yy. Due to the vanishing of the surface stress normal to the vicinal, the variation of the step stress in the direction yy is better described by using only the step deformation in the same direction. We revisit the Shuttleworth formula, for while the variation of the step stress in the direction xx is the same between the two methods, the variation in the direction yy is higher by 76% for the 'Zero' method with respect to the 'One' method. In addition to the step energy, we confirm that the variation of the step stress must be taken into account for the understanding of the equilibrium of vicinals when they are not deformed.

The role of surface charging during the coadsorption of mercaptohexanol to DNA layers on gold: direct observation of desorption and layer reorientation.

PubMed

Arinaga, K; Rant, U; Tornow, M; Fujita, S; Abstreiter, G; Yokoyama, N

2006-06-20

We study the coadsorption of mercaptohexanol onto preimmobilized oligonucleotide layers on gold. Monitoring the position of the DNA relative to the surface by optical means directly shows the mercaptohexanol-induced desorption of DNA and the reorientation of surface-tethered strands in situ and in real time. By simultaneously recording the electrochemical electrode potential, we are able to demonstrate that changes in the layer conformation are predominantly of electrostatic origin and can be reversed by applying external bias to the substrate.

Elucidation of Peptide-Directed Palladium Surface Structure for Biologically Tunable Nanocatalysts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bedford, Nicholas M.; Ramezani-Dakhel, Hadi; Slocik, Joseph M.

Peptide-enabled synthesis of inorganic nanostructures represents an avenue to access catalytic materials with tunable and optimized properties. This is achieved via peptide complexity and programmability that is missing in traditional ligands for catalytic nanomaterials. Unfortunately, there is limited information available to correlate peptide sequence to particle structure and catalytic activity to date. As such, the application of peptide-enabled nanocatalysts remains limited to trial and error approaches. In this paper, a hybrid experimental and computational approach is introduced to systematically elucidate biomolecule-dependent structure/function relationships for peptide-capped Pd nanocatalysts. Synchrotron X-ray techniques were used to uncover substantial particle surface structural disorder, whichmore » was dependent upon the amino acid sequence of the peptide capping ligand. Nanocatalyst configurations were then determined directly from experimental data using reverse Monte Carlo methods and further refined using molecular dynamics simulation, obtaining thermodynamically stable peptide-Pd nanoparticle configurations. Sequence-dependent catalytic property differences for C-C coupling and olefin hydrogenation were then eluddated by identification of the catalytic active sites at the atomic level and quantitative prediction of relative reaction rates. This hybrid methodology provides a clear route to determine peptide-dependent structure/function relationships, enabling the generation of guidelines for catalyst design through rational tailoring of peptide sequences« less

Elucidation of peptide-directed palladium surface structure for biologically tunable nanocatalysts.

PubMed

Bedford, Nicholas M; Ramezani-Dakhel, Hadi; Slocik, Joseph M; Briggs, Beverly D; Ren, Yang; Frenkel, Anatoly I; Petkov, Valeri; Heinz, Hendrik; Naik, Rajesh R; Knecht, Marc R

2015-05-26

Peptide-enabled synthesis of inorganic nanostructures represents an avenue to access catalytic materials with tunable and optimized properties. This is achieved via peptide complexity and programmability that is missing in traditional ligands for catalytic nanomaterials. Unfortunately, there is limited information available to correlate peptide sequence to particle structure and catalytic activity to date. As such, the application of peptide-enabled nanocatalysts remains limited to trial and error approaches. In this paper, a hybrid experimental and computational approach is introduced to systematically elucidate biomolecule-dependent structure/function relationships for peptide-capped Pd nanocatalysts. Synchrotron X-ray techniques were used to uncover substantial particle surface structural disorder, which was dependent upon the amino acid sequence of the peptide capping ligand. Nanocatalyst configurations were then determined directly from experimental data using reverse Monte Carlo methods and further refined using molecular dynamics simulation, obtaining thermodynamically stable peptide-Pd nanoparticle configurations. Sequence-dependent catalytic property differences for C-C coupling and olefin hydrogenation were then elucidated by identification of the catalytic active sites at the atomic level and quantitative prediction of relative reaction rates. This hybrid methodology provides a clear route to determine peptide-dependent structure/function relationships, enabling the generation of guidelines for catalyst design through rational tailoring of peptide sequences.

Laser-Aided Directed Energy Deposition of Steel Powder over Flat Surfaces and Edges.

PubMed

Caiazzo, Fabrizia; Alfieri, Vittorio

2018-03-16

In the framework of Additive Manufacturing of metals, Directed Energy Deposition of steel powder over flat surfaces and edges has been investigated in this paper. The aims are the repair and overhaul of actual, worn-out, high price sensitive metal components. A full-factorial experimental plan has been arranged, the results have been discussed in terms of geometry, microhardness and thermal affection as functions of the main governing parameters, laser power, scanning speed and mass flow rate; dilution and catching efficiency have been evaluated as well to compare quality and effectiveness of the process under conditions of both flat and edge depositions. Convincing results are presented to give grounds for shifting the process to actual applications: namely, no cracks or pores have been found in random cross-sections of the samples in the processing window. Interestingly an effect of the scanning conditions has been proven on the resulting hardness in the fusion zone; therefore, the mechanical characteristics are expected to depend on the processing parameters.

Laser-Aided Directed Energy Deposition of Steel Powder over Flat Surfaces and Edges

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

In the framework of Additive Manufacturing of metals, Directed Energy Deposition of steel powder over flat surfaces and edges has been investigated in this paper. The aims are the repair and overhaul of actual, worn-out, high price sensitive metal components. A full-factorial experimental plan has been arranged, the results have been discussed in terms of geometry, microhardness and thermal affection as functions of the main governing parameters, laser power, scanning speed and mass flow rate; dilution and catching efficiency have been evaluated as well to compare quality and effectiveness of the process under conditions of both flat and edge depositions. Convincing results are presented to give grounds for shifting the process to actual applications: namely, no cracks or pores have been found in random cross-sections of the samples in the processing window. Interestingly an effect of the scanning conditions has been proven on the resulting hardness in the fusion zone; therefore, the mechanical characteristics are expected to depend on the processing parameters. PMID:29547571

Effect of 100 MeV Ag+7 ion irradiation on the bulk and surface magnetic properties of Co-Fe-Si thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hysen, T.; Geetha, P.; Al-Harthi, Salim; Al-Omari, I. A.; Lisha, R.; Ramanujan, R. V.; Sakthikumar, D.; Avasthi, D. K.; Anantharaman, M. R.

2014-12-01

Thin films of Co-Fe-Si were vacuum evaporated on pre-cleaned float glass substrates employing thermal evaporation. The films were subsequently irradiated with 100 MeV Ag+7 ions at fluences of 1×1011, 1×1012 and 1×1013 ions/cm2. The pristine and irradiated samples were subjected to surface analysis using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) and Magneto Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE) measurements. The as deposited film has a root mean square roughness (Rq) of 8.9 nm and an average roughness of (Ra) 5.6 nm. Irradiation of the as deposited films with 100 MeV Ag7+ ions modifies the surface morphology. Irradiating with ions at fluences of 1×1011 ions/cm2 smoothens the mesoscopic hill-like structures, and then, at 1×1012 ions/cm2 new surface structures are created. When the fluence is further increased to 1×1013 ions/cm2 an increase in the surface roughness is observed. The MOKE loop of as prepared film indicated a squareness ratio of 0.62. As the film is irradiated with fluences of 1×1011 ions/cm2, 1×1012 ions/cm2 and 1×1013 ions/cm2 the squareness ratio changes to 0.76, 0.8 and 0.86 respectively. This enhancement in squareness ratio towards 1 is a typical feature when the exchange interaction starts to dominates the inherent anisotropies in the system. The variation in surface magnetisation is explained based on the variations in surface roughness with swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation.

Effects of piston surface treatments on performance and emissions of a methanol-fueled, direct injection, stratified charge engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

West, B.; Green, J. B.

1994-07-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thermal barrier coatings and/or surface treatments on the performance and emissions of a methanol-fueled, direct-injection, stratified-charge (DISC) engine. A Ricardo Hydra Mark III engine was used for this work and in previous experiments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The primary focus of the study was to examine the effects of various piston insert surface treatments on hydrocarbon (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)) emissions. Previous studies have shown that engines of this class have a tendency to perform poorly at low loads and have high unburned fuel emissions. A blank aluminum piston was modified to employ removable piston bowl inserts. Four different inserts were tested in the experiment: aluminum, stainless steel with a 1.27-mm (0.050-in.) air gap (to act as a thermal barrier), and two stainless steel/air-gap inserts with coatings. Two stainless steel inserts were dimensionally modified to account for the coating thickness (1.27-mm) and coated identically with partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ). One of the coated inserts then had an additional seal-coat applied. The coated inserts were otherwise identical to the stainless steel/air-gap insert (i.e., they employed the same 1.27-mm air gap). Thermal barrier coatings were employed in an attempt to increase combustion chamber surface temperatures, thereby reducing wall quenching and promoting more complete combustion of the fuel in the quench zone. The seal-coat was applied to the zirconia to reduce the surface porosity; previous research suggested that despite the possibly higher surface temperatures obtainable with a ceramic coating, the high surface area of a plasma-sprayed coating may actually allow fuel to adhere to the surface and increase the unburned fuel emissions and fuel consumption.

Directional reflectance factors for monitoring spatial changes in soil surface structure and soil organic matter erosion in agricultural systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Croft, H.; Anderson, K.

2012-04-01

Soils can experience rapid structural degradation in response to land cover changes, resulting in reduced soil productivity, increased erodibility and a loss of soil organic matter (SOM). The breakdown of soil aggregates through slaking and raindrop impact is linked to organic matter turnover, with subsequently eroded material often displaying proportionally more SOM. A reduction in aggregate stability is reflected in a decline in soil surface roughness (SSR), indicating that a soil structural change can be used to highlight soil vulnerability to SOM loss through mineralisation or erosion. Accurate, spatially-continuous measurements of SSR are therefore needed at a variety of spatial and temporal scales to understand the spatial nature of SOM erosion and deposition. Remotely-sensed data can provide a cost-effective means of monitoring changes in soil surface condition over broad spatial extents. Previous work has demonstrated the ability of directional reflectance factors to monitor soil crusting within a controlled laboratory experiment, due to changes in the levels of self-shadowing effects by soil aggregates. However, further research is needed to test this approach in situ, where other soil variables may affect measured reflectance factors and to investigate the use of directional reflectance factors for monitoring soil erosion processes. This experiment assesses the potential of using directional reflectance factors to monitor changes in SSR, aggregate stability and soil organic carbon (SOC) content for two agricultural conditions. Five soil plots representing tilled and seedbed soils were subjected to different durations of natural rainfall, producing a range of different levels of SSR. Directional reflectance factors were measured concomitantly with sampling for soil structural and biochemical tests at each soil plot. Soil samples were taken to measure aggregate stability (wet sieving), SOC (loss on ignition) and soil moisture (gravimetric method). SSM

Heat transfer characteristics of a surface type direct contact boiler

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deeds, R.S.; Jacobs, H.R.; Boehm, R.F.

1976-03-01

Two direct contact heat exchangers were constructed and test results were obtained using water and refrigerant 113 as the working fluids. The heat exchangers were operated in a three-phase mode; the water remained liquid throughout the vessel and the liquid refrigerant 113 underwent vaporization following direct injection into the water. The effect of important operational parameters--operating heights, refrigerant 113 injection techniques, mass flow ratios, and temperatures--was studied to determine generalized trends important in the design and operation of a prototype three-phase direct contact heat exchanger. The primary system used in this study performed well overall. The initial favorable results ofmore » this study warrant further investigation of direct contact heat exchange as a means of utilizing geothermal energy.« less

AUTOMATIC AIR BURST DIRECTION FINDER

DOEpatents

Allard, G.A.

1952-01-31

This patent application describes an atomic explosion direction indicator comprising a geometric heat-scorchable indicating surface symmetrical about an axis, elevation and azimuth markings on the heat scorchable surface, and an indicating rod at the axis of said surface arranged to cast a shadow hereon, whereby heat from an atomic explosion will scorch a pattern on said surface indicative of the azimuth and elevation of said explosion.

Direct Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Plant Leaves Using Surface-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization with Sputter-deposited Platinum Film.

PubMed

Ozawa, Tomoyuki; Osaka, Issey; Hamada, Satoshi; Murakami, Tatsuya; Miyazato, Akio; Kawasaki, Hideya; Arakawa, Ryuichi

2016-01-01

Plant leaves administered with systemic insecticides as agricultural chemicals were analyzed using imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is inadequate for the detection of insecticides on leaves because of the charge-up effect that occurs on the non-conductive surface of the leaves. In this study, surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization with a sputter-deposited platinum film (Pt-SALDI) was used for direct analysis of chemicals in plant leaves. Sputter-deposited platinum (Pt) films were prepared on leaves administered with the insecticides. A sputter-deposited Pt film with porous structure was used as the matrix for Pt-SALDI. Acephate and acetamiprid contained in the insecticides on the leaves could be detected using Pt-SALDI-MS, but these chemical components could not be adequately detected using MALDI-MS because of the charge-up effect. Enhancement of ion yields for the insecticides was achieved using Pt-SALDI, accompanied by prevention of the charge-up effect by the conductive Pt film. The movement of systemic insecticides in plants could be observed clearly using Pt-SALDI-IMS. The distribution and movement of components of systemic insecticides on leaves could be analyzed directly using Pt-SALDI-IMS. Additionally, changes in the properties of the chemicals with time, as an indicator of the permeability of the insecticides, could be evaluated.

A Metallurgical Investigation of the Direct Energy Deposition Surface Repair of Ferrous Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marya, Manuel; Singh, Virendra; Hascoet, Jean-Yves; Marya, Surendar

2018-02-01

Among additive manufacturing (AM) processes, the direct energy deposition (DED) by laser is explored to establish its applicability for the repair of ferrous alloys such as UNS G41400 low-alloy steel, UNS S41000 martensitic stainless steel, UNS S17400 precipitation-strengthened martensitic stainless steel, and UNS S32750 super-duplex stainless steel. Unlike plating, thermal spray, and conventional cladding weld, DED laser powder deposition offers potential advantages, e.g., thin deposits, limited dilutions, narrow heat-affected zones (HAZ), potentially improved surface properties. In this investigation, all AM deposits were completed with an IREPA CLAD™ system using a powder feed of UNS N06625, an alloy largely selected for its outstanding corrosion resistance. This investigation first addresses topological aspects of AM deposits (including visual imperfections) before focusing on changes in microstructure, microhardness, chemical composition across AM deposits and base materials. It has been established that dense, uniform, hard ( 300 HVN), crack-free UNS N06625-compliant AM deposits of fine dendritic microstructures are reliably produced. However, except for the UNS S32750 steel, a significant martensitic hardening was observed in the HAZs of UNS G41400 ( 650 HVN), UNS S41000 ( 500 HVN), and UNS S17400 ( 370 HVN). In summary, this investigation demonstrates that the DED laser repair of ferrous parts with UNS N06625 may restore damaged surfaces, but it also calls for cautions and complementary investigations for alloys experiencing a high HAZ hardening, for which industry standard recommendations are exceeded and lead to an increased risk of delayed cracking in corrosive environments.

Magma Emplacement Processes of the Oligocene Zákupy and Miocene Měrunice Diatremes, Czech Republic: Revealed via Petrography, Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility, Paleomegnetic, and Ground Magnetometry Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shields, Sarah; Petronis, Michael; Rapprich, Vladislav; Valenta, Jan

2016-04-01

The emplacement of silica-undersaturated magma in continental rift volcanoes remains poorly understood because the roots of these systems are not often accessible. The Miocene Měrunice and Oligocene Zákupy diatremes, Czech Republic, are located within or on the SE shoulder of the Eger Rift. These diatremes provide a unique opportunity to conduct a comparative emplacement study, in near 3-dimensions, of their sub-volcanic magma plumbing systems. Studies across the rift reveal that magma compositions show a temporal evolution trend that coincides with three rift phases: melilitic-nephelinites during pre-rift (79-49 Ma); two magmas, weakly alkaline olivine basalts and strongly alkaline nephlelinite-tephrite-phonolites during syn-rift (42-16 Ma), and olivine foidites during late rift (16-0.3 Ma). Here we report preliminary data on how varying degrees of alkaline magma generation paired with a dynamic rift stress regime yield unique emplacement mechanisms of presumed monogenetic rift diatremes. Field observations and laboratory data at both diatremes indicate multiple emplacement and eruptive events, as shown by variation in eruptive materials and cross cutting relationships between dikes and sills that differ in emplacement dynamics. Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data were collected from 25 Zákupy diatreme sites and reveal primarily oblate magnetic fabrics that we interpret to indicate that magma flowed up, down, and laterally away from the suspected main conduit. Preliminary paleomagnetic data reveal that the intrusions are of reversed polarity and show some scatter about the expected reverse polarity reference direction that could be related to sub-volcanic deformation of the diatreme. In addition, ground magnetometry data indicate that the main conduit is likely located at the center of the quarry as shown by a magnetic low with a magnetic high radiating around the probable conduit. Curie point estimates show that the magnetic mineral phases

An immunoassay for dibutyl phthalate based on direct hapten linkage to the polystyrene surface of microtiter plates.

PubMed

Wei, Chenxi; Ding, Shumao; You, Huihui; Zhang, Yaran; Wang, Yao; Yang, Xu; Yuan, Junlin

2011-01-01

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is predominantly used as a plasticizer inplastics to make them flexible. Extensive use of phthalates in both industrial processes and other consumer products has resulted in the ubiquitous presence of phthalates in the environment. In order to better determine the level of pollution in the environment and evaluate the potential adverse effects of exposure to DBP, immunoassay for DBP was developed. A monoclonal antibody specific to DBP was produced from a stable hybridoma cell line generated by lymphocyte hybridoma technique. An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) employing direct coating of hapten on polystyrene microtiter plates was established for the detection of DBP. Polystyrene surface was first oxidized by permanganate in dilute sulfuric acid to generate carboxyl groups. Then dibutyl 4-aminophthalate, which is an analogue of DBP, was covalently linked to the carboxyl groups of polystyrene surface with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). Compared with conjugate coated format (IC(50)=106 ng/mL), the direct hapten coated format (IC(50)=14.6 ng/mL) improved assay sensitivity after careful optimization of assay conditions. The average recovery of DBP from spiked water sample was 104.4% and the average coefficient of variation was 9.95%. Good agreement of the results obtained by the hapten coated icELISA and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry further confirmed the reliability and accuracy of the icELISA for the detection of DBP in certain plastic and cosmetic samples. The stable and efficient hybridoma cell line obtained is an unlimited source of sensitive and specific antibody to DBP. The hapten coated format is proposed as generally applicable because the carboxyl groups on modified microtiter plate surface enables stable immobilization of aminated or hydroxylated hapten with EDC. The developed hapten coated icELISA can be used as a convenient quantitative tool for the

Microbial surface displayed enzymes based biofuel cell utilizing degradation products of lignocellulosic biomass for direct electrical energy.

PubMed

Fan, Shuqin; Hou, Chuantao; Liang, Bo; Feng, Ruirui; Liu, Aihua

2015-09-01

In this work, a bacterial surface displaying enzyme based two-compartment biofuel cell for the direct electrical energy conversion from degradation products of lignocellulosic biomass is reported. Considering that the main degradation products of the lignocellulose are glucose and xylose, xylose dehydrogenase (XDH) displayed bacteria (XDH-bacteria) and glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) displayed bacteria (GDH-bacteria) were used as anode catalysts in anode chamber with methylene blue as electron transfer mediator. While the cathode chamber was constructed with laccase/multi-walled-carbon nanotube/glassy-carbon-electrode. XDH-bacteria exhibited 1.75 times higher catalytic efficiency than GDH-bacteria. This assembled enzymatic fuel cell exhibited a high open-circuit potential of 0.80 V, acceptable stability and energy conversion efficiency. Moreover, the maximum power density of the cell could reach 53 μW cm(-2) when fueled with degradation products of corn stalk. Thus, this finding holds great potential to directly convert degradation products of biomass into electrical energy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dual surface interferometer

DOEpatents

Pardue, R.M.; Williams, R.R.

1980-09-12

A double-pass interferometer is provided which allows direct measurement of relative displacement between opposed surfaces. A conventional plane mirror interferometer may be modified by replacing the beam-measuring path cube-corner reflector with an additional quarterwave plate. The beam path is altered to extend to an opposed plane mirrored surface and the reflected beam is placed in interference with a retained reference beam split from dual-beam source and retroreflected by a reference cube-corner reflector mounted stationary with the interferometer housing. This permits direct measurement of opposed mirror surfaces by laser interferometry while doubling the resolution as with a conventional double-pass plane mirror laser interferometer system.

Dual surface interferometer

DOEpatents

Pardue, Robert M.; Williams, Richard R.

1982-01-01

A double-pass interferometer is provided which allows direct measurement of relative displacement between opposed surfaces. A conventional plane mirror interferometer may be modified by replacing the beam-measuring path cube-corner reflector with an additional quarter-wave plate. The beam path is altered to extend to an opposed plane mirrored surface and the reflected beam is placed in interference with a retained reference beam split from dual-beam source and retroreflected by a reference cube-corner reflector mounted stationary with the interferometer housing. This permits direct measurement of opposed mirror surfaces by laser interferometry while doubling the resolution as with a conventional double-pass plane mirror laser interferometer system.

Analyzing and improving surface texture by dual-rotation magnetorheological finishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuyue; Zhang, Yun; Feng, Zhijing

2016-01-01

The main advantages of magnetorheological finishing (MRF) are its high convergence rate of surface error, the ability of polishing aspheric surfaces and nearly no subsurface damage. However, common MRF produces directional surface texture due to the constant flow direction of the magnetorheological (MR) polishing fluid. This paper studies the mechanism of surface texture formation by texture modeling. Dual-rotation magnetorheological finishing (DRMRF) is presented to suppress directional surface texture after analyzing the results of the texture model for common MRF. The results of the surface texture model for DRMRF and the proposed quantitative method based on mathematical statistics indicate the effective suppression of directional surface texture. An experimental setup is developed and experiments show directional surface texture and no directional surface texture in common MRF and DRMRF, respectively. As a result, the surface roughness of DRMRF is 0.578 nm (root-mean-square value) which is lower than 1.109 nm in common MRF.

Rapid, sensitive and direct analysis of exopolysaccharides from biofilm on aluminum surfaces exposed to sea water using MALDI-TOF MS.

PubMed

Hasan, Nazim; Gopal, Judy; Wu, Hui-Fen

2011-11-01

Biofilm studies have extensive significance since their results can provide insights into the behavior of bacteria on material surfaces when exposed to natural water. This is the first attempt of using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) for detecting the polysaccharides formed in a complex biofilm consisting of a mixed consortium of marine microbes. MALDI-MS has been applied to directly analyze exopolysaccharides (EPS) in the biofilm formed on aluminum surfaces exposed to seawater. The optimal conditions for MALDI-MS applied to EPS analysis of biofilm have been described. In addition, microbiologically influenced corrosion of aluminum exposed to sea water by a marine fungus was also observed and the fungus identity established using MALDI-MS analysis of EPS. Rapid, sensitive and direct MALDI-MS analysis on biofilm would dramatically speed up and provide new insights into biofilm studies due to its excellent advantages such as simplicity, high sensitivity, high selectivity and high speed. This study introduces a novel, fast, sensitive and selective platform for biofilm study from natural water without the need of tedious culturing steps or complicated sample pretreatment procedures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Metrological issues related to BRDF measurements around the specular direction in the particular case of glossy surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obein, Gaël.; Audenaert, Jan; Ged, Guillaume; Leloup, Frédéric B.

2015-03-01

Among the complete bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), visual gloss is principally related to physical reflection characteristics located around the specular reflection direction. This particular part of the BRDF is usually referred to as the specular peak. A good starting point for the physical description of gloss could be to measure the reflection properties around this specular peak. Unfortunately, such a characterization is not trivial, since for glossy surfaces the width of the specular peak can become very narrow (typically a full width at half maximum inferior to 0.5° is encountered). In result, new BRDF measurement devices with a very small solid angle of detection are being introduced. Yet, differences in the optical design of BRDF measurement instruments engender different measurement results for the same specimen, complicating direct comparison of the measurement results. This issue is addressed in this paper. By way of example, BRDF measurement results of two samples, one being matte and the other one glossy, obtained by use of two high level goniospectrophotometers with a different optical design, are described. Important discrepancies in the results of the glossy sample are discussed. Finally, luminance maps obtained from renderings with the acquired BRDF data are presented, exemplifying the large visual differences that might be obtained. This stresses the metrological aspects that must be known for using BRDF data. Indeed, the comprehension of parameters affecting the measurement results is an inevitable step towards progress in the metrology of surface gloss, and thus towards a better metrology of appearance in general.

Direct ethanol production from cassava pulp using a surface-engineered yeast strain co-displaying two amylases, two cellulases, and β-glucosidase.

PubMed

Apiwatanapiwat, Waraporn; Murata, Yoshinori; Kosugi, Akihiko; Yamada, Ryosuke; Kondo, Akihiko; Arai, Takamitsu; Rugthaworn, Prapassorn; Mori, Yutaka

2011-04-01

In order to develop a method for producing fuel ethanol from cassava pulp using cell surface engineering (arming) technology, an arming yeast co-displaying α-amylase (α-AM), glucoamylase, endoglucanase, cellobiohydrase, and β-glucosidase on the surface of the yeast cells was constructed. The novel yeast strain, possessing the activities of all enzymes, was able to produce ethanol directly from soluble starch, barley β-glucan, and acid-treated Avicel. Cassava is a major crop in Southeast Asia and used mainly for starch production. In the starch manufacturing process, large amounts of solid wastes, called cassava pulp, are produced. The major components of cassava pulp are starch (approximately 60%) and cellulose fiber (approximately 30%). We attempted simultaneous saccharification and ethanol fermentation of cassava pulp with this arming yeast. During fermentation, ethanol concentration increased as the starch and cellulose fiber substrates contained in the cassava pulp decreased. The results clearly showed that the arming yeast was able to produce ethanol directly from cassava pulp without addition of any hydrolytic enzymes.

Site-directed decapsulation of bolaamphiphilic vesicles with enzymatic cleavable surface groups.

PubMed

Popov, Mary; Grinberg, Sarina; Linder, Charles; Waner, Tal; Levi-Hevroni, Bosmat; Deckelbaum, Richard J; Heldman, Eliahu

2012-06-10

Stable nano-sized vesicles with a monolayer encapsulating membrane were prepared from novel bolaamphiphiles with choline ester head groups. The head groups were covalently bound to the alkyl chain of the bolaamphiphiles either via the nitrogen atom of the choline moiety, or via the choline ester's methyl group. Both types of bolaamphiphiles competed with acetylthiocholine for binding to acetylcholine esterase (AChE), yet, only the choline ester head groups bound to the alkyl chain via the nitrogen atom of the choline moiety were hydrolyzed by the enzyme. Likewise, only vesicles composed of bolaamphiphiles with head groups that were hydrolyzed by AChE released their encapsulated material upon exposure to the enzyme. Injection of carboxyfluorescein (CF)-loaded vesicles with cleavable choline ester head groups into mice resulted in the accumulation of CF in tissues that express high AChE activity, including the brain. By comparison, when vesicles with choline ester head groups that are not hydrolyzed by AChE were injected into mice, there was no accumulation of CF in tissues that highly express the enzyme. These results imply that bolaamphiphilic vesicles with surface groups that are substrates to enzymes which are highly expressed in target organs may potentially be used as a drug delivery system with controlled site-directed drug release. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On-surface synthesis on a bulk insulator surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Antje; Floris, Andrea; Bechstein, Ralf; Kantorovich, Lev; Kühnle, Angelika

2018-04-01

On-surface synthesis has rapidly emerged as a most promising approach to prepare functional molecular structures directly on a support surface. Compared to solution synthesis, performing chemical reactions on a surface offers several exciting new options: due to the absence of a solvent, reactions can be envisioned that are otherwise not feasible due to the insolubility of the reaction product. Perhaps even more important, the confinement to a two-dimensional surface might enable reaction pathways that are not accessible otherwise. Consequently, on-surface synthesis has attracted great attention in the last decade, with an impressive number of classical reactions transferred to a surface as well as new reactions demonstrated that have no classical analogue. So far, the majority of the work has been carried out on conducting surfaces. However, when aiming for electronic decoupling of the resulting structures, e.g. for the use in future molecular electronic devices, non-conducting surfaces are highly desired. Here, we review the current status of on-surface reactions demonstrated on the (10.4) surface of the bulk insulator calcite. Besides thermally induced C-C coupling of halogen-substituted aryls, photochemically induced [2  +  2] cycloaddition has been proven possible on this surface. Moreover, experimental evidence exists for coupling of terminal alkynes as well as diacetylene polymerization. While imaging of the resulting structures with dynamic atomic force microscopy provides a direct means of reaction verification, the detailed reaction pathway often remains unclear. Especially in cases where the presence of metal atoms is known to catalyze the corresponding solution chemistry reaction (e.g. in the case of the Ullmann reaction), disclosing the precise reaction pathway is of importance to understand and generalize on-surface reactivity on a bulk insulator surface. To this end, density-functional theory calculations have proven to provide atomic

Direct femtosecond laser surface structuring of crystalline silicon at 400 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nivas, Jijil JJ; Anoop, K. K.; Bruzzese, Riccardo; Philip, Reji; Amoruso, Salvatore

2018-03-01

We have analyzed the effects of the laser pulse wavelength (400 nm) on femtosecond laser surface structuring of silicon. The features of the produced surface structures are investigated as a function of the number of pulses, N, and compared with the surface textures produced by more standard near-infrared (800 nm) laser pulses at a similar level of excitation. Our experimental findings highlight the importance of the light wavelength for the formation of the supra-wavelength grooves, and, for a large number of pulses (N ≈ 1000), the generation of other periodic structures (stripes) at 400 nm, which are not observed at 800 nm. These results provide interesting information on the generation of various surface textures, addressing the effect of the laser pulse wavelength on the generation of grooves and stripes.

Sensitive detection of surface- and size-dependent direct and indirect band gap transitions in ferritin.

PubMed

Colton, J S; Erickson, S D; Smith, T J; Watt, R K

2014-04-04

Ferritin is a protein nano-cage that encapsulates minerals inside an 8 nm cavity. Previous band gap measurements on the native mineral, ferrihydrite, have reported gaps as low as 1.0 eV and as high as 2.5-3.5 eV. To resolve this discrepancy we have used optical absorption spectroscopy, a well-established technique for measuring both direct and indirect band gaps. Our studies included controls on the protein nano-cage, ferritin with the native ferrihydrite mineral, and ferritin with reconstituted ferrihydrite cores of different sizes. We report measurements of an indirect band gap for native ferritin of 2.140 ± 0.015 eV (579.7 nm), with a direct transition appearing at 3.053 ± 0.005 eV (406.1 nm). We also see evidence of a defect-related state having a binding energy of 0.220 ± 0.010 eV . Reconstituted ferrihydrite minerals of different sizes were also studied and showed band gap energies which increased with decreasing size due to quantum confinement effects. Molecules that interact with the surface of the mineral core also demonstrated a small influence following trends in ligand field theory, altering the native mineral's band gap up to 0.035 eV.

Direct Quantum Dynamics Using Grid-Based Wave Function Propagation and Machine-Learned Potential Energy Surfaces.

PubMed

Richings, Gareth W; Habershon, Scott

2017-09-12

We describe a method for performing nuclear quantum dynamics calculations using standard, grid-based algorithms, including the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) method, where the potential energy surface (PES) is calculated "on-the-fly". The method of Gaussian process regression (GPR) is used to construct a global representation of the PES using values of the energy at points distributed in molecular configuration space during the course of the wavepacket propagation. We demonstrate this direct dynamics approach for both an analytical PES function describing 3-dimensional proton transfer dynamics in malonaldehyde and for 2- and 6-dimensional quantum dynamics simulations of proton transfer in salicylaldimine. In the case of salicylaldimine we also perform calculations in which the PES is constructed using Hartree-Fock calculations through an interface to an ab initio electronic structure code. In all cases, the results of the quantum dynamics simulations are in excellent agreement with previous simulations of both systems yet do not require prior fitting of a PES at any stage. Our approach (implemented in a development version of the Quantics package) opens a route to performing accurate quantum dynamics simulations via wave function propagation of many-dimensional molecular systems in a direct and efficient manner.

Surface and guided waves on structured surfaces and inhomogeneous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polanco, Javier

Surface and guided waves on structured surfaces and inhomogeneous media studies the propagation of waves in systems with spatially varying parameters. In the rainbow case (chapter 1), the dielectric constant changes with coordinates. In the cylinder case: boundary and the metal (chapter 2), it is a curved surface. Finally, in the last case (chapter 3), the dielectric constant changes in z-direction.

Direct pore-scale reactive transport modelling of dynamic wettability changes induced by surface complexation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maes, Julien; Geiger, Sebastian

2018-01-01

Laboratory experiments have shown that oil production from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs by waterflooding could be significantly increased by manipulating the composition of the injected water (e.g. by lowering the ionic strength). Recent studies suggest that a change of wettability induced by a change in surface charge is likely to be one of the driving mechanism of the so-called low-salinity effect. In this case, the potential increase of oil recovery during waterflooding at low ionic strength would be strongly impacted by the inter-relations between flow, transport and chemical reaction at the pore-scale. Hence, a new numerical model that includes two-phase flow, solute reactive transport and wettability alteration is implemented based on the Direct Numerical Simulation of the Navier-Stokes equations and surface complexation modelling. Our model is first used to match experimental results of oil droplet detachment from clay patches. We then study the effect of wettability change on the pore-scale displacement for simple 2D calcite micro-models and evaluate the impact of several parameters such as water composition and injected velocity. Finally, we repeat the simulation experiments on a larger and more complex pore geometry representing a carbonate rock. Our simulations highlight two different effects of low-salinity on oil production from carbonate rocks: a smaller number of oil clusters left in the pores after invasion, and a greater number of pores invaded.

Silk Film Topography Directs Collective Epithelial Cell Migration

PubMed Central

Rosenblatt, Mark I.

2012-01-01

The following study provides new insight into how surface topography dictates directed collective epithelial cell sheet growth through the guidance of individual cell movement. Collective cell behavior of migrating human corneal limbal-epithelial cell sheets were studied on highly biocompatible flat and micro-patterned silk film surfaces. The silk film edge topography guided the migratory direction of individual cells making up the collective epithelial sheet, which resulted in a 75% increase in total culture elongation. This was due to a 3-fold decrease in cell sheet migration rate efficiency for movement perpendicular to the topography edge. Individual cell migration direction is preferred in the parallel approach to the edge topography where localization of cytoskeletal proteins to the topography’s edge region is reduced, which results in the directed growth of the collective epithelial sheet. Findings indicate customized biomaterial surfaces may be created to direct both the migration rate and direction of tissue epithelialization. PMID:23185573

Mission Adaptive UAS Platform for Earth Science Resource Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunagan, S.; Fladeland, M.; Ippolito, C.; Knudson, M.

2015-01-01

NASA Ames Research Center has led a number of important Earth science remote sensing missions including several directed at the assessment of natural resources. A key asset for accessing high risk airspace has been the 180 kg class SIERRA UAS platform, providing mission durations of up to 8 hrs at altitudes up to 3 km. Recent improvements to this mission capability are embodied in the incipient SIERRA-B variant. Two resource mapping problems having unusual mission characteristics requiring a mission adaptive capability are explored here. One example involves the requirement for careful control over solar angle geometry for passive reflectance measurements. This challenges the management of resources in the coastal ocean where solar angle combines with sea state to produce surface glint that can obscure the ocean color signal. Furthermore, as for all scanning imager applications, the primary flight control priority to fly the UAS directly to the next waypoint should compromise with the requirement to minimize roll and crab effects in the imagery. A second example involves the mapping of natural resources in the Earth's crust using precision magnetometry. In this case the vehicle flight path must be oriented to optimize magnetic flux gradients over a spatial domain having continually emerging features, while optimizing the efficiency of the spatial mapping task. These requirements were highlighted in several recent Earth Science missions including the October 2013 OCEANIA mission directed at improving the capability for hyperspectral reflectance measurements in the coastal ocean, and the Surprise Valley Mission directed at mapping sub-surface mineral composition and faults, using high-sensitivity magentometry. This paper reports the development of specific aircraft control approaches to incorporate the unusual and demanding requirements to manage solar angle, aircraft attitude and flight path orientation, and efficient (directly geo-rectified) surface and sub-surface

A novel method for the functionalization of aminoacids L-glycine, L-glutamic acid and L-arginine on maghemite/magnetite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruno, A. J.; Correa, J. R.; Peláez-Abellán, E.; Urones-Garrote, E.

2018-06-01

Nanoparticles of maghemite/magnetite functionalized with L-glycine, L-glutamic acid and L-arginine were synthesized by a novel method. The novel procedure consists in an alternative of that reported by Massart for the precipitation of magnetite in which the aminoacid is added in the carboxylate form. The amounts of aminoacid in the initial molar concentrations were 35%, 45% and 65% with respect to the ferrophase. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by several techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and magnetometry. The IR spectroscopy confirmed that the selected aminoacids were functionalized on the surface of iron oxide. XRD and EELS confirm that iron oxide consists of a maghemite-magnetite intermediate phase with an average particle size about 6 nm, which was measured by transmission electron microscopy. The superparamagnetic character of the nanoparticles was evaluated by magnetometry.

Rubber friction directional asymmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, A.; Dorogin, L.; Steenwyk, B.; Warhadpande, A.; Motamedi, M.; Fortunato, G.; Ciaravola, V.; Persson, B. N. J.

2016-12-01

In rubber friction studies it is usually assumed that the friction force does not depend on the sliding direction, unless the substrate has anisotropic properties, like a steel surface grinded in one direction. Here we will present experimental results for rubber friction, where we observe a strong asymmetry between forward and backward sliding, where forward and backward refer to the run-in direction of the rubber block. The observed effect could be very important in tire applications, where directional properties of the rubber friction could be induced during braking.

Directional radiance measurements: Challenges in the sampling of landscapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deering, D. W.

1994-01-01

Most earth surfaces, particularly those supporting natural vegetation ecosystems, constitute structurally and spectrally complex surfaces that are distinctly non-Lambertian reflectors. Obtaining meaningful measurements of the directional radiances of landscapes and obtaining estimates of the complete bidirectional reflectance distribution functions of ground targets with complex and variable landscape and radiometric features are challenging tasks. Reasons for the increased interest in directional radiance measurements are presented, and the issues that must be addressed when trying to acquire directional radiances for vegetated land surfaces from different types of remote sensing platforms are discussed. Priority research emphases are suggested, concerning field measurements of directional surface radiances and reflectances for future research. Primarily, emphasis must be given to the acquisition of more complete and directly associated radiometric and biometric parameter data sets that will empower the exploitation of the 'angular dimension' in remote sensing of vegetation through enabling the further development and rigorous validation of state of the art plant canopy models.

Surface triads with optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panchuk, K. L.; Lyubchinov, E. V.; Krysova, I. V.

2018-01-01

A geometric model of formation of surfaces comprising an interconnected triple of emitter, reflector and receiver is presented in the paper. The model is based on cyclographic mapping of a spatial curve to the plane. In such map any given point (x, y, z) of the curve corresponds to a cycle with center (x, y) and radius equal to z applicate. The entire curve corresponds to a directed envelope of cycles consisting, in the general case, of two branches. It is shown that the triad of curves consisting of two branches of the envelope and the orthogonal projection of the original curve within the plane (xy) corresponds to a triad of developable surfaces. The triad of curves in the plane (xy) and the original curve together form a triad of ruled surfaces. Both triads have an optical property. Any ray of light emerging from the point of the emitter surface along the normal to it and falling on the surface of the reflector afterwards is directed along the normal vector to the surface of the receiver. The direct and inverse problems of formation of the triad of surfaces are solved. In the first case, a one-parameter set of triads of surfaces is defined from a given spatial curve. In the second case, a single triad of surfaces is defined from a pair of curves "emitter-receiver" defined on the plane (xy). Numerical examples of solutions of the direct and inverse problems are considered and the corresponding visualizations are given. The results of the work can be used in the design of reflector antennas in radar systems and systems for converting solar energy into electric and thermal energy.

High-resolution vector magnetometry: Piezo-spin-polarization effect and in-plane strain-induced dominating uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in a 200-nm-thick Ni thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benito, L.

2018-04-01

Owing to its high-sensitivity, reliability, fast, versatile and cost-effective operation, vibrating sample magnetometers (VSM) are massively popular characterization instruments at Magnetism laboratories worldwide. Nevertheless, the inherent appearance of synchronous noise represents a major drawback, which critically limits the fine probing of nanometer-sized media. I here report on an innovative approach to eliminate synchronous noise in VSM. This consists of fitting engineered mechanical devices that absorbs vibration energy, dissipating that into heat. Complementarily, a novel transversal pick-up coil system is also presented and analyzed; this detection system has been engineered to enhance the noise-to-signal ratio and optimized for measuring small size thin film samples. The implementation of a combined mechanical and electromagnetic approach enables to notably enhance the VSM performance, achieving a sensitivity better than 1 ×10-6 emu and a resolution below 5 ×10-8 emu, so that the magnetization vector in nanostructured media can be accurately mapped out down to cryogenic temperatures. I lastly show precision magnetometry measurements carried out in an epitaxial (0 0 1)-oriented 200 nm-thick Ni thin film. The analysis reveals the arising of an in-plane dominating strain-induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, K2ef = - 6.455kJ m - 3 , and a stunning piezo-spin-polarization effect resulting in a remarkable 10% modulation of the magnetization vector, ∼ 27 emu/cm3, with respect to the cubic lattice axes. Both effects are attributed to the likely existence of an orthorhombic lattice distortion, i.e.εxx -εyy ≈ - 2 ×10-3 . This categorical link enables to assign the observed anisotropic spin-polarization in the Ni overlayer to a two-ion magnetoelastic coupling effect.

Bi-directional Reflectance of Icy Surface Analogs: A Dual Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quinones, Juan Manuel; Vides, Christina; Nelson, Robert M.; Boryta, Mark; Mannat, Ken s.

2018-01-01

Bi-directional reflectance measurements of analogs for planetary regolith have provided insight into the surface properties of planetary satellites and small bodies. Because Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) and water ice share a similar hexagonal crystalline structure, the former has been used in laboratory experiments to simulate the regolith of both icy and dusty planetary bodies. By measuring various sizes of well sorted size fractions of Al2O3, the reflectance phase curve and porosity of a planetary regolith can be determined. We have designed an experiment to test the laboratory measurements produced by Nelson et al. (2000). Additionally, we made reflectance measurements for other alkali-halide compounds that could be used for applications beyond astronomy and planetary science.In order to provide an independent check on the Nelson et al. data, we designed an instrument with a different configuration. While both instruments take bidirectional reflectance measurements, our instrument, the Rigid Photometric Goniometer (RPG), is fixed at a phase angle of 5° and detects the scattered light with a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The PMT current is then measured with an electrometer. Following the example of Nelson et al., we measured the bidirectional reflectance of Al2O3 particulate size fractions between 0.1

Directional Limits on Motion Transparency Assessed Through Colour-Motion Binding.

PubMed

Maloney, Ryan T; Clifford, Colin W G; Mareschal, Isabelle

2018-03-01

Motion-defined transparency is the perception of two or more distinct moving surfaces at the same retinal location. We explored the limits of motion transparency using superimposed surfaces of randomly positioned dots defined by differences in motion direction and colour. In one experiment, dots were red or green and we varied the proportion of dots of a single colour that moved in a single direction ('colour-motion coherence') and measured the threshold direction difference for discriminating between two directions. When colour-motion coherences were high (e.g., 90% of red dots moving in one direction), a smaller direction difference was required to correctly bind colour with direction than at low coherences. In another experiment, we varied the direction difference between the surfaces and measured the threshold colour-motion coherence required to discriminate between them. Generally, colour-motion coherence thresholds decreased with increasing direction differences, stabilising at direction differences around 45°. Different stimulus durations were compared, and thresholds were higher at the shortest (150 ms) compared with the longest (1,000 ms) duration. These results highlight different yet interrelated aspects of the task and the fundamental limits of the mechanisms involved: the resolution of narrowly separated directions in motion processing and the local sampling of dot colours from each surface.

Determining Directional Emittance With An Infrared Imager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daryabeigi, Kamran; Alderfer, David W.; Wright, Robert E., Jr.; Puram, Chith K.

1994-01-01

Directional emittances of flat specimen of smooth-surfaced, electrically nonconductive material at various temperatures computed from measurements taken by infrared radiometric imager operating in conjunction with simple ancillary equipment. Directional emittances useful in extracting detailed variations of surface temperatures from infrared images of curved, complexly shaped other specimens of same material. Advantages: simplification of measurement procedure and reduction of cost.

Directional measurement of short ocean waves with stereophotography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shemdin, Omar H.; Tran, H. Minh; Wu, S. C.

1988-01-01

Stereophotographs of the sea surface, acquired during the Tower Ocean Wave and Radar Dependence experiment are analyzed to yield directional wave height spectra of short surface waves in the 6-80-cm range. The omnidirectional wave height spectra are found to deviate from the k exp -4 distribution, where k is the wave number. The stereo data processing errors are found to be within + or - 5 percent. The omnidirectional spectra yield 514 deg of freedom for 30-cm-long waves. The directional distribution of short waves is processed with a directional resolution of 30 deg, so as to yield 72 deg of freedom for 30-cm-long waves. The directional distributions show peaks that are aligned with the wind and swell directions. It is found that dynamically relevant measurements can be obtained with stereophotography, after removal of the mean surface associated with long waves.

Nitrogen-vacancy-assisted magnetometry of paramagnetic centers in an individual diamond nanocrystal.

PubMed

Laraoui, Abdelghani; Hodges, Jonathan S; Meriles, Carlos A

2012-07-11

Semiconductor nanoparticles host a number of paramagnetic point defects and impurities, many of them adjacent to the surface, whose response to external stimuli could help probe the complex dynamics of the particle and its local, nanoscale environment. Here, we use optically detected magnetic resonance in a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center within an individual diamond nanocrystal to investigate the composition and spin dynamics of the particle-hosted spin bath. For the present sample, a ∼45 nm diamond crystal, NV-assisted dark-spin spectroscopy reveals the presence of nitrogen donors and a second, yet-unidentified class of paramagnetic centers. Both groups share a common spin lifetime considerably shorter than that observed for the NV spin, suggesting some form of spatial clustering, possibly on the nanoparticle surface. Using double spin resonance and dynamical decoupling, we also demonstrate control of the combined NV center-spin bath dynamics and attain NV coherence lifetimes comparable to those reported for bulk, Type Ib samples. Extensions based on the experiments presented herein hold promise for applications in nanoscale magnetic sensing, biomedical labeling, and imaging.

Direct observation of electrothermal instability structures on intensely Ohmically heated aluminum with current flowing in a surface skin layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awe, Thomas

2017-10-01

Implosions on the Z Facility assemble high-energy-density plasmas for radiation effects and ICF experiments, but achievable stagnation pressures and temperatures are degraded by the Magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor (MRT) instability. While the beryllium liners (tubes) used in Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) experiments are astonishingly smooth (10 to 50 nm RMS roughness), they also contain distributed micron-scale resistive inclusions, and large MRT amplitudes are observed. Early in the implosion, an electrothermal instability (ETI) may provide a perturbation which greatly exceeds the initial surface roughness of the liner. Resistive inhomogeneities drive nonuniform current density and Joule heating, resulting in locally higher temperature, and thus still higher resistivity. Such unstable temperature and pressure growth produce density perturbations which seed MRT. For MagLIF liners, ETI seeding of MRT has been inferred by evaluating late-time MRT, but a direct observation of ETI is not made. ETI is directly observed on the surface of 1.0-mm-diameter solid Al rods pulsed to 1 MA in 100 ns via high resolution gated optical imaging (2 ns temporal and 3 micron spatial resolution). Aluminum 6061 alloy rods, with micron-scale resistive inclusions, consistently first demonstrate overheating from distinct, 10-micron-scale, sub-eV spots, which 5-10 ns later merge into azimuthally stretched elliptical spots and discrete strata (40-100 microns wide by 10 microns tall). Axial plasma filaments form shortly thereafter. Surface plasma can be suppressed for rods coated with dielectric, enabling extended study of the evolution of stratified ETI structures, and experimental inference of ETI growth rates. This fundamentally new and highly 3-dimensional dataset informs ETI physics, including when the ETI seed of MRT may be initiated.

Determining wave direction using curvature parameters.

PubMed

de Queiroz, Eduardo Vitarelli; de Carvalho, João Luiz Baptista

2016-01-01

The curvature of the sea wave was tested as a parameter for estimating wave direction in the search for better results in estimates of wave direction in shallow waters, where waves of different sizes, frequencies and directions intersect and it is difficult to characterize. We used numerical simulations of the sea surface to determine wave direction calculated from the curvature of the waves. Using 1000 numerical simulations, the statistical variability of the wave direction was determined. The results showed good performance by the curvature parameter for estimating wave direction. Accuracy in the estimates was improved by including wave slope parameters in addition to curvature. The results indicate that the curvature is a promising technique to estimate wave directions.•In this study, the accuracy and precision of curvature parameters to measure wave direction are analyzed using a model simulation that generates 1000 wave records with directional resolution.•The model allows the simultaneous simulation of time-series wave properties such as sea surface elevation, slope and curvature and they were used to analyze the variability of estimated directions.•The simultaneous acquisition of slope and curvature parameters can contribute to estimates wave direction, thus increasing accuracy and precision of results.

TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH BI-DIRECTIONAL BEARING

DOEpatents

Longhurst, G.E.

1961-07-11

A two-direction motion bearing which is incorporated in a refueling nuclear fuel element trsnsfer tool assembly is described. A plurality of bi- directional bearing assembliesare fixed equi-distantly about the circumference of the transfer tool assembly to provide the tool assembly with a bearing surface- for both axial and rotational motion. Each bi-directional bearing assembly contains a plurality of circumferentially bulged rollers mounted in a unique arrangement which will provide a bearing surface for rotational movement of the tool assembly within a bore. The bi-direc tional bearing assembly itself is capable of rational motion and thus provides for longitudinal movement of the tool assembly.

Constructive, Collaborative, Contextual, and Self-Directed Learning in Surface Anatomy Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bergman, Esther M.; Sieben, Judith M.; Smailbegovic, Ida; de Bruin, Anique B. H.; Scherpbier, Albert J. J. A.; van der Vleuten, Cees P. M.

2013-01-01

Anatomy education often consists of a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, the latter frequently including surface anatomy. Studying surface anatomy enables students to elaborate on their knowledge of the cadaver's static anatomy by enabling the visualization of structures, especially those of the musculoskeletal system, move and…

Directed surface attachment of nanomaterials via coiled-coil-driven self-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Simon J.; Johnson, Steven; Szymonik, Michal; Wardingley, Richard A.; Pye, Douglas; Davies, A. Giles; Wälti, Christoph; Stockley, Peter G.

2012-12-01

Numerous nanoscale devices and materials have been fabricated in recent years using a variety of biological scaffolds. However, the interfacing of these devices and materials into existing circuits and ordered arrays has proved problematic. Here, we describe a simple solution to this problem using self-assembly of the peptide coiled-coil heterodimer ACID:BASE to immobilize M13 bacteriophage particles to specific locations on a patterned gold surface. Surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that free ACID peptides will assemble onto a surface derivatized with BASE. We then displayed the ACID peptide on the pIX coat protein of M13 and showed that these phage particles permit formation of the coiled-coil resulting in specific surface attachment. The ACID:immobilized BASE affinities appear to be similar for free peptide and phage-displayed ACID. Finally, we fabricated two gold electrodes, separated by a 200 nm gap, coated one of them with BASE and showed that this allows localization of the M13:ACID onto the functionalized electrode.

Surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes by direct encapsulation with varying dosages of amphiphilic block copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Xueping; Li, Jie; Kong, Liang; Wang, Yong

2015-08-01

Encapsulation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by amphiphilic block copolymers is an efficient way to stabilize CNTs in solvents. However, the appropriate dosages of copolymers and the assembled structures are difficult to predict and control because of the insufficient understanding on the encapsulation process. We encapsulate multiwalled CNTs with polystyrene-block-poly (4-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) by directly mixing them in acetic acid under sonication. The copolymer forms a lamellar structure along the surface of CNTs with the PS blocks anchoring on the tube wall and the P4VP blocks exposed to the outside. The encapsulated CNTs achieve good dispersibility in polar solvents over long periods. To increase our understanding of the encapsulation process we investigate the assembled structures and stability of copolymer/CNTs mixtures with changing mass ratios. Stable dispersions are obtained at high mass ratios between the copolymer and CNTs, i.e. 2 or 3, with the presence of free spherical micelles. Transmission electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis determine that the threshold for the complete coverage of CNTs by the copolymer occurs at the mass ratio of 1.5. The coated copolymer layer activates the surface of CNTs, enabling further functionalization of CNTs. For instance, atomic layer deposition of TiO2 produces conformal thin layers on the encapsulated CNTs while isolated TiO2 bumps are produced on the pristine, inert CNTs.

Surface characterization of acidic ceria-zirconia prepared by direct sulfation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azambre, B.; Zenboury, L.; Weber, J. V.; Burg, P.

2010-05-01

Acidic ceria-zirconia (SCZ) solid acid catalysts with a nominal surface density of ca 2 SO 42-/nm 2 were prepared by a simple route consisting in soaking high specific surface area Ce xZr 1- xO 2 (with x = 0.21 and 0.69) mixed oxides solutions in 0.5 M sulphuric acid. Characterizations by TPD-MS, TP-DRIFTS and FT-Raman revealed that most of surface structures generated by sulfation are stable at least up to 700 °C under inert atmosphere and consist mainly as isolated sulfates located on defects or crystal planes and to a lesser extent as polysulfates. Investigations by pyridine adsorption/desorption have stated that: SCZ possess both strong Brønsted (B) and Lewis (L) acid sites, some of them being presumably superacidic; the B/L site ratio was found to be more dependent on the temperature and hydration degree than on the composition of the ceria-zirconia. By contrast, the reactivity of the parent Ce xZr 1- xO 2 materials towards pyridine is mostly driven by redox properties resulting in the formation of Py-oxide with the participation of Lewis acid sites of moderate strength ( cus Ce x+ and Zr x+ cations). Basicity studies by CO 2 adsorption/desorption reveal that SCZ surfaces are solely acidic whereas the number and strength of Lewis basic sites increases with the Ce content for the parent Ce xZr 1- xO 2 materials.

Experimental study of the response functions of direct-reading instruments measuring surface-area concentration of airborne nanostructured particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bau, Sébastien; Witschger, Olivier; Gensdarmes, François; Thomas, Dominique

2009-05-01

An increasing number of experimental and theoretical studies focus on airborne nanoparticles (NP) in relation with many aspects of risk assessment to move forward our understanding of the hazards, the actual exposures in the workplace, and the limits of engineering controls and personal protective equipment with regard to NP. As a consequence, generating airborne NP with controlled properties constitutes an important challenge. In parallel, toxicological studies have been carried out, and most of them support the concept that surface-area could be a relevant metric for characterizing exposure to airborne NP [1]. To provide NP surface-area concentration measurements, some direct-reading instruments have been designed, based on attachment rate of unipolar ions to NP by diffusion. However, very few information is available concerning the performances of these instruments and the parameters that could affect their responses. In this context, our work aims at characterizing the actual available instruments providing airborne NP surface-area concentration. The instruments (a- LQ1-DC, Matter Engineering; b-AeroTrak™ 9000, TSI; c- NSAM, TSI model 3550;) are thought to be relevant for further workplace exposure characterization and monitoring. To achieve our work, an experimental facility (named CAIMAN) was specially designed, built and characterized.

Wetting-layer formation mechanisms of surface-directed phase separation under different quench depths with off-critical compositions in polymer binary mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Li-Tang; Xie, Xu-Ming

2007-02-01

Focusing on the off-critical condition, the quench depth dependence of surface-directed phase separation in the polymer binary mixture is numerically investigated by combination of the Cahn-Hilliard-Cook theory and the Flory-Huggins-de Gennes theory. Two distinct situations, i.e., for the wetting, the minority component is preferred by the surface and the majority component is preferred by the surface, are discussed in detail. The simulated results show that the formation mechanism of the wetting layer is affected by both the quench depth and the off-critical extent. Moreover, a diagram, illustrating the formation mechanisms of the wetting layer with various quench depths and compositions, is obtained on the basis of the simulated results. It is found that, when the minority component is preferred by the surface, the growth of the wetting layer can exhibit pure diffusion limited growth law, logarithmic growth law, and Lifshitz-Slyozov growth law. However, when the majority component is preferred by the surface, the wetting layer always grows logarithmically, regardless of the quench depth and the off-critical extent. It is interesting that the surface-induced nucleation can be observed in this case. The simulated results demonstrate that the surface-induced nucleation only occurs below a certain value of the quench depth, and a detailed range about it is calculated and indicated. Furthermore, the formation mechanisms of the wetting layer are theoretically analyzed in depth by the chemical potential gradient.

The antigenic surface of staphylococcal nuclease. II. Analysis of the N-1 epitope by site-directed mutagenesis.

PubMed

Smith, A M; Benjamin, D C

1991-02-15

Previous studies in our laboratory on the production and isolation of a panel of mAb to staphylococcal nuclease allowed us to define a series of eight overlapping epitopes. Using site-directed mutagenesis of the nuclease coding sequences we were able to map the nonoverlapping epitopes recognized by two members of this panel. In the study reported here, we report the generation and analysis of a number of single amino acid substitutions for seven surface residues predicted to lie within one of these two epitopes. Immunochemical analysis showed that one or more substitutions at each of these seven positions had a major effect on mAb binding, whereas other substitutions had none. Based on the nature of these substitutions and the chemical and physical properties of the variant molecules, we believe that any structural effects induced by these substitutions are local and do not result in long-range structural alterations that indirectly influence antibody reactivity. Therefore, we conclude that disruption of mAb binding can be directly attributed to changes in amino acid side chains and that not only are all seven of the residues studied part of the epitope but all seven make contact with the antibody combining site. These studies demonstrate the advantages of using site-directed mutagenesis to study antigen structure and emphasize the importance of constructing the examining multiple substitutions for any given amino acid.

Folding free energy surfaces of three small proteins under crowding: validation of the postprocessing method by direct simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Sanbo; Mittal, Jeetain; Zhou, Huan-Xiang

2013-08-01

We have developed a ‘postprocessing’ method for modeling biochemical processes such as protein folding under crowded conditions (Qin and Zhou 2009 Biophys. J. 97 12-19). In contrast to the direct simulation approach, in which the protein undergoing folding is simulated along with crowders, the postprocessing method requires only the folding simulation without crowders. The influence of the crowders is then obtained by taking conformations from the crowder-free simulation and calculating the free energies of transferring to the crowders. This postprocessing yields the folding free energy surface of the protein under crowding. Here the postprocessing results for the folding of three small proteins under ‘repulsive’ crowding are validated by those obtained previously by the direct simulation approach (Mittal and Best 2010 Biophys. J. 98 315-20). This validation confirms the accuracy of the postprocessing approach and highlights its distinct advantages in modeling biochemical processes under cell-like crowded conditions, such as enabling an atomistic representation of the test proteins.

Cavity enhanced atomic magnetometry

PubMed Central

Crepaz, Herbert; Ley, Li Yuan; Dumke, Rainer

2015-01-01

Atom sensing based on Faraday rotation is an indispensable method for precision measurements, universally suitable for both hot and cold atomic systems. Here we demonstrate an all-optical magnetometer where the optical cell for Faraday rotation spectroscopy is augmented with a low finesse cavity. Unlike in previous experiments, where specifically designed multipass cells had been employed, our scheme allows to use conventional, spherical vapour cells. Spherical shaped cells have the advantage that they can be effectively coated inside with a spin relaxation suppressing layer providing long spin coherence times without addition of a buffer gas. Cavity enhancement shows in an increase in optical polarization rotation and sensitivity compared to single-pass configurations. PMID:26481853

Direct observation of surface ethyl to ethane interconversion upon C2H4 hydrogenation over Pt/Al2O3 catalyst by time-resolved FT-IR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wasylenko, Walter; Frei, Heinz

2005-09-08

Time-resolved FT-IR spectra of ethylene hydrogenation over alumina-supported Pt catalyst were recorded at 25 ms resolution in the temperature range of 323-473 K using various H2 concentrations (1 atm total gas pressure). Surface ethyl species (2870 and 1200 cm(-1)) were detected at all temperatures along with the gas-phase ethane product (2954 and 2893 cm(-1)). The CH3CH2Pt growth was instantaneous on the time scale of 25 ms under all experimental conditions. At 323 K, the decay time of surface ethyl (122 +/- 10 ms) coincides with the rise time of ethane (144 +/- 14 ms). This establishes direct kinetic evidence for surface ethyl as the relevant reaction intermediate. Such a direct link between the temporal behavior of an unstable surface intermediate and the final product in a heterogeneous catalytic system has not been demonstrated before. A fraction (25%) of the asymptotic ethane growth at 323 K is prompt, indicating that there are surface ethyl species that react much faster than the majority of the CH3CH2Pt intermediates. The dispersive kinetics is attributed to the varying strength of interaction of the ethyl species with the Pt surface caused by heterogeneity of the surface environment. At 473 K, the majority of ethyl intermediates are hydrogenated prior to the recording of the first time slice (24 ms), and a correspondingly large prompt growth of ethane is observed. The yield and kinetics of the surface ethylidyne are in agreement with the known spectator nature of this species.

Simultaneous Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Optical Properties from Combined Airborne- and Ground-Based Direct and Diffuse Radiometric Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatebe, C. K.; Dubovik, O.; King, M. D.; Sinyuk, A.

2010-01-01

This paper presents a new method for simultaneously retrieving aerosol and surface reflectance properties from combined airborne and ground-based direct and diffuse radiometric measurements. The method is based on the standard Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) method for retrieving aerosol size distribution, complex index of refraction, and single scattering albedo, but modified to retrieve aerosol properties in two layers, below and above the aircraft, and parameters on surface optical properties from combined datasets (Cloud Absorption Radiometer (CAR) and AERONET data). A key advantage of this method is the inversion of all available spectral and angular data at the same time, while accounting for the influence of noise in the inversion procedure using statistical optimization. The wide spectral (0.34-2.30 m) and angular range (180 ) of the CAR instrument, combined with observations from an AERONET sunphotometer, provide sufficient measurement constraints for characterizing aerosol and surface properties with minimal assumptions. The robustness of the method was tested on observations made during four different field campaigns: (a) the Southern African Regional Science Initiative 2000 over Mongu, Zambia, (b) the Intercontinental Transport Experiment-Phase B over Mexico City, Mexico (c) Cloud and Land Surface Interaction Campaign over the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Central Facility, Oklahoma, USA, and (d) the Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) over Elson Lagoon in Barrow, Alaska, USA. The four areas are dominated by different surface characteristics and aerosol types, and therefore provide good test cases for the new inversion method.

Magnetometry of micro-magnets with electrostatically defined Hall bars

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lachance-Quirion, Dany; Camirand Lemyre, Julien; Bergeron, Laurent

2015-11-30

Micro-magnets are key components for quantum information processing with individual spins, enabling arbitrary rotations and addressability. In this work, characterization of sub-micrometer sized CoFe ferromagnets is performed with Hall bars electrostatically defined in a two-dimensional electron gas. Due to the ballistic nature of electron transport in the cross junction of the Hall bar, anomalies such as the quenched Hall effect appear near zero external magnetic field, thus hindering the sensitivity of the magnetometer to small magnetic fields. However, it is shown that the sensitivity of the diffusive limit can be almost completely restored at low temperatures using a large currentmore » density in the Hall bar of about 10 A/m. Overcoming the size limitation of conventional etched Hall bars with electrostatic gating enables the measurement of magnetization curves of 440 nm wide micro-magnets with a signal-to-noise ratio above 10{sup 3}. Furthermore, the inhomogeneity of the stray magnetic field created by the micro-magnets is directly measured using the gate-voltage-dependent width of the sensitive area of the Hall bar.« less

Immobilization of heparin/poly-(L)-lysine nanoparticles on dopamine-coated surface to create a heparin density gradient for selective direction of platelet and vascular cells behavior.

PubMed

Liu, Tao; Liu, Yang; Chen, Yuan; Liu, Shihui; Maitz, Manfred F; Wang, Xue; Zhang, Kun; Wang, Jian; Wang, Yuan; Chen, Junying; Huang, Nan

2014-05-01

Restenosis, thrombosis formation and delayed endothelium regeneration continue to be problematic for coronary artery stent therapy. To improve the hemocompatibility of the cardiovascular implants and selectively direct vascular cell behavior, a novel kind of heparin/poly-l-lysine (Hep/PLL) nanoparticle was developed and immobilized on a dopamine-coated surface. The stability and structural characteristics of the nanoparticles changed with the Hep:PLL concentration ratio. A Hep density gradient was created on a surface by immobilizing nanoparticles with various Hep:PLL ratios on a dopamine-coated surface. Antithrombin III binding quantity was significantly enhanced, and in plasma the APTT and TT times as coagulation tests were prolonged, depending on the Hep density. A low Hep density is sufficient to prevent platelet adhesion and activation. The sensitivity of vascular cells to the Hep density is very different: high Hep density inhibits the growth of all vascular cells, while low Hep density could selectively inhibit smooth muscle cell hyperplasia but promote endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial cell proliferation. These observations provide important guidance for modification of surface heparinization. We suggest that this method will provide a potential means to construct a suitable platform on a stent surface for selective direction of vascular cell behavior with low side effects. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ZnO nanorod arrays and direct wire bonding on GaN surfaces for rapid fabrication of antireflective, high-temperature ultraviolet sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

So, Hongyun; Senesky, Debbie G.

2016-11-01

Rapid, cost-effective, and simple fabrication/packaging of microscale gallium nitride (GaN) ultraviolet (UV) sensors are demonstrated using zinc oxide nanorod arrays (ZnO NRAs) as an antireflective layer and direct bonding of aluminum wires to the GaN surface. The presence of the ZnO NRAs on the GaN surface significantly reduced the reflectance to less than 1% in the UV and 4% in the visible light region. As a result, the devices fabricated with ZnO NRAs and mechanically stable aluminum bonding wires (pull strength of 3-5 gf) showed higher sensitivity (136.3% at room temperature and 148.2% increase at 250 °C) when compared with devices with bare (uncoated) GaN surfaces. In addition, the devices demonstrated reliable operation at high temperatures up to 300 °C, supporting the feasibility of simple and cost-effective UV sensors operating with higher sensitivity in high-temperature conditions, such as in combustion, downhole, and space exploration applications.

Chemically engineered graphene-based 2D organic molecular magnet.

PubMed

Hong, Jeongmin; Bekyarova, Elena; de Heer, Walt A; Haddon, Robert C; Khizroev, Sakhrat

2013-11-26

Carbon-based magnetic materials and structures of mesoscopic dimensions may offer unique opportunities for future nanomagnetoelectronic/spintronic devices. To achieve their potential, carbon nanosystems must have controllable magnetic properties. We demonstrate that nitrophenyl functionalized graphene can act as a room-temperature 2D magnet. We report a comprehensive study of low-temperature magnetotransport, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and superconducting quantum interference (SQUID) measurements before and after radical functionalization. Following nitrophenyl (NP) functionalization, epitaxially grown graphene systems can become organic molecular magnets with ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic ordering that persists at temperatures above 400 K. The field-dependent, surface magnetoelectric properties were studied using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. The results indicate that the NP-functionalization orientation and degree of coverage directly affect the magnetic properties of the graphene surface. In addition, graphene-based organic magnetic nanostructures were found to demonstrate a pronounced magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). The results were consistent across different characterization techniques and indicate room-temperature magnetic ordering along preferred graphene orientations in the NP-functionalized samples. Chemically isolated graphene nanoribbons (CINs) were observed along the preferred functionality directions. These results pave the way for future magnetoelectronic/spintronic applications based on promising concepts such as current-induced magnetization switching, magnetoelectricity, half-metallicity, and quantum tunneling of magnetization.

Simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG): assessing the impact of tDCS on slow cortical magnetic fields.

PubMed

Garcia-Cossio, Eliana; Witkowski, Matthias; Robinson, Stephen E; Cohen, Leonardo G; Birbaumer, Niels; Soekadar, Surjo R

2016-10-15

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can influence cognitive, affective or motor brain functions. Whereas previous imaging studies demonstrated widespread tDCS effects on brain metabolism, direct impact of tDCS on electric or magnetic source activity in task-related brain areas could not be confirmed due to the difficulty to record such activity simultaneously during tDCS. The aim of this proof-of-principal study was to demonstrate the feasibility of whole-head source localization and reconstruction of neuromagnetic brain activity during tDCS and to confirm the direct effect of tDCS on ongoing neuromagnetic activity in task-related brain areas. Here we show for the first time that tDCS has an immediate impact on slow cortical magnetic fields (SCF, 0-4Hz) of task-related areas that are identical with brain regions previously described in metabolic neuroimaging studies. 14 healthy volunteers performed a choice reaction time (RT) task while whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) was recorded. Task-related source-activity of SCFs was calculated using synthetic aperture magnetometry (SAM) in absence of stimulation and while anodal, cathodal or sham tDCS was delivered over the right primary motor cortex (M1). Source reconstruction revealed task-related SCF modulations in brain regions that precisely matched prior metabolic neuroimaging studies. Anodal and cathodal tDCS had a polarity-dependent impact on RT and SCF in primary sensorimotor and medial centro-parietal cortices. Combining tDCS and whole-head MEG is a powerful approach to investigate the direct effects of transcranial electric currents on ongoing neuromagnetic source activity, brain function and behavior. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG): assessing the impact of tDCS on slow cortical magnetic fields

PubMed Central

Garcia-Cossio, Eliana; Witkowski, Matthias; Robinson, Stephen E.; Cohen, Leonardo G.; Birbaumer, Niels; Soekadar, Surjo R.

2016-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can influence cognitive, affective or motor brain functions. Whereas previous imaging studies demonstrated widespread tDCS effects on brain metabolism, direct impact of tDCS on electric or magnetic source activity in task-related brain areas could not be confirmed due to the difficulty to record such activity simultaneously during tDCS. The aim of this proof-of-principal study was to demonstrate the feasibility of whole-head source localization and reconstruction of neuromagnetic brain activity during tDCS and to confirm the direct effect of tDCS on ongoing neuromagnetic activity in task-related brain areas. Here we show for the first time that tDCS has an immediate impact on slow cortical magnetic fields (SCF, 0–4 Hz) of task-related areas that are identical with brain regions previously described in metabolic neuroimaging studies. 14 healthy volunteers performed a choice reaction time (RT) task while whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) was recorded. Task-related source-activity of SCFs was calculated using synthetic aperture magnetometry (SAM) in absence of stimulation and while anodal, cathodal or sham tDCS was delivered over the right primary motor cortex (M1). Source reconstruction revealed task-related SCF modulations in brain regions that precisely matched prior metabolic neuroimaging studies. Anodal and cathodal tDCS had a polarity-dependent impact on RT and SCF in primary sensorimotor and medial centro-parietal cortices. Combining tDCS and whole-head MEG is a powerful approach to investigate the direct effects of transcranial electric currents on ongoing neuromagnetic source activity, brain function and behavior. PMID:26455796

Mixing of two co-directional Rayleigh surface waves in a nonlinear elastic material.

PubMed

Morlock, Merlin B; Kim, Jin-Yeon; Jacobs, Laurence J; Qu, Jianmin

2015-01-01

The mixing of two co-directional, initially monochromatic Rayleigh surface waves in an isotropic, homogeneous, and nonlinear elastic solid is investigated using analytical, finite element method, and experimental approaches. The analytical investigations show that while the horizontal velocity component can form a shock wave, the vertical velocity component can form a pulse independent of the specific ratios of the fundamental frequencies and amplitudes that are mixed. This analytical model is then used to simulate the development of the fundamentals, second harmonics, and the sum and difference frequency components over the propagation distance. The analytical model is further extended to include diffraction effects in the parabolic approximation. Finally, the frequency and amplitude ratios of the fundamentals are identified which provide maximum amplitudes of the second harmonics as well as of the sum and difference frequency components, to help guide effective material characterization; this approach should make it possible to measure the acoustic nonlinearity of a solid not only with the second harmonics, but also with the sum and difference frequency components. Results of the analytical investigations are then confirmed using the finite element method and the experimental feasibility of the proposed technique is validated for an aluminum specimen.

Directional emissivity from two-dimensional infrared waveguide arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burckel, D. Bruce; Davids, Paul S.; Finnegan, Patrick S.; Figueiredo, Pedro N.; Ginn, James C.

2015-09-01

Fabrication and optical characterization of surfaces covered with open-ended metallic waveguides are presented along with numerical modeling of these structures. Both modeling and measurement of the structures indicate that the 2-D array of 3D metallic waveguides modify both the direction and spectral content of the emissivity, resulting in directionality normal to the surface due to the optical axis of the waveguides and spectrally narrow emissivity due to the lateral dimensions of the waveguides. Furthermore, the optical behavior of these structures is placed in the broader context of other structured emission/absorption surfaces such as organ pipe modes, surface plasmon modes, and coherent thermal emission from gratings.

Versatile Surface Functionalization of Metal-Organic Frameworks through Direct Metal Coordination with a Phenolic Lipid Enables Diverse Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Wei; Xiang, Guolei; Shang, Jin

Here, a novel strategy for the versatile functionalization of the external surface of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been developed based on the direct coordination of a phenolic-inspired lipid molecule DPGG (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-galloyl) with metal nodes/sites surrounding MOF surface. X-ray diffraction and Argon sorption analysis prove that the modified MOF particles retain their structural integrity and porosity after surface modification. Density functional theory calculations reveal that strong chelation strength between the metal sites and the galloyl head group of DPGG is the basic prerequisite for successful coating. Due to the pH-responsive nature of metal-phenol complexation, the modification process is reversible by simplemore » washing in weak acidic water, showing an excellent regeneration ability for water-stable MOFs. Moreover, the colloidal stability of the modified MOFs in the nonpolar solvent allows them to be further organized into 2 dimensional MOF or MOF/polymer monolayers by evaporation-induced interfacial assembly conducted on an air/water interface. Lastly, the easy fusion of a second functional layer onto DPGG-modified MOF cores, enabled a series of MOF-based functional nanoarchitectures, such as MOFs encapsulated within hybrid supported lipid bilayers (so-called protocells), polyhedral core-shell structures, hybrid lipid-modified-plasmonic vesicles and multicomponent supraparticles with target functionalities, to be generated. for a wide range of applications.« less

Phospholipids as an alternative to direct covalent coupling: surface functionalization of nanoporous alumina for protein recognition and purification.

PubMed

Lazzara, Thomas D; Behn, Daniela; Kliesch, Torben-Tobias; Janshoff, Andreas; Steinem, Claudia

2012-01-15

Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrates with aligned, cylindrical, non-intersecting pores with diameters of 75 nm and depths of 3.5 or 10 μm were functionalized with lipid monolayers harboring different receptor lipids. AAO was first functionalized with dodecyl-trichlorosilane, followed by fusion of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) forming a lipid monolayer. The SUVs' lipid composition was transferred onto the AAO surface, allowing us to control the surface receptor density. Owing to the optical transparency of the AAO, the overall vesicle spreading process and subsequent protein binding to the receptor-doped lipid monolayers could be investigated in situ by optical waveguide spectroscopy (OWS). SUV spreading occurred at the pore-rim interface, followed by lateral diffusion of lipids within the pore-interior surface until homogeneous coverage was achieved with a lipid monolayer. The functionality of the system was demonstrated through streptavidin binding onto a biotin-DOPE containing POPC membrane, showing maximum protein coverage at 10 mol% of biotin-DOPE. The system enabled us to monitor in real-time the selective extraction of two histidine-tagged proteins, PIGEA14 (14 kDa) and ezrin (70 kDa), directly from cell lysate solutions using a DOGS-NTA(Ni)/DOPC (1:9) membrane. The purification process including protein binding and elution was monitored by OWS and confirmed by SDS-PAGE. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Immobilization of Chlorosulfonyl-Calix[4]arene onto the surface of silica gel through the directly estrification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taghvaei-Ganjali, Saeed; Zadmard, Reza; Saber-Tehrani, Mandana

2012-06-01

For the first time Chlorosulfonyl-Calix[4]arene has been chemically bonded to silica gel through the directly estrification without silane coupling agent to prepare Chlorosulfonyl-Calix[4]arene-bonded silica gel. Sample characterization was performed by various techniques such as elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption-desorption, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), 29Si CP/MAS spectroscopy and acid-base titration. All data approve the successful incorporation of organic group via covalent bond. From the comparison between sulfur content determined by elemental analysis and the number of H+ determined by acid-base titration, it was shown that two ester units took place onto the new synthesized sample and two acidic sites exist on the surface.

Surface Topography Hinders Bacterial Surface Motility.

PubMed

Chang, Yow-Ren; Weeks, Eric R; Ducker, William A

2018-03-21

We demonstrate that the surface motility of the bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is hindered by a crystalline hemispherical topography with wavelength in the range of 2-8 μm. The motility was determined by the analysis of time-lapse microscopy images of cells in a flowing growth medium maintained at 37 °C. The net displacement of bacteria over 5 min is much lower on surfaces containing 2-8 μm hemispheres than on flat topography, but displacement on the 1 μm hemispheres is not lower. That is, there is a threshold between 1 and 2 μm for response to the topography. Cells on the 4 μm hemispheres were more likely to travel parallel to the local crystal axis than in other directions. Cells on the 8 μm topography were less likely to travel across the crowns of the hemispheres and were also more likely to make 30°-50° turns than on flat surfaces. These results show that surface topography can act as a significant barrier to surface motility and may therefore hinder surface exploration by bacteria. Because surface exploration can be a part of the process whereby bacteria form colonies and seek nutrients, these results help to elucidate the mechanism by which surface topography hinders biofilm formation.

Power electronics substrate for direct substrate cooling

DOEpatents

Le, Khiet [Mission Viejo, CA; Ward, Terence G [Redondo Beach, CA; Mann, Brooks S [Redondo Beach, CA; Yankoski, Edward P [Corona, CA; Smith, Gregory S [Woodland Hills, CA

2012-05-01

Systems and apparatus are provided for power electronics substrates adapted for direct substrate cooling. A power electronics substrate comprises a first surface configured to have electrical circuitry disposed thereon, a second surface, and a plurality of physical features on the second surface. The physical features are configured to promote a turbulent boundary layer in a coolant impinged upon the second surface.

Evaluation of direct-exchange areas for a cylindrical enclosure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sika, J.

1991-11-01

This paper reports on a method for calculating the radiative heat transfer direct-exchange areas for surface-to-surface, volume-to-surface, and volume-to-volume pairs of zones in axisymmetric cylindrical geometries. With this method the calculation of the direct-exchange areas can be transformed from the original four-, five-, and sixfold integrals in the defining relations to just single and/or double integrals. Gray gas with absorption coefficient K is assumed.

Free-surface liquid jet impingement on rib patterned superhydrophobic surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maynes, D.; Johnson, M.; Webb, B. W.

2011-05-01

We report experimental results characterizing the dynamics of a liquid jet impinging normally on hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and superhydrophobic surfaces spanning the Weber number (based on the jet velocity and diameter) range from 100 to 1900. The superhydrophobic surfaces are fabricated with both hydrophobically coated silicon and polydimethylsiloxane that exhibit alternating microribs and cavities. For all surfaces a transition from a thin radially moving liquid sheet occurs. This takes the form of the classical hydraulic jump for the hydrophilic surfaces but is markedly different for the hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces, where the transition is significantly influenced by surface tension and a break-up into droplets is observed at high Weber number. For the superhydrophobic surfaces, the transition exhibits an elliptical shape with the major axis being aligned parallel to the ribs, concomitant with the frictional resistance being smaller in the parallel direction than in the transverse direction. However, the total projected area of the ellipse exhibits a nearly linear dependence on the jet Weber number, and was nominally invariant with varying hydrophobicity and relative size of the ribs and cavities. For the hydrophobic and superhydrophobic scenarios, the local Weber number based on the local radial velocity and local depth of the radially moving liquid sheet is observed to be of order unity at the transition location. The results also reveal that for increasing relative size of the cavities, the ratio of the ellipse axis (major-to-minor) increases.

Stimulated Raman signals at conical intersections: Ab initio surface hopping simulation protocol with direct propagation of the nuclear wave function

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kowalewski, Markus, E-mail: mkowalew@uci.edu; Mukamel, Shaul, E-mail: smukamel@uci.edu

2015-07-28

Femtosecond Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy (FSRS) signals that monitor the excited state conical intersections dynamics of acrolein are simulated. An effective time dependent Hamiltonian for two C—H vibrational marker bands is constructed on the fly using a local mode expansion combined with a semi-classical surface hopping simulation protocol. The signals are obtained by a direct forward and backward propagation of the vibrational wave function on a numerical grid. Earlier work is extended to fully incorporate the anharmonicities and intermode couplings.

Surface Modification of Direct-Current and Radio-Frequency Oxygen Plasma Treatments Enhance Cell Biocompatibility

PubMed Central

Wang, Rex C.-C.; Liu, Cheng; Yang, Chyun-Yu

2017-01-01

The sand-blasting and acid etching (SLA) method can fabricate a rough topography for mechanical fixation and long-term stability of titanium implant, but can not achieve early bone healing. This study used two kinds of plasma treatments (Direct-Current and Radio-Frequency plasma) to modify the SLA-treated surface. The modification of plasma treatments creates respective power range and different content functional OH groups. The results show that the plasma treatments do not change the micron scale topography, and plasma-treated specimens presented super hydrophilicity. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)-examined result showed that the functional OH content of the RF plasma-treated group was higher than the control (SLA) and DC treatment groups. The biological responses (protein adsorption, cell attachment, cell proliferation, and differentiation) promoted after plasma treatments, and the cell responses, have correlated to the total content of amphoteric OH groups. The experimental results indicated that plasma treatments can create functional OH groups on SLA-treated specimens, and the RF plasma-treated SLA implant thus has potential for achievement of bone healing in early stage of implantation. PMID:29068417

Direct interaction of Plin2 with lipids on the surface of lipid droplets: a live cell FRET analysis

PubMed Central

McIntosh, Avery L.; Senthivinayagam, Subramanian; Moon, Kenneth C.; Gupta, Shipra; Lwande, Joel S.; Murphy, Cameron C.; Storey, Stephen M.

2012-01-01

Despite increasing awareness of the health risks associated with excess lipid storage in cells and tissues, knowledge of events governing lipid exchange at the surface of lipid droplets remains unclear. To address this issue, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was performed to examine live cell interactions of Plin2 with lipids involved in maintaining lipid droplet structure and function. FRET efficiencies (E) between CFP-labeled Plin2 and fluorescently labeled phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, stearic acid, and cholesterol were quantitated on a pixel-by-pixel basis to generate FRET image maps that specified areas with high E (>60%) in lipid droplets. The mean E and the distance R between the probes indicated a high yield of energy transfer and demonstrated molecular distances on the order of 44–57 Å, in keeping with direct molecular contact. In contrast, FRET between CFP-Plin2 and Nile red was not detected, indicating that the CFP-Plin2/Nile red interaction was beyond FRET proximity (>100 Å). An examination of the effect of Plin2 on cellular metabolism revealed that triacylglycerol, fatty acid, and cholesteryl ester content increased while diacylglycerol remained constant in CFP-Plin2-overexpressing cells. Total phospholipids also increased, reflecting increased phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. Consistent with these results, expression levels of enzymes involved in triacylglycerol, cholesteryl ester, and phospholipid synthesis were significantly upregulated in CFP-Plin2-expressing cells while those associated with lipolysis either decreased or were unaffected. Taken together, these data show for the first time that Plin2 interacts directly with lipids on the surface of lipid droplets and influences levels of key enzymes and lipids involved in maintaining lipid droplet structure and function. PMID:22744009

Direct metal brazing to cermet feedthroughs

DOEpatents

Not Available

1982-07-29

An improved method for brazing metallic components to a cermet surface in an alumina substrate eliminates the prior art metallized layer over the cermet via and adjoining alumina surfaces. Instead, a nickel layer is applied over the cermet surface only and metallic components are brazed directly to this nickel coated cermet surface. As a result, heretofore unachievable tensile strength joints are produced. In addition, cermet vias with their brazed metal components can be spaced more closely in the alumina substrate because of the elimination of the prior art metallized alumina surfaces.

Direct metal brazing to cermet feedthroughs

DOEpatents

Hopper, Jr., Albert C.

1984-12-18

An improved method for brazing metallic components to a cermet surface in an alumina substrate eliminates the prior art metallized layer over the cermet via and adjoining alumina surfaces. Instead, a nickel layer is applied over the cermet surface only and metallic components are brazed directly to this nickel coated cermet surface. As a result, heretofore unachievable tensile strength joints are produced. In addition, cermet vias with their brazed metal components can be spaced more closely in the alumina substrate because of the elimination of the prior art metallized alumina surfaces.

Optimally resolving Lambertian surface orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertsatos, Ioannis; Makris, Nicholas C.

2003-10-01

Sonar images of remote surfaces are typically corrupted by signal-dependent noise known as speckle. Relative motion between source, surface, and receiver causes the received field to fluctuate over time with circular complex Gaussian random (CCGR) statistics. In many cases of practical importance, Lambert's law is appropriate to model radiant intensity from the surface. In a previous paper, maximum likelihood estimators (MLE) for Lambertian surface orientation have been derived based on CCGR measurements [N. C. Makris, SACLANT Conference Proceedings Series CP-45, 1997, pp. 339-346]. A Lambertian surface needs to be observed from more than one illumination direction for its orientation to be properly constrained. It is found, however, that MLE performance varies significantly with illumination direction due to the inherently nonlinear nature of this problem. It is shown that a large number of samples is often required to optimally resolve surface orientation using the optimality criteria of the MLE derived in Naftali and Makris [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 110, 1917-1930 (2001)].

Directed assembly of binary monolayers with a high protein affinity: infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

PubMed

Du, Xuezhong; Wang, Yuchun

2007-03-08

Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques have been employed to investigate human serum albumin (HSA) binding to binary monolayers of zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cationic dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DOMA). At the air-water interface, the favorable electrostatic interaction between DPPC and DOMA leads to a dense chain packing. The tilt angle of the hydrocarbon chains decreases with increasing mole fraction of DOMA (X(DOMA)) in the monolayers at the surface pressure 30 mN/m: DPPC ( approximately 30 degrees ), X(DOMA) = 0.1 ( approximately 15 degrees ), and X(DOMA) = 0.3 ( approximately 0 degrees ). Negligible protein binding to the DPPC monolayer is observed in contrast to a significant binding to the binary monolayers. After HSA binding, the hydrocarbon chains at X(DOMA) = 0.1 undergo an increase in tilt angle from 15 degrees to 25 approximately 30 degrees , and the chains at X(DOMA) = 0.3 remain almost unchanged. The two components in the monolayers deliver through lateral reorganization, induced by the protein in the subphase, to form multiple interaction sites favorable for protein binding. The surfaces with a high protein affinity are created through the directed assembly of binary monolayers for use in biosensing.

Dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance field sensing with part-per-trillion resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gross, Simon; Barmet, Christoph; Dietrich, Benjamin E.; Brunner, David O.; Schmid, Thomas; Pruessmann, Klaas P.

2016-12-01

High-field magnets of up to tens of teslas in strength advance applications in physics, chemistry and the life sciences. However, progress in generating such high fields has not been matched by corresponding advances in magnetic field measurement. Based mostly on nuclear magnetic resonance, dynamic high-field magnetometry is currently limited to resolutions in the nanotesla range. Here we report a concerted approach involving tailored materials, magnetostatics and detection electronics to enhance the resolution of nuclear magnetic resonance sensing by three orders of magnitude. The relative sensitivity thus achieved amounts to 1 part per trillion (10-12). To exemplify this capability we demonstrate the direct detection and relaxometry of nuclear polarization and real-time recording of dynamic susceptibility effects related to human heart function. Enhanced high-field magnetometry will generally permit a fresh look at magnetic phenomena that scale with field strength. It also promises to facilitate the development and operation of high-field magnets.

Dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance field sensing with part-per-trillion resolution

PubMed Central

Gross, Simon; Barmet, Christoph; Dietrich, Benjamin E.; Brunner, David O.; Schmid, Thomas; Pruessmann, Klaas P.

2016-01-01

High-field magnets of up to tens of teslas in strength advance applications in physics, chemistry and the life sciences. However, progress in generating such high fields has not been matched by corresponding advances in magnetic field measurement. Based mostly on nuclear magnetic resonance, dynamic high-field magnetometry is currently limited to resolutions in the nanotesla range. Here we report a concerted approach involving tailored materials, magnetostatics and detection electronics to enhance the resolution of nuclear magnetic resonance sensing by three orders of magnitude. The relative sensitivity thus achieved amounts to 1 part per trillion (10−12). To exemplify this capability we demonstrate the direct detection and relaxometry of nuclear polarization and real-time recording of dynamic susceptibility effects related to human heart function. Enhanced high-field magnetometry will generally permit a fresh look at magnetic phenomena that scale with field strength. It also promises to facilitate the development and operation of high-field magnets. PMID:27910860

Morphology and orientational behavior of silica-coated spindle-type hematite particles in a magnetic field probed by small-angle X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Reufer, Mathias; Dietsch, Hervé; Gasser, Urs; Hirt, Ann; Menzel, Andreas; Schurtenberger, Peter

2010-04-15

Form factor and magnetic properties of silica-coated spindle-type hematite nanoparticles are determined from SAXS measurements with applied magnetic field and magnetometry measurements. The particle size, polydispersity and porosity are determined using a core-shell model for the form factor. The particles are found to align with their long axis perpendicular to the applied field. The orientational order is determined from the SAXS data and compared to the orientational order obtained from magnetometry. The direct access to both, the orientational order of the particles, and the magnetic moments allow one to determine the magnetic properties of the individual spindle-type hematite particles. We study the influence of the silica coating on the magnetic properties and find a fundamentally different behavior of silica-coated particles. The silica coating reduces the effective magnetic moment of the particles. This effect is enhanced with field strength and can be explained by superparamagnetic relaxation in the highly porous particles.

Water surface locomotion in tropical canopy ants.

PubMed

Yanoviak, S P; Frederick, D N

2014-06-15

Upon falling onto the water surface, most terrestrial arthropods helplessly struggle and are quickly eaten by aquatic predators. Exceptions to this outcome mostly occur among riparian taxa that escape by walking or swimming at the water surface. Here we document sustained, directional, neustonic locomotion (i.e. surface swimming) in tropical arboreal ants. We dropped 35 species of ants into natural and artificial aquatic settings in Peru and Panama to assess their swimming ability. Ten species showed directed surface swimming at speeds >3 body lengths s(-1), with some swimming at absolute speeds >10 cm s(-1). Ten other species exhibited partial swimming ability characterized by relatively slow but directed movement. The remaining species showed no locomotory control at the surface. The phylogenetic distribution of swimming among ant genera indicates parallel evolution and a trend toward negative association with directed aerial descent behavior. Experiments with workers of Odontomachus bauri showed that they escape from the water by directing their swimming toward dark emergent objects (i.e. skototaxis). Analyses of high-speed video images indicate that Pachycondyla spp. and O. bauri use a modified alternating tripod gait when swimming; they generate thrust at the water surface via synchronized treading and rowing motions of the contralateral fore and mid legs, respectively, while the hind legs provide roll stability. These results expand the list of facultatively neustonic terrestrial taxa to include various species of tropical arboreal ants. © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

The immobilization of a direct thrombin inhibitor to a polyurethane as a nonthrombogenic surface coating for extracorporeal circulation.

PubMed

Yu, Jane; Brisbois, Elizabeth; Handa, Hitesh; Annich, Gail; Meyerhoff, Mark; Bartlett, Robert; Major, Terry

2016-04-07

A biomaterial with both antithrombin and antiplatelet properties is the ideal surface for use in extracorporeal circulation (ECC) as it targets both fibrin generation and platelet adhesion. A hemocompatible surface coating avoids the need for systemic anticoagulation by providing a local anticoagulant effect at the polymer-blood interface. Previous work has demonstrated the potential use of argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, as a nonthrombogenic material for extracorporeal devices. The work reported here focuses on the characterization of argatroban linked to a polyurethane-silicone polymer, CarboSil®. Chemical immobilization, the amount of argatroban, incubation times, and saturation point were evaluated to achieve maximal antithrombin activity at the polymer surface. Cross-linked polymer coatings reacted with 10 and 30 µmole of argatroban were prepared and tested. These coatings resulted in argatroban activity levels of 0.131 µM and 0.446 µM, respectively. After refining the cross-linking process, argatroban activity increased by approximately 3.6 fold. Maintenance of activity and leaching from the polymer surface were also evaluated. Using the refined process for linking argatroban to polymer, the resulting polymer was applied as a surface coating to the inner lumen of poly(vinyl chloride) ECC circuit tubing and its antithrombin effect evaluated using a 4 h rabbit ECC model. Following 4 h of blood exposure, the argatroban circuit demonstrated significantly less thrombus formation compared to the control CarboSil® coating with a 4.1 cm 2 thrombus average area for the control coating compared to 1.2 cm 2 for the argatroban coating (n=4). There was no significant change in thrombin time from baseline in plasma from animals in which the argatroban coated circuit was used, with a thrombin time of 16.2 s at t=0 and 14.5 s after 4 h. These results demonstrate the potential efficacy of immobilized argatroban as a hemocompatible biomaterial for extracorporeal

The immobilization of a direct thrombin inhibitor to a polyurethane as a nonthrombogenic surface coating for extracorporeal circulation

PubMed Central

Yu, Jane; Brisbois, Elizabeth; Handa, Hitesh; Annich, Gail; Meyerhoff, Mark; Bartlett, Robert; Major, Terry

2016-01-01

A biomaterial with both antithrombin and antiplatelet properties is the ideal surface for use in extracorporeal circulation (ECC) as it targets both fibrin generation and platelet adhesion. A hemocompatible surface coating avoids the need for systemic anticoagulation by providing a local anticoagulant effect at the polymer-blood interface. Previous work has demonstrated the potential use of argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, as a nonthrombogenic material for extracorporeal devices. The work reported here focuses on the characterization of argatroban linked to a polyurethane-silicone polymer, CarboSil®. Chemical immobilization, the amount of argatroban, incubation times, and saturation point were evaluated to achieve maximal antithrombin activity at the polymer surface. Cross-linked polymer coatings reacted with 10 and 30 µmole of argatroban were prepared and tested. These coatings resulted in argatroban activity levels of 0.131 µM and 0.446 µM, respectively. After refining the cross-linking process, argatroban activity increased by approximately 3.6 fold. Maintenance of activity and leaching from the polymer surface were also evaluated. Using the refined process for linking argatroban to polymer, the resulting polymer was applied as a surface coating to the inner lumen of poly(vinyl chloride) ECC circuit tubing and its antithrombin effect evaluated using a 4 h rabbit ECC model. Following 4 h of blood exposure, the argatroban circuit demonstrated significantly less thrombus formation compared to the control CarboSil® coating with a 4.1 cm2 thrombus average area for the control coating compared to 1.2 cm2 for the argatroban coating (n=4). There was no significant change in thrombin time from baseline in plasma from animals in which the argatroban coated circuit was used, with a thrombin time of 16.2 s at t=0 and 14.5 s after 4 h. These results demonstrate the potential efficacy of immobilized argatroban as a hemocompatible biomaterial for extracorporeal

Surface acoustic waves voltage controlled directional coupler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golan, G.; Griffel, G.; Yanilov, E.; Ruschin, S.; Seidman, A.; Croitoru, N.

1988-10-01

An important condition for the development of surface wave integrated-acoustic devices is the ability to guide and control the propagation of the acoustic energy. This can be implemented by deposition of metallic "loading" channels on an anisotropic piezoelectric substrate. Deposition of such two parallel channels causes an effective coupling of acoustic energy from one channel to the other. A basic requirement for this coupling effect is the existence of the two basic modes: a symmetrical and a nonsymmetrical one. A mode map that shows the number of sustained modes as a function of the device parameters (i.e., channel width; distance between channels; material velocity; and acoustical exciting frequency) is presented. This kind of map can help significantly in the design process of such a device. In this paper we devise an advanced acoustical "Y" coupler with the ability to control its effective coupling by an externally applied voltage, thereby causing modulation of the output intensities of the signals.

Normal Isocurvature Surfaces and Special Isocurvature Circles (SIC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manoussakis, Gerassimos; Delikaraoglou, Demitris

2010-05-01

An isocurvature surface of a gravity field is a surface on which the value of the plumblines' curvature is constant. Here we are going to study the isocurvature surfaces of the Earth's normal gravity field. The normal gravity field is a symmetric gravity field therefore the isocurvature surfaces are surfaces of revolution. But even in this case the necessary relations for their study are not simple at all. Therefore to study an isocurvature surface we make special assumptions to form a vector equation which will hold only for a small coordinate patch of the isocurvature surface. Yet from the definition of the isocurvature surface and the properties of the normal gravity field is possible to express very interesting global geometrical properties of these surfaces without mixing surface differential calculus. The gradient of the plumblines' curvature function is vertical to an isocurvature surface. If P is a point of an isocurvature surface and "Φ" is the angle of the gradient of the plumblines' curvature with the equatorial plane then this direction points to the direction along which the curvature of the plumbline decreases / increases the most, and therefore is related to the strength of the normal gravity field. We will show that this direction is constant along a line of curvature of the isocurvature surface and this line is an isocurvature circle. In addition we will show that at each isocurvature surface there is at least one isocurvature circle along which the direction of the maximum variation of the plumblines' curvature function is parallel to the equatorial plane of the ellipsoid of revolution. This circle is defined as a Special Isocurvature Circle (SIC). Finally we shall prove that all these SIC lye on a special surface of revolution, the so - called SIC surface. That is to say, a SIC is not an isolated curve in the three dimensional space.

A Conceptual Study for the Autonomous Direct Forming of Lunar Regolith into Flexlock (Trademark) Geomats for Lunar Surface Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Luke B.; Hintze, Paul; OConnor, Gregory W.

2009-01-01

We describe the conceptual method of an autonomously operable Direct Forming machine that would consume regolith or regolith slag to mold intimately, interlinked elements in a continuous process. The resulting product, one to three meter wide geomats, would be deployed over commonly traversed areas to isolate the astronauts and equipment from underlying dust. The porous geotextile would provide areas for dust settling, thereby mitigating dust impingement on astronaut suits or surface structures. Because of their self-supporting yet flexible structure, these geomats could be assembled into shields and buttresses to protect lunar habitants from radiation, forming a "flexoskeleton" from in situ materials.

Surface Habitat Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kennedy, Kriss J.

2009-01-01

The Surface Habitat Systems (SHS) Focused Investment Group (FIG) is part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) effort to provide a focused direction and funding to the various projects that are working on human surface habitat designs and technologies for the planetary exploration missions. The overall SHS-FIG effort focuses on directing and guiding those projects that: 1) develop and demonstrate new surface habitat system concepts, innovations, and technologies to support human exploration missions, 2) improve environmental systems that interact with human habitats, 3) handle and emplace human surface habitats, and 4) focus on supporting humans living and working in habitats on planetary surfaces. The activity areas of the SHS FIG described herein are focused on the surface habitat project near-term objectives as described in this document. The SHS-FIG effort focuses on mitigating surface habitat risks (as identified by the Lunar Surface Systems Project Office (LSSPO) Surface Habitat Element Team; and concentrates on developing surface habitat technologies as identified in the FY08 gap analysis. The surface habitat gap assessment will be updated annually as the surface architecture and surface habitat definition continues to mature. These technologies are mapped to the SHS-FIG Strategic Development Roadmap. The Roadmap will bring to light the areas where additional innovative efforts are needed to support the development of habitat concepts and designs and the development of new technologies to support of the LSSPO Habitation Element development plan. Three specific areas of development that address Lunar Architecture Team (LAT)-2 and Constellation Architecture Team (CxAT) Lunar habitat design issues or risks will be focused on by the SHS-FIG. The SHS-FIG will establish four areas of development that will help the projects prepare in their planning for surface habitat systems development. Those development areas are

New Electrocatalysts for Direct Oxidation of Organic Fuels

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-12

ambient temperature . [28,29] While 13C-NMR provides information on the nature of the adsorbate and the electronic environment at the active surface of...our study to unsupported electrocatalysts that are of greater interest for direct methanol and direct ethanol fuel cells. We have developed a new in...coverage, and type of surface site on the relative adsorption rate and electrooxidative activity of the electrocatalyst. Figure 2 shows sample

Topographical cues of direct metal laser sintering titanium surfaces facilitate osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through epigenetic regulation.

PubMed

Zheng, Guoying; Guan, Binbin; Hu, Penghui; Qi, Xingying; Wang, Pingting; Kong, Yu; Liu, Zihao; Gao, Ping; Li, Rui; Zhang, Xu; Wu, Xudong; Sui, Lei

2018-04-27

To investigate the role of hierarchical micro/nanoscale topography of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) titanium surfaces in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as well as the possible underlying epigenetic mechanism. Three groups of titanium specimens were prepared, including DMLS group, sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) group and smooth titanium (Ti) group. BMSCs were cultured on discs followed by surface characterization. Cell adhesion and proliferation were examined by SEM and CCK-8 assay, while osteogenic-related gene expression was detected by real-time RT-PCR. Immunofluorescence, western blotting and in vivo study were also performed to evaluate the potential for osteogenic induction of materials. In addition, to investigate the underlying epigenetic mechanisms, immunofluorescence and western blotting were performed to evaluate the global level of H3K4me3 during osteogenesis. The H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 levels at the promoter area of the osteogenic gene Runx2 were detected by ChIP assay. The DMLS surface exhibits greater protein adsorption ability and shows better cell adhesion performance than SLA and Ti surfaces. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the DMLS surface is more favourable for the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs than SLA and Ti surfaces. Accordingly, osteogenesis-associated gene expression in BMSCs is efficiently induced by a rapid H3K27 demethylation and increase in H3K4me3 levels at gene promoters upon osteogenic differentiation on DMLS titanium surface. Topographical cues of DMLS surfaces have greater potential for the induction of osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs than SLA and Ti surfaces both in vitro and in vivo. A potential epigenetic mechanism is that the appropriate topography allows rapid H3K27 demethylation and an increased H3K4me3 level at the promoter region of osteogenesis-associated genes during the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. © 2018 John Wiley

Top-Down Proteomics and Direct Surface Sampling of Neonatal Dried Blood Spots: Diagnosis of Unknown Hemoglobin Variants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, Rebecca L.; Griffiths, Paul; Bunch, Josephine; Cooper, Helen J.

2012-11-01

We have previously shown that liquid microjunction surface sampling of dried blood spots coupled with high resolution top-down mass spectrometry may be used for screening of common hemoglobin variants HbS, HbC, and HbD. In order to test the robustness of the approach, we have applied the approach to unknown hemoglobin variants. Six neonatal dried blood spot samples that had been identified as variants, but which could not be diagnosed by current screening methods, were analyzed by direct surface sampling top-down mass spectrometry. Both collision-induced dissociation and electron transfer dissociation mass spectrometry were employed. Four of the samples were identified as β-chain variants: two were heterozygous Hb D-Iran, one was heterozygous Hb Headington, and one was heterozygous Hb J-Baltimore. The fifth sample was identified as the α-chain variant heterozygous Hb Phnom Penh. Analysis of the sixth sample suggested that it did not in fact contain a variant. Adoption of the approach in the clinic would require speed in both data collection and interpretation. To address that issue, we have compared manual data analysis with freely available data analysis software (ProsightPTM). The results demonstrate the power of top-down proteomics for hemoglobin variant analysis in newborn samples.

Determining Directions of Ultrasound in Solids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R.; Roth, Don J.

1987-01-01

Ultrasound shadows cast by grooves. Improved method for determining direction of ultrasound in materials is shadow method using Scanning laser acoustic microscopy (SLAM). Direction of ultrasound calculated from dimensions of groove and portion of surface groove shields from ultrasound. Method has variety of applications in nontraditional quality-control applications.

Direct Linearization and Adjoint Approaches to Evaluation of Atmospheric Weighting Functions and Surface Partial Derivatives: General Principles, Synergy and Areas of Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ustino, Eugene A.

2006-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the observable radiances as functions of atmospheric parameters and of surface parameters; the mathematics of atmospheric weighting functions (WFs) and surface partial derivatives (PDs) are presented; and the equation of the forward radiative transfer (RT) problem is presented. For non-scattering atmospheres this can be done analytically, and all WFs and PDs can be computed analytically using the direct linearization approach. For scattering atmospheres, in general case, the solution of the forward RT problem can be obtained only numerically, but we need only two numerical solutions: one of the forward RT problem and one of the adjoint RT problem to compute all WFs and PDs we can think of. In this presentation we discuss applications of both the linearization and adjoint approaches

A Compact, Broadband Antenna for Planetary Surface-to-Surface Wireless Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barr, Philip; Zaman, Afroz; Miranda, Felix

2006-01-01

The Compact Microstrip Monopole Antenna (CMMA) is a novel antenna design that combines a microstrip patch antenna with a three-dimensional structure to attain a highly directive, broadband, compact antenna. A Tri-Lobed Patch (TLP) was designed to minimize the patch's area while reducing the antenna's operating frequency. A Grounding Wall (GW) connects the patch to the ground plane and a Vertical Enclosure Wall (VEW) extends up away from portions of the patch's perimeter. This VEW supplies the antenna with a higher directivity in the radial direction as well as reduces the operating frequency. The CMMA was designed to operate at 2.23 GHz, but experimental results have shown this antenna resonates at 2.05 GHz which is on the order of approximately Lambda(sub o)/11.6 with respect to the antenna's largest dimension, with a directivity and bandwidth of 6.0 dBi, and 130 MHz (6.3 percent), respectively. This miniature, radially emitting antenna makes the CMMA attractive for planetary-based surface-to-surface communications.

Droplet impact on regular micro-grooved surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Hai-Bao; Huang, Su-He; Chen, Li-Bin

2013-08-01

We have investigated experimentally the process of a droplet impact on a regular micro-grooved surface. The target surfaces are patterned such that micro-scale spokes radiate from the center, concentric circles, and parallel lines on the polishing copper plate, using Quasi-LIGA molding technology. The dynamic behavior of water droplets impacting on these structured surfaces is examined using a high-speed camera, including the drop impact processes, the maximum spreading diameters, and the lengths and numbers of fingers at different values of Weber number. Experimental results validate that the spreading processes are arrested on all target surfaces at low velocity. Also, the experimental results at higher impact velocity demonstrate that the spreading process is conducted on the surface parallel to the micro-grooves, but is arrested in the direction perpendicular to the micro-grooves. Besides, the lengths of fingers increase observably, even when they are ejected out as tiny droplets along the groove direction, at the same time the drop recoil velocity is reduced by micro-grooves which are parallel to the spreading direction, but not by micro-grooves which are vertical to the spreading direction.

Recovery of Vanadium from Magnetite Ore Using Direct Acid Leaching: Optimization of Parameters by Plackett-Burman and Response Surface Methodologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nejad, Davood Ghoddocy; Khanchi, Ali Reza; Taghizadeh, Majid

2018-06-01

Recovery of vanadium from magnetite ore by direct acid leaching is discussed. The proposed process, which employs a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids, avoids pyrometallurgical treatments since such treatment consumes a high amount of energy. To determine the optimum conditions of vanadium recovery, the leaching process is optimized through Plackett-Burman (P-B) design and response surface methodology (RSM). In this respect, temperature (80-95°C), liquid to solid ratio (L/S) (3-10 mL g-1), sulfuric acid concentration (3-6 M), nitric acid concentration (5-10 vol.%) and time (4-8 h) are considered as the independent variables. According to the P-B approach, temperature and acid concentrations are, respectively, the most effective parameters in the leaching process. These parameters are optimized using RSM to maximize recovery of vanadium by direct acid leaching. In this way, 86.7% of vanadium can be extracted from magnetic ore.

Recovery of Vanadium from Magnetite Ore Using Direct Acid Leaching: Optimization of Parameters by Plackett-Burman and Response Surface Methodologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nejad, Davood Ghoddocy; Khanchi, Ali Reza; Taghizadeh, Majid

2018-03-01

Recovery of vanadium from magnetite ore by direct acid leaching is discussed. The proposed process, which employs a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids, avoids pyrometallurgical treatments since such treatment consumes a high amount of energy. To determine the optimum conditions of vanadium recovery, the leaching process is optimized through Plackett-Burman (P-B) design and response surface methodology (RSM). In this respect, temperature (80-95°C), liquid to solid ratio (L/S) (3-10 mL g-1), sulfuric acid concentration (3-6 M), nitric acid concentration (5-10 vol.%) and time (4-8 h) are considered as the independent variables. According to the P-B approach, temperature and acid concentrations are, respectively, the most effective parameters in the leaching process. These parameters are optimized using RSM to maximize recovery of vanadium by direct acid leaching. In this way, 86.7% of vanadium can be extracted from magnetic ore.

A new way to make diamond tip hosting an atomic sized defect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Tony; Stohr, Rainer; Dovzhenko, Yuliya; Casola, Francesco; Yacoby, Amir

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond has been fascinating people with its unique role in quantum information and magnetometry. NV magnetometry was used to investigate many fundamental physics studies and develop a number of industrial applications. One of the powerful aspects of NV magnetometry is the ability to scan in space to perform spatial magnetic field sensing with nano-meter resolution. As a new emerging scanning probe technique, it faces a huge challenge to be widely adopted due to its complexity in fabrication. Here, we report a new simple way of creating diamond tips with tools found in basic clean room facilities and mount the tips onto an experimental apparatus with common lab bench tools. Finally, scanning NV magnetometry was performed to demonstrate its application. This work is supported by the QuASAR project and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundations EPiQS Initiative through Grant GBMF4531.

High-resolution computer-generated reflection holograms with three-dimensional effects written directly on a silicon surface by a femtosecond laser.

PubMed

Wædegaard, Kristian J; Balling, Peter

2011-02-14

An infrared femtosecond laser has been used to write computer-generated holograms directly on a silicon surface. The high resolution offered by short-pulse laser ablation is employed to write highly detailed holograms with resolution up to 111 kpixels/mm2. It is demonstrated how three-dimensional effects can be realized in computer-generated holograms. Three-dimensional effects are visualized as a relative motion between different parts of the holographic reconstruction, when the hologram is moved relative to the reconstructing laser beam. Potential security applications are briefly discussed.

Direct and semi-direct aerosol radiative effect on the Mediterranean climate variability using a coupled regional climate system model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabat, Pierre; Somot, Samuel; Mallet, Marc; Sevault, Florence; Chiacchio, Marc; Wild, Martin

2015-02-01

A fully coupled regional climate system model (CNRM-RCSM4) has been used over the Mediterranean region to investigate the direct and semi-direct effects of aerosols, but also their role in the radiation-atmosphere-ocean interactions through multi-annual ensemble simulations (2003-2009) with and without aerosols and ocean-atmosphere coupling. Aerosols have been taken into account in CNRM-RCSM4 through realistic interannual monthly AOD climatologies. An evaluation of the model has been achieved, against various observations for meteorological parameters, and has shown the ability of CNRM-RCSM4 to reproduce the main patterns of the Mediterranean climate despite some biases in sea surface temperature (SST), radiation and cloud cover. The results concerning the aerosol radiative effects show a negative surface forcing on average because of the absorption and scattering of the incident radiation. The SW surface direct effect is on average -20.9 Wm-2 over the Mediterranean Sea, -14.7 Wm-2 over Europe and -19.7 Wm-2 over northern Africa. The LW surface direct effect is weaker as only dust aerosols contribute (+4.8 Wm-2 over northern Africa). This direct effect is partly counterbalanced by a positive semi-direct radiative effect over the Mediterranean Sea (+5.7 Wm-2 on average) and Europe (+5.0 Wm-2) due to changes in cloud cover and atmospheric circulation. The total aerosol effect is consequently negative at the surface and responsible for a decrease in land (on average -0.4 °C over Europe, and -0.5 °C over northern Africa) and sea surface temperature (on average -0.5 °C for the Mediterranean SST). In addition, the latent heat loss is shown to be weaker (-11.0 Wm-2) in the presence of aerosols, resulting in a decrease in specific humidity in the lower troposphere, and a reduction in cloud cover and precipitation. Simulations also indicate that dust aerosols warm the troposphere by absorbing solar radiation, and prevent radiation from reaching the surface, thus

Maintenance Solutions for Bleeding and Flushed Pavements Surfaced with a Seal Coat or Surface Treatment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-02-01

This report summarizes the findings of research directed at identifying maintenance solutions for bleeding and : flushed asphalt pavements surfaced with seal coats or surface treatments. Although the basic mechanism associated with : both bleeding an...

Ultra-trace level determination of diquat and paraquat residues in surface and drinking water using ion-pair liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry: a comparison of direct injection and solid-phase extraction methods.

PubMed

Oh, Jin-Aa; Lee, Jun-Bae; Lee, Soo-Hyung; Shin, Ho-Sang

2014-10-01

Direct injection and solid-phase extraction methods for the determination of diquat and paraquat in surface and drinking water were developed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The signal intensities of analytes based on six ion-pairing reagents were compared with each other, and 12.5 mM nonafluoropentanoic acid was selected as the best suited amongst them. A clean-up method was developed using Oasis hydrophilic-lipophilic balance; this was compared to the direct injection method, with respect to limits of detection, interference, precision, and accuracy. Limits of quantification of diquat and paraquat were 0.03 and 0.01 μg/L using the direct injection method, and 0.002 and 0.001 μg/L using the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance method. When the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance method was used to analyze target compounds in 114 surface water and 30 drinking water samples, paraquat and diquat were detected within a concentration range of 0.001-0.12 and 0.002-0.038 μg/L in surface water, respectively. When the direct injection method was used to analyze target compounds in the same samples, the detected concentrations of paraquat and diquat were within 25% in samples being >0.015 μg/L using the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance method. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method using direct injection can thus be used for routine monitoring of paraquat and diquat in surface and drinking water. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Direct Aerosol Forcing Uncertainty

DOE Data Explorer

Mccomiskey, Allison

2008-01-15

Understanding sources of uncertainty in aerosol direct radiative forcing (DRF), the difference in a given radiative flux component with and without aerosol, is essential to quantifying changes in Earth's radiation budget. We examine the uncertainty in DRF due to measurement uncertainty in the quantities on which it depends: aerosol optical depth, single scattering albedo, asymmetry parameter, solar geometry, and surface albedo. Direct radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere and at the surface as well as sensitivities, the changes in DRF in response to unit changes in individual aerosol or surface properties, are calculated at three locations representing distinct aerosol types and radiative environments. The uncertainty in DRF associated with a given property is computed as the product of the sensitivity and typical measurement uncertainty in the respective aerosol or surface property. Sensitivity and uncertainty values permit estimation of total uncertainty in calculated DRF and identification of properties that most limit accuracy in estimating forcing. Total uncertainties in modeled local diurnally averaged forcing range from 0.2 to 1.3 W m-2 (42 to 20%) depending on location (from tropical to polar sites), solar zenith angle, surface reflectance, aerosol type, and aerosol optical depth. The largest contributor to total uncertainty in DRF is usually single scattering albedo; however decreasing measurement uncertainties for any property would increase accuracy in DRF. Comparison of two radiative transfer models suggests the contribution of modeling error is small compared to the total uncertainty although comparable to uncertainty arising from some individual properties.

Removal of surface-reflected light for the measurement of remote-sensing reflectance from an above-surface platform.

PubMed

Lee, Zhongping; Ahn, Yu-Hwan; Mobley, Curtis; Arnone, Robert

2010-12-06

Using hyperspectral measurements made in the field, we show that the effective sea-surface reflectance ρ (defined as the ratio of the surface-reflected radiance at the specular direction corresponding to the downwelling sky radiance from one direction) varies not only for different measurement scans, but also can differ by a factor of 8 between 400 nm and 800 nm for the same scan. This means that the derived water-leaving radiance (or remote-sensing reflectance) can be highly inaccurate if a spectrally constant ρ value is applied (although errors can be reduced by carefully filtering measured raw data). To remove surface-reflected light in field measurements of remote sensing reflectance, a spectral optimization approach was applied, with results compared with those from remote-sensing models and from direct measurements. The agreement from different determinations suggests that reasonable results for remote sensing reflectance of clear blue water to turbid brown water are obtainable from above-surface measurements, even under conditions of high waves.

Assessment of groundwater under direct influence of surface water.

PubMed

Nnadi, Fidelia N; Fulkerson, Mark

2002-08-01

Waterborne pathogens are known to reside in surface water systems throughout the U.S. Cryptosporidium outbreaks over recent years are the result of drinking water supplied from such sources. Contamination of aquifers has also led to several reported cases from drinking water wells. With high resistance to typical groundwater treatment procedures, aquifer infiltration by Cryptosporidium poses a serious threat. As groundwater wells are the main source of drinking water supply in the State of Florida, understanding factors that affect the presence of Cryptosporidium would prevent future outbreaks. This study examines karst geology, land use, and hydrogeology in the State of Florida as they influence the risk of groundwater contamination. Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA) sampling was performed on 719 wells distributed across Florida. The results of the sampling described each well as having high, moderate, or low risk to surface water influence. The results of this study indicated that the hydrogeology of an area tends to influence the MPA Risk Index (RI) of a well. Certain geologic formations were present for the majority of the high risk wells. Residential land use contained nearly half of the wells sampled. The results also suggested that areas more prone to sinkhole development are likely to contain wells with a positive RI.

Method for determining shear direction using liquid crystal coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reda, Daniel C.

1995-01-01

A method is provided for determining shear direction wherein a beam of white light is directed onto the surface of a liquid crystal coating to cause the white light to be dispersed (reflected) from the surface in a spectrum having bands of different colors in a fixed spatial 2 (angular) sequence. The system is calibrated by locating an observer, e.g., a video and movie camera, such that a particular color band (preferably at or near the center of the reflected spectrum) is observed to thereby provide a reference color band. Because the application of shear causes either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the reflected spectrum dependent on the direction of the shear, a determination is then made of the reflected color band observed by the observer when the surface of the liquid crystal is subjected to shear to thereby determine the direction of the shear based on the directional (rotation) relation of the observed color band with respect to the reference color band in the spatial sequence of color bands.

Directional transport of droplets on wettability patterns at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shuai; Yin, Shaohui; Chen, Fengjun; Luo, Hu; Tang, Qingchun; Song, Jinlong

2018-01-01

Directional transport of liquid has attracted increasing interest owing to its potential of application in lab-on-a-chip, microfluidic devices and thermal management technologies. Although numerous strategies have been developed to achieve directional transport of liquid at low temperature, controlling the directional transport of liquid at high temperature remains to be a challenging issue. In this work, we reported a novel strategy in which different parts of droplet contacted with surface with different wettability patterns, resulting in a discrepant evaporative vapor film to achieve the directional transport of liquid. The experimental results showed that the state of the liquid on wettability patterned surface gradually changed from contact boiling to Leidenfrost state with the increase of substrate temperature Ts, and liquid on superhydrophilic surface was in composite state of contact boiling and Leidenfrost when Ts was higher than 200 °C. Inspired by the different evaporation states of droplet on the wettability boundary, controlling preferential motion of droplets was observed at high temperature. By designing a surface with wettability pattern on which superhydrophobic region and superhydrophilic region are alternately arranged, a controlled directional transport of droplet can be achieved at high temperature.

Direct Observation of Double Hydrogen Transfer via Quantum Tunneling in a Single Porphycene Molecule on a Ag(110) Surface.

PubMed

Koch, Matthias; Pagan, Mark; Persson, Mats; Gawinkowski, Sylwester; Waluk, Jacek; Kumagai, Takashi

2017-09-13

Quantum tunneling of hydrogen atoms (or protons) plays a crucial role in many chemical and biological reactions. Although tunneling of a single particle has been examined extensively in various one-dimensional potentials, many-particle tunneling in high-dimensional potential energy surfaces remains poorly understood. Here we present a direct observation of a double hydrogen atom transfer (tautomerization) within a single porphycene molecule on a Ag(110) surface using a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The tautomerization rates are temperature independent below ∼10 K, and a large kinetic isotope effect (KIE) is observed upon substituting the transferred hydrogen atoms by deuterium, indicating that the process is governed by tunneling. The observed KIE for three isotopologues and density functional theory calculations reveal that a stepwise transfer mechanism is dominant in the tautomerization. It is also found that the tautomerization rate is increased by vibrational excitation via an inelastic electron tunneling process. Moreover, the STM tip can be used to manipulate the tunneling dynamics through modification of the potential landscape.

Surface-induced effects in fluctuation-based measurements of single-polymer elasticity: A direct probe of the radius of gyration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Innes-Gold, Sarah N.; Morgan, Ian L.; Saleh, Omar A.

2018-03-01

Single-molecule measurements of polymer elasticity are powerful, direct probes of both biomolecular structure and principles of polymer physics. Recent work has revealed low-force regimes in which biopolymer elasticity is understood through blob-based scaling models. However, the small tensions required to observe these regimes have the potential to create measurement biases, particularly due to the increased interactions of the polymer chain with tethering surfaces. Here, we examine one experimentally observed bias, in which fluctuation-based estimates of elasticity report an unexpectedly low chain compliance. We show that the effect is in good agreement with predictions based on quantifying the exclusion effect of the surface through an image-method calculation of available polymer configurations. The analysis indicates that the effect occurs at an external tension inversely proportional to the polymer's zero-tension radius of gyration. We exploit this to demonstrate a self-consistent scheme for estimating the radius of gyration of the tethered polymer. This is shown in measurements of both hyaluronic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) chains.

Direct mass spectrometric screening of antibiotics from bacterial surfaces using liquid extraction surface analysis.

PubMed

Kai, Marco; González, Ignacio; Genilloud, Olga; Singh, Sheo B; Svatoš, Aleš

2012-10-30

There is a need to find new antibiotic agents to fight resistant pathogenic bacteria. To search successfully for novel antibiotics from bacteria cultivated under diverse conditions, we need a fast and cost-effective screening method. A combination of Liquid Extraction Surface Analysis (LESA), automated chip-based nanoelectrospray ionization, and high-resolution mass or tandem mass spectrometry using an Orbitrap XL was tested as the screening platform. Actinobacteria, known to produce well-recognized thiazolyl peptide antibiotics, were cultivated on a plate of solid medium and the antibiotics were extracted by organic solvent mixtures from the surface of colonies grown on the plate and analyzed using mass spectrometry (MS). LESA combined with high-resolution MS is a powerful tool with which to extract and detect thiazolyl peptide antibiotics from different Actinobacteria. Known antibiotics were correctly detected with high mass accuracy (<4 ppm) and structurally characterized using tandem mass spectra. Our method is the first step toward the development of a novel high-throughput extraction and identification tool for antibiotics in particular and natural products in general. The method described in this paper is suitable for (1) screening the natural products produced by bacterial colonies on cultivation plates within the first 2 min following extraction and (2) detecting antibiotics at high mass accuracy; the cost is around 2 Euro per sample. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Spin-polarized surface resonances accompanying topological surface state formation

DOE PAGES

Jozwiak, Chris; Sobota, Jonathan A.; Gotlieb, Kenneth; ...

2016-10-14

Topological insulators host spin-polarized surface states born out of the energetic inversion of bulk bands driven by the spin-orbit interaction. Here we discover previously unidentified consequences of band-inversion on the surface electronic structure of the topological insulator Bi 2Se 3. By performing simultaneous spin, time, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we map the spin-polarized unoccupied electronic structure and identify a surface resonance which is distinct from the topological surface state, yet shares a similar spin-orbital texture with opposite orientation. Its momentum dependence and spin texture imply an intimate connection with the topological surface state. Calculations show these two distinct states canmore » emerge from trivial Rashba-like states that change topology through the spin-orbit-induced band inversion. As a result, this work thus provides a compelling view of the coevolution of surface states through a topological phase transition, enabled by the unique capability of directly measuring the spin-polarized unoccupied band structure.« less

Spin-polarized surface resonances accompanying topological surface state formation

PubMed Central

Jozwiak, Chris; Sobota, Jonathan A.; Gotlieb, Kenneth; Kemper, Alexander F.; Rotundu, Costel R.; Birgeneau, Robert J.; Hussain, Zahid; Lee, Dung-Hai; Shen, Zhi-Xun; Lanzara, Alessandra

2016-01-01

Topological insulators host spin-polarized surface states born out of the energetic inversion of bulk bands driven by the spin-orbit interaction. Here we discover previously unidentified consequences of band-inversion on the surface electronic structure of the topological insulator Bi2Se3. By performing simultaneous spin, time, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we map the spin-polarized unoccupied electronic structure and identify a surface resonance which is distinct from the topological surface state, yet shares a similar spin-orbital texture with opposite orientation. Its momentum dependence and spin texture imply an intimate connection with the topological surface state. Calculations show these two distinct states can emerge from trivial Rashba-like states that change topology through the spin-orbit-induced band inversion. This work thus provides a compelling view of the coevolution of surface states through a topological phase transition, enabled by the unique capability of directly measuring the spin-polarized unoccupied band structure. PMID:27739428

3D Micropatterned Surface Inspired by Salvinia molesta via Direct Laser Lithography

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Biomimetic functional surfaces are attracting increasing attention for their relevant technological applications. Despite these efforts, inherent limitations of microfabrication techniques prevent the replication of complex hierarchical microstructures. Using a 3D laser lithography technique, we fabricated a 3D patterned surface bioinspired to Salvinia molesta leaves. The artificial hairs, with crownlike heads, were reproduced by scaling down (ca. 100 times smaller) the dimensions of natural features, so that microscale hairs with submicrometric resolution were attained. The micropatterned surface, in analogy with the natural model, shows interesting properties in terms of hydrophobicity and air retention when submerged by water, even if realized with a hydrophilic material. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated the capability to promote localized condensation of water droplets from moisture in the atmosphere. PMID:26558410

3D Micropatterned Surface Inspired by Salvinia molesta via Direct Laser Lithography.

PubMed

Tricinci, Omar; Terencio, Tercio; Mazzolai, Barbara; Pugno, Nicola M; Greco, Francesco; Mattoli, Virgilio

2015-11-25

Biomimetic functional surfaces are attracting increasing attention for their relevant technological applications. Despite these efforts, inherent limitations of microfabrication techniques prevent the replication of complex hierarchical microstructures. Using a 3D laser lithography technique, we fabricated a 3D patterned surface bioinspired to Salvinia molesta leaves. The artificial hairs, with crownlike heads, were reproduced by scaling down (ca. 100 times smaller) the dimensions of natural features, so that microscale hairs with submicrometric resolution were attained. The micropatterned surface, in analogy with the natural model, shows interesting properties in terms of hydrophobicity and air retention when submerged by water, even if realized with a hydrophilic material. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated the capability to promote localized condensation of water droplets from moisture in the atmosphere.

Changes in surface chemistry of silicon carbide (0001) surface with temperature and their effect on friction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, K.; Buckley, D. H.

1980-01-01

Friction studies were conducted with a silicon carbide (0001) surface contacting polycrystalline iron. The surface of silicon carbide was pretreated: (1) by bombarding it with argon ions for 30 minutes at a pressure of 1.3 pascals; (2) by heating it at 800 C for 3 hours in vacuum at a pressure of 10 to the minus eighth power pascal; or (3) by heating it at 1500 C for 3 hours in a vacuum of 10 to the minus eighth power pascal. Auger emission spectroscopy was used to determine the presence of silicon and carbon and the form of the carbon. The surfaces of silicon carbide bombarded with argon ions or preheated to 800 C revealed the main Si peak and a carbide type of C peak in the Auger spectra. The surfaces preheated to 1500 C revealed only a graphite type of C peak in the Auger spectra, and the Si peak had diminished to a barely perceptible amount. The surfaces of silicon carbide preheated to 800 C gave a 1.5 to 3 times higher coefficient of friction than did the surfaces of silicon carbide preheated to 1500 C. The coefficient of friction was lower in the 11(-2)0 direction than in the 10(-1)0 direction; that is, it was lower in the preferred crystallographic slip direction.

Utility of Lava Tubes on Other Worlds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walden, Bryce E.; Billings, T. L.; York, Cheryl Lynn; Gillett, S. L.; Herbert, M. V.

1998-01-01

On Mars, as on Earth, lava tubes are found in the extensive lava fields associated with shield volcanism. Lunar lava-tube traces are located near mare-highland boundaries, giving access to a variety of minerals and other resources, including steep slopes, prominent heights for local area communications and observation, large-surface areas in shade, and abundant basalt plains suitable for landing sites, mass-drivers, surface transportation, regolith harvesting, and other uses. Methods for detecting lava tubes include visual observations of collapse trenches and skylights, ground-penetrating radar, gravimetry, magnetometry, seismography, atmospheric effects, laser, lidar, infrared, and human or robotic exploration.

Highly sensitive surface-scanning detector for the direct bacterial detection using magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuzhe; Horikawa, Shin; Chen, I.-Hsuan; Du, Songtao; Wikle, Howard C.; Suh, Sang-Jin; Chin, Bryan A.

2017-05-01

This paper demonstrates a highly sensitive surface-scanning detector used for magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors for the detection of Salmonella on the surface of a polyethylene (PE) food preparation surface. The design and fabrication methods of the new planar spiral coil are introduced. Different concentrations of Salmonella were measured on the surface of a PE board. The efficacy of Salmonella capture and detection is discussed.

Characterization of anti-theft devices directly from the surface of banknotes via easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Schmidt, Eduardo Morgado; Franco, Marcos Fernando; Cuelbas, Claudio José; Zacca, Jorge Jardim; de Carvalho Rocha, Werickson Fortunato; Borges, Rodrigo; de Souza, Wanderley; Sawaya, Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland; Eberlin, Marcos Nogueira; Correa, Deleon Nascimento

2015-09-01

Using Brazilian banknotes as a test case, forensic examination and identification of Rhodamine B dye anti-theft device (ATD) staining on banknotes were performed. Easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS) was used since it allows fast and simple analysis with no sample preparation providing molecular screening of the surface with direct desorption and ionization of the security dye. For a more accurate molecular characterization of the ATD dye, Q Exactive Orbitrap™ Fourier transform (tandem) mass spectrometry using eletrospray ionization (ESI-HRMS/MS) was also applied. Copyright © 2015 The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design of a surface-scanning coil detector for direct bacteria detection on food surfaces using a magnetoelastic biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chai, Yating; Wikle, Howard C.; Wang, Zhenyu; Horikawa, Shin; Best, Steve; Cheng, Zhongyang; Dyer, Dave F.; Chin, Bryan A.

2013-09-01

The real-time, in-situ bacteria detection on food surfaces was achieved by using a magnetoelastic biosensor combined with a surface-scanning coil detector. This paper focuses on the coil design for signal optimization. The coil was used to excite the sensor's vibration and detect its resonant frequency signal. The vibrating sensor creates a magnetic flux change around the coil, which then produces a mutual inductance. In order to enhance the signal amplitude, a theory of the sensor's mutual inductance with the measurement coil is proposed. Both theoretical calculations and experimental data showed that the working length of the coil has a significant effect on the signal amplitude. For a 1 mm-long sensor, a coil with a working length of 1.3 mm showed the best signal amplitude. The real-time detection of Salmonella bacteria on a fresh food surface was demonstrated using this new technology.

Development of the apparatus for measuring magnetic properties of electrical steel sheets in arbitrary directions under compressive stress normal to their surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Yoshitaka; Urata, Shinya; Nakai, Hideo; Takeuchi, Yuuya; Yun, Kyyoul; Yanase, Shunji; Okazaki, Yasuo

2017-05-01

In designing motors, one must grasp the magnetic properties of electrical steel sheets considering actual conditions in motors. Especially important is grasping the stress dependence of magnetic power loss. This paper describes a newly developed apparatus to measure two-dimensional (2-D) magnetic properties (properties under the arbitrary alternating and the rotating flux conditions) of electrical steel sheets under compressive stress normal to the sheet surface. The apparatus has a 2-D magnetic excitation circuit to generate magnetic fields in arbitrary directions in the evaluation area. It also has a pressing unit to apply compressive stress normal to the sheet surface. During measurement, it is important to apply uniform stress throughout the evaluation area. Therefore, we have developed a new flux density sensor using needle probe method. It is composed of thin copper foils sputtered on electrical steel sheets. By using this sensor, the stress can be applied to the surface of the specimen without influence of this sensor. This paper described the details of newly developed apparatus with this sensor, and measurement results of iron loss by using are shown.

COLLECTION OF UNDISTURBED SURFACE SEDIMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

The National Resource Council identified the need for a capability to collect undisturbed surface sediments. Surface sediments are an important source for most exposure of fish to polychlorinated biphenyls via direct uptake from water in contact with sediments. An innovative sedi...

SENSEI: First Direct-Detection Constraints on sub-GeV Dark Matter from a Surface Run

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Crisler, Michael; Essig, Rouven; Estrada, Juan

The Sub-Electron-Noise Skipper CCD Experimental Instrument (SENSEI) uses the recently developed Skipper-CCD technology to search for electron recoils from the interaction of sub-GeV dark matter particles with electrons in silicon. We report first results from a prototype SENSEI detector, which collected 0.019 gram-days of commissioning data above ground at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. These commissioning data are sufficient to set new direct-detection constraints for dark matter particles with masses between ~500 keV and 4 MeV. Moreover, since these data were taken on the surface, they disfavor previously allowed strongly interacting dark matter particles with masses between ~500 keV and amore » few hundred MeV. We discuss the implications of these data for several dark matter candidates, including one model proposed to explain the anomalously large 21-cm signal observed by the EDGES Collaboration. SENSEI is the first experiment dedicated to the search for electron recoils from dark matter, and these results demonstrate the power of the Skipper-CCD technology for dark matter searches.« less

Directed self-assembly of nanogold using a chemically modified nanopatterned surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nidetz, Robert; Kim, Jinsang

2012-02-01

Electron-beam lithography (EBL) was used to define an aminosilane nanopatterned surface in order to electrostatically self-assemble gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The chemically modified nanopatterned surfaces were immersed into a Au NP solution to allow the Au NPs to self-assemble. Equilibrium self-assembly was achieved in only 20 min. The number of Au NPs that self-assembled on an aminosilane dot was controlled by manipulating the diameters of both the Au NPs and the dots. Adding salt to the Au NP solution enabled the Au NPs to self-assemble in greater numbers on the same sized dot. However, the preparation of the Au NP solution containing salt was sensitive to spikes in the salt concentration. These spikes led to aggregation of the Au NPs and non-specific deposition of Au NPs on the substrate. The Au NP patterned surfaces were immersed in a sodium hydroxide solution in order to lift-off the patterned Au NPs, but no lift-off was observed without adequate physical agitation. The van der Waals forces are too strong to allow for lift-off despite the absence of electrostatic forces.

Bioinspired one-dimensional materials for directional liquid transport.

PubMed

Ju, Jie; Zheng, Yongmei; Jiang, Lei

2014-08-19

One-dimensional materials (1D) capable of transporting liquid droplets directionally, such as spider silks and cactus spines, have recently been gathering scientists' attention due to their potential applications in microfluidics, textile dyeing, filtration, and smog removal. This remarkable property comes from the arrangement of the micro- and nanostructures on these organisms' surfaces, which have inspired chemists to develop methods to prepare surfaces with similar directional liquid transport ability. In this Account, we report our recent progress in understanding how this directional transport works, as well our advances in the design and fabrication of bioinspired 1D materials capable of transporting liquid droplets directionally. To begin, we first discuss some basic theories on droplet directional movement. Then, we discuss the mechanism of directional transport of water droplets on natural spider silks. Upon contact with water droplets, the spider silk undergoes what is known as a wet-rebuilt, which forms periodic spindle-knots and joints. We found that the resulting gradient of Laplace pressure and surface free energy between the spindle-knots and joints account for the cooperative driving forces to transport water droplets directionally. Next, we discuss the directional transport of water droplets on desert cactus. The integration of multilevel structures of the cactus and the resulting integration of multiple functions together allow the cactus spine to transport water droplets continuously from tip to base. Based on our studies of natural spider silks and cactus spines, we have prepared a series of artificial spider silks (A-SSs) and artificial cactus spines (A-CSs) with various methods. By changing the surface roughness and chemical compositions of the artificial spider silks' spindle-knots, or by introducing stimulus-responsive molecules, such as thermal-responsive and photoresponsive molecules, onto the spindle-knots, we can reversibly manipulate

Geometric-Optical Modeling of Directional Thermal Radiance for Improvement of Land Surface Temperature Retrievals from MODIS, ASTER, and Landsat-7 Instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Xiaowen; Friedl, Mark; Strahler, Alan

2002-01-01

The general objectives of this project were to improve understanding of the directional emittance properties of land surfaces in the thermal infrared (TIR) region of the electro-magnetic spectrum. To accomplish these objectives our research emphasized a combination of theoretical model development and empirical studies designed to improve land surface temperature (LST) retrievals from space-borne remote sensing instruments. Following the proposal, the main tasks for this project were to: (1) Participate in field campaigns; (2) Acquire and process field, aircraft, and ancillary data; (3) Develop and refine models of LST emission; (4) Develop algorithms for LST retrieval; and (5) Explore LST retrieval methods for use in energy balance models. In general all of these objectives were addressed, and for the most part achieved. The main results from this project are described in the publications arising from this effort. We summarize our efforts related to each of the objectives.

Colors Of Liquid Crystals Used To Measure Surface Shear Stresses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reda, D. C.; Muratore, J. J., Jr.

1996-01-01

Developmental method of mapping shear stresses on aerodynamic surfaces involves observation, at multiple viewing angles, of colors of liquid-crystal surface coats illuminated by white light. Report describing method referenced in "Liquid Crystals Indicate Directions Of Surface Shear Stresses" (ARC-13379). Resulting maps of surface shear stresses contain valuable data on magnitudes and directions of skin friction forces associated with surface flows; data used to refine mathematical models of aerodynamics for research and design purposes.

Hydrolysis of VX on Concrete: Rate of Degradation by Direct Surface Interrogation using an Ion Trap Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Groenewold, Gary Steven; Appelhans, Anthony David; Gresham, Garold Linn

2002-09-01

The nerve agent VX (O-ethyl S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothiolate) is lethal at very low levels of exposure, which can occur by dermal contact with contaminated surfaces. Hence, behavior of VX in contact with common urban or industrial surfaces is a subject of acute interest. In the present study, VX was found to undergo complete degradation when in contact with concrete surfaces. The degradation was directly interrogated at submonolayer concentrations by periodically performing secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analyses after exposure of the concrete to VX. The abundance of the [VX + H]+ ion in the SIMS spectra was observed to decrease inmore » an exponential fashion, consistent with first-order or pseudo-first-order behavior. This phenomenon enabled the rate constant to be determined at 0.005 min-1 at 25 C, which corresponds to a half-life of about 3 h on the concrete surface. The decrease in [VX + H]+ was accompanied by an increase in the abundance of the principal degradation product diisopropylaminoethanethiol (DESH), which arises by cleavage of the P-S bond. Degradation to form DESH is accompanied by the formation of ethyl methylphosphonic acid, which is observable only in the negative ion spectrum. A second degradation product was also implicated, which corresponded to a diisopropylvinylamine isomer (perhaps N,N-diisopropyl aziridinium) that arose via cleavage of the S-C bond. No evidence was observed for the formation of the toxic S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothioic acid. The degradation rate constants were measured at four different temperatures (24-50 C), which resulted in a linear Arrhenius relationship and an activation energy of 52 kJ mol-1. This value agrees with previous values observed for VX hydrolysis in alkaline solutions, which suggests that the degradation of submonolayer VX is dominated by alkaline hydrolysis within the adventitious water film on the concrete surface.« less

Hydrolysis of VX on concrete: rate of degradation by direct surface interrogation using an ion trap secondary ion mass spectrometer.

PubMed

Groenewold, Gary S; Williams, John M; Appelhans, Anthony D; Gresham, Garold L; Olson, John E; Jeffery, Mark T; Rowland, Brad

2002-11-15

The nerve agent VX (O-ethyl S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothiolate) is lethal at very low levels of exposure, which can occur by dermal contact with contaminated surfaces. Hence, behavior of VX in contact with common urban or industrial surfaces is a subject of acute interest. In the present study, VX was found to undergo complete degradation when in contact with concrete surfaces. The degradation was directly interrogated at submonolayer concentrations by periodically performing secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analyses after exposure of the concrete to VX. The abundance of the [VX + H]+ ion in the SIMS spectra was observed to decrease in an exponential fashion, consistent with first-order or pseudo-first-order behavior. This phenomenon enabled the rate constant to be determined at 0.005 min(-1) at 25 degrees C, which corresponds to a half-life of about 3 h on the concrete surface. The decrease in [VX + H]+ was accompanied by an increase in the abundance of the principal degradation product diisopropylaminoethanethiol (DESH), which arises by cleavage of the P-S bond. Degradation to form DESH is accompanied by the formation of ethyl methylphosphonic acid, which is observable only in the negative ion spectrum. A second degradation product was also implicated, which corresponded to a diisopropylvinylamine isomer (perhaps N,N-diisopropyl aziridinium) that arose via cleavage of the S-C bond. No evidence was observed for the formation of the toxic S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothioic acid. The degradation rate constants were measured at four different temperatures (24-50 degrees C), which resulted in a linear Arrhenius relationship and an activation energy of 52 kJ mol(-1). This value agrees with previous values observed for VX hydrolysis in alkaline solutions, which suggests that the degradation of submonolayer VX is dominated by alkaline hydrolysis within the adventitious water film on the concrete surface.

Direction-division multiplexed holographic free-electron-driven light sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, Brendan P.; MacDonald, Kevin F.; Zheludev, Nikolay I.

2018-01-01

We report on a free-electron-driven light source with a controllable direction of emission. The source comprises a microscopic array of plasmonic surface-relief holographic domains, each tailored to direct electron-induced light emission at a selected wavelength into a collimated beam in a prescribed direction. The direction-division multiplexed source is tested by driving it with the 30 kV electron beam of a scanning electron microscope: light emission, at a wavelength of 800 nm in the present case, is switched among different output angles by micron-scale repositioning of the electron injection point among domains. Such sources, with directional switching/tuning possible at picosecond timescales, may be applied to field-emission and surface-conduction electron-emission display technologies, optical multiplexing, and charged-particle-beam position metrology.

Direct measurement of the Einstein relation in a macroscopic, non-equilibrium system of chaotic surface waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Welch, Kyle; Liebman-Pelaez, Alexander; Corwin, Eric

Equilibrium statistical mechanics is traditionally limited to thermal systems. Can it be applied to athermal, non-equilibrium systems that nonetheless satisfy the basic criteria of steady-state chaos and isotropy? We answer this question using a macroscopic system of chaotic surface waves which is, by all measures, non-equilibrium. The waves are generated in a dish of water that is vertically oscillated above a critical amplitude. We have constructed a rheometer that actively measures the drag imparted by the waves on a buoyant particle, a quantity entirely divorced in origin from the drag imparted by the fluid in which the particle floats. We also perform a separate, passive measurement, extracting a diffusion constant and effective temperature. Having directly measured all three properties (temperature, diffusion constant, and drag coefficient) we go on to show that our macroscopic, non-equilibrium case is wholly consistent with the Einstein relation, a classic result for equilibrium thermal systems.

Gaussian Curvature Directs Stress Fiber Orientation and Cell Migration.

PubMed

Bade, Nathan D; Xu, Tina; Kamien, Randall D; Assoian, Richard K; Stebe, Kathleen J

2018-03-27

We show that substrates with nonzero Gaussian curvature influence the organization of stress fibers and direct the migration of cells. To study the role of Gaussian curvature, we developed a sphere-with-skirt surface in which a positive Gaussian curvature spherical cap is seamlessly surrounded by a negative Gaussian curvature draping skirt, both with principal radii similar to cell-length scales. We find significant reconfiguration of two subpopulations of stress fibers when fibroblasts are exposed to these curvatures. Apical stress fibers in cells on skirts align in the radial direction and avoid bending by forming chords across the concave gap, whereas basal stress fibers bend along the convex direction. Cell migration is also strongly influenced by the Gaussian curvature. Real-time imaging shows that cells migrating on skirts repolarize to establish a leading edge in the azimuthal direction. Thereafter, they migrate in that direction. This behavior is notably different from migration on planar surfaces, in which cells typically migrate in the same direction as the apical stress fiber orientation. Thus, this platform reveals that nonzero Gaussian curvature not only affects the positioning of cells and alignment of stress fiber subpopulations but also directs migration in a manner fundamentally distinct from that of migration on planar surfaces. Copyright © 2018 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Highly directional thermal emitter

DOEpatents

Ribaudo, Troy; Shaner, Eric A; Davids, Paul; Peters, David W

2015-03-24

A highly directional thermal emitter device comprises a two-dimensional periodic array of heavily doped semiconductor structures on a surface of a substrate. The array provides a highly directional thermal emission at a peak wavelength between 3 and 15 microns when the array is heated. For example, highly doped silicon (HDSi) with a plasma frequency in the mid-wave infrared was used to fabricate nearly perfect absorbing two-dimensional gratings structures that function as highly directional thermal radiators. The absorption and emission characteristics of the HDSi devices possessed a high degree of angular dependence for infrared absorption in the 10-12 micron range, while maintaining high reflectivity of solar radiation (.about.64%) at large incidence angles.

Direct electrical control of IgG conformation and functional activity at surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghisellini, Paola; Caiazzo, Marialuisa; Alessandrini, Andrea; Eggenhöffner, Roberto; Vassalli, Massimo; Facci, Paolo

2016-11-01

We have devised a supramolecular edifice involving His-tagged protein A and antibodies to yield surface immobilized, uniformly oriented, IgG-type, antibody layers with Fab fragments exposed off an electrode surface. We demonstrate here that we can affect the conformation of IgGs, likely pushing/pulling electrostatically Fab fragments towards/from the electrode surface. A potential difference between electrode and solution acts on IgGs’ charged aminoacids modulating the accessibility of the specific recognition regions of Fab fragments by antigens in solution. Consequently, antibody-antigen affinity is affected by the sign of the applied potential: a positive potential enables an effective capture of antigens; a negative one pulls the fragments towards the electrode, where steric hindrance caused by neighboring molecules largely hampers the capture of antigens. Different experimental techniques (electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence confocal microscopy and electrochemical atomic force spectroscopy) were used to evaluate binding kinetics, surface coverage, effect of the applied electric field on IgGs, and role of charged residues on the phenomenon described. These findings expand the concept of electrical control of biological reactions and can be used to gate electrically specific recognition reactions with impact in biosensors, bioactuators, smart biodevices, nanomedicine, and fundamental studies related to chemical reaction kinetics.

Direct laser interference patterning of magnetic thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aktag, Aliekber

Recently, patterned magnetic thin films have attracted much attention for a variety of applications such as high density magnetic recording, magnetoresistive sensing, and magnetic random access memories. In the case of magnetic recording, one scheme calls for the films to be patterned into single domain "dots", where every dot represents a thermally stable bit. In this thesis, we extended a technique called direct laser interference patterning (DLIP), originally developed by Polushkin and co-workers, to pattern and locally modify the materials properties of magnetic thin films. In this technique, a high-intensity Nd:YAG pulse laser beam was split into two, three, or four beams, which are then recombined to interfere on a sample surface. The interference intensity maxima can modify the local materials properties of the film through local "annealing" or, more drastically, by ablation. We carried out some preliminary investigations of the DLIP process in several films including co-sputtered Co-C, amorphous Dy/Co:SiO2 multilayers, and Co/SiO2 multilayers in order to refine our techniques. We successfully produced regular arrays of lines, dots, or antidots formed by ablation of the thin film. The preliminary studies also showed that, in the regime of more modest pulse energies, it is possible to modify the magnetic properties of the films without noticeably changing the film topography. We then prepared perpendicular magnetic anisotropy Co/Pt multilayers with a SiO x passivation layer and applied DLIP at fairly modest intensities to pattern the film. We then studied the structural and magnetic changes that occurred in some detail. X-ray diffraction scans showed the Co/Pt:SiO x multilayer films to be nanocrystalline before and after patterning. Atomic force microscopy images showed no evidence for topographic changes of the Co/Pt:SiOx during patterning. In contrast, magnetic force microscopy showed regular periodic dot arrays, indicating that the local magnetic

Preferential orientation of NV defects in CVD diamond films grown on (113)-oriented substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lesik, M.; Plays, T.; Tallaire, A.; Achard, J.; Brinza, O.; William, L.; Chipaux, M.; Toraille, L.; Debuisschert, T.; Gicquel, A.; Roch, J. F.; Jacques, V.

2015-06-01

Thick CVD diamond layers were successfully grown on (113)-oriented substrates. They exhibited smooth surface morphologies and a crystalline quality comparable to (100) electronic grade material, and much better than (111)-grown layers. High growth rates (15-50 {\\mu}m/h) were obtained while nitrogen doping could be achieved in a fairly wide range without seriously imparting crystalline quality. Electron spin resonance measurements were carried out to determine NV centers orientation and concluded that one specific orientation has an occurrence probability of 73 % when (100)-grown layers show an equal distribution in the 4 possible directions. A spin coherence time of around 270 {\\mu}s was measured which is equivalent to that reported for material with similar isotopic purity. Although a higher degree of preferential orientation was achieved with (111)-grown layers (almost 100 %), the ease of growth and post-processing of the (113) orientation make it a potentially useful material for magnetometry or other quantum mechanical applications.

Carbon Papers and Aerogels Based on Graphene Layers and Chitosan: Direct Preparation from High Surface Area Graphite.

PubMed

Barbera, Vincenzina; Guerra, Silvia; Brambilla, Luigi; Maggio, Mario; Serafini, Andrea; Conzatti, Lucia; Vitale, Alessandra; Galimberti, Maurizio

2017-12-11

In this work, carbon papers and aerogels based on graphene layers and chitosan were prepared. They were obtained by mixing chitosan (CS) and a high surface area nanosized graphite (HSAG) in water in the presence of acetic acid. HSAG/CS water dispersions were stable for months. High resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of few graphene layers in water suspensions. Casting or lyophilization of such suspensions led to the preparation of carbon paper and aerogel, respectively. In X-ray spectra of both aerogels and carbon paper, peaks due to regular stacks of graphene layers were not detected: graphene with unaltered sp 2 structure was obtained directly from graphite without the use of any chemical reaction. The composites were demonstrated to be electrically conductive thanks to the graphene. Chitosan thus makes it possible to obtain monolithic carbon aerogels and flexible and free-standing graphene papers directly from a nanosized graphite by avoiding oxidation to graphite oxide and successive reduction. Strong interaction between polycationic chitosan and the aromatic substrate appears to be at the origin of the stability of HSAG/CS adducts. Cation-π interaction is hypothesized, also on the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy findings. This work paves the way for the easy large-scale preparation of carbon papers through a method that has a low environmental impact and is based on a biosourced polymer, graphene, and water.

Real-time reconstruction of three-dimensional brain surface MR image using new volume-surface rendering technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watanabe, T.; Momose, T.; Oku, S.

It is essential to obtain realistic brain surface images, in which sulci and gyri are easily recognized, when examining the correlation between functional (PET or SPECT) and anatomical (MRI) brain studies. The volume rendering technique (VRT) is commonly employed to make three-dimensional (3D) brain surface images. This technique, however, takes considerable time to make only one 3D image. Therefore it has not been practical to make the brain surface images in arbitrary directions on a real-time basis using ordinary work stations or personal computers. The surface rendering technique (SRT), on the other hand, is much less computationally demanding, but themore » quality of resulting images is not satisfactory for our purpose. A new computer algorithm has been developed to make 3D brain surface MR images very quickly using a volume-surface rendering technique (VSRT), in which the quality of resulting images is comparable to that of VRT and computation time to SRT. In VSRT the process of volume rendering is done only once to the direction of the normal vector of each surface point, rather than each time a new view point is determined as in VRT. Subsequent reconstruction of the 3D image uses a similar algorithm to that of SRT. Thus we can obtain brain surface MR images of sufficient quality viewed from any direction on a real-time basis using an easily available personal computer (Macintosh Quadra 800). The calculation time to make a 3D image is less than 1 sec. in VSRT, while that is more than 15 sec. in the conventional VRT. The difference of resulting image quality between VSRT and VRT is almost imperceptible. In conclusion, our new technique for real-time reconstruction of 3D brain surface MR image is very useful and practical in the functional and anatomical correlation study.« less

Airport Surface Traffic Automation Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-09

the use of Artificial Intellignece * technology in enroute ATC can be applied directly to the surface control problem. 7.6 Development Approach The next...problems in airport surface control. If artificial intelligance provides useful results for airborne automation, the same techniques should prove useful

Magnetic and topographical modifications of amorphous Co-Fe thin films induced by high energy Ag7+ ion irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pookat, G.; Hysen, T.; Al-Harthi, S. H.; Al-Omari, I. A.; Lisha, R.; Avasthi, D. K.; Anantharaman, M. R.

2013-09-01

We have investigated the effects of swift heavy ion irradiation on thermally evaporated 44 nm thick, amorphous Co77Fe23 thin films on silicon substrates using 100 MeV Ag7+ ions fluences of 1 × 1011 ions/cm2, 1 × 1012 ions/cm2, 1 × 1013 ions/cm2, and 3 × 1013 ions/cm2. The structural modifications upon swift heavy irradiation were investigated using glancing angle X-ray diffraction. The surface morphological evolution of thin film with irradiation was studied using Atomic Force Microscopy. Power spectral density analysis was used to correlate the roughness variation with structural modifications investigated using X-ray diffraction. Magnetic measurements were carried out using vibrating sample magnetometry and the observed variation in coercivity of the irradiated films is explained on the basis of stress relaxation. Magnetic force microscopy images are subjected to analysis using the scanning probe image processor software. These results are in agreement with the results obtained using vibrating sample magnetometry. The magnetic and structural properties are correlated.

A model assessment of the importance of direct photolysis in the photo-fate of cephalosporins in surface waters: Possible formation of toxic intermediates.

PubMed

Fabbri, Debora; Minella, Marco; Maurino, Valter; Minero, Claudio; Vione, Davide

2015-09-01

The direct and indirect photodegradation of six cephalosporins was predicted using a photochemical model, on the basis of literature values of photochemical reactivity. Environmental photodegradation would be important in surface water bodies with depth ⩽ 2-3m, and/or in deeper waters with low values of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC ⩽ 1 mg C L(-1)). The half-life times would range from a few days to a couple of weeks in summertime. In deeper and higher-DOC waters and/or in different seasons, hydrolysis could prevail over photodegradation. The direct photolysis of cephalosporins is environmentally concerning because it is known to produce toxic intermediates. It would be a major pathway for cefazolin, an important one for amoxicillin and cefotaxime and, at pH<6.5, for cefapirin as well. In contrast, direct photolysis would be negligible for cefradine and cefalexin. The DOC values would influence the fraction of photodegradation accounted for by direct photolysis in shallow water, to a different extent depending on the role of sensitisation by the triplet states of chromophoric dissolved organic matter. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of a direct current bias on the electrohydrodynamic performance of a surface dielectric barrier discharge actuator for airflow control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Huijie; Yang, Liang; Qi, Xiaohua; Ren, Chunsheng

2015-02-01

The effect of a DC bias on the electrohydrodynamics (EHD) force induced by a surface dielectric barrier AC discharge actuator for airflow control at the atmospheric pressure is investigated. The measurement of the surface potential due to charge deposition at different DC biases is carried out by using a special designed corona like discharge potential probe. From the surface potential data, the plasma electromotive force is shown not affected much by the DC biases except for some reduction of the DC bias near the exposed electrode edge for the sheath-like configuration. The total thrust is measured by an analytical balance, and an almost linear relationship to the potential voltage at the exposed electrode edge is found for the direct thrust force. The temporally averaged ionic wind characteristics are investigated by Pitot tube sensor and schlieren visualization system. It is found that the ionic wind velocity profiles with different DC biases are almost the same in the AC discharge plasma area but gradually diversified in the further downstream area as well as the upper space away from the discharge plasma area. Also, the DC bias can significantly modify the topology of the ionic wind produced by the AC discharge actuator. These results can provide an insight into how the DC biases to affect the force generation.

In situ monitoring magnetism and resistance of nanophase platinum upon electrochemical oxidation.

PubMed

Steyskal, Eva-Maria; Topolovec, Stefan; Landgraf, Stephan; Krenn, Heinz; Würschum, Roland

2013-01-01

Controlled tuning of material properties by external stimuli represents one of the major topics of current research in the field of functional materials. Electrochemically induced property tuning has recently emerged as a promising pathway in this direction making use of nanophase materials with a high fraction of electrode-electrolyte interfaces. The present letter reports on electrochemical property tuning of porous nanocrystalline Pt. Deeper insight into the underlying processes could be gained by means of a direct comparison of the charge-induced response of two different properties, namely electrical resistance and magnetic moment. For this purpose, four-point resistance measurements and SQUID magnetometry were performed under identical in situ electrochemical control focussing on the regime of electrooxidation. Fully reversible variations of the electrical resistance and the magnetic moment of 6% and 1% were observed upon the formation or dissolution of a subatomic chemisorbed oxygen surface layer, respectively. The increase of the resistance, which is directly correlated to the amount of deposited oxygen, is considered to be primarily caused by charge-carrier scattering processes at the metal-electrolyte interfaces. In comparison, the decrease of the magnetic moment upon positive charging appears to be governed by the electric field at the nanocrystallite-electrolyte interfaces due to spin-orbit coupling.

Third Stokes parameter emission from a periodic water surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, J. T.; Kong, J. A.; Shin, R. T.; Staelin, D. H.; Oneill, K.; Lohanick, A.

1991-01-01

An experiment in which the third Stokes parameter thermal emission from a periodic water surface was measured is documented. This parameter is shown to be related to the direction of periodicity of the periodic surface and to approach brightnesses of up to 30 K at X band for the surface used in the experiment. The surface actually analyzed was a 'two-layer' periodic surface; the theory of thermal emission from such a surface is derived and the theoretical results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements. These results further the idea of using the third Stokes parameter emission as an indicator of wind direction over the ocean.

An atlas of monthly mean distributions of SSMI surface wind speed, AVHRR/2 sea surface temperature, AMI surface wind velocity, TOPEX/POSEIDON sea surface height, and ECMWF surface wind velocity during 1993

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpern, D.; Fu, L.; Knauss, W.; Pihos, G.; Brown, O.; Freilich, M.; Wentz, F.

1995-01-01

The following monthly mean global distributions for 1993 are presented with a common color scale and geographical map: 10-m height wind speed estimated from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSMI) on a United States (U.S.) Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) spacecraft; sea surface temperature estimated from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR/2) on a U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite; 10-m height wind speed and direction estimated from the Active Microwave Instrument (AMI) on the European Space Agency (ESA) European Remote Sensing (ERS-1) satellite; sea surface height estimated from the joint U.S.-France Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/POSEIDON spacecraft; and 10-m height wind speed and direction produced by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF). Charts of annual mean, monthly mean, and sampling distributions are displayed.

In Vitro Validation of Real-Time Three-Dimensional Color Doppler Echocardiography for Direct Measurement of Proximal Isovelocity Surface Area in Mitral Regurgitation

PubMed Central

Little, Stephen H.; Igo, Stephen R.; Pirat, Bahar; McCulloch, Marti; Hartley, Craig J.; Nosé, Yukihiko; Zoghbi, William A.

2012-01-01

The 2-dimensional (2D) color Doppler (2D-CD) proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method assumes a hemispheric flow convergence zone to estimate transvalvular flow. Recently developed 3-dimensional (3D)-CD can directly visualize PISA shape and surface area without geometric assumptions. To validate a novel method to directly measure PISA using real-time 3D-CD echocardiography, a circulatory loop with an ultrasound imaging chamber was created to model mitral regurgitation (MR). Thirty-two different regurgitant flow conditions were tested using symmetric and asymmetric flow orifices. Three-dimensional–PISA was reconstructed from a hand-held real-time 3D-CD data set. Regurgitant volume was derived using both 2D-CD and 3D-CD PISA methods, and each was compared against a flowmeter standard. The circulatory loop achieved regurgitant volume within the clinical range of MR (11 to 84 ml). Three-dimensional–PISA geometry reflected the 2D geometry of the regurgitant orifice. Correlation between the 2D-PISA method regurgitant volume and actual regurgitant volume was significant (r2 = 0.47, p <0.001). Mean 2D-PISA regurgitant volume underestimate was 19.1 ± 25 ml (2 SDs). For the 3D-PISA method, correlation with actual regurgitant volume was significant (r2 = 0.92, p <0.001), with a mean regurgitant volume underestimate of 2.7 ± 10 ml (2 SDs). The 3D-PISA method showed less regurgitant volume underestimation for all orifice shapes and regurgitant volumes tested. In conclusion, in an in vitro model of MR, 3D-CD was used to directly measure PISA without geometric assumption. Compared with conventional 2D-PISA, regurgitant volume was more accurate when derived from 3D-PISA across symmetric and asymmetric orifices within a broad range of hemodynamic flow conditions. PMID:17493476

Direct observation of ozone formation on SiO2 surfaces in O2 discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marinov, D.; Guaitella, O.; Booth, J. P.; Rousseau, A.

2013-01-01

Ozone production is studied in a pulsed O2 discharge at pressures in the range 1.3-6.7 mbar. Time-resolved absolute concentrations of O3 and O are measured in the post-discharge using UV absorption spectroscopy and two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence. In a bare silica discharge tube ozone is formed mainly by three-body gas-phase recombination. When the tube surface is covered by a high specific surface silica catalyst heterogeneous formation becomes the main source of ozone. The efficiency of this surface process increases with O2 pressure and is favoured by the presence of OH groups and adsorbed H2O on the surface. At p = 6.7 mbar ozone production accounts for up to 25% of the atomic oxygen losses on the surface.

Apparatus for checking the direction of polarization of shear-wave ultrasonic transducers

DOEpatents

Karplus, Henry H. B.

1980-01-01

An apparatus for checking the direction of polarization of shear-wave ultrasonic transducers comprises a first planar surface for mounting the shear-wave transducer, a second planar surface inclined at a predetermined angle to the first surface to generate longitudinal waves by mode conversion, and a third planar surface disposed at a second predetermined angle to the first for mounting a longitudinal-wave ultrasonic transducer. In an alternate embodiment, two second planar surfaces at the predetermined angle are placed at an angle to each other. The magnitude of the shear wave is a function of the angle between the direction of polarization of the transducer and the mode-conversion surface.

Apparatus for checking the direction of polarization of shear-wave ultrasonic transducers

DOEpatents

Karplus, H.H.B.; Forster, G.A.

An apparatus for checking the direction of polarization of shear-wave ultrasonic transducers comprises a first planar surface for mounting the shear-wave transducer, a second planar surface inclined at a predetermined angle to the first surface to generate longitudinal waves by mode conversion, and a third planar surface disposed at a second predetermined angle to the first for mounting a longitudinal-wave ultransonic transducer. In an alternate embodiment, two second planar surfaces at the predetermined angle are placed at an angle to each other. The magnitude of the shear wave is a function of the angle between the direction of polarization of the transducer and the mode-conversion surface.

Scanning Surface Potential Microscopy of Spore Adhesion on Surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Ida; Chung, Eunhyea; Kweon, Hyojin

2012-01-01

The adhesion of spores of Bacillus anthracis - the cause of anthrax and a likely biological threat - to solid surfaces is an important consideration in cleanup after an accidental or deliberate release. However, because of safety concerns, directly studying B. anthracis spores with advanced instrumentation is problematic. As a first step, we are examining the electrostatic potential of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is a closely related species that is often used as a simulant to study B. anthracis. Scanning surface potential microscopy (SSPM), also known as Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), was used to investigate the influence of relativemore » humidity (RH) on the surface electrostatic potential of Bt that had adhered to silica, mica, or gold substrates. AFM/SSPM side-by-side images were obtained separately in air, at various values of RH, after an aqueous droplet with spores was applied on each surface and allowed to dry before measurements. In the SSPM images, a negative potential on the surface of the spores was observed compared with that of the substrates. The surface potential decreased as the humidity increased. Spores were unable to adhere to a surface with an extremely negative potential, such as mica.« less

Site-Directed Immobilization of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 to Solid Surfaces by Click Chemistry.

PubMed

Siverino, Claudia; Tabisz, Barbara; Lühmann, Tessa; Meinel, Lorenz; Müller, Thomas; Walles, Heike; Nickel, Joachim

2018-03-29

Different therapeutic strategies for the treatment of non-healing long bone defects have been intensively investigated. Currently used treatments present several limitations that have led to the use of biomaterials in combination with osteogenic growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Commonly used absorption or encapsulation methods require supra-physiological amounts of BMP2, typically resulting in a so-called initial burst release effect that provokes several severe adverse side effects. A possible strategy to overcome these problems would be to covalently couple the protein to the scaffold. Moreover, coupling should be performed in a site-specific manner in order to guarantee a reproducible product outcome. Therefore, we created a BMP2 variant, in which an artificial amino acid (propargyl-L-lysine) was introduced into the mature part of the BMP2 protein by codon usage expansion (BMP2-K3Plk). BMP2-K3Plk was coupled to functionalized beads through copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The biological activity of the coupled BMP2-K3Plk was proven in vitro and the osteogenic activity of the BMP2-K3Plk-functionalized beads was proven in cell based assays. The functionalized beads in contact with C2C12 cells were able to induce alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression in locally restricted proximity of the bead. Thus, by this technique, functionalized scaffolds can be produced that can trigger cell differentiation towards an osteogenic lineage. Additionally, lower BMP2 doses are sufficient due to the controlled orientation of site-directed coupled BMP2. With this method, BMPs are always exposed to their receptors on the cell surface in the appropriate orientation, which is not the case if the factors are coupled via non-site-directed coupling techniques. The product outcome is highly controllable and, thus, results in materials with homogeneous properties, improving their applicability for the repair of critical size bone defects.

Nonlinear dynamics in the perceptual grouping of connected surfaces.