The Brittle-Ductile Transition in Crystal and Bubble-bearing Magmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caricchi, L.; Pistone, M.; Cordonnier, B.; Tripoli, B.; Ulmer, P.; Reusser, E.; Marone, F.; Burlini, L.

2011-12-01

The strain response of magma is critically dependent upon its viscosity, the magnitude of the applied stress and the experimental time-scale. The brittle-ductile transition in pure silicate melts is expected for an applied stress approaching 108±0.5 Pa (Dingwell, 1997). However, magmas are mostly mixture of crystal and bubble-bearing silicate melts. To date, there are no data to constrain the ductile-brittle transition for three-phase magmas. Thus, we conducted consistent torsion experiments at high temperature (673-973 K) and high pressure (200 MPa), in the strain rate range 1*10-5-4*10-3 s-1, using a HT-HP internally-heated Paterson-type rock deformation apparatus. The samples are composed of hydrous haplogranitic glass, quartz crystals (24-65 vol%) and CO2-rich gas-pressurized bubbles (9-12 vol%). The applied strain rate was increased until brittle failure occurred; micro-fracturing and healing processes commonly occurred before sample macroscopic fracturing. The experimental results highlight a clear relationship between the effective viscosity of the three-phase magmas, strain rate, temperature and the onset of brittle-ductile behavior. Crystal- and bubble-free melts at high viscosity (1011-1011.6 Pa*s at 673 K) show brittle behavior in the strain rate range between 1*10-4 and 5*10-4 s-1. For comparable viscosities crystal and bubble-bearing magmas show a transition to brittle behavior at lower strain rates. Synchrotron-based 3D imaging of fractured samples, show the presence of fractures with an antithetic trend with respect to shear strain directions. The law found in this study expresses the transition from ductile to brittle behavior for real magmas and could significantly improve our understanding of the control of brittle processes on extrusion of high-viscosity magmas and degassing at silicic volcanoes.

Phylogenetic Relationship in Different Commercial Strains of Pleurotus nebrodensis Based on ITS Sequence and RAPD.

PubMed

Alam, Nuhu; Shim, Mi Ja; Lee, Min Woong; Shin, Pyeong Gyun; Yoo, Young Bok; Lee, Tae Soo

2009-09-01

The molecular phylogeny in nine different commercial cultivated strains of Pleurotus nebrodensis was studied based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and RAPD. In the sequence of ITS region of selected strains, it was revealed that the total length ranged from 592 to 614 bp. The size of ITS1 and ITS2 regions varied among the strains from 219 to 228 bp and 211 to 229 bp, respectively. The sequence of ITS2 was more variable than ITS1 and the region of 5.8S sequences were identical. Phylogenetic tree of the ITS region sequences indicated that selected strains were classified into five clusters. The reciprocal homologies of the ITS region sequences ranged from 99 to 100%. The strains were also analyzed by RAPD with 20 arbitrary primers. Twelve primers were efficient to applying amplification of the genomic DNA. The sizes of the polymorphic fragments obtained were in the range of 200 to 2000 bp. RAPD and ITS analysis techniques were able to detect genetic variation among the tested strains. Experimental results suggested that IUM-1381, IUM-3914, IUM-1495 and AY-581431 strains were genetically very similar. Therefore, all IUM and NCBI gene bank strains of P. nebrodensis were genetically same with some variations.

Modeling the Rate-Dependent Durability of Reduced-Ag SAC Interconnects for Area Array Packages Under Torsion Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivas, Vikram; Menon, Sandeep; Osterman, Michael; Pecht, Michael G.

2013-08-01

Solder durability models frequently focus on the applied strain range; however, the rate of applied loading, or strain rate, is also important. In this study, an approach to incorporate strain rate dependency into durability estimation for solder interconnects is examined. Failure data were collected for SAC105 solder ball grid arrays assembled with SAC305 solder that were subjected to displacement-controlled torsion loads. Strain-rate-dependent (Johnson-Cook model) and strain-rate-independent elastic-plastic properties were used to model the solders in finite-element simulation. Test data were then used to extract damage model constants for the reduced-Ag SAC solder. A generalized Coffin-Manson damage model was used to estimate the durability. The mechanical fatigue durability curve for reduced-silver SAC solder was generated and compared with durability curves for SAC305 and Sn-Pb from the literature.

Tuning the dielectric properties of metallic-nanoparticle/elastomer composites by strain.

PubMed

Gaiser, Patrick; Binz, Jonas; Gompf, Bruno; Berrier, Audrey; Dressel, Martin

2015-03-14

Tunable metal/dielectric composites are promising candidates for a large number of potential applications in electronics, sensor technologies and optical devices. Here we systematically investigate the dielectric properties of Ag-nanoparticles embedded in the highly flexible elastomer poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS). As tuning parameter we use uniaxial and biaxial strain applied to the composite. We demonstrate that both static variations of the filling factor and applied strain lead to the same behavior, i.e., the filling factor of the composite can be tuned by application of strain. In this way the effective static permittivity εeff of the composite can be varied over a very large range. Once the Poisson's ratio of the composite is known, the strain dependent dielectric constant can be accurately described by effective medium theory without any additional free fit parameter up to metal filling factors close to the percolation threshold. It is demonstrated that, starting above the percolation threshold in the metallic phase, applying strain provides the possibility to cross the percolation threshold into the insulating region. The change of regime from conductive phase down to insulating follows the description given by percolation theory and can be actively controlled.

AN ORGANOTYPIC UNIAXIAL STRAIN MODEL USING MICROFLUIDICS

PubMed Central

Dollé, Jean-Pierre; Morrison, Barclay; Schloss, Rene R.; Yarmush, Martin L.

2012-01-01

Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of disability each year in the US. The most common and devastating consequence is the stretching of axons caused by shear deformation that occurs during rotational acceleration of the brain during injury. The injury effects on axonal molecular and functional events are not fully characterized. We have developed a strain injury model that maintains the three dimensional cell architecture and neuronal networks found in vivo with the ability to visualize individual axons and their response to a mechanical injury. The advantage of this model is that it can apply uniaxial strains to axons that make functional connections between two organotypic slices and injury responses can be observed in real-time and over long term. This uniaxial strain model was designed to be capable of applying an array of mechanical strains at various rates of strain, thus replicating a range of modes of axonal injury. Long term culture, preservation of slice and cell orientation, and slice-slice connection on the device was demonstrated. The device has the ability to strain either individual axons or bundles of axons through the control of microchannel dimensions. The fidelity of the model was verified by observing characteristic responses to various strain injuries which included axonal beading, delayed elastic effects and breakdown in microtubules. Microtubule breakdown was shown to be dependent on the degree of the applied strain field, where maximal breakdown was observed at peak strain and minimal breakdown is observed at low strain. This strain injury model could be a powerful tool in assessing strain injury effects on functional axonal connections. PMID:23233120

Micromachined silicon cantilevers with integrated high-frequency magnetoimpedance sensors for simultaneous strain and magnetic field detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buettel, G.; Joppich, J.; Hartmann, U.

2017-12-01

Giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) measurements in the high-frequency regime utilizing a coplanar waveguide with an integrated Permalloy multilayer and micromachined on a silicon cantilever are reported. The fabrication process is described in detail. The aspect ratio of the magnetic multilayer in the magnetoresistive and magnetostrictive device was varied. Tensile strain and compressive strain were applied. Vector network analyzer measurements in the range from the skin effect to ferromagnetic resonance confirm the technological potential of GMI-based micro-electro-mechanical devices for strain and magnetic field sensing applications. The strain-impedance gauge factor was quantified by finite element strain calculations and reaches a maximum value of almost 200.

Abnormal Strain Rate Sensitivity Driven by a Unit Dislocation-Obstacle Interaction in bcc Fe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Zhitong; Fan, Yue

2018-03-01

The interaction between an edge dislocation and a sessile vacancy cluster in bcc Fe is investigated over a wide range of strain rates from 108 down to 103 s-1 , which is enabled by employing an energy landscape-based atomistic modeling algorithm. It is observed that, at low strain rates regime less than 105 s-1 , such interaction leads to a surprising negative strain rate sensitivity behavior because of the different intermediate microstructures emerged under the complex interplays between thermal activation and applied strain rate. Implications of our findings regarding the previously established global diffusion model are also discussed.

Ultrasonic measurements of breast viscoelasticity.

PubMed

Sridhar, Mallika; Insana, Michael F

2007-12-01

In vivo measurements of the viscoelastic properties of breast tissue are described. Ultrasonic echo frames were recorded from volunteers at 5 fps while applying a uniaxial compressive force (1-20 N) within a 1 s ramp time and holding the force constant for up to 200 s. A time series of strain images was formed from the echo data, spatially averaged viscous creep curves were computed, and viscoelastic strain parameters were estimated by fitting creep curves to a second-order Voigt model. The useful strain bandwidth from this quasi-static ramp stimulus was 10(-2) < or = omega < or = 10(0) rad/s (0.0016-0.16 Hz). The stress-strain curves for normal glandular tissues are linear when the surface force applied is between 2 and 5 N. In this range, the creep response was characteristic of biphasic viscoelastic polymers, settling to a constant strain (arrheodictic) after 100 s. The average model-based retardance time constants for the viscoelastic response were 3.2 +/- 0.8 and 42.0 +/- 28 s. Also, the viscoelastic strain amplitude was approximately equal to that of the elastic strain. Above 5 N of applied force, however, the response of glandular tissue became increasingly nonlinear and rheodictic, i.e., tissue creep never reached a plateau. Contrasting in vivo breast measurements with those in gelatin hydrogels, preliminary ideas regarding the mechanisms for viscoelastic contrast are emerging.

Ultrasonic measurements of breast viscoelasticity

PubMed Central

Sridhar, Mallika; Insana, Michael F.

2009-01-01

In vivo measurements of the viscoelastic properties of breast tissue are described. Ultrasonic echo frames were recorded from volunteers at 5 fps while applying a uniaxial compressive force (1–20 N) within a 1 s ramp time and holding the force constant for up to 200 s. A time series of strain images was formed from the echo data, spatially averaged viscous creep curves were computed, and viscoelastic strain parameters were estimated by fitting creep curves to a second-order Voigt model. The useful strain bandwidth from this quasi-static ramp stimulus was 10−2 ≤ ω ≤ 100 rad/s (0.0016–0.16 Hz). The stress-strain curves for normal glandular tissues are linear when the surface force applied is between 2 and 5 N. In this range, the creep response was characteristic of biphasic viscoelastic polymers, settling to a constant strain (arrheodictic) after 100 s. The average model-based retardance time constants for the viscoelastic response were 3.2±0.8 and 42.0±28 s. Also, the viscoelastic strain amplitude was approximately equal to that of the elastic strain. Above 5 N of applied force, however, the response of glandular tissue became increasingly nonlinear and rheodictic, i.e., tissue creep never reached a plateau. Contrasting in vivo breast measurements with those in gelatin hydrogels, preliminary ideas regarding the mechanisms for viscoelastic contrast are emerging. PMID:18196803

Residual stresses in angleplied laminates and their effects on laminate behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, C. C.

1978-01-01

Evidence of the presence of lamination residual stresses in angleplied laminates were transply cracks and warpage of unsymmetric laminates which occur prior to application of any mechanical load. Lamination residual strains were measured using the embedded strain gage technique. These strains result from the temperature differences between cure and room temperature and vary linearly within this temperature range. Lamination residual stresses were usually present in angleplied fiber composites laminates; they were also present in unidirectional hybrids and superhybrids. For specific applications, the magnitudes of lamination residual stresses were determined and evaluated relative to the anticipated applied stresses. Particular attention was given to cyclic thermal loadings in applications where the thermal cycling takes place over a wide temperature range.

Autocorrelation analysis of the infrared spectra of synthetic and biogenic carbonates along the calcite-dolomite join

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, David M.; Holmes, Zachary F.; Ishida, Kiyotaka; Manuel, Phillip D.

2018-01-01

Autocorrelation analysis of infrared spectra can provide insights on the strain energy associated with cation substitutions along a solid-solution compositional join which to date has been applied primarily to silicate minerals. In this study, the method is applied to carbonates synthesized at 10 mol% increments along the calcite-dolomite (CaCO3-CaMg(CO3)2) join in the range of 1000-1150 °C and 0.6-2.5 GPa for the purpose of determining how the band broadening in both the far- and mid-infrared ranges, as represented by the autocorrelation parameter δΔCorr, compares with the existing enthalpy of mixing data for this join. It was found that the carbonate internal vibration ν2 (out-of-plane bending) in the mid-infrared range, and the sum of the three internal vibration modes ν4 + ν2 + ν3 most closely matched the enthalpy of mixing data for the synthetic carbonates. Autocorrelation analysis of a series of biogenic carbonates in the mid-infrared range showed only a systematic variation for the ν2 band. Using the biogenic carbonate with the lowest Mg content for reference, the trend in δΔCorr for biogenic carbonates shows a steady increase with increasing Mg content suggesting a steady increase in solubility with Mg content. The results from this study indicate that autocorrelation analysis of carbonates in the mid-infrared range provides an independent and reliable assessment of the crystallographic strain energy of carbonates. In particular, inorganic carbonates in the range of 0-17 mol% MgCO3 experience a minimum in strain energy and a corresponding minimum in the enthalpy of mixing, whereas biogenic carbonates show a steady increase in strain energy with increasing MgCO3 content. In the event of increasing ocean acidification, biogenic carbonates in the range of 0-17 mol% MgCO3 will dissolve more readily than the compositionally equivalent inorganic carbonates.

Autocorrelation analysis of the infrared spectra of synthetic and biogenic carbonates along the calcite-dolomite join

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, David M.; Holmes, Zachary F.; Ishida, Kiyotaka; Manuel, Phillip D.

2018-06-01

Autocorrelation analysis of infrared spectra can provide insights on the strain energy associated with cation substitutions along a solid-solution compositional join which to date has been applied primarily to silicate minerals. In this study, the method is applied to carbonates synthesized at 10 mol% increments along the calcite-dolomite (CaCO3-CaMg(CO3)2) join in the range of 1000-1150 °C and 0.6-2.5 GPa for the purpose of determining how the band broadening in both the far- and mid-infrared ranges, as represented by the autocorrelation parameter δΔCorr, compares with the existing enthalpy of mixing data for this join. It was found that the carbonate internal vibration ν2 (out-of-plane bending) in the mid-infrared range, and the sum of the three internal vibration modes ν4 + ν2 + ν3 most closely matched the enthalpy of mixing data for the synthetic carbonates. Autocorrelation analysis of a series of biogenic carbonates in the mid-infrared range showed only a systematic variation for the ν2 band. Using the biogenic carbonate with the lowest Mg content for reference, the trend in δΔCorr for biogenic carbonates shows a steady increase with increasing Mg content suggesting a steady increase in solubility with Mg content. The results from this study indicate that autocorrelation analysis of carbonates in the mid-infrared range provides an independent and reliable assessment of the crystallographic strain energy of carbonates. In particular, inorganic carbonates in the range of 0-17 mol% MgCO3 experience a minimum in strain energy and a corresponding minimum in the enthalpy of mixing, whereas biogenic carbonates show a steady increase in strain energy with increasing MgCO3 content. In the event of increasing ocean acidification, biogenic carbonates in the range of 0-17 mol% MgCO3 will dissolve more readily than the compositionally equivalent inorganic carbonates.

Force transformation in spider strain sensors: white light interferometry

PubMed Central

Schaber, Clemens F.; Gorb, Stanislav N.; Barth, Friedrich G.

2012-01-01

Scanning white light interferometry and micro-force measurements were applied to analyse stimulus transformation in strain sensors in the spider exoskeleton. Two compound or ‘lyriform’ organs consisting of arrays of closely neighbouring, roughly parallel sensory slits of different lengths were examined. Forces applied to the exoskeleton entail strains in the cuticle, which compress and thereby stimulate the individual slits of the lyriform organs. (i) For the proprioreceptive lyriform organ HS-8 close to the distal joint of the tibia, the compression of the slits at the sensory threshold was as small as 1.4 nm and hardly more than 30 nm, depending on the slit in the array. The corresponding stimulus forces were as small as 0.01 mN. The linearity of the loading curve seems reasonable considering the sensor's relatively narrow biological intensity range of operation. The slits' mechanical sensitivity (slit compression/force) ranged from 106 down to 13 nm mN−1, and gradually decreased with decreasing slit length. (ii) Remarkably, in the vibration-sensitive lyriform organ HS-10 on the metatarsus, the loading curve was exponential. The organ is thus adapted to the detection of a wide range of vibration amplitudes, as they are found under natural conditions. The mechanical sensitivities of the two slits examined in this organ in detail differed roughly threefold (522 and 195 nm mN−1) in the biologically most relevant range, again reflecting stimulus range fractionation among the slits composing the array. PMID:22031733

Effect of Pre-strain and High Stresses on the Bainitic Transformation of Manganese-boron Steel 22MnB5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Said Schicchi, Diego; Hunkel, Martin

2018-03-01

During the last decade, the use of press-hardened components in the automotive industry has grown considerably. The so-called tailored tempering, also known as partial press hardening, employs locally heated tools seeking to obtain bainitic transformations. This leads to (seamless) zones within the formed parts with higher ductility. Due to the intrinsic nature of this process, phase transformations happen under the influence of high loads and in pre-deformed austenite. The austenite pre-strain state and applied stresses affect the kinetics of the bainitic transformation. Moreover, stresses have an additional relevant effect in this process, the so-called transformation plasticity. Linear transformation plasticity models have been successfully used to predict the behavior in the presence of low stresses. Nonetheless, because of the process's severe conditions, these tend to fail. A strong nonlinearity of the transformation plasticity strain is observed for applied stresses above the austenite yield strength. Using thermomechanical tests on sheet specimens of a manganese-boron steel (22MnB5), widely utilized in the industry, the effect on the bainitic transformation of various degrees of deformation in the range of 0 to 18 pct, applied stresses in the range of 0 to 250 MPa and the transformation plasticity effect are investigated in this work.

Effect of Pre-strain and High Stresses on the Bainitic Transformation of Manganese-boron Steel 22MnB5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Said Schicchi, Diego; Hunkel, Martin

2018-06-01

During the last decade, the use of press-hardened components in the automotive industry has grown considerably. The so-called tailored tempering, also known as partial press hardening, employs locally heated tools seeking to obtain bainitic transformations. This leads to (seamless) zones within the formed parts with higher ductility. Due to the intrinsic nature of this process, phase transformations happen under the influence of high loads and in pre-deformed austenite. The austenite pre-strain state and applied stresses affect the kinetics of the bainitic transformation. Moreover, stresses have an additional relevant effect in this process, the so-called transformation plasticity. Linear transformation plasticity models have been successfully used to predict the behavior in the presence of low stresses. Nonetheless, because of the process's severe conditions, these tend to fail. A strong nonlinearity of the transformation plasticity strain is observed for applied stresses above the austenite yield strength. Using thermomechanical tests on sheet specimens of a manganese-boron steel (22MnB5), widely utilized in the industry, the effect on the bainitic transformation of various degrees of deformation in the range of 0 to 18 pct, applied stresses in the range of 0 to 250 MPa and the transformation plasticity effect are investigated in this work.

Correlation of microstructure and low cycle fatigue properties for 13.5Cr1.1W0.3Ti ODS steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, P.; Klimenkov, M.; Möslang, A.; Lindau, R.; Seifert, H. J.

2014-12-01

Reduced activation oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels are prospective structural materials for the blanket system and first wall components in Tokamak-type fusion reactors. Under the pulsed operation, these components will be predominantly subjected to cyclic thermal-mechanical loading which leads to inevitable fatigue damage. In this work, strain controlled isothermal fatigue tests were conducted for 13.5Cr1.1W0.3Ti ODS steel at 550 °C. The total strain range varied from 0.54% to 0.9%. After thermomechanical processing, 13.5CrWTi-ODS steel exhibits a remarkable lifetime extension with a factor of 10-20 for strain ranges Δε ⩽ 0.7%. 13.5Cr ODS steel shows no cyclic softening at all during the whole testing process irrespective of the strain range. TEM observations reveal ultrastable grain structure and constant dislocation densities around 1014 m-2, independent of the number of cycles or the applied strain amplitude. The presence of the stabilized ultrafine Y-Ti-O dispersoids enhances the microstructural stability and therefore leads to outstanding fatigue resistance for 13.5Cr1.1W0.3Ti-ODS steel.

Non-linear properties of metallic cellular materials with a negative Poisson's ratio

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, J. B.; Lakes, R. S.

1992-01-01

Negative Poisson's ratio copper foam was prepared and characterized experimentally. The transformation into re-entrant foam was accomplished by applying sequential permanent compressions above the yield point to achieve a triaxial compression. The Poisson's ratio of the re-entrant foam depended on strain and attained a relative minimum at strains near zero. Poisson's ratio as small as -0.8 was achieved. The strain dependence of properties occurred over a narrower range of strain than in the polymer foams studied earlier. Annealing of the foam resulted in a slightly greater magnitude of negative Poisson's ratio and greater toughness at the expense of a decrease in the Young's modulus.

Design and characterization of a new bioreactor for continuous ultra-slow uniaxial distraction of a three-dimensional scaffold-free stem cell culture.

PubMed

Weiss, S; Henle, P; Roth, W; Bock, R; Boeuf, S; Richter, W

2011-01-01

A computer controlled dynamic bioreactor for continuous ultra-slow uniaxial distraction of a scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) mesenchymal stem cell pellet culture was designed to investigate the influence of stepless tensile strain on behavior of distinct primary cells like osteoblasts, chondroblasts, or stem cells without the influence of an artificial culture matrix. The main advantages of this device include the following capabilities: (1) Application of uniaxial ultra-slow stepless distraction within a range of 0.5-250 μm/h and real-time control of the distraction distance with high accuracy (mean error -3.4%); (2) tension strain can be applied on a 3D cell culture within a standard CO(2) -incubator without use of an artificial culture matrix; (3) possibility of histological investigation without loss of distraction; (4) feasibility of molecular analysis on RNA and protein level. This is the first report on a distraction device capable of applying continuous tensile strain to a scaffold-free 3D cell culture within physiological ranges of motion comparable to distraction ostegenesis in vivo. We expect the newly designed microdistraction device to increase our understanding on the regulatory mechanisms of mechanical strains on the metabolism of stem cells. Copyright © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

Spall response of single-crystal copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turley, W. D.; Fensin, S. J.; Hixson, R. S.; Jones, D. R.; La Lone, B. M.; Stevens, G. D.; Thomas, S. A.; Veeser, L. R.

2018-02-01

We performed a series of systematic spall experiments on single-crystal copper in an effort to determine and isolate the effects of crystal orientation, peak stress, and unloading strain rate on the tensile spall strength. Strain rates ranging from 0.62 to 2.2 × 106 s-1 and peak shock stresses in the 5-14 GPa range, with one additional experiment near 50 GPa, were explored as part of this work. Gun-driven impactors, called flyer plates, generated flat top shocks followed by spall. This work highlights the effect of crystal anisotropy on the spall strength by showing that the spall strength decreases in the following order: [100], [110], and [111]. Over the range of stresses and strain rates explored, the spall strength of [100] copper depends strongly on both the strain rate and shock stress. Except at the very highest shock stress, the results for the [100] orientation show linear relationships between the spall strength and both the applied compressive stress and the strain rate. In addition, hydrodynamic computer code simulations of the spall experiments were performed to calculate the relationship between the strain rate near the spall plane in the target and the rate of free surface velocity release during the pullback. As expected, strain rates at the spall plane are much higher than the strain rates estimated from the free surface velocity release rate. We have begun soft recovery experiments and molecular dynamics calculations to understand the unusual recompression observed in the spall signature for [100] crystals.

Macro Fiber Piezocomposite Actuator Poling Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werlink, Rudy J.; Bryant, Robert G.; Manos, Dennis

2002-01-01

The performance and advantages of Piezocomposite Actuators are to provide a low cost, in-situ actuator/sensor that is flexible, low profile and high strain per volt performance in the same plane of poled voltage. This paper extends reported data for the performance of these Macrofiber Composite (MFC) Actuators to include 4 progressively narrower Intedigitized electrode configurations with several line widths and spacing ratios. Data is reported for max free strain, average strain per applied volt, poling (alignment of the electric dipoles of the PZT ceramic) voltage vs. strain and capacitance, time to poling voltage 95% saturation. The output strain per volt progressively increases as electrode spacing decreases, with saturation occurring at lower poling voltages. The narrowest spacing ratio becomes prone to voltage breakdown or short circuits limiting the spacing width with current fabrication methods. The capacitance generally increases with increasing poling voltage level but has high sensitivity to factors such as temperature, moisture and time from poling which limit its usefulness as a simple indicator. The total time of applied poling voltage to saturate or fully line up the dipoles in the piezoceramic was generally on the order of 5-20 seconds. Less sensitivity to poling due to the applied rate of voltage increase over a 25 to 500 volt/second rate range was observed.

Life prediction methodology for thermal-mechanical fatigue and elevated temperature creep design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Annigeri, Ravindra

Nickel-based superalloys are used for hot section components of gas turbine engines. Life prediction techniques are necessary to assess service damage in superalloy components resulting from thermal-mechanical fatigue (TMF) and elevated temperature creep. A new TMF life model based on continuum damage mechanics has been developed and applied to IN 738 LC substrate material with and without coating. The model also characterizes TMF failure in bulk NiCoCrAlY overlay and NiAl aluminide coatings. The inputs to the TMF life model are mechanical strain range, hold time, peak cycle temperatures and maximum stress measured from the stabilized or mid-life hysteresis loops. A viscoplastic model is used to predict the stress-strain hysteresis loops. A flow rule used in the viscoplastic model characterizes the inelastic strain rate as a function of the applied stress and a set of three internal stress variables known as back stress, drag stress and limit stress. Test results show that the viscoplastic model can reasonably predict time-dependent stress-strain response of the coated material and stress relaxation during hold times. In addition to the TMF life prediction methodology, a model has been developed to characterize the uniaxial and multiaxial creep behavior. An effective stress defined as the applied stress minus the back stress is used to characterize the creep recovery and primary creep behavior. The back stress has terms representing strain hardening, dynamic recovery and thermal recovery. Whenever the back stress is greater than the applied stress, the model predicts a negative creep rate observed during multiple stress and multiple temperature cyclic tests. The model also predicted the rupture time and the remaining life that are important for life assessment. The model has been applied to IN 738 LC, Mar-M247, bulk NiCoCrAlY overlay coating and 316 austenitic stainless steel. The proposed model predicts creep response with a reasonable accuracy for wide range of loading cases such as uniaxial tension, tension-torsion and tension-internal pressure loading.

Brillouin corrosion expansion sensors for steel reinforced concrete structures using a fiber optic coil winding method.

PubMed

Zhao, Xuefeng; Gong, Peng; Qiao, Guofu; Lu, Jie; Lv, Xingjun; Ou, Jinping

2011-01-01

In this paper, a novel kind of method to monitor corrosion expansion of steel rebars in steel reinforced concrete structures named fiber optic coil winding method is proposed, discussed and tested. It is based on the fiber optical Brillouin sensing technique. Firstly, a strain calibration experiment is designed and conducted to obtain the strain coefficient of single mode fiber optics. Results have shown that there is a good linear relationship between Brillouin frequency and applied strain. Then, three kinds of novel fiber optical Brillouin corrosion expansion sensors with different fiber optic coil winding packaging schemes are designed. Sensors were embedded into concrete specimens to monitor expansion strain caused by steel rebar corrosion, and their performance was studied in a designed electrochemical corrosion acceleration experiment. Experimental results have shown that expansion strain along the fiber optic coil winding area can be detected and measured by the three kinds of sensors with different measurement range during development the corrosion. With the assumption of uniform corrosion, diameters of corrosion steel rebars were obtained using calculated average strains. A maximum expansion strain of 6,738 με was monitored. Furthermore, the uniform corrosion analysis model was established and the evaluation formula to evaluate mass loss rate of steel rebar under a given corrosion rust expansion rate was derived. The research has shown that three kinds of Brillouin sensors can be used to monitor the steel rebar corrosion expansion of reinforced concrete structures with good sensitivity, accuracy and monitoring range, and can be applied to monitor different levels of corrosion. By means of this kind of monitoring technique, quantitative corrosion expansion monitoring can be carried out, with the virtues of long durability, real-time monitoring and quasi-distribution monitoring.

Brillouin Corrosion Expansion Sensors for Steel Reinforced Concrete Structures Using a Fiber Optic Coil Winding Method

PubMed Central

Zhao, Xuefeng; Gong, Peng; Qiao, Guofu; Lu, Jie; Lv, Xingjun; Ou, Jinping

2011-01-01

In this paper, a novel kind of method to monitor corrosion expansion of steel rebars in steel reinforced concrete structures named fiber optic coil winding method is proposed, discussed and tested. It is based on the fiber optical Brillouin sensing technique. Firstly, a strain calibration experiment is designed and conducted to obtain the strain coefficient of single mode fiber optics. Results have shown that there is a good linear relationship between Brillouin frequency and applied strain. Then, three kinds of novel fiber optical Brillouin corrosion expansion sensors with different fiber optic coil winding packaging schemes are designed. Sensors were embedded into concrete specimens to monitor expansion strain caused by steel rebar corrosion, and their performance was studied in a designed electrochemical corrosion acceleration experiment. Experimental results have shown that expansion strain along the fiber optic coil winding area can be detected and measured by the three kinds of sensors with different measurement range during development the corrosion. With the assumption of uniform corrosion, diameters of corrosion steel rebars were obtained using calculated average strains. A maximum expansion strain of 6,738 με was monitored. Furthermore, the uniform corrosion analysis model was established and the evaluation formula to evaluate mass loss rate of steel rebar under a given corrosion rust expansion rate was derived. The research has shown that three kinds of Brillouin sensors can be used to monitor the steel rebar corrosion expansion of reinforced concrete structures with good sensitivity, accuracy and monitoring range, and can be applied to monitor different levels of corrosion. By means of this kind of monitoring technique, quantitative corrosion expansion monitoring can be carried out, with the virtues of long durability, real-time monitoring and quasi-distribution monitoring. PMID:22346672

Biological Control of Aflatoxin Contamination in U.S. Crops and the Use of Bioplastic Formulations of Aspergillus flavus Biocontrol Strains To Optimize Application Strategies.

PubMed

Abbas, Hamed K; Accinelli, Cesare; Shier, W Thomas

2017-08-23

Aflatoxin contamination has a major economic impact on crop production in the southern United States. Reduction of aflatoxin contamination in harvested crops has been achieved by applying nonaflatoxigenic biocontrol Aspergillus flavus strains that can out-compete wild aflatoxigenic A. flavus, reducing their numbers at the site of application. Currently, the standard method for applying biocontrol A. flavus strains to soil is using a nutrient-supplying carrier (e.g., pearled barley for Afla-Guard). Granules of Bioplastic (partially acetylated corn starch) have been investigated as an alternative nutritive carrier for biocontrol agents. Bioplastic granules have also been used to prepare a sprayable biocontrol formulation that gives effective reduction of aflatoxin contamination in harvested corn kernels with application of much smaller amounts to leaves later in the growing season. The ultimate goal of biocontrol research is to produce biocontrol systems that can be applied to crops only when long-range weather forecasting indicates they will be needed.

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

Ci, Penghong; Liu, Guoxi; Dong, Shuxiang, E-mail: sxdong@pku.edu.cn

We report a strain-mediated electric field manipulation of permittivity in BaTiO{sub 3} (barium titanate, BT) ceramic by a Pb(Zr,Ti)O{sub 3} (PZT) bimorph. This BT/PZT heterostructure exhibited a relatively large permittivity tunability of BT up to ±10% in a wide frequency range under an electric field of ±4 kV/cm applied to the PZT bimorph. The permittivity tunability is attributed to the strain in BT produced by the PZT bimorph. Calculations of the relationship between permittivity and applied electric field were developed, and corresponded well with measurements. The BT/PZT heterostructure has potential for applications in broadband field tunable smart electronic devices.

Large Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (LAOS) of Acrylic Emulsion-Based Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Sipei; Nakatani, Alan; Griffith, William

Large Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (LAOS) testing has recently taken on renewed interest in the rheological community. It is a very useful tool to probe the viscoelastic response of materials in the non-linear regime. Much of the discussion on polymers in the LAOS field has focused on melts in or near the terminal flow regime. Here we present a LAOS study conducted on a commercial rheometer for acrylic emulsion-based pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) films in the plateau regime. The films behaved qualitatively similar over an oscillation frequency range of 0.5-5 rad/s. From Fourier transform analysis, the fifth or even the seventh order harmonic could be observed at large applied strains. From stress decomposition analysis or Lissajous curves, inter-cycle elastic softening, or type I behavior, was observed for all films as the strain increases, while intra-cycle strain hardening occurred at strains in the LAOS regime. Overall, as acid content increases, it was found that the trend in elasticity under large applied strains agreed very well with the trend in cohesive strength of the films.

Dynamic piezoresistive response of hybrid nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gbaguidi, Audrey; Anees, Muhammad; Namilae, Sirish; Kim, Daewon

2017-04-01

Hybrid nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and graphitic platelets as fillers are known to exhibit remarkable electrical and mechanical properties with many potential strain and damage sensing applications. In this work, we fabricate hybrid nanocomposites with carbon nanotube sheet and coarse graphite platelets as fillers with epoxy matrix. We then examine the electromechanical behavior of these nanocomposites under dynamic loading. The electrical resistivity responses of the nanocomposites are measured in frequency range of 1 Hz to 50 Hz with different levels of induced strains. Axial cycling loading is applied using a uniaxial electrodynamic shaker, and transverse loading is applied on end-clamped specimen using modified speakers. In addition, a dynamic mechanical analysis of nanocomposite specimen is performed to characterize the thermal and dynamic behavior of the nanocomposite. Our results indicate that these hybrid nanocomposites exhibit a distinct piezoresistive response under a wide range of dynamic loading conditions, which can be beneficial for potential sensing applications.

Ultrasensitive tunability of the direct bandgap of 2D InSe flakes via strain engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Wang, Tianmeng; Wu, Meng; Cao, Ting; Chen, Yanwen; Sankar, Raman; Ulaganathan, Rajesh K.; Chou, Fangcheng; Wetzel, Christian; Xu, Cheng-Yan; Louie, Steven G.; Shi, Su-Fei

2018-04-01

InSe, a member of the layered materials family, is a superior electronic and optical material which retains a direct bandgap feature from the bulk to atomically thin few-layers and high electronic mobility down to a single layer limit. We, for the first time, exploit strain to drastically modify the bandgap of two-dimensional (2D) InSe nanoflakes. We demonstrated that we could decrease the bandgap of a few-layer InSe flake by 160 meV through applying an in-plane uniaxial tensile strain to 1.06% and increase the bandgap by 79 meV through applying an in-plane uniaxial compressive strain to 0.62%, as evidenced by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The large reversible bandgap change of ~239 meV arises from a large bandgap change rate (bandgap strain coefficient) of few-layer InSe in response to strain, ~154 meV/% for uniaxial tensile strain and ~140 meV/% for uniaxial compressive strain, representing the most pronounced uniaxial strain-induced bandgap strain coefficient experimentally reported in 2D materials. We developed a theoretical understanding of the strain-induced bandgap change through first-principles DFT and GW calculations. We also confirmed the bandgap change by photoconductivity measurements using excitation light with different photon energies. The highly tunable bandgap of InSe in the infrared regime should enable a wide range of applications, including electro-mechanical, piezoelectric and optoelectronic devices.

Persistently Auxetic Materials: Engineering the Poisson Ratio of 2D Self-Avoiding Membranes under Conditions of Non-Zero Anisotropic Strain.

PubMed

Ulissi, Zachary W; Govind Rajan, Ananth; Strano, Michael S

2016-08-23

Entropic surfaces represented by fluctuating two-dimensional (2D) membranes are predicted to have desirable mechanical properties when unstressed, including a negative Poisson's ratio ("auxetic" behavior). Herein, we present calculations of the strain-dependent Poisson ratio of self-avoiding 2D membranes demonstrating desirable auxetic properties over a range of mechanical strain. Finite-size membranes with unclamped boundary conditions have positive Poisson's ratio due to spontaneous non-zero mean curvature, which can be suppressed with an explicit bending rigidity in agreement with prior findings. Applying longitudinal strain along a singular axis to this system suppresses this mean curvature and the entropic out-of-plane fluctuations, resulting in a molecular-scale mechanism for realizing a negative Poisson's ratio above a critical strain, with values significantly more negative than the previously observed zero-strain limit for infinite sheets. We find that auxetic behavior persists over surprisingly high strains of more than 20% for the smallest surfaces, with desirable finite-size scaling producing surfaces with negative Poisson's ratio over a wide range of strains. These results promise the design of surfaces and composite materials with tunable Poisson's ratio by prestressing platelet inclusions or controlling the surface rigidity of a matrix of 2D materials.

Altering thermal transport by strained-layer epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majdi, Tahereh; Pal, Souvik; Hafreager, Anders; Murad, Sohail; Sahu, Rakesh P.; Puri, Ishwar K.

2018-05-01

Since strain changes the interatomic spacing of matter and alters electron and phonon dispersion, an applied strain can modify the thermal conductivity k of a material. We show how the strain induced by heteroepitaxy is a passive mechanism to change k in a thin film. Molecular dynamics simulations of the deposition and epitaxial growth of ZnTe thin films provide insights into the role of interfacial strain in the conductivity of a deposited film. ZnTe films grow strain-free on lattice-matched ZnTe substrates, but similar thin films grown on a lattice-mismatched CdTe substrate exhibit ˜6% biaxial in-plane tensile strain and ˜7% uniaxial out-of-plane compressive strain. In the T = 700 K-1100 K temperature range, the conductivities of strained ZnTe layers decrease to ˜60% of their unstrained values. The resulting understanding of dk/dT shows that strain engineering can be used to alter the performance of a thermal rectifier and also provides a framework for enhancing thermoelectric devices.

A Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Interrogation System Based on a Linearly Wavelength-Swept Thermo-Optic Laser Chip

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyung-Seok; Lee, Hwi Don; Kim, Hyo Jin; Cho, Jae Du; Jeong, Myung Yung; Kim, Chang-Seok

2014-01-01

A linearized wavelength-swept thermo-optic laser chip was applied to demonstrate a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor interrogation system. A broad tuning range of 11.8 nm was periodically obtained from the laser chip for a sweep rate of 16 Hz. To measure the linear time response of the reflection signal from the FBG sensor, a programmed driving signal was directly applied to the wavelength-swept laser chip. The linear wavelength response of the applied strain was clearly extracted with an R-squared value of 0.99994. To test the feasibility of the system for dynamic measurements, the dynamic strain was successfully interrogated with a repetition rate of 0.2 Hz by using this FBG sensor interrogation system. PMID:25177803

Structure, strain, and control of ground state property in LaTiO3/LaAlO3 superlattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Alex Taekyung; Han, Myung Joon

2014-03-01

We examined the ground state property of LaTiO3/LaAlO3 superlattice through density functional band calculations. Total energy calculations, including the structural distortions, U dependence, and the exchange correlation functional dependence, clearly showed that the spin and orbital ground state can be controlled systematically by the epitaxial strain. In the wide range of strain, the ferromagnetic-spin and antiferro-orbital order are stabilized, which is notably different from the previously reported ground state in the titanate systems. By applying +2.8% of tensile strains, we showed that the antiferromagnetic-spin and ferro-orbital ordered phase become stabilized.

Strain effects on the electronic properties in δ-doped oxide superlattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Jeong Ho; Lee, Jun Hee; Okamoto, Satoshi; Cooper, Valentino; Lee, Ho Nyung

2015-03-01

Strain effects on the electronic properties of (LaTiO3)1/(SrTiO3)N superlattices were investigated using density functional theory. Under biaxial in-plane strain within the range of -5% ≤ ɛ// ≤ 5%, the dxy orbital electrons are highly localized at the interfaces whereas the dyz and dxz orbital electrons are more distributed in the SrTiO3 (STO) spacer layers. For STO thickness N ≥ 3 unit cells (u.c.), the dxy orbital electrons form two-dimensional (2D) electron gases (2DEGs). The quantized energy levels of the 2DEG are insensitive to the STO spacer thickness, but are strongly dependent on the applied biaxial in-plane strain. As the in-plane strain changes from compressive to tensile, the quantized energy levels of the dxy orbitals decrease thereby creating more states with 2D character. In contrast to the dxy orbital, the dyz and dxz orbitals always have three-dimensional (3D) transport characteristics and their energy levels increase as the strain changes from compressive to tensile. Since the charge densities in the dxy orbital and the dyz and dxz orbitals respond to biaxial in-plane strain in an opposite way, the transport dimensionality of the majority carriers can be controlled between 2D and 3D by applying biaxial in-plane strain.

[Characterization of a thermophilic Geobacillus strain DM-2 degrading hydrocarbons].

PubMed

Liu, Qing-kun; Wang, Jun; Li, Guo-qiang; Ma, Ting; Liang, Feng-lai; Liu, Ru-lin

2008-12-01

A thermophilic Geobacillus strain DM-2 from a deep-subsurface oil reservoir was investigated on its capability of degrading crude oil under various conditions as well as its characters on degrading hydrocarbons in optimal conditions. The results showed that Geobacillus strain DM-2 was able to degrade crude oil under anoxic wide-range conditions with pH ranging from 4.0 to 10.0, high temperature in the range of 45-70 degrees C and saline concentration ranging from 0.2% to 3.0%. Furthermore, the optimal temperature and pH value for utilizing hydrocarbons by the strain were 60 degrees C and 7.0, respectively. Under such optimal conditions, the strain utilized liquid paraffine emulsified by itself as its carbon source for growth; further analysis by gas chromatography (GC) and infrared absorption spectroscopy demonstrated that it was able to degrade n-alkanes (C14-C30), branched-chain alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons in crude oil and could also utilize long-chain n-alkanes from C16 to C36, among of which the degradation efficiency of C28 was the highest, up to 88.95%. One metabolite of the strain oxidizing alkanes is fatty acid.While utilizing C16 as carbon source for 5 d, only one fatty acid-acetic acid was detected by HPLC and MS as the product, with the amount of 0.312 g/L, which indicated that it degraded n-alkanes with pathway of inferior terminal oxidation,and then followed by a beta-oxidation pathway. Due to its characters of efficient emulsification, high-performance degradation of hydrocarbons and fatty-acid production under high temperature and anoxic condition, the strain DM-2 may be potentially applied to oil-waste treatment and microbial enhanced heavy oil recovery in extreme conditions.

Experimental Investigation of a Piezo-Optical Transducer for Highly Sensitive Strain Gauges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulish, A. G.; Zagubisalo, P. S.; Barakov, V. N.; Pavlov, M. A.

2018-03-01

The characteristics of a piezo-optical transducer of a new design with high strain sensitivity at compact size have been studied.The original form of the photoelastic element provides a considerable increase in the stress in its working area at a given external force, resulting in an increase in the sensitivity of the transducer. The main characteristics of the transducer were measured using a specially designed device. The strain at a given applied force was calculated using a developed mathematical model of the transducer. As a result, the sensitivity to the relative strain was Δ x/ x=3 · 10-10, the dynamic range was at least four orders of magnitude higher and the gauge factor three orders of magnitude higher than those of strain-resistive gauges.

Apparent-Strain Correction for Combined Thermal and Mechanical Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Theodore F.; O'Neil, Teresa L.

2007-01-01

Combined thermal and mechanical testing requires that the total strain be corrected for the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the strain gage and the specimen or apparent strain when the temperature varies while a mechanical load is being applied. Collecting data for an apparent strain test becomes problematic as the specimen size increases. If the test specimen cannot be placed in a variable temperature test chamber to generate apparent strain data with no mechanical loads, coupons can be used to generate the required data. The coupons, however, must have the same strain gage type, coefficient of thermal expansion, and constraints as the specimen to be useful. Obtaining apparent-strain data at temperatures lower than -320 F is challenging due to the difficulty to maintain steady-state and uniform temperatures on a given specimen. Equations to correct for apparent strain in a real-time fashion and data from apparent-strain tests for composite and metallic specimens over a temperature range from -450 F to +250 F are presented in this paper. Three approaches to extrapolate apparent-strain data from -320 F to -430 F are presented and compared to the measured apparent-strain data. The first two approaches use a subset of the apparent-strain curves between -320 F and 100 F to extrapolate to -430 F, while the third approach extrapolates the apparent-strain curve over the temperature range of -320 F to +250 F to -430 F. The first two approaches are superior to the third approach but the use of either of the first two approaches is contingent upon the degree of non-linearity of the apparent-strain curve.

Strain engineering on electronic structure and carrier mobility in monolayer GeP3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Bowen; Long, Mengqiu; Zhang, Xiaojiao; Dong, Yulan; Li, Mingjun; Yi, Yougen; Duan, Haiming

2018-06-01

Using density functional theory coupled with the Boltzmann transport equation with relaxation time approximation, we have studied the strain effect on the electronic structure and carrier mobility of two-dimensional monolayer GeP3. We find that the energies of valence band maximum and conduction band minimum are nearly linearly shifted with a biaxial strain in the range of  ‑4% to 6%, and the band structure experiences a remarkable transition from semiconductor to metal with the appropriate compression (‑5% strain). Under biaxial strain, the mobility of the electron and hole in monolayer GeP3 reduces and increases by more than one order of magnitude, respectively. It is suggested that it is possible to perform successive transitions from an n-type semiconductor (‑4% strain) to a good performance p-semiconductor (+6% strain) by applying strain in monolayer GeP3, which is potentially useful for flexible electronics and nanosized mechanical sensors.

Strain gage measurement errors in the transient heating of structural components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, W. Lance

1993-01-01

Significant strain-gage errors may exist in measurements acquired in transient thermal environments if conventional correction methods are applied. Conventional correction theory was modified and a new experimental method was developed to correct indicated strain data for errors created in radiant heating environments ranging from 0.6 C/sec (1 F/sec) to over 56 C/sec (100 F/sec). In some cases the new and conventional methods differed by as much as 30 percent. Experimental and analytical results were compared to demonstrate the new technique. For heating conditions greater than 6 C/sec (10 F/sec), the indicated strain data corrected with the developed technique compared much better to analysis than the same data corrected with the conventional technique.

Modeling the Hot Ductility of AA6061 Aluminum Alloy After Severe Plastic Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khamei, A. A.; Dehghani, K.; Mahmudi, R.

2015-05-01

Solutionized AA6061 aluminum alloy was processed by equal-channel angular pressing followed by cold rolling. The hot ductility of the material was studied after severe plastic deformation. The hot tensile tests were carried out in the temperature range of 300-500°C and at the strain rates of 0.0005-0.01 s-1. Depending on the temperature and strain rate, the applied strain level exhibited significant effects on the hot ductility, strain-rate sensitivity, and activation energy. It can be suggested that the possible mechanism dominated the hot deformation during tensile testing is dynamic recovery and dislocation creep. Constitutive equations were developed to model the hot ductility of the severe plastic deformed AA6061 alloy.

Volumetric strain in relation to particle displacements for body and surface waves in a general viscoelastic half-space

USGS Publications Warehouse

Borcherdt, R.D.

1988-01-01

Dilatational earth strain, associated with the radiation fields for several hundred local, regional, and teleseismic earthquakes, has been recorded over an extended bandwidth and dynamic range at four borehole sites near the San Andreas fault, CA. The general theory of linear viscoelasticity is applied to account for anelasticity of the near-surface materials and to provide a mathematical basis for interpretation of seismic radiation fields as detected simultaneously by co-located volumetric strain meters and seismometers. The general theory is applied to describe volumetric strain and displacement for general (homogeneous or inhomogeneous) P and S waves in an anelastic whole space. Solutions to the free-surface reflection problems for incident general P and S-I waves are used to evaluate the effect of the free surface on observations from co-located sensors. Corresponding expressions are derived for a Rayleigh-type surface wave on a linear viscoelastic half-space. The theory predicts a number of anelastic wave field characteristics that can be inferred from observation of volumetric strains and displacement fields as detected by co-located sensors that cannot be inferred from either sensor alone. -from Author

Study of recrystallization and devitrification of lunar glass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ulrich, D. R.

1974-01-01

The technique of differential thermal analysis (DTA) was applied to the study of the Apollo 17 orange soil (74220,63) and the Apollo 16 glass coated anorthite (64455,21). These glasses show accentuated exotherms of strain relief in the annealing range which is indicative of rapid cooling. These are amenable to interpretation by comparison to the known history of synthetic glasses. Synthetic glasses were prepared whose similarity in behavior between the lunar glasses and their synthetic analogs is striking. Approximate rates of cooling of the lunar glasses were determined from comparative DTA of lunar and synthetic glasses and from the determination of the relation of strain relief in the annealing range to quench rate. At higher temperatures the glasses show exotherms of crystallization. The crystallization products associated with the exothermic reactions have been identified by X-ray diffraction and the surface morphologies developed by strain relief and crystallization have been characterized with scanning electron microscopy.

Prototype fiber Bragg Grattings (FBG) sensor based on intensity modulation of the laser diode low frequency vibrations measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiono, Andi; Ula, Rini Khamimatul; Hanto, Dwi; Widiyatmoko, Bambang; Purnamaningsih, Retno Wigajatri

2016-02-01

In general, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor works based on observation of spectral response characteristic to detect the desired parameter. In this research, we studied intensity response characteristic of FBG to detect the dynamic strain. Experiment result show that the reflected intensity had linier relationships with dynamic strain. Based on these characteristics, we developed the FBG sensor to detect low frequency vibration. This sensor is designed by attaching the FBG on the bronze cantilever with dimensions of 85×3×0.5 mm. Measurement results showed that the sensor was able to detect vibrations in the frequency range of 7-10 Hz at temperature range of 25-45 ˚C. The measured frequency range is still within the frequency range of digging activity, therefore this vibration sensor can be applied for oil pipelines vandalisation detection system.

Analytical Modeling of the High Strain Rate Deformation of Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Robert K.; Roberts, Gary D.; Gilat, Amos

2003-01-01

The results presented here are part of an ongoing research program to develop strain rate dependent deformation and failure models for the analysis of polymer matrix composites subject to high strain rate impact loads. State variable constitutive equations originally developed for metals have been modified in order to model the nonlinear, strain rate dependent deformation of polymeric matrix materials. To account for the effects of hydrostatic stresses, which are significant in polymers, the classical 5 plasticity theory definitions of effective stress and effective plastic strain are modified by applying variations of the Drucker-Prager yield criterion. To verify the revised formulation, the shear and tensile deformation of a representative toughened epoxy is analyzed across a wide range of strain rates (from quasi-static to high strain rates) and the results are compared to experimentally obtained values. For the analyzed polymers, both the tensile and shear stress-strain curves computed using the analytical model correlate well with values obtained through experimental tests. The polymer constitutive equations are implemented within a strength of materials based micromechanics method to predict the nonlinear, strain rate dependent deformation of polymer matrix composites. In the micromechanics, the unit cell is divided up into a number of independently analyzed slices, and laminate theory is then applied to obtain the effective deformation of the unit cell. The composite mechanics are verified by analyzing the deformation of a representative polymer matrix composite (composed using the representative polymer analyzed for the correlation of the polymer constitutive equations) for several fiber orientation angles across a variety of strain rates. The computed values compare favorably to experimentally obtained results.

Isolation and characterization of Lactobacillus helveticus DSM 20075 variants with improved autolytic capacity.

PubMed

Spus, Maciej; Liu, Hua; Wels, Michiel; Abee, Tjakko; Smid, Eddy J

2017-01-16

Lactobacillus helveticus is widely used in dairy fermentations and produces a range of enzymes, which upon cell lysis can be released into the cheese matrix and impact degradation of proteins, peptides and lipids. In our study we set out to explore the potential of Lb. helveticus DSM 20075 for increased autolytic capacity triggered by conditions such as low pH and high salt concentrations encountered in cheese environments. Lb. helveticus DSM 20075 was subjected to varied incubation temperatures (ranging from 37 to 50°C). High-temperature incubation (in the range of 45 to 50°C) allowed us to obtain a collection of six variant strains (V45-V50), which in comparison to the wild-type strain, showed higher growth rates at elevated temperatures (42°C-45°C). Moreover, variant strain V50 showed a 4-fold higher, in comparison to wild type, autolytic capacity in cheese-like conditions. Next, strain V50 was used as an adjunct in lab-scale cheese making trials to measure its impact on aroma formation during ripening. Specifically, in cheeses made with strain V50, the relative abundance of benzaldehyde increased 3-fold compared to cheeses made with the wild-type strain. Analysis of the genome sequence of strain V50 revealed multiple mutations in comparison to the wild-type strain DSM 20075 including a mutation found in a gene coding for a metal ion transporter, which can potentially be linked to intracellular accumulation of Mn 2+ and benzaldehyde formation. The approach of high-temperature incubation can be applied in dairy industry for the selection of (adjunct) cultures targeted at accelerated cheese ripening and aroma formation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Testing device subjects elastic materials to biaxial deformations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, G. W.

1965-01-01

Testing device stretches elastic materials biaxially over large deformation ranges and varies strain ratios in two perpendicular directions. The device is used in conjunction with a tensile testing machine, which holds the specimen and permits control over the direction and magnitude of the stresses applied.

Strain effects on the electronic properties in δ -doped oxide superlattices

DOE PAGES

You, Jeong Ho; Lee, Jun Hee; Okamoto, Satoshi; ...

2015-02-07

We investigated strain effects on the electronic properties of (LaTiO 3) 1/(SrTiO 3)N superlattices using density functional theory. Under biaxial in-plane strain within the range of -5% ≤ ε// ≤ 5%, the d xy orbital electrons are highly localized at the interfaces whereas the d yz and d xz orbital electrons are more distributed in the SrTiO 3 (STO) spacer layers. For STO thickness N ≥ 3 unit cells (u.c.), the d xy orbital electrons form two-dimensional (2D) electron gases (2DEGs). The quantized energy levels of the 2DEG are insensitive to the STO spacer thickness, but are strongly dependent onmore » the applied biaxial in-plane strain. As the in-plane strain changes from compressive to tensile, the quantized energy levels of the dxy orbitals decrease thereby creating more states with 2D character. In contrast to the d xy orbital, the d yz and dxz orbitals always have three-dimensional (3D) transport characteristics and their energy levels increase as the strain changes from compressive to tensile. In conclusion, since the charge densities in the d xy orbital and the d yz and d xz orbitals respond to biaxial in-plane strain in an opposite way, the transport dimensionality of the majority carriers can be controlled between 2D and 3D by applying biaxial in-plane strain.« less

Controlling Bottom Hole Flowing Pressure Within a Specific Range for Efficient Coalbed Methane Drainage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Bin; Wang, Zhi-Yin; Hu, Ai-Mei; Zhai, Yu-Yang

2013-11-01

The stress state of coal surrounding a coalbed methane (CBM) production well is affected by the bottom hole flowing pressure (BHFP). The permeability of coal shows a marked change under compression. The BHFP must be restricted to a specific range to favor higher permeability in the surrounding coal and thus higher productivity of the well. A new method to determine this specific range is proposed in this paper. Coal has a rather low tensile strength, which induces tensile failure and rock disintegration. The deformation of coal samples under compression has four main stages: compaction, elastic deformation, strain hardening, and strain softening. Permeability is optimal when the coal samples are in the strain softening stage. The three critical values of BHFP, namely, p wmin, p wmid, and p wupper, which correspond to the occurrence of tensile failure, the start of strain softening, and the beginning of plastic deformation, respectively, are derived from theoretical principles. The permeability of coal is in an optimal state when the BHFP is between p wmin and p wmid. The BHFP should be confined to this specific range for the efficient drainage of CBM wells. This method was applied to field operations in three wells in the Hancheng CBM field in China. A comprehensive analysis of drainage data and of the BHFP indicates that the new method is effective and offers significant improvement to current practices.

Highly Stretchable and Transparent Microfluidic Strain Sensors for Monitoring Human Body Motions.

PubMed

Yoon, Sun Geun; Koo, Hyung-Jun; Chang, Suk Tai

2015-12-16

We report a new class of simple microfluidic strain sensors with high stretchability, transparency, sensitivity, and long-term stability with no considerable hysteresis and a fast response to various deformations by combining the merits of microfluidic techniques and ionic liquids. The high optical transparency of the strain sensors was achieved by introducing refractive-index matched ionic liquids into microfluidic networks or channels embedded in an elastomeric matrix. The microfluidic strain sensors offer the outstanding sensor performance under a variety of deformations induced by stretching, bending, pressing, and twisting of the microfluidic strain sensors. The principle of our microfluidic strain sensor is explained by a theoretical model based on the elastic channel deformation. In order to demonstrate its capability of practical usage, the simple-structured microfluidic strain sensors were performed onto a finger, wrist, and arm. The highly stretchable and transparent microfluidic strain sensors were successfully applied as potential platforms for distinctively monitoring a wide range of human body motions in real time. Our novel microfluidic strain sensors show great promise for making future stretchable electronic devices.

Strain evaluation of strengthened concrete structures using FBG sensors

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

Lau Kintak; Zhou Limin; Ye Lin

1999-12-02

Fibre-optic Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor presents a great deal of potential in monitoring the internal status of the concrete structures after repairing or strengthening by an external adhered reinforcement. It can be used in a variety of configurations ranging from pointwise to multi-point strain measurement in order to investigate the strain distribution of the structures. In this paper, an experimental investigation on the rectangular notched-concrete beam, which was strengthened by glass fibre composites with the embedment of multiplexing FBG sensors is presented. Three point bending test was performed to investigate the strain profile of the specimen. Frequency modulated continuous wavemore » (FMCW) technique was used to measure the strain variation of the fibre-grating regions. The results give a good agreement with the electrical resistance strain gauge in early loading condition. The difference of the strain-measuring results between the strain-gauge and FBG sensor was increased when further increasing the applied load. It was suspected that the micro/marco cracks occurred on the concrete surface and that the externally bonded strain-measuring device cannot be detected.« less

Natural Electrotransformation of Lightning-Competent Pseudomonas sp. Strain N3 in Artificial Soil Microcosms

PubMed Central

Cérémonie, Hélène; Buret, François; Simonet, Pascal; Vogel, Timothy M.

2006-01-01

The lightning-competent Pseudomonas sp. strain N3, recently isolated from soil, has been used to study the extent of natural electrotransformation (NET) or lightning transformation as a horizontal gene transfer mechanism in soil. The variation of electrical fields applied to the soil with a laboratory-scale lightning system provides an estimate of the volume of soil affected by NET. Based on the range of the electric field that induces NET of Pseudomonas strain N3, the volume of soil, where NET could occur, ranges from 2 to 950 m3 per lightning strike. The influence of DNA parameters (amount, size, and purity) and DNA soil residence time were also investigated. NET frequencies (electrotransformants/recipient cells) ranged from 10−8 for cell lysate after 1 day of residence in soil to 4 × 10−7 with a purified plasmid added immediately before the lightning. The electrical field gradient (in kilovolts per cm) also played a role as NET frequencies ranging from 1 × 10−5 at 2.3 kV/cm to 1.7 × 10−4 at 6.5 kV/cm. PMID:16597934

Multi-range force sensors utilizing shape memory alloys

DOEpatents

Varma, Venugopal K.

2003-04-15

The present invention provides a multi-range force sensor comprising a load cell made of a shape memory alloy, a strain sensing system, a temperature modulating system, and a temperature monitoring system. The ability of the force sensor to measure contact forces in multiple ranges is effected by the change in temperature of the shape memory alloy. The heating and cooling system functions to place the shape memory alloy of the load cell in either a low temperature, low strength phase for measuring small contact forces, or a high temperature, high strength phase for measuring large contact forces. Once the load cell is in the desired phase, the strain sensing system is utilized to obtain the applied contact force. The temperature monitoring system is utilized to ensure that the shape memory alloy is in one phase or the other.

Low cycle fatigue and creep-fatigue behavior of Ni-based alloy 230 at 850 C

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

Chen, Xiang; Yang, Zhiqing; Sokolov, Mikhail A

Strain-controlled low cycle fatigue (LCF) and creep-fatigue testing of Ni-based alloy 230 were carried out at 850 C. The material creep-fatigue life decreased compared with its low cycle fatigue life at the same total strain range. Longer hold time at peak tensile strain further reduced the material creep-fatigue life. Based on the electron backscatter diffraction, a novel material deformation characterization method was applied, which revealed that in low cycle fatigue testing as the total strain range increased, the deformation was segregated to grain boundaries since the test temperature was higher than the material equicohesive temperature and grain boundaries became weakermore » regions compared with grains. Creep-fatigue tests enhanced the localized deformation, resulting in material interior intergranular cracking, and accelerated material damage. Precipitation in alloy 230 helped slip dispersion, favorable for fatigue property, but grain boundary cellular precipitates formed after material exposure to the elevated temperature had a deleterious effect on the material low cycle fatigue and creep-fatigue property.« less

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

Valiev, R.Z.; Islamgaliev, R.K.; Kuzmina, N.F.

Intense plastic straining techniques such as torsion straining and equal channel angular (ECA) pressing are processing procedures which may be used to make beneficial changes in the properties of materials through a substantial refinement in the microstructure. Although intense plastic straining procedures have been used for grain refinement in numerous experiments reported over the last decade, there appears to have been no investigations in which these procedures were used with metal matrix composites. The present paper describes a series of experiments in which torsion straining and ECA pressing were applied to an Al-6061 metal matrix composite reinforced with 10 volumemore » % of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particulates. As will be demonstrated, intense plastic straining has the potential for both reducing the grain size of the composite to the submicrometer level and increasing the strength at room temperature by a factor in the range of {approximately}2 to {approximately}3.« less

An Elevated-Temperature Tension-Compression Test and Its Application to Magnesium AZ31B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piao, Kun

Many metals, particularly ones with HCP crystal structures, undergo deformation by combinations of twinning and slip, the proportion of which depends on variables such as temperature and strain rate. Typical techniques to reveal such mechanisms rely on metallography, x-ray diffraction, or electron optics. Simpler, faster, less expensive mechanical tests were developed in the current work and applied to Mg AZ31B. An apparatus was designed, simulated, optimized, and constructed to enable the large-strain, continuous tension/compression testing of sheet materials at elevated temperature. Thermal and mechanical FE analyses were used to locate cartridge heaters, thus enabling the attainment of temperatures up to 350°C within 15 minutes of start-up, and ensuring temperature uniformity throughout the gage length within 8°C. The low-cost device also makes isothermal testing possible at strain rates higher than corresponding tests in air. Analysis was carried out to predict the attainable compressive strains using novel finite element (FE) modeling and a single parameter characteristic of the machine and fixtures. The limits of compressive strain vary primarily with the material thickness and the applied-side-force-to-material-strength ratio. Predictions for a range of sheet alloys with measured buckling strains from -0.04 to -0.17 agreed within a standard deviation of 0.025 (0.015 excluding one material that was not initially flat). In order to demonstrate the utility of the new method, several sheet materials were tested over a range of temperatures. Some of the data obtained is the first of its kind. Magnesium AZ31B sheets were tested at temperatures up to 250°C with strain rate of 0.001/s. The inflected stress-strain curve observed in compression at room temperature disappeared between 125°C and 150°C, corresponding to the suppression of twinning, and suggesting a simple method for identifying the deformation mechanism transition temperature. The temperature-dependent behavior of selected advanced high strength steels (TWIP and DP) was revealed by preliminary tests at room temperature, 150°C and 250°C. For Mg AZ31B alloy sheets, the curvature of compressive stress-strain plots over a fixed strain range was found to be a consistent indicator of twinning magnitude, independent of temperature and strain rate. The relationship between curvature and areal fraction of twins is presented. Transition temperatures determined based on stress-strain curvature were consistent with ones determined by metallographic analysis and flow stresses, and depended on strain rate by the Zener-Hollomon parameter, a critical value for which was measured. The transition temperature was found to depend significantly on grain size, a relationship for which was established. Finally, it was shown that the transition temperature can be determined consistently, and much faster, using a single novel "Step-Temperature" test.

Modeling damaged wings: Element selection and constraint specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stronge, W. J.

1975-01-01

The NASTRAN analytical program was used for structural design, and no problems were anticipated in applying this program to a damaged structure as long as the deformations were small and the strains remained within the elastic range. In this context, NASTRAN was used to test three-dimensional analytical models of a damaged aircraft wing under static loads. A comparison was made of calculated and experimentally measured strains on primary structural components of an RF-84F wing. This comparison brought out two sensitive areas in modeling semimonocoque structures. The calculated strains were strongly affected by the type of elements used adjacent to the damaged region and by the choice of multipoint constraints sets on the damaged boundary.

Behaviour of square FRP-Confined High-Strength Concrete Columns under Eccentric Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fallah Pour, Ali; Gholampour, Aliakbar; Zheng, Junai; Ozbakkaloglu, Togay

2018-01-01

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the effect of load eccentricity on the axial compressive behaviour of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP)- confined high-strength concrete (HSC) columns with a square cross-section. The axial loading was applied to the specimens at six different load eccentricities ranging from zero to 50 mm. The results show that the load eccentricity significantly influences the axial load-displacement and axial stress-strain behaviour of FRP-confined HSC. Increasing the load eccentricity leads to an increase in the ultimate axial strain but a decrease in the ultimate axial stress and second branch slope of the axial stress-strain curve.

Measurement at low strain rates of the elastic properties of dental polymeric materials.

PubMed

Chabrier, F; Lloyd, C H; Scrimgeour, S N

1999-01-01

To evaluate a simple static test (i.e. a slow strain rate test) designed to measure Young's modulus and the bulk modulus of polymeric materials (The NOL Test). Though it is a 'mature' test as yet it has never been applied to dental materials. A small cylindrical specimen is contained in a close-fitting steel constraining ring and compressive force applied to the ends by steel pistons. The initial (unconstrained) deformation is controlled by Young's modulus. Lateral spreading leads to constraint from the ring and subsequent deformation is controlled by the bulk modulus. A range of dental materials and reference polymers were selected and both moduli measured. From these data Poisson's ratios were calculated. The test proved be a simple reliable method for obtaining values for these properties. For composite the value of Young's modulus was lower, bulk modulus relatively similar and Poisson's ratio higher than that obtained from high strain rate techniques (as expected for a strain rate sensitive material). This test does fulfil a requirement for a simple test to define fully the elastic properties of dental polymeric materials. Measurements are made at the strain rates used in conventional static tests and values reflect this test condition. The higher values obtained for Poisson's ratio at this slow strain rate has implications for FEA, in that analysis is concerned with static or slow rate loading situations.

The response of equine cortical bone to loading at strain rates experienced in vivo by the galloping horse.

PubMed

Evans, G P; Behiri, J C; Vaughan, L C; Bonfield, W

1992-03-01

The behaviour of cortical bone under load is strain rate-dependent, i.e. it is dependent on the rate at which the load is applied. This is particularly relevant in the galloping horse since the strain rates experienced by the bone are far in excess of those recorded for any other species. In this study the effect of strain rates between 0.0001 and 1 sec-1 on the mechanical properties of equine cortical bone were assessed. Initially, increasing strain rates resulted in increased mechanical properties. Beyond a critical value, however, further increases in strain rate resulted in lower strain to failure and energy absorbing capacity. This critical rate occurred around 0.1 sec-1 which is within the in vivo range for a galloping racehorse. Analysis of the stress-strain curves revealed a transition in the type of deformation at this point from pseudo-ductile to brittle. Bones undergoing brittle deformation are more likely to fail under load, leading to catastrophic fracture and destruction of the animal.

Controlling and prevention of surface wrinkling via size-dependent critical wrinkling strain.

PubMed

Han, Xue; Zhao, Yan; Cao, Yanping; Lu, Conghua

2015-06-14

Surface wrinkling may occur in a film-substrate system when the applied strain exceeds the critical value. However, the practically required strain for the onset of surface wrinkling can be different from the theoretically predicted value. Here we investigate the film size effect-dependent critical strain for the mechanical strain-induced surface wrinkling via a combination of experiments and theoretical analysis. In the poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based system fabricated by the smart combination of mechanical straining and selective O2 plasma (OP) exposure through Cu grids, the film size effect on the critical wrinkling strain is systematically studied by considering OP exposure duration, the mesh number and geometry of Cu grids. Meanwhile, a simple analytical solution revealing the film size effect is well established, which shows good consistency with the experimental results. This study provides an experimental and theoretical basis for finely tuning the critical wrinkling strain in a simple and quantitative manner, which can find a wide range of applications in such fields as microelectronic circuits and optical devices, where controlling and/or prevention of surface wrinkling are of great importance.

A Tactile Sensor Using Piezoresistive Beams for Detection of the Coefficient of Static Friction

PubMed Central

Okatani, Taiyu; Takahashi, Hidetoshi; Noda, Kentaro; Takahata, Tomoyuki; Matsumoto, Kiyoshi; Shimoyama, Isao

2016-01-01

This paper reports on a tactile sensor using piezoresistive beams for detection of the coefficient of static friction merely by pressing the sensor against an object. The sensor chip is composed of three pairs of piezoresistive beams arranged in parallel and embedded in an elastomer; this sensor is able to measure the vertical and lateral strains of the elastomer. The coefficient of static friction is estimated from the ratio of the fractional resistance changes corresponding to the sensing elements of vertical and lateral strains when the sensor is in contact with an object surface. We applied a normal force on the sensor surface through objects with coefficients of static friction ranging from 0.2 to 1.1. The fractional resistance changes corresponding to vertical and lateral strains were proportional to the applied force. Furthermore, the relationship between these responses changed according to the coefficients of static friction. The experimental result indicated the proposed sensor could determine the coefficient of static friction before a global slip occurs. PMID:27213374

Investigating the Strain, Temperature and Humidity Sensitivity of a Multimode Graded-Index Perfluorinated Polymer Optical Fiber with Bragg Grating

PubMed Central

Zheng, Yulong; Bremer, Kort

2018-01-01

In this work we investigate the strain, temperature and humidity sensitivity of a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) inscribed in a near infrared low-loss multimode perfluorinated polymer optical fiber based on cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP). For this purpose, FBGs were inscribed into the multimode CYTOP fiber with a core diameter of 50 µm by using a krypton fluoride (KrF) excimer laser and the phase mask method. The evolution of the reflection spectrum of the FBG detected with a multimode interrogation technique revealed a single reflection peak with a full width at half maximum (FHWM) bandwidth of about 9 nm. Furthermore, the spectral envelope of the single FBG reflection peak can be optimized depending on the KrF excimer laser irradiation time. A linear shift of the Bragg wavelength due to applied strain, temperature and humidity was measured. Furthermore, depending on irradiation time of the KrF excimer laser, both the failure strain and strain sensitivity of the multimode fiber with FBG can be controlled. The inherent low light attenuation in the near infrared wavelength range (telecommunication window) of the multimode CYTOP fiber and the single FBG reflection peak when applying the multimode interrogation set-up will allow for new applications in the area of telecommunication and optical sensing. PMID:29734734

Investigating the Strain, Temperature and Humidity Sensitivity of a Multimode Graded-Index Perfluorinated Polymer Optical Fiber with Bragg Grating.

PubMed

Zheng, Yulong; Bremer, Kort; Roth, Bernhard

2018-05-05

In this work we investigate the strain, temperature and humidity sensitivity of a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) inscribed in a near infrared low-loss multimode perfluorinated polymer optical fiber based on cyclic transparent optical polymer (CYTOP). For this purpose, FBGs were inscribed into the multimode CYTOP fiber with a core diameter of 50 µm by using a krypton fluoride (KrF) excimer laser and the phase mask method. The evolution of the reflection spectrum of the FBG detected with a multimode interrogation technique revealed a single reflection peak with a full width at half maximum (FHWM) bandwidth of about 9 nm. Furthermore, the spectral envelope of the single FBG reflection peak can be optimized depending on the KrF excimer laser irradiation time. A linear shift of the Bragg wavelength due to applied strain, temperature and humidity was measured. Furthermore, depending on irradiation time of the KrF excimer laser, both the failure strain and strain sensitivity of the multimode fiber with FBG can be controlled. The inherent low light attenuation in the near infrared wavelength range (telecommunication window) of the multimode CYTOP fiber and the single FBG reflection peak when applying the multimode interrogation set-up will allow for new applications in the area of telecommunication and optical sensing.

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

Lara-Curzio, Edgar; Rios, Orlando; Marquez-Rossy, Andres Emilio

ORNL collaborated with Faurecia Interior Systems to investigate the feasibility of developing a thermomagnetic preventive maintenance program for nickel tooling used in powder slush molding. It was found that thermal treatments at temperatures greater than 500°C can anneal strain hardening in nickel tooling and a range of temperatures and times for effective thermal annealing were identified. It was also observed that magnetic fields applied during thermal annealing do not alter the kinetics of strain hardening annealing. The results obtained in this investigation provide a foundation for establishing a preventive maintenance program for nickel tooling.

Effect of various fixation parameters on strain development of screw- and cement-retained implant-supported restorations.

PubMed

Schittenhelm, Birgit; Karl, Matthias; Graef, Friedrich; Heckmann, Siegfried; Taylor, Thomas

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to quantify the potential effects of screw- and cement-retention on strain development of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). A total of 20 single crowns and 70 three-unit FDPs were fabricated to fit an in vitro model situation with two implants. Using strain gauges attached to the model material adjacent to the implants, strain development of the restorations during fixation was recorded while the parameters cement type (provisional and definitive cement), cementation force (10 N and 100 N), and tightening torque (5 Ncm, 10 Ncm, and 15 Ncm) were varied. MANOVA with Pillai's trace was used for pairwise comparisons between groups (α = .05). Mean absolute strain development ranged from 5.11 µm/m for to 27.26 µm/m for single crowns and from 16.46 µm/m to 689.04 µm/m for multi-unit restorations. Screw-retained single crowns exhibited significantly smaller strain development as compared to cement-retained single crowns (P = .009). The type of cement used seemed to have no effect on strain development of an FDP regardless of the cementation force applied (P = .064 and P = .605). An increase in tightening torque for screw-retained FDPs also had no effect on resulting strain development (P values ranging from .692 to .807). Nonuniform results were found when comparing screw- and cementretention as the retention mechanism for FDPs. Strain development seems to depend predominantly on the accuracy achieved during the fabrication process whereas the retention mechanisms themselves as well as their potential parameters only have a minor effect.

A New Correction Technique for Strain-Gage Measurements Acquired in Transient-Temperature Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, W. Lance

1996-01-01

Significant strain-gage errors may exist in measurements acquired in transient-temperature environments if conventional correction methods are applied. As heating or cooling rates increase, temperature gradients between the strain-gage sensor and substrate surface increase proportionally. These temperature gradients introduce strain-measurement errors that are currently neglected in both conventional strain-correction theory and practice. Therefore, the conventional correction theory has been modified to account for these errors. A new experimental method has been developed to correct strain-gage measurements acquired in environments experiencing significant temperature transients. The new correction technique has been demonstrated through a series of tests in which strain measurements were acquired for temperature-rise rates ranging from 1 to greater than 100 degrees F/sec. Strain-gage data from these tests have been corrected with both the new and conventional methods and then compared with an analysis. Results show that, for temperature-rise rates greater than 10 degrees F/sec, the strain measurements corrected with the conventional technique produced strain errors that deviated from analysis by as much as 45 percent, whereas results corrected with the new technique were in good agreement with analytical results.

Crack tip field and fatigue crack growth in general yielding and low cycle fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minzhong, Z.; Liu, H. W.

1984-01-01

Fatigue life consists of crack nucleation and crack propagation periods. Fatigue crack nucleation period is shorter relative to the propagation period at higher stresses. Crack nucleation period of low cycle fatigue might even be shortened by material and fabrication defects and by environmental attack. In these cases, fatigue life is largely crack propagation period. The characteristic crack tip field was studied by the finite element method, and the crack tip field is related to the far field parameters: the deformation work density, and the product of applied stress and applied strain. The cyclic carck growth rates in specimens in general yielding as measured by Solomon are analyzed in terms of J-integral. A generalized crack behavior in terms of delta is developed. The relations between J and the far field parameters and the relation for the general cyclic crack growth behavior are used to analyze fatigue lives of specimens under general-yielding cyclic-load. Fatigue life is related to the applied stress and strain ranges, the deformation work density, crack nucleus size, fracture toughness, fatigue crack growth threshold, Young's modulus, and the cyclic yield stress and strain. The fatigue lives of two aluminum alloys correlate well with the deformation work density as depicted by the derived theory. The general relation is reduced to Coffin-Manson low cycle fatigue law in the high strain region.

Improved incorporation of strain gradient elasticity in the flexoelectricity based energy harvesting from nanobeams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yarong; Yang, Xu; Pan, Dongmei; Wang, Binglei

2018-04-01

Flexoelectricity, the coupling of strain gradient and polarization, exists in all the dielectric materials and numerous models have been proposed to study this mechanism. However, the contribution of strain gradient elasticity has typically been underestimated. In this work, inspired by the one-length scale parameter model developed by Deng et al. [19], we incorporate three length-scale parameters to carefully capture the contribution of the purely mechanical strain gradients on flexoelectricity. This three-parameter model is more flexible and could be applied to investigate the flexoelectricity in a wide range of complicated deformations. Accordingly, we carry out our analysis by studying a dielectric nanobeam under different boundary conditions. We show that the strain gradient elasticity and flexoelectricity have apparent size effects and significant influence on the electromechanical response. In particular, the strain gradient effects could significantly reduce the energy efficiency, indicating their importance and necessity. This work may be helpful in understanding the mechanism of flexoelectricity at the nanoscale and sheds light on the flexoelectricity energy harvesting.

Vibration monitoring of a helicopter blade model using the optical fiber distributed strain sensing technique.

PubMed

Wada, Daichi; Igawa, Hirotaka; Kasai, Tokio

2016-09-01

We demonstrate a dynamic distributed monitoring technique using a long-length fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogated by optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) that measures strain at a speed of 150 Hz, spatial resolution of 1 mm, and measurement range of 20 m. A 5 m FBG is bonded to a 5.5 m helicopter blade model, and vibration is applied by the step relaxation method. The time domain responses of the strain distributions are measured, and the blade deflections are calculated based on the strain distributions. Frequency response functions are obtained using the time domain responses of the calculated deflection induced by the preload release, and the modal parameters are retrieved. Experimental results demonstrated the dynamic monitoring performances and the applicability to the modal analysis of the OFDR-FBG technique.

Soil fungi for mycoremediation of arsenic pollution in agriculture soils.

PubMed

Singh, M; Srivastava, P K; Verma, P C; Kharwar, R N; Singh, N; Tripathi, R D

2015-11-01

Soil arsenic (As) contamination of food-chains and public health can be mitigated through fungal bioremediation. To enumerate culturable soil fungi, soils were collected from the As-contaminated paddy fields (3-35 mg kg(-1) ) of the middle Indo-Gangetic Plains. Total 54 fungal strains were obtained and identified at their molecular level. All strains were tested for As tolerance (from 100 to 10,000 mg l(-1) arsenate). Fifteen fungal strains, tolerant to 10,000 mg l(-1) arsenate, were studied for As removal in-vivo for 21 days by cultivating them individually in potato dextrose broth enriched with 10 mg l(-1) As. The bioaccumulation of As in fungal biomass ranged from 0·023 to 0·259 g kg(-1). The biovolatilized As ranged from 0·23 to 6·4 mg kg(-1). Higher As bioaccumulation and biovolatilization observed in the seven fungal strains, Aspergillus oryzae FNBR_L35; Fusarium sp. FNBR_B7, FNBR_LK5 and FNBR_B3; Aspergillus nidulans FNBR_LK1; Rhizomucor variabilis sp. FNBR_B9; and Emericella sp. FNBR_BA5. These fungal strains were also tested and found suitable for significant plant growth promotion in the calendula, withania and oat plants in a greenhouse based pot experiment. These fungal strains can be used for As remediation in As-contaminated agricultural soils. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Experimental Characterization of Stress- and Strain-Dependent Stiffness in Grouted Rock Masses.

PubMed

Kim, Ji-Won; Chong, Song-Hun; Cho, Gye-Chun

2018-03-29

Grouting of fractured rock mass prior to excavation results in grout-filled discontinuities that govern the deformation characteristics of a site. The influence of joint characteristics on the properties of grouted rocks is important in assessing the effects of grouting on jointed rock mass. However, grouting remains a predominantly empirical practice and the effects of grouting on rock joint behavior and material properties have yet to be accurately assessed. Granular materials, including jointed rocks, typically display nonlinear strain-dependent responses that can be characterized by the shear modulus degradation curve. In this study, the effects of grouting on the strain-dependent shear stiffness of jointed rock mass were investigated at the small-strain (below 10 -5 ) and mid-strain (10 -5 to 10 -3 ) ranges using the quasi-static resonant column test and rock mass dynamic test devices. The effects of curing time, axial stress, initial joint roughness, and grouted joint thickness were examined. The results show that (1) grouting of rock joints leads to decreased stress sensitivity and increased small-strain shear stiffness for all tested samples; (2) the grouted rock samples display similar modulus degradation characteristics as the applied grout material; (3) the initial joint roughness determines the stress-dependent behaviors and general stiffness range of the jointed and grouted rocks, but the strain-dependent behaviors are dependent on the properties of the grout material; (4) increased grouted joint thickness results in larger contribution of the grout properties in the overall grouted rock mass.

Experimental Characterization of Stress- and Strain-Dependent Stiffness in Grouted Rock Masses

PubMed Central

Cho, Gye-Chun

2018-01-01

Grouting of fractured rock mass prior to excavation results in grout-filled discontinuities that govern the deformation characteristics of a site. The influence of joint characteristics on the properties of grouted rocks is important in assessing the effects of grouting on jointed rock mass. However, grouting remains a predominantly empirical practice and the effects of grouting on rock joint behavior and material properties have yet to be accurately assessed. Granular materials, including jointed rocks, typically display nonlinear strain-dependent responses that can be characterized by the shear modulus degradation curve. In this study, the effects of grouting on the strain-dependent shear stiffness of jointed rock mass were investigated at the small-strain (below 10−5) and mid-strain (10−5 to 10−3) ranges using the quasi-static resonant column test and rock mass dynamic test devices. The effects of curing time, axial stress, initial joint roughness, and grouted joint thickness were examined. The results show that (1) grouting of rock joints leads to decreased stress sensitivity and increased small-strain shear stiffness for all tested samples; (2) the grouted rock samples display similar modulus degradation characteristics as the applied grout material; (3) the initial joint roughness determines the stress-dependent behaviors and general stiffness range of the jointed and grouted rocks, but the strain-dependent behaviors are dependent on the properties of the grout material; (4) increased grouted joint thickness results in larger contribution of the grout properties in the overall grouted rock mass. PMID:29596371

Screening, identification and characterization of bacteriocins produced by wine-isolated LAB strains.

PubMed

Ndlovu, B; Schoeman, H; Franz, C M A P; du Toit, M

2015-04-01

To screen and identify wine-isolated LAB strains for bacteriocin production, and to identify and characterize bacteriocins. One hundred and fifty-five LAB strains isolated from South African red wines undergoing spontaneous malolactic fermentation were screened for bacteriocin production. Eight isolates were identified to be bacteriocin producers and were identified as Enterococcus faecium. All eight isolates had the same phenotypic and genotypic profiles. The peptides were preliminarily identified as enterocin P using mass spectrometry and further confirmed by PCR-amplifying enterocin P gene. The enterocin activity was inhibited by α-Chymotrypsin, papain and proteinase K treatments. It was heat stable at 37, 60, 80 and 100°C and showed activity over a broad pH range of 2-10. The production of the enterocin followed that of primary metabolite kinetics and, it showed bactericidal effect to some wine spoilage LAB strains. Our study identified the presence of the enterocin-producing Enterococcus in wine. The enterocin was heat stable; with broad pH range and bactericidal effects to sensitive strains. This is one of very few studies that isolated Enterococcus species from wine. It is, however, the first to report presence of bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus in wine fermentation. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Flexible substrate based 2D ZnO (n)/graphene (p) rectifying junction as enhanced broadband photodetector using strain modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahatiya, Parikshit; Jones, S. Solomon; Thanga Gomathi, P.; Badhulika, Sushmee

2017-06-01

Strain modulation is considered to be an effective way to modulate the electronic structure and carrier behavior in flexible semiconductors heterojunctions. In this work, 2D Graphene (Gr)/ZnO junction was successfully fabricated on flexible eraser substrate using simple, low-cost solution processed hydrothermal method and has been utilized for broadband photodetection in the UV to visible range at room temperature. Optimization in terms of process parameters were done to obtain 2D ZnO over 2D graphene which shows decrease in bandgap and broad absorption range from UV to visible. Under compressive strain piezopotential induced by the atoms displacements in 2D ZnO, 87% enhanced photosensing for UV light was observed under 30% strain. This excellent performance improvement can be attributed to piezopotential induced under compressive strain in 2D ZnO which results in lowering of conduction band energy and raising the schottky barrier height thereby facilitating electron-hole pair separation in 2D Gr/ZnO junction. Detailed mechanism studies in terms of density of surface states and energy band diagram is presented to understand the proposed phenomena. Results provide an excellent approach for improving the optoelectronic performance of 2D Gr/ZnO interface which can also be applied to similar semiconductor heterojunctions.

Full Flight Envelope Direct Thrust Measurement on a Supersonic Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conners, Timothy R.; Sims, Robert L.

1998-01-01

Direct thrust measurement using strain gages offers advantages over analytically-based thrust calculation methods. For flight test applications, the direct measurement method typically uses a simpler sensor arrangement and minimal data processing compared to analytical techniques, which normally require costly engine modeling and multisensor arrangements throughout the engine. Conversely, direct thrust measurement has historically produced less than desirable accuracy because of difficulty in mounting and calibrating the strain gages and the inability to account for secondary forces that influence the thrust reading at the engine mounts. Consequently, the strain-gage technique has normally been used for simple engine arrangements and primarily in the subsonic speed range. This paper presents the results of a strain gage-based direct thrust-measurement technique developed by the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center and successfully applied to the full flight envelope of an F-15 aircraft powered by two F100-PW-229 turbofan engines. Measurements have been obtained at quasi-steady-state operating conditions at maximum non-augmented and maximum augmented power throughout the altitude range of the vehicle and to a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 and are compared against results from two analytically-based thrust calculation methods. The strain-gage installation and calibration processes are also described.

Strain effects on thermal conductivity of nanostructured silicon by Raman piezothermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Kathryn Fay

A fundamental problem facing the rational design of materials is the independent control of electrical and thermal properties, with implications for a wide range of applications including thermoelectrics, solar thermal power generation, and thermal logic. One strategy for controlling transport involves manipulating the length scales which affect it. For instance, Si thermal conductivity may be reduced with relatively little change in electrical properties when the confining dimension (e.g., nanowire diameter) is small enough that heat carriers are preferentially scattered at free surfaces. However, tailoring properties by geometry or chemistry alone does not allow for on-demand modification, precluding applications which require responsive behavior such as thermal transistors, thermoelectric modules which adapt to their environmental temperature, or switchable thermal barriers. One means of tuning transport is elastic strain, which has long been exploited to improve carrier mobility in electronic devices. Uniform strain is predicted to affect thermal conductivity primarily via changes in heat capacity and phonon velocity, and crystalline defects such as vacancies or dislocations---which induce large strain gradients---should lower thermal conductivity by decreasing the phonon mean free path. Nanowires are ideal for the study of strain and defect effects due to the availability of a range of elastic strain an order of magnitude larger than in bulk and due to their small volumes. However, experimental measurements of strain-mediated thermal conductivity in nanowires have been limited due to the complexity of simultaneously applying and measuring stress or strain, heating, and measuring temperature. In this dissertation, we measure strain effects on thermal conductivity using a novel non-contact approach which we name Raman piezothermography. We apply a uniaxial load to individual Si nanowires, Si thin films, and Si micromeshes under a confocal mu-Raman microscope and, using the Raman laser as a heat source and the Raman spectrum as a measure of temperature, determine thermal transport properties. We show that uniaxial strain up to ˜1% has a weak effect on Si nanowire or thin film thermal conductivity, but irradiation-induced defects in nanowires yield dramatic reductions due to increased phonon scattering. Such defects are accompanied by large strain gradients, but decoupling the effect of these gradients from local changes in mass and interatomic potential is experimentally untenable. To isolate the effect of strain gradients, we extend our method to Si micromeshes, which exhibit nonuniform strains upon loading. The complex strain states achieved cause more drastic reductions of thermal conductivity due to enhanced phonon-phonon scattering in the presence of a strain gradient. The directions suggested by our experiments, as well as the development of the method, will allow for more robust understanding and control of thermal transport in nanostructures.

Phonon dispersion evolution in uniaxially strained aluminum crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parthasarathy, Ranganathan; Misra, Anil; Aryal, Sitaram; Ouyang, Lizhi

2018-04-01

The influence of loading upon the phonon dispersion of crystalline materials could be highly nonlinear with certain particular trends that depend upon the loading path. In this paper, we have calculated the influence of [100] uniaxial strain on the phonon dispersion and group velocities in fcc aluminum using second moments of position obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation at 300 K. In contrast to nonlinear monotonic variation of both longitudinal and transverse phonon frequencies along the Δ , Λ and Σ lines of the first Brillouin zone under tension, transverse phonon branches along the Λ line show inflection at specific wavevectors when the compressive strain exceeds 5%. Further, the longitudinal group velocities along the high-symmetry Δ line vary non-monotonically with strain, reaching a minimum at 5% compressive strain. Throughout the strain range studied, the equilibrium positions of atoms displace in an affine manner preserving certain static structural symmetry. We attribute the anomalies in the phonon dispersion to the non-affine evolution of second moments of atomic position, and the associated plateauing of force constants under the applied strain path.

Modeling of the flow stress for AISI H13 Tool Steel during Hard Machining Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umbrello, Domenico; Rizzuti, Stefania; Outeiro, José C.; Shivpuri, Rajiv

2007-04-01

In general, the flow stress models used in computer simulation of machining processes are a function of effective strain, effective strain rate and temperature developed during the cutting process. However, these models do not adequately describe the material behavior in hard machining, where a range of material hardness between 45 and 60 HRC are used. Thus, depending on the specific material hardness different material models must be used in modeling the cutting process. This paper describes the development of a hardness-based flow stress and fracture models for the AISI H13 tool steel, which can be applied for range of material hardness mentioned above. These models were implemented in a non-isothermal viscoplastic numerical model to simulate the machining process for AISI H13 with various hardness values and applying different cutting regime parameters. Predicted results are validated by comparing them with experimental results found in the literature. They are found to predict reasonably well the cutting forces as well as the change in chip morphology from continuous to segmented chip as the material hardness change.

Iterative algorithm-guided design of massive strain libraries, applied to itaconic acid production in yeast.

PubMed

Young, Eric M; Zhao, Zheng; Gielesen, Bianca E M; Wu, Liang; Benjamin Gordon, D; Roubos, Johannes A; Voigt, Christopher A

2018-05-09

Metabolic engineering requires multiple rounds of strain construction to evaluate alternative pathways and enzyme concentrations. Optimizing multigene pathways stepwise or by randomly selecting enzymes and expression levels is inefficient. Here, we apply methods from design of experiments (DOE) to guide the construction of strain libraries from which the maximum information can be extracted without sampling every possible combination. We use Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a host for a novel six-gene pathway to itaconic acid, selected by comparing alternative shunt pathways that bypass the mitochondrial TCA cycle. The pathway is distinctive for the use of acetylating acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to increase cytosolic acetyl-CoA pools, a bacterial enzyme to synthesize citrate in the cytosol, and an itaconic acid exporter. Precise control over the expression of each gene is enabled by a set of promoter-terminator pairs that span a 174-fold range. Two large combinatorial libraries (160 variants, 2.4Mb and 32 variants, 0.6Mb) are designed where the expression levels are selected by statistical methods (I-optimal response surface methodology, full factorial, or Plackett-Burman) with the intent of extracting different types of guiding information after the screen. This is applied to the design of a third library (24 variants, 0.5Mb) intended to alleviate a bottleneck in cis-aconitate decarboxylase (CAD) expression. The top strain produces 815mg/l itaconic acid, a 4-fold improvement over the initial strain achieved by iteratively balancing pathway expression. Including a methylated product in the total, the strain produces 1.3g/l combined itaconic acids. Further, a regression analysis of the libraries reveals the optimal expression level of CAD as well as pairwise interdependencies between genes that result in increased titer and purity of itaconic acid. This work demonstrates adapting algorithmic design strategies to guide automated yeast strain construction and learn information after each iteration. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Continuation of the Ecological Risk Assessment of Explosive Residues in Rodents, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish and Invertebrates: An Integrated Laboratory and Field Investigation Related to Live-Fire Ranges in the Department of Defense

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

malicum strain HAAP-1 isolated from a methanogenic mixed culture. Current Microbiology 48:332-340. Army. 1985h. HMX: Acute toxicity tests in...explosives: biotransformation versus mineralization. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 54:605-618. Hawari J, Halasz A, Sheremata T, Beaudet S...triazine (RDX) with municipal anaerobic sludge. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 66:2652-2657. Kudo, H., and Y. Oki. 1984. Microtus species

Selection of entomopathogenic fungi for aphid control.

PubMed

Vu, Van Hanh; Hong, Suk Il; Kim, Keun

2007-12-01

Twelve strains of entomopathogenic fungi such as Lecanicillium lecanii, Paecilomyces farinosus, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Cordyceps scarabaeicola, and Nomuraea rileyi were screened for aphid control. At 25 degrees C and 75% relative humidity (RH), among tested entomopathogenic fungi, L. lecanii 41185 showed the highest virulent pathogenicity for both Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii, and their control values were both nearly 100% 5 and 2 d after treatment, respectively. Moreover, at an RH of 45% and in a wide temperature range (20-30 degrees C), L. lecanii 41185 also exhibited the highest virulence to M. persicae. The control value of M. persicae and the 50% lethal time (LT50) decreased significantly as the applied conidial concentration increased. The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of the conidial suspension of this fungus was determined to be 6.55x10(5) conidia/ml. The control values of M. persicae resulting from the application of 1x10(7) and 1x10(8) conidia/ml were nearly the same and were significantly higher than that of 1x10(6) conidia/ml. The tested entomopathogenic fungi grew in a broad temperature range (15-30 degrees C). Lecanicillium strains showed optimum growth at 25 degrees C. The aerial conidia of Lecanicillium strains also could germinate in a broad temperature range (15-30 degrees C) and L. lecanii 41185 was the only strain with conidial germination at 35 degrees C.

Repeatability of strain magnitude and strain rate measurements in the periodontal ligament using fibre Bragg gratings: An ex vivo study in a swine model.

PubMed

Romanyk, Dan L; Guan, Raymond; Major, Paul W; Dennison, Christopher R

2017-03-21

Measurement of periodontal ligament (PDL) strain in an ex vivo or in vivo setting of a complete tooth-PDL-bone complex (TPBC) has yet to be achieved in the literature. The objective of this study was to investigate inter- and intra-TPBC PDL strain measurement using fibre Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors. Second and third premolars from the left and the right side of four swine mandibles were removed to yield sixteen TPBC samples. Samples were secured in a miniature load-frame equipped with a digital actuator used to apply apical-directed displacement to the tooth. The same tooth on left and right sides of the mouth were exposed to the same loading condition over ten trials allowing for comparisons in a split-mouth study. Displacements of 0.2 and 0.3mm were considered along with displacement rates of 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1mm/s, yielding six loading combinations. Hypothesis testing between left and right teeth revealed FBGs did not always measure the same strain between left and right TPBCs. For all strain measures, the average coefficient of variation (CV) (all data collected) was 2.16 (range: 0.274-10.71). For repeated measures in single TPBCs, the minimum CV ranged from 0.037 to 0.449, and generally coincided with the time of maximum strain measured over the test duration. Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that FBGs can provide repeatable ex vivo strain measures in the PDL of complete TPBCs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An enhanced method to determine the Young’s modulus of technical single fibres by means of high resolution digital image correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huether, Jonas; Rupp, Peter; Kohlschreiber, Ina; André Weidenmann, Kay

2018-04-01

To obtain mechanical tensile properties of materials it is customary to equip the specimen directly with a device to measure strain and Young’s modulus correctly and only within the measuring length defined by the standards. Whereas a variety of tools such as extensometers, strain gauges and optical systems are available for specimens on coupon level, no market-ready tools to measure strains of single fibres during single fibre tensile tests are available. Although there is a standard for single fibre testing, the procedures described there are only capable of measuring strains of the whole testing setup rather than the strain of the fibre. Without a direct strain measurement on the specimen, the compliance of the test rig itself influences the determination of the Young’s modulus. This work aims to fill this gap by establishing an enhanced method to measure strains directly on the tested fibre and thus provide accurate values for Young’s modulus. It is demonstrated that by applying and then optically tracking fluorescing polymeric beads on single glass fibres, Young’s modulus is determined directly and with high repeatability, without a need to measure at different measuring lengths or compensating for the system compliance. Employing this method to glass fibres, a Young’s modulus of approximately 82.5 GPa was determined, which is in the range of values obtained by applying a conventional procedure. This enhanced measuring technology achieves high accuracy and repeatability while reducing scatter of the data. It was demonstrated that the fluorescing beads do not affect the fibre properties.

Effect of applied strain on phase separation of Fe-28 at.% Cr alloy: 3D phase-field simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Lihui; Li, Yongsheng; Liu, Chengwei; Chen, Shi; Shi, Shujing; Jin, Shengshun

2018-04-01

A quantitative simulation of the separation of the α‧ phase in Fe-28 at.% Cr alloy under the effects of applied strain is performed by utilizing a three-dimensional phase-field model. The elongation of the Cr-enriched α‧ phase becomes obvious with the influence of applied uniaxial strain for the phase separation transforms from spinodal decomposition of 700 K to nucleation and growth of 773 K. The applied strain shows a significant influence on the early stage phase separation, and the influence is enlarged with the elevated temperature. The steady-state coarsening with the mechanism of spinodal decomposition is substantially affected by the applied strain for low-temperature aging, while the influence is reduced as the temperature increases and as the phase separation mechanism changes to nucleation and growth. The peak value of particle size distribution decreases, and the PSD for 773 K becomes more widely influenced by the applied strain. The simulation results of separation of the Cr-enriched α‧ phase with the applied strain provide a further understanding of the strain effect on the phase separation of Fe-Cr alloys from the metastable region to spinodal regions.

Creep Strain and Strain Rate Response of 2219 Al Alloy at High Stress Levels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taminger, Karen M. B.; Wagner, John A.; Lisagor, W. Barry

1998-01-01

As a result of high localized plastic deformation experienced during proof testing in an International Space Station connecting module, a study was undertaken to determine the deformation response of a 2219-T851 roll forging. After prestraining 2219-T851 Al specimens to simulate strains observed during the proof testing, creep tests were conducted in the temperature range from ambient temperature to 107 C (225 F) at stress levels approaching the ultimate tensile strength of 2219-T851 Al. Strain-time histories and strain rate responses were examined. The strain rate response was extremely high initially, but decayed rapidly, spanning as much as five orders of magnitude during primary creep. Select specimens were subjected to incremental step loading and exhibited initial creep rates of similar magnitude for each load step. Although the creep rates decreased quickly at all loads, the creep rates dropped faster and reached lower strain rate levels for lower applied loads. The initial creep rate and creep rate decay associated with primary creep were similar for specimens with and without prestrain; however, prestraining (strain hardening) the specimens, as in the aforementioned proof test, resulted in significantly longer creep life.

Driving- stress waveform and the determination of rock internal friction by the stress-strain curve method.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hsi-Ping, Liu

1980-01-01

Harmonic distortion in the stress-time function applied to rock specimens affects the measurement of rock internal friction in the seismic wave periods by the stress-strain hysteresis loop method. If neglected, the harmonic distortion can cause measurements of rock internal friction to be in error by 3O% in the linear range. The stress-time function therefore must be recorded and Fourier analysed for correct interpretation of the experimental data. Such a procedure would also yield a value for internal friction at the higher harmonic frequencies.-Author

Atomic-scale reversibility in sheared glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Meng; Wang, Minglei; Liu, Yanhui; Schroers, Jan; Shattuck, Mark; O'Hern, Corey

Systems become irreversible on a macroscopic scale when they are sheared beyond the yield strain and begin flowing. Using computer simulations of oscillatory shear, we investigate atomic scale reversibility. We employ molecular dynamics simulations to cool binary Lennard-Jones liquids to zero temperature over a wide range of cooling rates. We then apply oscillatory quasistatic shear at constant pressure to the zero-temperature glasses and identify neighbor-switching atomic rearrangement events. We determine the critical strain γ*, beyond which atoms in the system do not return to their original positions upon reversing the strain. We show that for more slowly cooled glasses, the average potential energy is lower and the typical size of atomic rearrangements is smaller, which correlates with larger γ*. Finally, we connect atomic- and macro-scale reversibility by determining the number of and correlations between the atomic rearrangements that occur as the system reaches the yield strain.

Low-temperature creep of austenitic stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, R. P.; Walsh, R. P.

2017-09-01

Plastic deformation under constant load (creep) in austenitic stainless steels has been measured at temperatures ranging from 4 K to room temperature. Low-temperature creep data taken from past and unreported austenitic stainless steel studies are analyzed and reviewed. Creep at cryogenic temperatures of common austenitic steels, such as AISI 304, 310 316, and nitrogen-strengthened steels, such as 304HN and 3116LN, are included. Analyses suggests that logarithmic creep (creep strain dependent on the log of test time) best describe austenitic stainless steel behavior in the secondary creep stage and that the slope of creep strain versus log time is dependent on the applied stress/yield strength ratio. The role of cold work, strain-induced martensitic transformations, and stacking fault energy on low-temperature creep behavior is discussed. The engineering significance of creep on cryogenic structures is discussed in terms of the total creep strain under constant load over their operational lifetime at allowable stress levels.

Strain-Modulated Bandgap and Piezo-Resistive Effect in Black Phosphorus Field-Effect Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zuocheng; Li, Likai; Horng, Jason; Wang, Nai Zhou; Yang, Fangyuan; Yu, Yijun; Zhang, Yu; Chen, Guorui; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Chen, Xian Hui; Wang, Feng; Zhang, Yuanbo

2017-10-01

Energy bandgap largely determines the optical and electronic properties of a semiconductor. Variable bandgap therefore makes versatile functionality possible in a single material. In layered material black phosphorus, the bandgap can be modulated by the number of layers; as a result, few-layer black phosphorus has discrete bandgap values that are relevant for opto-electronic applications in the spectral range from red, in monolayer, to mid-infrared in the bulk limit. Here, we further demonstrate continuous bandgap modulation by mechanical strain applied through flexible substrates. The strain-modulated bandgap significantly alters the charge transport in black phosphorus at room temperature; we for the first time observe a large piezo-resistive effect in black phosphorus field-effect transistors (FETs). The effect opens up opportunities for future development of electro-mechanical transducers based on black phosphorus, and we demonstrate strain gauges constructed from black phosphorus thin crystals.

Strain-Modulated Bandgap and Piezo-Resistive Effect in Black Phosphorus Field-Effect Transistors.

PubMed

Zhang, Zuocheng; Li, Likai; Horng, Jason; Wang, Nai Zhou; Yang, Fangyuan; Yu, Yijun; Zhang, Yu; Chen, Guorui; Watanabe, Kenji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Chen, Xian Hui; Wang, Feng; Zhang, Yuanbo

2017-10-11

Energy bandgap largely determines the optical and electronic properties of a semiconductor. Variable bandgap therefore makes versatile functionality possible in a single material. In layered material black phosphorus, the bandgap can be modulated by the number of layers; as a result, few-layer black phosphorus has discrete bandgap values that are relevant for optoelectronic applications in the spectral range from red, in monolayer, to mid-infrared in the bulk limit. Here, we further demonstrate continuous bandgap modulation by mechanical strain applied through flexible substrates. The strain-modulated bandgap significantly alters the density of thermally activated carriers; we for the first time observe a large piezo-resistive effect in black phosphorus field-effect transistors (FETs) at room temperature. The effect opens up opportunities for future development of electromechanical transducers based on black phosphorus, and we demonstrate an ultrasensitive strain gauge constructed from black phosphorus thin crystals.

Imaging Local Magnetic Domain Rearrangement in Strained LaCoO3 Thin Films Using Magnetic Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berg, Morgann; Leon, Neliza; Posadas, Agham; Lee, Alfred; Kim, Jeehoon; de Lozanne, Alex; Demkov, Alex

2012-02-01

Previous studies we have conducted on thin films of lanthanum cobaltate (LCO) under tensile strain have revealed a tendency toward local magnetic domain rearrangement into streak-like configurations near the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase transition. Moreover, the persistence of these streak-like characteristics to lower temperatures after field-cooling appears to be linked to the strength of the applied magnetic field in which these films are field-cooled. This tendency has not yet been verified for thin films of LCO under compressive strain which could indicate whether this magnetic domain rearrangement is intrinsic to thin film samples of LCO or is merely an effect of tensile strain. Using magnetic force microscopy, we investigate the microscale magnetic properties of a thin film of LCO under compressive strain, prepared by molecular beam epitaxy and deposited on a lanthanum aluminate substrate. We observe these properties across a wide temperature range and compare our results to global magnetic characteristics of this film as measured by a SQUID magnetometer.

Displacement sensing based on modal interference in polymer optical fibers with partially applied strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizuno, Yosuke; Hagiwara, Sonoko; Kawa, Tomohito; Lee, Heeyoung; Nakamura, Kentaro

2018-05-01

Strain sensing based on modal interference in multimode fibers (MMFs) has been extensively studied, but no experimental or theoretical reports have been given as to how the system works when strain is applied not to the whole MMF but only to part of the MMF. Here, using a perfluorinated graded-index polymer optical fiber as the MMF, we investigate the strain sensing characteristics of this type of sensor when strain is partially applied to fiber sections with different lengths. The strain sensitivity dependence on the length of the strained section reveals that this strain sensor actually behaves as a displacement sensor.

Genetic and Metabolic Intraspecific Biodiversity of Ganoderma lucidum

PubMed Central

Pawlik, Anna; Janusz, Grzegorz; Dębska, Iwona; Siwulski, Marek; Frąc, Magdalena; Rogalski, Jerzy

2015-01-01

Fourteen Ganoderma lucidum strains from different geographic regions were identified using ITS region sequencing. Based on the sequences obtained, the genomic relationship between the analyzed strains was determined. All G. lucidum strains were also genetically characterized using the AFLP technique. G. lucidum strains included in the analysis displayed an AFLP profile similarity level in the range from 9.6 to 33.9%. Biolog FF MicroPlates were applied to obtain data on utilization of 95 carbon sources and mitochondrial activity. The analysis allowed comparison of functional diversity of the fungal strains. The substrate utilization profiles for the isolates tested revealed a broad variability within the analyzed G. lucidum species and proved to be a good profiling technology for studying the diversity in fungi. Significant differences have been demonstrated in substrate richness values. Interestingly, the analysis of growth and biomass production also differentiated the strains based on the growth rate on the agar and sawdust substrate. In general, the mycelial growth on the sawdust substrate was more balanced and the fastest fungal growth was observed for GRE3 and FCL192. PMID:25815332

Generation and Validation of the iKp1289 Metabolic Model for Klebsiella pneumoniae KPPR1

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

Henry, Christopher S.; Rotman, Ella; Lathem, Wyndham W.

Klebsiella pneumoniae has a reputation for causing a wide range of infectious conditions, with numerous highly virulent and antibiotic-resistant strains. Metabolic models have the potential to provide insights into the growth behavior, nutrient requirements, essential genes, and candidate drug targets in these strains. Here we develop a metabolic model for KPPR1, a highly virulent strain of K. pneumoniae. We apply a combination of Biolog phenotype data and fitness data to validate and refine our KPPR1 model. The final model displays a predictive accuracy of 75% in identifying potential carbon and nitrogen sources for K. pneumoniae and of 99% in predictingmore » nonessential genes in rich media. We demonstrate how this model is useful in studying the differences in the metabolic capabilities of the low-virulence MGH 78578 strain and the highly virulent KPPR1 strain. For example, we demonstrate that these strains differ in carbohydrate metabolism, including the ability to metabolize dulcitol as a primary carbon source. Our model makes numerous other predictions for follow-up verification and analysis.« less

Finite strain analysis of metavolcanics and metapyroclastics in gold-bearing shear zone of the Dungash area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kassem, Osama M. K.; Abd El Rahim, Said H.

2014-11-01

The Dungash gold mine area is situated in an EW-trending quartz vein along a shear zone in metavolcanic and metasedimentary host rocks in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. These rocks are associated with the major geologic structures, which are attributed to various deformational stages of the Neoproterozoic basement rocks. Field geology, finite strain and microstructural analyses were carried out and the relation-ships between the lithological contacts and major/minor structures have been studied. The R f/ϕ and Fry methods were applied on the metavolcano-sedimentary and metapyroclastic samples from 5 quartz veins samples, 7 metavolcanics samples, 3 metasedimentary samples and 4 metapyroclastic samples in Dungash area. Finite-strain data show that a low to moderate range of deformation of the metavolcano-sedimentary samples and axial ratios in the XZ section range from 1.70 to 4.80 for the R f/ϕ method and from 1.65 to 4.50 for the Fry method. We conclude that finite strain in the deformed rocks is of the same order of magnitude for all units of metavolcano-sedimentary rocks. Furthermore, the contact between principal rock units is sheared in the Dungash area under brittle to semi-ductile deformation conditions. In this case, the accumulated finite strain is associated with the deformation during thrusting to assemble nappe structure. It indicates that the sheared contacts have been formed during the accumulation of finite strain.

Strain rate sensitivity of a TRIP-assisted dual-phase high-entropy alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Silva; Li, Zhiming; Pradeep, K. G.; Raabe, Dierk

2018-05-01

Dual-phase high-entropy alloys (DP-HEAs) with transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) have an excellent strength-ductility combination. To reveal their strain-rate sensitivity and hence further understand the corresponding deformation mechanisms, we investigated the tensile behavior and microstructural evolution of a typical TRIP-DP-HEA (Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10, at. %) under different strain rates (i.e., 5 × 10-3 s-1, 1 × 10-3 s-1, 5 × 10-4 s-1 and 1 × 10-4 s-1) at room temperature. The strain rate range was confined to this regime in order to apply the digital image correlation technique for probing the local strain evolution during tensile deformation at high resolution and to correlate it to the microstructure evolution. Grain size effects of the face-centered cubic (FCC) matrix and the volume fractions of the hexagonal-close packed (HCP) phase prior to deformation were also considered. The results show that within the explored strain rate regime the TRIP-DP-HEA has a fairly low strain rate sensitivity parameter within the range from 0.004 to 0.04, which is significantly lower than that of DP and TRIP steels. Samples with varying grain sizes (e.g., 2.8 μm and 38 μm) and starting HCP phase fractions (e.g., 25% and 72%) at different strain rates show similar deformation mechanisms, i.e., dislocation plasticity and strain-induced transformation from the FCC matrix to the HCP phase. The low strain rate sensitivity is attributed to the observed dominant displacive transformation mechanism. Also, the coarse-grained alloy samples with a very high starting HCP phase fraction ( 72%) prior to deformation show very good ductility with a total elongation of 60%, suggesting that both, the initial and the transformed HCP phase in the TRIP-DP-HEA are ductile and deform further via dislocation slip at the different strain rates which were probed.

Plasmon modes in monolayer and double-layer black phosphorus under applied uniaxial strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saberi-Pouya, S.; Vazifehshenas, T.; Saleh, M.; Farmanbar, M.; Salavati-fard, T.

2018-05-01

We study the effects of an applied in-plane uniaxial strain on the plasmon dispersions of monolayer, bilayer, and double-layer black phosphorus structures in the long-wavelength limit within the linear elasticity theory. In the low-energy limit, these effects can be modeled through the change in the curvature of the anisotropic energy band along the armchair and zigzag directions. We derive analytical relations of the plasmon modes under uniaxial strain and show that the direction of the applied strain is important. Moreover, we observe that along the armchair direction, the changes of the plasmon dispersion with strain are different and larger than those along the zigzag direction. Using the analytical relations of two-layer phosphorene systems, we found that the strain-dependent orientation factor of layers could be considered as a means to control the variations of the plasmon energy. Furthermore, our study shows that the plasmonic collective modes are more affected when the strain is applied equally to the layers compared to the case in which the strain is applied asymmetrically to the layers. We also calculate the effect of strain on the drag resistivity in a double-layer black phosphorus structure and obtain that the changes in the plasmonic excitations, due to an applied strain, are mainly responsible for the predicted results. This study can be readily extended to other anisotropic two-dimensional materials.

Deformation behavior of open-cell dry natural rubber foam: Effect of different concentration of blowing agent and compression strain rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samsudin, M. S. F.; Ariff, Z. M.; Ariffin, A.

2017-04-01

Compression and deformation behavior of partially open cell natural rubber (NR) foam produced from dry natural rubber (DNR), were investigated by performing compressive deformation at different strains and strain rates. Different concentrations of sodium bicarbonate as a blowing agent (BA) were utilized, from 4 to 16 phr in order to produce foams with range of cell size and morphology. Overall, increasing of blowing agent concentration had significantly changed relative foam density. Compression stress-strain curves of the foams exhibited that the compression behavior was directly correlated to the foam cells morphology and physical density. Pronounced changes were noticed for foams with bigger cells particularly at 4 phr concentration of BA where the compression stress at plateau region was greater compared to those with higher concentration of BA. Cell deformation progressive images confirmed that the foams demonstrated small degree of struts bending at 15% of strain and followed by continuous severe struts bending and elastic buckling up to 50% of strain. Compression test at different strain rates revealed that the strain rate factor only affected the foams with 4 phr of BA by causing immediate increment in the compression stress value when higher strain rate was applied.

An embeddable optical strain gauge based on a buckled beam.

PubMed

Du, Yang; Chen, Yizheng; Zhu, Chen; Zhuang, Yiyang; Huang, Jie

2017-11-01

We report, for the first time, a low cost, compact, and novel mechanically designed extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI)-based optical fiber sensor with a strain amplification mechanism for strain measurement. The fundamental design principle includes a buckled beam with a coated gold layer, mounted on two grips. A Fabry-Perot cavity is produced between the buckled beam and the endface of a single mode fiber (SMF). A ceramic ferrule is applied for supporting and orienting the SMF. The principal sensor elements are packaged and protected by two designed metal shells. The midpoint of the buckled beam will experience a deflection vertically when the beam is subjected to a horizontally/axially compressive displacement. It has been found that the vertical deflection of the beam at midpoint can be 6-17 times larger than the horizontal/axial displacement, which forms the basis of a strain amplification mechanism. The user-configurable buckling beam geometry-based strain amplification mechanism enables the strain sensor to achieve a wide range of strain measurement sensitivities. The designed EFPI was used to monitor shrinkage of a square brick of mortar. The strain was measured during the drying/curing stage. We envision that it could be a good strain sensor to be embedded in civil materials/structures under a harsh environment for a prolonged period of time.

An embeddable optical strain gauge based on a buckled beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Yang; Chen, Yizheng; Zhu, Chen; Zhuang, Yiyang; Huang, Jie

2017-11-01

We report, for the first time, a low cost, compact, and novel mechanically designed extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI)-based optical fiber sensor with a strain amplification mechanism for strain measurement. The fundamental design principle includes a buckled beam with a coated gold layer, mounted on two grips. A Fabry-Perot cavity is produced between the buckled beam and the endface of a single mode fiber (SMF). A ceramic ferrule is applied for supporting and orienting the SMF. The principal sensor elements are packaged and protected by two designed metal shells. The midpoint of the buckled beam will experience a deflection vertically when the beam is subjected to a horizontally/axially compressive displacement. It has been found that the vertical deflection of the beam at midpoint can be 6-17 times larger than the horizontal/axial displacement, which forms the basis of a strain amplification mechanism. The user-configurable buckling beam geometry-based strain amplification mechanism enables the strain sensor to achieve a wide range of strain measurement sensitivities. The designed EFPI was used to monitor shrinkage of a square brick of mortar. The strain was measured during the drying/curing stage. We envision that it could be a good strain sensor to be embedded in civil materials/structures under a harsh environment for a prolonged period of time.

Discriminative power of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis using the microbial identification system (MIS) for Candida (Torulopsis) glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Peltroche-Llacsahuanga, H; Schmidt, S; Lütticken, R; Haase, G

2000-12-01

Candida (Torulopsis) glabrata is frequently isolated in cases of fungal infection and commonly shows acquired or innate fluconazole resistance. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an emerging opportunistic yeast pathogen, causes serious systemic infections in immunocompromised, and vaginitis and superficial infections in immunocompetent patients. For both species reliable identification in the routine laboratory is mandatory, but species identification of strains, e.g. trehalose-negative C. glabrata, may be difficult. Therefore, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) of whole cell fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles, that is independent of assimilation profiles of strains and suitable for reliable and rapid identification of clinically important yeasts, was applied. However, frequent misidentification of C. glabrata as S. cerevisiae has been reported when using the Yeast Clinical Database of MIS. Accuracy of MIS identification may be strongly influenced by the amounts of cell mass analyzed. Therefore, the present study compared the MIS results of these two yeasts achieved with different cell masses. Primarily we optimized, especially with respect to cost-effectiveness, the recommended streaking technique yielding a maximal recovery of 90-130 mg of cell mass from one plate, enabling testing of poor growing strains of C. glabrata. For all C. glabrata strains tested (n = 10) the highest identification scores (SI [Similarity Index] range 0.525-0.963, median 0.832) were achieved with 30 to 45 mg of cell mass. Only 5 of 10 S. cerevisiae strains revealed good library comparisons (SI > or = 0.5) when using 30 mg of cell mass, whereas with 45 mg all strains but two revealed this SI-level. For S. cerevisiae a higher amount of cell mass processed (up to 90 mg) was correlated with better identification scores (SI range using 90 mg: 0.464-0.870, median, 0.737). Several passages prior to FAME analysis of C. glabrata strains on recommended media revealed narrowing of SI ranges, but differences in SI values were not statistically significant.

Rheological behaviors of doughs reconstituted from wheat gluten and starch.

PubMed

Yang, Yanyan; Song, Yihu; Zheng, Qiang

2011-08-01

Hydrated starch-gluten reconstituted doughs were prepared and dynamic rheological tests of the reconstituted doughs were performed using dynamic strain and dynamic frequency sweep modes. Influence of starch/gluten ratio on rheological behaviors of the reconstituted doughs was investigated. The results showed that the reconstituted doughs exhibited nonlinear rheological behavior with increasing strain. The mechanical spectra revealed predominantly elastic characteristics in frequency range from 10(-1) rad s(-1) to 10(2) rad s(-1). Cole-Cole functions were applied to fit the mechanical spectra to reveal the influence of starch/gluten ratio on Plateau modulus and longest relaxation time of the dough network. The time-temperature superposition principle was applicable to a narrow temperature range of 25°C ~40°C while it failed at 50°C due to swelling and gelatinization of the starch.

Strain Release Amination

PubMed Central

Gianatassio, Ryan; Lopchuk, Justin M.; Wang, Jie; Pan, Chung-Mao; Malins, Lara R.; Prieto, Liher; Brandt, Thomas A.; Collins, Michael R.; Gallego, Gary M.; Sach, Neal W.; Spangler, Jillian E.; Zhu, Huichin; Zhu, Jinjiang; Baran, Phil S.

2015-01-01

To optimize drug candidates, modern medicinal chemists are increasingly turning to an unconventional structural motif: small, strained ring systems. However, the difficulty of introducing substituents such as bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes, azetidines, or cyclobutanes often outweighs the challenge of synthesizing the parent scaffold itself. Thus, there is an urgent need for general methods to rapidly and directly append such groups onto core scaffolds. Here we report a general strategy to harness the embedded potential energy of effectively spring-loaded C–C and C–N bonds with the most oft-encountered nucleophiles in pharmaceutical chemistry, amines. Strain release amination can diversify a range of substrates with a multitude of desirable bioisosteres at both the early and late-stages of a synthesis. The technique has also been applied to peptide labeling and bioconjugation. PMID:26816372

Metallic-packaging fiber Bragg grating sensor based on ultrasonic welding for strain-insensitive temperature measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Lianqing; Yang, Runtao; Zhang, Yumin; Dong, Mingli; Lou, Xiaoping

2018-04-01

In this paper, a metallic-packaging fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor characterized by a strain insensitive design is demonstrated. The sensor is fabricated by the one-step ultrasonic welding technique using type-II fiber Bragg grating combined with an aluminum alloy substrate. Finite element analysis is used to perform theoretical evaluation. The result of the experiment illustrates that the metallic-packaging temperature sensor is insensitive to longitudinal strain. The sensor's temperature sensitivity is 36 pm/°C over the range of 50-110 °C, with the correlation coefficient (R2) being 0.999. The sensor's temporal response is 40 s at a sudden temperature change from 21 °C to 100 °C. The proposed sensor can be applied on reliable and precise temperature measurement.

Effect of UV irradiation (253.7 nm) on free Legionella and Legionella associated with its amoebae hosts.

PubMed

Cervero-Aragó, Sílvia; Sommer, Regina; Araujo, Rosa M

2014-12-15

Water systems are the primary reservoir for Legionella spp., where the bacteria live in association with other microorganisms, such as free-living amoebae. A wide range of disinfection treatments have been studied to control and prevent Legionella colonization but few of them were performed considering its relation with protozoa. In this study, the effectiveness of UV irradiation (253.7 nm) using low-pressure lamps was investigated as a disinfection method for Legionella and amoebae under controlled laboratory conditions. UV treatments were applied to 5 strains of Legionella spp., 4 strains of free-living amoeba of the genera Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba, treating separately trophozoites and cysts, and to two different co-cultures of Legionella pneumophila with the Acanthamoeba strains. No significant differences in the UV inactivation behavior were observed among Legionella strains tested which were 3 logs reduced for fluences around 45 J/m(2). UV irradiation was less effective against free-living amoebae; which in some cases required up to 990 J/m(2) to obtain the same population reduction. UV treatment was more effective against trophozoites compared to cysts; moreover, inactivation patterns were clearly different between the genus Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba. For the first time data about Vermamoeba vermiformis UV inactivation has been reported in a study. Finally, the results showed that the association of L. pneumophila with free-living amoebae decreases the effectiveness of UV irradiation against the bacteria in a range of 1.5-2 fold. That fact demonstrates that the relations established between different microorganisms in the water systems can modify the effectiveness of the UV treatments applied. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Study on Strain Detection with Si Based on Bicyclic Cascade Optical Microring Resonator].

PubMed

Tang, Jun; Lei, Long-hai; Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Tian-en; Xue, Chen-yang; Zhang, Wen-dong; Liu, Jun

2016-03-01

Optical micro-ring resonator prepared on Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) has high sensitivity, small size and low mode volume. Its high sensitivity has been widely applied to the optical information transmission and inertial navigation devices field, while it is rarely applied in the testing of Mechanics. This paper presents a cantilever stress/strain gauge with an optical microring resonator. It is proposed the using of radius change of ring waveguide for the sensing element. When external stress is put on the structure, the radius of the SOI ring waveguide will be subjected to variation, which causes the optical resonant parameters to change. This ultimately leads to a red-shift of resonant spectrum, and shows the excellent characteristics of the structure's stress/strain sensitivity. Designed a bicyclic cascade embedded optical micro-cavity structure, which was prepared by employing MEMS lithography and ICP etching process. The characteristic of stress/strain sensitivity was calculated theoretically. Two values of 0.185 pm x kPa(-1) and 18.04 pm x microstrain(-1) were obtained experimentally, which also was verified by theoretical simulations. Comparing with the single-loop micro-cavity structure, its measuring range and stress sensitivity increased by nearly 50.3%, 10.6%, respectively. This paper provides a new method to develop micro-opto-electromechanical system (MOEMS) sensors.

Tetrahedron deformation and alignment of perceived vorticity and strain in a turbulent flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pumir, Alain; Bodenschatz, Eberhard; Xu, Haitao

2013-03-01

We describe the structure and dynamics of turbulence by the scale-dependent perceived velocity gradient tensor as supported by following four tracers, i.e., fluid particles, that initially form a regular tetrahedron. We report results from experiments in a von Kármán swirling water flow and from numerical simulations of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation. We analyze the statistics and the dynamics of the perceived rate of strain tensor and vorticity for initially regular tetrahedron of size r0 from the dissipative to the integral scale. Just as for the true velocity gradient, at any instant, the perceived vorticity is also preferentially aligned with the intermediate eigenvector of the perceived rate of strain. However, in the perceived rate of strain eigenframe fixed at a given time t = 0, the perceived vorticity evolves in time such as to align with the strongest eigendirection at t = 0. This also applies to the true velocity gradient. The experimental data at the higher Reynolds number suggests the existence of a self-similar regime in the inertial range. In particular, the dynamics of alignment of the perceived vorticity and strain can be rescaled by t0, the turbulence time scale of the flow when the scale r0 is in the inertial range. For smaller Reynolds numbers we found the dynamics to be scale dependent.

Occidiofungin is an important component responsible for the antifungal activity of Burkholderia pyrrocinia strain Lyc2.

PubMed

Wang, X Q; Liu, A X; Guerrero, A; Liu, J; Yu, X Q; Deng, P; Ma, L; Baird, S M; Smith, L; Li, X D; Lu, S E

2016-03-01

To identify the taxonomy of tobacco rhizosphere-isolated strain Lyc2 and investigate the mechanisms of the antifungal activities, focusing on antimicrobials gene clusters identification and function analysis. Multilocus sequence typing and 16S rRNA analyses indicated that strain Lyc2 belongs to Burkholderia pyrrocinia. Bioassay results indicated strain Lyc2 showed significant antifungal activities against a broad range of plant and animal fungal pathogens and control efficacy on seedling damping off disease of cotton. A 55·2-kb gene cluster which was homologous to ocf gene clusters in Burkholderia contaminans MS14 was confirmed to be responsible for antifungal activities by random mutagenesis; HPLC was used to verify the production of antifungal compounds. Multiple antibiotic and secondary metabolized biosynthesis gene clusters predicated by antiSMASH revealed the broad spectrum of antimicrobials activities of the strain. Our results revealed the mechanisms of antifungal activities of strain Lyc2 and expand our knowledge about production of occidiofungin in the bacteria Burkholderia. Understanding the mechanisms of antifungal activities of strain Lyc2 has contributed to discovery of new antibiotics and expand our knowledge of production of occidiofungin in the bacteria Burkholderia. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Determination of stresses in RC eccentrically compressed members using optimization methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lechman, Marek; Stachurski, Andrzej

2018-01-01

The paper presents an optimization method for determining the strains and stresses in reinforced concrete (RC) members subjected to the eccentric compression. The governing equations for strains in the rectangular cross-sections are derived by integrating the equilibrium equations of cross-sections, taking account of the effect of concrete softening in plastic range and the mean compressive strength of concrete. The stress-strain relationship for concrete in compression for short term uniaxial loading is assumed according to Eurocode 2 for nonlinear analysis. For reinforcing steel linear-elastic model with hardening in plastic range is applied. The task consists in the solving the set of the derived equations s.t. box constraints. The resulting problem was solved by means of fmincon function implemented from the Matlab's Optimization Toolbox. Numerical experiments have shown the existence of many points verifying the equations with a very good accuracy. Therefore, some operations from the global optimization were included: start of fmincon from many points and clusterization. The model is verified on the set of data encountered in the engineering practice.

Advancing reversible shape memory by tuning the polymer network architecture

DOE PAGES

Li, Qiaoxi; Zhou, Jing; Vatankhah-Varnoosfaderani, Mohammad; ...

2016-02-02

Because of counteraction of a chemical network and a crystalline scaffold, semicrystalline polymer networks exhibit a peculiar behavior—reversible shape memory (RSM), which occurs naturally without applying any external force and particular structural design. There are three RSM properties: (i) range of reversible strain, (ii) rate of strain recovery, and (iii) decay of reversibility with time, which can be improved by tuning the architecture of the polymer network. Different types of poly(octylene adipate) networks were synthesized, allowing for control of cross-link density and network topology, including randomly cross-linked network by free-radical polymerization, thiol–ene clicked network with enhanced mesh uniformity, and loosemore » network with deliberately incorporated dangling chains. It is shown that the RSM properties are controlled by average cross-link density and crystal size, whereas topology of a network greatly affects its extensibility. In conclusion, we have achieved 80% maximum reversible range, 15% minimal decrease in reversibility, and fast strain recovery rate up to 0.05 K –1, i.e., ca. 5% per 10 s at a cooling rate of 5 K/min.« less

An investigation of the elevated temperature cracking susceptibility of alloy C-22 weld-metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallagher, Morgan Leo

Alloy C-22 is one of the most corrosion resistant Ni-Cr-Mo alloys available today, and is particularly versatile. As a result, Alloy C-22 is being considered for use in the construction of storage canisters for permanent disposal of radioactive waste in the Yucca Mountain Project. However, in such a critical application, weld related defects (such as these two forms of cracking) are simply unacceptable. Solidification cracking occurs when weld shrinkage strains are applied to liquid films that result from microsegregation during solidification. Many nickel-base alloys are susceptible to solidification cracking since they solidify as austenite and many of their alloying additions partition during solidification and form low melting eutectic constituents. The transvarestraint test was used to quantify the susceptibility of Alloy C-22 to solidification cracking. The solidification cracking temperature range (SCTR) was found to be approximately 50°C (90°F); this SCTR predicts that Alloy-C-22 will have only slightly higher susceptibility than known crack-resistant alloys, such as duplex stainless-steel 2205 and austenitic stainless-steel Type 304 (FN6). Ductility-dip cracking (DDC) is a solid-state cracking phenomenon that occurs below the effective solidus temperature in highly restrained austenitic alloys. Although this type of cracking is relatively uncommon, it can be costly in critical applications where there is a low tolerance for defects. This investigation used two separate tests to quantify the susceptibility of the alloy to DDC: the hot-ductility test and the strain-to-fracture (STF) test. The hot-ductility test revealed that Alloy C-22 weld-metal exhibits an intermediate temperature ductility-dip, with ductility recovery at the upper end of the testing temperature range. The ductility minimum in the hot-ductility tests occurred around 950°C (1742°F) in both the on-heating and on-cooling tests. The strain-to-fracture test also revealed Alloy C-22 to be susceptible to ductility-dip cracking. Alloy C-22 displayed a low threshold strain necessary to initiate cracking, a wide temperature range over which cracking occurred, and no recovery of ductility at the upper end of the testing temperature range. The recovery of ductility at the upper end of the testing temperature range in the hotductility test, and the absence of this recovery in the STF test, is explained by the recrystallization behavior of the metal. Alloy C-22 has a low stacking-fault-energy, as compared to other DDC susceptible nickel-base alloys, and accordingly requires higher levels of deformation before recrystallization begins. With the relatively low strains experienced by the samples in the STF test (less than ten-percent), cracking will occur before enough strain is accumulated to cause recrystallization. In the hot-ductility test, where the sample is pulled to failure, sufficient strain (forty-percent or greater) is applied such that recrystallization occurs. This recrystallization is responsible for the recovery of ductility at the high end of the testing temperature range in the hot-ductility test. The low threshold strain that is observed in the STF test is in part explained by the behavior of the metal during the thermal cycle of the test. Experimental observations indicate that tortuous (wavy) solidification grain boundaries (SGB) migrate, or straighten, during the temperature upslope and hold period of the STF test. This migration of the grain boundaries reduces the mechanical locking effect that tortuous grain boundaries provide, allowing cracking to occur at lower applied strains. Button-melting experiments were conducted to examine the effect of compositional variation on both solidification cracking and ductility-dip cracking susceptibility of the alloy. Molybdenum, tungsten, and iron were selected for variation, as previous research has shown these three elements to be significantly enriched or depleted in the terminal solidification products of Alloy C-22 weld-metal. The solidification temperature range and volume fraction of secondary phases were used as indicators of the susceptibility of the experimental alloys to solidification cracking and ductility-dip cracking, respectively. Previous research on nickel-base alloys has demonstrated that the solidification temperature range of an alloy is directly proportional to the susceptibility of the alloy to solidification cracking. Experiments conducted within this investigation indicate that increasing the volume fraction of secondary phases in Alloy C-22 acts to increase the elevated temperature cracking-resistance and ductility of the alloy. The solidification temperature ranges of the Alloy C-22 variants examined within the button-melting experiments did not significantly widen or narrow with increases in composition. These same compositional variations demonstrated that increasing amounts of molybdenum, tungsten, and iron increased the volume fraction of secondary phases, with each element having relatively the same potency. Based on the button melting experiments and thermodynamic simulations, it is expected that Alloy C-22 will have good resistance to weld solidification cracking over its entire composition range. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Common Herbs.

PubMed

Abdul Qadir, Muhammad; Shahzadi, Syeda Kiran; Bashir, Asad; Munir, Adil; Shahzad, Shabnam

2017-01-01

The study was designed to evaluate the phenolic, flavonoid contents and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of onion ( Allium cepa ), garlic ( Allium sativum ), mint ( Mentha spicata ), thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ), oak ( Quercus ), aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis Miller), and ginger ( Zingiber officinale ). All extracts showed a wide range of total phenolic contents, that is, 4.96 to 98.37 mg/100 g gallic acid equivalents, and total flavonoid contents, that is, 0.41 to 17.64 mg/100 g catechin equivalents. Antioxidant activity (AA) was determined by measuring reducing power, inhibition of peroxidation using linoleic acid system, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity. Different extracts inhibited oxidation of linoleic acid by 16.6-84.2% while DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC 50 values) ranged from 17.8% to 79.1  μ g/mL. Reducing power at 10 mg/mL extract concentration ranged from 0.11 to 0.84 nm. Furthermore the extracts of these medicinal herbs in 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 80% acetone, and 100% water were screened for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method against selected bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Bacillus subtilis , and Pasteurella multocida , and fungal strains, Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus solani , and Alternaria alternata . The extracts show better antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains as compared to fungal strains. Results of various assays were analyzed statistically by applying appropriate statistical methods.

Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Common Herbs

PubMed Central

Abdul Qadir, Muhammad; Bashir, Asad; Munir, Adil

2017-01-01

The study was designed to evaluate the phenolic, flavonoid contents and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of onion (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum), mint (Mentha spicata), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), oak (Quercus), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), and ginger (Zingiber officinale). All extracts showed a wide range of total phenolic contents, that is, 4.96 to 98.37 mg/100 g gallic acid equivalents, and total flavonoid contents, that is, 0.41 to 17.64 mg/100 g catechin equivalents. Antioxidant activity (AA) was determined by measuring reducing power, inhibition of peroxidation using linoleic acid system, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity. Different extracts inhibited oxidation of linoleic acid by 16.6–84.2% while DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 values) ranged from 17.8% to 79.1 μg/mL. Reducing power at 10 mg/mL extract concentration ranged from 0.11 to 0.84 nm. Furthermore the extracts of these medicinal herbs in 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 80% acetone, and 100% water were screened for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method against selected bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pasteurella multocida, and fungal strains, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus solani, and Alternaria alternata. The extracts show better antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains as compared to fungal strains. Results of various assays were analyzed statistically by applying appropriate statistical methods. PMID:28316626

Large energy absorption in Ni-Mn-Ga/polymer composites

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

Feuchtwanger, Jorge; Richard, Marc L.; Tang, Yun J.

2005-05-15

Ferromagnetic shape memory alloys can respond to a magnetic field or applied stress by the motion of twin boundaries and hence they show large hysteresis or energy loss. Ni-Mn-Ga particles made by spark erosion have been dispersed and oriented in a polymer matrix to form pseudo 3:1 composites which are studied under applied stress. Loss ratios have been determined from the stress-strain data. The loss ratios of the composites range from 63% to 67% compared to only about 17% for the pure, unfilled polymer samples.

Stress corrosion cracking properties of 15-5PH steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosa, Ferdinand

1993-01-01

Unexpected occurrence of failures, due to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of structural components, indicate a need for improved characterization of materials and more advanced analytical procedures for reliably predicting structures performance. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to determine the stress corrosion susceptibility of 15-5PH steel over a wide range of applied strain rates in a highly corrosive environment. The selected environment for this investigation was a highly acidified sodium chloride (NaCl) aqueous solution. The selected alloy for the study was a 15-5PH steel in the H900 condition. The slow strain rate technique was selected to test the metals specimens.

Mechanical behavior of precipitation hardenable steels exposed to highly corrosive environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosa, Ferdinand

1994-01-01

Unexpected occurrences of failures, due to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of structural components, indicate a need for improved characterization of materials and more advanced analytical procedures for reliably predicting structures performance. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to determine the stress corrosion susceptibility of 15 - 5 PH steel over a wide range of applied strain rates in a highly corrosive environment. The selected environment for this investigation was a 3.5 percent NaCl aqueous solution. The material selected for the study was 15 - 5 PH steel in the H 900 condition. The Slow Strain Rate technique was used to test the metallic specimens.

Fatigue behavior of a cross-ply metal matrix composite at elevated temperature under strain controlled mode. Master`s thesis

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

Dennis, L.B.

1994-12-01

This research extends the existing knowledge of cross-ply metal matrix composites (MMC) to include fatigue behavior under strain-controlled fully reversed loading. This study investigated fatigue life, failure modes and damage mechanisms of the SCS-6/Ti-15-3, (O/9O)2s, MMC. The laminate was subjected to fully reversed fatigue at elevated temperature (427 deg C) at various strain levels. Stress, strain and modulus data were analyzed to characterize the macro-mechanical behavior of the composite. Microscopy and fractography were accomplished to identify and characterize the damage mechanisms at the microscopic level. Failure modes varied according to the maximum applied strain level showing either mixed mode (i.e.more » combination of both fiber and matrix dominated modes) or matrix dominated fatigue failures. As expected, higher strain loadings resulted in more ductility of the matrix at failure, evidenced by fracture surface features. For testing of the same composite laminate, the fatigue life under strain controlled mode slightly increased, compared to its load-controlled mode counterpart, using the effective strain range comparison basis. However, the respective fatigue life curves converged in the high cycle region, suggesting that the matrix dominated failure mode produces equivalent predicted fatigue lives for both control modes.« less

Correlation between in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of compounds using CQ-sensitive and CQ-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum and CQ-resistant strain of P. yoelii.

PubMed

Srivastava, Kumkum; Agarwal, Pooja; Soni, Awakash; Puri, S K

2017-07-01

Present efforts have been made to establish a correlation between in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity using MIC, IC 50 and IC 90 values against CQ-sensitive (3D7) and CQ-resistant (K1) strains of Plasmodium falciparum and in vivo activity against Plasmodium yoelii. The method of discriminant function analysis (DFA) was applied to analyze the data. It was observed that in vitro IC 90 values against both 3D7 and K1 strains (p < 0.001) have strong correlation with in vivo curative activity. The respective IC 50 and IC 90 values of compounds, which cured mice (i.e., animals did not show recrudescence of parasitemia even after 60 days posttreatment), ranged between 3 and 14 nM and 14 and 186 nM against 3D7 and between 9 and 65 nM and 24 and 359 nM against the K1 strain of P. falciparum. Whereas the IC 50 and IC 90 values of compounds which exhibited in vivo suppressive activity in mice ranged between 10 and 307 nm and 61 and >965 nM, respectively, against 3D7 and 75 and >806 nm and 241 and >1232 nM against the K1 strain of P. falciparum. The findings suggest that IC 90 values against both 3D7 and K1 strains (p < 0.02) are the main contributors for the prediction of in vivo curative activity of a new molecule. Apart from this, a reasonable correlation between MIC and IC 50 values of compounds has also been established.

Analytic EoS and PTW strength model recommendation for Starck Ta

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

Sjue, Sky K.; Prime, Michael B.

2016-09-01

The purpose of this document is to provide an analytic EoS and PTW strength model for Starck Ta that can be consistently used between different platforms and simulations at three labs. This should provide a consistent basis for comparison of the results of calculations, but not the best implementation for matching a wide variety of experimental data. Another version using SESAME tables should follow, which will provide a better physical representation over a broader range of conditions. The data sets available at the time only include one Hopkinson bar at a strain rate of 1800/s; a broader range of high-ratemore » calibration data would be preferred. The resulting fit gives the PTW parameter p = 0. To avoid numerical issues, p = 0:001 has been used in FLAG. The PTW parameters that apply above the maximum strain rate in the data use the values from the original publication.« less

Ductile flow of methane hydrate

USGS Publications Warehouse

Durham, W.B.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.

2003-01-01

Compressional creep tests (i.e., constant applied stress) conducted on pure, polycrystalline methane hydrate over the temperature range 260-287 K and confining pressures of 50-100 MPa show this material to be extraordinarily strong compared to other icy compounds. The contrast with hexagonal water ice, sometimes used as a proxy for gas hydrate properties, is impressive: over the thermal range where both are solid, methane hydrate is as much as 40 times stronger than ice at a given strain rate. The specific mechanical response of naturally occurring methane hydrate in sediments to environmental changes is expected to be dependent on the distribution of the hydrate phase within the formation - whether arranged structurally between and (or) cementing sediments grains versus passively in pore space within a sediment framework. If hydrate is in the former mode, the very high strength of methane hydrate implies a significantly greater strain-energy release upon decomposition and subsequent failure of hydrate-cemented formations than previously expected.

Modeling Long-term Creep Performance for Welded Nickel-base Superalloy Structures for Power Generation Systems

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

Shen, Chen

2015-01-01

We report here a constitutive model for predicting long-term creep strain evolution in’ strengthened Ni-base superalloys. Dislocation climb-bypassing’, typical in intermediate’ volume fraction (~20%) alloys, is considered as the primary deformation mechanism. Dislocation shearing’ to anti-phase boundary (APB) faults and diffusional creep are also considered for high-stress and high-temperature low-stress conditions, respectively. Additional damage mechanism is taken into account for rapid increase in tertiary creep strain. The model has been applied to Alloy 282, and calibrated in a temperature range of 1375-1450°F, and stress range of 15-45ksi. The model parameters and a MATLAB code are provided. This report is preparedmore » by Monica Soare and Chen Shen at GE Global Research. Technical discussions with Dr. Vito Cedro are greatly appreciated. This work was supported by DOE program DE-FE0005859« less

Kirigami Nanocomposites as Wide-Angle Diffraction Gratings.

PubMed

Xu, Lizhi; Wang, Xinzhi; Kim, Yoonseob; Shyu, Terry C; Lyu, Jing; Kotov, Nicholas A

2016-06-28

Beam steering devices represent an essential part of an advanced optics toolbox and are needed in a spectrum of technologies ranging from astronomy and agriculture to biosensing and networked vehicles. Diffraction gratings with strain-tunable periodicity simplify beam steering and can serve as a foundation for light/laser radar (LIDAR/LADAR) components of robotic systems. However, the mechanical properties of traditional materials severely limit the beam steering angle and cycle life. The large strain applied to gratings can severely impair the device performance both in respect of longevity and diffraction pattern fidelity. Here, we show that this problem can be resolved using micromanufactured kirigami patterns from thin film nanocomposites based on high-performance stiff plastics, metals, and carbon nanotubes, etc. The kirigami pattern of microscale slits reduces the stochastic concentration of strain in stiff nanocomposites including those made by layer-by-layer assembly (LBL). The slit patterning affords reduction of strain by 2 orders of magnitude for stretching deformation and consequently enables reconfigurable optical gratings with over a 100% range of period tunability. Elasticity of the stiff nanocomposites and plastics makes possible cyclic reconfigurability of the grating with variable time constant that can also be referred to as 4D kirigami. High-contrast, sophisticated diffraction patterns with as high as fifth diffraction order can be obtained. The angular range of beam steering can be as large as 6.5° for a 635 nm laser beam compared to ∼1° in surface-grooved elastomer gratings and ∼0.02° in MEMS gratings. The versatility of the kirigami patterns, the diversity of the available nanocomposite materials, and their advantageous mechanical properties of the foundational materials open the path for engineering of reconfigurable optical elements in LIDARs essential for autonomous vehicles and other optical devices with spectral range determined by the kirigami periodicity.

Deformation due to the distension of cylindrical igneous contacts: A kinematic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morgan, John

1980-06-01

A simple kinematic model is described that predicts the state of overall wall-rock strain resulting from the distension of igneous contacts. It applies to the axially symmetric expansion of any pluton whose overall shape is a cylinder with circular cross section i.e. to late magmatic plutons which are circular or annular in cross section. The model is not capable of predicting the strain distribution in the zone of contact strain, but does predict components of overall strain whose magnitudes are calculated from the change in shape of the zone of contact strain. These strain components are: (1) overall radial shortening of the wall rocks overlineer; (2) overall vertical extension overlineev; and (3) overall horizontal extension parallel to the contact overlineeh (the axis of symmetry is arbitrarily oriented vertically). In addition, one local strain magnitude can be predicted, namely the horizontal extension of the contact surface ehc. The four strain parameters and {(1 + overlineev) }/{(1 + overlineeh}) are graphed as functions of two independent variables: (1) outward distension of the contact ( r - r0)/ r; and (2) depth of contact strain ( rd - r)/ r. r is the present, observed radius of the pluton, r0 is the original radius and rd is the radius of contact strain. If ( rd- r)/ r is reduced or ( r - r0)/ r is increased, absolute values of the overall strain components are increased, ehc increases with ( r - r0)/ r but is independent of ( r d - r)/r · (1 + overlineev)/(l + overlineeh) ≅ 1 over a large range of values of both independent variables. The model has been applied to two Archean plutons in northwestern Ontario. According to a previous study, strain near the contact of the Bamaji-Blackstone batholith is characterized by large values of extension parallel to the contact and shortening normal to the contact, ( r - r0)/r and ( rd - r)/ r are estimated to be less than 0.20 and 0.27 respectively. The horizontal extension parallel to the contact is apparently a minimum estimate of ehc and the depth of contact strain was previously underestimated. The range of values of ehc indicates that ( r - r0)/ r is larger than previously estimated by a factor of at least three. A similar problem has been encountered at the convex boundary of the Marmion Lake crescentic pluton. The pluton was emplaced along an older contact between greenstone and tonalitic gneiss. A minimum value of the outward displacement of the convex boundary of the pluton can be estimated from a major fold in the greenstone. It is found that the magnitude of this outward displacement is greater than the width of the pluton or ( r - r0). Apparently, the folding pre-dates the emplacement of the crescent; it probably dates from the emplacement of the tonalitic gneiss into greenstone cover.

Damage evolution in viscoelastic polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clements, B. E.

2000-04-01

Constitutive relations are derived for viscoelastic polymers. These relations are applicable to polymers for temperatures above their glass transition temperature and strain rates ranging from quasistatic up to shock regimes. Linear viscoelasticity is assumed for small tensile deformations but nonlinear effects, arising from void growth, become important at larger strains. Our void growth model is based on a generalization of Eshelby's Green's function solution to the problem of an ellipsoidal void in an elastic material. We apply our analysis to study the mechanical properties of polyvinyl acetate under dynamic loading conditions. Void concentration and aspect ratio considerations are found to be important in general deformation events. Uniaxial tension tends to favor aspect ratio change, while non-spherical voids are observed to evolve into spherical ones as tensile strain approaches triaxiality. [Research supported by the USDOE under contract W-7405-ENG-36

Control of biaxial strain in single-layer molybdenite using local thermal expansion of the substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plechinger, Gerd; Castellanos-Gomez, Andres; Buscema, Michele; van der Zant, Herre S. J.; Steele, Gary A.; Kuc, Agnieszka; Heine, Thomas; Schüller, Christian; Korn, Tobias

2015-03-01

Single-layer MoS2 is a direct-gap semiconductor whose electronic band structure strongly depends on the strain applied to its crystal lattice. While uniaxial strain can be easily applied in a controlled way, e.g., by bending of a flexible substrate with the atomically thin MoS2 layer on top, experimental realization of biaxial strain is more challenging. Here, we exploit the large mismatch between the thermal expansion coefficients of MoS2 and a silicone-based substrate to apply a controllable biaxial tensile strain by heating the substrate with a focused laser. The effect of this biaxial strain is directly observable in optical spectroscopy as a redshift of the MoS2 photoluminescence. We also demonstrate the potential of this method to engineer more complex strain patterns by employing highly absorptive features on the substrate to achieve non-uniform heat profiles. By comparison of the observed redshift to strain-dependent band structure calculations, we estimate the biaxial strain applied by the silicone-based substrate to be up to 0.2%, corresponding to a band gap modulation of 105 meV per percentage of biaxial tensile strain.

Yeast identification: reassessment of assimilation tests as sole universal identifiers.

PubMed

Spencer, J; Rawling, S; Stratford, M; Steels, H; Novodvorska, M; Archer, D B; Chandra, S

2011-11-01

To assess whether assimilation tests in isolation remain a valid method of identification of yeasts, when applied to a wide range of environmental and spoilage isolates. Seventy-one yeast strains were isolated from a soft drinks factory. These were identified using assimilation tests and by D1/D2 rDNA sequencing. When compared to sequencing, assimilation test identifications (MicroLog™) were 18·3% correct, a further 14·1% correct within the genus and 67·6% were incorrectly identified. The majority of the latter could be attributed to the rise in newly reported yeast species. Assimilation tests alone are unreliable as a universal means of yeast identification, because of numerous new species, variability of strains and increasing coincidence of assimilation profiles. Assimilation tests still have a useful role in the identification of common species, such as the majority of clinical isolates. It is probable, based on these results, that many yeast identifications reported in older literature are incorrect. This emphasizes the crucial need for accurate identification in present and future publications. © 2011 The Authors. Letters in Applied Microbiology © 2011 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Stress remagnetization in pyrrhotite-calcite synthetic aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robion, Philippe; Borradaile, Graham J.

2001-01-01

Stress-induced remagnetization has been applied to multidomain pyrrhotite-calcite synthetic aggregates in a triaxial rig. Experimental deformation used 150MPa confining pressure, a constant strain rate of 10-5 s-1 and applied differential stresses of up to 70MPa. New components of magnetization, parallel to the direction of the pressure vessel field, were added to the pre-deformational magnetization. The intensity of remagnetization (M'-M0) increases with the intensity of the applied differential stress and affects the coercivity fraction below 15mT. Bulk shortening is less than 8 per cent, thus grain rotation cannot explain selective remagnetization of the low-coercivity fraction. Remagnetization is thus attributed to deformational viscous remanent magnetization (DVRM). It is observed that high-coercivity (>15mT) grains do not remagnetize. There is, however, slight progressive rotation of pre-deformational magnetization with increasing strain up to 8 per cent of bulk shortening. The lack of piezoremanent magnetization in the high-coercivity range may be due to defects introduced in pyrrhotite during sample preparation. Experiments using synthetic pyrrhotite, expected to show low dislocation densities, would be necessary to test this effect.

High-Temperature Creep Degradation of the AM1/NiAlPt/EBPVD YSZ System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riallant, Fanny; Cormier, Jonathan; Longuet, Arnaud; Milhet, Xavier; Mendez, José

2014-01-01

The failure mechanisms of a NiAlPt/electron beam physical vapor deposition yttria-stabilized-zirconia thermal barrier coating system deposited on the AM1 single crystalline substrate have been investigated under pure creep conditions in the temperature range from 1273 K to 1373 K (1000 °C to 1100 °C) and for durations up to 1000 hours. Doubly tapered specimens were used allowing for the analysis of different stress states and different accumulated viscoplastic strains for a given creep condition. Under such experiments, two kinds of damage mechanisms were observed. Under low applied stress conditions ( i.e., long creep tests), microcracking is localized in the vicinity of the thermally grown oxide (TGO). Under high applied stress conditions, an unconventional failure mechanism at the substrate/bond coat interface is observed because of large creep strains and fast creep deformation, hence leading to a limited TGO growth. This unconventional failure mechanism is observed although the interfacial bond coat/top coat TGO thickening is accelerated by the mechanical applied stress beyond a given stress threshold.

Systematic strain construction and process development: Xylitol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing Candida tenuis xylose reductase in wild-type or mutant form.

PubMed

Pratter, S M; Eixelsberger, T; Nidetzky, B

2015-12-01

A novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae whole-cell biocatalyst for xylitol production based on Candida tenuis xylose reductase (CtXR) is presented. Six recombinant strains expressing wild-type CtXR or an NADH-specific mutant were constructed and evaluated regarding effects of expression mode, promoter strength, biocatalyst concentration and medium composition. Intracellular XR activities ranged from 0.09 U mgProt(-1) to 1.05 U mgProt(-1) but did not correlate with the strains' xylitol productivities, indicating that other factors limited xylose conversion in the high-activity strains. The CtXR mutant decreased the biocatalyst's performance, suggesting use of the NADPH-preferring wild-type enzyme when (semi-)aerobic conditions are applied. In a bioreactor process, the best-performing strain converted 40 g L(-1) xylose with an initial productivity of 1.16 g L(-1)h(-1) and a xylitol yield of 100%. The obtained results underline the potential of CtXR wild-type for xylose reduction and point out parameters to improve "green" xylitol production. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laccase produced by a thermotolerant strain of Trametes trogii LK13

PubMed Central

Yan, Jinping; Chen, Yuhui; Niu, Jiezhen; Chen, Daidi; Chagan, Irbis

2015-01-01

Thermophilic and thermotolerant micro-organisms strains have served as the natural source of industrially relevant and thermostable enzymes. Although some strains of the Trametes genus are thermotolerant, few Trametes strains were studied at the temperature above 30 °C until now. In this paper, the laccase activity and the mycelial growth rate for Trametes trogii LK13 are superior at 37 °C. Thermostability and organic cosolvent tolerance assays of the laccase produced at 37 °C indicated that the enzyme possessed fair thermostability with 50% of its initial activity at 80 °C for 5 min, and could remain 50% enzyme activity treated with organic cosolvent at the concentration range of 25%–50% (v/v). Furthermore, the test on production of laccase and lignocellulolytic enzymes showed the crude enzymes possessed high laccase level (1000 U g −1 ) along with low cellulose (2 U g −1 ) and xylanase (140 U g −1 ) activity. Thus, T. trogii LK13 is a potential strain to be applied in many biotechnological processes. PMID:26221089

Effect of strain on electronic and thermoelectric properties of few layers to bulk MoS₂.

PubMed

Bhattacharyya, Swastibrata; Pandey, Tribhuwan; Singh, Abhishek K

2014-11-21

The sensitive dependence of the electronic and thermoelectric properties of MoS₂ on applied strain opens up a variety of applications in the emerging area of straintronics. Using first-principles-based density functional theory calculations, we show that the band gap of a few layers of MoS₂ can be tuned by applying normal compressive (NC) strain, biaxial compressive (BC) strain, and biaxial tensile (BT) strain. A reversible semiconductor-to-metal transition (S-M transition) is observed under all three types of strain. In the case of NC strain, the threshold strain at which the S-M transition occurs increases when the number of layers increase and becomes maximum for the bulk. On the other hand, the threshold strain for the S-M transition in both BC and BT strains decreases when the number of layers increase. The difference in the mechanisms for the S-M transition is explained for different types of applied strain. Furthermore, the effect of both strain type and the number of layers on the transport properties are also studied using Botzmann transport theory. We optimize the transport properties as a function of the number of layers and the applied strain. 3L- and 2L-MoS₂ emerge as the most efficient thermoelectric materials under NC and BT strain, respectively. The calculated thermopower is large and comparable to some of the best thermoelectric materials. A comparison among the feasibility of these three types of strain is also discussed.

Simple and accurate methods for quantifying deformation, disruption, and development in biological tissues

PubMed Central

Boyle, John J.; Kume, Maiko; Wyczalkowski, Matthew A.; Taber, Larry A.; Pless, Robert B.; Xia, Younan; Genin, Guy M.; Thomopoulos, Stavros

2014-01-01

When mechanical factors underlie growth, development, disease or healing, they often function through local regions of tissue where deformation is highly concentrated. Current optical techniques to estimate deformation can lack precision and accuracy in such regions due to challenges in distinguishing a region of concentrated deformation from an error in displacement tracking. Here, we present a simple and general technique for improving the accuracy and precision of strain estimation and an associated technique for distinguishing a concentrated deformation from a tracking error. The strain estimation technique improves accuracy relative to other state-of-the-art algorithms by directly estimating strain fields without first estimating displacements, resulting in a very simple method and low computational cost. The technique for identifying local elevation of strain enables for the first time the successful identification of the onset and consequences of local strain concentrating features such as cracks and tears in a highly strained tissue. We apply these new techniques to demonstrate a novel hypothesis in prenatal wound healing. More generally, the analytical methods we have developed provide a simple tool for quantifying the appearance and magnitude of localized deformation from a series of digital images across a broad range of disciplines. PMID:25165601

Biodiversity of Borrelia burgdorferi strains in tissues of Lyme disease patients.

PubMed

Brisson, Dustin; Baxamusa, Nilofer; Schwartz, Ira; Wormser, Gary P

2011-01-01

Plant and animal biodiversity are essential to ecosystem health and can provide benefits to humans ranging from aesthetics to maintaining air quality. Although the importance of biodiversity to ecology and conservation biology is obvious, such measures have not been applied to strains of an invasive bacterium found in human tissues during infection. In this study, we compared the strain biodiversity of Borrelia burgdorferi found in tick populations with that found in skin, blood, synovial fluid or cerebrospinal fluid of Lyme disease patients. The biodiversity of B. burgdorferi strains is significantly greater in tick populations than in the skin of patients with erythema migrans. In turn, strains from skin are significantly more diverse than strains at any of the disseminated sites. The cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurologic Lyme disease harbored the least pathogen biodiversity. These results suggest that human tissues act as niches that can allow entry to or maintain only a subset of the total pathogen population. These data help to explain prior clinical observations on the natural history of B. burgdorferi infection and raise several questions that may help to direct future research to better understand the pathogenesis of this infection.

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

Kalnaus, Sergiy; Wang, Yanli; Turner, John A.

We determine and compare anisotropic mechanical properties for three types of commercially available Li-ion battery separators: Celgard 2325, Celgard PP2075 dry-processed polymer separators, and DreamWeaver Gold 40 non-woven separator. Significant amount of anisotropy of properties was determined, with the Young's modulus being different by up to a factor of 5 and ultimate strength being different by a factor of 10 between orthogonal directions within a polymer separator layer. Strain rate sensitivity was investigated by applying strain rates ranging from 1•10 -4 s -1 to 0.1 s -1. Significant strengthening was observed and the strain rate strengthening coefficients were determined formore » both elastic modulus and yield stress in case of polymer separators. Digital image correlation technique was used to measure and map the strains over the specimen's gage section. A significant strain concentration in bands running perpendicular to the tensile axis was observed in polymer separator samples oriented in transverse direction. Such localized necking allows for extremely high strains close to 300% to develop in the material. Furthermore, the failure mode was remarkably different for all three types of separators which adds additional variable in safe design of Li-ion batteries for prevention of internal short circuits.« less

Application of the time-temperature superposition principle to the mechanical characterization of elastomeric adhesives for crash simulation purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauh, A.; Hinterhölzl, R.; Drechsler, K.

2012-05-01

In the automotive industry, finite element simulation is widely used to ensure crashworthiness. Mechanical material data over wide strain rate and temperature ranges are required as a basis. This work proposes a method reducing the cost of mechanical material characterization by using the time-temperature superposition principle on elastomeric adhesives. The method is based on the time and temperature interdependence which is characteristic for mechanical properties of polymers. Based on the assumption that polymers behave similarly at high strain rates and at low temperatures, a temperature-dominated test program is suggested, which can be used to deduce strain rate dependent material behavior at different reference temperatures. The temperature shift factor is found by means of dynamic mechanical analysis according to the WLF-equation, named after Williams, Landel and Ferry. The principle is applied to the viscoelastic properties as well as to the failure properties of the polymer. The applicability is validated with high strain rate tests.

A high-precision, distributed geodetic strainmeter based on dual coaxial cable Bragg gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, J.; Wei, T.; Wei, M.; Shen, Y.

2014-12-01

Observations of surface deformation are essential for understanding a wide range of geophysical problems, including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and glaciers. Current geodetic technologies, such as GPS, InSAR, borehole and laser strainmeters, are costly and limited in their temporal or spatial resolution. Here we present a new type of strainmeter based on coaxial cable Bragg grating (CCBG) sensing technology that provides high-precision, distributed strain measurements at a moderate cost. The coaxial-cable-based strainmeter is designed to cover a long distance (~ km) under harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures. To minimize the environmental noises, two CCBGs are introduced into the geodetic strainmeter: one is used to measure the strain applied on it, and the other acts as a reference only to detect the environmental noises. The environmental noises are removed using the inputs from the strained CCBG and the reference CCBG in a frequency mixer. The test results show that the geodetic strainmeter with dual CCBGs has micron-strain accuracy in the lab.

Artificial Neural Network-Based Three-dimensional Continuous Response Relationship Construction of 3Cr20Ni10W2 Heat-Resisting Alloy and Its Application in Finite Element Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Le; Wang, Li-yong

2018-04-01

The application of accurate constitutive relationship in finite element simulation would significantly contribute to accurate simulation results, which plays a critical role in process design and optimization. In this investigation, the true stress-strain data of 3Cr20Ni10W2 heat-resisting alloy were obtained from a series of isothermal compression tests conducted in a wide temperature range of 1203-1403 K and strain rate range of 0.01-10 s-1 on a Gleeble 1500 testing machine. Then the constitutive relationship was modeled by an optimally constructed and well-trained back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN). The evaluation of the BP-ANN model revealed that it has admirable performance in characterizing and predicting the flow behaviors of 3Cr20Ni10W2 heat-resisting alloy. Meanwhile, a comparison between improved Arrhenius-type constitutive equation and BP-ANN model shows that the latter has higher accuracy. Consequently, the developed BP-ANN model was used to predict abundant stress-strain data beyond the limited experimental conditions and construct the three-dimensional continuous response relationship for temperature, strain rate, strain, and stress. Finally, the three-dimensional continuous response relationship was applied to the numerical simulation of isothermal compression tests. The results show that such constitutive relationship can significantly promote the accuracy improvement of numerical simulation for hot forming processes.

Subcritical crack growth in SiNx thin-film barriers studied by electro-mechanical two-point bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Qingling; Laven, Jozua; Bouten, Piet C. P.; de With, Gijsbertus

2013-06-01

Mechanical failure resulting from subcritical crack growth in the SiNx inorganic barrier layer applied on a flexible multilayer structure was studied by an electro-mechanical two-point bending method. A 10 nm conducting tin-doped indium oxide layer was sputtered as an electrical probe to monitor the subcritical crack growth in the 150 nm dielectric SiNx layer carried by a polyethylene naphthalate substrate. In the electro-mechanical two-point bending test, dynamic and static loads were applied to investigate the crack propagation in the barrier layer. As consequence of using two loading modes, the characteristic failure strain and failure time could be determined. The failure probability distribution of strain and lifetime under each loading condition was described by Weibull statistics. In this study, results from the tests in dynamic and static loading modes were linked by a power law description to determine the critical failure over a range of conditions. The fatigue parameter n from the power law reduces greatly from 70 to 31 upon correcting for internal strain. The testing method and analysis tool as described in the paper can be used to understand the limit of thin-film barriers in terms of their mechanical properties.

Determination of Strain Rate Sensitivity of Micro-struts Manufactured Using the Selective Laser Melting Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gümrük, Recep; Mines, R. A. W.; Karadeniz, Sami

2018-03-01

Micro-lattice structures manufactured using the selective laser melting (SLM) process provides the opportunity to realize optimal cellular materials for impact energy absorption. In this paper, strain rate-dependent material properties are measured for stainless steel 316L SLM micro-lattice struts in the strain rate range of 10-3 to 6000 s-1. At high strain rates, a novel version of the split Hopkinson Bar has been developed. Strain rate-dependent materials data have been used in Cowper-Symonds material model, and the scope and limit of this model in the context of SLM struts have been discussed. Strain rate material data and the Cowper-Symonds model have been applied to the finite element analysis of a micro-lattice block subjected to drop weight impact loading. The model output has been compared to experimental results, and it has been shown that the increase in crush stress due to impact loading is mainly the result of strain rate material behavior. Hence, a systematic methodology has been developed to investigate the impact energy absorption of a micro-lattice structure manufactured using additive layer manufacture (SLM). This methodology can be extended to other micro-lattice materials and configurations, and to other impact conditions.

Development of a competitive exclusion product for poultry meeting the regulatory requirements for registration in the European Union.

PubMed

Klose, Viviana; Mohnl, Michaela; Plail, Regina; Schatzmayr, Gerd; Loibner, Andreas-Paul

2006-05-01

Competitive exclusion treatment is able to increase the pathogen colonization resistance of day-old chicks by applying probiotic bacteria stabilizing the indigenous microflora. In order to develop a safe microbial feed additive, various bacterial strains were isolated out of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy chickens. One hundred twenty-one representatives were selected based on differences in whole-cell protein patterns and screened for antagonistic properties. Five effective strains (Pediococcus acidilactici, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. animalis, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus salivarius ssp. salivarius) exhibited in vitro the ability to inhibit a range of common pathogens and were evaluated with regard to the risks associated with genetic transfer of antibiotic resistances from animals to humans via the food chain. The probiotic strains were sensitive to several clinically effective antibiotics, though some of them showed single resistances. None of the vancomycin-resistant (R) strains carried the enterococcal vanA gene. Two tetracycline R strains were shown to harbor a tet(M)-associated resistance. The strains contained no extrachromosomal DNA and were not able to transfer the resistance by means of conjugation. On basis of the collected data the presence of easy transferable resistances was excluded and the chicken strains were considered to be suitable for the use as feed additive.

Deconvoluting simulated metagenomes: the performance of hard- and soft- clustering algorithms applied to metagenomic chromosome conformation capture (3C)

PubMed Central

DeMaere, Matthew Z.

2016-01-01

Background Chromosome conformation capture, coupled with high throughput DNA sequencing in protocols like Hi-C and 3C-seq, has been proposed as a viable means of generating data to resolve the genomes of microorganisms living in naturally occuring environments. Metagenomic Hi-C and 3C-seq datasets have begun to emerge, but the feasibility of resolving genomes when closely related organisms (strain-level diversity) are present in the sample has not yet been systematically characterised. Methods We developed a computational simulation pipeline for metagenomic 3C and Hi-C sequencing to evaluate the accuracy of genomic reconstructions at, above, and below an operationally defined species boundary. We simulated datasets and measured accuracy over a wide range of parameters. Five clustering algorithms were evaluated (2 hard, 3 soft) using an adaptation of the extended B-cubed validation measure. Results When all genomes in a sample are below 95% sequence identity, all of the tested clustering algorithms performed well. When sequence data contains genomes above 95% identity (our operational definition of strain-level diversity), a naive soft-clustering extension of the Louvain method achieves the highest performance. Discussion Previously, only hard-clustering algorithms have been applied to metagenomic 3C and Hi-C data, yet none of these perform well when strain-level diversity exists in a metagenomic sample. Our simple extension of the Louvain method performed the best in these scenarios, however, accuracy remained well below the levels observed for samples without strain-level diversity. Strain resolution is also highly dependent on the amount of available 3C sequence data, suggesting that depth of sequencing must be carefully considered during experimental design. Finally, there appears to be great scope to improve the accuracy of strain resolution through further algorithm development. PMID:27843713

Mechanosensing of stem bending and its interspecific variability in five neotropical rainforest species.

PubMed

Coutand, Catherine; Chevolot, Malia; Lacointe, André; Rowe, Nick; Scotti, Ivan

2010-02-01

In rain forests, sapling survival is highly dependent on the regulation of trunk slenderness (height/diameter ratio): shade-intolerant species have to grow in height as fast as possible to reach the canopy but also have to withstand mechanical loadings (wind and their own weight) to avoid buckling. Recent studies suggest that mechanosensing is essential to control tree dimensions and stability-related morphogenesis. Differences in species slenderness have been observed among rainforest trees; the present study thus investigates whether species with different slenderness and growth habits exhibit differences in mechanosensitivity. Recent studies have led to a model of mechanosensing (sum-of-strains model) that predicts a quantitative relationship between the applied sum of longitudinal strains and the plant's responses in the case of a single bending. Saplings of five different neotropical species (Eperua falcata, E. grandiflora, Tachigali melinonii, Symphonia globulifera and Bauhinia guianensis) were subjected to a regimen of controlled mechanical loading phases (bending) alternating with still phases over a period of 2 months. Mechanical loading was controlled in terms of strains and the five species were subjected to the same range of sum of strains. The application of the sum-of-strain model led to a dose-response curve for each species. Dose-response curves were then compared between tested species. The model of mechanosensing (sum-of-strain model) applied in the case of multiple bending as long as the bending frequency was low. A comparison of dose-response curves for each species demonstrated differences in the stimulus threshold, suggesting two groups of responses among the species. Interestingly, the liana species B. guianensis exhibited a higher threshold than other Leguminosae species tested. This study provides a conceptual framework to study variability in plant mechanosensing and demonstrated interspecific variability in mechanosensing.

Resonant nonlinear ultrasound spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Johnson, Paul A.; TenCate, James A.; Guyer, Robert A.; Van Den Abeele, Koen E. A.

2001-01-01

Components with defects are identified from the response to strains applied at acoustic and ultrasound frequencies. The relative resonance frequency shift .vertline..DELTA..function./.function..sub.0.vertline., is determined as a function of applied strain amplitude for an acceptable component, where .function..sub.0 is the frequency of the resonance peak at the lowest amplitude of applied strain and .DELTA..function. is the frequency shift of the resonance peak of a selected mode to determine a reference relationship. Then, the relative resonance frequency shift .vertline..DELTA..function./.function..sub.0 is determined as a function of applied strain for a component under test, where fo .function..sub.0 the frequency of the resonance peak at the lowest amplitude of applied strain and .DELTA..function. is the frequency shift of the resonance peak to determine a quality test relationship. The reference relationship is compared with the quality test relationship to determine the presence of defects in the component under test.

Mapping the ductile-brittle transition of magma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendrick, J. E.; Lavallee, Y.; Dingwell, D. B.

2010-12-01

During volcanic unrest, eruptive activity can switch rapidly from effusive to explosive. Explosive eruptions require the fragmentation of magma, in which, if deformation rate is too fast to be relaxed, magma undergoes a transition in deformation mechanism from viscous and/or ductile to brittle. Our knowledge of the deformation mechanisms of magma ascent and eruption remains, to date, poor. Many studies have constrained the glass transition (Tg) of the interstitial melt phase; yet the effect of crystals and bubbles are unresolved. During ascent, magma undergoes P-T changes which induce crystallization, thereby inducing a transition from viscous to ductile and, in some cases, to brittle deformation. Here, we explore the deformation mechanisms of magma involved in the dome-building eruptions and explosions that occurred at Volcán de Colima (Mexico) since 1998. For this purpose, we investigated the rheology of dome lavas, containing 10-45 vol.% rhyolitic interstitial melt, 55-90 vol.% crystals and 5-20 vol.% bubbles. The interstitial glass is characterized by electron microprobe and Tg is characterized using a differential scanning calorimeter and a dilatometer. The population of crystals (fraction, shape and size distribution) is described optically and quantified using ImageJ and AMOCADO. The rheological effects of crystals on the deformation of magmas are constrained via acoustic emission (AE) and uniaxial deformation experiments at temperature above Tg (900-980 °C) and at varied applied stresses (and strain rates: 10-6 to 10-2 s-1). The ratio of ductile to brittle deformation across the ductile-brittle transition is quantified using the output AE energy and optical and SEM analysis. We find that individual dome lava sample types have different mechanical responses, yielding a significant range of measured strain rates under a given temperature and applied stress. Optical analysis suggests that at low strain rates, ductile deformation is mainly controlled by the groundmass, whereas fractures initiate sporadically in phenocrysts. At high strain rates continuous fracture initiate in the phenocrysts and propagate through the groundmass. AE analysis suggests the ductile-brittle transition to approximate two orders of magnitude of strain rate and that it is temperature dependent. Within the transition, the different ratio of ductile to brittle deformation processes controls the strain to failure. This study shows that the presence of crystals widens the range of strain rates of the ductile-brittle transition and the failure of magma becomes dependent on total strain. Our findings will be discussed in the context of different eruptive scenarios.

Mitigating Abnormal Grain Growth for Friction Stir Welded Al-Li 2195 Spun Formed Domes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Po-Shou; Russell, Carolyn

2012-01-01

Formability and abnormal grain growth (AGG) are the two major issues that have been encountered for Al alloy spun formed dome development using friction stir welded blanks. Material properties that have significant influence on the formability include forming range and strain hardening exponent. In this study, tensile tests were performed for two 2195 friction stir weld parameter sets at 400 F to study the effects of post weld anneal on the forming range and strain hardening exponent. It was found that the formability can be enhanced by applying a newly developed post weld anneal to heat treat the friction stir welded panels. This new post weld anneal leads to a higher forming range and much improved strain hardening exponent. AGG in the weld nugget is known to cause a significant reduction of ductility and fracture toughness. This study also investigated how AGG may be influenced by the heating rate to the solution heat treatment temperature. After post-weld annealing, friction stir welds were strained to 15% and 39% by compression at 400 F before they were subjected to SHT at 950 F for 1 hour. Salt bath SHT is very effective in reducing the grain size as it helps arrest the onset of AGG and promote normal recrystallization and grain growth. However, heat treating a 18 ft dome using a salt bath is not practical. Efforts are continuing at Marshall Space Flight Center to identify the welding parameters and heat treating parameters that can help mitigate the AGG in the friction stir welds.

A comparative study of P450 gene expression in field and laboratory Musca domestica L. strains.

PubMed

Højland, Dorte H; Vagn Jensen, Karl-Martin; Kristensen, Michael

2014-08-01

The housefly is a global pest that has developed resistance to most insecticides applied for its control. Resistance has been associated with cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s). The authors compare the expression of six genes possibly associated with insecticide resistance in three unselected strains: a multiresistant strain (791a), a neonicotinoid-resistant strain (766b) and a new field strain (845b). CYP4G2 was highly expressed throughout the range of strains and proved to be the one of the most interesting expression profiles of all P450s analysed. CYP6G4 was expressed up to 11-fold higher in 766b than in WHO-SRS. Significant differences between expression of P450 genes between F1 flies from 845b and established laboratory strains were shown. In general, P450 gene expression in 845b was 2-14-fold higher than in the reference strain (P < 0.0101) and 2-23-fold higher than in the multiresistant strain (P < 0.0110). The newly collected field strain 845b had significantly higher constitutive gene expression than both WHO-SRS and 791a. High constitutive expression of CYP4G2 in houseflies indicates a possible role of this gene in metabolic resistance. There is a strong indication that CYP6G4 is a major insecticide resistance gene involved in neonicotinoid resistance. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhanced Strain Measurement Range of an FBG Sensor Embedded in Seven-Wire Steel Strands.

PubMed

Kim, Jae-Min; Kim, Chul-Min; Choi, Song-Yi; Lee, Bang Yeon

2017-07-18

FBG sensors offer many advantages, such as a lack of sensitivity to electromagnetic waves, small size, high durability, and high sensitivity. However, their maximum strain measurement range is lower than the yield strain range (about 1.0%) of steel strands when embedded in steel strands. This study proposes a new FBG sensing technique in which an FBG sensor is recoated with polyimide and protected by a polyimide tube in an effort to enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. The validation test results showed that the proposed FBG sensing technique has a maximum strain measurement range of 1.73% on average, which is 1.73 times higher than the yield strain of the strands. It was confirmed that recoating the FBG sensor with polyimide and protecting the FBG sensor using a polyimide tube could effectively enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands.

The hierarchical response of human corneal collagen to load.

PubMed

Bell, J S; Hayes, S; Whitford, C; Sanchez-Weatherby, J; Shebanova, O; Vergari, C; Winlove, C P; Terrill, N; Sorensen, T; Elsheikh, A; Meek, K M

2018-01-01

Fibrillar collagen in the human cornea is integral to its function as a transparent lens of precise curvature, and its arrangement is now well-characterised in the literature. While there has been considerable effort to incorporate fibrillar architecture into mechanical models of the cornea, the mechanical response of corneal collagen to small applied loads is not well understood. In this study the fibrillar and molecular response to tensile load was quantified using small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), and digital image correlation (DIC) photography was used to calculate the local strain field that gave rise to the hierarchical changes. A molecular scattering model was used to calculate the tropocollagen tilt relative to the fibril axis and changes associated with applied strain. Changes were measured in the D-period, molecular tilt and the orientation and spacing of the fibrillar and molecular networks. These measurements were summarised into hierarchical deformation mechanisms, which were found to contribute at varying strains. The change in molecular tilt is indicative of a sub-fibrillar "spring-like" deformation mechanism, which was found to account for most of the applied strain under physiological and near-physiological loads. This deformation mechanism may play an important functional role in tissues rich in fibrils of high helical tilt, such as skin and cartilage. Collagen is the primary mediator of soft tissue biomechanics, and variations in its hierarchical structure convey the varying amounts of structural support necessary for organs to function normally. Here we have examined the structural response of corneal collagen to tensile load using X-rays to probe hierarchies ranging from molecular to fibrillar. We found a previously unreported deformation mechanism whereby molecules, which are helically arranged relative to the axis of their fibril, change in tilt akin to the manner in which a spring stretches. This "spring-like" mechanism accounts for a significant portion of the applied deformation at low strains (<3%). These findings will inform the future design of collagen-based artificial corneas being developed to address world-wide shortages of corneal donor tissue. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A microdot multilayer oxide device: let us tune the strain-ionic transport interaction.

PubMed

Schweiger, Sebastian; Kubicek, Markus; Messerschmitt, Felix; Murer, Christoph; Rupp, Jennifer L M

2014-05-27

In this paper, we present a strategy to use interfacial strain in multilayer heterostructures to tune their resistive response and ionic transport as active component in an oxide-based multilayer microdot device on chip. For this, fabrication of strained multilayer microdot devices with sideways attached electrodes is reported with the material system Gd0.1Ce0.9O(2-δ)/Er2O3. The fast ionic conducting Gd0.1Ce0.9O(2-δ) single layers are altered in lattice strain by the electrically insulating erbia phases of a microdot. The strain activated volume of the Gd0.1Ce0.9O(2-δ) is investigated by changing the number of individual layers from 1 to 60 while keeping the microdot at a constant thickness; i.e., the proportion of strained volume was systematically varied. Electrical measurements showed that the activation energy of the devices could be altered by Δ0.31 eV by changing the compressive strain of a microdot ceria-based phase by more than 1.16%. The electrical conductivity data is analyzed and interpreted with a strain volume model and defect thermodynamics. Additionally, an equivalent circuit model is presented for sideways contacted multilayer microdots. We give a proof-of-concept for microdot contacting to capture real strain-ionic transport effects and reveal that for classic top-electrode contacting the effect is nil, highlighting the need for sideways electric contacting on a nanoscopic scale. The near order ionic transport interaction is supported by Raman spectroscopy measurements. These were conducted and analyzed together with fully relaxed single thin film samples. Strain states are described relative to the strain activated volumes of Gd0.1Ce0.9O(2-δ) in the microdot multilayer. These findings reveal that strain engineering in microfabricated devices allows altering the ionic conduction over a wide range beyond classic doping strategies for single films. The reported fabrication route and concept of strained multilayer microdots is a promising path for applying strained multilayer oxides as active new building blocks relevant for a broad range of microelectrochemical devices, e.g., resistive switching memory prototypes, resistive or electrochemical sensors, or as active catalytic solid state surface components for microfuel cells or all-solid-state batteries.

The Investigation of Strain-Induced Martensite Reverse Transformation in AISI 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cios, G.; Tokarski, T.; Żywczak, A.; Dziurka, R.; Stępień, M.; Gondek, Ł.; Marciszko, M.; Pawłowski, B.; Wieczerzak, K.; Bała, P.

2017-10-01

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the strain-induced martensitic transformation and reversion transformation of the strain-induced martensite in AISI 304 stainless steel using a number of complementary techniques such as dilatometry, calorimetry, magnetometry, and in-situ X-ray diffraction, coupled with high-resolution microstructural transmission Kikuchi diffraction analysis. Tensile deformation was applied at temperatures between room temperature and 213 K (-60 °C) in order to obtain a different volume fraction of strain-induced martensite (up to 70 pct). The volume fraction of the strain-induced martensite, measured by the magnetometric method, was correlated with the total elongation, hardness, and linear thermal expansion coefficient. The thermal expansion coefficient, as well as the hardness of the strain-induced martensitic phase was evaluated. The in-situ thermal treatment experiments showed unusual changes in the kinetics of the reverse transformation (α' → γ). The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the reverse transformation may be stress assisted—strains inherited from the martensitic transformation may increase its kinetics at the lower annealing temperature range. More importantly, the transmission Kikuchi diffraction measurements showed that the reverse transformation of the strain-induced martensite proceeds through a displacive, diffusionless mechanism, maintaining the Kurdjumov-Sachs crystallographic relationship between the martensite and the reverted austenite. This finding is in contradiction to the results reported by other researchers for a similar alloy composition.

Effect of strain rate and temperature on mechanical properties of selected building Polish steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moćko, Wojciech; Kruszka, Leopold

2015-09-01

Currently, the computer programs of CAD type are basic tool for designing of various structures under impact loading. Application of the numerical calculations allows to substantially reduce amount of time required for the design stage of such projects. However, the proper use of computer aided designing technique requires input data for numerical software including elastic-plastic models of structural materials. This work deals with the constitutive model developed by Rusinek and Klepaczko (RK) applied for the modelling of mechanical behaviour of selected grades structural St0S, St3SX, 18GS and 34GS steels and presents here results of experimental and empirical analyses to describe dynamic elastic-plastic behaviours of tested materials at wide range of temperature. In order to calibrate the RK constitutive model, series of compression tests at wide range of strain rates, including static, quasi-static and dynamic investigations at lowered, room and elevated temperatures, were carried out using two testing stands: servo-hydraulic machine and split Hopkinson bar. The results were analysed to determine influence of temperature and strain rate on visco-plastic response of tested steels, and show good correlation with experimental data.

Lightweight, compressible and electrically conductive polyurethane sponges coated with synergistic multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphene for piezoresistive sensors.

PubMed

Ma, Zhonglei; Wei, Ajing; Ma, Jianzhong; Shao, Liang; Jiang, Huie; Dong, Diandian; Ji, Zhanyou; Wang, Qian; Kang, Songlei

2018-04-19

Lightweight, compressible and highly sensitive pressure/strain sensing materials are highly desirable for the development of health monitoring, wearable devices and artificial intelligence. Herein, a very simple, low-cost and solution-based approach is presented to fabricate versatile piezoresistive sensors based on conductive polyurethane (PU) sponges coated with synergistic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene. These sensor materials are fabricated by convenient dip-coating layer-by-layer (LBL) electrostatic assembly followed by in situ reduction without using any complicated microfabrication processes. The resultant conductive MWCNT/RGO@PU sponges exhibit very low densities (0.027-0.064 g cm-3), outstanding compressibility (up to 75%) and high electrical conductivity benefiting from the porous PU sponges and synergistic conductive MWCNT/RGO structures. In addition, the MWCNT/RGO@PU sponges present larger relative resistance changes and superior sensing performances under external applied pressures (0-5.6 kPa) and a wide range of strains (0-75%) compared with the RGO@PU and MWCNT@PU sponges, due to the synergistic effect of multiple mechanisms: "disconnect-connect" transition of nanogaps, microcracks and fractured skeletons at low compression strain and compressive contact of the conductive skeletons at high compression strain. The electrical and piezoresistive properties of MWCNT/RGO@PU sponges are strongly associated with the dip-coating cycle, suspension concentration, and the applied pressure and strain. Fully functional applications of MWCNT/RGO@PU sponge-based piezoresistive sensors in lighting LED lamps and detecting human body movements are demonstrated, indicating their excellent potential for emerging applications such as health monitoring, wearable devices and artificial intelligence.

Strain Gage Load Calibration of the Wing Interface Fittings for the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge Flap Flight Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Eric J.; Holguin, Andrew C.; Cruz, Josue; Lokos, William A.

2014-01-01

The safety-of-flight parameters for the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) flap experiment require that flap-to-wing interface loads be sensed and monitored in real time to ensure that the structural load limits of the wing are not exceeded. This paper discusses the strain gage load calibration testing and load equation derivation methodology for the ACTE interface fittings. Both the left and right wing flap interfaces were monitored; each contained four uniquely designed and instrumented flap interface fittings. The interface hardware design and instrumentation layout are discussed. Twenty-one applied test load cases were developed using the predicted in-flight loads. Pre-test predictions of strain gage responses were produced using finite element method models of the interface fittings. Predicted and measured test strains are presented. A load testing rig and three hydraulic jacks were used to apply combinations of shear, bending, and axial loads to the interface fittings. Hardware deflections under load were measured using photogrammetry and transducers. Due to deflections in the interface fitting hardware and test rig, finite element model techniques were used to calculate the reaction loads throughout the applied load range, taking into account the elastically-deformed geometry. The primary load equations were selected based on multiple calibration metrics. An independent set of validation cases was used to validate each derived equation. The 2-sigma residual errors for the shear loads were less than eight percent of the full-scale calibration load; the 2-sigma residual errors for the bending moment loads were less than three percent of the full-scale calibration load. The derived load equations for shear, bending, and axial loads are presented, with the calculated errors for both the calibration cases and the independent validation load cases.

Experimental analysis of quasi-static and dynamic fracture initiation toughness of gy4 armor steel material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Peng; Guo, Zitao

Quasi-static and dynamic fracture initiation toughness of gy4 armour steel material are investigated using three point bend specimen. The modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus with digital image correlation (DIC) system is applied to dynamic loading experiments. Full-field deformation measurements are obtained by using DIC to elucidate on the strain fields associated with the mechanical response. A series of experiments are conducted at different strain rate ranging from 10-3 s-1 to 103 s-1, and the loading rate on the fracture initiation toughness is investigated. Specially, the scanning electron microscope imaging technique is used to investigate the fracture failure micromechanism of fracture surfaces. The gy4 armour steel material fracture toughness is found to be sensitive to strain rate and higher for dynamic loading as compared to quasi-static loading. This work is supported by National Nature Science Foundation under Grant 51509115.

A comprehensive study of piezomagnetic response in CrPS4 monolayer: mechanical, electronic properties and magnetic ordering under strains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joe, Minwoong; Lee, Hosik; Menderes Alyörük, M.; Lee, Jinhwan; Youb Kim, Sung; Lee, Changgu; Lee, Jun Hee

2017-10-01

We performed first-principles calculations to investigate the magnetic, mechanical and electronic properties of the tetrachalcogenide CrPS4. Although bulk CrPS4 has been shown to exhibit a low-dimensional antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state where ferromagnetic (FM) Cr-chains are coupled antiferromagnetically, our calculations indicated that the monolayer can be transformed to an FM material by applying a uniaxial tensile strain of  ⩾4% along the FM Cr-chain direction. The AFM-to-FM transition is explained to be driven by an increase of the exchange interaction induced by a decrease in the distance between the FM Cr-chains. A huge nonlinear piezomagnetism was predicted at the strain-induced magnetic phase boundary. Our study provides insight about rational design of single-layer magnetic materials for a wide range of spintronic devices and energy applications.

Simultaneous and quasi-independent strain and temperature sensor based on microstructured optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez-Aldaba, A.; Auguste, J.-L.; Jamier, R.; Roy, P.; Lopez-Amo, M.

2017-04-01

In this paper, a new sensor system for simultaneous and quasi-independent strain and temperature measurements is presented. The interrogation of the sensing head has been carried out by monitoring the FFT phase variations of two of the microstructured optical fiber (MOF) cavity interference frequencies. This method is independent of the signal amplitude and also avoids the need to track the wavelength evolution in the spectrum, which can be a handicap when there are multiple interference frequency components with different sensitivities. The sensor is operated within a range of temperature of 30°C-75°C, and 380μɛ of maximum strain were applied; being the sensitivities achieved of 127.5pm/°C and -19.1pm/μɛ respectively. Because the system uses an optical interrogator as unique active element, the system presents a cost-effective feature.

Effect of hydrostatic pressure and uniaxial strain on the electronic structure of Pb 1-xSn xTe

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

Geilhufe, Matthias; Nayak, Sanjeev K.; Thomas, Stefan

2015-12-09

The electronic structure of Pb 1–xSn xTe is studied by using the relativistic Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Green function method in the framework of density functional theory. For all concentrations x, Pb 1–xSn xTe is a direct semiconductor with a narrow band gap. In contrast to pure lead telluride, tin telluride shows an inverted band characteristic close to the Fermi energy. It will be shown that this particular property can be tuned, first, by alloying PbTe and SnTe and, second, by applying hydrostatic pressure or uniaxial strain. Furthermore, the magnitude of strain needed to switch between the regular and inverted band gap canmore » be tuned by the alloy composition. In conclusion, there is a range of potential usage of Pb 1–xSn xTe for spintronic applications.« less

Resolution in forensic microbial genotyping

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

Velsko, S P

2005-08-30

Resolution is a key parameter for differentiating among the large number of strain typing methods that could be applied to pathogens involved in bioterror events or biocrimes. In this report we develop a first-principles analysis of strain typing resolution using a simple mathematical model to provide a basis for the rational design of microbial typing systems for forensic applications. We derive two figures of merit that describe the resolving power and phylogenetic depth of a strain typing system. Rough estimates of these figures-of-merit for MLVA, MLST, IS element, AFLP, hybridization microarrays, and other bacterial typing methods are derived from mutationmore » rate data reported in the literature. We also discuss the general problem of how to construct a ''universal'' practical typing system that has the highest possible resolution short of whole-genome sequencing, and that is applicable with minimal modification to a wide range of pathogens.« less

The generation of thermal stress and strain during quenching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soomro, A. B.

A viscoelastic-plastic mathematical model was used to calculate the thermal stress and strain generated during the quenching of an infinite plate of high hardenability steel (835M30) in water, oil and Polymer. In the present work the mathematical model was modified to include the effect of initial stress on the rate of stress relaxation, which has been found to be significant. The data required to incorporate this effect into the calculations, were obtained experimentally during the-.present investigation. The effect of an applied stress during transformation (transformation plasticity) was also introduced in the mathematical model. The new model produced a marked improvement in the degree of agreement between the calculated and experimental residual stress, although the corresponding level of agreement in the case of residual strain was less good. In particular, strains after water quenching agreed less well with experiment as a consequence of the change in the model, although this drawback was not found after oil and polymer quenching. The new mathematical model was used to investigate the effect of martempering, section size and transformation temperature range on the generation of thermal stress and strain. A salt bath treatment above the Ms temperature followed by air cooling prevented residual stress development, but an oil quench after the salt bath treatment generated a level of residual stress at the end of cooling that was similar to that obtained after a direct oil quench from 850°C. Neither martempering process was successful in reducing residual strain.With.an increase in section size a reduction in the residual stress and an increase in the distortions was obtained after a water quench. However, after oil quenching the overall effect of section size on residual stress and strain was small. The effect of variation in the transformation temperature range was found to be small in the case of residual stress but an increase in Ms temperature produced a significant increase in the level of residual strain.

Morphologic Characteristics Help Explain the Gender Difference in Peak Anterior Cruciate Ligament Strain During a Simulated Pivot Landing

PubMed Central

Lipps, David B.; Oh, Youkeun K.; Ashton-Miller, James A.; Wojtys, Edward M.

2015-01-01

Background Gender differences exist in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cross-sectional area and lateral tibial slope. Biomechanical principles suggest that the direction of these gender differences should induce larger peak ACL strains in females under dynamic loading. Hypothesis Peak ACL relative strain during a simulated pivot landing is significantly greater in female ACLs than male ACLs. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Twenty cadaveric knees from height- and weight-matched male and female cadavers were subjected to impulsive 3-dimensional test loads of 2 times body weight in compression, flexion, and internal tibial torque starting at 15° of flexion. Load cells measured the 3-dimensional forces and moments applied to the knee, and forces in the pretensioned quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscle equivalents. A novel, gender-specific, nonlinear spring simulated short-range and longer range quadriceps muscle tensile stiffness. Peak relative strain in the anteromedial bundle of the ACL (AM-ACL) was measured using a differential variable reluctance transducer, while ACL cross-sectional area and lateral tibial slope were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. A repeated-measures Mann-Whitney signed-rank test was used to test the hypothesis. Results Female knees exhibited 95% greater peak AM-ACL relative strain than male knees (6.37% [22.53%] vs 3.26% [11.89%]; P = .004). Anterior cruciate ligament cross-sectional area and lateral tibial slope were significant predictors of peak AM-ACL relative strain (R2 = .59; P = .001). Conclusion Peak AM-ACL relative strain was significantly greater in female than male knees from donors of the same height and weight. This gender difference is attributed to a smaller female ACL cross-sectional area and a greater lateral tibial slope. Clinical Relevance Since female ACLs are systematically exposed to greater strain than their male counterparts, training and injury prevention programs should take this fact into consideration. PMID:21917612

Creep Deformation of Allvac 718Plus

DOE PAGES

Hayes, Robert W.; Unocic, Raymond R.; Nasrollahzadeh, Maryam

2014-11-11

The creep deformation behavior of Allvac 718Plus was studied over the temperature range 650° to 732°C at initial applied stress levels ranging from 517 to 655 MPa. Over the entire experimental temperature stress regime this alloy exhibits Class M type creep behavior with all creep curves exhibiting a decelerating strain rate with strain or time throughout primary creep. However, unlike pure metals or simple solid solution alloys this gamma prime strengthened superalloy does not exhibit steady state creep. Rather, primary creep is instantly followed by a long duration of accelerating strain rate with strain or time. These creep characteristics aremore » common amongst the gamma prime strengthened superalloys. Allvac 718Plus also exhibits a very high temperature dependence of creep rate. Detailed TEM examination of the deformation structures of selected creep samples reveals dislocation mechanisms similar to those found in high volume fraction gamma prime strengthened superalloys. Strong evidence of microtwinning is found in several of the deformation structures. The presence of microtwinning may account for the strong temperature dependence of creep rate observed in this alloy. In addition, due to the presence of Nb and thus, grain boundary delta phase, matrix dislocation activity which is not present in non Nb bearing superalloys occurs in this alloy. The creep characteristics and dislocation mechanisms are presented and discussed in detail.« less

Microencapsulation of Bacterial Cells by Emulsion Technique for Probiotic Application.

PubMed

Mandal, Surajit; Hati, Subrota

2017-01-01

Probiotics are dietary concepts to improve the dynamics of intestinal microbial balance favorably. Careful screening of probiotic strains for their technological suitability can also allow selection of strains with the best manufacturing and food technology characteristics. However, even the most robust probiotic bacteria are currently in the range of food applications to which they can be applied. Additionally, bacteria with exceptional functional heath properties are ruled out due to technological limitations. New process and formulation technologies will enable both expansion of the range of products in to which probiotics can be applied and the use of efficacious stains that currently cannot be manufactured or stored with existing technologies. Viability of probiotics has been both a marketing and technological concern for many industrial produces. Probiotics are difficult to work with, the bacteria often die during processing, and shelf life is unpredictable. Probiotics are extremely susceptible environmental conditions such as oxygen, processing and preservation treatments, acidity, and salt concentration, which collectively affect the overall viability of probiotics. Manufacturers have long been fortifying products with probiotics; they have faced significant processing challenges regarding the stability and survivability of probiotics during processing and preservation treatments, storage as well during their passage through GIT. Application of microencapsulation significantly improves the stability of probiotics during food processing and gastrointestinal transit.

Structure-property relationships of multiferroic materials: A nano perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Feiming

The integration of sensors, actuators, and control systems is an ongoing process in a wide range of applications covering automotive, medical, military, and consumer electronic markets. Four major families of ceramic and metallic actuators are under development: piezoelectrics, electrostrictors, magnetostrictors, and shape-memory alloys. All of these materials undergo at least two phase transformations with coupled thermodynamic order parameters. These transformations lead to complex domain wall behaviors, which are driven by electric fields (ferroelectrics), magnetic fields (ferromagnetics), or mechanical stress (ferroelastics) as they transform from nonferroic to ferroic states, contributing to the sensing and actuating capabilities. This research focuses on two multiferroic crystals, Pb(Mg1/3Nb 2/3)O3-PbTiO3 and Fe-Ga, which are characterized by the co-existence and coupling of ferroelectric polarization and ferroelastic strain, or ferro-magnetization and ferroelastic strain. These materials break the conventional boundary between piezoelectric and electrostrictors, or magnetostrictors and shape-memory alloys. Upon applying field or in a poled condition, they yield not only a large strain but also a large strain over field ratio, which is desired and much benefits for advanced actuator and sensor applications. In this thesis, particular attention has been given to understand the structure-property relationships of these two types of materials from atomic to the nano/macro scale. X-ray and neutron diffraction were used to obtain the lattice structure and phase transformation characteristics. Piezoresponse and magnetic force microscopy were performed to establish the dependence of domain configurations on composition, thermal history and applied fields. It has been found that polar nano regions (PNRs) make significant contributions to the enhanced electromechanical properties of PMN-x%PT crystals via assisting intermediate phase transformation. With increasing PT concentration, an evolution of PNR→PND (polar nano domains)→ micron-domains→macro-domains was found. In addition, a domain hierarchy was observed for the compositions near a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) on various length scales ranging from nanometer to millimeter. The existence of a domain hierarchy down to the nm scale fulfills the requirement of low domain wall energy, which is necessary for polarization rotation. Thus, upon applying an E-field along <001> direction(s) in a composition near the MPB, low symmetry phase transitions (monoclinic or orthorhombic) can easily be induced. For PMN-30%PT, a complete E-T (electric field vs temperature) diagram has been established. As for Fe-x at.% Ga alloys, short-range Ga-pairs serve as both magnetic and magnetoelastic defects, coupling magnetic domains with bulk elastic strain, and contributing to enhanced magnetostriction. Such short-range ordering was evidenced by a clear 2theta peak broadening on neutron scattering profiles near A2-DO3 phase boundary. In addition, a strong degree of preferred [100] orientation was found in the magnetic domains of Fe-12 at.%Ga and Fe-20 at.%Ga alloys with the A2 or A2+DO3 structures, which clearly indicates a deviation from cubic symmetry; however, no domain alignment was found in Fe-25 at.%Ga with the DO3 structure. Furthermore, an increasing degree of domain fluctuations was found during magnetization rotation, which may be related to short-range Ga-pairs cluster with a large local anisotropy constant, due to a lower-symmetry structure.

Rapid genetic typing of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli using a two-tube modified molecular beacon based multiplex real-time PCR assay and its clinical application

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC), including Enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC), Enteroaggregative E.coli (EAEC), Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC), Enterohemolysin E.coli (EHEC) and Enteroinvasive E.coli (EIEC) causes diarrhea or hemolytic uremic syndromes among infants and travelers around the world. A rapid, reliable and repeatable method is urgent for identifying DEC so as to provide the reference for responding to diarrheal disease outbreak and the treatment of the diarrheal patients associated with DEC. Methods In this study, specific primers and modified molecular beacon probes of nine specific virulence genes, whose 5′end were added with homo tail sequence, were designed; and a two-tube modified molecular beacon based multiplex real–time PCR (rtPCR) assay for the identification of five Escherichia coli pathotypes, including ETEC, EAEC, EPEC, EHEC and EIEC was developed and optimized. Totally 102 bacterial strains, including 52 reference bacterial strains and 50 clinical strains were detected to confirm whether the target genes selected were specific. Then detection limits of the assay were tested. Lastly, the assay was applied to the detection of 11860 clinical samples to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the developed assay compared with the conventional PCR. Results The target genes were 100% specific as assessed on 102 bacterial strains since no cross-reactions were observed. The detection limits ranged from 88 CFU/mL (EHEC) to 880 CFU/mL (EPEC). Compared with the conventional PCR, the specificity and sensitivity of the multiplex rtPCR was 100% and over 99%, respectively. The coefficient of variation (CV) for each target gene ranged from 0.45% to 1.53%. 171 positive clinical samples were mostly identified as ETEC (n = 111, 64.9%) and EPEC (n = 38, 22.2%), which were the dominating pathotypes of DEC strains. Conclusion The developed multiplex rtPCR assay for the identification of DEC was high sensitive and specific and could be applied to the rapid identification of DEC in clinical and public health laboratories. PMID:25023669

Dynamic Tensile Properties of Iron and Steels for a Wide Range of Strain Rates and Strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kojima, Nobusato; Hayashi, Hiroyuki; Yamamoto, Terumi; Mimura, Koji; Tanimura, Shinji

The tensile stress-strain curves of iron and a variety of steels, covering a wide range of strength level, over a wide strain rate range on the order of 10-3 ~ 103 s-1, were obtained systematically by using the Sensing Block Type High Speed Material Testing System (SBTS, Saginomiya). Through intensive analysis of these results, the strain rate sensitivity of the flow stress for the large strain region, including the viscous term at high strain rates, the true fracture strength and the true fracture strain were cleared for the material group of the ferrous metals. These systematical data may be useful to develop a practical constitutive model for computer codes, including a fracture criterion for simulations of the dynamic behavior in crash worthiness studies and of work-pieces subjected to dynamic plastic working for a wide strain rate range.

Effect of abutment angulation on the strain on the bone around an implant in the anterior maxilla: a finite element study.

PubMed

Saab, Xavier E; Griggs, Jason A; Powers, John M; Engelmeier, Robert L

2007-02-01

Angled abutments are often used to restore dental implants placed in the anterior maxilla due to esthetic or spatial needs. The effect of abutment angulation on bone strain is unknown. The purpose of the current study was to measure and compare the strain distribution on the bone around an implant in the anterior maxilla using 2 different abutments by means of finite element analysis. Two-dimensional finite element models were designed using software (ANSYS) for 2 situations: (1) an implant with a straight abutment in the anterior maxilla, and (2) an implant with an angled abutment in the anterior maxilla. The implant used was 4x13 mm (MicroThread). The maxillary bone was modeled as type 3 bone with a cortical layer thickness of 0.5 mm. Oblique loads of 178 N were applied on the cingulum area of both models. Seven consecutive iterations of mesh refinement were performed in each model to observe the convergence of the results. The greatest strain was found on the cancellous bone, adjacent to the 3 most apical microthreads on the palatal side of the implant where tensile forces were created. The same strain distribution was observed around both the straight and angled abutments. After several iterations, the results converged to a value for the maximum first principal strain on the bone of both models, which was independent of element size. Most of the deformation occurred in the cancellous bone and ranged between 1000 and 3500 microstrain. Small areas of cancellous bone experienced strain above the physiologic limit (4000 microstrain). The model predicted a 15% higher maximum bone strain for the straight abutment compared with the angled abutment. The results converged after several iterations of mesh refinement, which confirmed the lack of dependence of the maximum strain at the implant-bone interface on mesh density. Most of the strain produced on the cancellous and cortical bone was within the range that has been reported to increase bone mass and mineralization.

Dynamic hydraulic fluid stimulation regulated intramedullary pressure.

PubMed

Hu, Minyi; Serra-Hsu, Frederick; Bethel, Neville; Lin, Liangjun; Ferreri, Suzanne; Cheng, Jiqi; Qin, Yi-Xian

2013-11-01

Physical signals within the bone, i.e. generated from mechanical loading, have the potential to initiate skeletal adaptation. Strong evidence has pointed to bone fluid flow (BFF) as a media between an external load and the bone cells, in which altered velocity and pressure can ultimately initiate the mechanotransduction and the remodeling process within the bone. Load-induced BFF can be altered by factors such as intramedullary pressure (ImP) and/or bone matrix strain, mediating bone adaptation. Previous studies have shown that BFF induced by ImP alone, with minimum bone strain, can initiate bone remodeling. However, identifying induced ImP dynamics and bone strain factor in vivo using a non-invasive method still remains challenging. To apply ImP as a means for alteration of BFF, it was hypothesized that non-invasive dynamic hydraulic stimulation (DHS) can induce local ImP with minimal bone strain to potentially elicit osteogenic adaptive responses via bone-muscle coupling. The goal of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects on local and distant ImP and strain in response to a range of loading frequencies using DHS. Simultaneous femoral and tibial ImP and bone strain values were measured in three 15-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats during DHS loading on the tibia with frequencies of 1Hz to 10Hz. DHS showed noticeable effects on ImP induction in the stimulated tibia in a nonlinear fashion in response to DHS over the range of loading frequencies, where they peaked at 2Hz. DHS at various loading frequencies generated minimal bone strain in the tibiae. Maximal bone strain measured at all loading frequencies was less than 8με. No detectable induction of ImP or bone strain was observed in the femur. This study suggested that oscillatory DHS may regulate the local fluid dynamics with minimal mechanical strain in the bone, which serves critically in bone adaptation. These results clearly implied DHS's potential as an effective, non-invasive intervention for osteopenia and osteoporosis treatments. © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Ranson, W.F.; Schaeffel, J.A.; Murphree, E.A.

The response of prestressed and preheated plates subject to an exponentially decaying blast load was experimentally determined. A grid was reflected from the front surface of the plate and the response was recorded with a high speed camera. The camera used in this analysis was a rotating drum camera operating at 20,000 frames per second with a maximum of 224 frames at 39 microseconds separation. Inplane tension loads were applied to the plate by means of air cylinders. Maximum biaxial load applied to the plate was 500 pounds. Plate preheating was obtained with resistance heaters located in the specimen platemore » holder with a maximum capability of 500F. Data analysis was restricted to the maximum conditions at the center of the plate. Strains were determined from the photographic data and the stresses were calculated from the strain data. Results were obtained from zero preload conditions to a maximum of 480 pounds inplane tension loads and a plate temperature of 490F. The blast load ranged from 6 to 23 psi.« less

Measurement of the Spin Relaxation Lifetime (T 1) in a One-Electron Strained-Si Accumulation-Mode Quantum Dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Croke, Edward; Borselli, Matthew; Kiselev, Andrey; Deelman, Peter; Milosavljevic, Ivan; Alvarado-Rodriguez, Ivan; Ross, Richard; Schmitz, Adele; Gyure, Mark; Hunter, Andrew

2011-03-01

We report measurements of the spin-relaxation lifetime (T1) as a function of magnetic field in a strained-Si, accumulation-mode quantum dot. An integrated quantum-point contact (QPC) charge sensor was used to detect changes in dot occupancy as a function of bias applied to a single gate electrode. The addition spectra we obtained are consistent with theoretical predictions starting at N=0. The conductance of the charge sensor was measured by applying an AC voltage across the QPC and a 3 k Ω resistor. Lifetime measurements were conducted using a three-pulse technique consisting of a load, read, and flush sequence. T1 was measured by observing the decay of the spin bump amplitude as a function of the load pulse length. We measured decay times ranging from approximately 75 msec at 2T to 12 msec at 3T, consistent with previous reports and theoretical predictions. Sponsored by United States Department of Defense. Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited.

Effect of Plastic Strain Range on Prediction of the Onset of Crack Growth for Low-Cycle Fatigue of SUS316NG Studied using Ultrasonic Back-Reflection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurul, Islam Md.; Arai, Yoshio; Araki, Wakako

Strain range controlled low-cycle fatigue tests were conducted using ultrasonic method in order to investigate the effect of plastic strain range on the remaining life of austenitic stainless steel SUS316NG before the onset of crack growth in its early stages of fatigue. It was found that the decrease in ultrasonic back-reflection intensity from the surface of the material, caused by the increase in average dislocation density with localized plastic deformation at persistent slip bands (PSBs), starts earlier with increase in the plastic strain range. The amount of decrease in ultrasonic back-reflection before the onset of crack growth increases for larger plastic strain range. The difference in the cumulative plastic strains at the onset of crack growth and at the onset of decrease in the ultrasonic back-reflection remained constant over the range of tested plastic strain. This result can be used to predict the remaining life before the onset of crack growth within the plastic strain range used in this study. In addition, we present and evaluate another method to predict damage evolution involving ultrasound attenuation caused by PSBs.

Eop1 from a Rubus strain of Erwinia amylovora functions as a host-range limiting factor.

PubMed

Asselin, J E; Bonasera, J M; Kim, J F; Oh, C-S; Beer, S V

2011-08-01

Strains of Erwinia amylovora, the bacterium causing the disease fire blight of rosaceous plants, are separated into two groups based on host range: Spiraeoideae and Rubus strains. Spiraeoideae strains have wide host ranges, infecting plants in many rosaceous genera, including apple and pear. In the field, Rubus strains infect the genus Rubus exclusively, which includes raspberry and blackberry. Based on comparisons of limited sequence data from a Rubus and a Spiraeoideae strain, the gene eop1 was identified as unusually divergent, and it was selected as a possible host specificity factor. To test this, eop1 genes from a Rubus strain and a Spiraeoideae strain were cloned and mutated. Expression of the Rubus-strain eop1 reduced the virulence of E. amylovora in immature pear fruit and in apple shoots. Sequencing the orfA-eop1 regions of several strains of E. amylovora confirmed that forms of eop1 are conserved among strains with similar host ranges. This work provides evidence that eop1 from a Rubus-specific strain can function as a determinant of host specificity in E. amylovora.

Magnetoresistors as a tool for investigating the mechanical properties of ferromagnetic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaleta, Jerzy; Tumański, Slawomir; Żebracki, Jacek

1996-07-01

We have investigated the possibility of applying the Villari effect for measurements of the dependence of deformation on the external loading. The magnetic field arising due to the deformation has been measured with a Permalloy magnetoresistive sensor. The plot of the dependence of the external field H on the strain ɛ agrees almost perfectly with the classical dependence σ = f( ɛ) in tensile tests. In steel and nickel samples stress changes in the range 0-500 MPa were accompanied by changes in the external magnetic field in the range 0-300 A/m.

Prediction of stress- and strain-based forming limits of automotive thin sheets by numerical, theoretical and experimental methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Béres, Gábor; Weltsch, Zoltán; Lukács, Zsolt; Tisza, Miklós

2018-05-01

Forming limit is a complex concept of limit values related to the onset of local necking in the sheet metal. In cold sheet metal forming, major and minor limit strains are influenced by the sheet thickness, strain path (deformation history) as well as material parameters and microstructure. Forming Limit Curves are plotted in ɛ1 - ɛ2 coordinate system providing the classic strain-based Forming Limit Diagram (FLD). Using the appropriate constitutive model, the limit strains can be changed into the stress-based Forming Limit Diagram (SFLD), irrespective of the strain path. This study is about the effect of the hardening model parameters on defining of limit stress values during Nakazima tests for automotive dual phase (DP) steels. Five limit strain pairs were specified experimentally with the loading of five different sheet geometries, which performed different strain-paths from pure shear (-2ɛ2=ɛ1) up to biaxial stretching (ɛ2=ɛ1). The former works of Hill, Levy-Tyne and Keeler-Brazier made possible some kind of theoretical strain determination, too. This was followed by the stress calculation based on the experimental and theoretical strain data. Since the n exponent in the Nádai expression is varying with the strain at some DP steels, we applied the least-squares method to fit other hardening model parameters (Ludwik, Voce, Hockett-Sherby) to calculate the stress fields belonging to each limit strains. The results showed that each model parameters could produce some discrepancies between the limit stress states in the range of higher equivalent strains than uniaxial stretching. The calculated hardening models were imported to FE code to extend and validate the results by numerical simulations.

Impact of homogeneous strain on uranium vacancy diffusion in uranium dioxide

DOE PAGES

Goyal, Anuj; Phillpot, Simon R.; Subramanian, Gopinath; ...

2015-03-03

We present a detailed mechanism of, and the effect of homogeneous strains on, the migration of uranium vacancies in UO 2. Vacancy migration pathways and barriers are identified using density functional theory and the effect of uniform strain fields are accounted for using the dipole tensor approach. We report complex migration pathways and noncubic symmetry associated with the uranium vacancy in UO 2 and show that these complexities need to be carefully accounted for to predict the correct diffusion behavior of uranium vacancies. We show that under homogeneous strain fields, only the dipole tensor of the saddle with respect tomore » the minimum is required to correctly predict the change in the energy barrier between the strained and the unstrained case. Diffusivities are computed using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations for both neutral and fully charged state of uranium single and divacancies. We calculate the effect of strain on migration barriers in the temperature range 800–1800 K for both vacancy types. Homogeneous strains as small as 2% have a considerable effect on diffusivity of both single and divacancies of uranium, with the effect of strain being more pronounced for single vacancies than divacancies. In contrast, the response of a given defect to strain is less sensitive to changes in the charge state of the defect. Further, strain leads to anisotropies in the mobility of the vacancy and the degree of anisotropy is very sensitive to the nature of the applied strain field for strain of equal magnitude. Our results indicate that the influence of strain on vacancy diffusivity will be significantly greater when single vacancies dominate the defect structure, such as sintering, while the effects will be much less substantial under irradiation conditions where divacancies dominate.« less

Torsional texturing of superconducting oxide composite articles

DOEpatents

Christopherson, Craig John; Riley, Jr., Gilbert N.; Scudiere, John

2002-01-01

A method of texturing a multifilamentary article having filaments comprising a desired oxide superconductor or its precursors by torsionally deforming the article is provided. The texturing is induced by applying a torsional strain which is at least about 0.3 and preferably at least about 0.6 at the surface of the article, but less than the strain which would cause failure of the composite. High performance multifilamentary superconducting composite articles having a plurality of low aspect ratio, twisted filaments with substantially uniform twist pitches in the range of about 1.00 inch to 0.01 inch (25 to 0.25 mm), each comprising a textured desired superconducting oxide material, may be obtained using this texturing method. If tighter twist pitches are desired, the article may be heat treated or annealed and the strain repeated as many times as necessary to obtain the desired twist pitch. It is preferred that the total strain applied per step should be sufficient to provide a twist pitch tighter than 5 times the diameter of the article, and twist pitches in the range of 1 to 5 times the diameter of the article are most preferred. The process may be used to make a high performance multifilamentary superconducting article, having a plurality of twisted filaments, wherein the degree of texturing varies substantially in proportion to the radial distance from the center of the article cross-section, and is substantially radially homogeneous at any given cross-section of the article. Round wires and other low aspect ratio multifilamentary articles are preferred forms. The invention is not dependent on the melting characteristics of the desired superconducting oxide. Desired oxide superconductors or precursors with micaceous or semi-micaceous structures are preferred. When used in connection with desired superconducting oxides which melt irreversibly, it provides multifilamentary articles that exhibit high DC performance characteristics and AC performance markedly superior to any currently available for these materials. In a preferred embodiment, the desired superconducting oxide material is BSCCO 2223.

Most effective way to improve the hydrogen storage abilities of Na-decorated BN sheets: applying external biaxial strain and an electric field.

PubMed

Tang, Chunmei; Zhang, Xue; Zhou, Xiaofeng

2017-02-15

Density functional calculations were used to investigate the hydrogen storage abilities of Na-atoms-decorated BN sheets under both external biaxial strain and a vertical electric field. The Na atom generally has the weakest binding strength to a given substrate compared with the other elements in the periodic table [PANS, 2016, 113, 3735]. Consequently, it is understudied in comparison to other elements and there are few reports about the hydrogen storage abilities of Na-decorated nanomaterials. We calculated that the average binding energy (E b ) of Na atoms to the pure BN sheet is 1.08 eV, which is smaller than the cohesive energy of bulk Na (1.11 eV). However, the E b can be increased to 1.15 eV under 15% biaxial strain, and further up to 1.53 eV with the control of both 15% biaxial strain and a 5.14 V nm -1 electric field (E-field). Therefore, the application of biaxial strain and an external upward E-field can prevent clustering of the Na atoms on the surface of a BN sheet, which is crucial for the hydrogen storage. Each Na atom on the surface of a BN sheet can adsorb only one H 2 molecule when no strain or E-field is applied; however, the absorption increases to five H 2 molecules under 15% biaxial strain and six H 2 molecules under both 15% biaxial strain combined with a 5.14 V nm -1 E-field. The average adsorption energies for H 2 of BN-(Na-mH 2 ) (m = 1-6) are within the range of practical applications (0.2-0.6 eV). The hydrogen gravimetric density of the periodic BN-(Na-6H 2 ) 4 structure is 9 wt%, which exceeds the 5.5 wt% value that should be met by 2017 as specified by the US Department of Energy. On the other side, removal of the biaxial strain and E-field can help to desorb the H 2 molecule. These findings suggest a new route to design hydrogen storage materials under near-ambient conditions.

Probiotic bacteria inhibit the bovine respiratory pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica serotype 1 in vitro.

PubMed

Amat, S; Subramanian, S; Timsit, E; Alexander, T W

2017-05-01

This study evaluated the potential of probiotic bacteria to inhibit growth and cell adhesion of the bovine respiratory pathogen Mannheimia haemoltyica serotype 1. The inhibitory effects of nine probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus and two Paenibacillus polymyxa strains) against M. haemolytica were evaluated using a spot-on-lawn method. Probiotic strains were then tested for their adherence to bovine bronchial epithelial (BBE) cells and the ability to displace and compete against M. haemolytica on BBE. Except for S. thermophilus, all probiotic strains inhibited the growth of M. haemolytica, with zones of inhibition ranging between 12 and 19 mm. Lactobacillus strains and Lactococcus lactis displayed greater (P < 0·05) BBE adhesion compared with M. heamolytica (8·3%) and other probiotics (<2·2%). Strains of P. polymyxa and L. acidophilus caused the greatest reduction in M. haemolytica adherence, through both displacement and competition, compared with other probiotics. The results of this study suggest that probiotics may have the potential to colonize the bovine respiratory tract, and exert antagonistic effects against M. haemolytica serotype 1. A common method to control bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in feedlots is through mass medication with antibiotics upon cattle entry (i.e. metaphylaxis). Increasingly, antimicrobial resistance in BRD bacterial pathogens has been observed in feedlots, which may have important implications for cattle health. In this study, probiotic strains were shown to adhere to bovine respiratory cells and inhibit the BRD pathogen M. haemolytica serotype 1 through competition and displacement. Probiotics may therefore offer a mitigation strategy to reduce BRD bacterial pathogens, in place of metaphylactic antimicrobials. © 2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Letters in Applied Microbiology © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Strains on the nano- and microscale in nickel-titanium: An advanced TEM study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tirry, Wim

2007-12-01

A general introduction to shape memory behavior and the martensitic transformation is given in chapter 1, with speck information concerning the NiTi material. The technique used to study the material is transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of which the basics are explained in chapter 2 as well as information concerning the NiTi material. The main goal was to apply more advanced TEM techniques in order to measure some aspects in a quantitative way rather than qualitative, which is mostly the case in conventional TEM. (1) Quantitative electron diffraction was used to refine the structure of Ni4Ti3 precipitates, this was done by using the MSLS method in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. (2) These Ni4Ti3 precipitates are (semi-)coherent which results in a strain field in the matrix close to the precipitate. High resolution TEM (HRTEM) in combination with image processing techniques was used to measure these strain fields. The obtained results are compared to the Eshelby model for elliptical inclusions, and major difference is an underestimation of the strain magnitude by the model. One of the algorithms used to extract strain information from HRTEM images is the geometric phase method. (3) The Ni4Ti3-Ni4Ti3 and Ni4Ti3-precipitate interface was investigated with HRTEM showing that the Ni4Ti3-precipitate interface might be diffuse over a range of 3nm. (4) In-situ straining experiments were performed on single crystalline and superelastic polycrystalline NiTi samples. It seems that the strain induced martensite planes in the polycrystalline sample show no sign of twinning. This is in contradiction to what is expected and is discussed in the view of the crystallographic theory of martensite, in addition a first model explaining this behavior is proposed. In this dissertation the main attention is divided over the material aspects of NiTi and on how to apply these more advanced TEM techniques.

Enhanced Strain Measurement Range of an FBG Sensor Embedded in Seven-Wire Steel Strands

PubMed Central

Kim, Jae-Min; Kim, Chul-Min; Choi, Song-Yi

2017-01-01

FBG sensors offer many advantages, such as a lack of sensitivity to electromagnetic waves, small size, high durability, and high sensitivity. However, their maximum strain measurement range is lower than the yield strain range (about 1.0%) of steel strands when embedded in steel strands. This study proposes a new FBG sensing technique in which an FBG sensor is recoated with polyimide and protected by a polyimide tube in an effort to enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. The validation test results showed that the proposed FBG sensing technique has a maximum strain measurement range of 1.73% on average, which is 1.73 times higher than the yield strain of the strands. It was confirmed that recoating the FBG sensor with polyimide and protecting the FBG sensor using a polyimide tube could effectively enhance the maximum strain measurement range of FBG sensors embedded in strands. PMID:28718826

Isothermal fatigue mechanisms in Ti-based metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Majumdar, Bhaskar S.; Newaz, Golam M.

1993-01-01

Stress-controlled isothermal fatigue experiments were performed at room temperature (RT) and 548 C (in argon) on (0)8 SCS6/Ti 15-3 metal matrix composites (MMC's) with 15 and 41 volume percent SCS6 (SiC) fibers. The primary objectives were to evaluate the mechanical responses, and to obtain a clear understanding of the damage mechanisms leading to failure of the MMC's. The mechanical data indicated that strain ranges attained fairly constant values in the stress-controlled experiments at both RT and 538 C, and remained so for more than 85 percent of life. The fatigue data for MMC's with different volume fraction fibers showed that MMC life was controlled by the imposed strain range rather than the stress range. At RT, and at low and intermediate strain ranges, the dominant fatigue mechanism was matrix fatigue, and this was confirmed metallurgically from fractographic evidence as well as from observations of channel type dislocation structures in the matrix of fatigued MMC specimens. Reaction-zone cracks acted as important crack initiating sites at RT, with their role being to facilitate slip band formation and consequent matrix crack initiation through classical fatigue mechanisms. MMC life agreed with matrix life at the lower strain ranges, but was smaller than matrix life at higher strain ranges. Unlike the case of monotonic deformation, debonding damage was another major damage mechanism during fatigue at RT, and it increased for higher strain ranges. At high strain ranges at RT, fractography and metallography showed an absence of matrix cracks, but long lengths of debonds in the outer layers of the SCS6 fibers. Such debonding and consequent rubbing during fatigue is believed to have caused fiber damage and their failure at high strain ranges. Thus, whereas life was matrix dominated at low and intermediate strain ranges, it was fiber dominated at high strain ranges. At 538 C, the mean stain constantly increased (ratchetting) with the number of cycles. At high strain ranges, such ratchetting led to overload failure of the fibers, and debonding of the type at RT was very small. At intermediate strain ranges, fractography showed large areas of matrix cracks. However, in spite of this matrix dominated mechanism, the MMC life at elevated temperatures was significantly less than the matrix fatigue life at all strain ranges. The reason for this difference is still unclear, although metallographic and fractographic evidences suggest that internal crack initiation sites at Mo-ribbons and reaction-zone cracks may have played a critical role, with the former tending to dominate.

Self-adapted and tunable graphene strain sensors for detecting both subtle and large human motions.

PubMed

Tao, Lu-Qi; Wang, Dan-Yang; Tian, He; Ju, Zhen-Yi; Liu, Ying; Pang, Yu; Chen, Yuan-Quan; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2017-06-22

Conventional strain sensors rarely have both a high gauge factor and a large strain range simultaneously, so they can only be used in specific situations where only a high sensitivity or a large strain range is required. However, for detecting human motions that include both subtle and large motions, these strain sensors can't meet the diverse demands simultaneously. Here, we come up with laser patterned graphene strain sensors with self-adapted and tunable performance for the first time. A series of strain sensors with either an ultrahigh gauge factor or a preferable strain range can be fabricated simultaneously via one-step laser patterning, and are suitable for detecting all human motions. The strain sensors have a GF of up to 457 with a strain range of 35%, or have a strain range of up to 100% with a GF of 268. Most importantly, the performance of the strain sensors can be easily tuned by adjusting the patterns of the graphene, so that the sensors can meet diverse demands in both subtle and large motion situations. The graphene strain sensors show significant potential in applications such as wearable electronics, health monitoring and intelligent robots. Furthermore, the facile, fast and low-cost fabrication method will make them possible and practical to be used for commercial applications in the future.

Dichloromethane biodegradation in multi-contaminated groundwater: Insights from biomolecular and compound-specific isotope analyses.

PubMed

Hermon, L; Denonfoux, J; Hellal, J; Joulian, C; Ferreira, S; Vuilleumier, S; Imfeld, G

2018-05-31

Dichloromethane (DCM) is a widespread and toxic industrial solvent which often co-occurs with chlorinated ethenes at polluted sites. Biodegradation of DCM occurs under both oxic and anoxic conditions in soils and aquifers. Here we investigated in situ and ex situ biodegradation of DCM in groundwater sampled from the industrial site of Themeroil (France), where DCM occurs as a major co-contaminant of chloroethenes. Carbon isotopic fractionation (ε C ) for DCM ranging from -46 to -22‰ were obtained under oxic or denitrifying conditions, in mineral medium or contaminated groundwater, and for laboratory cultures of Hyphomicrobium sp. strain GJ21 and two new DCM-degrading strains isolated from the contaminated groundwater. The extent of DCM biodegradation (B%) in the aquifer, as evaluated by compound-specific isotope analysis (δ 13 C), ranged from 1% to 85% applying DCM-specific ε C derived from reference strains and those determined in this study. Laboratory groundwater microcosms under oxic conditions showed DCM biodegradation rates of up to 0.1 mM·day -1 , with concomitant chloride release. Dehalogenase genes dcmA and dhlA involved in DCM biodegradation ranged from below 4 × 10 2 (boundary) to 1 × 10 7 (source zone) copies L -1 across the contamination plume. High-throughput sequencing on the 16S rrnA gene in groundwater samples showed that both contaminant level and terminal electron acceptor processes (TEAPs) influenced the distribution of genus-level taxa associated with DCM biodegradation. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential of DCM biodegradation in multi-contaminated groundwater. This integrative approach may be applied to contaminated aquifers in the future, in order to identify microbial taxa and pathways associated with DCM biodegradation in relation to redox conditions and co-contamination levels. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-energy x-ray scattering quantification of in-situ-loading-related strain gradients spanning the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) in bovine tooth specimens.

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

Almer, J. D.; Stock, S. R.; Northeastern Univ.

2010-08-26

High energy X-ray scattering (80.7keV photons) at station 1-ID of the Advanced Photon Source quantified internal strains as a function of applied stress in mature bovine tooth. These strains were mapped from dentin through the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) into enamel as a function of applied compressive stress in two small parallelepiped specimens. One specimen was loaded perpendicular to the DEJ and the second parallel to the DEJ. Internal strains in enamel and dentin increased and, as expected from the relative values of the Young's modulus, the observed strains were much higher in dentin than in enamel. Large strain gradients weremore » observed across the DEJ, and the data suggest that the mantle dentin-DEJ-aprismatic enamel structure may shield the near-surface volume of the enamel from large strains. In the enamel, drops in internal strain for applied stresses above 40MPa also suggest that this structure had cracked.« less

Probing the Optical Properties and Strain-Tuning of Ultrathin Mo1- xW xTe2.

PubMed

Aslan, Ozgur Burak; Datye, Isha M; Mleczko, Michal J; Sze Cheung, Karen; Krylyuk, Sergiy; Bruma, Alina; Kalish, Irina; Davydov, Albert V; Pop, Eric; Heinz, Tony F

2018-04-11

Ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have recently been extensively investigated to understand their electronic and optical properties. Here we study ultrathin Mo 0.91 W 0.09 Te 2 , a semiconducting alloy of MoTe 2 , using Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and optical absorption spectroscopy. Mo 0.91 W 0.09 Te 2 transitions from an indirect to a direct optical band gap in the limit of monolayer thickness, exhibiting an optical gap of 1.10 eV, very close to its MoTe 2 counterpart. We apply tensile strain, for the first time, to monolayer MoTe 2 and Mo 0.91 W 0.09 Te 2 to tune the band structure of these materials; we observe that their optical band gaps decrease by 70 meV at 2.3% uniaxial strain. The spectral widths of the PL peaks decrease with increasing strain, which we attribute to weaker exciton-phonon intervalley scattering. Strained MoTe 2 and Mo 0.91 W 0.09 Te 2 extend the range of band gaps of TMDC monolayers further into the near-infrared, an important attribute for potential applications in optoelectronics.

Probing the Optical Properties and Strain-Tuning of Ultrathin Mo 1–xW xTe 2

DOE PAGES

Aslan, Ozgur Burak; Datye, Isha M.; Mleczko, Michal J.; ...

2018-03-21

Ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have recently been extensively investigated to understand their electronic and optical properties. Here we study ultrathin Mo 0.91W 0.09Te 2, a semiconducting alloy of MoTe 2, using Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and optical absorption spectroscopy. Mo 0.91W 0.09Te 2 transitions from an indirect to a direct optical band gap in the limit of monolayer thickness, exhibiting an optical gap of 1.10 eV, very close to its MoTe 2 counterpart. We apply tensile strain, for the first time, to monolayer MoTe 2 and Mo 0.91W 0.09Te 2 to tune the band structure of these materials; we observemore » that their optical band gaps decrease by 70 meV at 2.3% uniaxial strain. The spectral widths of the PL peaks decrease with increasing strain, which we attribute to weaker exciton–phonon intervalley scattering. Furthermore, strained MoTe 2 and Mo 0.91W 0.09Te 2 extend the range of band gaps of TMDC monolayers further into the near-infrared, an important attribute for potential applications in optoelectronics.« less

Probing the Optical Properties and Strain-Tuning of Ultrathin Mo 1–xW xTe 2

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

Aslan, Ozgur Burak; Datye, Isha M.; Mleczko, Michal J.

Ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have recently been extensively investigated to understand their electronic and optical properties. Here we study ultrathin Mo 0.91W 0.09Te 2, a semiconducting alloy of MoTe 2, using Raman, photoluminescence (PL), and optical absorption spectroscopy. Mo 0.91W 0.09Te 2 transitions from an indirect to a direct optical band gap in the limit of monolayer thickness, exhibiting an optical gap of 1.10 eV, very close to its MoTe 2 counterpart. We apply tensile strain, for the first time, to monolayer MoTe 2 and Mo 0.91W 0.09Te 2 to tune the band structure of these materials; we observemore » that their optical band gaps decrease by 70 meV at 2.3% uniaxial strain. The spectral widths of the PL peaks decrease with increasing strain, which we attribute to weaker exciton–phonon intervalley scattering. Furthermore, strained MoTe 2 and Mo 0.91W 0.09Te 2 extend the range of band gaps of TMDC monolayers further into the near-infrared, an important attribute for potential applications in optoelectronics.« less

Strain-induced structure transformations on Si(111) and Ge(111) surfaces: a combined density-functional and scanning tunneling microscopy study.

PubMed

Zhachuk, R; Teys, S; Coutinho, J

2013-06-14

Si(111) and Ge(111) surface formation energies were calculated using density functional theory for various biaxial strain states ranging from -0.04 to 0.04, and for a wide set of experimentally observed surface reconstructions: 3 × 3, 5 × 5, 7 × 7 dimer-adatom-stacking fault reconstructions and c(2 × 8), 2 × 2, and √3×√3 adatoms based surfaces. The calculations are compared with scanning tunneling microscopy data obtained on stepped Si(111) surfaces and on Ge islands grown on a Si(111) substrate. It is shown that the surface structure transformations observed in these strained systems are accounted for by a phase diagram that relates the equilibrium surface structure to the applied strain. The calculated formation energy of the unstrained Si(111)-9 × 9 dimer-adatom-stacking fault surface is reported for the first time and it is higher than corresponding energies of Si(111)-5 × 5 and Si(111)-7 × 7 dimer-adatom-stacking fault surfaces as expected. We predict that the Si(111) surface should adopt a c(2 × 8) reconstruction when tensile strain is above 0.03.

The compressive behaviour and constitutive equation of polyimide foam in wide strain rate and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshimoto, Akifumi; Kobayashi, Hidetoshi; Horikawa, Keitaro; Tanigaki, Kenichi

2015-09-01

These days, polymer foams, such as polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam, are used in various situations as a thermal insulator or shock absorber. In general, however, their strength is insufficient in high temperature environments because of their low glass transition temperature. Polyimide is a polymer which has a higher glass transition temperature and high strength. Its mechanical properties do not vary greatly, even in low temperature environments. Therefore, polyimide foam is expected to be used in the aerospace industry. Thus, the constitutive equation of polyimide foam that can be applied across a wide range of strain rates and ambient temperature is very useful. In this study, a series of compression tests at various strain rates, from 10-3 to 103 s-1 were carried out in order to examine the effect of strain rate on the compressive properties of polyimide foam. The flow stress of polyimide foam increased rapidly at dynamic strain rates. The effect of ambient temperature on the properties of polyimide foam was also investigated at temperature from - 190 °C to 270°∘C. The flow stress decreased with increasing temperature.

Application of a Bacillus subtilis Whole-Cell Biosensor (PliaI-lux) for the Identification of Cell Wall Active Antibacterial Compounds.

PubMed

Kobras, Carolin Martina; Mascher, Thorsten; Gebhard, Susanne

2017-01-01

Whole-cell biosensors, based on the visualization of a reporter strain's response to a particular stimulus, are a robust and cost-effective means to monitor defined environmental conditions or the presence of chemical compounds. One specific field in which such biosensors are frequently applied is drug discovery, i.e., the screening of large numbers of bacterial or fungal strains for the production of antimicrobial compounds. We here describe the application of a luminescence-based Bacillus subtilis biosensor for the discovery of cell wall active substances. The system is based on the well-characterized promoter P liaI , which is induced in response to a wide range of conditions that cause cell envelope stress, particularly antibiotics that interfere with the membrane-anchored steps of cell wall biosynthesis. A simple "spot-on-lawn" assay, where colonies of potential producer strains are grown directly on a lawn of the reporter strain, allows for quantitative and time-resolved detection of antimicrobial compounds. Due to the very low technical demands of this procedure, we expect it to be easily applicable to a large variety of candidate producer strains and growth conditions.

Mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of Li-ion battery separators

DOE PAGES

Kalnaus, Sergiy; Wang, Yanli; Turner, John A.

2017-03-09

We determine and compare anisotropic mechanical properties for three types of commercially available Li-ion battery separators: Celgard 2325, Celgard PP2075 dry-processed polymer separators, and DreamWeaver Gold 40 non-woven separator. Significant amount of anisotropy of properties was determined, with the Young's modulus being different by up to a factor of 5 and ultimate strength being different by a factor of 10 between orthogonal directions within a polymer separator layer. Strain rate sensitivity was investigated by applying strain rates ranging from 1•10 -4 s -1 to 0.1 s -1. Significant strengthening was observed and the strain rate strengthening coefficients were determined formore » both elastic modulus and yield stress in case of polymer separators. Digital image correlation technique was used to measure and map the strains over the specimen's gage section. A significant strain concentration in bands running perpendicular to the tensile axis was observed in polymer separator samples oriented in transverse direction. Such localized necking allows for extremely high strains close to 300% to develop in the material. Furthermore, the failure mode was remarkably different for all three types of separators which adds additional variable in safe design of Li-ion batteries for prevention of internal short circuits.« less

Role of the interface between distributed fibre optic strain sensor and soil in ground deformation measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Cheng-Cheng; Zhu, Hong-Hu; Shi, Bin

2016-11-01

Recently the distributed fibre optic strain sensing (DFOSS) technique has been applied to monitor deformations of various earth structures. However, the reliability of soil deformation measurements remains unclear. Here we present an integrated DFOSS- and photogrammetry-based test study on the deformation behaviour of a soil foundation model to highlight the role of strain sensing fibre-soil interface in DFOSS-based geotechnical monitoring. Then we investigate how the fibre-soil interfacial behaviour is influenced by environmental changes, and how the strain distribution along the fibre evolves during progressive interface failure. We observe that the fibre-soil interfacial bond is tightened and the measurement range of the fibre is extended under high densities or low water contents of soil. The plastic zone gradually occupies the whole fibre length when the soil deformation accumulates. Consequently, we derive a theoretical model to simulate the fibre-soil interfacial behaviour throughout the progressive failure process, which accords well with the experimental results. On this basis, we further propose that the reliability of measured strain can be determined by estimating the stress state of the fibre-soil interface. These findings may have important implications for interpreting and evaluating fibre optic strain measurements, and implementing reliable DFOSS-based geotechnical instrumentation.

Comparison of aerially-applied Gypchek strains against gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in the presence of an Entomophaga maimaiga epizootic

Treesearch

R.E. Webb; G.B. White; J.D. Podgwaite; V. D' Amico; J. Slavicek; J. Swearingen; B. Onken; K.W. Thorpe

2005-01-01

The standard strain (LDP-226) of Gypchek®, a nucleopolyhedrovirus product registered by the USDA Forest Service against the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), was compared against a strain, LdMNPV-203NL (NL = nonliquefying), that was developed for production in cell culture. Both strains were applied by air to U.S. government property in...

Variation in susceptibility of laboratory and field strains of three stored-grain insect species to beta-cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos-methyl plus deltamethrin applied to concrete surfaces

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The efficacy of beta-cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos-methyl plus deltamethrin applied to clean, concrete floors of empty bins prior to grain storage against field strains of stored-grain insects is unknown. We exposed adults of 16 strains of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst); 8 strains ...

Strain-induced negative differential resistance in ultrasmall carbon nanotube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Hui; Zhang, Fei-Peng; Ruan, Xing-Xiang; Huang, Can-Sheng; Jiang, Zhi-Nian; Peng, Jin-Yun; Wang, Ru-Zhi

2017-08-01

The transport properties in ultrasmall single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) under tensile strain have been theoretically investigated. The regular negative differential resistance (NDR) induced by the strain undergoes a process from enhancement to weakening in the zigzag (3,0) SWCNT. The NDR achieves maximum with applying 4% tensile strain. Compared to the case of (3,0) SWCNT, that NDR cannot be manipulated by applying strain clearly in (4,0) and (5,0) ultrasmall SWCNTs with tensile strain lower than 10%. It proposes this strain-induced NDR effect to demonstrate the possibility of finding potential applications in SWCNT-based NDR nanodevices such as in memory devices, oscillators and fast switching devices.

DNA content analysis allows discrimination between Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli.

PubMed

Naves, Lucila Langoni; da Silva, Marcos Vinícius; Fajardo, Emanuella Francisco; da Silva, Raíssa Bernardes; De Vito, Fernanda Bernadelli; Rodrigues, Virmondes; Lages-Silva, Eliane; Ramírez, Luis Eduardo; Pedrosa, André Luiz

2017-01-01

Trypanosoma cruzi, a human protozoan parasite, is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Currently the species is divided into six taxonomic groups. The genome of the CL Brener clone has been estimated to be 106.4-110.7 Mb, and DNA content analyses revealed that it is a diploid hybrid clone. Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate that has the same reservoirs and vectors as T. cruzi; however, it is non-pathogenic to vertebrate hosts. The haploid genome of T. rangeli was previously estimated to be 24 Mb. The parasitic strains of T. rangeli are divided into KP1(+) and KP1(-). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the DNA content in different strains of T. cruzi and T. rangeli by flow cytometry. All T. cruzi and T. rangeli strains yielded cell cycle profiles with clearly identifiable G1-0 (2n) and G2-M (4n) peaks. T. cruzi and T. rangeli genome sizes were estimated using the clone CL Brener and the Leishmania major CC1 as reference cell lines because their genome sequences have been previously determined. The DNA content of T. cruzi strains ranged from 87,41 to 108,16 Mb, and the DNA content of T. rangeli strains ranged from 63,25 Mb to 68,66 Mb. No differences in DNA content were observed between KP1(+) and KP1(-) T. rangeli strains. Cultures containing mixtures of the epimastigote forms of T. cruzi and T. rangeli strains resulted in cell cycle profiles with distinct G1 peaks for strains of each species. These results demonstrate that DNA content analysis by flow cytometry is a reliable technique for discrimination between T. cruzi and T. rangeli isolated from different hosts.

Tectonic setting and strain analysis of Halaban Area, Eastern Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alamri, Y. A., II; Kassem, O. M. K.

2016-12-01

Finite strain technique was applied for Abt schist, sheared granitoids and volcanosedimentary rocks exposed at Halaban area, Eastern Arabian Shield. This study aims to attempt to decipher the relationship of these lithologies to nappe contacts and to clarify the nature of subhorizontal foliation pervasively recorded in the Halaban area. The Rf/φ and Fry methods are utilized on quartz and feldspar porphyroclasts, as well as on mafic crystals, such as hornblende and biotite, in eighteen samples. The X/Z axial ratios range from 1.12 to 4.99 for Rf/φ method and from 1.65 to 4.00 for Fry method. The direction of finite strain for the long axes displays clustering along the WNW trend (occasionally N) with slight plunging. The Z axes are subvertical and associated with a subhorizontal foliation. The data reveal oblate strain symmetry (flattening) and the strain magnitudes show no considerable increase towards the tectonic contacts. The obtained finite-strain data demonstrate that the sheared granitoids are mildly to moderately deformed. It is suggested that the accumulation of finite strain was not associated with any significant volume change. The penetrative subhorizontal foliation was concurrent with thrusting and shows nearly the same attitudes of tectonic contacts with the overlying nappes. Field relations and observations, together with finite stain data, are inconsistent with the proposed idea that nappes in orogens resulted from simple-shear deformation.

Mechanical Strain Promotes Oligodendrocyte Differentiation by Global Changes of Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Jagielska, Anna; Lowe, Alexis L.; Makhija, Ekta; Wroblewska, Liliana; Guck, Jochen; Franklin, Robin J. M.; Shivashankar, G. V.; Van Vliet, Krystyn J.

2017-01-01

Differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) to oligodendrocytes and subsequent axon myelination are critical steps in vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) development and regeneration. Growing evidence supports the significance of mechanical factors in oligodendrocyte biology. Here, we explore the effect of mechanical strains within physiological range on OPC proliferation and differentiation, and strain-associated changes in chromatin structure, epigenetics, and gene expression. Sustained tensile strain of 10–15% inhibited OPC proliferation and promoted differentiation into oligodendrocytes. This response to strain required specific interactions of OPCs with extracellular matrix ligands. Applied strain induced changes in nuclear shape, chromatin organization, and resulted in enhanced histone deacetylation, consistent with increased oligodendrocyte differentiation. This response was concurrent with increased mRNA levels of the epigenetic modifier histone deacetylase Hdac11. Inhibition of HDAC proteins eliminated the strain-mediated increase of OPC differentiation, demonstrating a role of HDACs in mechanotransduction of strain to chromatin. RNA sequencing revealed global changes in gene expression associated with strain. Specifically, expression of multiple genes associated with oligodendrocyte differentiation and axon-oligodendrocyte interactions was increased, including cell surface ligands (Ncam, ephrins), cyto- and nucleo-skeleton genes (Fyn, actinins, myosin, nesprin, Sun1), transcription factors (Sox10, Zfp191, Nkx2.2), and myelin genes (Cnp, Plp, Mag). These findings show how mechanical strain can be transmitted to the nucleus to promote oligodendrocyte differentiation, and identify the global landscape of signaling pathways involved in mechanotransduction. These data provide a source of potential new therapeutic avenues to enhance OPC differentiation in vivo. PMID:28473753

Quantification of gravity-induced skin strain across the breast surface.

PubMed

Sanchez, Amy; Mills, Chris; Haake, Steve; Norris, Michelle; Scurr, Joanna

2017-12-01

Quantification of the magnitude of skin strain in different regions of the breast may help to estimate possible gravity-induced damage whilst also being able to inform the selection of incision locations during breast surgery. The aim of this study was to quantify static skin strain over the breast surface and to estimate the risk of skin damage caused by gravitational loading. Fourteen participants had 21 markers applied to their torso and left breast. The non-gravity breast position was estimated as the mid-point of the breast positions in water and soybean oil (higher and lower density than breast respectively). The static gravity-loaded breast position was also measured. Skin strain was calculated as the percentage extension between adjacent breast markers in the gravity and non-gravity loaded conditions. Gravity induced breast deformation caused peak strains ranging from 14 to 75% across participants, with potentially damaging skin strain (>60%) in one participant and skin strains above 30% (skin resistance zone) in a further four participants. These peak strain values all occurred in the longitudinal direction in the upper region of the breast skin. In the latitudinal direction, smaller-breasted participants experienced greater strain on the outer (lateral) breast regions and less strain on the inner (medial) breast regions, a trend which was reversed in the larger breasted participants (above size 34D). To reduce tension on surgical incisions it is suggested that preference should be given to medial latitudinal locations for smaller breasted women and lateral latitudinal locations for larger breasted women. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of wide genetic diversity and several novel strains among non-avium nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from farmed and wild animals in Hungary.

PubMed

Rónai, Z; Eszterbauer, E; Csivincsik, Á; Guti, C F; Dencső, L; Jánosi, S; Dán, Á

2016-07-01

Besides Mycobacterium avium numerous nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) species exist, which pose constant health risk to both humans and animals. The aim of our study was to identify non-avium NTM isolates from veterinary origin in Hungary, and to detect the occurrence of rifampicin resistance among them. Two hundred and twenty-five strains isolated between 2006 and 2013 from domestic and wild animals and veterinary important samples were identified on the basis of partial DNA sequences of different structural or coding genes, besides commercial kits and multiplex PCR. From 14 different sources, 28 NTM strains and 8 hitherto unidentified strain types were detected. Mycobacterium nonchromogenicum was the most frequently occurring strain (25·78%). Besides, new hosts and mycobacteria-related pathological symptoms were detected. Noticeable rifampicin resistance (42·76%) was found among 159 strains from six different host species. Furthermore, we described the problematics of strain-misidentifications using commercial kits. Our study identified the most common non-avium NTM strains in Hungary, and provided account of their occurrence, host range, and pathogenicity. The detected high rifampicin resistance among the strains isolated mainly from fallow and red deer clearly shows that more attention should be paid to the examination of wild animals especially to those ones which may have contact or shared territory with farmed animals. In domestic animal husbandry the maintenance of tuberculosis free status is of primary importance. As immunological cross-reactions due to NTM hamper the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis, the precise identification of NTM strains would be essential in the veterinary diagnostics, especially for potentially zoonotic strains. This is the first study investigating the strain diversity of non-avium NTM in Hungary. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Differentiation of Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine strains ts-11 and 6/85 from commonly used Mycoplasma gallisepticum challenge strains by PCR.

PubMed

Evans, J D; Leigh, S A

2008-09-01

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is an important avian pathogen causing significant economic losses within the poultry industry. In an effort to develop tools to aid in MG research and diagnostics, we have compared sequences of the attenuated MG vaccine strain ts-11 to those of commonly used pathogenic challenge strains in search of a simple means of differentiation. Via gapA sequence alignments and comparisons, we have identified and designed primers facilitating strain differentiation. When applied to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay at low annealing temperature, the primer sets allow for the differentiation of MG attenuated vaccine strains ts-11 as well as the attenuated MG vaccine strain 6/85 from the commonly utilized MG challenge strains R(low), R, and S6. Conventional PCR differentiation is based on the visualization of sole products with the attenuated MG strains ts-11 and 6/85 and the lack of the corresponding products from MG strains R(low), R, and S6. When applied to MG strain F, product visualization varies with the applied primer set. The differentiation of MG strains ts-11 and 6/85 from the pathogenic challenge strains was also accomplished via real-time analyses, however, the primer sets were not able to differentiate MG strains ts-11 and 6/85 from selected MG field isolates.

Multiscale deformation behavior for multilayered steel by in-situ FE-SEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Y.; Kishimoto, S.; Yin, F.; Kobayashi, M.; Tomimatsu, T.; Kagawa, K.

2010-03-01

The multi-scale deformation behavior of multi-layered steel during tensile loading was investigated by in-situ FE-SEM observation coupled with multi-scale pattern. The material used was multi-layered steel sheet consisting of martensitic and austenitic stainless steel layers. Prior to in-situ tensile testing, the multi-scale pattern combined with a grid and random dots were fabricated by electron beam lithography on the polished surface in the area of 1 mm2 to facilitate direct observation of multi-scale deformation. Both of the grids with pitches of 10 μm and a random speckle pattern ranging from 200 nm to a few μm sizes were drawn onto the specimen surface at same location. The electron moiré method was applied to measure the strain distribution in the deformed specimens at a millimeter scale and digital images correlation method was applied to measure the in-plane deformation and strain distribution at a micron meter scale acquired before and after at various increments of straining. The results showed that the plastic deformation in the austenitic stainless steel layer was larger than the martensitic steel layer at millimeter scale. However, heterogeneous intrinsic grain-scale plastic deformation was clearly observed and it increased with increasing the plastic deformation.

De-individualized psychophysiological strain assessment during a flight simulation test—Validation of a space methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johannes, Bernd; Salnitski, Vyacheslav; Soll, Henning; Rauch, Melina; Hoermann, Hans-Juergen

For the evaluation of an operator's skill reliability indicators of work quality as well as of psychophysiological states during the work have to be considered. The herein presented methodology and measurement equipment were developed and tested in numerous terrestrial and space experiments using a simulation of a spacecraft docking on a space station. However, in this study the method was applied to a comparable terrestrial task—the flight simulator test (FST) used in the DLR selection procedure for ab initio pilot applicants for passenger airlines. This provided a large amount of data for a statistical verification of the space methodology. For the evaluation of the strain level of applicants during the FST psychophysiological measurements were used to construct a "psychophysiological arousal vector" (PAV) which is sensitive to various individual reaction patterns of the autonomic nervous system to mental load. Its changes and increases will be interpreted as "strain". In the first evaluation study, 614 subjects were analyzed. The subjects first underwent a calibration procedure for the assessment of their autonomic outlet type (AOT) and on the following day they performed the FST, which included three tasks and was evaluated by instructors applying well-established and standardized rating scales. This new method will possibly promote a wide range of other future applications in aviation and space psychology.

Assessing effects of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum on soil microbial communities in Agriotes spp. biological pest control.

PubMed

Mayerhofer, Johanna; Eckard, Sonja; Hartmann, Martin; Grabenweger, Giselher; Widmer, Franco; Leuchtmann, Adrian; Enkerli, Jürg

2017-10-01

The release of large quantities of microorganisms to soil for purposes such as pest control or plant growth promotion may affect the indigenous soil microbial communities. In our study, we investigated potential effects of Metarhizium brunneum ART2825 on soil fungi and prokaryota in bulk soil using high-throughput sequencing of ribosomal markers. Different formulations of this strain, and combinations of the fungus with garlic as efficacy-enhancing agent, were tested over 4 months in a pot and a field experiment carried out for biological control of Agriotes spp. in potatoes. A biocontrol effect was observed only in the pot experiment, i.e. the application of FCBK resulted in 77% efficacy. Colony counts combined with genotyping and marker sequence abundance confirmed the successful establishment of the applied strain. Only the formulated applied strain caused small shifts in fungal communities in the pot experiment. Treatment effects were in the same range as the effects caused by barley kernels, the carrier of the FCBK formulation and temporal effects. Garlic treatments and time affected prokaryotic communities. In the field experiment, only spatial differences affected fungal and prokaryotic communities. Our findings suggest that M. brunneum may not adversely affect soil microbial communities. © FEMS 2017.

Many body calculations of the optoelectronic properties of h-AlN: from 3D to 2D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kecik, Deniz; Bacaksiz, Cihan; Durgun, Engin; Senger, Tugrul

Outstanding electronic and optical properties of graphene, h-BN, MoS2 etc. motivate the further discovery of novel 2D materials such as AlN, a III-V compound, with remarkable features for potential optoelectronic applications, due to its wide indirect band gap. The layer and strain dependent optoelectronic properties of the recently synthesized monolayer hexagonal AlN (h-AlN) were investigated using density functional and many body perturbation theories, where RPA and BSE were employed on top of the QPG0W0 method. The optical spectra of 1-4 layered h-AlN revealed prominent absorption beyond the visible light regime; absorbance within the UV range increasing with the number of layers. In addition, the applied tensile strain (1 - 7 %) was observed to gradually redshift the absorption spectra. While the many body corrections induced significant blueshift to the optical spectra, evidence of bound excitons were also found for the layered structures. Hence, the optoelectronic properties of layered h-AlN can be tuned by modifying their structure and applying strain, moreover are greatly altered when electron-hole interactions are considered. This work was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK, Project No. 113T050).

Sequestration of carbon dioxide and production of biomolecules using cyanobacteria.

PubMed

Upendar, Ganta; Singh, Sunita; Chakrabarty, Jitamanyu; Chandra Ghanta, Kartik; Dutta, Susmita; Dutta, Abhishek

2018-07-15

A cyanobacterial strain, Synechococcus sp. NIT18, has been applied to sequester CO 2 using sodium carbonate as inorganic carbon source due to its efficiency of CO 2 bioconversion and high biomass production. The biomass obtained is used for the extraction of biomolecules - protein, carbohydrate and lipid. The main objective of the study is to maximize the biomass and biomolecules production with CO 2 sequestration using cyanobacterial strain cultivated under different concentrations of CO 2 (5-20%), pH (7-11) and inoculum size (5-12.5%) within a statistical framework. Maximum sequestration of CO 2 and maximum productivities of protein, carbohydrate and lipid are 71.02%, 4.9 mg/L/day, 6.7 mg/L/day and 1.6 mg/L/day respectively, at initial CO 2 concentration: 10%, pH: 9 and inoculum size: 12.5%. Since flue gas contains 10-15% CO 2 and the present strain is able to sequester CO 2 in this range, the strain could be considered as a useful tool for CO 2 mitigation for greener world. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship between notch strengthening threshold and mechanical property for ductile cast iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeda, T.; Noda, N.-A.; Sano, Y.; Umetani, T.; Kai, N.

2018-06-01

In this study, dynamic tensile tests were conducted at the various strain rates and temperatures for traditional ductile cast iron. Then, the notch strength {σ }{{B}}{{noth}} and the static tensile strength at room temperature {σ }{{B,}\\quad {{RT}}}{{smooth}} were discussed in terms of the strain rate- temperature parameter R, which is known to be useful for evaluating the combined influence of strain rate and temperature. This study focuses on the notch strengthening threshold R ≧ R th where {σ }{{B}}{{noth}} is larger than {σ }{{B,}\\quad {{RT}}}{{smooth}} and therefore notched components can be used safely. In other words, if R ≧ R th, {σ }{{B,}\\quad {{RT}}}{{smooth}} can be used to evaluate notched components in mechanical design to prevent the instantaneous fracture. In this study, it was found that the R th value can be predicted from the static tensile property and Brinell hardness. Since the traditional ductile cast iron considered in this paper has a broad range of mechanical properties, the present approach and discussion can be applied to evaluate other materials under various temperature and strain rate.

Transferable tight binding model for strained group IV and III-V heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Yaohua; Povolotskyi, Micheal; Kubis, Tillmann; Boykin, Timothy; Klimeck, Gerhard

Modern semiconductor devices have reached critical device dimensions in the range of several nanometers. For reliable prediction of device performance, it is critical to have a numerical efficient model that are transferable to material interfaces. In this work, we present an empirical tight binding (ETB) model with transferable parameters for strained IV and III-V group semiconductors. The ETB model is numerically highly efficient as it make use of an orthogonal sp3d5s* basis set with nearest neighbor inter-atomic interactions. The ETB parameters are generated from HSE06 hybrid functional calculations. Band structures of strained group IV and III-V materials by ETB model are in good agreement with corresponding HSE06 calculations. Furthermore, the ETB model is applied to strained superlattices which consist of group IV and III-V elements. The ETB model turns out to be transferable to nano-scale hetero-structure. The ETB band structures agree with the corresponding HSE06 results in the whole Brillouin zone. The ETB band gaps of superlattices with common cations or common anions have discrepancies within 0.05eV.

Photonic crystal fiber modal interferometer based on thin-core-fiber mode exciter.

PubMed

Miao, Yinping; Ma, Xixi; Wu, Jixuan; Song, Binbin; Zhang, Hao; Liu, Bo; Yao, Jianquan

2015-11-10

A thin-core-fiber excited photonic crystal fiber modal interferometer has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By employing a thin-core fiber as the mode exciter, both of the core and cladding modes propagate in the photonic crystal fiber and interfere with each other. The experimental results show that the transmission dips corresponding to different-order modes have various strain responses with opposite shift directions. The strain sensitivity could be improved to 58.57  pm/με for the applied strain from 0 to 491 με by utilizing the wavelength interval between the dips with opposite shift directions. Moreover, due to the pure silica property of the employed photonic crystal fiber, the proposed fiber modal interferometer exhibits a low-temperature sensitivity of about 0.56  pm/°C within a temperature range from 26.4°C (room temperature) to 70°C. Additionally, the proposed fiber modal interferometer has several advantages, such as good stability, compact structure, and simple fabrication. Therefore, it is more applicable for strain measurement with reducing temperature cross-sensitivity.

Ultrasound strain imaging using Barker code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Hui; Tie, Juhong; Guo, Dequan

2017-01-01

Ultrasound strain imaging is showing promise as a new way of imaging soft tissue elasticity in order to help clinicians detect lesions or cancers in tissues. In this paper, Barker code is applied to strain imaging to improve its quality. Barker code as a coded excitation signal can be used to improve the echo signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR) in ultrasound imaging system. For the Baker code of length 13, the sidelobe level of the matched filter output is -22dB, which is unacceptable for ultrasound strain imaging, because high sidelobe level will cause high decorrelation noise. Instead of using the conventional matched filter, we use the Wiener filter to decode the Barker-coded echo signal to suppress the range sidelobes. We also compare the performance of Barker code and the conventional short pulse in simulation method. The simulation results demonstrate that the performance of the Wiener filter is much better than the matched filter, and Baker code achieves higher elastographic signal-to-noise ratio (SNRe) than the short pulse in low eSNR or great depth conditions due to the increased eSNR with it.

Biochemical and molecular characterization of Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) isolated from foods.

PubMed

Turcovský, Imrich; Kuniková, Kristína; Drahovská, Hana; Kaclíková, Eva

2011-02-01

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Cronobacter spp. isolated from a range of foods. A total of 71 Cronobacter strains were isolated from 602 foods in our laboratory. The highest contamination was observed in foods of plant origin, e.g. spices, teas, chocolate, nuts, pastries and vegetables. On the basis of genus and species identification performed using genus-specific PCR, 16S rRNA sequencing and AFLP genotyping, most of the strains belonged to Cronobacter sakazakii. Biochemical profiling by the tests included in API 20E, complemented with relevant additional tests, classified the strains into 13 biogroups. AFLP genotyping facilitated discrimination of six main groups at the 70% similarity level and strain grouping correlated clearly with species identification. Our results indicate that molecular typing by AFLP may be applied as a useful tool not only for direct comparison of Cronobacter isolates, providing traceability, but also for the reliable species classification. Moreover, tracing of these bacteria in a wider variety of foods should be important to enhance the knowledge of their transmission.

Constitutive law for thermally-activated plasticity of recrystallized tungsten

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinovev, Aleksandr; Terentyev, Dmitry; Dubinko, Andrii; Delannay, Laurent

2017-12-01

A physically-based constitutive law relevant for ITER-specification tungsten grade in as-recrystallized state is proposed. The material demonstrates stages III and IV of the plastic deformation, in which hardening rate does not drop to zero with the increase of applied stress. Despite the classical Kocks-Mecking model, valid at stage III, the strain hardening asymptotically decreases resembling a hyperbolic function. The material parameters are fitted by relying on tensile test data and by requiring that the strain and stress at the onset of diffuse necking (uniform elongation and ultimate tensile strength correspondingly) as well as the yield stress be reproduced. The model is then validated in the temperature range 300-600 °C with the help of finite element analysis of tensile tests which confirms the reproducibility of the experimental engineering curves up to the onset of diffuse necking, beyond which the development of ductile damage accelerates the material failure. This temperature range represents the low temperature application window for tungsten as divertor material in fusion reactor ITER.

Two-way shape memory behavior of semi-crystalline elastomer under stress-free condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Chen; Dong, Yubing; Zhu, Yaofeng; Fu, Yaqin

2016-08-01

Semi-crystalline shape memory polymers exhibit two-way shape memory effect (2W-SME) under constant stresses through crystallization-induced elongation upon cooling and melting-induced constriction upon heating. The applied constant stress influenced the prediction and usability of 2W-SME in practical applications without any external force. Here the reversible shape transition in EVA-shaped memory polymer was quantitative analyzed under a suitable temperature range and external stress-free condition. The fraction of reversible strain increased with increasing upper temperature (T high) within the temperature range and reached the maximum value of 13.62% at 70 °C. However, reversible strain transition was almost lost when T high exceeded 80 °C because of complete melting of crystalline scaffold, known as the latent recrystallization template. The non-isothermal annealing of EVA 2W-SMP under changing circulating temperatures was confirmed. Moreover, the orientation of crystallization was retained at high temperatures. These findings may contribute to design an appropriate shape memory protocol based on application-specific requirements.

Stochastic precision analysis of 2D cardiac strain estimation in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunting, E. A.; Provost, J.; Konofagou, E. E.

2014-11-01

Ultrasonic strain imaging has been applied to echocardiography and carries great potential to be used as a tool in the clinical setting. Two-dimensional (2D) strain estimation may be useful when studying the heart due to the complex, 3D deformation of the cardiac tissue. Increasing the framerate used for motion estimation, i.e. motion estimation rate (MER), has been shown to improve the precision of the strain estimation, although maintaining the spatial resolution necessary to view the entire heart structure in a single heartbeat remains challenging at high MERs. Two previously developed methods, the temporally unequispaced acquisition sequence (TUAS) and the diverging beam sequence (DBS), have been used in the past to successfully estimate in vivo axial strain at high MERs without compromising spatial resolution. In this study, a stochastic assessment of 2D strain estimation precision is performed in vivo for both sequences at varying MERs (65, 272, 544, 815 Hz for TUAS; 250, 500, 1000, 2000 Hz for DBS). 2D incremental strains were estimated during left ventricular contraction in five healthy volunteers using a normalized cross-correlation function and a least-squares strain estimator. Both sequences were shown capable of estimating 2D incremental strains in vivo. The conditional expected value of the elastographic signal-to-noise ratio (E(SNRe|ɛ)) was used to compare strain estimation precision of both sequences at multiple MERs over a wide range of clinical strain values. The results here indicate that axial strain estimation precision is much more dependent on MER than lateral strain estimation, while lateral estimation is more affected by strain magnitude. MER should be increased at least above 544 Hz to avoid suboptimal axial strain estimation. Radial and circumferential strain estimations were influenced by the axial and lateral strain in different ways. Furthermore, the TUAS and DBS were found to be of comparable precision at similar MERs.

Field measurements of the linear and nonlinear shear moduli of cemented alluvium using dynamically loaded surface footings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Kwangsoo

In this dissertation, a research effort aimed at development and implementation of a direct field test method to evaluate the linear and nonlinear shear modulus of soil is presented. The field method utilizes a surface footing that is dynamically loaded horizontally. The test procedure involves applying static and dynamic loads to the surface footing and measuring the soil response beneath the loaded area using embedded geophones. A wide range in dynamic loads under a constant static load permits measurements of linear and nonlinear shear wave propagation from which shear moduli and associated shearing strains are evaluated. Shear wave velocities in the linear and nonlinear strain ranges are calculated from time delays in waveforms monitored by geophone pairs. Shear moduli are then obtained using the shear wave velocities and the mass density of a soil. Shear strains are determined using particle displacements calculated from particle velocities measured at the geophones by assuming a linear variation between geophone pairs. The field test method was validated by conducting an initial field experiment at sandy site in Austin, Texas. Then, field experiments were performed on cemented alluvium, a complex, hard-to-sample material. Three separate locations at Yucca Mountain, Nevada were tested. The tests successfully measured: (1) the effect of confining pressure on shear and compression moduli in the linear strain range and (2) the effect of strain on shear moduli at various states of stress in the field. The field measurements were first compared with empirical relationships for uncemented gravel. This comparison showed that the alluvium was clearly cemented. The field measurements were then compared to other independent measurements including laboratory resonant column tests and field seismic tests using the spectral-analysis-of-surface-waves method. The results from the field tests were generally in good agreement with the other independent test results, indicating that the proposed method has the ability to directly evaluate complex material like cemented alluvium in the field.

Phosphatase activity of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria.

PubMed

Pácová, Z; Kocur, M

1978-10-01

1115 strains of aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria were tested for phosphatase activity by a conventional plate method and a microtest. The microtest was devised to allow results to be read after 4 h cultivation. Phosphatase activity was found in wide range of species and strains. Besides staphylococci, where the test for phosphatase is successfully used, it may be applied as one of the valuable tests for the differentiation of the following species: Bacillus cereus, B. licheniformis, Aeromonas spp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Actinobacillus spp., Pasteurella spp., Xanthomonas spp., Flavobacterium spp., Alteromonas putrefaciens, Pseudomonas maltophilia, Ps. cepacia, and some other species of Pseudomonas. The species which gave uniformly negative phosphatase reaction were as follows: Staph. saprophyticus, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Alcaligenes faecalis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

A novel evaluation strategy for fatigue reliability of flexible nanoscale films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Si-Xue; Luo, Xue-Mei; Wang, Dong; Zhang, Guang-Ping

2018-03-01

In order to evaluate fatigue reliability of nanoscale metal films on flexible substrates, here we proposed an effective evaluation way to obtain critical fatigue cracking strain based on the direct observation of fatigue damage sites through conventional dynamic bending testing technique. By this method, fatigue properties and damage behaviors of 930 nm-thick Au films and 600 nm-thick Mo-W multilayers with individual layer thickness 100 nm on flexible polyimide substrates were investigated. Coffin-Manson relationship between the fatigue life and the applied strain range was obtained for the Au films and Mo-W multilayers. The characterization of fatigue damage behaviors verifies the feasibility of this method, which seems easier and more effective comparing with the other testing methods.

A theoretical insight into H accumulation and bubble formation by applying isotropic strain on the W-H system under a fusion environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Quan-Fu; Liu, Yue-Lin; Zhang, Ying; Ding, Fang; Lu, Guang-Hong

2018-04-01

The solubility and bubble formation of hydrogen (H) in tungsten (W) are crucial factors for the application of W as a plasma-facing component under a fusion environment, but the data and mechanism are presently scattered, indicating some important factors might be neglected. High-energy neutron-irradiated W inevitably causes a local strain, which may change the solubility of H in W. Here, we performed first-principles calculations to predict the H solution behaviors under isotropic strain combined with temperature effect in W and found that the H solubility in interstitial lattice can be promoted/impeded by isotropic tensile/compressive strain over the temperature range 300-1800 K. The calculated H solubility presents good agreement with the experiment. Together, our previous results of anisotropic strain, except for isotropic compression, both isotropic tension and anisotropic tension/compression enhance H solution so as to reveal an important physical implication for H accumulation and bubble formation in W: strain can enhance H solubility, resulting in the preliminary nucleation of H bubble that further causes the local strain of W lattice around H bubble, which in turn improves the H solubility at the strained region that promotes continuous growth of the H bubble via a chain-reaction effect in W. This result can also interpret the H bubble formation even if no radiation damage is produced in W exposed to low-energy H plasma.

Fatigue behavior of a cross-ply metal matrix composite at elevated temperature under the strain controlled mode

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

Sanders, B.P.; Mall, S.; Dennis, L.B.

1997-10-01

A study was conducted to investigate the fatigue behavior of a cross-ply metal matrix composite subjected to fully-reversed, strain-controlled fatigue cycling at elevated temperature. The stress-strain response, maximum and minimum stresses, and modulus during cycling were analyzed to characterize the macro-mechanical behavior. Additionally, microscopy and fractography were conducted to identify damage mechanisms. Damage always initiated in the 90 deg plies, but the governing factor in the fatigue life was damage in the 0 deg plies. The dominant failure mode was fracturing of fibers in the 0 deg plies when the maximum strain was greater than 0.55%, but the dominant failuremore » mode was matrix cracking when the maximum strain was less than 0.55%. Combining the fatigue life data with the macro-mechanical and microscopic observations, a fatigue life diagram was developed and partitioned into three regions. These regions showed relationships between the maximum applied strain and the dominant damage mechanisms. Also, on a strain range basis, the fatigue lives of the specimens tested under the strain-controlled mode in this study were compared with its counterpart under the load-controlled mode of the previous study. It was found that the fatigue lives for these two conditions were the same within the experimental scatter. The MMC tested in this investigation was the Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn titanium alloy reinforced with 36 volume percent of silicon carbide fibers (SCS-6).« less

Velocity Fields of Axisymmetric Hydrogen-Air Counterflow Diffusion Flames from LDV, PIV, and Numerical Computation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pellett, Gerald L.; Wilson, Lloyd G.; Humphreys, William M., Jr.; Bartram, Scott M.; Gartrell, Luther R.; Isaac, K. M.

1995-01-01

Laminar fuel-air counterflow diffusion flames (CFDFs) were studied using axisymmetric convergent-nozzle and straight-tube opposed jet burners (OJBs). The subject diagnostics were used to probe a systematic set of H2/N2-air CFDFs over wide ranges of fuel input (22 to 100% Ha), and input axial strain rate (130 to 1700 Us) just upstream of the airside edge, for both plug-flow and parabolic input velocity profiles. Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) was applied along the centerline of seeded air flows from a convergent nozzle OJB (7.2 mm i.d.), and Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) was applied on the entire airside of both nozzle and tube OJBs (7 and 5 mm i.d.) to characterize global velocity structure. Data are compared to numerical results from a one-dimensional (1-D) CFDF code based on a stream function solution for a potential flow input boundary condition. Axial strain rate inputs at the airside edge of nozzle-OJB flows, using LDV and PIV, were consistent with 1-D impingement theory, and supported earlier diagnostic studies. The LDV results also characterized a heat-release hump. Radial strain rates in the flame substantially exceeded 1-D numerical predictions. Whereas the 1-D model closely predicted the max I min axial velocity ratio in the hot layer, it overpredicted its thickness. The results also support previously measured effects of plug-flow and parabolic input strain rates on CFDF extinction limits. Finally, the submillimeter-scale LDV and PIV diagnostics were tested under severe conditions, which reinforced their use with subcentimeter OJB tools to assess effects of aerodynamic strain, and fueVair composition, on laminar CFDF properties, including extinction.

New methodology for mechanical characterization of human superficial facial tissue anisotropic behaviour in vivo.

PubMed

Then, C; Stassen, B; Depta, K; Silber, G

2017-07-01

Mechanical characterization of human superficial facial tissue has important applications in biomedical science, computer assisted forensics, graphics, and consumer goods development. Specifically, the latter may include facial hair removal devices. Predictive accuracy of numerical models and their ability to elucidate biomechanically relevant questions depends on the acquisition of experimental data and mechanical tissue behavior representation. Anisotropic viscoelastic behavioral characterization of human facial tissue, deformed in vivo with finite strain, however, is sparse. Employing an experimental-numerical approach, a procedure is presented to evaluate multidirectional tensile properties of superficial tissue layers of the face in vivo. Specifically, in addition to stress relaxation, displacement-controlled multi-step ramp-and-hold protocols were performed to separate elastic from inelastic properties. For numerical representation, an anisotropic hyperelastic material model in conjunction with a time domain linear viscoelasticity formulation with Prony series was employed. Model parameters were inversely derived, employing finite element models, using multi-criteria optimization. The methodology provides insight into mechanical superficial facial tissue properties. Experimental data shows pronounced anisotropy, especially with large strain. The stress relaxation rate does not depend on the loading direction, but is strain-dependent. Preconditioning eliminates equilibrium hysteresis effects and leads to stress-strain repeatability. In the preconditioned state tissue stiffness and hysteresis insensitivity to strain rate in the applied range is evident. The employed material model fits the nonlinear anisotropic elastic results and the viscoelasticity model reasonably reproduces time-dependent results. Inversely deduced maximum anisotropic long-term shear modulus of linear elasticity is G ∞,max aniso =2.43kPa and instantaneous initial shear modulus at an applied rate of ramp loading is G 0,max aniso =15.38kPa. Derived mechanical model parameters constitute a basis for complex skin interaction simulation. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A Rapid Method with UPLC for the Determination of Fusaric Acid in Fusarium Strains and Commercial Food and Feed Products.

PubMed

Chen, Zhihong; Luo, Qingqing; Wang, Mingzi; Chen, Bilian

2017-03-01

A rapid, sensitive and validated method for the determination of fusaric acid (FA) in several Fusarium strains and different commercial food and feed products is reported based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography. This method requires only crude sample by a simple extraction with methanol, and requires a very short time of 8 min for completion. Separation of FA was performed at injection volume of 1 μl with a 20:80 (v/v) water/acetonitrile mobile phase containing 0.1 % formic acid at a flow rate of 0.05 ml/min and detected with UV at 220 nm. Nice linearity and good correlation coefficient (R 2  > 0.99) were obtained in the concentration range of 1-200 μg/ml. Validation was demonstrated using blank samples spiked at three different concentrations with standard solution, and the method yielded more than 98.2 % recovery efficiencies and below 2.56 % R.S.D. when applied in the analysis of FA produced by Fusarium verticillioides and a set of transgenic strains of this fungus. Satisfactory recoveries in the range of 79.1-105.8 % and R.S.D lower than 10 % were also obtained for the tested commercial food and feed products. The concentration FA detection in the transgenic strains ranged from 9.65 to 135 μg/kg (0.29-4.05 μg per gram of biomass). However, FA was not detected in most of the commercial products with the exception of niblet, oatmeal, red kidney bean and soybean, for which the concentrations of FA ranged from 2.5 to 18 μg/kg (below the permitted maximum). These results show that the proposed method has a great potential application to analyze FA from different sources rapidly.

Band Gap Engineering with Ultralarge Biaxial Strains in Suspended Monolayer MoS2.

PubMed

Lloyd, David; Liu, Xinghui; Christopher, Jason W; Cantley, Lauren; Wadehra, Anubhav; Kim, Brian L; Goldberg, Bennett B; Swan, Anna K; Bunch, J Scott

2016-09-14

We demonstrate the continuous and reversible tuning of the optical band gap of suspended monolayer MoS2 membranes by as much as 500 meV by applying very large biaxial strains. By using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to grow crystals that are highly impermeable to gas, we are able to apply a pressure difference across suspended membranes to induce biaxial strains. We observe the effect of strain on the energy and intensity of the peaks in the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum and find a linear tuning rate of the optical band gap of 99 meV/%. This method is then used to study the PL spectra of bilayer and trilayer devices under strain and to find the shift rates and Grüneisen parameters of two Raman modes in monolayer MoS2. Finally, we use this result to show that we can apply biaxial strains as large as 5.6% across micron-sized areas and report evidence for the strain tuning of higher level optical transitions.

Phylogenetic relationships and host range of Rhizobium spp. that nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris L.

PubMed

Hernandez-Lucas, I; Segovia, L; Martinez-Romero, E; Pueppke, S G

1995-07-01

We determined the nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA gene segments from five Rhizobium strains that have been isolated from tropical legume species. All share the capacity to nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris L., the common bean. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that these strains are of two different chromosomal lineages. We defined the host ranges of two strains of Rhizobium etli and three strains of R. tropici, comparing them with those of the two most divergently related new strains. Twenty-two of the 43 tested legume species were nodulated by three or more of these strains. All seven strains have broad host ranges that include woody species such as Albizia lebbeck, Gliricidia maculata, and Leucaena leucocephala.

Flexible Strain Sensors Fabricated by Meniscus-Guided Printing of Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Composites.

PubMed

Wajahat, Muhammad; Lee, Sanghyeon; Kim, Jung Hyun; Chang, Won Suk; Pyo, Jaeyeon; Cho, Sung Ho; Seol, Seung Kwon

2018-06-13

Printed strain sensors have promising potential as a human-machine interface (HMI) for health-monitoring systems, human-friendly wearable interactive systems, and smart robotics. Herein, flexible strain sensors based on carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymer composites were fabricated by meniscus-guided printing using a CNT ink formulated from multiwall nanotubes (MWNTs) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); the ink was suitable for micropatterning on nonflat (or curved) substrates and even three-dimensional structures. The printed strain sensors exhibit a reproducible response to applied tensile and compressive strains, having gauge factors of 13.07 under tensile strain and 12.87 under compressive strain; they also exhibit high stability during ∼1500 bending cycles. Applied strains induce a contact rearrangement of the MWNTs and a change in the tunneling distance between them, resulting in a change in the resistance (Δ R/ R 0 ) of the sensor. Printed MWNT-PVP sensors were used in gloves for finger movement detection; these can be applied to human motion detection and remote control of robotic equipment. Our results demonstrate that meniscus-guided printing using CNT inks can produce highly flexible, sensitive, and inexpensive HMI devices.

Passive wireless strain monitoring of tyres using capacitance and tuning frequency changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuzaki, Ryosuke; Todoroki, Akira

2005-08-01

In-service strain monitoring of tyres of automobiles is quite effective for improving the reliability of tyres and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Conventional strain gauges have high stiffness and require lead wires. Therefore, they are cumbersome for tyre strain measurements. In a previous study, the authors proposed a new wireless strain monitoring method that adopts the tyre itself as a sensor, with an oscillating circuit. This method is very simple and useful, but it requires a battery to activate the oscillating circuit. In the present study, the previous method for wireless tyre monitoring is improved to produce a passive wireless sensor. A specimen made from a commercially available tyre is connected to a tuning circuit comprising an inductance and a capacitance as a condenser. The capacitance change of the tyre alters the tuning frequency. This change of the tuned radio wave facilitates wireless measurement of the applied strain of the specimen without any power supply. This passive wireless method is applied to a specimen and the static applied strain is measured. Experiments demonstrate that the method is effective for passive wireless strain monitoring of tyres.

Determination of Anand parameters for SnAgCuCe solder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Liang; Xue, Songbai; Gao, Lili; Zeng, Guang; Sheng, Zhong; Chen, Yan; Yu, Shenglin

2009-10-01

A unified viscoplastic constitutive model, Anand equations, was used to represent the inelastic deformation behavior for Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu/Sn3.8Ag0.7 Cu0.03Ce solders in surface mount technology. The Anand parameters of the constitutive equations for the SnAgCu and SnAgCuCe solders were determined from separated constitutive relations and experimental results. Non-linear least-squares fitting was selected to determine the model constants. Comparisons were then made with experimental measurements of the stress-inelastic strain curves: excellent agreement was found. The model accurately predicted the overall trend of steady-state stress-strain behavior of SnAgCu and SnAgCuCe solders for the temperature ranges from -55 to 125 °C and for the strain rate range from 1% s-1 to 0.01% s-1. It is concluded that the Anand model can be applied to represent the inelastic deformation behavior of solders at high homologous temperatures and can be recommended for finite element simulation of the stress-strain response of lead-free soldered joints. Based on the Anand model, the investigations of thermo-mechanical behavior of SnAgCu and SnAgCuCe soldered joints in fine pitch quad flat package by the finite element code have been done under thermal cyclic loading, and it is found that the reliability of the SnAgCuCe soldered joints is better than that of the SnAgCu soldered joints.

Effect of strain on the electron effective mobility in biaxially strained silicon inversion layers: An experimental and theoretical analysis via atomic force microscopy measurements and Kubo-Greenwood mobility calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonno, Olivier; Barraud, Sylvain; Mariolle, Denis; Andrieu, François

2008-03-01

Recently, in order to explain the long-channel electron effective mobility at a high sheet carrier density in strained silicon channel transistors, it has been suggested by [M. V. Fischetti, F. Gamiz, and W. Hansch, J. Appl. Phys. 92, 7230 (2002)] that biaxial tensile strain should smooth the Si/SiO2 interface. To address this topic, the roughness properties of biaxial strained silicon-on-insulator (s-SOI) films are investigated by means of atomic force microscopy. Through in-depth statistical analysis of the digitalized surface profiles, the roughness parameters are extracted for unstrained and strained SOI films, with 0.8% biaxial tensile strain. Especially, it is found that strain significantly reduces the roughness amplitude. Then, mobility calculations in SOI and s-SOI inversion layers are performed in the framework of the Kubo-Greenwood formalism. The model accounts for the main scattering mechanisms that are dominant in the high electron density range, namely phonon and surface roughness. Special attention has been paid to the modeling of the latter by accounting for all the contributions of the potential which arise from the deformed rough interface, and by using a multisubband wavelength-dependent screening model. This model is then applied to study the influence of the surface morphology on the mobility in s-SOI inversion layers. In this context, the mobility gain between s-SOI and unstrained SOI layers is found to agree significantly better with experimental data if the strain-induced decrease of the roughness amplitude is taken into account.

Thermomechanical Methodology for Stabilizing Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padula, II, Santo A (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the strain-temperature response for a shape memory alloy are provided. To perform stabilization of a second sample of the shape memory alloy, a first sample of the shape memory alloy is selected for isobaric treatment and the second sample is selected for isothermal treatment. When applying the isobaric treatment to the first sample, a constant stress is applied to the first sample. Temperature is also cycled from a minimum temperature to a maximum temperature until a strain on the first sample stabilizes. Once the strain on the first sample stabilizes, the isothermal treatment is performed on the second sample. During isothermal treatment, different levels of stress on the second sample are applied until a strain on the second sample matches the stabilized strain on the first sample.

Thermomechanical Methodology for Stabilizing Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padula, Santo A., II (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the strain-temperature response for a shape memory alloy are provided. To perform stabilization of a second sample of the shape memory alloy, a first sample of the shape memory alloy is selected for isobaric treatment and the second sample is selected for isothermal treatment. When applying the isobaric treatment to the first sample, a constant stress is applied to the first sample. Temperature is also cycled from a minimum temperature to a maximum temperature until a strain on the first sample stabilizes. Once the strain on the first sample stabilizes, the isothermal treatment is performed on the second sample. During isothermal treatment, different levels of stress on the second sample are applied until a strain on the second sample matches the stabilized strain on the first sample.

Effectiveness, active energy produced by molecular motors, and nonlinear capacitance of the cochlear outer hair cell.

PubMed

Spector, Alexander A

2005-06-01

Cochlear outer hair cells are crucial for active hearing. These cells have a unique form of motility, named electromotility, whose main features are the cell's length changes, active force production, and nonlinear capacitance. The molecular motor, prestin, that drives outer hair cell electromotility has recently been identified. We reveal relationships between the active energy produced by the outer hair cell molecular motors, motor effectiveness, and the capacitive properties of the cell membrane. We quantitatively characterize these relationships by introducing three characteristics: effective capacitance, zero-strain capacitance, and zero-resultant capacitance. We show that zero-strain capacitance is smaller than zero-resultant capacitance, and that the effective capacitance is between the two. It was also found that the differences between the introduced capacitive characteristics can be expressed in terms of the active energy produced by the cell's molecular motors. The effectiveness of the cell and its molecular motors is introduced as the ratio of the motors'active energy to the energy of the externally applied electric field. It is shown that the effectiveness is proportional to the difference between zero-strain and zero-resultant capacitance. We analyze the cell and motor's effectiveness within a broad range of cellular parameters and estimate it to be within a range of 12%-30%.

Passive wireless strain monitoring of tire using capacitance change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuzaki, Ryosuke; Todoroki, Akira

2004-07-01

In-service strain monitoring of tires of automobile is quite effective for improving the reliability of tires and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Since conventional strain gages have high stiffness and require lead wires, the conventional strain gages are cumbersome for the strain measurements of the tires. In a previous study, the authors proposed a new wireless strain monitoring method that adopts the tire itself as a sensor, with an oscillating circuit. This method is very simple and useful, but it requires a battery to activate the oscillating circuit. In the present study, the previous method for wireless tire monitoring is improved to produce a passive wireless sensor. A specimen made from a commercially available tire is connected to a tuning circuit comprising an inductance and a capacitance as a condenser. The capacitance change of tire causes change of the tuning frequency. This change of the tuned radio wave enables us to measure the applied strain of the specimen wirelessly, without any power supply from outside. This new passive wireless method is applied to a specimen and the static applied strain is measured. As a result, the method is experimentally shown to be effective as a passive wireless strain monitoring of tires.

Nutrient depletion modifies cell wall adsorption activity of wine yeast.

PubMed

Sidari, R; Caridi, A

2016-06-01

Yeast cell wall is a structure that helps yeasts to manage and respond to many environmental stresses. The mannosylphosphorylation is a modification in response to stress that provides the cell wall with negative charges able to bind compounds present in the environment. Phenotypes related to the cell wall modification such as the filamentous growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are affected by nutrient depletion. The present work aimed at describing the effect of carbon and/or nitrogen limitation on the aptitude of S. cerevisiae strains to bind coloured polyphenols. Carbon- and nitrogen-rich or deficient media supplemented with grape polyphenols were used to simulate different grape juice conditions-early, mid, 'adjusted' for nitrogen, and late fermentations. In early fermentation condition, the R+G+B values range from 106 (high adsorption, strain Sc1128) to 192 (low adsorption, strain Σ1278b), in mid-fermentation the values range from 111 (high adsorption, strain Sc1321) to 258 (low adsorption, strain Sc2306), in 'adjusted' for nitrogen conditions the values range from 105 (high adsorption, strain Sc1321) to 194 (low adsorption, strain Sc2306) while in late fermentation conditions the values range from 101 (high adsorption, strain Sc384) to 293 (low adsorption, strain Sc2306). The effect of nutrient availability is not univocal for all the strains and the different media tested modified the strains behaviour. In all the media the strains show significant differences. Results demonstrate that wine yeasts decrease/increase their parietal adsorption activity according to the nutrient availability. The wide range of strain variability observed could be useful in selecting wine starters.

Performance of Diffusion Aluminide Coatings Applied on Alloy CF8C-Plus at 800oC

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

Kumar, Deepak; Dryepondt, Sebastien N; Zhang, Ying

2012-01-01

High performance cast stainless steel, CF8C-Plus, is a low cost alloy with prospective applications ranging from covers and casings of small and medium size gas turbines to turbocharger housing and manifolds in internal combustion engines. Diffusion aluminide coatings were applied on this alloy as a potential strategy for improved oxidation resistance, particularly in wet air and steam. In this paper the performance of the aluminide coatings evaluated by cyclic oxidation experiments in air containing 10 vol.% H2O at 800 C and conventional tension-compression low-cycle-fatigue tests in air at 800 C with a strain range of 0.5% is presented. The resultsmore » show that specimens coated by a chemical vapor deposition process provide better oxidation resistance than those coated by an Al-slurry coating process. The application of a coating by pack cementation reduced the fatigue life by 15%.« less

Differentiation of different mixed Listeria strains and also acid-injured, heat-injured, and repaired cells of Listeria monocytogenes using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Nyarko, Esmond; Donnelly, Catherine

2015-03-01

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to differentiate mixed strains of Listeria monocytogenes and mixed strains of L. monocytogenes and Listeria innocua. FT-IR spectroscopy was also applied to investigate the hypothesis that heat-injured and acid-injured cells would return to their original physiological integrity following repair. Thin smears of cells on infrared slides were prepared from cultures for mixed strains of L. monocytogenes, mixed strains of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua, and each individual strain. Heat-injured and acid-injured cells were prepared by exposing harvested cells of L. monocytogenes strain R2-764 to a temperature of 56 ± 0.2°C for 10 min or lactic acid at pH 3 for 60 min, respectively. Cellular repair involved incubating aliquots of acid-injured and heat-injured cells separately in Trypticase soy broth supplemented with 0.6% yeast extract for 22 to 24 h; bacterial thin smears on infrared slides were prepared for each treatment. Spectral collection was done using 250 scans at a resolution of 4 cm(-1) in the mid-infrared wavelength region. Application of multivariate discriminant analysis to the wavelength region from 1,800 to 900 cm(-1) separated the individual L. monocytogenes strains. Mixed strains of L. monocytogenes and L. monocytogenes cocultured with L. innocua were successfully differentiated from the individual strains when the discriminant analysis was applied. Different mixed strains of L. monocytogenes were also successfully separated when the discriminant analysis was applied. A data set for injury and repair analysis resulted in the separation of acid-injured, heat-injured, and intact cells; repaired cells clustered closer to intact cells when the discriminant analysis (1,800 to 600 cm(-1)) was applied. FT-IR spectroscopy can be used for the rapid source tracking of L. monocytogenes strains because it can differentiate between different mixed strains and individual strains of the pathogen.

An ultrasensitive strain sensor with a wide strain range based on graphene armour scales.

PubMed

Yang, Yi-Fan; Tao, Lu-Qi; Pang, Yu; Tian, He; Ju, Zhen-Yi; Wu, Xiao-Ming; Yang, Yi; Ren, Tian-Ling

2018-06-12

An ultrasensitive strain sensor with a wide strain range based on graphene armour scales is demonstrated in this paper. The sensor shows an ultra-high gauge factor (GF, up to 1054) and a wide strain range (ε = 26%), both of which present an advantage compared to most other flexible sensors. Moreover, the sensor is developed by a simple fabrication process. Due to the excellent performance, this strain sensor can meet the demands of subtle, large and complex human motion monitoring, which indicates its tremendous application potential in health monitoring, mechanical control, real-time motion monitoring and so on.

Dynamic strain aging in the high-temperature low-cycle fatigue of SA508 Cl. 3 forging steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Byung Ho; Kim, In Sup

1995-10-01

The effect of dynamic strain aging on cyclic stress response and fatigue resistance of ASME SA508 Cl.3 forging steel for nuclear reactor pressure vessels has been evaluated in the temperature range of room temperature to 500°C. Total strain ranges and strain rates were varied from 0.7 to 2.0% and from 4 × 10 -4 to 1 × 10 -2 s -1, respectively. The cyclic stress response depended on the testing temperature, strain rate, and range. Generally, the initial cyclic hardening was immediately followed by cyclic softening at all strain rates. However, at 300°C, the operating temperature of nuclear reactor pressure vessels, the variation of cyclic stress amplitude showed the primary and secondary hardening stages dependent on the strain rate and strain range. Dynamic strain aging was manifested by enhanced cyclic hardening, distinguished secondary hardening, and negative strain rate sensitivity. A modified cell shutting model was described for the onset of the secondary hardening due to the dynamic strain aging and it was in good agreement with the experimental results. Fatigue life increased in strain rate at all testing temperatures. Specifically the fatigue life was longer at the dynamic strain aging temperature. Further, the dynamic strain aging was easy to initiate the crack, while crack propagation was retarded by crack branching and suppression of plastic zone, hence the dynamic strain aging caused the improvement of fatigue resistance.

A preliminary biomechanical study of a novel carbon-fibre hip implant versus standard metallic hip implants.

PubMed

Bougherara, Habiba; Zdero, Rad; Dubov, Anton; Shah, Suraj; Khurshid, Shaheen; Schemitsch, Emil H

2011-01-01

Total hip arthroplasty is a widespread surgical approach for treating severe osteoarthritis of the human hip. Aseptic loosening of standard metallic hip implants due to stress shielding and bone loss has motivated the development of new materials for hip prostheses. Numerically, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model that mimicked hip implants was used to compare a new hip stem to two commercially available implants. The hip implants simulated were a novel CF/PA12 carbon-fibre polyamide-based composite hip stem, the Exeter hip stem (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA), and the Omnifit Eon (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA). A virtual axial load of 3 kN was applied to the FE model. Strain and stress distributions were computed. Experimentally, the three hip stems had their distal portions rigidly mounted and had strain gauges placed along the surface at 3 medial and 3 lateral locations. Axial loads of 3 kN were applied. Measurements of axial stiffness and strain were taken and compared to FE analysis. The overall linear correlation between FE model versus experimental strains showed reasonable results for the lines-of-best-fit for the Composite (Pearson R(2)=0.69, slope=0.82), Exeter (Pearson R(2)=0.78, slope=0.59), and Omnifit (Pearson R(2)=0.66, slope=0.45), with some divergence for the most distal strain locations. From FE analysis, the von Mises stress range for the Composite stem was much lower than that in the Omnifit and Exeter implants by 200% and 45%, respectively. The preliminary experiments showed that the Composite stem stiffness (1982 N/mm) was lower than the metallic hip stem stiffnesses (Exeter, 2460 N/mm; Omnifit, 2543 N/mm). This is the first assessment of stress, strain, and stiffness of the CF/PA12 carbon-fibre hip stem compared to standard commercially-available devices. Copyright © 2010 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validity test of the IPD-Work consortium approach for creating comparable job strain groups between Job Content Questionnaire and Demand-Control Questionnaire.

PubMed

Choi, Bongkyoo; Ko, Sangbaek; Ostergren, Per-Olof

2015-01-01

This study aims to test the validity of the IPD-Work Consortium approach for creating comparable job strain groups between the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Demand-Control Questionnaire (DCQ). A random population sample (N = 682) of all middle-aged Malmö males and females was given a questionnaire with the 14-item JCQ and 11-item DCQ for the job control and job demands. The JCQ job control and job demands scores were calculated in 3 different ways: using the 14-item JCQ standard scale formulas (method 1); dropping 3 job control items and using the 11-item JCQ standard scale formulas with additional scale weights (method 2); and the approach of the IPD Group (method 3), dropping 3 job control items, but using the simple 11-item summation-based scale formulas. The high job strain was defined as a combination of high demands and low control. Between the 2 questionnaires, false negatives for the high job strain were much greater than false positives (37-49% vs. 7-13%). When the method 3 was applied, the sensitivity of the JCQ for the high job strain against the DCQ was lowest (0.51 vs. 0.60-0.63 when the methods 1 and 2 were applied), although the specificity was highest (0.93 vs. 0.87-0.89 when the methods 1 and 2 were applied). The prevalence of the high job strain with the JCQ (the method 3 was applied) was considerably lower (4-7%) than with the JCQ (the methods 1 and 2 were applied) and the DCQ. The number of congruent cases for the high job strain between the 2 questionnaires was smallest when the method 3 was applied. The IPD-Work Consortium approach showed 2 major weaknesses to be used for epidemiological studies on the high job strain and health outcomes as compared to the standard JCQ methods: the greater misclassification of the high job strain and lower prevalence of the high job strain. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Phylogenetic relationships and host range of Rhizobium spp. that nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris L.

PubMed Central

Hernandez-Lucas, I; Segovia, L; Martinez-Romero, E; Pueppke, S G

1995-01-01

We determined the nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA gene segments from five Rhizobium strains that have been isolated from tropical legume species. All share the capacity to nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris L., the common bean. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that these strains are of two different chromosomal lineages. We defined the host ranges of two strains of Rhizobium etli and three strains of R. tropici, comparing them with those of the two most divergently related new strains. Twenty-two of the 43 tested legume species were nodulated by three or more of these strains. All seven strains have broad host ranges that include woody species such as Albizia lebbeck, Gliricidia maculata, and Leucaena leucocephala. PMID:7618891

Stability of direct band gap under mechanical strains for monolayer MoS2, MoSe2, WS2 and WSe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Shuo; Li, Lijie; Li, Min

2018-07-01

Single layer transition-metal dichalcogenides materials (MoS2, MoSe2, WS2 and WSe2) are investigated using the first-principles method with the emphasis on their responses to mechanical strains. All these materials display the direct band gap under a certain range of strains from compressive to tensile (stable range). We have found that this stable range is different for these materials. Through studying on their mechanical properties again using the first-principles approach, it is unveiled that this stable strain range is determined by the Young's modulus. More analysis on strains induced electronic band gap properties have also been conducted.

Effects of broad frequency vibration on cultured osteoblasts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanaka, Shigeo M.; Li, Jiliang; Duncan, Randall L.; Yokota, Hiroki; Burr, David B.; Turner, Charles H.

2003-01-01

Bone is subjected in vivo to both high amplitude, low frequency strain, incurred by locomotion, and to low amplitude, broad frequency strain. The biological effects of low amplitude, broad frequency strain are poorly understood. To evaluate the effects of low amplitude strains ranging in frequency from 0 to 50 Hz on osteoblastic function, we seeded MC3T3-E1 cells into collagen gels and applied the following loading protocols for 3 min per day for either 3 or 7 days: (1) sinusoidal strain at 3 Hz, with 0-3000 microstrain peak-to-peak followed by 0.33 s resting time, (2) "broad frequency vibration" of low amplitude strain (standard deviation of 300 microstrain) including frequency components from 0 to 50 Hz, and (3) sinusoidal strain combined with broad frequency vibration (S + V). The cells were harvested on day 4 or 8. We found that the S + V stimulation significantly repressed cell proliferation by day 8. Osteocalcin mRNA was up-regulated 2.6-fold after 7 days of S + V stimulation, and MMP-9 mRNA was elevated 1.3-fold after 3 days of vibration alone. Sinusoidal stimulation alone did not affect the cell responses. No differences due to loading were observed in alkaline phosphatase activity and in mRNA levels of type I collagen, osteopontin, connexin 43, MMPs-1A, -3, -13. These results suggest that osteoblasts are more sensitive to low amplitude, broad frequency strain, and this kind of strain could sensitize osteoblasts to high amplitude, low frequency strain. This suggestion implies a potential contribution of stochastic resonance to the mechanical sensitivity of osteoblasts. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Fracture Energy-Based Brittleness Index Development and Brittleness Quantification by Pre-peak Strength Parameters in Rock Uniaxial Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munoz, H.; Taheri, A.; Chanda, E. K.

2016-12-01

Brittleness is a fundamental mechanical rock property critical to many civil engineering works, mining development projects and mineral exploration operations. However, rock brittleness is a concept yet to be investigated as there is not any unique criterion available, widely accepted by rock engineering community able to describe rock brittleness quantitatively. In this study, new brittleness indices were developed based on fracture strain energy quantities obtained from the complete stress-strain characteristics of rocks. In doing so, different rocks having unconfined compressive strength values ranging from 7 to 215 MPa were examined in a series of quasi-static uniaxial compression tests after properly implementing lateral-strain control in a closed-loop system to apply axial load to rock specimen. This testing method was essential to capture post-peak regime of the rocks since a combination of class I-II or class II behaviour featured post-peak stress-strain behaviour. Further analysis on the post-peak strain localisation, stress-strain characteristics and the fracture pattern causing class I-II and class II behaviour were undertaken by analysing the development of field of strains in the rocks via three-dimensional digital image correlation. Analysis of the results demonstrated that pre-peak stress-strain brittleness indices proposed solely based on pre-peak stress-strain behaviour do not show any correlation with any of pre-peak rock mechanical parameters. On the other hand, the proposed brittleness indices based on pre-peak and post-peak stress-strain relations were found to competently describe an unambiguous brittleness scale against rock deformation and strength parameters such as the elastic modulus, the crack damage stress and the peak stress relevant to represent failure process.

Viscoplastic deformations and compressive damage in an A359/SiC{sub p} metal-matrix composite

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

Li, Y.; Ramesh, K.T.; Chin, E.S.C.

2000-04-19

Recent work by the authors has examined the high-strain-rate compression of a metal-matrix composite consisting of an A359 Al alloy matrix reinforced by 20 vol.% of silicon carbide particulates (SiC{sub p}). The work-hardening that is observed in the experiments is much lower than that predicted by analytical and computational models which assume perfect particle-matrix interfaces and undamaged particles. In this work, the authors show that the discrepancy is a result of particle damage that develops within the A359/SiC{sub p} composite under compression. The evolution of particle damage has been characterized using quantitative microscopy, and is shown to be a functionmore » of the applied strain. A simple analytical model that incorporates evolving damage within the composite is proposed, and it is shown that the analytical predictions are consistent with the experimental observations over a wide range of strain rates.« less

Development and comparison of processing maps of Mg-3Sn-1Ca alloy from data obtained in tension versus compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, K. P.; Suresh, K.; Prasad, Y. V. R. K.; Hort, N.

2018-01-01

The hot workability of extruded Mg-3Sn-1Ca alloy has been evaluated by developing processing maps with flow stress data from compression and tensile tests with a view to find the effect of the applied state-of-stress. The processing maps developed at a strain of 0.2 are essentially similar irrespective of the mode of deformation - compression or tension, and exhibit three domains in the temperature ranges: (1) 350 - 425 °C, and (2) 450 - 550 °C and (3) 400 - 500 °C, the first two occurring at lower strain rates and the third occurring at higher strain rates. In all the three domains, dynamic recrystallization occurs and is caused by non-basal slip and controlled by lattice self-diffusion in the first and second domains and grain boundary self-diffusion in the third domain. The state-of-stress imposed on the specimen (compression or tension) does not have any significant effect on the processing maps.

The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections.

PubMed

Sienkiewicz, Monika; Głowacka, Anna; Poznańska-Kurowska, Katarzyna; Kaszuba, Andrzej; Urbaniak, Anna; Kowalczyk, Edward

2015-02-01

The spreading of bacterial antibiotic resistance among clinical strains of pathogenic bacteria has made investigators to search for other active antibacterial agents which could provide a valuable complement to the existing therapies. To determine the antibacterial activity of clary sage oil (Salvia sclarea L.) against Staphylococcus clinical strains which were isolated from patients with wound infections. A comprehensive evaluation of Staphylococcus clinical strain resistance to antibiotics was performed. The constituents of clary sage oil were assayed by GC-FID-MS analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested essential oil against staphylococci by the micro-dilution broth method was determined. The clary sage oil was active against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. xylosus with MIC values ranging from 3.75 to 7.00 µl/ml. The results of the in vitro tests encourage to use formulations containing sage oil as the active natural antimicrobial agent. Because of its antimicrobial properties clary sage oil may be applied to treat wounds and skin infections.

Measurement of fracture stress for 6000-series extruded aluminum alloy tube using multiaxial tube expansion testing method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagai, Keisuke; Kuwabara, Toshihiko; Ilinich, Andrey; Luckey, George

2018-05-01

A servo-controlled tension-internal pressure testing machine with an optical 3D digital image correlation system (DIC) is used to measure the multiaxial deformation behavior of an extruded aluminum alloy tube for a strain range from initial yield to fracture. The outer diameter of the test sample is 50.8 mm and wall thickness 2.8 mm. Nine linear stress paths are applied to the specimens: σɸ (axial true stress component) : σθ (circumferential true stress component) = 1:0, 4:1, 2:1, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 1:2, 1:4, and 0:1. The equivalent strain rate is approximately 5 × 10-4 s-1 constant. The forming limit curve (FLC) and forming limit stress curve (FLSC) are also measured. Moreover, the average true stress components inside a localized necking area are determined for each specimen from the thickness strain data for the localized necking area and the geometry of the fracture surface.

Solder creep-fatigue interactions with flexible leaded parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, R. G., Jr.; Wen, L. C.; Mon, G. R.; Jetter, E.

1992-01-01

With flexible leaded parts, the solder-joint failure process involves a complex interplay of creep and fatigue mechanisms. To better understand the role of creep in typical multi-hour cyclic loading conditions, a specialized non-linear finite-element creep simulation computer program has been formulated. The numerical algorithm includes the complete part-lead-solder-PWB system, accounting for strain-rate dependence of creep on applied stress and temperature, and the role of the part-lead dimensions and flexibility that determine the total creep deflection (solder strain range) during stress relaxation. The computer program has been used to explore the effects of various solder creep-fatigue parameters such as lead height and stiffness, thermal-cycle test profile, and part/board differential thermal expansion properties. One of the most interesting findings is the strong presence of unidirectional creep-ratcheting that occurs during thermal cycling due to temperature dominated strain-rate effects. To corroborate the solder fatigue model predictions, a number of carefully controlled thermal-cycle tests have been conducted using special bimetallic test boards.

Nanoscale mapping of the three-dimensional deformation field within commercial nanodiamonds

DOE PAGES

Maqbool, Muhammad Salman; Hoxley, David; Phillips, Nicholas W.; ...

2017-02-21

Here, the unique properties of nanodiamonds make them suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including as biomarkers for cellular tracking in vivo at the molecular level. The sustained fluorescence of nanodiamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) centres is related to their internal structure and strain state. Theoretical studies predict that the location of the N-V centre and the nanodiamonds' residual elastic strain state have a major influence on their photoluminescence properties. However, to date there have been no direct measurements made of their spatially resolved deformation fields owing to the challenges that such measurements present. Here we apply themore » recently developed technique of Bragg coherent diffractive imaging (BCDI) to map the three-dimensional deformation field within a single nanodiamond of approximately 0.5 µm diameter. The results indicate that there are high levels of residual elastic strain present in the nanodiamond which could have a critical influence on its optical and electronic properties.« less

Nanoscale mapping of the three-dimensional deformation field within commercial nanodiamonds

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

Maqbool, Muhammad Salman; Hoxley, David; Phillips, Nicholas W.

2017-01-01

The unique properties of nanodiamonds make them suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including as biomarkers for cellular tracking in vivo at the molecular level. The sustained fluorescence of nanodiamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) centres is related to their internal structure and strain state. Theoretical studies predict that the location of the N-V centre and the nanodiamonds' residual elastic strain state have a major influence on their photoluminescence properties. However, to date there have been no direct measurements made of their spatially resolved deformation fields owing to the challenges that such measurements present. Here we apply the recentlymore » developed technique of Bragg coherent diffractive imaging (BCDI) to map the three-dimensional deformation field within a single nanodiamond of approximately 0.5 µm diameter. The results indicate that there are high levels of residual elastic strain present in the nanodiamond which could have a critical influence on its optical and electronic properties.« less

Fluorescence and fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to characterize yeast strains by autofluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatta, H.; Goldys, E. M.; Ma, J.

2006-02-01

We characterised populations of wild type baking and brewing yeast cells using intrinsic fluorescence and fluorescence lifetime microscopy, in order to obtain quantitative identifiers of different strains. The cell autofluorescence was excited at 405 nm and observed within 440-540 nm range where strong cell to cell variability was observed. The images were analyzed using customised public domain software, which provided information on cell size, intensity and texture-related features. In light of significant diversity of the data, statistical methods were utilized to assess the validity of the proposed quantitative identifiers for strain differentiation. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to confirm that empirical distribution functions for size, intensity and entropy for different strains were statistically different. These characteristics were followed with culture age of 24, 48 and 72 h, (the latter corresponding to a stationary growth phase) and size, and to some extent entropy, were found to be independent of age. The fluorescence intensity presented a distinctive evolution with age, different for each of the examined strains. The lifetime analysis revealed a short decay time component of 1.4 ns and a second, longer one with the average value of 3.5 ns and a broad distribution. High variability of lifetime values within cells was observed however a lifetime texture feature in the studied strains was statistically different.

Clinical feasibility and validation of 3D principal strain analysis from cine MRI: comparison to 2D strain by MRI and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography.

PubMed

Satriano, Alessandro; Heydari, Bobak; Narous, Mariam; Exner, Derek V; Mikami, Yoko; Attwood, Monica M; Tyberg, John V; Lydell, Carmen P; Howarth, Andrew G; Fine, Nowell M; White, James A

2017-12-01

Two-dimensional (2D) strain analysis is constrained by geometry-dependent reference directions of deformation (i.e. radial, circumferential, and longitudinal) following the assumption of cylindrical chamber architecture. Three-dimensional (3D) principal strain analysis may overcome such limitations by referencing intrinsic (i.e. principal) directions of deformation. This study aimed to demonstrate clinical feasibility of 3D principal strain analysis from routine 2D cine MRI with validation to strain from 2D tagged cine analysis and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography. Thirty-one patients undergoing cardiac MRI were studied. 3D strain was measured from routine, multi-planar 2D cine SSFP images using custom software designed to apply 4D deformation fields to 3D cardiac models to derive principal strain. Comparisons of strain estimates versus those by 2D tagged cine, 2D non-tagged cine (feature tracking), and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) were performed. Mean age was 51 ± 14 (36% female). Mean LV ejection fraction was 66 ± 10% (range 37-80%). 3D principal strain analysis was feasible in all subjects and showed high inter- and intra-observer reproducibility (ICC range 0.83-0.97 and 0.83-0.98, respectively-p < 0.001 for all directions). Strong correlations of minimum and maximum principal strain were respectively observed versus the following: 3D STE estimates of longitudinal (r = 0.81 and r = -0.64), circumferential (r = 0.76 and r = -0.58) and radial (r = -0.80 and r = 0.63) strain (p < 0.001 for all); 2D tagged cine estimates of longitudinal (r = 0.81 and r = -0.81), circumferential (r = 0.87 and r = -0.85), and radial (r = -0.76 and r = 0.81) strain (p < 0.0001 for all); and 2D cine (feature tracking) estimates of longitudinal (r = 0.85 and -0.83), circumferential (r = 0.88 and r = -0.87), and radial strain (r = -0.79 and r = 0.84, p < 0.0001 for all). 3D principal strain analysis is feasible using routine, multi-planar 2D cine MRI and shows high reproducibility with strong correlations to 2D conventional strain analysis and 3D STE-based analysis. Given its independence from geometry-related directions of deformation this technique may offer unique benefit for the detection and prognostication of myocardial disease, and warrants expanded investigation.

Efflux pump-deficient mutants as a platform to search for microbes that produce antibiotics.

PubMed

Molina-Santiago, Carlos; Udaondo, Zulema; Daddaoua, Abdelali; Roca, Amalia; Martín, Jesús; Pérez-Victoria, Ignacio; Reyes, Fernando; Ramos, Juan-Luis

2015-07-01

Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E-18 is a strain deficient in the major antibiotic efflux pump (TtgABC) that exhibits an overall increased susceptibility to a wide range of drugs when compared with the wild-type strain. We used this strain as a platform to search for microbes able to produce antibiotics that inhibit growth. A collection of 2400 isolates from soil, sediments and water was generated and a drop assay developed to identify, via growth inhibition halos, strains that prevent the growth of DOT-T1E-18 on solid Luria-Bertani plates. In this study, 35 different isolates that produced known and unknown antibiotics were identified. The most potent inhibitor of DOT-T1E-18 growth was an isolate named 250J that, through multi-locus sequence analysis, was identified as a Pseudomonas sp. strain. Culture supernatants of 250J contain four different xantholysins that prevent growth of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative and fungi. Two of the xantholysins were produced in higher concentrations and purified. Xantholysin A was effective against Bacillus, Lysinibacillus and Rhodococcus strains, and the effect against these microbes was enhanced when used in combination with other antibiotics such as ampicillin, gentamicin and kanamycin. Xantholysin C was also efficient against Gram-positive bacteria and showed an interesting antimicrobial effect against Pseudomonas strains, and a synergistic inhibitory effect with ampicillin, chloramphenicol and gentamicin. © 2015 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

Engineering and Two-Stage Evolution of a Lignocellulosic Hydrolysate-Tolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain for Anaerobic Fermentation of Xylose from AFEX Pretreated Corn Stover

PubMed Central

Parreiras, Lucas S.; Breuer, Rebecca J.; Avanasi Narasimhan, Ragothaman; Higbee, Alan J.; La Reau, Alex; Tremaine, Mary; Qin, Li; Willis, Laura B.; Bice, Benjamin D.; Bonfert, Brandi L.; Pinhancos, Rebeca C.; Balloon, Allison J.; Uppugundla, Nirmal; Liu, Tongjun; Li, Chenlin; Tanjore, Deepti; Ong, Irene M.; Li, Haibo; Pohlmann, Edward L.; Serate, Jose; Withers, Sydnor T.; Simmons, Blake A.; Hodge, David B.; Westphall, Michael S.; Coon, Joshua J.; Dale, Bruce E.; Balan, Venkatesh; Keating, David H.; Zhang, Yaoping; Landick, Robert; Gasch, Audrey P.; Sato, Trey K.

2014-01-01

The inability of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to ferment xylose effectively under anaerobic conditions is a major barrier to economical production of lignocellulosic biofuels. Although genetic approaches have enabled engineering of S. cerevisiae to convert xylose efficiently into ethanol in defined lab medium, few strains are able to ferment xylose from lignocellulosic hydrolysates in the absence of oxygen. This limited xylose conversion is believed to result from small molecules generated during biomass pretreatment and hydrolysis, which induce cellular stress and impair metabolism. Here, we describe the development of a xylose-fermenting S. cerevisiae strain with tolerance to a range of pretreated and hydrolyzed lignocellulose, including Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX)-pretreated corn stover hydrolysate (ACSH). We genetically engineered a hydrolysate-resistant yeast strain with bacterial xylose isomerase and then applied two separate stages of aerobic and anaerobic directed evolution. The emergent S. cerevisiae strain rapidly converted xylose from lab medium and ACSH to ethanol under strict anaerobic conditions. Metabolomic, genetic and biochemical analyses suggested that a missense mutation in GRE3, which was acquired during the anaerobic evolution, contributed toward improved xylose conversion by reducing intracellular production of xylitol, an inhibitor of xylose isomerase. These results validate our combinatorial approach, which utilized phenotypic strain selection, rational engineering and directed evolution for the generation of a robust S. cerevisiae strain with the ability to ferment xylose anaerobically from ACSH. PMID:25222864

Spread of a Major Clone of Salmonella enterica Serotype Enteritidis in Poultry and in Salmonellosis Outbreaks in Southern Brazil.

PubMed

Borges, Karen Apellanis; Furian, Thales Quedi; de Souza, Sara Neves; Tondo, Eduardo César; Streck, André Felipe; Salle, Carlos Tadeu Pippi; de Souza Moraes, Hamilton Luiz; do Nascimento, Vladimir Pinheiro

2017-01-01

Salmonella spp. are among the most important agents of foodborne diseases all over the world. Human Salmonella outbreaks are often associated with the consumption of poultry products (meat and eggs), and one of the most prevalent serotypes associated with these products is Salmonella Enteritidis. Brazil is one of the most important poultry exporters in the world. In southern Brazil, three closely related clones of Salmonella Enteritidis have been responsible for the majority of foodborne Salmonella outbreaks over the past decade. However, until now, there has been little information regarding the clonal relationship among the Brazilian Salmonella strains of avian origin and those involved in foodborne outbreaks. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to complete the molecular characterization of Salmonella Enteritidis strains isolated from poultry and food sources involved in Salmonella outbreaks. PCR ribotyping was performed to discriminate the strains into different ribotype profiles according to the banding pattern amplification. This technique was able to differentiate the Salmonella Enteritidis strains into two banding patterns: R2 and R4. R2 accounted for 98.7% of the strains. DNA sequencing of the 600-bp fragment, present in all ribotypes, was applied to confirm this result. The sequences generated showed high levels of similarity, ranging from 99.7 to 100%, and were grouped into a single cluster. These results suggest that there is a clonal relationship among the Salmonella Enteritidis strains responsible for several salmonellosis outbreaks and the strains collected from poultry sources.

Biodegradation of dieldrin by a soil fungus isolated from a soil with annual endosulfan applications.

PubMed

Kataoka, Ryota; Takagi, Kazuhiro; Kamei, Ichiro; Kiyota, Hiromasa; Sato, Yuuki

2010-08-15

An aerobic dieldrin-degrading fungus, Mucor racemosus strain DDF, was isolated from a soil to which endosulfan had been annually applied for more than 10 years until 2008. Strain DDF degraded dieldrin to 1.01 microM from 14.3 microM during a 10-day incubation at 25 degrees C. Approximately 0.15 microM (9%) of aldrin trans-diol was generated from the dieldrin degradation after a 1-day incubation. The degradation of dieldrin by strain DDF was detected over a broad range of pH and concentrations of glucose and nitrogen sources. Extracellular fluid without mycelia also degraded dieldrin. Strain DDF degraded not only dieldrin but also heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, DDT, and DDE. Endosulfan sulfate and heptachlor were degraded by 0.64 microM (95%) and 0.75 microM (94%), respectively, whereas endosulfan and DDE were degraded by 2.42 microM (80%) and 3.29 microM (79%), respectively, and DDT and heptachlor epoxide were degraded by 6.95 microM (49.3%) and 5.36 microM (67.5%), respectively, compared with the control, which had a concentration of approximately 14 microM. These results suggest that strain DDF could be a candidate for the bioremediation of sites contaminated with various persistent organochlorine pesticides including POPs.

Flexible gas sensor based on graphene/ethyl cellulose nanocomposite with ultra-low strain response for volatile organic compounds rapid detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qiankun; An, Chunhua; Fan, Shuangqing; Shi, Sigang; Zhang, Rongjie; Zhang, Jing; Li, Quanning; Zhang, Daihua; Hu, Xiaodong; Liu, Jing

2018-07-01

Minimizing the strain-induced undesirable effects is one of the major efforts to be made for flexible electronics. This work demonstrates a highly sensitive flexible gas sensor with ultra-low strain response, which is potentially suitable for wearable electronics applications. The gas sensing material is a free-standing and flexible thin film made of graphene/ethyl cellulose (EC) nanocomposite, which is then integrated with flexible substrate of polyethylene terephthalate. The sensor exhibits relative resistance change within 0.3% at a minimum bending radius of 3.18 mm and 0.2% at the bending radius of 5 mm after 400 bending cycles. The limited strain response attributes to several applied strategies, including using EC with high Young’s modulus as the matrix material, maintaining high graphene concentration and adopting suspended device structure. In contrast to the almost negligible strain sensitivity, the sensor presents large and rapid responses toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at room temperature. Specifically, the sensor resistance rapidly increases upon the exposure to VOCs with detection limits ranging from 37 to 167 ppm. A preliminary demo of wearable gas sensing capability is also implemented by wearing the sensor on human hand, which successfully detects several VOCs, instead of normal hand gestures.

Nonlinear viscoelasticity of entangled wormlike micellar fluid under large-amplitude oscillatory shear: Role of elastic Taylor-Couette instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumdar, Sayantan; Sood, A. K.

2014-06-01

The role of elastic Taylor-Couette flow instabilities in the dynamic nonlinear viscoelastic response of an entangled wormlike micellar fluid is studied by large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) rheology and in situ polarized light scattering over a wide range of strain and angular frequency values, both above and below the linear crossover point. Well inside the nonlinear regime, higher harmonic decomposition of the resulting stress signal reveals that the normalized third harmonic I3/I1 shows a power-law behavior with strain amplitude. In addition, I3/I1 and the elastic component of stress amplitude σ0E show a very prominent maximum at the strain value where the number density (nv) of the Taylor vortices is maximum. A subsequent increase in applied strain (γ) results in the distortions of the vortices and a concomitant decrease in nv, accompanied by a sharp drop in I3 and σ0E. The peak position of the spatial correlation function of the scattered intensity along the vorticity direction also captures the crossover. Lissajous plots indicate an intracycle strain hardening for the values of γ corresponding to the peak of I3, similar to that observed for hard-sphere glasses.

Flexible gas sensor based on graphene/ethyl cellulose nanocomposite with ultra-low strain response for volatile organic compounds rapid detection.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiankun; An, Chunhua; Fan, Shuangqing; Shi, Sigang; Zhang, Rongjie; Zhang, Jing; Li, Quanning; Zhang, Daihua; Hu, Xiaodong; Liu, Jing

2018-04-18

Minimizing the strain-induced undesirable effects is one of the major efforts to be made for flexible electronics. This work demonstrates a highly sensitive flexible gas sensor with ultra-low strain response, which is potentially suitable for wearable electronics applications. The gas sensing material is a free-standing and flexible thin film made of graphene/ethyl cellulose (EC) nanocomposite, which is then integrated with flexible substrate of polyethylene terephthalate. The sensor exhibits relative resistance change within 0.3% at a minimum bending radius of 3.18 mm and 0.2% at the bending radius of 5 mm after 400 bending cycles. The limited strain response attributes to several applied strategies, including using EC with high Young's modulus as the matrix material, maintaining high graphene concentration and adopting suspended device structure. In contrast to the almost negligible strain sensitivity, the sensor presents large and rapid responses toward volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at room temperature. Specifically, the sensor resistance rapidly increases upon the exposure to VOCs with detection limits ranging from 37 to 167 ppm. A preliminary demo of wearable gas sensing capability is also implemented by wearing the sensor on human hand, which successfully detects several VOCs, instead of normal hand gestures.

Working Ni-Mn-Ga Single Crystals in a Magnetic Field Against a Spring Load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindquist, P. G.; Müllner, P.

2015-03-01

This research characterizes ferromagnetic shape memory elements for use as mechanical actuators. A single crystal of Ni-Mn-Ga was pre-strained in compression from 0 to 6 % and then the shape was recovered with a magnetic field perpendicular to the loading direction while working against a pair of springs. The magnetic field was raised from 0 to 0.64 MA/m and then reduced to zero field. Eight pairs of springs with combined spring constants ranging from 14.3 to 269.4 N/mm were used. When the magnetic field was on, the sample expanded against the springs due to magnetic field-induced strain. When the magnetic field was turned off, the springs compressed the sample back to the initial size before the next cycle. During each cycle, force and displacement were measured and the specific work was computed. Specific work increased with the applied magnetic field and the pre-strain, with a maximum of 14 kJ/m3 at 4.5 % pre-strain and 0.64 MA/m. This value is five times less than the values suggested in the literature which were inferred from stress-strain curves measured under various magnetic fields. The spring prescribes the load-displacement path of the magnetic shape memory element and controls the work output of the actuator.

Resistance fail strain gage technology as applied to composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuttle, M. E.; Brinson, H. F.

1985-01-01

Existing strain gage technologies as applied to orthotropic composite materials are reviewed. The bonding procedures, transverse sensitivity effects, errors due to gage misalignment, and temperature compensation methods are addressed. Numerical examples are included where appropriate. It is shown that the orthotropic behavior of composites can result in experimental error which would not be expected based on practical experience with isotropic materials. In certain cases, the transverse sensitivity of strain gages and/or slight gage misalignment can result in strain measurement errors.

Elevated temperature axial and torsional fatigue behavior of Haynes 188

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonacuse, Peter J.; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

1992-06-01

The results of high-temperature axial and torsional low-cycle fatigue experiments performed on Haynes 188, a wrought cobalt-base superalloy, are reported. Fatigue tests were performed at 760 C in air on thin-walled tubular specimens at various ranges under strain control. Data are also presented for coefficient of thermal expansion, elastic modulus, and shear modulus at various temperatures from room to 1000 C, and monotonic and cyclic stress-strain curves in tension and in shear at 760 C. The data set is used to evaluate several multiaxial fatigue life models (most were originally developed for room temperature multiaxial life prediction) including von Mises equivalent strain range (ASME boiler and pressure vessel code), Manson-Halford, Modified Multiaxiality Factor (proposed here), Modified Smith-Watson-Topper, and Fatemi-Socie-Kurath. At von Mises equivalent strain ranges (the torsional strain range divided by the square root of 3, taking the Poisson's ratio to be 0.5), torsionally strained specimens lasted, on average, factors of 2 to 3 times longer than axially strained specimens. The Modified Multiaxiality Factor approach shows promise as a useful method of estimating torsional fatigue life from axial fatigue data at high temperatures. Several difficulties arose with the specimen geometry and extensometry used in these experiments. Cracking at extensometer probe indentations was a problem at smaller strain ranges. Also, as the largest axial and torsional strain range fatigue tests neared completion, a small amount of specimen buckling was observed.

Elevated temperature axial and torsional fatigue behavior of Haynes 188

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonacuse, Peter J.; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

1992-01-01

The results of high-temperature axial and torsional low-cycle fatigue experiments performed on Haynes 188, a wrought cobalt-base superalloy, are reported. Fatigue tests were performed at 760 C in air on thin-walled tubular specimens at various ranges under strain control. Data are also presented for coefficient of thermal expansion, elastic modulus, and shear modulus at various temperatures from room to 1000 C, and monotonic and cyclic stress-strain curves in tension and in shear at 760 C. The data set is used to evaluate several multiaxial fatigue life models (most were originally developed for room temperature multiaxial life prediction) including von Mises equivalent strain range (ASME boiler and pressure vessel code), Manson-Halford, Modified Multiaxiality Factor (proposed here), Modified Smith-Watson-Topper, and Fatemi-Socie-Kurath. At von Mises equivalent strain ranges (the torsional strain range divided by the square root of 3, taking the Poisson's ratio to be 0.5), torsionally strained specimens lasted, on average, factors of 2 to 3 times longer than axially strained specimens. The Modified Multiaxiality Factor approach shows promise as a useful method of estimating torsional fatigue life from axial fatigue data at high temperatures. Several difficulties arose with the specimen geometry and extensometry used in these experiments. Cracking at extensometer probe indentations was a problem at smaller strain ranges. Also, as the largest axial and torsional strain range fatigue tests neared completion, a small amount of specimen buckling was observed.

A novel device to stretch multiple tissue samples with variable patterns: application for mRNA regulation in tissue-engineered constructs.

PubMed

Imsirovic, Jasmin; Derricks, Kelsey; Buczek-Thomas, Jo Ann; Rich, Celeste B; Nugent, Matthew A; Suki, Béla

2013-01-01

A broad range of cells are subjected to irregular time varying mechanical stimuli within the body, particularly in the respiratory and circulatory systems. Mechanical stretch is an important factor in determining cell function; however, the effects of variable stretch remain unexplored. In order to investigate the effects of variable stretch, we designed, built and tested a uniaxial stretching device that can stretch three-dimensional tissue constructs while varying the strain amplitude from cycle to cycle. The device is the first to apply variable stretching signals to cells in tissues or three dimensional tissue constructs. Following device validation, we applied 20% uniaxial strain to Gelfoam samples seeded with neonatal rat lung fibroblasts with different levels of variability (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%). RT-PCR was then performed to measure the effects of variable stretch on key molecules involved in cell-matrix interactions including: collagen 1α, lysyl oxidase, α-actin, β1 integrin, β3 integrin, syndecan-4, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A. Adding variability to the stretching signal upregulated, downregulated or had no effect on mRNA production depending on the molecule and the amount of variability. In particular, syndecan-4 showed a statistically significant peak at 25% variability, suggesting that an optimal variability of strain may exist for production of this molecule. We conclude that cycle-by-cycle variability in strain influences the expression of molecules related to cell-matrix interactions and hence may be used to selectively tune the composition of tissue constructs.

Vectorial strain gauge method using single flexible orthogonal polydimethylsiloxane gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Hao; Tang, Jun; Qian, Kun; Tsoukalas, Dimitris; Zhao, Miaomiao; Yang, Jiangtao; Zhang, Binzhen; Chou, Xiujian; Liu, Jun; Xue, Chenyang; Zhang, Wendong

2016-03-01

A vectorial strain gauge method using a single sensing element is reported based on the double-sided polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Fraunhofer diffraction gratings structures. Using O2 plasma treatment steps, orthogonal wrinkled gratings were fabricated on both sides of a pre-strained PDMS film. Diffracted laser spots from this structure have been used to experimentally demonstrate, that any applied strain can be quantitatively characterized in both the x and y directions with an error of less than 0.6% and with a gauge factor of approximately 10. This simple and low cost technology which is completely different from the traditional vectorial strain gauge method, can be applied to surface vectorial strain measurement and multi-axis integrated mechanical sensors.

Turbulent Plane Wakes Subjected to Successive Strains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, Michael M.

2003-01-01

Six direct numerical simulations of turbulent time-evolving strained plane wakes have been examined to investigate the response of a wake to successive irrotational plane strains of opposite sign. The orientation of the applied strain field has been selected so that the flow is the time-developing analogue of a spatially developing wake evolving in the presence of either a favourable or an adverse streamwise pressure gradient. The magnitude of the applied strain rate a is constant in time t until the total strain e(sup at) reaches about four. At this point, a new simulation is begun with the sign of the applied strain being reversed (the original simulation is continued as well). When the total strain is reduced back to its original value of one, yet another simulation is begun with the sign of the strain being reversed again back to its original sign. This process is done for both initially "favourable" and initially "adverse" strains, providing simulations for each of these strain types from three different initial conditions. The evolution of the wake mean velocity deficit and width is found to be very similar for all the adversely strained cases, with both measures rapidly achieving exponential growth at the rate associated with the cross-stream expansive strain e(sup at). In the "favourably" strained cases, the wake widths approach a constant and the velocity deficits ultimately decay rapidly as e(sup -2at). Although all three of these cases do exhibit the same asymptotic exponential behaviour, the time required to achieve this is longer for the cases that have been previously adversely strained (by at approx. equals 1). These simulations confirm the generality of the conclusions drawn in Rogers (2002) regarding the response of plane wakes to strain. The evolution of strained wakes is not consistent with the predictions of classical self-similar analysis; a more general equilibrium similarity solution is required to describe the results. At least for the cases considered here, the wake Reynolds number and the ratio of the turbulent kinetic energy to the square of the wake mean velocity deficit are determined nearly entirely by the total strain. For these measures the order in which the strains are applied does not matter and the changes brought about by the strain are nearly reversible. The wake mean velocity deficit and width, on the other hand, differ by about a factor of three when the total strain returns to one, depending on whether the wake was first "favourably" or "adversely" strained. The strain history is important for predicting the evolution of these quantities.

Identification and phylogenetic analysis of new sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from oilfield samples.

PubMed

Chen, Wu; Xiang, Fu; Fu, Jie; Wang, Qiang; Wang, Wenjun; Zeng, Qingfu; Yu, Longjiang

2009-01-01

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) has been investigated in an oilfield injection water system. Strain CW-01 was isolated from an oilfield and strain CW-04 was isolated from biofilm dirt of pipeline walls. The strains were facultative anaerobes, non-motile, Gram-positive, pole flagellum, and spore-forming curved rods. The growth was observed over the temperature range 20-70 degrees C. Strain CW-01 grew optimally at 37 degrees C. The pH range for growth was 3.0-11, optimal at pH 6.0. Strain CW-04 grew optimally at 48 degrees C. The pH range for growth was 3.0-10, optimal at pH 7.2. The strains grew at a very broad range of salt concentrations. Optimal growth was observed with 1.5 g/L NaCl for strain CW-01 and 0.7 g/L NaCl for strain CW-04. The strains showed most similarity in physiological characteristics, except for acetone and saccharose. Analysis of the 16S rDNA sequences allowed strains CW-01 and CW-04 to be classified into the genus Desulfotomaculum. The corrosion speciality of the strains had been comparatively investigated. Especially SRB's growth curve, bearable oxygen capability, drug fastness and corrosion rate had been analyzed. The results showed that it is difficult to prevent bacterial corrosion caused by these two strains.

Microstrip patch antenna for simultaneous strain and temperature sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mbanya Tchafa, F.; Huang, H.

2018-06-01

A patch antenna, consisting of a radiation patch, a dielectric substrate, and a ground plane, resonates at distinct fundamental frequencies that depend on the substrate dielectric constant and the dimensions of the radiation patch. Since these parameters change with the applied strain and temperature, this study investigates simultaneous strain and temperature sensing using a single antenna that has two fundamental resonant frequencies. The theoretical relationship between the antenna resonant frequency shifts, the temperature, and the applied strain was first established to guide the selection of the dielectric substrate, based on which an antenna sensor with a rectangular radiation patch was designed and fabricated. A tensile test specimen instrumented with the antenna sensor was subjected to thermo-mechanical tests. Experiment results validated the theoretical predictions that the normalized antenna resonant frequency shifts are linearly proportional to the applied strain and temperature changes. An inverse method was developed to determine the strain and temperature changes from the normalized antenna resonant frequency shifts, yielding measurement uncertainty of 0.4 °C and 17.22 μ \\varepsilon for temperature and strain measurement, respectively.

Estimation of Staphylococcus aureus growth parameters from turbidity data: characterization of strain variation and comparison of methods.

PubMed

Lindqvist, R

2006-07-01

Turbidity methods offer possibilities for generating data required for addressing microorganism variability in risk modeling given that the results of these methods correspond to those of viable count methods. The objectives of this study were to identify the best approach for determining growth parameters based on turbidity data and use of a Bioscreen instrument and to characterize variability in growth parameters of 34 Staphylococcus aureus strains of different biotypes isolated from broiler carcasses. Growth parameters were estimated by fitting primary growth models to turbidity growth curves or to detection times of serially diluted cultures either directly or by using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach. The maximum specific growth rates in chicken broth at 17 degrees C estimated by time to detection methods were in good agreement with viable count estimates, whereas growth models (exponential and Richards) underestimated growth rates. Time to detection methods were selected for strain characterization. The variation of growth parameters among strains was best described by either the logistic or lognormal distribution, but definitive conclusions require a larger data set. The distribution of the physiological state parameter ranged from 0.01 to 0.92 and was not significantly different from a normal distribution. Strain variability was important, and the coefficient of variation of growth parameters was up to six times larger among strains than within strains. It is suggested to apply a time to detection (ANOVA) approach using turbidity measurements for convenient and accurate estimation of growth parameters. The results emphasize the need to consider implications of strain variability for predictive modeling and risk assessment.

Synthesis and viscoelastic characterization of microstructurally aligned Silk fibroin sponges.

PubMed

Panda, Debojyoti; Konar, Subhajit; Bajpai, Saumendra K; Arockiarajan, A

2017-07-01

Silk fibroin (SF) is a model candidate for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine owing to its bio-compatible mechanochemical properties. Despite numerous advances made in the fabrication of various biomimetic substrates using SF, relatively few clinical applications have been designed, primarily due to the lack of complete understanding of its constitutive properties. Here we fabricate microstructurally aligned SF sponge using the unidirectional freezing technique wherein a novel solvent-processing technique involving Acetic acid is employed, which obviates the post-treatment of the sponges to induce their water-stability. Subsequently, we quantify the anisotropic, viscoelastic response of the bulk SF sponge samples by performing a series of mechanical tests under uniaxial compression over a wide range of strain rates. Results for these uniaxial compression tests in the finite strain regime through ramp strain and ramp-relaxation loading histories applied over two orders of strain rate magnitude show that microstructural anisotropy is directly manifested in the bulk viscoelastic solid-like response. Furthermore, the experiments reveal a high degree of volume compressibility of the sponges during deformation, and also evince for their remarkable strain recovery capacity under large compressive strains during strain recovery tests. Finally, in order to predict the bulk viscoelastic material properties of the fabricated and pre-characterized SF sponges, a finite strain kinematics-based, nonlinear, continuum model developed within a thermodynamically-consistent framework in a parallel investigation, was successfully employed to capture the viscoelastic solid-like, transversely isotropic, and compressible response of the sponges macroscopically. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isolation and characterization of Yersinia-specific bacteriophages from pig stools in Finland.

PubMed

Salem, M; Virtanen, S; Korkeala, H; Skurnik, M

2015-03-01

Bacteriophages infect bacteria, and they are present everywhere in the world including the intestinal tracts of animals. Yersiniosis is a common foodborne infection caused by Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. As these bacteria are frequently isolated from pigs, we wanted to know whether Yersinia-specific bacteriophages are also present in the pig stools and, if so, whether there is a positive or negative association between the prevalence of the Yersinia phages and the pathogenic Yersinia in the stool samples. Altogether 793 pig stool samples collected between November 2010 and March 2012 from 14 Finnish pig farms were screened for the presence of bacteriophages able to infect Y. enterocolitica serotype O:3, O:5,27 or O:9 strains, or Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype O:1a, O:1b or O:3 strains. Yersinia phages were isolated from 90 samples from eight farms. Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 was infected by 59 phages, 28 phages infected serotypes O:3 and O:5,27, and eight phages infected serotypes O:3, O:5,27 and O:9, and Y. pseudotuberculosis O:1a by eight phages. Many phages originating from pigs in the same farm were identical based on their restriction enzyme digestion patterns; 20 clearly different phages were selected for further characterization. Host ranges of these phages were tested with 94 Yersinia strains. Six of the phages infected eight strains, 13 phages infected three strains, and one phage infected only one strain, indicating that the phages had a relatively narrow host range. There was a clear association between the presence of the host bacteria and specific phages in the stools. The isolated bacteriophages may have potential as biocontrol agents for yersiniosis in both humans and pigs in future, and as alternatives or in addition to antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the first reported isolation of Yersinia-specific phages from pig stool samples. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Non-linear feedbacks drive strain partitioning within an active orogen, southern Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hooks, B.; Koons, P. O.; Upton, P.

2011-12-01

Temperature plays a very important role in the partitioning of deformation within an active orogen. Local variations in the thermal structure of actively uplifting areas can reinforce focused partitioning of strain locally, whereas regional variations can alter deformation patterns on a much broader scale resulting in the re-organization of an entire orogen. Within southern Alaska, the Yakutat micro-terrane has been subducting beneath North America over the previous ~10 Ma. Early deformation related to this event drove uplift of the Alaska Range, as evidenced by stratigraphic and thermochronologic datasets. This was followed by a southerly discontinuous spatial jump in the deformation front to the coastal St. Elias Range. Here we present 3D numerical models that simulate deformation of Earth materials given assigned applied velocity boundary conditions and mechanical and thermal constitutive relationships on a macro- (plate boundary) and meso-scale (<50-km). The goal is to reproduce first-order strain and uplift patterns within this evolving orogen. The macro-scale model undergoes a spatial and temporal reorganization of deformation as strain is progressively shifted to a trench-ward orogenic wedge, the inlet orogen. Subduction related cooling of the fore-arc (i.e. tectonic refrigeration) provides control on the location of the inlet orogen. This control is based upon the creation of a thin sliver of cold, strong material along the mega-thrust interface. The stronger mega-thrust facilitates more efficient transfer of strain, driving the formation of the inlet orogen and determining the location of its frontal toe. This toe is further stabilized by upward displacement of the upper crust over the refrigerated section. This upward motion causes thermal weakening of the upper crust as a tectonic aneurysm with the location controlled by the thermally strengthened lower crust. The net result is an ever weakening upper crust that focuses strain creating dramatic topography, extreme rates of erosion and uplift, and fast exhumation.

Establishing quality control ranges for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus: a cornerstone to develop reference strains for Korean clinical microbiology laboratories.

PubMed

Hong, Sung Kuk; Choi, Seung Jun; Shin, Saeam; Lee, Wonmok; Pinto, Naina; Shin, Nari; Lee, Kwangjun; Hong, Seong Geun; Kim, Young Ah; Lee, Hyukmin; Kim, Heejung; Song, Wonkeun; Lee, Sun Hwa; Yong, Dongeun; Lee, Kyungwon; Chong, Yunsop

2015-11-01

Quality control (QC) processes are being performed in the majority of clinical microbiology laboratories to ensure the performance of microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by using ATCC strains. To obtain these ATCC strains, some inconveniences are encountered concerning the purchase cost of the strains and the shipping time required. This study was focused on constructing a database of reference strains for QC processes using domestic bacterial strains, concentrating primarily on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Three strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) that showed legible results in preliminary testing were selected. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and zone diameters (ZDs) of eight antimicrobials for each strain were determined according to the CLSI M23. All resulting MIC and ZD ranges included at least 95% of the data. The ZD QC ranges obtained by using the CLSI method were less than 12 mm, and the MIC QC ranges extended no more than five dilutions. This study is a preliminary attempt to construct a bank of Korean QC strains. With further studies, a positive outcome toward cost and time reduction can be anticipated.

Thermal Aging Study of a Dow Corning SE 1700 Porous Structure Made by Direct Ink Writing: 1-Year Results and Long-Term Predictions

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

Small, Ward; Pearson, Mark A.; Maiti, Amitesh

Dow Corning SE 1700 (reinforced polydimethylsiloxane) porous structures were made by direct ink writing (DIW). The specimens (~50% porosity) were subjected to various compressive strains (15, 30, 45%) and temperatures (room temperature, 35, 50, 70°C) in a nitrogen atmosphere (active purge) for 1 year. Compression set and load retention of the aged specimens were measured periodically during the study. Compression set increased with strain and temperature. After 1 year, specimens aged at room temperature, 35, and 50°C showed ~10% compression set (relative to the applied compressive deflection), while those aged at 70°C showed 20-40%. Due to the increasing compression set,more » load retention decreased with temperature, ranging from ~90% at room temperature to ~60-80% at 70°C. Long-term compression set and load retention at room temperature were predicted by applying time-temperature superposition (TTS). The predictions show compression set relative to the compressive deflection will be ~10-15% with ~70-90% load retention after 50 years at 15-45% strain, suggesting the material will continue to be mechanically functional. Comparison of the results to previously acquired data for cellular (M97*, M9760, M9763) and RTV (S5370) silicone foams suggests that the SE 1700 DIW porous specimens are on par with, or outperform, the legacy foams.« less

Strain mapping in single-layer two-dimensional crystals via Raman activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagmurcukardes, M.; Bacaksiz, C.; Unsal, E.; Akbali, B.; Senger, R. T.; Sahin, H.

2018-03-01

By performing density functional theory-based ab initio calculations, Raman-active phonon modes of single-layer two-dimensional (2D) materials and the effect of in-plane biaxial strain on the peak frequencies and corresponding activities of the Raman-active modes are calculated. Our findings confirm the Raman spectrum of the unstrained 2D crystals and provide expected variations in the Raman-active modes of the crystals under in-plane biaxial strain. The results are summarized as follows: (i) frequencies of the phonon modes soften (harden) under applied tensile (compressive) strains; (ii) the response of the Raman activities to applied strain for the in-plane and out-of-plane vibrational modes have opposite trends, thus, the built-in strains in the materials can be monitored by tracking the relative activities of those modes; (iii) in particular, the A peak in single-layer Si and Ge disappears under a critical tensile strain; (iv) especially in mono- and diatomic single layers, the shift of the peak frequencies is a stronger indication of the strain rather than the change in Raman activities; (v) Raman-active modes of single-layer ReX2 (X =S , Se) are almost irresponsive to the applied strain. Strain-induced modifications in the Raman spectrum of 2D materials in terms of the peak positions and the relative Raman activities of the modes could be a convenient tool for characterization.

In vitro bone strain distributions in a sample of primate pelves

PubMed Central

Lewton, Kristi L

2015-01-01

The pelvis is a critical link in the hindlimb locomotor system and has a central role in resisting loads associated with locomotion, but our understanding of its structural biomechanics is quite limited. Empirical data on how the pelvis responds to the loads it encounters are important for understanding pelvic adaptation to locomotion, and for testing hypotheses regarding how the pelvis is adapted to its mechanical demands. This paper presents in vitro strain gauge data on a sample of monkey and ape cadaveric specimens (Macaca, Papio, Ateles, Hylobates), and assesses strain magnitudes and distributions through the bones of the pelvis: the ilium, ischium and pubis. Pelves were individually mounted in a materials testing system, loads were applied across three hindlimb angular positions, and strains were recorded from 18 locations on the pelvic girdle. Peak principal strains range from 2000 to 3000 με, similar to peak strains recorded from other mammals in vivo. Although previous work has suggested that the bones of the pelvis may act as bent beams, this study suggests that there are likely additional loading regimes superimposed on bending. Specifically, these data suggest that the ilium is loaded in axial compression and torsion, the ischium in torsion, the pubic rami in mediolateral bending, and the pubic symphysis is loaded in a combination of compression and torsion. Compressive strains dominate the pelves of all species representatives. Shear strains change with limb position; hip flexion at 45 ° induces smaller shear strains than mid-stance (90 °) or hip extension (105 °). The pelvic girdle is a complex structure that does not lend itself easily to modeling, but finite element analyses may prove useful to generate and refine hypotheses of pelvic biomechanics. PMID:25846322

Presence of acyl-homoserine lactones in 57 members of the Vibrionaceae family

PubMed Central

Purohit, AA; Johansen, J A; Hansen, H; Leiros, H-KS; Kashulin, A; Karlsen, C; Smalås, A; Haugen, P; Willassen, NP

2013-01-01

Aims The aim of this study was to use a sensitive method to screen and quantify 57 Vibrionaceae strains for the production of acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) and map the resulting AHL profiles onto a host phylogeny. Methods and Results We used a high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) protocol to measure AHLs in spent media after bacterial growth. First, the presence/absence of AHLs (qualitative analysis) was measured to choose internal standard for subsequent quantitative AHL measurements. We screened 57 strains from three genera (Aliivibrio,Photobacterium and Vibrio) of the same family (i.e. Vibrionaceae). Our results show that about half of the isolates produced multiple AHLs, typically at 25–5000 nmol l−1. Conclusions This work shows that production of AHL quorum sensing signals is found widespread among Vibrionaceae bacteria and that closely related strains typically produce similar AHL profiles. Significance and Impact of the Study The AHL detection protocol presented in this study can be applied to a broad range of bacterial samples and may contribute to a wider mapping of AHL production in bacteria, for example, in clinically relevant strains. PMID:23725044

Hot Deformation Behavior of 1Cr12Ni3Mo2VN Martensitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xiaomao; Jiang, Peng; Zhou, Leyu; Chen, Chao; Deng, Xiaochun

2017-08-01

1Cr12Ni3Mo2VN is a new type of martensitic stainless steel for the last-stage blades of large-capacity nuclear and thermal power turbines. The deformation behavior of this steel was studied by thermal compression experiments that performed on a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulator at a temperature range of 850°C to 1200°C and a strain rate of 0.01s-1 to 20s-1. When the deformation was performed at high temperature and low strain rate, a necklace type of microstructures was observed, the plastic deformation mechanism is grain boundary slip and migration, when at low temperature and lower strain rate, the slip bands were observed, the mechanism is intracrystalline slips, and when at strain rate of 20s-1, twins were observed, the mechanism are slips and twins. The Arrhenius equation was applied to describe the constitutive equation of the flow stress. The accuracy of the equation was verified by using the experimental data and the correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9786, and the equation can provide reasonable data for the design and numerical simulation of the forging process.

A novel platform for in situ investigation of cells and tissues under mechanical strain

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Wylie W.; Kural, Mehmet H.; Saif, Taher A.

2010-01-01

The mechanical micro-environment influences cellular responses such as migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Cells are subjected to mechanical stretching in vivo, e.g., epithelial cells during embryogenesis. Current methodologies do not allow high resolution in situ observation of cells and tissues under applied strain, which may reveal intracellular dynamics and the origin of cell mechanosensitivity. We have developed a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate capable of applying tensile and compressive strain (up to 45%) to cells and tissues while allowing in situ observation with high resolution optics. The strain field of the substrate was characterized experimentally using digital image correlation (DIC) and the deformation was modeled with finite element method (FEM) using a Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic constitutive relation. The substrate strain was found to be uniform for greater than 95% of the substrate area. As a demonstration of our system, we applied mechanical strain to single fibroblasts transfected with GFP-Actin and whole transgenic Drosophila embryos expressing GFP in all neurons during live imaging. We report three observations of biological responses due to applied strain: (1) dynamic rotation of intact actin stress fibers in fibroblasts; (2) lamellipodia activity and actin polymerization in fibroblasts; (3) active axonal contraction in Drosophila embryo motor neurons. Our novel platform may serve as an important tool in studying the mechanoresponse of cells and tissues including whole embryos. PMID:20188869

Strain induced optical properties of BaReO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumavat, Sandip R.; Kansara, Shivam; Gupta, Sanjeev K.; Sonvane, Yogesh

2018-05-01

Here, we have performed strain induce optical properties of BaReO3 by using density functional theory (DFT). We noticed that after applying intrinsic and extrinsic strain to the BaReO3, it shows the metallic behavior. We also studied optical properties, which show good activity in the ultraviolet region. The results show that after applying intrinsic and extrinsic strain to BaReO3 the absorption peaks are shifted towards the high UV region of the spectrum. Thus, we concluded that, BaReO3 material with extrinsic strain can be useful for high frequency UV device and optoelectronic devices.

Examination of Allelic Variation at the Hexokinase Loci of DROSOPHILA PSEUDOOBSCURA and D. PERSIMILIS by Different Methods

PubMed Central

Beckenbach, Andrew T.; Prakash, Satya

1977-01-01

Recently a number of electrophoretic techniques have been applied to reveal the presence of additional genetic variation among the electrophoretic mobility classes of the highly polymorphic xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH ) and esterase-5 (est-5) loci. We examined the hexokinase loci of Drosophila pseudoobscura and D. persimilis using a variety of techniques to determine whether further allelic variation could be revealed for these much less polymorphic loci and to analyze the nature of the known variation at the hexokinase-1 (hex-1) locus. The following studies were conducted: 135 strains of the two species from six localities were examined with buffer pH ranging from 5.5 to 10.0; 40 strains of D. pseudoobscura and 9 strains of D. persimilis from Mather were studied using starch gel concentrations ranging from 8.5 to 15.5% and were examined for differences in heat stability and reactivity to the thiol reagent pCMSA; strains were also tested for susceptibility to urea denaturation and differences in relative activities. Major findings of the work are: (1) No additional allelic variation could be detected at any of the hexokinase loci by applying these techniques. The finding of abundant hidden genetic variation in XDH and est-5 does not extend to all enzyme loci. (2) Evidence from studies using pCMSA indicates that the hex-1 alleles 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 of the two species form a series of unit charge steps. Since the 0.94 allele of D. persimilis has mobility intermediate between 0.8 and 1.0, it is argued that routine electrophoretic techniques are sensitive to at least some conservative amino acid substitutions. (3) Strong correlations were found at the hex-1 locus between low allelic frequency, reduced relative activity and reduced stability to heat and urea denaturation. Since the three sibling species, D. pseudoobscura, D. persimilis and D. miranda, all appear to share a common high frequency allele (1.0) at that locus, these findings are taken as evidence that the observed allelic frequencies are a result of directional selection and mutation, rather than any form of balancing selection. PMID:17248785

Ab initio study of the strain dependence of thermopower in electron-doped SrTiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fumega, Adolfo O.; Pardo, Victor

2017-02-01

In this paper we explore the different mechanisms that affect the thermopower of a band insulating perovskite (in this case, SrTiO3) when subject to strain (both compressive or tensile). We analyze the high temperature, entropy-dominated limit and the lower temperature, energy-transport regime. We observe that the effect of strain in the high-temperature Seebeck coefficient is small at the concentration levels of interest for thermoelectric applications. However, the effective mass changes substantially with strain, which produces an opposite effect to that of the degeneracy breakups brought about by strain. In particular, we find that the thermopower can be enhanced by applying tensile strain in the adequate regime. We conclude that the detrimental effect of strain in thermopower due to band splitting is a minor effect that will not hamper the optimization of the thermoelectric properties of oxides with t 2g -active bands by applying strain.

Ab initio study of the strain dependence of thermopower in electron-doped SrTiO3.

PubMed

Fumega, Adolfo O; Pardo, Victor

2017-02-15

In this paper we explore the different mechanisms that affect the thermopower of a band insulating perovskite (in this case, SrTiO 3 ) when subject to strain (both compressive or tensile). We analyze the high temperature, entropy-dominated limit and the lower temperature, energy-transport regime. We observe that the effect of strain in the high-temperature Seebeck coefficient is small at the concentration levels of interest for thermoelectric applications. However, the effective mass changes substantially with strain, which produces an opposite effect to that of the degeneracy breakups brought about by strain. In particular, we find that the thermopower can be enhanced by applying tensile strain in the adequate regime. We conclude that the detrimental effect of strain in thermopower due to band splitting is a minor effect that will not hamper the optimization of the thermoelectric properties of oxides with t 2g -active bands by applying strain.

Comparative studies on the fermentation performance of autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in Chinese light-fragrant liquor during solid-state or submerged fermentation.

PubMed

Kong, Y; Wu, Q; Xu, Y

2017-04-01

To explore the metabolic characteristic of autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in Chinese light-fragrant liquor fermentation. Inter-delta amplification analysis was used to differentiate the S. cerevisiae strains at strain level. Twelve biotypes (I-XII) were identified among the 72 S. cerevisiae strains preselected. A comparison was conducted between solid-state fermentation (SSF) and submerged fermentation (SmF) with S. cerevisiae strains had different genotype, with a focus on the production of ethanol and the volatile compounds. The degree of ethanol ranged from 28·0 to 45·2 g l -1 in SmF and from 14·8 to 25·6 g kg -1 in SSF, and SSF was found to be more suitable for the production of ethanol with higher yield coefficient of all the S. cerevisiae strains. The metabolite profiles of each yeast strain showed obvious distinction in the two fermentations. The highest amounts of ethyl acetate in SmF and SSF were found in genotype VII (328·2 μg l -1 ) and genotype V (672 μg kg -1 ), respectively. In addition, the generation of some volatile compounds could be strictly related to the strain used. Compound β-damascenone was only detected in genotypes I, II, X and XII in the two fermentation processes. Furthermore, laboratory scale fermentations were clearly divided into SSF and SmF in hierarchical cluster analysis regardless of the inoculated yeast strains, indicating that the mode of fermentation was more important than the yeast strains inoculated. The autochthonous S. cerevisiae strains in Chinese light-fragrant liquor vary considerably in terms of their volatiles profiles during SSF and SmF. This work facilitates a better understanding of the fermentative mechanism in the SSF process for light-fragrant liquor production. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Experimental demonstration of a semi-brittle origin for crustal strain transients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reber, J. E.; Lavier, L. L.; Hayman, N. W.

2015-12-01

Tectonic motions that give rise to destructive earthquakes and enigmatic transient slip events are commonly explained by friction laws that describe slip on fault surfaces and gouge-filled zones. Friction laws with the added effects of pore fluid pressure, shear heating, and chemical reactions as currently applied do not take into account that over a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions rocks deform following a complex mixed brittle-ductile rheology. In semi-brittle materials, such as polymineralic rocks, elasto-plastic and visco-elastic defamation can be observed simultaneously in different phases of the material. Field observations of such semi-brittle rocks at the mesoscale have shown that for a given range of composition, temperature, and pressure, the formation of fluid-filled brittle fractures and veins can precede and accompany the development of localized ductile flow. We propose that the coexistence of brittle and viscous behavior controls some of the physical characteristics of strain transients and slow slip events. Here we present results from shear experiments on semi-brittle rock analogues investigating the effect of yield stress on fracture propagation and connection, and how this can lead to reoccurring strain transients. During the experiments we monitor the evolution of fractures and flow as well as the force development in the system. We show that the nature of localized slip and flow in semi-brittle materials depends on the initiation and formation of mode I and II fractures and does not involve frictional behavior, supporting an alternative mechanism for the development of tectonic strain transients.

A Cost-Effective Geodetic Strainmeter Based on Dual Coaxial Cable Bragg Gratings

PubMed Central

Fu, Jihua; Wang, Xu; Wei, Tao; Wei, Meng; Shen, Yang

2017-01-01

Observations of surface deformation are essential for understanding a wide range of geophysical problems, including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and glaciers. Current geodetic technologies, such as global positioning system (GPS), interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), borehole and laser strainmeters, are costly and limited in their temporal or spatial resolutions. Here we present a new type of strainmeters based on the coaxial cable Bragg grating (CCBG) sensing technology that provides cost-effective strain measurements. Two CCBGs are introduced into the geodetic strainmeter: one serves as a sensor to measure the strain applied on it, and the other acts as a reference to detect environmental noises. By integrating the sensor and reference signals in a mixer, the environmental noises are minimized and a lower mixed frequency is obtained. The lower mixed frequency allows for measurements to be taken with a portable spectrum analyzer, rather than an expensive spectrum analyzer or a vector network analyzer (VNA). Analysis of laboratory experiments shows that the strain can be measured by the CCBG sensor, and the portable spectrum analyzer can make measurements with the accuracy similar to the expensive spectrum analyzer, whose relative error to the spectrum analyzer R3272 is less than ±0.4%. The outputs of the geodetic strainmeter show a linear relationship with the strains that the CCBG sensor experienced. The measured sensitivity of the geodetic strainmeter is about −0.082 kHz/με; it can cover a large dynamic measuring range up to 2%, and its nonlinear errors can be less than 5.3%. PMID:28417925

Bioremediation of chromium by novel strains Enterobacter aerogenes T2 and Acinetobacter sp. PD 12 S2.

PubMed

Panda, Jigisha; Sarkar, Priyabrata

2012-06-01

This study had an objective to identify the most potent chromium-resistant bacteria isolated from tannery effluent and apply them for bioremediation of chromium in tannery effluents. Two such strains (previously characterized and identified by us)--Enterobacter aerogenes (NCBI GenBank USA Accession no. GU265554) and Acinetobacter sp. PD 12 (NCBI GenBank USA Accession no. GU084179)--showed powerful chromium resistivity and bioremediation capabilities among many stains isolated from tannery waste. Parameters such as pH, concentration of hexavalent chromium or Cr (VI), and inoculum volume were varied to observe optimum bioconversion and bioaccumulation of Cr (VI) when the said strains were grown in M9 minimal salt media. E. aerogenes was used to remediate chromium from tannery effluents in a laboratory level experiment. Observation by Scanning Electron Microscope and chromium peak in Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopic microanalysis revealed that E. aerogenes helped remediate a moderate amount of Cr (VI) (8-16 mg L(-1)) over a wide range of pH values at 35-37°C (within 26.05 h). High inoculum percentage of Acinetobacter sp. PD 12 also enabled bioremediation of 8-16 mg L(-1) of Cr (VI) over a wide range of temperature (25-37°C), mainly at pH 7 (within 63.28 h). The experiment with real tannery effluent gave very encouraging results. The strain E. aerogenes can be used in bioremediation of Cr (VI) since it could work in actual environmental conditions with extraordinarily high capacity.

A Cost-Effective Geodetic Strainmeter Based on Dual Coaxial Cable Bragg Gratings.

PubMed

Fu, Jihua; Wang, Xu; Wei, Tao; Wei, Meng; Shen, Yang

2017-04-12

Observations of surface deformation are essential for understanding a wide range of geophysical problems, including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and glaciers. Current geodetic technologies, such as global positioning system (GPS), interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), borehole and laser strainmeters, are costly and limited in their temporal or spatial resolutions. Here we present a new type of strainmeters based on the coaxial cable Bragg grating (CCBG) sensing technology that provides cost-effective strain measurements. Two CCBGs are introduced into the geodetic strainmeter: one serves as a sensor to measure the strain applied on it, and the other acts as a reference to detect environmental noises. By integrating the sensor and reference signals in a mixer, the environmental noises are minimized and a lower mixed frequency is obtained. The lower mixed frequency allows for measurements to be taken with a portable spectrum analyzer, rather than an expensive spectrum analyzer or a vector network analyzer (VNA). Analysis of laboratory experiments shows that the strain can be measured by the CCBG sensor, and the portable spectrum analyzer can make measurements with the accuracy similar to the expensive spectrum analyzer, whose relative error to the spectrum analyzer R3272 is less than ±0.4%. The outputs of the geodetic strainmeter show a linear relationship with the strains that the CCBG sensor experienced. The measured sensitivity of the geodetic strainmeter is about -0.082 kHz/με; it can cover a large dynamic measuring range up to 2%, and its nonlinear errors can be less than 5.3%.

Stress reduction in an isotropic plate with a hole by applied induced strains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sensharma, Pradeep K.; Palantera, Markku J.; Haftka, Raphael T.

1992-01-01

Recently there has been much interest in adaptive structures that can respond to a varying environment by changing their properties. Shape memory alloys and piezoelectric materials can be used as induced strain actuators to reduce stresses in the regions of stress concentration. The objective of the work was to find the maximum possible reduction in the stress concentration factor in an isotropic plate with a hole by applying induced strains in a small area near the hole. Induced strains were simulated by thermal expansion.

Effect of joining the sectioned implant-supported prosthesis on the peri-implant strain generated in simulated mandibular model.

PubMed

Singh, Ipsha; Nair, K Chandrasekharan; Shetty, Jayakar

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the strain developed in simulated mandibular model before and after the joining of an implant-supported screw-retained prosthesis by different joining techniques, namely, arc welding, laser welding, and soldering. A specimen simulating a mandibular edentulous ridge was fabricated in heat-cured acrylic resin. 4-mm holes were drilled in the following tooth positions; 36, 33, 43, 46. Implant analogs were placed in the holes. University of California, Los Angeles, abutment was attached to the implant fixture. Eight strain gauges were attached to the acrylic resin model. Six similar models were made. Implant-supported screw-retained fixed prosthesis was fabricated in nickel-chromium alloy. A load of 400 N was applied on the prosthesis using universal testing machine. Resultant strain was measured in each strain gauge. All the prostheses were sectioned at the area between 36 and 33, 33 and 43, and 43 and 46 using 35 micrometer carborundum disc, and strain was measured in each strain gauge after applying a load of 400 N on the prosthesis. Specimens were joined by arc welding, soldering, and laser welding. After joining, a load of 400 N was applied on each prosthesis and the resultant strain was measured in each strain gauge. Highest mean strain values were recorded before sectioning of the prostheses (889.9 microstrains). Lowest mean strain values were recorded after sectioning the prosthesis and before reuniting it (225.0 microstrains). Sectioning and reuniting the long-span implant prosthesis was found to be a significant factor in influencing the peri-implant strain.

Critical current scaling and the pivot-point in Nb3Sn strands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsui, Y.; Hampshire, D. P.

2012-05-01

Detailed measurements are provided of the engineering critical current density (Jc) and the index of transition (n-value) of two different types of advanced ITER Nb3Sn superconducting strand for fusion applications. The samples consist of one internal-tin strand (OST) and two bronze-route strands (BEAS I and BEAS II—reacted using different heat treatments). Tests on different sections of these wires show that prior to applying strain, Jc is homogeneous to better than 2% along the length of each strand. Jc data have been characterized as a function of magnetic field (B ≤ 14.5 T), temperature (4.2 K ≤ T ≤ 12 K) and applied axial strain ( - 1% ≤ ɛA ≤ 0.8%). Strain-cycling tests demonstrate that the variable strain Jc data are reversible to better than 2% when the applied axial strain is in the range of - 1% ≤ ɛA ≤ 0.5%. The wires are damaged when the intrinsic strain (ɛI) is ɛI ≥ 0.55% and ɛI ≥ 0.23% for the OST and BEAS strands, respectively. The strain dependences of the normalized Jc for each type of strand are similar to those of prototype strands of similar design measured in 2005 and 2008 to about 2% which makes them candidate strands for a round-robin interlaboratory comparison. The Jc data are described by Durham, ITER and Josephson-junction parameterizations to an accuracy of about 4%. For all of these scaling laws, the percentage difference between the data and the parameterization is larger when Jc is small, caused by high B, T or |ɛI|. The n-values can be described by a modified power law of the form n=1+r{I}_{{c}}^{s}, where r and s are approximately constant and Ic is the critical current. It has long been known that pivot-points (or cross-overs) in Jc occur at high magnetic field and temperature. Changing the magnetic field or temperature from one side of the pivot-point to the other changes the highest Jc sample to the lowest Jc sample and vice versa. The pivot-point follows the B-T phase boundary associated with the upper critical field and is usually attributed to the different tin content profiles and pinning properties of internal-tin and bronze-route strands. We report that the strain dependence of the pivot-point in these strands is quite different from that of the upper critical field and suggest that its origin in optimized high tin content strands is the proximity of the tetragonal Nb3Sn phase, which has low superconducting critical parameters.

6% magnetic-field-induced strain by twin-boundary motion in ferromagnetic Ni-Mn-Ga

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

Murray, S. J.; Marioni, M.; Allen, S. M.

2000-08-07

Field-induced strains of 6% are reported in ferromagnetic Ni-Mn-Ga martensites at room temperature. The strains are the result of twin boundary motion driven largely by the Zeeman energy difference across the twin boundary. The strain measured parallel to the applied magnetic field is negative in the sample/field geometry used here. The strain saturates in fields of order 400 kA/m and is blocked by a compressive stress of order 2 MPa applied orthogonal to the magnetic field. The strain versus field curves exhibit appreciable hysteresis associated with the motion of the twin boundaries. A simple model accounts quantitatively for the dependencemore » of strain on magnetic field and external stress using as input parameters only measured quantities. (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics.« less

Cryogenic Temperature Effects on Performance of Polymer Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hui, David; Dutta, P. K.

2003-01-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the low temperature behavior of polymer composites down to the cryogenic temperature range. This would be accomplished by study of its behavior in several ways. First we would study the microfracture growth by observing the acoustic emission as the temperature is lowered. We would also note any damage growth by ultrasonic velocity testing applying the pulse echo method. Effects of such low temperature would then be studied by examining the shear properties by the short beam shear test, and also the fracture toughness properties over a wide range of strain rate and temperature. At present these studies are continuing. The limited data obtained from these studies are reported in this report.

A study of elastic and plastic stress concentration factors due to notches and fillets in flat plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardrath, Herbert F; Ohman, Lachlan

1953-01-01

Six large 24s-t3 aluminum-alloy-sheet specimens containing various notches or fillets were tested in tension to determine their stress concentration factors in both the elastic and plastic ranges. The elastic stress concentration factors were found to be slightly higher than those calculated by Neuber's method and those obtained photoelastically by Frocht. The results showed further that the stress concentration factor decreases as strains at the discontinuity enter the plastic range. A generalization of Stowell's relation for the plastic stress concentration factor at a circular hole in an infinite plate was applied to the specimen shapes tested and gave good agreement with test results.

Use of Comparative Genomics-Based Markers for Discrimination of Host Specificity in Fusarium oxysporum.

PubMed

van Dam, Peter; de Sain, Mara; Ter Horst, Anneliek; van der Gragt, Michelle; Rep, Martijn

2018-01-01

The polyphyletic nature of many formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum prevents molecular identification of newly encountered strains based on conserved, vertically inherited genes. Alternative molecular detection methods that could replace labor- and time-intensive disease assays are therefore highly desired. Effectors are functional elements in the pathogen-host interaction and have been found to show very limited sequence diversity between strains of the same forma specialis , which makes them potential markers for host-specific pathogenicity. We therefore compared candidate effector genes extracted from 60 existing and 22 newly generated genome assemblies, specifically targeting strains affecting cucurbit plant species. Based on these candidate effector genes, a total of 18 PCR primer pairs were designed to discriminate between each of the seven Cucurbitaceae-affecting formae speciales When tested on a collection of strains encompassing different clonal lineages of these formae speciales , nonpathogenic strains, and strains of other formae speciales , they allowed clear recognition of the host range of each evaluated strain. Within Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis more genetic variability exists than anticipated, resulting in three F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis marker patterns that partially overlapped with the cucurbit-infecting Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum , Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum , Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. momordicae , and/or Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lagenariae For F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum , a multiplex TaqMan assay was evaluated and was shown to allow quantitative and specific detection of template DNA quantities as low as 2.5 pg. These results provide ready-to-use marker sequences for the mentioned F. oxysporum pathogens. Additionally, the method can be applied to find markers distinguishing other host-specific forms of F. oxysporum IMPORTANCE Pathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum are differentiated into formae speciales based on their host range, which is normally restricted to only one or a few plant species. However, horizontal gene transfer between strains in the species complex has resulted in a polyphyletic origin of host specificity in many of these formae speciales This hinders accurate and rapid pathogen detection through molecular methods. In our research, we compared the genomes of 88 strains of F. oxysporum with each other, specifically targeting virulence-related genes that are typically highly similar within each forma specialis Using this approach, we identified marker sequences that allow the discrimination of F. oxysporum strains affecting various cucurbit plant species through different PCR-based methods. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Impact of tensile strain on the thermal transport of zigzag hexagonal boron nitride nanoribbon: An equilibrium molecular dynamics study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navid, Ishtiaque Ahmed; Intisar Khan, Asir; Subrina, Samia

2018-02-01

The thermal conductivity of single layer strained hexagonal boron nitride nanoribbon (h-BNNR) has been computed using the Green—Kubo formulation of Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (EMD) simulation. We have investigated the impact of strain on thermal transport of h-BNNR by varying the applied tensile strain from 1% upto 5% through uniaxial loading. The thermal conductivity of h-BNNR decreases monotonically with the increase of uniaxial tensile strain keeping the sample size and temperature constant. The thermal conductivity can be reduced upto 86% for an applied uniaxial tensile strain of 5%. The impact of temperature and width variation on the thermal conductivity of h-BNNR has also been studied under different uniaxial tensile strain conditions. With the increase in temperature, the thermal conductivity of strained h-BNNR exhibits a decaying characteristics whereas it shows an opposite pattern with the increasing width. Such study would provide a good insight on the strain tunable thermal transport for the potential device application of boron nitride nanostructures.

Genomic Analysis of Phylotype I Strain EP1 Reveals Substantial Divergence from Other Strains in the Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex

PubMed Central

Li, Peng; Wang, Dechen; Yan, Jinli; Zhou, Jianuan; Deng, Yinyue; Jiang, Zide; Cao, Bihao; He, Zifu; Zhang, Lianhui

2016-01-01

Ralstonia solanacearum species complex is a devastating group of phytopathogens with an unusually wide host range and broad geographical distribution. R. solanacearum isolates may differ considerably in various properties including host range and pathogenicity, but the underlying genetic bases remain vague. Here, we conducted the genome sequencing of strain EP1 isolated from Guangdong Province of China, which belongs to phylotype I and is highly virulent to a range of solanaceous crops. Its complete genome contains a 3.95-Mb chromosome and a 2.05-Mb mega-plasmid, which is considerably bigger than reported genomes of other R. solanacearum strains. Both the chromosome and the mega-plasmid have essential house-keeping genes and many virulence genes. Comparative analysis of strain EP1 with other 3 phylotype I and 3 phylotype II, III, IV strains unveiled substantial genome rearrangements, insertions and deletions. Genome sequences are relatively conserved among the 4 phylotype I strains, but more divergent among strains of different phylotypes. Moreover, the strains exhibited considerable variations in their key virulence genes, including those encoding secretion systems and type III effectors. Our results provide valuable information for further elucidation of the genetic basis of diversified virulences and host range of R. solanacearum species. PMID:27833603

Effects of Applied Strain on Rates of Ageing: Project Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campion, R. P.

1997-01-01

One of the stated intents of this project has been to make some assessment of effects of strain on rates of ageing of project thermoplastics exposed to project fluids. To this end, certain straining jigs which apply in various modes - tensile, four-point bending and crack growth using compact tension samples - were designed and made for holding samples during fluid exposures. During testing, features of the thermoplastics have been observed which have tended to confuse apparent strain effects on the polymers' aged performance, but recent assessments of the topic and its data have led to considerable progress being made in identifying test procedures necessary for strain and related effects on chemical deterioration to manifest themselves. It is the intent of this report to provide a summary of what has been determined on strain and related effects thus far, and provide recommendations for clarifying them in Phase 2 by means of further test procedures which will increase and focus the severity of the conditions applying. The choice of flexible pipe rather than umbilicals service for assessing service strain conditions reflects the major interest of project members. However, Tefzel data are still provided.

Cyclic stress effect on stress corrosion cracking of duplex stainless steel in chloride and caustic solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Di

Duplex stainless steel (DSS) is a dual-phase material with approximately equal volume amount of austenite and ferrite. It has both great mechanical properties (good ductility and high tensile/fatigue strength) and excellent corrosion resistance due to the mixture of the two phases. Cyclic loadings with high stress level and low frequency are experienced by many structures. However, the existing study on corrosion fatigue (CF) study of various metallic materials has mainly concentrated on relatively high frequency range. No systematic study has been done to understand the ultra-low frequency (˜10-5 Hz) cyclic loading effect on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of DSSs. In this study, the ultra-low frequency cyclic loading effect on SCC of DSS 2205 was studied in acidified sodium chloride and caustic white liquor (WL) solutions. The research work focused on the environmental effect on SCC of DSS 2205, the cyclic stress effect on strain accumulation behavior of DSS 2205, and the combined environmental and cyclic stress effect on the stress corrosion crack initiation of DSS 2205 in the above environments. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed to investigate the electrochemical behavior of DSS 2205 in acidic NaCl solution. Series of slow strain rate tests (SSRTs) at different applied potential values were conducted to reveal the optimum applied potential value for SCC to happen. Room temperature static and cyclic creep tests were performed in air to illustrate the strain accumulation effect of cyclic stresses. Test results showed that cyclic loading could enhance strain accumulation in DSS 2205 compared to static loading. Moreover, the strain accumulation behavior of DSS 2205 was found to be controlled by the two phases of DSS 2205 with different crystal structures. The B.C.C. ferrite phase enhanced strain accumulation due to extensive cross-slips of the dislocations, whereas the F.C.C. austenite phase resisted strain accumulation due to cyclic strain hardening. Cyclic SSRTs were performed under the conditions that SCC occurs in sodium chloride and WL solutions. Test results show that cyclic stress facilitated crack initiations in DSS 2205. Stress corrosion cracks initiated from the intermetallic precipitates in acidic chloride environment, and the cracks initiated from austenite phase in WL environment. Cold-working has been found to retard the crack initiations induced by cyclic stresses.

Elevated temperature axial and torsional fatigue behavior of Haynes 188

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonacuse, Peter J.; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

1995-01-01

The results are reported for high-temperature axial and torsional low-cycle fatigue experiments performed at 760 C in air on thin-walled tubular specimens of Haynes 188, a wrought cobalt-based superalloy. Data are also presented for mean coefficient of thermal expansion, elastic modulus, and shear modulus at various temperatures from room to 1000 C, and monotonic and cyclic stress-strain curves in tension and in shear at 760 C. This data set is used to evaluate several multiaxial fatigue life models (most were originally developed for room temperature multiaxial life prediction) including von Mises equivalent strain range (ASME Boiler and Pressure Code), Manson-Halford, modified multiaxiality factor (proposed in this paper), modified Smith-Watson-Topper, and Fatemi-Socie-Kurath. At von Mises equivalent strain ranges (the torsional strain range divided by the square root of 3, taking the Poisson's ratio to be 0.5), torsionally strained specimens lasted, on average, factors of 2 to 3 times longer than axially strained specimens. The modified multiaxiality factor approach shows promise as a useful method of estimating torsional fatigue life from axial fatigue data at high temperatures. Several difficulties arose with the specimen geometry and extensometry used in these experiments. Cracking at extensometer probe indentations was a problem at smaller strain ranges. Also, as the largest axial and torsional strain range fatigue tests neared completion, a small amount of specimen buckling was observed.

Differentiation of Microbial Species and Strains in Coculture Biofilms by Multivariate Analysis of Laser Desorption Postionization Mass Spectra

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

University of Illinois at Chicago; Montana State University; Bhardwaj, Chhavi

2013-04-01

7.87 to 10.5 eV vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photon energies were used in laser desorption postionization mass spectrometry (LDPI-MS) to analyze biofilms comprised of binary cultures of interacting microorganisms. The effect of photon energy was examined using both tunable synchrotron and laser sources of VUV radiation. Principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to the MS data to differentiate species in Escherichia coli-Saccharomyces cerevisiae coculture biofilms. PCA of LDPI-MS also differentiated individual E. coli strains in a biofilm comprised of two interacting gene deletion strains, even though these strains differed from the wild type K-12 strain by no more than four genemore » deletions each out of approximately 2000 genes. PCA treatment of 7.87 eV LDPI-MS data separated the E. coli strains into three distinct groups two ?pure? groups and a mixed region. Furthermore, the ?pure? regions of the E. coli cocultures showed greater variance by PCA when analyzed by 7.87 eV photon energies than by 10.5 eV radiation. Comparison of the 7.87 and 10.5 eV data is consistent with the expectation that the lower photon energy selects a subset of low ionization energy analytes while 10.5 eV is more inclusive, detecting a wider range of analytes. These two VUV photon energies therefore give different spreads via PCA and their respective use in LDPI-MS constitute an additional experimental parameter to differentiate strains and species.« less

Mechanism of fast lattice diffusion of hydrogen in palladium: Interplay of quantum fluctuations and lattice strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimizuka, Hajime; Ogata, Shigenobu; Shiga, Motoyuki

2018-01-01

Understanding the underlying mechanism of the nanostructure-mediated high diffusivity of H in Pd is of recent scientific interest and also crucial for industrial applications. Here, we present a decisive scenario explaining the emergence of the fast lattice-diffusion mode of interstitial H in face-centered cubic Pd, based on the quantum mechanical natures of both electrons and nuclei under finite strains. Ab initio path-integral molecular dynamics was applied to predict the temperature- and strain-dependent free energy profiles for H migration in Pd over a temperature range of 150-600 K and under hydrostatic tensile strains of 0.0%-2.4%; such strain conditions are likely to occur in real systems, especially around the elastic fields induced by nanostructured defects. The simulated results revealed that, for preferential H location at octahedral sites, as in unstrained Pd, the activation barrier for H migration (Q ) was drastically increased with decreasing temperature owing to nuclear quantum effects. In contrast, as tetrahedral sites increased in stability with lattice expansion, nuclear quantum effects became less prominent and ceased impeding H migration. This implies that the nature of the diffusion mechanism gradually changes from quantum- to classical-like as the strain is increased. For H atoms in Pd at the hydrostatic strain of ˜2.4 % , we determined that the mechanism promoted fast lattice diffusion (Q =0.11 eV) of approximately 20 times the rate of conventional H diffusion (Q =0.23 eV) in unstrained Pd at a room temperature of 300 K.

Studies of plant colonisation by closely related Bacillus amyloliquefaciens biocontrol agents using strain specific quantitative PCR assays.

PubMed

Johansson, Anna H; Bejai, Sarosh; Niazi, Adnan; Manzoor, Shahid; Bongcam-Rudloff, Erik; Meijer, Johan

2014-12-01

Certain strains of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens can colonize plants and improve growth and stress management. In order to study these effects, bacterial growth dynamics on plants and in the rhizosphere are of interest calling for specific analytical tools. For that purpose, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays were developed in order to differentiate among three closely related B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum strains (UCMB5033, UCMB5036, UCMB5113) and to determine their levels with high accuracy. Oligonucleotide primers were designed for strain unique gene sequences and used for SYBR green based qPCR analysis. Standard curves covered a wide linear range (10(6)) of DNA amounts with the lowest detection level at 50 fg. Post-reaction melting curve analysis showed only a single product. Accurate threshold cycles were obtained, even in the presence of high excess of related Bacillus strains and total bacterial DNA from soil. Analysis of Bacillus colonisation after seed treatment of two oilseed rape cultivars (Oase and Ritz) grown on agar support showed a time dependent effect but that the bacteria mostly were found on root tissues and little on green tissues. The colonisation on plants grown in soil varied among the Bacillus strains where Oase seemed to house more bacteria than Ritz. Applied as a mixture, all three Bacillus strains co-existed on the roots of plants grown in soil. The qPCR assay in combination with other techniques will be a powerful tool to study plant interactions of these B. amyloliquefaciens biocontrol agents to further understand the requirements for successful interactions and improvement of plant properties.

Comparative biomechanical evaluation of a pin-sleeve transfixation system in cadaveric calf metacarpal bones.

PubMed

Brianza, Stefano; Vogel, Susan; Rothstock, Stephan; Thalhauser, Martin; Desrochers, Andrè; Boure, Ludovic

2013-01-01

To compare proximal fragment displacement and the peri-implant strain using a pin-sleeve cast (PSC) system and a transfixation pin cast (TPC) system on a cadaveric calf metacarpal bone fracture model. Experimental. Cadaveric calf metacarpal bones (n = 6 pairs). Paired samples were instrumented with either the TPC or the PSC systems. Strain gauges were applied proximal to the transfixation implants and the bones encased in cast material. The distal part of the construct was removed to mimic an unstable distal comminuted fracture. Constructs were fixed to the material testing machine and initially loaded in axial compression in their elastic range to determine construct stiffness. Constructs were loaded cyclically with a sinusoidal curve that increased until failure. Variables compared statistically between constructs were the initial construct stiffness and, at given load points, the mean metacarpal axial displacement in loading and unloading condition and mean axial strain. Initial construct mean ± SD axial stiffness was not significantly different between constructs (PSC: 689 ± 258; TPC: 879 ± 306 N/mm). There was no significant difference between either investigated displacements of metacarpal bones transfixed with PSC and those transfixed with TPC at all load points. The PSC constructs had a significant decrease in the recorded mean strain (502 ± 340 μstrain) compared to the TPC construct (1738 ± 2218 μstrain). The PSC significantly reduced peri-implant strain with comparable axial displacement to the TPC in cadaveric calf metacarpal bones. © Copyright 2012 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Morphogenesis and Biomechanics of Engineered Skin Cultured Under Uniaxial Strain.

PubMed

Blackstone, Britani N; Powell, Heather M

2012-04-01

Split-thickness autograft is the standard wound treatment for full-thickness burns. In large burns, sparse availability of uninjured skin prevents rapid closure of the wound, resulting in increased scar tissue formation or mortality. Tissue-engineered skin (ES) offers promise when autografts are not available. ES, constructed from a polymeric scaffold and skin cells, has been shown to reduce donor site area required to permanently close wounds, mortality, and morbidity from scarring but cannot restore all skin functions. Current generations of ES are orders of magnitude weaker than normal human skin, leading to difficulty in surgical application, greater susceptibility to mechanical damage during fabrication and application, and less elasticity and strength once engrafted. Previous studies to improve ES biomechanics focus on altering the scaffolding material, which resulted in modest improvements but often inhibited proper skin development. As the skin is naturally under static strain, adding these mechanical cues to the culture environment is hypothesized to improve ES biomechanics. ES was cultured under applied static strains ranging from 0% to 40% strain for a total of 10 days. Strain magnitudes of 10% and 20% strain resulted in significantly stronger ES than unstrained controls, showed upregulation of many genes encoding structural extracellular matrix proteins, and exhibited increased epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation. Enhanced biomechanical properties of ES can allow for facile surgical application and less damage during dressing changes. These findings suggest that mechanical cues play a significant role in skin development and should be further explored.

Stretch-rate relationships for turbulent premixed combustion LES subgrid models measured using temporally resolved diagnostics

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

Steinberg, Adam M.; Driscoll, James F.

2010-07-15

Temporally resolved measurements of turbulence-flame interaction were used to experimentally determine relationships for the strain-rate and curvature stretch-rate exerted on a premixed flame surface. These relationships include a series of transfer functions that are analogous to, but not equal to, stretch-efficiency functions. The measurements were obtained by applying high-repetition-rate particle image velocimetry in a turbulent slot Bunsen flame and were able to resolve the range of turbulent scales that cause flame surface straining and wrinkling. Fluid control masses were tracked in a Lagrangian manner as they interacted with the flame surface. From each interaction, the spatially and temporally filtered subgridmore » strain-rate and curvature stretch-rate were measured. By analyzing the statistics of thousands of turbulence-flame interactions, relationships for the strain-rate and curvature stretch-rate were determined that are appropriate for Large Eddy Simulation. It was found that the strain-rate exerted on the flame during these interactions was better correlated with the strength of the subgrid fluid-dynamic strain-rate field than with previously used characteristic strain-rates. Furthermore, stretch-efficiency functions developed from simplified vortex-flame interactions significantly over-predict the measurements. Hence, the proposed relationship relates the strain-rate on the flame to the filtered subgrid fluid-dynamic strain-rate field during real turbulence-flame interactions using an empirically determined Strain-Rate Transfer function. It was found that the curvature stretch-rate did not locally balance the strain-rate as has been proposed in previous models. A geometric relationship was found to exist between the subgrid flame surface wrinkling factor and subgrid curvature stretch-rate, which could be expressed using an empirically determined wrinkling factor transfer function. Curve fits to the measured relationships are provided that could be implemented in numerical simulations of turbulent premixed combustion. (author)« less

Strain distribution in the lumbar vertebrae under different loading configurations.

PubMed

Cristofolini, Luca; Brandolini, Nicola; Danesi, Valentina; Juszczyk, Mateusz M; Erani, Paolo; Viceconti, Marco

2013-10-01

The stress/strain distribution in the human vertebrae has seldom been measured, and only for a limited number of loading scenarios, at few locations on the bone surface. This in vitro study aimed at measuring how strain varies on the surface of the lumbar vertebral body and how such strain pattern depends on the loading conditions. Eight cadaveric specimens were instrumented with eight triaxial strain gauges each to measure the magnitude and direction of principal strains in the vertebral body. Each vertebra was tested in a three adjacent vertebrae segment fashion. The loading configurations included a compressive force aligned with the vertebral body but also tilted (15°) in each direction in the frontal and sagittal planes, a traction force, and torsion (both directions). Each loading configuration was tested six times on each specimen. The strain magnitude varied significantly between strain measurement locations. The strain distribution varied significantly when different loading conditions were applied (compression vs. torsion vs. traction). The strain distribution when the compressive force was tilted by 15° was also significantly different from the axial compression. Strains were minimal when the compressive force was applied coaxial with the vertebral body, compared with all other loading configurations. Also, strain was significantly more uniform for the axial compression, compared with all other loading configurations. Principal strains were aligned within 19° to the axis of the vertebral body for axial-compression and axial-traction. Conversely, when the applied force was tilted by 15°, the direction of principal strain varied by a much larger angle (15° to 28°). This is the first time, to our knowledge, that the strain distribution in the vertebral body is measured for such a variety of loading configurations and a large number of strain sensors. The present findings suggest that the structure of the vertebral body is optimized to sustain compressive forces, whereas even a small tilt angle makes the vertebral structure work under suboptimal conditions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spin-valve giant magneto-resistance film with magnetostrictive FeSiB amorphous layer and its application to strain sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashimoto, Y.; Yamamoto, N.; Kato, T.; Oshima, D.; Iwata, S.

2018-03-01

Giant magneto-resistance (GMR) spin-valve films with an FeSiB/CoFeB free layer were fabricated to detect applied strain in a GMR device. The magnetostriction constant of FeSiB was experimentally determined to have 32 ppm, which was one order of magnitude larger than that of CoFeB. In order to detect the strain sensitively and robustly against magnetic field fluctuation, the magnetic field modulation technique was applied to the GMR device. It was confirmed that the output voltage of the GMR device depends on the strain, and the gauge factor K = 46 was obtained by adjusting the applied DC field intensity and direction. We carried out the simulation based on a macro-spin model assuming uniaxial anisotropy, interlayer coupling between the free and pin layers, strain-induced anisotropy, and Zeeman energy, and succeeded in reproducing the experimental results. The simulation predicts that improving the magnetic properties of GMR films, especially reducing interlayer coupling, will be effective for increasing the output, i.e., the gauge factor, of the GMR strain sensors.

Production and Assessment of Damaged High Energy Propellant Samples,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-08

and (c) -69.8% ...... 14 3 Longitudinal Velocity one hour after Compressing Versus Applied Engineering Compressive Strain for Propellant Samples...LONGITUDINAL VELOCITY ONE HOUR AFTER COMPRESSING VERSUS APPLIED ENGINEERING COMPRESSIVE STRAIN FOR PROPELLANT SAMPLES (NOMINAL 40 mm DIA x 13 mm HIGH

Effects of anisotropy and irradiation on the deformation behavior of Zircaloy 2. Final report

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

Pelloux, R.M.; Ballinger, R.; Lucas, G.

1979-01-01

An experimental program investigated the effects of texture anisotropy and irradiation on the mechanical behavior of Zircaloy-2. Short time and time dependent mechanical behavior were considered. Irradiation effects were simulated through the use of 4.75 MeV protons. The temperature ranges investigated were 298/sup 0/K and 573 to 673/sup 0/K. Both cold worked-stress relieved and annealed material were used in this experimental program. Short time yield behavior of different crystallographic textures was determined by uniaxial and plane strain tests in the temperature range 298/sup 0/K and 573 to 673/sup 0/K. Monotonic flow loci were constructed for each texture. Yield behavior ismore » a strong function of the crystallographic texture number f at all temperatures investigated. The rotation of texture with increasing plastic strain was investigated as a function of initial texture at 298/sup 0/K and 623/sup 0/K. The rate of texture rotation df/epsilon/sub p/ was found to be a unique function of the initial texture for plastic strains less than 0.08. Time dependent mechanical behavior was investigated in the range 573 to 673/sup 0/K using constant load creep and stress relaxation tests. The tensile creep strength is proportional to the resolved fraction of basal poles in the test direction. In variable stress and temperature tests, the time-hardening rule was found to be inapplicable. The strain-hardening rule was applied with success to data obtained at temperatures less than or equal to 648/sup 0/K. Irradiation creep tests were conducted in vacuum at 598/sup 0/K and 102 to 241 MPa on 80..mu..m thick Zircaloy-2 foil specimens in both the recrystallized and cold worked-stress relieved condition. In the irradiation creep tests irradiation hardening and enhanced irradiation creep were observed. Radiation hardening effects were significant in annealed material but were attenuated in cold worked-stress relieved material.« less

Fast growth phenotype of E. coli K-12 from adaptive laboratory evolution does not require intracellular flux rewiring.

PubMed

Long, Christopher P; Gonzalez, Jacqueline E; Feist, Adam M; Palsson, Bernhard O; Antoniewicz, Maciek R

2017-11-01

Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a widely-used method for improving the fitness of microorganisms in selected environmental conditions. It has been applied previously to Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 during aerobic exponential growth on glucose minimal media, a frequently used model organism and growth condition, to probe the limits of E. coli growth rate and gain insights into fast growth phenotypes. Previous studies have described up to 1.6-fold increases in growth rate following ALE, and have identified key causal genetic mutations and changes in transcriptional patterns. Here, we report for the first time intracellular metabolic fluxes for six such adaptively evolved strains, as determined by high-resolution 13 C-metabolic flux analysis. Interestingly, we found that intracellular metabolic pathway usage changed very little following adaptive evolution. Instead, at the level of central carbon metabolism the faster growth was facilitated by proportional increases in glucose uptake and all intracellular rates. Of the six evolved strains studied here, only one strain showed a small degree of flux rewiring, and this was also the strain with unique genetic mutations. A comparison of fluxes with two other wild-type (unevolved) E. coli strains, BW25113 and BL21, showed that inter-strain differences are greater than differences between the parental and evolved strains. Principal component analysis highlighted that nearly all flux differences (95%) between the nine strains were captured by only two principal components. The distance between measured and flux balance analysis predicted fluxes was also investigated. It suggested a relatively wide range of similar stoichiometric optima, which opens new questions about the path-dependency of adaptive evolution. Copyright © 2017 International Metabolic Engineering Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fast growth phenotype of E. coli K-12 from adaptive laboratory evolution does not require intracellular flux rewiring

PubMed Central

Long, Christopher P.; Gonzalez, Jacqueline E.; Feist, Adam M.; Palsson, Bernhard O.; Antoniewicz, Maciek R.

2018-01-01

Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a widely-used method for improving the fitness of microorganisms in selected environmental conditions. It has been applied previously to Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 during aerobic exponential growth on glucose minimal media, a frequently used model organism and growth condition, to probe the limits of E. coli growth rate and gain insights into fast growth phenotypes. Previous studies have described up to 1.6-fold increases in growth rate following ALE, and have identified key causal genetic mutations and changes in transcriptional patterns. Here, we report for the first time intracellular metabolic fluxes for six such adaptively evolved strains, as determined by high-resolution 13C-metabolic flux analysis. Interestingly, we found that intracellular metabolic pathway usage changed very little following adaptive evolution. Instead, at the level of central carbon metabolism the faster growth was facilitated by proportional increases in glucose uptake and all intracellular rates. Of the six evolved strains studied here, only one strain showed a small degree of flux rewiring, and this was also the strain with unique genetic mutations. A comparison of fluxes with two other wild-type (unevolved) E. coli strains, BW25113 and BL21, showed that inter-strain differences are greater than differences between the parental and evolved strains. Principal component analysis highlighted that nearly all flux differences (95%) between the nine strains were captured by only two principal components. The distance between measured and flux balance analysis predicted fluxes was also investigated. It suggested a relatively wide range of similar stoichiometric optima, which opens new questions about the path-dependency of adaptive evolution. PMID:28951266

Uniaxial strain on graphene: Raman spectroscopy study and band-gap opening.

PubMed

Ni, Zhen Hua; Yu, Ting; Lu, Yun Hao; Wang, Ying Ying; Feng, Yuan Ping; Shen, Ze Xiang

2008-11-25

Graphene was deposited on a transparent and flexible substrate, and tensile strain up to approximately 0.8% was loaded by stretching the substrate in one direction. Raman spectra of strained graphene show significant red shifts of 2D and G band (-27.8 and -14.2 cm(-1) per 1% strain, respectively) because of the elongation of the carbon-carbon bonds. This indicates that uniaxial strain has been successfully applied on graphene. We also proposed that, by applying uniaxial strain on graphene, tunable band gap at K point can be realized. First-principle calculations predicted a band-gap opening of approximately 300 meV for graphene under 1% uniaxial tensile strain. The strained graphene provides an alternative way to experimentally tune the band gap of graphene, which would be more efficient and more controllable than other methods that are used to open the band gap in graphene. Moreover, our results suggest that the flexible substrate is ready for such a strain process, and Raman spectroscopy can be used as an ultrasensitive method to determine the strain.

Numerical simulation and analysis for low-frequency rock physics measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Chunhui; Tang, Genyang; Wang, Shangxu; He, Yanxiao

2017-10-01

In recent years, several experimental methods have been introduced to measure the elastic parameters of rocks in the relatively low-frequency range, such as differential acoustic resonance spectroscopy (DARS) and stress-strain measurement. It is necessary to verify the validity and feasibility of the applied measurement method and to quantify the sources and levels of measurement error. Relying solely on the laboratory measurements, however, we cannot evaluate the complete wavefield variation in the apparatus. Numerical simulations of elastic wave propagation, on the other hand, are used to model the wavefield distribution and physical processes in the measurement systems, and to verify the measurement theory and analyze the measurement results. In this paper we provide a numerical simulation method to investigate the acoustic waveform response of the DARS system and the quasi-static responses of the stress-strain system, both of which use axisymmetric apparatus. We applied this method to parameterize the properties of the rock samples, the sample locations and the sensor (hydrophone and strain gauges) locations and simulate the measurement results, i.e. resonance frequencies and axial and radial strains on the sample surface, from the modeled wavefield following the physical experiments. Rock physical parameters were estimated by inversion or direct processing of these data, and showed a perfect match with the true values, thus verifying the validity of the experimental measurements. Error analysis was also conducted for the DARS system with 18 numerical samples, and the sources and levels of error are discussed. In particular, we propose an inversion method for estimating both density and compressibility of these samples. The modeled results also showed fairly good agreement with the real experiment results, justifying the effectiveness and feasibility of our modeling method.

Fracture simulation of elastomer blended polypropylene based on elastoviscoplastic constitutive equation with craze and tensile softening law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mae, H.

2006-08-01

The strong strain-rate dependence, neck propagation and craze evolution characterize the large plastic deformation and fracture behavior of polymer. In the latest study, Kobayashi, Tomii and Shizawa suggested the elastoviscoplastic constitutive equation based on craze evolution and annihilation and then applied it to the plane strain issue of polymer. In the previous study, the author applied their suggested elastoviscoplastic constitutive equation with craze effect to the three dimensional shell and then showed that the load displacement history was in good agreement with the experimental result including only microscopic crack such as crazes. For the future industrial applications, the macroscopic crack has to be taken into account. Thus, the main objective of this study is to propose the tensile softening equation and then add it to the elastoviscoplastic constitutive equation with craze effect so that the load displacement history can be roughly simulated during the macroscopic crack propagation. The tested material in this study is the elastomer blended polypropylene used in the interior and exterior of automobiles. First, the material properties are obtained based on the tensile test results at wide range of strain rates: 10 - 4-102 (1/sec). Next, the compact tension test is conducted and then the tensile softening parameters are fixed. Then, the dart impact test is carried out in order to obtain the load displacement history and also observe the macroscopic crack propagation at high strain rate. Finally, the fracture behavior is simulated and then compared with the experimental results. It is shown that the predictions of the constitutive equation with the proposed tensile softening equation are in good agreement with the experimental results for the future industrial applications.

DEFORMATION PROCESSES IN MATERIALS. Final Report

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

Washburn, J.; Parker, E.R.; Tinder, R.F.

1962-08-01

It was found that irreversible plastic deformation occurs in polycrystaliine specimens of zinc, copper and its dilute alloys, and aluminum at room temperature, beginning at stresses indetectably above zero applied stress. Neither Frank-Read source generation nor simple bowing of dislocations between fixed nodes can explain the irreversible plastic behavior observed at small stresses in the metals studied. More extensive rearrangements of the dislocation substructure that probably involve glide of nodes and formation of new nodes seem to be required. Prestrained specimens of copper and its dilute alloys often exhibited bursts of plastic deformation which could possibly be due to cooperativemore » rearrangement of the dislocation substructure in one or a few grains. The introduction, by particle bombardment, of new lengths of dislocations into the gage section surface of specimens of copper and its dilute alloys produced extensive irreversible plastic flow beginning at stresses indetectably above zero applied stress. The effect of prestraln on the shape of the loading and unloading curves for zinc shows that dislocation rearrangements that cause forward and reverse strain can occur simultaneously. The net strain rate can be the algebraic sum of the strain recovery rate and the forward creep rate. The present quantitative theories of the Peierls-Nabarro stress are insufficient to permit an estimate of its magnitude from the results of this investigation. In dilute copper alloys containing up to 0.1 at.% impurity, there were many dislocations in the grown-in networks that were not locked by segregation of the foreign atoms. The study of creep behavior over a range of temperatures and at the same strain sensitivity used in these experiments combined with dislocation etch pit observations of dislocation substructure appears to be a particularly fruitful field for further investigation. (auth)« less

Added clinical value of applying myocardial deformation imaging to assess right ventricular function.

PubMed

Sokalskis, Vladislavs; Peluso, Diletta; Jagodzinski, Annika; Sinning, Christoph

2017-06-01

Right heart dysfunction has been found to be a strong prognostic factor predicting adverse outcome in various cardiopulmonary diseases. Conventional echocardiographic measurements can be limited by geometrical assumptions and impaired reproducibility. Speckle tracking-derived strain provides a robust quantification of right ventricular function. It explicitly evaluates myocardial deformation, as opposed to tissue Doppler-derived strain, which is computed from tissue velocity gradients. Right ventricular longitudinal strain provides a sensitive tool for detecting right ventricular dysfunction, even at subclinical levels. Moreover, the longitudinal strain can be applied for prognostic stratification of patients with pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and congestive heart failure. Speckle tracking-derived right atrial strain, right ventricular longitudinal strain-derived mechanical dyssynchrony, and three-dimensional echocardiography-derived strain are emerging imaging parameters and methods. Their application in research is paving the way for their clinical use. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The strain-rate sensitivity of high-strength high-toughness steels.

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

Dilmore, M.F.; Crenshaw, Thomas B.; Boyce, Brad Lee

2006-01-01

The present study examines the strain-rate sensitivity of four high strength, high-toughness alloys at strain rates ranging from 0.0002 s-1 to 200 s-1: Aermet 100, a modified 4340, modified HP9-4-20, and a recently developed Eglin AFB steel alloy, ES-1c. A refined dynamic servohydraulic method was used to perform tensile tests over this entire range. Each of these alloys exhibit only modest strain-rate sensitivity. Specifically, the strain-rate sensitivity exponent m, is found to be in the range of 0.004-0.007 depending on the alloy. This corresponds to a {approx}10% increase in the yield strength over the 7-orders of magnitude change in strain-rate.more » Interestingly, while three of the alloys showed a concominant {approx}3-10% drop in their ductility with increasing strain-rate, the ES1-c alloy actually exhibited a 25% increase in ductility with increasing strain-rate. Fractography suggests the possibility that at higher strain-rates ES-1c evolves towards a more ductile dimple fracture mode associated with microvoid coalescence.« less

Effect of the determination method of the material parameters on the accuracy of the hole expansion simulation for cold rolled steel sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, Hayato; Hakoyama, Tomoyuki; Kuwabara, Toshihiko

2017-10-01

Hole expansion forming of a cold rolled steel sheet is investigated both experimentally and analytically to clarify the effects of material models on the predictive accuracy of finite element analyses (FEA). The multiaxial plastic deformation behavior of a cold rolled steel sheet with a thickness of 1.2 mm was measured using a servo-controlled multiaxial tube expansion testing machine for the range of strain from initial yield to fracture. Tubular specimens were fabricated from the sheet sample by roller bending and laser welding. Many linear stress paths in the first quadrant of stress space were applied to the tubular specimens to measure the contours of plastic work in stress space up to a reference plastic strain of 0.24 along with the directions of plastic strain rates. The anisotropic parameters and exponent of the Yld2000-2d yield function (Barlat et al., 2003) were optimized to approximate the contours of plastic work and the directions of plastic strain rates. The hole expansion forming simulations were performed using the different model identifications based on the Yld2000-2d yield function. It is concluded that the yield function best capturing both the plastic work contours and the directions of plastic strain rates leads to the most accurate predicted FEA.

X-ray line profile analysis of BaTiO3 thin film prepared by sol-gel deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ooi, Zeen Vee; Saif, Ala'eddin A.; Wahab, Yufridin; Jamal, Zul Azhar Zahid

2017-04-01

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) thin film was prepared using sol-gel method and spun-coated on SiO2/Si substrate. The phase and crystallinity of the synthesized film were identified using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), which scanned at the range of 20° to 60°. The phase and lattice parameters of the fabricated film were extracted from the recorded XRD patterns using lattice geometry equations. The crystallite size and lattice strain were determined using X-ray line profile analysis (XLPA) with various approaches. The Scherrer equation was applied to the perovskite peaks of the film to explore the size contribution on the peak broadening. Meanwhile, the Williamson-Hall and size-strain plot (SSP) methods were used to review two main independent contributions, i.e. crystallite sizes and lattice strain, on the X-ray line broadening. From the analysis, it is found that Scherrer method gives smallest crystallite size value by ignoring the strain-induced broadening effect. On the other hand, Williamson-Hall and SSP graphs revealed the existence of the lattice strain within the film, which contributes to the broadening in the Bragg peak. The results that analyzed via both techniques show a linear trend with all data points fitted. However, result obtained from SSP method gives better settlement due to the best fit of the data.

Use of simulated experiments for material characterization of brittle materials subjected to high strain rate dynamic tension

PubMed Central

Saletti, Dominique

2017-01-01

Rapid progress in ultra-high-speed imaging has allowed material properties to be studied at high strain rates by applying full-field measurements and inverse identification methods. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of these techniques still requires a better understanding, since various extrinsic factors present during an actual experiment make it difficult to separate different sources of errors that can significantly affect the quality of the identified results. This study presents a methodology using simulated experiments to investigate the accuracy of the so-called spalling technique (used to study tensile properties of concrete subjected to high strain rates) by numerically simulating the entire identification process. The experimental technique uses the virtual fields method and the grid method. The methodology consists of reproducing the recording process of an ultra-high-speed camera by generating sequences of synthetically deformed images of a sample surface, which are then analysed using the standard tools. The investigation of the uncertainty of the identified parameters, such as Young's modulus along with the stress–strain constitutive response, is addressed by introducing the most significant user-dependent parameters (i.e. acquisition speed, camera dynamic range, grid sampling, blurring), proving that the used technique can be an effective tool for error investigation. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Experimental testing and modelling of brittle materials at high strain rates’. PMID:27956505

A novel method for visualising and quantifying through-plane skin layer deformations.

PubMed

Gerhardt, L-C; Schmidt, J; Sanz-Herrera, J A; Baaijens, F P T; Ansari, T; Peters, G W M; Oomens, C W J

2012-10-01

Skin is a multilayer composite and exhibits highly non-linear, viscoelastic, anisotropic material properties. In many consumer product and medical applications (e.g. during shaving, needle insertion, patient re-positioning), large tissue displacements and deformations are involved; consequently large local strains in the skin tissue can occur. Here, we present a novel imaging-based method to study skin deformations and the mechanics of interacting skin layers of full-thickness skin. Shear experiments and real-time video recording were combined with digital image correlation and strain field analysis to visualise and quantify skin layer deformations during dynamic mechanical testing. A global shear strain of 10% was applied to airbrush-patterned porcine skin (thickness: 1.2-1.6mm) using a rotational rheometer. The recordings were analysed with ARAMIS image correlation software, and local skin displacement, strain and stiffness profiles through the skin layers determined. The results of this pilot study revealed inhomogeneous skin deformation, characterised by a gradual transition from a low (2.0-5.0%; epidermis) to high (10-22%; dermis) shear strain regime. Shear moduli ranged from 20 to 130kPa. The herein presented method will be used for more extended studies on viable human skin, and is considered a valuable foundation for further development of constitutive models which can be used in advanced finite element analyses of skin. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reducing exposure to pathogens in the horse: a preliminary study into the survival of bacteria on a range of equine bedding types.

PubMed

Yarnell, K; Le Bon, M; Turton, N; Savova, M; McGlennon, A; Forsythe, S

2017-01-01

To compare the rate of growth of four microbial strains that cause disease in the horse, on four commonly used types of bedding. The moisture-holding capacity of each bedding type was also tested. Microbial strains included Streptococcus equi, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Dichelobacter nodosus and Dermatophilus congolensis. The bedding types tested were Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine shavings), Pinus nigra (Corsican pine shavings), Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce shavings), Cannabis sativa (hemp) and chopped wheat straw. A suspension of each microbial strain was spread in triplicate on agar media and incubated in its optimal growth conditions. The viable count (colony-forming unit per ml) was determined for each bacterial strain for the five different bedding types. Pinus sylvestris bedding resulted in significantly less (P = 0·001) bacterial growth of all strains tested. Factors resulting in the inhibition of bacterial growth include the antibacterial effects reported in the Pinacea family and the physical properties of the bedding substrate. Research is currently focussed on the diagnosis and management of disease. Prevention of disease is also important for matters of biosecurity. Strategies should include the provision of a hygienic environment and the use of specific types of bedding. Bedding choice has implications for global equine health and disease prevention as well as potential benefits in other animal species. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Effect of varying fixture width on stress and strain distribution associated with an implant stack system.

PubMed

Mahon, J M; Norling, B K; Phoenix, R D

2000-01-01

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the dissipation of a force applied to an assembled stack of implant components. The stack consisted of a 10-mm threaded implant, a screw-retained abutment and a screw-retained gold crown. The dissipation of force was analyzed in relation to varying the implant diameter with and without a concomitant change in abutment diameter. Two experimental groups were evaluated. The first group consisted of 25 titanium screw-form implants (Implant Innovations, Inc.). These implants measured 10 mm in length and 3.25 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm, and 6.0 mm in diameter. The second group included 15 titanium screw-form implants (Nobel Biocare, Inc.) measuring 10 mm in length and 3.75 mm, 4.0 mm, and 5.0 mm in diameter. All implants were embedded in standardized photoelastic resin blocks. Points of interest were marked on each block using standardized templates to ensure consistency. Implants were restored using system-specific conical abutments and standardized single-unit restorations. A strain gauge was affixed to each abutment, and an eccentric load of 176 N was applied to the restoration. Periimplant stresses were measured using photoelastic analysis. Abutment strain was determined using an electronic strain indicator. Data were collated and compared using ANOVA and the Duncan multiple range statistical tests. When stress was analyzed at points on the resin-implant interface or a fixed distance from the interface, stress tended to decrease from the 5-mm-wide implant to the 6-mm-wide implant. Stress in relation to the 3.25-mm, 3.75-mm, and 4.0-mm implant was not as well defined, indicating the possibility that some deformation of implants was occurring. Increased abutment width resulted in decreased abutment strain. Therefore, using a wider abutment may be helpful in preventing preload reduction in clinical applications. This may reduce the incidence of loosening and fracture of abutment and restoration screws.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase of Bacillus strain for Measuring Alcohol Electrochemically

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iswantini, D.; Nurhidayat, N.; Ferit, H.

2017-03-01

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was applied to produce alcohol biosensor. The enzyme was collected from cultured Bacillus sp. in solid media. From 6 tested isolates, bacteria from fermented rice grain (TST.A) showed the highest oxidation current which was further applied as the bioreceptor. Various ethanol concentrations was measured based on the increase of maximum oxidation current value. However, a reduction value was happened when the ethanol concentration was higher than 5%. Comparing the result of spectrophotometry measurement, R2 value obtained from the biosensor measurement method was higher. The new proposed method resulted a wider detection range, from 0.1-5% of ethanol concentration. The result showed that biosensor method has big potency to be used as alcohol detector in foods or bevearages.

First principles study of the electronic properties and band gap modulation of two-dimensional phosphorene monolayer: Effect of strain engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phuc, Huynh V.; Hieu, Nguyen N.; Ilyasov, Victor V.; Phuong, Le T. T.; Nguyen, Chuong V.

2018-06-01

The effect of strain on the structural and electronic properties of monolayer phosphorene is studied by using first-principle calculations based on the density functional theory. The intra- and inter-bond length and bond angle for monolayer phosphorene is also evaluated. The intra- and inter-bond length and the bond angle for phosphorene show an opposite tendency under different directions of the applied strain. At the equilibrium state, monolayer phosphorene is a semiconductor with a direct band gap at the Γ-point of 0.91 eV. A direct-indirect band gap transition is found in monolayer phosphorene when both the compression and tensile strain are simultaneously applied along both zigzag and armchair directions. Under the applied compression strain, a semiconductor-metal transition for monolayer phosphorene is observed at -13% and -10% along armchair and zigzag direction, respectively. The direct-indirect and phase transition will largely constrain application of monolayer phosphorene to electronic and optical devices.

Cultivation of a highly enriched ammonia-oxidizing archaeon of thaumarchaeotal group I.1b from an agricultural soil.

PubMed

Kim, Jong-Geol; Jung, Man-Young; Park, Soo-Je; Rijpstra, W Irene C; Sinninghe Damsté, Jaap S; Madsen, Eugene L; Min, Deullae; Kim, Jin-Seog; Kim, Geun-Joong; Rhee, Sung-Keun

2012-06-01

Nitrification of excess ammonia in soil causes eutrophication of water resources and emission of atmospheric N(2) O gas. The first step of nitrification, ammonia oxidation, is mediated by Archaea as well as Bacteria. The physiological reactions mediated by ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and their contribution to soil nitrification are still unclear. Results of non-culture-based studies have shown the thaumarchaeotal group I.1b lineage of AOA to be dominant over both AOA of group I.1a and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in various soils. We obtained from an agricultural soil a highly enriched ammonia-oxidizing culture dominated by a single archaeal population [c. 90% of total cells, as determined microscopically (by fluorescence in situ hybridization) and by quantitative PCR of its 16S rRNA gene]. The archaeon (termed 'strain JG1') fell within thaumarchaeotal group I.1b and was related to the moderately thermophilic archaeon, Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis, and the mesophilic archaeon, Ca. Nitrososphaera viennensis with 97.0% and 99.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity respectively. Strain JG1 was neutrophilic (growth range pH 6.0-8.0) and mesophilic (growth range temperature 25-40°C). The optimum temperature of strain JG1 (35-40°C) is > 10°C higher than that of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Membrane analysis showed that strain JG1 contained a glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether, GDGT-4, and its regioisomer as major core lipids; this crenarchaeol regioisomer was previously detected in similar abundance in the thermophile, Ca. N. gargensis and has been frequently observed in tropical soils. Substrate uptake assays showed that the affinity of strain JG1 for ammonia and oxygen was much higher than those of AOB. These traits may give a competitive advantage to AOA related to strain JG1 in oligotrophic environments. (13) C-bicarbonate incorporation into archaeal lipids of strain JG1 established its ability to grow autotrophically. Strain JG1 produced a significant amount of N(2) O gas - implicating AOA as a possible source of N(2) O emission from soils. Sequences of archaeal amoA and 16S rRNA genes closely related to those of strain JG1 have been retrieved from various terrestrial environments in which lineage of strain JG1 is likely engaged in autotrophic nitrification. © 2012 Society for Applied Microbiology and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Dynamical properties of the brain tissue under oscillatory shear stresses at large strain range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudjema, F.; Khelidj, B.; Lounis, M.

2017-01-01

In this experimental work, we study the viscoelastic behaviour of in vitro brain tissue, particularly the white matter, under oscillatory shear strain. The selective vulnerability of this tissue is the anisotropic mechanical properties of theirs different regions lead to a sensitivity to the angular shear rate and magnitude of strain. For this aim, shear storage modulus (G‧) and loss modulus (G″) were measured over a range of frequencies (1 to 100 Hz), for different levels of strain (1 %, to 50 %). The mechanical responses of the brain matter samples showed a viscoelastic behaviour that depend on the correlated strain level and frequency range and old age sample. The samples have been showed evolution behaviour by increasing then decreasing the strain level. Also, the stiffness anisotropy of brain matter was showed between regions and species.

Continuum model of tensile fracture of metal melts and its application to a problem of high-current electron irradiation of metals

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

Mayer, Alexander E., E-mail: mayer@csu.ru, E-mail: mayer.al.evg@gmail.com; Mayer, Polina N.

2015-07-21

A continuum model of the metal melt fracture is formulated on the basis of the continuum mechanics and theory of metastable liquid. A character of temperature and strain rate dependences of the tensile strength that is predicted by the continuum model is verified, and parameters of the model are fitted with the use of the results of the molecular dynamics simulations for ultra-high strain rates (≥1–10/ns). A comparison with experimental data from literature is also presented for Al and Ni melts. Using the continuum model, the dynamic tensile strength of initially uniform melts of Al, Cu, Ni, Fe, Ti, andmore » Pb within a wide range of strain rates (from 1–10/ms to 100/ns) and temperatures (from melting temperature up to 70–80% of critical temperature) is calculated. The model is applied to numerical investigation of a problem of the high-current electron irradiation of Al, Cu, and Fe targets.« less

The effects of elastocapillary length on the surface creasing instability of hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouchi, Tetsu; Liu, Qihan; Suo, Zhigang; Hayward, Ryan

Creasing is a mode of surface instability induced by compressing elastomers or gels. Formation of creases is known to proceed by a nucleation and growth process, and the critical nucleus size is thought to be determined by the elastocapillary length (defined by the ratio of surface tension to elastic modulus). Here, we vary the elastocapillary length over the range of 0.008 to 0.4 mm by preparing a series of soft hydrogels with different compositions and contacting them with humidified air. By rapidly applying compression, we are able to achieve strains that exceed the Maxwell strain (where creases become favorable compared to a flat surface) by more than 0.10, and which approach Biot's prediction for linear instability of a compressed half-space. Regardless of the conditions, however, we observe formation of creases only by nucleation and growth, although the density of nucleation sites is found to be sensitive to elastocapillary length. Interestingly, fast propagation of creases (at velocities similar to the speed of sound in the material) are found at strains approaching Biot's point.

Validation and application of HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the quantification of RBBR decolorization, a model for highly toxic molecules, using several fungi strains.

PubMed

Perlatti, Bruno; da Silva, Maria Fátima das Graças Fernandes; Fernandes, João Batista; Forim, Moacir Rossi

2012-11-01

A novel analytical method using HPLC-MS/MS operating in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) for evaluation of fungi efficacy to decolorize Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye solution was developed, validated and applied. The method shows high sensibility allowing the detection of 4.6 pM of RBBR. Four fungal strains were tested in liquid medium, three strains of Aspergillus (Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus) and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. All fungi were able to degrade the dye, with efficiencies ranging from 40% for P. chrysosporium up to 99% for A. flavus during a 30-day incubation period. During the experiment, increased accumulation of degradation products was observed in A. flavus cultures containing RBBR. Through the use of full scan HPLC-MS technique it was possible to propose the biogenesis of the microbial metabolic degradation pathway. Screening using microorganisms and RBBR may be hereafter used to investigate microbial biodegradation of high toxicity molecules such as dioxins. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of clary sage oil on staphylococci responsible for wound infections

PubMed Central

Głowacka, Anna; Poznańska-Kurowska, Katarzyna; Kaszuba, Andrzej; Urbaniak, Anna; Kowalczyk, Edward

2015-01-01

Introduction The spreading of bacterial antibiotic resistance among clinical strains of pathogenic bacteria has made investigators to search for other active antibacterial agents which could provide a valuable complement to the existing therapies. Aim To determine the antibacterial activity of clary sage oil (Salvia sclarea L.) against Staphylococcus clinical strains which were isolated from patients with wound infections. Material and methods A comprehensive evaluation of Staphylococcus clinical strain resistance to antibiotics was performed. The constituents of clary sage oil were assayed by GC-FID-MS analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested essential oil against staphylococci by the micro-dilution broth method was determined. Results The clary sage oil was active against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and S. xylosus with MIC values ranging from 3.75 to 7.00 µl/ml. Conclusions The results of the in vitro tests encourage to use formulations containing sage oil as the active natural antimicrobial agent. Because of its antimicrobial properties clary sage oil may be applied to treat wounds and skin infections. PMID:25821423

In vivo facet joint loading of the canine lumbar spine.

PubMed

Buttermann, G R; Schendel, M J; Kahmann, R D; Lewis, J L; Bradford, D S

1992-01-01

This study describes a technique to measure in vivo loads and the resultant load-contact locations in the facet joint of the canine lumbar spine. The technique is a modification of a previously described in vitro method that used calibrated surface strains of the lateral aspect of the right L3 cranial articular process. In the present study, strains were measured during various in vivo static and dynamic activities 3 days after strain gage implantation. The in vivo recording technique and its errors, which depend on the location of the applied facet loads, is described. The results of applying the technique to five dogs gave the following results. Relative resultant contact load locations on the facet tended to be in the central and caudal portion of the facet in extension activities, central and cranial in standing, and cranial and ventral in flexion or right-turning activities. Right-turning contact locations were ventral and cranial to left-turning locations. Resultant load locations at peak loading during walking were in the central region of the facet, whereas resultant load locations at minimum loading during walking were relatively craniad. This resultant load-contact location during a walk gait cycle typically migrated in an arc with a displacement of 4 mm from minimum to maximum loading. Static tests resulted in a range of facet loads of 0 N in flexion and lying to 185 N for two-legged standing erect, and stand resulted in facet loads of 26 +/- 15 N (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]). Dynamic tests resulted in peak facet loads ranging from 55 N while walking erect to 170 N for climbing up stairs. Maximum walk facet loads were 107 +/- 27 N. The technique is applicable to in vivo studies of a canine facet joint osteoarthritis model and may be useful for establishing an understanding of the biomechanics of low-back pain.

Strain manipulation of Majorana fermions in graphene armchair nanoribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhen-Hua; Castro, Eduardo V.; Lin, Hai-Qing

2018-01-01

Graphene nanoribbons with armchair edges are studied for externally enhanced but realistic parameter values: enhanced Rashba spin-orbit coupling due to proximity to a transition-metal dichalcogenide, such as WS2, and enhanced Zeeman field due to exchange coupling with a magnetic insulator, such as EuS under an applied magnetic field. The presence of s -wave superconductivity, induced either by proximity or by decoration with alkali-metal atoms, such as Ca or Li, leads to a topological superconducting phase with Majorana end modes. The topological phase is highly sensitive to the application of uniaxial strain with a transition to the trivial state above a critical strain well below 0.1%. This sensitivity allows for real-space manipulation of Majorana fermions by applying nonuniform strain profiles. Similar manipulation is also possible by applying an inhomogeneous Zeeman field or chemical potential.

Electric-field and strain-tunable electronic properties of MoS2/h-BN/graphene vertical heterostructures.

PubMed

Zan, Wenyan; Geng, Wei; Liu, Huanxiang; Yao, Xiaojun

2016-01-28

Vertical heterostructures of MoS2/h-BN/graphene have been successfully fabricated in recent experiments. Using first-principles analysis, we show that the structural and electronic properties of such vertical heterostructures are sensitive to applied vertical electric fields and strain. The applied electric field not only enhances the interlayer coupling but also linearly controls the charge transfer between graphene and MoS2 layers, leading to a tunable doping in graphene and controllable Schottky barrier height. Applied biaxial strain could weaken the interlayer coupling and results in a slight shift of graphene's Dirac point with respect to the Fermi level. It is of practical importance that the tunable electronic properties by strain and electric fields are immune to the presence of sulfur vacancies, the most common defect in MoS2.

Optical fiber strain sensor with improved linearity range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egalon, Claudio Oliveira (Inventor); Rogowski, Robert S. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A strain sensor is constructed from a two mode optical fiber. When the optical fiber is surface mounted in a straight line and the object to which the optical fiber is mounted is subjected to strain within a predetermined range, the light intensity of any point at the output of the optical fiber will have a linear relationship to strain, provided the intermodal phase difference is less than 0.17 radians.

Strain engineering of graphene nanoribbons: pseudomagnetic versus external magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabhakar, Sanjay; Melnik, Roderick; Bonilla, Luis

2017-05-01

Bandgap opening due to strain engineering is a key architect for making graphene's optoelectronic, straintronic, and spintronic devices. We study the bandgap opening due to strain induced ripple waves and investigate the interplay between pseudomagnetic fields and externally applied magnetic fields on the band structures and spin relaxation in graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). We show that electron-hole bands of GNRs are highly influenced (i.e. level crossing of the bands are possible) by coupling two combined effects: pseudomagnetic fields (PMF) originating from strain tensor and external magnetic fields. In particular, we show that the tuning of the spin-splitting band extends to large externally applied magnetic fields with increasing values of pseudomagnetic fields. Level crossings of the bands in strained GNRs can also be observed due to the interplay between pseudomagnetic fields and externally applied magnetic fields. We also investigate the influence of this interplay on the electromagnetic field mediated spin relaxation mechanism in GNRs. In particular, we show that the spin hot spot can be observed at approximately B = 65 T (the externally applied magnetic field) and B0 = 53 T (the magnitude of induced pseudomagnetic field due to ripple waves) which may not be considered as an ideal location for the design of straintronic devices. Our analysis might be used for tuning the bandgaps in strained GNRs and utilized to design the optoelectronic devices for straintronic applications.

Isolation and characterization of Bacillus subtilis strain BY-3, a thermophilic and efficient cellulase-producing bacterium on untreated plant biomass.

PubMed

Meng, F; Ma, L; Ji, S; Yang, W; Cao, B

2014-09-01

Bioconversion of biomass, particularly crop wastes, into biofuels is being developed as an alternative approach in meeting the high energy demand. In this study, a thermophilic bacterial strain BY-3 that exhibits cellulolytic potential was isolated from faecal samples of Tibetan pigs; this strain was identified as Bacillus subtilis. The strain can produce cellulase when grown on various substrates, including carboxymethyl cellulose, rice straw, corn stover, soluble starch and wheat bran. The maximum cellulase activity of the strain was up to 4·323 ± 0·065 U ml(-1) when cultivated in the medium containing corn stover (30 g l(-1) ) for 24 h. The results demonstrated that corn stover is the most suitable substrate for cellulase production by the strain BY-3. The crude cellulase of strain BY-3 was most active at pH 5·5 and 60°C, and the enzyme in acetate buffer (50 mmol l(-1) ) demonstrated a good stability at 60°C for at least 1 h. The crude cellulase exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The strain can be used in cost-efficient cellulase production for bioconversion of agricultural residual biomass into biofuels. The increased consumption of fossil fuels has caused serious energy crisis and environmental problem. Thus, an alternative energy source is necessary. Bioconversion of biomass, particularly agricultural residuals, into value-added bioproducts, such as biofuels and chemical solvents, has received considerable attention. In this study, the newly isolated thermophilic Bacillus subtilis strain BY-3 produces cellulase efficiently with the use of untreated corn stover as a sole carbon source. This strain possesses the thermostable cellulase that is active with diverse crop wastes with a broad pH range and is a highly promising candidate for agricultural waste management. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Constitutive model for porous materials

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

Weston, A.M.; Lee, E.L.

1982-01-01

A simple pressure versus porosity compaction model is developed to calculate the response of granular porous bed materials to shock impact. The model provides a scheme for calculating compaction behavior when relatively limited material data are available. While the model was developed to study porous explosives and propellants, it has been applied to a much wider range of materials. The early development of porous material models, such as that of Hermann, required empirical dynamic compaction data. Erkman and Edwards successfully applied the early theory to unreacted porous high explosives using a Gruneisen equation of state without yield behavior and withoutmore » trapped gas in the pores. Butcher included viscoelastic rate dependance in pore collapse. The theoretical treatment of Carroll and Holt is centered on the collapse of a circular pore and includes radial inertia terms and a complex set of stress, strain and strain rate constitutive parameters. Unfortunately data required for these parameters are generally not available. The model described here is also centered on the collapse of a circular pore, but utilizes a simpler elastic-plastic static equilibrium pore collapse mechanism without strain rate dependence, or radial inertia terms. It does include trapped gas inside the pore, a solid material flow stress that creates both a yield point and a variation in solid material pressure with radius. The solid is described by a Mie-Gruneisen type EOS. Comparisons show that this model will accurately estimate major mechanical features which have been observed in compaction experiments.« less

Control wafer bow of InGaP on 200 mm Si by strain engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bing; Bao, Shuyu; Made, Riko I.; Lee, Kwang Hong; Wang, Cong; Eng Kian Lee, Kenneth; Fitzgerald, Eugene A.; Michel, Jurgen

2017-12-01

When epitaxially growing III-V compound semiconductors on Si substrates the mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) between III-V and Si causes stress and wafer bow. The wafer bow is deleterious for some wafer-scale processing especially when the wafer size is large. Strain engineering was applied in the epitaxy of InGaP films on 200 mm silicon wafers having high quality germanium buffers. By applying compressive strain in the InGaP films to compensate the tensile strain induced by CTE mismatch, wafer bow was decreased from about 100 μm to less than 50 μm. X-ray diffraction studies show a clear trend between the decrease of wafer bow and the compensation of CTE mismatch induced tensile strain in the InGaP layers. In addition, the anisotropic strain relaxation in InGaP films resulted in anisotropic wafer bow along two perpendicular (110) directions. Etch pit density and plane-view transmission electron microscopy characterizations indicate that threading dislocation densities did not change significantly due to the lattice-mismatch applied in the InGaP films. This study shows that strain engineering is an effective method to control wafer bow when growing III-V semiconductors on large size Si substrates.

A spectral dynamic stiffness method for free vibration analysis of plane elastodynamic problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Banerjee, J. R.

2017-03-01

A highly efficient and accurate analytical spectral dynamic stiffness (SDS) method for modal analysis of plane elastodynamic problems based on both plane stress and plane strain assumptions is presented in this paper. First, the general solution satisfying the governing differential equation exactly is derived by applying two types of one-dimensional modified Fourier series. Then the SDS matrix for an element is formulated symbolically using the general solution. The SDS matrices are assembled directly in a similar way to that of the finite element method, demonstrating the method's capability to model complex structures. Any arbitrary boundary conditions are represented accurately in the form of the modified Fourier series. The Wittrick-Williams algorithm is then used as the solution technique where the mode count problem (J0) of a fully-clamped element is resolved. The proposed method gives highly accurate solutions with remarkable computational efficiency, covering low, medium and high frequency ranges. The method is applied to both plane stress and plane strain problems with simple as well as complex geometries. All results from the theory in this paper are accurate up to the last figures quoted to serve as benchmarks.

Fabric strain sensor integrated with CNPECs for repeated large deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Weijing

Flexible and soft strain sensors that can be used in smart textiles for wearable applications are much desired. They should meet the requirements of low modulus, large working range and good fatigue resistance as well as good sensing performances. However, there were no commercial products available and the objective of the thesis is to investigate fabric strain sensors based on carbon nanoparticle (CNP) filled elastomer composites (CNPECs) for potential wearing applications. Conductive CNPECs were fabricated and investigated. The introduction of silicone oil (SO) significantly decreased modulus of the composites to less than 1 MPa without affecting their deformability and they showed good stability after heat treatment. With increase of CNP concentration, a percolation appeared in electrical resistivity and the composites can be divided into three ranges. I-V curves and impedance spectra together with electro-mechanical studies demonstrated a balance between sensitivity and working range for the composites with CNP concentrations in post percolation range, and were preferred for sensing applications only if the fatigue life was improved. Due to the good elasticity and failure resist property of knitted fabric under repeated extension, it was adopted as substrate to increase the fatigue life of the conductive composites. After optimization of processing parameters, the conductive fabric with CNP concentration of 9.0CNP showed linear I-V curves when voltage is in the range of -1 V/mm and 1 V/mm and negligible capacitive behavior when frequency below 103 Hz even with strain of 60%. It showed higher sensitivity due to the combination of nonlinear resistance-strain behavior of the CNPECs and non-even strain distribution of knitted fabric under extension. The fatigue life of the conductive fabric was greatly improved. Extended on the studies of CNPECs and the coated conductive fabrics, a fabric strain sensor was designed, fabricated and packaged. The Young's modulus of the packaged fabric strain sensor was less than 1 MPa; the strain gauge factor was 4.76 within the strain range of 0-40% and the hysteresis was 5.5%; the resistance relaxation was 5.56% with a constant strain of 40%; the fatigue life of the sensor was more than 100,000 cycles.

A new method for measuring mechanical properties of laryngeal mucosa.

PubMed

Hemler, R J; Wieneke, G H; van Riel, A M; Lebacq, J; Dejonckere, P H

2001-03-01

A study of the effect of exogenous hazardous agents or conditions on the mechanical characteristics of vocal fold mucosa should meet three methodological criteria. 1) The outer surface of the mucosa should be exposed to the agent or condition while the inner surface is exposed to a physiological environment. 2) Even slight changes in mechanical characteristics should be detected. 3) The applied strain should be within physiological ranges. To date, no such method has been described in the literature. A method meeting the listed criteria is proposed and evaluated here.

Comparative assessment of intrinsic mechanical stimuli on knee cartilage and compressed agarose constructs.

PubMed

Completo, A; Bandeiras, C; Fonseca, F

2017-06-01

A well-established cue for improving the properties of tissue-engineered cartilage is mechanical stimulation. However, the explicit ranges of mechanical stimuli that correspond to favorable metabolic outcomes are elusive. Usually, these outcomes have only been associated with the applied strain and frequency, an oversimplification that can hide the fundamental relationship between the intrinsic mechanical stimuli and the metabolic outcomes. This highlights two important key issues: the firstly is related to the evaluation of the intrinsic mechanical stimuli of native cartilage; the second, assuming that the intrinsic mechanical stimuli will be important, deals with the ability to replicate them on the tissue-engineered constructs. This study quantifies and compares the volume of cartilage and agarose subjected to a given magnitude range of each intrinsic mechanical stimulus, through a numerical simulation of a patient-specific knee model coupled with experimental data of contact during the stance phase of gait, and agarose constructs under direct-dynamic compression. The results suggest that direct compression loading needs to be parameterized with time-dependence during the initial culture period in order to better reproduce each one of the intrinsic mechanical stimuli developed in the patient-specific cartilage. A loading regime which combines time periods of low compressive strain (5%) and frequency (0.5Hz), in order to approach the maximal principal strain and fluid velocity stimulus of the patient-specific cartilage, with time periods of high compressive strain (20%) and frequency (3Hz), in order to approach the pore pressure values, may be advantageous relatively to a single loading regime throughout the full culture period. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Suitability of a new mixed-strain starter for manufacturing uncooked raw ewe's milk cheeses.

PubMed

Feutry, Fabienne; Torre, Paloma; Arana, Ines; Garcia, Susana; Pérez Elortondo, Francisco J; Berthier, Françoise

2016-06-01

Most raw milk Ossau-Iraty cheeses are currently manufactured on-farm using the same commercial streptococcal-lactococcal starter (S1). One way to enhance the microbial diversity that gives raw milk its advantages for cheese-making is to formulate new starters combining diverse, characterized strains. A new starter (OI) combining 6 raw milk strains of lactococci, recently isolated and characterized, was tested in parallel with the current starter by making 12 Ossau-Iraty raw milk cheeses at 3 farmhouses under the conditions prevailing at each farm. Compliance of the sensory characteristics with those expected by the Ossau-Iraty professionals, physicochemical parameters and coliforms were quantified at key manufacturing steps. The new starter OI gave cheeses having proper compliance but having lower compliance than the S1 cheeses under most manufacturing conditions, while managing coliform levels equally well as starter S1. This lower compliance relied more on the absence of Streptococcus thermophilus in starter OI, than on the nature of the lactoccocal strains present in starter OI. The study also shows that variations in 5 technological parameters during the first day of manufacture, within the range of values applied in the 3 farmhouses, are powerful tools for diversifying the scores for the sensory characteristics investigated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Limited genetic diversity among Sarcocystis neurona strains infecting southern sea otters precludes distinction between marine and terrestrial isolates

PubMed Central

Wendte, J.M.; Miller, M.A.; Nandra, A.K.; Peat, S.M.; Crosbie, P.R.; Conrad, P.A.; Grigg, M.E.

2010-01-01

Sarcocystis neurona is an apicomplexan parasite identified as a cause of fatal neurological disease in the threatened southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). In an effort to characterize virulent S. neurona strains circulating in the marine ecosystem, this study developed a range of markers relevant for molecular genotyping. Highly conserved sequences within the 18S ribosomal gene array, the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (RPOb) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (CO1) were assessed for their ability to distinguish isolates at the genus and species level. For within-species comparisons, five surface antigens (SnSAG1-SnSAG5) and one high resolution microsatellite marker (Sn9) were developed as genotyping markers to evaluate intra-strain diversity. Molecular analysis at multiple loci revealed insufficient genetic diversity to distinguish terrestrial isolates from strains infecting marine mammals. Furthermore, SnSAG specific primers applied against DNA from the closely related species, Sarcocystis falcatula, lead to the discovery of highly similar orthologs to SnSAG2, 3, and 4, calling into question the specificity of diagnostic tests based on these antigens. The results of this study suggest a population genetic structure for S. neurona similar to that reported for the related parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, dominated by a limited number of successful genotypes. PMID:20071081

The Considere Condition and Rapid Stretching of Linear and Branched Polymer Melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKinley, Gareth H.; Hassager, Ole

1999-01-01

We analyze the onset of "necking" and subsequent filament failure during the transient uniaxial elongation of viscoelastic fluid samples in extensional rheometers. In the limit of rapid elongation (such that no molecular relaxation occurs), the external work applied is all stored elastically and the Considere criterion originally developed in solid mechanics can be used to quantitatively predict the critical Hencky strain to failure. By comparing the predictions of the Doi-Edwards model for linear homopolymer melts with those of the "Pom-Pom" model for prototypical branched melts we show that the critical strain to failure in rapid elongation of a rubbery material is intimately linked to the molecular topology of the chain, especially the degree of chain branching. The onset of necking instability is monotonically shifted to larger Hencky strains as the number of branches is increased. Numerical computations at finite Deborah numbers also show that there is an optimal range of deformation rates over which homogeneous extensions can be maintained to large strain. We also consider other rapid homogeneous stretching deformations, such as biaxial and planar stretching, and show that the degree of stabilization afforded by inclusion of material with long-chain branching is a sensitive function of the imposed mode of deformation.

Pronounced low-frequency vibrational thermal transport in C60 fullerite realized through pressure-dependent molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri, Ashutosh; Hopkins, Patrick E.

2017-12-01

Fullerene condensed-matter solids can possess thermal conductivities below their minimum glassy limit while theorized to be stiffer than diamond when crystallized under pressure. These seemingly disparate extremes in thermal and mechanical properties raise questions into the pressure dependence on the thermal conductivity of C60 fullerite crystals, and how the spectral contributions to vibrational thermal conductivity changes under applied pressure. To answer these questions, we investigate the effect of strain on the thermal conductivity of C60 fullerite crystals via pressure-dependent molecular dynamics simulations under the Green-Kubo formalism. We show that the thermal conductivity increases rapidly with compressive strain, which demonstrates a power-law relationship similar to their stress-strain relationship for the C60 crystals. Calculations of the density of states for the crystals under compressive strains reveal that the librational modes characteristic in the unstrained case are diminished due to densification of the molecular crystal. Over a large compression range (0-20 GPa), the Leibfried-Schlömann equation is shown to adequately describe the pressure dependence of thermal conductivity, suggesting that low-frequency intermolecular vibrations dictate heat flow in the C60 crystals. A spectral decomposition of the thermal conductivity supports this hypothesis.

Microstructure study of a severely plastically deformed Mg-Zn-Y alloy by application of low angle annular dark field diffraction contrast imaging.

PubMed

Basha, Dudekula Althaf; Rosalie, Julian M; Somekawa, Hidetoshi; Miyawaki, Takashi; Singh, Alok; Tsuchiya, Koichi

2016-01-01

Microstructural investigation of extremely strained samples, such as severely plastically deformed (SPD) materials, by using conventional transmission electron microscopy techniques is very challenging due to strong image contrast resulting from the high defect density. In this study, low angle annular dark field (LAADF) imaging mode of scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) has been applied to study the microstructure of a Mg-3Zn-0.5Y (at%) alloy processed by high pressure torsion (HPT). LAADF imaging advantages for observation of twinning, grain fragmentation, nucleation of recrystallized grains and precipitation on second phase particles in the alloy processed by HPT are highlighted. By using STEM-LAADF imaging with a range of incident angles, various microstructural features have been imaged, such as nanoscale subgrain structure and recrystallization nucleation even from the thicker region of the highly strained matrix. It is shown that nucleation of recrystallized grains starts at a strain level of revolution [Formula: see text] (earlier than detected by conventional bright field imaging). Occurrence of recrystallization of grains by nucleating heterogeneously on quasicrystalline particles is also confirmed. Minimizing all strain effects by LAADF imaging facilitated grain size measurement of [Formula: see text] nm in fully recrystallized HPT specimen after [Formula: see text].

Cell Surface Display of MerR on Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Biosorption of Mercury.

PubMed

Wei, Qinguo; Yan, Jiakuo; Chen, Yao; Zhang, Lei; Wu, Xiaoyang; Shang, Shuai; Ma, Shisheng; Xia, Tian; Xue, Shuyu; Zhang, Honghai

2018-01-01

The metalloregulatory protein MerR which plays important roles in mer operon system exhibits high affinity and selectivity toward mercury (II) (Hg 2+ ). In order to improve the adsorption ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Hg 2+ , MerR was displayed on the surface of S. cerevisiae for the first time with an α-agglutinin-based display system in this study. The merR gene was synthesized after being optimized and added restriction endonuclease sites EcoR I and Mlu I. The display of MerR was indirectly confirmed by the enhanced adsorption ability of S. cerevisiae for Hg 2+ and colony PCR. The hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry was applied to measure the Hg 2+ content in water. The engineered yeast strain not only showed higher tolerance to Hg, but also their adsorption ability was much higher than that of origin and control strains. The engineered yeast could adsorb Hg 2+ under a wide range of pH levels, and it could also adsorb Hg 2+ effectively with Cd 2+ and Cu 2+ coexistence. Furthermore, the engineered yeast strain could adsorb ultra-trace Hg 2+ effectively. The results above showed that the surface-engineered yeast strain could adsorb Hg 2+ under complex environmental conditions and could be used for the biosorption and bioremediation of environmental Hg contaminants.

Improved detection of Candida sp. fks hot spot mutants by using the method of the CLSI M27-A3 document with the addition of bovine serum albumin.

PubMed

Garcia-Effron, Guillermo; Park, Steven; Perlin, David S

2011-05-01

Echinocandins are highly bound to serum proteins, altering their antifungal properties. The addition of 50% human serum to the MIC assay improves the identification of echinocandin-resistant Candida spp. harboring fks hot spot mutations. However, this modification cannot readily be applied to the method of the CLSI M27-A3 document due to safety and standardization difficulties. The aim of this study was to evaluate commercial bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a safe and standardized alternative to human serum. A collection of 28 echinocandin-susceptible strains, 10 Candida parapsilosis sensu lato strains (with naturally reduced echinocandin susceptibility), and 40 FKS hot spot mutants was used in this work. When RPMI 1640 was used for susceptibility testing, wild-type strains and fks mutants showed MIC range overlaps (-2, -1, and -3 2-fold-dilution steps separated these populations for anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin, respectively). On the other hand, the addition of BSA to RPMI 1640 differentially increased echinocandin MIC values for these groups of strains, allowing better separation between populations, with no MIC range overlaps for any of the echinocandin drugs tested. Moreover, the use of RPMI-BSA reduced the number of fks hot spot mutant isolates for which MIC values were less than or equal to the upper limit for the wild type (very major errors) from 9, 2, and 7 with RPMI alone to 3, 0, and 3 for anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin, respectively. When RPMI-BSA was used to study the susceptibility of C. parapsilosis sensu lato species to echinocandins, the strains behaved as anidulafungin- and micafungin-resistant isolates (MIC, ≥8 μg/ml). These data support the need for a revision of the CLSI protocol for in vitro testing of echinocandin susceptibility in order to identify all or most of the fks hot spot mutants. Also, caspofungin could be used as a surrogate marker of reduced susceptibility to echinocandins.

A Geodetic Strain Rate Model for the Pacific-North American Plate Boundary, western United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kreemer, C.; Hammond, W. C.; Blewitt, G.; Holland, A. A.; Bennett, R. A.

2012-04-01

We present a model of crustal strain rates derived from GPS measurements of horizontal station velocities in the Pacific-North American plate boundary in the western United States. The model reflects a best estimate of present-day deformation from the San Andreas fault system in the west to the Basin and Range province in the east. Of the total 2,846 GPS velocities used in the model, 1,197 are derived by ourselves, and 1,649 are taken from (mostly) published results. The velocities derived by ourselves (the "UNR solution") are estimated from GPS position time-series of continuous and semi-continuous stations for which data are publicly available. We estimated ITRF2005 positions from 2002-2011.5 using JPL's GIPSY-OASIS II software with ambiguity resolution applied using our custom Ambizap software. Only stations with time-series that span at least 2.25 years are considered. We removed from the time-series continental-scale common-mode errors using a spatially-varying filtering technique. Velocity uncertainties (typically 0.1-0.3 mm/yr) assume that the time-series contain flicker plus white noise. We used a subset of stations on the stable parts of the Pacific and North American plates to estimate the Pacific-North American pole of rotation. This pole is applied as a boundary condition to the model and the North American - ITRF2005 pole is used to rotate our velocities into a North America fixed reference frame. We do not include parts of the time-series that show curvature due to post-seismic deformation after major earthquakes and we also exclude stations whose time-series display a significant unexplained non-linearity or that are near volcanic centers. Transient effects longer than the observation period (i.e., slow viscoelastic relaxation) are left in the data. We added to the UNR solution velocities from 12 other studies. The velocities are transformed onto the UNR solution's reference frame by estimating and applying a translation and rotation that minimizes the velocities at collocated stations. We removed obvious outliers and velocities in areas that we identified to undergo subsidence likely due to excessive water pumping. For the strain rate calculations we excluded GPS stations with anomalous vertical motion or annual horizontal periodicity, which are indicators of local site instability. First, we used the stations from the UNR solution to create a Delaunay triangulation and estimated the horizontal strain rate components (and rigid body rotation) for each triangle in a linear least-squares inversion using the horizontal velocities as input. Some level of spatial damping was applied to minimize unnecessary spatial variation in the model parameters. The strain rates estimates were then used as a priori strain rate variances in a method that fits continuous bi-cubic Bessel spline functions through the velocity gradient field while minimizing the weighted misfit to all velocities. A minimal level of spatial smoothing of the variances was applied. The strain rate tensor model is shown by contours of the second invariant of the tensor, which is a measure of the amplitude that is coordinate frame independent. We also show a map of the tensor style and of the signal-to-noise ratio of the model.

Load cell having strain gauges of arbitrary location

DOEpatents

Spletzer, Barry [Albuquerque, NM

2007-03-13

A load cell utilizes a plurality of strain gauges mounted upon the load cell body such that there are six independent load-strain relations. Load is determined by applying the inverse of a load-strain sensitivity matrix to a measured strain vector. The sensitivity matrix is determined by performing a multivariate regression technique on a set of known loads correlated to the resulting strains. Temperature compensation is achieved by configuring the strain gauges as co-located orthogonal pairs.

Creep strain and creep-life prediction for alloy 718 using the omega method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeom, Jong-Taek; Kim, Jong-Yup; Na, Young-Sang; Park, Nho-Kwang

2003-12-01

The creep behavior of Alloy 718 was investigated in relation to the MPCs omega (Ω) method. To evaluate the creep model and determine material parameters, constant load creep tests were performed at different initial stresses in a temperature range between 550°C and 700°C. The imaginary initial strain rate ɛ limits^. _0 and omega (Ω), considered to be important variables in the model, were expressed as a function of initial stress and temperature. For these variables, power-law and hyperbolic sine-law equations were used as constitutive equations for the creep of Alloy 718. To consider the effect of γ″ coarsening leading to a radical drop of tensile strength and creep strength at temperatures above 650°C, different material constants at the temperatures above 650°C were applied. The reliability of the models was investigated in relation to the creep curve and creep life.

A Quantitative Model of Motility Reveals Low-Dimensional Variation in Exploratory Behavior Across Multiple Nematode Species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helms, Stephen; Avery, Leon; Stephens, Greg; Shimizu, Tom

2014-03-01

Animal behavior emerges from many layers of biological organization--from molecular signaling pathways and neuronal networks to mechanical outputs of muscles. In principle, the large number of interconnected variables at each of these layers could imply dynamics that are complex and hard to control or even tinker with. Yet, for organisms to survive in a competitive, ever-changing environment, behavior must readily adapt. We applied quantitative modeling to identify important aspects of behavior in chromadorean nematodes ranging from the lab strain C. elegans N2 to wild strains and distant species. We revealed subtle yet important features such as speed control and heavy-tailed directional changes. We found that the parameters describing this behavioral model varied among individuals and across species in a correlated way that is consistent with a trade-off between exploratory and exploitative behavior.

Absolute-length determination of a long-baseline Fabry-Perot cavity by means of resonating modulation sidebands.

PubMed

Araya, A; Telada, S; Tochikubo, K; Taniguchi, S; Takahashi, R; Kawabe, K; Tatsumi, D; Yamazaki, T; Kawamura, S; Miyoki, S; Moriwaki, S; Musha, M; Nagano, S; Fujimoto, M K; Horikoshi, K; Mio, N; Naito, Y; Takamori, A; Yamamoto, K

1999-05-01

A new method has been demonstrated for absolute-length measurements of a long-baseline Fabry-Perot cavity by use of phase-modulated light. This method is based on determination of a free spectral range (FSR) of the cavity from the frequency difference between a carrier and phase-modulation sidebands, both of which resonate in the cavity. Sensitive response of the Fabry-Perot cavity near resonant frequencies ensures accurate determination of the FSR and thus of the absolute length of the cavity. This method was applied to a 300-m Fabry-Perot cavity of the TAMA gravitational wave detector that is being developed at the National Astronomical Observatory, Tokyo. With a modulation frequency of approximately 12 MHz, we successfully determined the absolute cavity length with resolution of 1 microm (3 x 10(-9) in strain) and observed local ground strain variations of 6 x 10(-8).

IC(B,T,STRAIN) Characterisation of a Nb3Sn Internal Tin Strand with Enhanced Specification for Use in Fusion Conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasztor, G.; Bruzzone, P.

2004-06-01

The dc performance of a recently produced internal tin route Nb3Sn strand with enhanced specification is studied extensively and compared with predecessor wires manufactured by the suppliers for the ITER Model Coils in 1996. The wire has been selected for use in a full size, developmental cable-in-conduit conductor sample, which is being tested in the SULTAN Test Facility. The critical current, Ic, and the index of the current/voltage characteristic, n, are measured over a broad range of field and temperature, using ITER standard sample holders, made of TiAlV grooved cylinders. The behavior of Ic versus applied tensile strain is also investigated at 4.2 K and 12 T, on straight specimens. Scaling law parameters are drawn from the fit of the experimental results. The implications of the test results to the design of the fusion conductors are discussed.

Biomarkers of Aspergillus spores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulc, Miroslav; Peslova, Katerina; Zabka, Martin; Hajduch, Marian; Havlicek, Vladimir

2009-02-01

We applied both matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometric and 1D sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic (1D-PAGE) approaches for direct analysis of intact fungal spores of twenty four Aspergillus species. In parallel, we optimized various protocols for protein extraction from Aspergillus spores using acidic conditions, step organic gradient and variable sonication treatment. The MALDI-TOF mass spectra obtained from optimally prepared samples provided a reproducible fingerprint demonstrating the capability of the MALDI-TOF approach to type and characterize different fungal strains within the Aspergillus genus. Mass spectra of intact fungal spores provided signals mostly below 20 kDa. The minimum material amount represented 0.3 [mu]g (10,000 spores). Proteins with higher molecular weight were detected by 1D-PAGEE Eleven proteins were identified from three selected strains in the range 5-25 kDa by the proteomic approach. Hemolysin and hydrophobin have the highest relevance in host-pathogen interactions.

Enhanced resistance of the Pamirs high-mountain strain of Cryptococcus albidus to UV radiation of an ecological range

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

Strakhovskaya, M.G.; Lavrukhina, O.G.; Fraikin, G.Y.

The results of a comparative analysis of the resistance of Pamirs high-mountain and lowland strains of the yeast Cryptococcus albidus to UV radiation of an ecological range are presented. A high-mountain strain, adapted to elevated UV radiation in its habitat, was found to be more resistant to UV light of a total ecorange (290-400 nm), including medium-wave (290-320 nm) and long-wave (320-400 nm) UV ranges. The enhanced UV light resistance of the high-mountain strain can be explained by efficient functioning of the excision DNA repair system. 7 refs., 3 tabs.

Insecticide Resistance in Eggs and First Instars of the Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).

PubMed

Campbell, Brittany E; Miller, Dini M

2015-01-15

Two strains of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., eggs and first instars collected from pyrethroid-resistant adults were evaluated for insecticide resistance and compared to a susceptible strain. Dose-response bioassays were conducted using two insecticide formulations (Temprid: imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin, and Transport: acetamiprid/ bifenthrin). The lethal concentration (LC50) for the two resistant egg strains exposed to imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin ranged from 3 to 5-fold higher than susceptible strain eggs. Resistant strain eggs dipped into formulations of acetamiprid/bifenthrin had LC50 values which were significantly greater (39 to 1,080-fold) than susceptible strain eggs. Similar to eggs, resistant strain first instars exposed to residual applications of imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin had LC50 values ranging from 121 to 493-fold greater than susceptible strain first instars. When resistant strain first instars were treated with acetamiprid/bifenthrin, they had LC50 values that were 99 to >1,900-fold greater than susceptible strain first instars. To determine differences between egg and first instar resistance, stage resistance ratios (SRR) were compared between the two stages. There was little difference between the egg and first instar stages, indicated by small SRR values ranging from 1.1 to 10.0. This study suggests that insecticide resistance is expressed early during bed bug development.

Insecticide Resistance in Eggs and First Instars of the Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

PubMed Central

Campbell, Brittany E.; Miller, Dini M.

2015-01-01

Two strains of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., eggs and first instars collected from pyrethroid-resistant adults were evaluated for insecticide resistance and compared to a susceptible strain. Dose-response bioassays were conducted using two insecticide formulations (Temprid: imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin, and Transport: acetamiprid/bifenthrin). The lethal concentration (LC50) for the two resistant egg strains exposed to imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin ranged from 3 to 5-fold higher than susceptible strain eggs. Resistant strain eggs dipped into formulations of acetamiprid/bifenthrin had LC50 values which were significantly greater (39 to 1,080-fold) than susceptible strain eggs. Similar to eggs, resistant strain first instars exposed to residual applications of imidacloprid/β-cyfluthrin had LC50 values ranging from 121 to 493-fold greater than susceptible strain first instars. When resistant strain first instars were treated with acetamiprid/bifenthrin, they had LC50 values that were 99 to >1,900-fold greater than susceptible strain first instars. To determine differences between egg and first instar resistance, stage resistance ratios (SRR) were compared between the two stages. There was little difference between the egg and first instar stages, indicated by small SRR values ranging from 1.1 to 10.0. This study suggests that insecticide resistance is expressed early during bed bug development. PMID:26463070

Deformation mechanisms of bent Si nanowires governed by the sign and magnitude of strain

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

Wang, Lihua, E-mail: wlh@bjut.edu.cn, E-mail: xdhan@bjut.edu.cn, E-mail: j.zou@uq.edu.au; Materials Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072; Kong, Deli

2016-04-11

In this study, the deformation mechanisms of bent Si nanowires are investigated at the atomic scale with bending strain up to 12.8%. The sign and magnitude of the applied strain are found to govern their deformation mechanisms, in which the dislocation types (full or partial dislocations) can be affected by the sign (tensile or compressive) and magnitude of the applied strain. In the early stages of bending, plastic deformation is controlled by 60° full dislocations. As the bending increases, Lomer dislocations can be frequently observed. When the strain increases to a significant level, 90° partial dislocations induced from the tensilemore » surfaces of the bent nanowires are observed. This study provides a deeper understanding of the effect of the sign and magnitude of the bending strain on the deformation mechanisms in bent Si nanowires.« less

Strain tunable magnetic properties of 3d transition-metal ion doped monolayer MoS2: A first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yupeng; Liang, Xiao; Qin, Jun; Deng, Longjiang; Bi, Lei

2018-05-01

In this article, a systematic study on the magnetic properties and strain tunability of 3d transition metal ions (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) doped MoS2 using first-principles calculations is performed. Antiferromagnetic coupling is observed between Mn, Fe ions and the nearest neighbor Mo ions; whereas ferromagnetic coupling is observed in Co and Ni systems. It is also shown that by applying biaxial tensile strain, a significant change of the magnetic moment is observed in all transition metal doped MoS2 materials with a strain threshold. The changes of total magnetic moment have different mechanisms for different doping systems including an abrupt change of the bond lengths, charge transfer and strain induced structural anisotropy. These results demonstrate applying strain as a promising method for tuning the magnetic properties in transition metal ion doped monolayer MoS2.

Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) for diagnosis of natural infection with canine distemper virus

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Canine distemper virus (CDV) is present worldwide and produces a lethal systemic infection of wild and domestic Canidae. Pre-existing antibodies acquired from vaccination or previous CDV infection might interfere the interpretation of a serologic diagnosis method. In addition, due to the high similarity of nucleic acid sequences between wild-type CDV and the new vaccine strain, current PCR derived methods cannot be applied for the definite confirmation of CD infection. Hence, it is worthy of developing a simple and rapid nucleotide-based assay for differentiation of wild-type CDV which is a cause of disease from attenuated CDVs after vaccination. High frequency variations have been found in the region spanning from the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the matrix (M) gene to the fusion (F) gene (designated M-F UTR) in a few CDV strains. To establish a differential diagnosis assay, an amplification refractory mutation analysis was established based on the highly variable region on M-F UTR and F regions. Results Sequences of frequent polymorphisms were found scattered throughout the M-F UTR region; the identity of nucleic acid between local strains and vaccine strains ranged from 82.5% to 93.8%. A track of AAA residue located 35 nucleotides downstream from F gene start codon highly conserved in three vaccine strains were replaced with TGC in the local strains; that severed as target sequences for deign of discrimination primers. The method established in the present study successfully differentiated seven Taiwanese CDV field isolates, all belonging to the Asia-1 lineage, from vaccine strains. Conclusions The method described herein would be useful for several clinical applications, such as confirmation of nature CDV infection, evaluation of vaccination status and verification of the circulating viral genotypes. PMID:20534175

Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) for diagnosis of natural infection with canine distemper virus.

PubMed

Chulakasian, Songkhla; Lee, Min-Shiuh; Wang, Chi-Young; Chiou, Shyan-Song; Lin, Kuan-Hsun; Lin, Fong-Yuan; Hsu, Tien-Huan; Wong, Min-Liang; Chang, Tien-Jye; Hsu, Wei-Li

2010-06-10

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is present worldwide and produces a lethal systemic infection of wild and domestic Canidae. Pre-existing antibodies acquired from vaccination or previous CDV infection might interfere the interpretation of a serologic diagnosis method. In addition, due to the high similarity of nucleic acid sequences between wild-type CDV and the new vaccine strain, current PCR derived methods cannot be applied for the definite confirmation of CD infection. Hence, it is worthy of developing a simple and rapid nucleotide-based assay for differentiation of wild-type CDV which is a cause of disease from attenuated CDVs after vaccination. High frequency variations have been found in the region spanning from the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the matrix (M) gene to the fusion (F) gene (designated M-F UTR) in a few CDV strains. To establish a differential diagnosis assay, an amplification refractory mutation analysis was established based on the highly variable region on M-F UTR and F regions. Sequences of frequent polymorphisms were found scattered throughout the M-F UTR region; the identity of nucleic acid between local strains and vaccine strains ranged from 82.5% to 93.8%. A track of AAA residue located 35 nucleotides downstream from F gene start codon highly conserved in three vaccine strains were replaced with TGC in the local strains; that severed as target sequences for deign of discrimination primers. The method established in the present study successfully differentiated seven Taiwanese CDV field isolates, all belonging to the Asia-1 lineage, from vaccine strains. The method described herein would be useful for several clinical applications, such as confirmation of nature CDV infection, evaluation of vaccination status and verification of the circulating viral genotypes.

Characterization and genetic variability of feed-borne and clinical animal/human Aspergillus fumigatus strains using molecular markers.

PubMed

Pena, Gabriela A; Coelho, Irene; Reynoso, María M; Soleiro, Carla; Cavaglieri, Lilia R

2015-09-01

Aspergillus fumigatus, the major etiological agent of human and animal aspergillosis, is a toxigenic fungus largely regarded as a single species by macroscopic and microscopic features. However, molecular studies have demonstrated that several morphologically identified A. fumigatus strains might be genetically distinct. This work was aimed to apply PCR-restriction length fragment polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers to characterize a set of feed-borne and clinical A. fumigatus sensu lato strains isolated from Argentina and Brazil and to determine and compare their genetic variability. All A. fumigatus strains had the same band profile and those typical of A. fumigatus sensu stricto positive controls by PCR-RFLP. Moreover, all Argentinian and Brazilian strains typified by RAPD showed similar band patterns to each other and to A. fumigatus sensu stricto reference strains regardless of their isolation source (animal feeds or human/animal clinical cases) and geographic origin. Genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 0.61 to 1.00, but almost all isolates showed 78% of genetic similarly suggesting that genetic variability was found at intraspecific level. Finally, benA sequencing confirmed its identification as A. fumigatus sensu stricto species. These results suggest that A. fumigatus sensu stricto is a predominant species into Aspergillus section Fumigati found in animal environments as well as in human/animal clinical cases, while other species may be rarely isolated. The strains involved in human and animal aspergillosis could come from the environment where this fungus is frequently found. Rural workers and animals would be constantly exposed. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Fatigue History and in-situ Loading Studies of the overload Effect Using High Resolution X-ray Strain Profiling

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

Croft,M.; Jisrawi, N.; Zhong, Z.

High-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments are used to perform local crack plane strain profiling of 4140 steel compact tension specimens fatigued at constant amplitude, subjected to a single overload cycle, then fatigued some more at constant amplitude. X-ray strain profiling results on a series of samples employing in-situ load cycling are correlated with the crack growth rate (da/dN) providing insight into the da/dN retardation known as the 'overload effect'. Immediately after the overload, the strain under maximum load is greatly reduced but the range of strain, between zero and maximum load, remains unchanged compared to the pre-overload values. At themore » point of maximum retardation, it is the strain range that is greatly reduced while the maximum-load strain has begun to recover to the pre-overload value. For a sample that has recovered to approximately half of the original da/dN value following the overload, the strain at maximum load is fully recovered while the strain range, though partially recovered, is still substantially reduced. The dominance of the strain range in the overload effect is clearly indicated. Subject to some assumptions, strong quantitative support for a crack growth rate driving force of the suggested form [(K{sub max}){sup -p}({Delta}K){sup p}]{sup {gamma}} is found. A dramatic nonlinear load dependence in the spatial distribution of the strain at maximum retardation is also demonstrated: at low load the response is dominantly at the overload position; whereas at high loads it is dominantly at the crack tip position. This transfer of load response away from the crack tip to the overload position appears fundamental to the overload effect for high R-ratio fatigue as studied here.« less

Shape Sensing Using a Multi-Core Optical Fiber Having an Arbitrary Initial Shape in the Presence of Extrinsic Forces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogge, Matthew D. (Inventor); Moore, Jason P. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Shape of a multi-core optical fiber is determined by positioning the fiber in an arbitrary initial shape and measuring strain over the fiber's length using strain sensors. A three-coordinate p-vector is defined for each core as a function of the distance of the corresponding cores from a center point of the fiber and a bending angle of the cores. The method includes calculating, via a controller, an applied strain value of the fiber using the p-vector and the measured strain for each core, and calculating strain due to bending as a function of the measured and the applied strain values. Additionally, an apparent local curvature vector is defined for each core as a function of the calculated strain due to bending. Curvature and bend direction are calculated using the apparent local curvature vector, and fiber shape is determined via the controller using the calculated curvature and bend direction.

EFFECT OF STRAIN FIELD ON THRESHOLD DISPLACEMENT ENERGY OF TUNGSTEN STUDIED BY MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION

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

Wang, D.; Gao, Ning; Setyawan, Wahyu

The influence of hydrostatic strain on point defect formation energy and threshold displacement energy (Ed) in body-centered cubic (BCC) tungsten was studied with molecular dynamics simulations. Two different tungsten potentials (Fikar and Juslin) were used. The minimum Ed direction calculated with the Fikar-potential was <100>, but with the Juslin-potential it was <111>. The most stable self-interstitial (SIA) configuration was a <111>-crowdion for both potentials. The stable SIA configuration did not change with applied strain. Varying the strain from compression to tension increased the vacancy formation energy but decreased the SIA formation energy. The SIA formation energy changed more significantly thanmore » for a vacancy such that Ed decreased with applied strain from compression to tension.« less

Simultaneous narrowband ultrasonic strain-flow imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsou, Jean K.; Mai, Jerome J.; Lupotti, Fermin A.; Insana, Michael F.

2004-04-01

We are summarizing new research aimed at forming spatially and temporally registered combinations of strain and color-flow images using echo data recorded from a commercial ultrasound system. Applications include diagnosis of vascular diseases and tumor malignancies. The challenge is to meet the diverse needs of each measurement. The approach is to first apply eigenfilters that separate echo components from moving tissues and blood flow, and then estimate blood velocity and tissue displacement from the filtered-IQ-signal phase modulations. At the cost of a lower acquisition frame rate, we find the autocorrelation strain estimator yields higher resolution strain estimate than the cross-correlator since estimates are made from ensembles at a single point in space. The technique is applied to in vivo carotid imaging, to demonstrate the sensitivity for strain-flow vascular imaging.

Prediction of Hot Tearing Using a Dimensionless Niyama Criterion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monroe, Charles; Beckermann, Christoph

2014-08-01

The dimensionless form of the well-known Niyama criterion is extended to include the effect of applied strain. Under applied tensile strain, the pressure drop in the mushy zone is enhanced and pores grow beyond typical shrinkage porosity without deformation. This porosity growth can be expected to align perpendicular to the applied strain and to contribute to hot tearing. A model to capture this coupled effect of solidification shrinkage and applied strain on the mushy zone is derived. The dimensionless Niyama criterion can be used to determine the critical liquid fraction value below which porosity forms. This critical value is a function of alloy properties, solidification conditions, and strain rate. Once a dimensionless Niyama criterion value is obtained from thermal and mechanical simulation results, the corresponding shrinkage and deformation pore volume fractions can be calculated. The novelty of the proposed method lies in using the critical liquid fraction at the critical pressure drop within the mushy zone to determine the onset of hot tearing. The magnitude of pore growth due to shrinkage and deformation is plotted as a function of the dimensionless Niyama criterion for an Al-Cu alloy as an example. Furthermore, a typical hot tear "lambda"-shaped curve showing deformation pore volume as a function of alloy content is produced for two Niyama criterion values.

Effects of tibial plateau angle and spacer thickness applied during in vitro canine total knee replacement on three-dimensional kinematics and collateral ligament strain.

PubMed

Baker, Katherine M; Foutz, Timothy L; Johnsen, Kyle J; Budsberg, Steven C

2014-09-01

To quantify the 3-D kinematics and collateral ligament strain of stifle joints in cadaveric canine limbs before and after cranial cruciate ligament transection followed by total knee replacement (TKR) involving various tibial plateau angles and spacer thicknesses. 6 hemi-pelvises collected from clinically normal nonchondrodystrophic dogs (weight range, 25 to 35 kg). Hemi-pelvises were mounted on a modified Oxford knee rig that allowed 6 degrees of freedom of the stifle joint but prevented mechanical movement of the hip and tarsal joints. Kinematics and collateral ligament strain were measured continuously while stifle joints were flexed. Data were again collected after cranial cruciate ligament transection and TKR with combinations of 3 plateau angles (0°, 4°, and 8°) and spacer thicknesses (5, 7, and 9 mm). Presurgical (ie, normal) stifle joint rotations were comparable to those previously documented for live dogs. After TKR, kinematics recorded for the 8°, 5-mm implant most closely resembled those of unaltered stifle joints. Decreasing the plateau angle and increasing spacer thickness altered stifle joint adduction, internal rotation, and medial translation. Medial collateral ligament strain was minimal in unaltered stifle joints and was unaffected by TKR. Lateral collateral ligament strain decreased with steeper plateau angles but returned to a presurgical level at the flattest plateau angle. Among the constructs tested, greatest normalization of canine stifle joint kinematics in vitro was achieved with the steepest plateau angle paired with the thinnest spacer. Furthermore, results indicated that strain to the collateral ligaments was not negatively affected by TKR.

Morphogenesis and Biomechanics of Engineered Skin Cultured Under Uniaxial Strain

PubMed Central

Blackstone, Britani N.; Powell, Heather M.

2012-01-01

Background Split-thickness autograft is the standard wound treatment for full-thickness burns. In large burns, sparse availability of uninjured skin prevents rapid closure of the wound, resulting in increased scar tissue formation or mortality. Tissue-engineered skin (ES) offers promise when autografts are not available. The Problem ES, constructed from a polymeric scaffold and skin cells, has been shown to reduce donor site area required to permanently close wounds, mortality, and morbidity from scarring but cannot restore all skin functions. Current generations of ES are orders of magnitude weaker than normal human skin, leading to difficulty in surgical application, greater susceptibility to mechanical damage during fabrication and application, and less elasticity and strength once engrafted. Basic/Clinical Science Advances Previous studies to improve ES biomechanics focus on altering the scaffolding material, which resulted in modest improvements but often inhibited proper skin development. As the skin is naturally under static strain, adding these mechanical cues to the culture environment is hypothesized to improve ES biomechanics. ES was cultured under applied static strains ranging from 0% to 40% strain for a total of 10 days. Strain magnitudes of 10% and 20% strain resulted in significantly stronger ES than unstrained controls, showed upregulation of many genes encoding structural extracellular matrix proteins, and exhibited increased epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation. Clinical Care Relevance Enhanced biomechanical properties of ES can allow for facile surgical application and less damage during dressing changes. Conclusion These findings suggest that mechanical cues play a significant role in skin development and should be further explored. PMID:24527283

Comparative genotyping of Clostridium thermocellum strains isolated from biogas plants: genetic markers and characterization of cellulolytic potential.

PubMed

Koeck, Daniela E; Zverlov, Vladimir V; Liebl, Wolfgang; Schwarz, Wolfgang H

2014-07-01

Clostridium thermocellum is among the most prevalent of known anaerobic cellulolytic bacteria. In this study, genetic and phenotypic variations among C. thermocellum strains isolated from different biogas plants were determined and different genotyping methods were evaluated on these isolates. At least two C. thermocellum strains were isolated independently from each of nine different biogas plants via enrichment on cellulose. Various DNA-based genotyping methods such as ribotyping, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and VNTR (Variable Number of Tandem Repeats) were applied to these isolates. One novel approach - the amplification of unknown target sequences between copies of a previously discovered Random Inserted Mobile Element (RIME) - was also tested. The genotyping method with the highest discriminatory power was found to be the amplification of the sequences between the insertion elements, where isolates from each biogas plant yielded a different band pattern. Cellulolytic potentials, optimal growth conditions and substrate spectra of all isolates were characterized to help identify phenotypic variations. Irrespective of the genotyping method used, the isolates from each individual biogas plant always exhibited identical patterns. This is suggestive of a single C. thermocellum strain exhibiting dominance in each biogas plant. The genotypic groups reflect the results of the physiological characterization of the isolates like substrate diversity and cellulase activity. Conversely, strains isolated across a range of biogas plants differed in their genotyping results and physiological properties. Both strains isolated from one biogas plant had the best specific cellulose-degrading properties and might therefore achieve superior substrate utilization yields in biogas fermenters. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Local strain and damage mapping in single trabeculae during three-point bending tests

PubMed Central

Jungmann, R.; Szabo, M.E.; Schitter, G.; Tang, Raymond Yue-Sing; Vashishth, D.; Hansma, P.K.; Thurner, P.J.

2012-01-01

The use of bone mineral density as a surrogate to diagnose bone fracture risk in individuals is of limited value. However, there is growing evidence that information on trabecular microarchitecture can improve the assessment of fracture risk. One current strategy is to exploit finite element analysis (FEA) applied to 3D image data of several mm-sized trabecular bone structures obtained from non-invasive imaging modalities for the prediction of apparent mechanical properties. However, there is a lack of FE damage models, based on solid experimental facts, which are needed to validate such approaches and to provide criteria marking elastic–plastic deformation transitions as well as microdamage initiation and accumulation. In this communication, we present a strategy that could elegantly lead to future damage models for FEA: direct measurements of local strains involved in microdamage initiation and plastic deformation in single trabeculae. We use digital image correlation to link stress whitening in bone, reported to be correlated to microdamage, to quantitative local strain values. Our results show that the whitening zones, i.e. damage formation, in the presented loading case of a three-point bending test correlate best with areas of elevated tensile strains oriented parallel to the long axis of the samples. The average local strains along this axis were determined to be (1.6 ± 0.9)% at whitening onset and (12 ± 4)% just prior to failure. Overall, our data suggest that damage initiation in trabecular bone is asymmetric in tension and compression, with failure originating and propagating over a large range of tensile strains. PMID:21396601

Probiotic potentials of yeasts isolated from some cereal-based Nigerian traditional fermented food products.

PubMed

Ogunremi, O R; Sanni, A I; Agrawal, R

2015-09-01

To determine the starter culture and multifunctional potentials of yeast strains from some cereal-based Nigerian traditional fermented food products. Yeast isolates were screened for enzyme production and identified by sequencing the D1/D2 region of 26S rDNA. Pichia kluyveri LKC17, Issatchenkia orientalis OSL11, Pichia kudriavzevii OG32, Pichia kudriavzevii ROM11 and Candida tropicalis BOM21 exhibited the highest protease, lipase and phytase activity. They were selected and further evaluated for gastrointestinal survival and adherence ability. Although strain-specific, they retained viability at 37°C and showed survival at pH 2·0., I. orientalis OSL11 showed the highest survival at 2% bile salts concentration and P. kudriavzevii ROM11 showed the least survival. The yeast strains showed strong autoaggregation ability (81·24-91·85%) and hydrophobicity to n-hexadecane (33·61-42·30%). The highest co-aggregation ability was detected for P. kudriavzevii OG32 and Escherichia coli (71·57%). All the yeast strains removed cholesterol in the range of 49·03-74·05% over 48 h and scavenged for free radicals in methanol reaction system. In this study, we isolated new yeast strains with multifunctional potentials that can be used as functional starter cultures to produce cereal-based probiotic products. The development of probiotic yeast strains as starter culture to improve the quality attributes and confer functional value on cereal-based traditional fermented foods is beneficial. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Predictors for traumatic brain injuries evaluated through accident reconstructions.

PubMed

Kleiven, Svein

2007-10-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate all the 58 available NFL cases and compare various predictors for mild traumatic brain injuries using a detailed and extensively validated finite element model of the human head. Global injury measures such as magnitude in angular and translational acceleration, change in angular velocity, head impact power (HIP) and HIC were also investigated with regard to their ability to predict the intracranial pressure and strains associated with injury. The brain material properties were modeled using a hyperelastic and viscoelastic constitutive law. Also, three different stiffness parameters, encompassing a range of published brain tissue properties, were tested. 8 tissue injury predictors were evaluated for 6 different regions, covering the entire cerebrum, as well as for the whole brain. In addition, 10 head kinematics based predictors were evaluated both for correlation with injury as well as with strain and pressure. When evaluating the results, a statistical correlation between strain, strain rate, product of strain and strain rate, Cumulative Strain Damage Measure (CSDM), strain energy density, maximum pressure, magnitude of minimum pressure, as well as von Mises effective stress, with injury was found when looking into specific regions of the brain. However, the maximal pressure in the gray matter showed a higher correlation with injury than other evaluated measures. On the other hand, it was possible, through the reconstruction of a motocross accident, to re-create the injury pattern in the brain of the injured rider using maximal principal strain. It was also found that a simple linear combination of peak change in rotational velocity and HIC showed a high correlation (R=0.98) with the maximum principal strain in the brain, in addition to being a significant predictor of injury. When applying the rotational and translational kinematics separately for one of the cases, it was found that the translational kinematics contribute very little to the intracranial distortional strains while the rotational kinematics contributes insignificantly to the pressure response. This study underlines that the strain based brain tissue injury predictors are very sensitive to the choice of stiffness for the brain tissue.

Investigating Strain Transfer Along the Southern San Andreas Fault: A Geomorphic and Geodetic Study of Block Rotation in the Eastern Transverse Ranges, Joshua Tree National Park, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guns, K. A.; Bennett, R. A.; Blisniuk, K.

2017-12-01

To better evaluate the distribution and transfer of strain and slip along the Southern San Andreas Fault (SSAF) zone in the northern Coachella valley in southern California, we integrate geological and geodetic observations to test whether strain is being transferred away from the SSAF system towards the Eastern California Shear Zone through microblock rotation of the Eastern Transverse Ranges (ETR). The faults of the ETR consist of five east-west trending left lateral strike slip faults that have measured cumulative offsets of up to 20 km and as low as 1 km. Present kinematic and block models present a variety of slip rate estimates, from as low as zero to as high as 7 mm/yr, suggesting a gap in our understanding of what role these faults play in the larger system. To determine whether present-day block rotation along these faults is contributing to strain transfer in the region, we are applying 10Be surface exposure dating methods to observed offset channel and alluvial fan deposits in order to estimate fault slip rates along two faults in the ETR. We present observations of offset geomorphic landforms using field mapping and LiDAR data at three sites along the Blue Cut Fault and one site along the Smoke Tree Wash Fault in Joshua Tree National Park which indicate recent Quaternary fault activity. Initial results of site mapping and clast count analyses reveal at least three stages of offset, including potential Holocene offsets, for one site along the Blue Cut Fault, while preliminary 10Be geochronology is in progress. This geologic slip rate data, combined with our new geodetic surface velocity field derived from updated campaign-based GPS measurements within Joshua Tree National Park will allow us to construct a suite of elastic fault block models to elucidate rates of strain transfer away from the SSAF and how that strain transfer may be affecting the length of the interseismic period along the SSAF.

Microminiature high-resolution linear displacement sensor for peak strain detection in smart structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arms, Steven W.; Guzik, David C.; Townsend, Christopher P.

1998-07-01

Critical civil and military structures require 'smart' sensors in order to report their strain histories; this can help to insure safe operation after exposure to potentially damaging loads. A passive resetable peak strain detector was developed by modifying the mechanics of a differential variable reluctance transducer. The peak strain detector was attached to an aluminum test beam along with a bonded resistance strain gauge and a standard DVRT. Strain measurements were recorded during cyclic beam deflections. DVRT output was compared to the bonded resistance strain gauge output, yielding correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9989 to 0.9998 for al teste, including re-attachment of the DVRT to the specimen. Peak bending strains were obtained by the modified peak detect DVRT to the specimen. Peak bending strains were obtained by the modified peak detect DVRT and this was compared to the peak bending strains as measured by the bonded strain gauge. The peak detect DVRT demonstrated an accuracy of approximately +/- 5 percent over a peak range of 2000 to 2800 microstrain.

RAPID COMMUNICATION: Effect of strain, magnetic field and field angle on the critical current density of Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ coated conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Laan, D. C.; Ekin, J. W.; Douglas, J. F.; Clickner, C. C.; Stauffer, T. C.; Goodrich, L. F.

2010-07-01

A large, magnetic-field-dependent, reversible reduction in critical current density with axial strain in Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ coated conductors at 75.9 K has been measured. This effect may have important implications for the performance of Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ coated conductors in applications where the conductor experiences large stresses in the presence of a magnetic field. Previous studies have been performed only under tensile strain and could provide only a limited understanding of the in-field strain effect. We now have constructed a device for measuring the critical current density as a function of axial compressive and tensile strain and applied magnetic field as well as magnetic field angle, in order to determine the magnitude of this effect and to create a better understanding of its origin. The reversible reduction in critical current density with strain becomes larger with increasing magnetic field at all field angles. At 76 K the critical current density is reduced by about 30% at - 0.5% strain when a magnetic field of 5 T is applied parallel to the c-axis of the conductor or 8 T is applied in the ab-plane, compared to a reduction of only 13% in self-field. Differences in the strain response of the critical current density at various magnetic field angles indicate that the pinning mechanisms in Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ coated conductors are uniquely affected by strain. Contribution of NIST, not subject to US copyright.

Strain-effect transistors: Theoretical study on the effects of external strain on III-nitride high-electron-mobility transistors on flexible substrates

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

Shervin, Shahab; Asadirad, Mojtaba; Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204

This paper presents strain-effect transistors (SETs) based on flexible III-nitride high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) through theoretical calculations. We show that the electronic band structures of InAlGaN/GaN thin-film heterostructures on flexible substrates can be modified by external bending with a high degree of freedom using polarization properties of the polar semiconductor materials. Transfer characteristics of the HEMT devices, including threshold voltage and transconductance, are controlled by varied external strain. Equilibrium 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is enhanced with applied tensile strain by bending the flexible structure with the concave-side down (bend-down condition). 2DEG density is reduced and eventually depleted with increasing compressive strainmore » in bend-up conditions. The operation mode of different HEMT structures changes from depletion- to enchantment-mode or vice versa depending on the type and magnitude of external strain. The results suggest that the operation modes and transfer characteristics of HEMTs can be engineered with an optimum external bending strain applied in the device structure, which is expected to be beneficial for both radio frequency and switching applications. In addition, we show that drain currents of transistors based on flexible InAlGaN/GaN can be modulated only by external strain without applying electric field in the gate. The channel conductivity modulation that is obtained by only external strain proposes an extended functional device, gate-free SETs, which can be used in electro-mechanical applications.« less

Growth Stresses in Thermally Grown Oxides on Nickel-Based Single-Crystal Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rettberg, Luke H.; Laux, Britta; He, Ming Y.; Hovis, David; Heuer, Arthur H.; Pollock, Tresa M.

2016-03-01

Growth stresses that develop in α-Al2O3 scale that form during isothermal oxidation of three Ni-based single crystal alloys have been studied to elucidate their role in coating and substrate degradation at elevated temperatures. Piezospectroscopy measurements at room temperature indicate large room temperature compressive stresses in the oxides formed at 1255 K or 1366 K (982 °C or 1093 °C) on the alloys, ranging from a high of 4.8 GPa for René N4 at 1366 K (1093 °C) to a low of 3.8 GPa for René N5 at 1255 K (982 °C). Finite element modeling of each of these systems to account for differences in coefficients of thermal expansion of the oxide and substrate indicates growth strains in the range from 0.21 to 0.44 pct at the oxidation temperature, which is an order of magnitude higher than the growth strains measured in the oxides on intermetallic coatings that are typically applied to these superalloys. The magnitudes of the growth strains do not scale with the parabolic oxidation rate constants measured for the alloys. Significant spatial inhomogeneities in the growth stresses were observed, due to (i) the presence of dendritic segregation and (ii) large carbides in the material that locally disrupts the structure of the oxide scale. The implications of these observations for failure during cyclic oxidation, fatigue cycling, and alloy design are considered.

A putative new endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Pantoea sp. from sugarcane.

PubMed

Loiret, F G; Ortega, E; Kleiner, D; Ortega-Rodés, P; Rodés, R; Dong, Z

2004-01-01

To isolate and identify endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in sugarcane growing in Cuba without chemical fertilizers. Two N2-fixing isolates, 9C and T2, were obtained from surface-sterilized stems and roots, respectively, of sugarcane variety ML3-18. Both isolates showed acetylene reduction and H2 production in nitrogen-free media. Nitrogenase activity measured by H2 production was about 15 times higher for isolate 9C than for T2 or for Gluconoacetobacter diazotrophicus (PAL-5 standard strain, ATCC 49037). The nifH gene segment was amplified from both isolates using specific primers. Classification of both T2 and 9C was made on the basis of morphological, biochemical, PCR tests and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Isolate 9C was identified as a Pantoea species from its 16S rDNA, but showed considerable differences in physiological properties from previously reported species of this genus. For example, 9C can be cultured over a wide range of temperature, pH and salt concentration, and showed high H2 production (up to 67.7 nmol H2 h(-1) 10(10) cell(-1)). Isolate T2 was a strain of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus. A new N2-fixing endophyte, i.e. Pantoea, able to produce H2 and to grow in a wide range of conditions, was isolated from sugarcane stem tissue and characterized. The strain with these attributes may well be valuable for agriculture. Copyright 2004 The Society for Applied Microbiology

Effectiveness of tilmicosin against Paenibacillus larvae, the causal agent of American Foulbrood disease of honeybees.

PubMed

Reynaldi, Francisco J; Albo, Graciela N; Alippi, Adriana M

2008-11-25

American Foulbrood (AFB) of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae is one of the most serious diseases affecting the larval and pupal stages of honeybees (A. mellifera L.). The aim of the present work was to asses the response of 23 strains of P. larvae from diverse geographical origins to tilmicosin, a macrolide antibiotic developed for exclusive use in veterinary medicine, by means of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the agar diffusion test (ADT). All the strains tested were highly susceptible to tilmicosin with MIC values ranging between 0.0625 and 0.5 microg ml(-1), and with MIC(50) and MIC(90) values of 0.250 microg ml(-1). The ADT tests results for 23 P. larvae strains tested showed that all were susceptible to tilmicosin with inhibition zones around 15 microg tilmicosin disks ranging between 21 and 50mm in diameter. Oral acute toxicity of tilmicosin was evaluated and the LD(50) values obtained demonstrated that it was virtually non-toxic for adult bees and also resulted non-toxic for larvae when compared with the normal brood mortality. Dosage of 1000 mg a.i. of tilmicosin applied in a 55 g candy resulted in a total suppression of AFB clinical signs in honeybee colonies 60 days after initial treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the effectiveness of tilmicosin against P. larvae both in vitro and in vivo.

Improved Biosurfactant Production by Bacillus subtilis SPB1 Mutant Obtained by Random Mutagenesis and Its Application in Enhanced Oil Recovery in a Sand System.

PubMed

Bouassida, Mouna; Ghazala, Imen; Ellouze-Chaabouni, Semia; Ghribi, Dhouha

2018-01-28

Biosurfactants or microbial surfactants are surface-active biomolecules that are produced by a variety of microorganisms. Biodegradability and low toxicity have led to the intensification of scientific studies on a wide range of industrial applications for biosurfactants in the field of environmental bioremediation as well as the petroleum industry and enhanced oil recovery. However, the major issues in biosurfactant production are high production cost and low yield. Improving the bioindustrial production processes relies on many strategies, such as the use of cheap raw materials, the optimization of medium-culture conditions, and selecting hyperproducing strains. The present work aims to obtain a mutant with higher biosurfactant production through applying mutagenesis on Bacillus subtilis SPB1 using a combination of UV irradiation and nitrous acid treatment. Following mutagenesis and screening on blood agar and subsequent formation of halos, the mutated strains were examined for emulsifying activity of their culture broth. A mutant designated B. subtilis M2 was selected as it produced biosurfactant at twice higher concentration than the parent strain. The potential of this biosurfactant for industrial uses was shown by studying its stability to environmental stresses such as pH and temperature and its applicability in the oil recovery process. It was practically stable at high temperature and at a wide range of pH, and it recovered above 90% of motor oil adsorbed to a sand sample.

THz+X Seedling Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-23

lamblia Entamoeba histolytica Toxoplasma Microsporidia Additional viral encephalitides West Nile Virus LaCrosse California encephalitis VEE...Is Catalyzed by Salicylate 1- Monooxygenase from Pseudomonas sp . Strain ATCC 29352; Applied and Environmental Microbiology, July 2004, p. 4040-4047...the Mechanism of RDX Biodegradation by Rhodococcus - 31 - sp . Strain DN22; Applied and Environmental Microbiology, March 2003, p. 1347-1351

Delftia tsuruhatensis WGR-UOM-BT1, a novel rhizobacterium with PGPR properties from Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz also suppresses fungal phytopathogens by producing a new antibiotic-AMTM.

PubMed

Prasannakumar, S P; Gowtham, H G; Hariprasad, P; Shivaprasad, K; Niranjana, S R

2015-11-01

The bacterial strain designated as WGR-UOM-BT1 isolated from rhizosphere of Rauwolfia serpentina exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity and also improved early plant growth. Based on morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, the strain BT1 was identified as Delftia tsuruhatensis (KF727978). Under in vitro conditions, the strain BT1 suppressed the growth of wide range of fungal phytopathogens. Purified antimicrobial metabolite from the strain BT1 was identified as nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound, 'amino(5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrofuran-3-yl)methanol' (AMTM), with molecular mass of 340•40 and molecular formula of C17 H19 NO3 S. The strain BT1 was positive for rhizosphere colonization (tomato), IAA production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity and phosphate solubilization. Under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, the strain BT1 promoted plant growth and suppressed foliar and root fungal pathogens of tomato. Therefore, antimicrobial and disease protection properties of strain BT1 could serve as an effective biological control candidate against devastating fungal pathogens of vegetable plants. Besides, the production of IAA, P solubilization and ACC deaminase activity enhance its potential as a biofertilizer and may stabilize the plant performance under fluctuating environmental conditions. In this study, we reported that Delftia tsuruhatensis WGR-UOM-BT1 strain has the plant growth promotion activities such as rhizosphere colonization (tomato), IAA production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity and phosphate solubilization. This bacterial strain was found producing an antimicrobial nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound identified as 'amino(5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrofuran-3-yl)methanol' [C17 H19 NO3 S] (AMTM), which is new to the bacterial world. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Phytase-active yeasts from grain-based food and beer.

PubMed

Nuobariene, L; Hansen, A S; Jespersen, L; Arneborg, N

2011-06-01

To screen yeast strains isolated from grain-based food and beer for phytase activity to identify high phytase-active strains. The screening of phytase-positive strains was carried out at conditions optimal for leavening of bread dough (pH 5·5 and 30°C), in order to identify strains that could be used for the baking industry. Two growth-based tests were used for the initial testing of phytase-active strains. Tested strains belonged to six species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces pastorianus, Saccharomyces bayanus, Kazachstania exigua (former name Saccharomyces exiguus), Candida krusei (teleomorph Issachenkia orientalis) and Arxula adeninivorans. On the basis of initial testing results, 14 strains were selected for the further determination of extracellular and intracellular (cytoplasmic and/or cell-wall bound) phytase activities. The most prominent strains for extracellular phytase production were found to be S. pastorianus KVL008 (a lager beer strain), followed by S. cerevisiae KVL015 (an ale beer strain) and C. krusei P2 (isolated from sorghum beer). Intracellular phytase activities were relatively low in all tested strains. Herein, for the first time, beer-related strains of S. pastorianus and S. cerevisiae are reported as phytase-positive strains. The high level of extracellular phytase activity by the strains mentioned previously suggests them to be strains for the production of wholemeal bread with high content of bioavailable minerals. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2011 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Variation of strain rate sensitivity index of a superplastic aluminum alloy in different testing methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majidi, Omid; Jahazi, Mohammad; Bombardier, Nicolas; Samuel, Ehab

2017-10-01

The strain rate sensitivity index, m-value, is being applied as a common tool to evaluate the impact of the strain rate on the viscoplastic behaviour of materials. The m-value, as a constant number, has been frequently taken into consideration for modeling material behaviour in the numerical simulation of superplastic forming processes. However, the impact of the testing variables on the measured m-values has not been investigated comprehensively. In this study, the m-value for a superplastic grade of an aluminum alloy (i.e., AA5083) has been investigated. The conditions and the parameters that influence the strain rate sensitivity for the material are compared with three different testing methods, i.e., monotonic uniaxial tension test, strain rate jump test and stress relaxation test. All tests were conducted at elevated temperature (470°C) and at strain rates up to 0.1 s-1. The results show that the m-value is not constant and is highly dependent on the applied strain rate, strain level and testing method.

Evaluation of area strain response of dielectric elastomer actuator using image processing technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, Raj K.; Sudarshan, Koyya; Patra, Karali; Bhaumik, Shovan

2014-03-01

Dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is a kind of soft actuators that can produce significantly large electric-field induced actuation strain and may be a basic unit of artificial muscles and robotic elements. Understanding strain development on a pre-stretched sample at different regimes of electrical field is essential for potential applications. In this paper, we report about ongoing work on determination of area strain using digital camera and image processing technique. The setup, developed in house consists of low cost digital camera, data acquisition and image processing algorithm. Samples have been prepared by biaxially stretched acrylic tape and supported between two cardboard frames. Carbon-grease has been pasted on the both sides of the sample, which will be compliant with electric field induced large deformation. Images have been grabbed before and after the application of high voltage. From incremental image area, strain has been calculated as a function of applied voltage on a pre-stretched dielectric elastomer (DE) sample. Area strain has been plotted with the applied voltage for different pre-stretched samples. Our study shows that the area strain exhibits nonlinear relationship with applied voltage. For same voltage higher area strain has been generated on a sample having higher pre-stretched value. Also our characterization matches well with previously published results which have been done with costly video extensometer. The study may be helpful for the designers to fabricate the biaxial pre-stretched planar actuator from similar kind of materials.

A Study on the compensation margin on butt welding joint of Large Steel plates during Shipbuilding construction.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, J.; Jeong, H.; Ji, M.; Jeong, K.; Yun, C.; Lee, J.; Chung, H.

2015-09-01

This paper examines the characteristics of butt welding joint shrinkage for shipbuilding and marine structures main plate. The shrinkage strain of butt welding joint which is caused by the process of heat input and cooling, results in the difference between dimensions of the actual parent metal and the dimensions of design. This, in turn, leads to poor quality in the production of ship blocks and reworking through period of correction brings about impediment on improvement of productivity. Through experiments on butt welding joint's shrinkage strain on large structures main plate, the deformation of welding residual stress in the form of I, Y, V was obtained. In addition, the results of experiments indicate that there is limited range of shrinkage in the range of 1 ∼ 2 mm in 11t ∼ 21.5t thickness and the effect of heat transfer of weld appears to be limited within 1000 mm based on one side of seam line so there was limited impact of weight of parent metal on the shrinkage. Finally, it has been learned that Shrinkage margin needs to be applied differently based on groove phenomenon in the design phase in order to minimize shrinkage.

Designing allostery-inspired response in mechanical networks

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

Rocks, Jason W.; Pashine, Nidhi; Bischofberger, Irmgard

Recent advances in designing metamaterials have demonstrated that global mechanical properties of disordered spring networks can be tuned by selectively modifying only a small subset of bonds. Here, using a computationally efficient approach, we extend this idea to tune more general properties of networks. With nearly complete success, we are then able to produce a strain between any two target nodes in a network in response to an applied source strain on any other pair of nodes by removing only ~1% of the bonds. We are also able to control multiple pairs of target nodes, each with a different individualmore » response, from a single source, and to tune multiple independent source/target responses simultaneously into a network. We have fabricated physical networks in macroscopic 2D and 3D systems that exhibit these responses. This work is inspired by the long-range coupled conformational changes that constitute allosteric function in proteins. The fact that allostery is a common means for regulation in biological molecules suggests that it is a relatively easy property to develop through evolution. In analogy, our results show that long-range coupled mechanical responses are similarly easy to achieve in disordered networks.« less

Designing allostery-inspired response in mechanical networks

DOE PAGES

Rocks, Jason W.; Pashine, Nidhi; Bischofberger, Irmgard; ...

2017-02-21

Recent advances in designing metamaterials have demonstrated that global mechanical properties of disordered spring networks can be tuned by selectively modifying only a small subset of bonds. Here, using a computationally efficient approach, we extend this idea to tune more general properties of networks. With nearly complete success, we are then able to produce a strain between any two target nodes in a network in response to an applied source strain on any other pair of nodes by removing only ~1% of the bonds. We are also able to control multiple pairs of target nodes, each with a different individualmore » response, from a single source, and to tune multiple independent source/target responses simultaneously into a network. We have fabricated physical networks in macroscopic 2D and 3D systems that exhibit these responses. This work is inspired by the long-range coupled conformational changes that constitute allosteric function in proteins. The fact that allostery is a common means for regulation in biological molecules suggests that it is a relatively easy property to develop through evolution. In analogy, our results show that long-range coupled mechanical responses are similarly easy to achieve in disordered networks.« less

Designing allostery-inspired response in mechanical networks

PubMed Central

Rocks, Jason W.; Pashine, Nidhi; Bischofberger, Irmgard; Goodrich, Carl P.; Liu, Andrea J.; Nagel, Sidney R.

2017-01-01

Recent advances in designing metamaterials have demonstrated that global mechanical properties of disordered spring networks can be tuned by selectively modifying only a small subset of bonds. Here, using a computationally efficient approach, we extend this idea to tune more general properties of networks. With nearly complete success, we are able to produce a strain between any two target nodes in a network in response to an applied source strain on any other pair of nodes by removing only ∼1% of the bonds. We are also able to control multiple pairs of target nodes, each with a different individual response, from a single source, and to tune multiple independent source/target responses simultaneously into a network. We have fabricated physical networks in macroscopic 2D and 3D systems that exhibit these responses. This work is inspired by the long-range coupled conformational changes that constitute allosteric function in proteins. The fact that allostery is a common means for regulation in biological molecules suggests that it is a relatively easy property to develop through evolution. In analogy, our results show that long-range coupled mechanical responses are similarly easy to achieve in disordered networks. PMID:28223534

Designing allostery-inspired response in mechanical networks.

PubMed

Rocks, Jason W; Pashine, Nidhi; Bischofberger, Irmgard; Goodrich, Carl P; Liu, Andrea J; Nagel, Sidney R

2017-03-07

Recent advances in designing metamaterials have demonstrated that global mechanical properties of disordered spring networks can be tuned by selectively modifying only a small subset of bonds. Here, using a computationally efficient approach, we extend this idea to tune more general properties of networks. With nearly complete success, we are able to produce a strain between any two target nodes in a network in response to an applied source strain on any other pair of nodes by removing only ∼1% of the bonds. We are also able to control multiple pairs of target nodes, each with a different individual response, from a single source, and to tune multiple independent source/target responses simultaneously into a network. We have fabricated physical networks in macroscopic 2D and 3D systems that exhibit these responses. This work is inspired by the long-range coupled conformational changes that constitute allosteric function in proteins. The fact that allostery is a common means for regulation in biological molecules suggests that it is a relatively easy property to develop through evolution. In analogy, our results show that long-range coupled mechanical responses are similarly easy to achieve in disordered networks.

Effects of axisymmetric contractions on turbulence of various scales

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tan-Atichat, J.; Nagib, H. M.; Drubka, R. E.

1980-01-01

Digitally acquired and processed results from an experimental investigation of grid generated turbulence of various scales through and downstream of nine matched cubic contour contractions ranging in area ratio from 2 to 36, and in length to inlet diameter ratio from 0.25 to 1.50 are reported. An additional contraction with a fifth order contour was also utilized for studying the shape effect. Thirteen homogeneous and nearly isotropic test flow conditions with a range of turbulence intensities, length scales and Reynolds numbers were generated and used to examine the sensitivity of the contractions to upstream turbulence. The extent to which the turbulence is altered by the contraction depends on the incoming turbulence scales, the total strain experienced by the fluid, as well as the contraction ratio and the strain rate. Varying the turbulence integral scale influences the transverse turbulence components more than the streamwise component. In general, the larger the turbulence scale, the lesser the reduction in the turbulence intensity of the transverse components. Best agreement with rapid distortion theory was obtained for large scale turbulence, where viscous decay over the contraction length was negligible, or when a first order correction for viscous decay was applied to the results.

Experimental and analytical analysis of stress-strain behavior in a (90/0 deg)2s, SiC/Ti-15-3 laminate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerch, Bradley A.; Melis, Matthew E.; Tong, Mike

1991-01-01

The nonlinear stress strain behavior of 90 degree/0 degree sub 2s, SiC/Ti-15-3 composite laminate was numerically investigated with a finite element, unit cell approach. Tensile stress-strain curves from room temperature experiments depicted three distinct regions of deformation, and these regions were predicted by finite element analysis. The first region of behavior, which was linear elastic, occurred at low applied stresses. As applied stresses increased, fiber/matrix debonding in the 90 degree plies caused a break in the stress-strain curve and initiated a second linear region. In this second region, matrix plasticity in the 90 degree plies developed. The third region, which was typified by nonlinear, stress-strain behavior occr red at high stresses. In this region, the onset of matrix plasticity in the 0 degree plies stiffened the laminate in the direction transverse to the applied load. Metallographic sections confirmed the existence of matrix plasticity in specific areas of the structure. Finite element analysis also predicted these locations of matrix slip.

Strain gage selection in loads equations using a genetic algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

Traditionally, structural loads are measured using strain gages. A loads calibration test must be done before loads can be accurately measured. In one measurement method, a series of point loads is applied to the structure, and loads equations are derived via the least squares curve fitting algorithm using the strain gage responses to the applied point loads. However, many research structures are highly instrumented with strain gages, and the number and selection of gages used in a loads equation can be problematic. This paper presents an improved technique using a genetic algorithm to choose the strain gages used in the loads equations. Also presented are a comparison of the genetic algorithm performance with the current T-value technique and a variant known as the Best Step-down technique. Examples are shown using aerospace vehicle wings of high and low aspect ratio. In addition, a significant limitation in the current methods is revealed. The genetic algorithm arrived at a comparable or superior set of gages with significantly less human effort, and could be applied in instances when the current methods could not.

Nondestructive monitoring of fatigue damage evolution in austenitic stainless steel by positron-lifetime measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holzwarth, Uwe; Schaaff, Petra

2004-03-01

Positron-lifetime measurements have been performed on austenitic stainless steel during (i) stress- and (ii) strain-controlled fatigue experiments for different applied stress and strain amplitudes, respectively. For this purpose a generator-detector assembly with a 72Se/72As positron generator [maximum activity 25 μCi (0.9 MBq)] has been mounted on mechanical testing machines in order to measure the positron lifetime without removing the specimens from the load train. The average positron lifetime has been determined by a β+-γ coincidence. The feasibility to use the average positron lifetime for monitoring the evolution of fatigue damage and to predict early failure has been examined. In strain- and stress-controlled experiments the average positron lifetime shows a pronounced increase within the first 10% and 40% of the fatigue life, respectively. In stress-controlled experiments the average positron lifetime at failure depends significantly on the applied stress amplitude. In strain-controlled experiments significantly different positron lifetimes for different applied plastic strain amplitudes are obtained within the first 1.000 fatigue cycles, whereas differences get wiped out during further cycling until failure.

Strain amplitude-dependent anelasticity in Cu-Ni solid solution due to thermally activated and athermal dislocation-point obstacle interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kustov, S.; Gremaud, G.; Benoit, W.; Golyandin, S.; Sapozhnikov, K.; Nishino, Y.; Asano, S.

1999-02-01

Experimental investigations of the internal friction and the Young's modulus defect in single crystals of Cu-(1.3-7.6) at. % Ni have been performed for 7-300 K over a wide range of oscillatory strain amplitudes. Extensive data have been obtained at a frequency of vibrations around 100 kHz and compared with the results obtained for the same crystals at a frequency of ˜1 kHz. The strain amplitude dependence of the anelastic strain amplitude and the average friction stress acting on a dislocation due to solute atoms are also analyzed. Several stages in the strain amplitude dependence of the internal friction and the Young's modulus defect are revealed for all of the alloy compositions, at different temperatures and in different frequency ranges. For the 100 kHz frequency, low temperatures and low strain amplitudes (˜10-7-10-5), the amplitude-dependent internal friction and the Young's modulus defect are essentially temperature independent, and are ascribed to a purely hysteretic internal friction component. At higher strain amplitudes, a transition stage and a steep strain amplitude dependence of the internal friction and the Young's modulus defect are observed, followed by saturation at the highest strain amplitudes employed. These stages are temperature and frequency dependent and are assumed to be due to thermally activated motion of dislocations. We suggest that the observed regularities in the entire strain amplitude, temperature and frequency ranges correspond to a motion of dislocations in a two-component system of obstacles: weak but long-range ones, due to the elastic interaction of dislocations with solute atoms distributed in the bulk of the crystal; and strong short-range ones, due to the interaction of dislocations with solute atoms distributed close to dislocation glide planes. Based on these assumptions, a qualitative explanation is given for the variety of experimental observations.

Thermal protection for a self-sensing piezoelectric control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simmers, Garnett E., Jr.; Sodano, Henry A.; Park, Gyuhae; Inman, Daniel J.

2007-12-01

Piezoelectric materials exhibit high electromechanical coupling that allows them to both generate an electrical signal when strained and, conversely, to produce a strain under an applied electric field. This coupling has led to the use of these materials for a variety of sensing and actuation purposes. One unique application of these materials is their use as self-sensing actuators where both the sensing and actuation functions are performed by a single patch of material. Since the actuation and sensing voltages both exist simultaneously in the piezoelectric material, a specially designed electric circuit, referred to as a bridge circuit, is required to realize the concept. Configuration of the material in this manner is advantageous for control systems due to the enhanced stability associated when collocated control is applied. While certain advantages result from this type of system, precise equilibrium of the bridge circuit is required to achieve stability. This equilibrium is easy to achieve in theory, but difficult in practice due to the thermal dependence of the piezoelectric material's dielectric constant. This study will investigate a novel method of accounting for these changes through the use of thermal switches to passively adjust the bridge circuit and maintain a balanced state. The proposed concept will be theoretically modeled and simulated in a vibration control application to identify the thermal range for stability with and without the array of switches. It will be shown that, through the use of nine thermal switches, the stable operating range can be increased by 95 °C while maintaining vibration control performance.

Isolation and characterization of large spectrum and multiple bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus faecium strain from raw bovine milk.

PubMed

Gaaloul, N; ben Braiek, O; Hani, K; Volski, A; Chikindas, M L; Ghrairi, T

2015-02-01

To assess the antimicrobial properties of lactic acid bacteria from Tunisian raw bovine milk. A bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus faecium strain was isolated from raw cow milk with activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antimicrobial substances produced by this strain were sensitive to proteolytic enzymes and were thermostable and resistant to a broad range of pH (2-10). Mode of action of antimicrobial substances was determined as bactericidal. Maximum activity was reached at the end of the exponential growth phase when checked against Listeria ivanovii BUG 496 (2366.62 AU ml(-1)). However, maximum antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 28753 was recorded at the beginning of the exponential growth phase. Enterococcus faecium GGN7 was characterized as free from virulence factors and was susceptible to tested antibiotics. PCR analysis of the micro-organism's genome revealed the presence of genes coding for enterocins A and B. Mass spectrometry analysis of RP-HPLC active fractions showed molecular masses corresponding to enterocins A (4835.77 Da) and B (5471.56 Da), and a peptide with a molecular mass of 3215.5 Da active only against Gram-negative indicator strains. The latter was unique in the databases. Enterococcus faecium GGN7 produces three bacteriocins with different inhibitory spectra. Based on its antimicrobial properties and safety, Ent. faecium GGN7 is potentially useful for food biopreservation. The results suggest the bacteriocins from GGN7 strain could be useful for food biopreservation. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Improved resonance characteristics of GaAs beam resonators by epitaxially induced strain

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

Yamaguchi, H.; Onomitsu, K.; Kato, K.

2008-06-23

Micromechanical-beam resonators were fabricated using a strained GaAs film grown on relaxed In{sub 0.1}Ga{sub 0.9}As/In{sub 0.1}Al{sub 0.9}As buffer layers. The natural frequency of the fundamental mode was increased 2.5-4 times by applying tensile strain, showing good agreement with the model calculation assuming strain of 0.35% along the beam. In addition, the Q factor of 19 000 was obtained for the best sample, which is one order of magnitude higher than that for the unstrained resonator. This technique can be widely applied for improving the performance of resonator-based micro-/nanoelectromechanical devices.

Strain System for the Motion Base Shuttle Mission Simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huber, David C.; Van Vossen, Karl G.; Kunkel, Glenn W.; Wells, Larry W.

2010-01-01

The Motion Base Shuttle Mission Simulator (MBSMS) Strain System is an innovative engineering tool used to monitor the stresses applied to the MBSMS motion platform tilt pivot frames during motion simulations in real time. The Strain System comprises hardware and software produced by several different companies. The system utilizes a series of strain gages, accelerometers, orientation sensor, rotational meter, scanners, computer, and software packages working in unison. By monitoring and recording the inputs applied to the simulator, data can be analyzed if weld cracks or other problems are found during routine simulator inspections. This will help engineers diagnose problems as well as aid in repair solutions for both current as well as potential problems.

40 CFR 180.1181 - Bacillus cereus strain BPO1; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1181 Bacillus cereus strain BPO1; exemption from the requirement... strain BPO1 in or on all raw agricultural commodities when applied/used in accordance with label...

40 CFR 180.1181 - Bacillus cereus strain BPO1; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1181 Bacillus cereus strain BPO1; exemption from the requirement... strain BPO1 in or on all raw agricultural commodities when applied/used in accordance with label...

High-cycle electromechanical aging of dielectric elastomer actuators with carbon-based electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Saint-Aubin, C. A.; Rosset, S.; Schlatter, S.; Shea, H.

2018-07-01

We present high-cycle aging tests of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) based on silicone elastomers, reporting on the time-evolution of actuation strain and of electrode resistance over millions of cycles. We compare several types of carbon-based electrodes, and for the first time show how the choice of electrode has a dramatic influence on DEA aging. An expanding circle DEA configuration is used, consisting of a commercial silicone membrane with the following electrodes: commercial carbon grease applied manually, solvent-diluted carbon grease applied by stamping (pad printing), loose carbon black powder applied manually, carbon black powder suspension applied by inkjet-printing, and conductive silicone-carbon composite applied by stamping. The silicone-based DEAs with manually applied carbon grease electrodes show the shortest lifetime of less than 105 cycles at 5% strain, while the inkjet-printed carbon powder and the stamped silicone-carbon composite make for the most reliable devices, with lifetimes greater than 107 cycles at 5% strain. These results are valid for the specific dielectric and electrode configurations that were tested: using other dielectrics or electrode formulations would lead to different lifetimes and failure modes. We find that aging (as seen in the change in resistance and in actuation strain versus cycle number) is independent of the actuation frequency from 10 Hz to 200 Hz, and depends on the total accumulated time the DEA spends in an actuated state.

Free range and deep litter poultry production systems: effect on performance, carcass yield and meat composition of cockerel chickens.

PubMed

Sogunle, Olajide Mark; Olaniyi, Olagoke Ayobami; Egbeyale, Lawrence Tokunbo; Akinola, Olufemi Sunday; Shittu, Taofeek A; Abiola, Samuel Soladoye; Ladokun, Abimbola O; Sobayo, Richard Abayomi

2013-01-01

This study was carried out on 150 cockerel chickens each of Harco Black and Novogen strains to determine their performance, carcass yield and meat composition on free range and deep litter production systems. The birds were brooded for 4 weeks and thereafter allotted to the different production systems for a period of 12 weeks. Each production system was allotted 150 chicks (75 chicks per strain) with three replicates of 25 chicks. The birds on deep litter production system were fed ad libitum while each bird on free range was fed 50 % of its daily feed requirement. On the 84 th day, a total of 36 birds were randomly selected for analysis of the carcass yield and meat composition. The data generated were subjected to a two-way analysis of variance in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental arrangement. Novogen strain consumed less feed (P < 0.05) on free range and had the best feed/gain (2.72). A higher (P < 0.05) shear force value (3.74 N) was obtained in the thigh muscle for birds on free range. The tibia proximal length and breadth, and tibia distal length and breadth were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the production systems and strains. On free range, Harco black had more meat (85.69 g) than bone (18.07 g) in the breast while Novogen had the lowest meat/bone (2.38). Conclusively, Novogen strain should be raised on free range for a better performance in terms of feed/gain, but for higher meat composition, Harco black is a better strain.

Repeatability and Reproducibility of Compression Strength Measurements Conducted According to ASTM E9

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luecke, William E.; Ma, Li; Graham, Stephen M.; Adler, Matthew A.

2010-01-01

Ten commercial laboratories participated in an interlaboratory study to establish the repeatability and reproducibility of compression strength tests conducted according to ASTM International Standard Test Method E9. The test employed a cylindrical aluminum AA2024-T351 test specimen. Participants measured elastic modulus and 0.2 % offset yield strength, YS(0.2 % offset), using an extensometer attached to the specimen. The repeatability and reproducibility of the yield strength measurement, expressed as coefficient of variations were cv(sub r)= 0.011 and cv(sub R)= 0.020 The reproducibility of the test across the laboratories was among the best that has been reported for uniaxial tests. The reported data indicated that using diametrically opposed extensometers, instead of a single extensometer doubled the precision of the test method. Laboratories that did not lubricate the ends of the specimen measured yield stresses and elastic moduli that were smaller than those measured in laboratories that lubricated the specimen ends. A finite element analysis of the test specimen deformation for frictionless and perfect friction could not explain the discrepancy, however. The modulus measured from stress-strain data were reanalyzed using a technique that finds the optimal fit range, and applies several quality checks to the data. The error in modulus measurements from stress-strain curves generally increased as the fit range decreased to less than 40 % of the stress range.

The mechanical behavior of metal alloys with grain size distribution in a wide range of strain rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skripnyak, V. A.; Skripnyak, V. V.; Skripnyak, E. G.

2017-12-01

The paper discusses a multiscale simulation approach for the construction of grain structure of metals and alloys, providing high tensile strength with ductility. This work compares the mechanical behavior of light alloys and the influence of the grain size distribution in a wide range of strain rates. The influence of the grain size distribution on the inelastic deformation and fracture of aluminium and magnesium alloys is investigated by computer simulations in a wide range of strain rates. It is shown that the yield stress depends on the logarithm of the normalized strain rate for light alloys with a bimodal grain distribution and coarse-grained structure.

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

Atwater, Harry A.; Leite, Marina S.; Warmann, Emily C.

A virtual substrate includes a handle support and a strain-relieved single crystalline layer on the handle support. A method of making the virtual substrate includes growing a coherently-strained single crystalline layer on an initial growth substrate, removing the initial growth substrate to relieve the strain on the single crystalline layer, and applying the strain-relieved single crystalline layer on a handle support.

40 CFR 180.1289 - Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption... FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1289 Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement... the microbial pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O, on apples and pears when applied/used as a post...

40 CFR 180.1289 - Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption... FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1289 Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement... the microbial pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O, on apples and pears when applied/used as a post...

40 CFR 180.1289 - Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption... FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1289 Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement... the microbial pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O, on apples and pears when applied/used as a post...

40 CFR 180.1289 - Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption... FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1289 Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement... the microbial pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O, on apples and pears when applied/used as a post...

40 CFR 180.1289 - Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption... FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1289 Candida oleophila Strain O; exemption from the requirement... the microbial pesticide, Candida oleophila Strain O, on apples and pears when applied/used as a post...

Isolation of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. from free-ranging wild animals.

PubMed

Iovine, Renata de Oliveira; Dejuste, Catia; Miranda, Flávia; Filoni, Claudia; Bueno, Marina Galvão; de Carvalho, Vania Maria

2015-01-01

Increasing interactions between humans, domestic animals and wildlife may result in inter-species transmission of infectious agents. To evaluate the presence of pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella spp. and to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates, rectal swabs from 36 different free-ranging wild mammals were taken from two distinct natural sites in Brazil: Cantareira State Park (CSP, state of São Paulo) and Santa Isabel do Rio Negro Region (SIRNR, state of Amazonas). The swabs were randomly collected and processed for bacterial isolation, identification, characterization and antimicrobial resistance. Eighteen E. coli strains from CSP and 20 from SIRNR were recovered from 14 and 22 individuals, respectively. Strains from animals captured in CSP, the site with the greatest anthropization, exhibited a higher range and percentage of virulence genes, including an eae+/bfpA+ strain. Antimicrobial resistance was verified in strains originating from both sites; however, in strains from SIRNR, aminopenicillins were almost the exclusive antimicrobial class to which strains exhibited resistance, whereas in CSP there were strains resistant to cephalosporins, sulfonamide, aminoglycoside, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone, in addition to strains exhibiting multidrug resistance. Two strains of Salmonella enterica that are known to be associated with reptiles, serotypes Belem and 60:r:e,n,z15, were recovered only from Amazonian animals and showed susceptibility to all classes of antimicrobials that were tested. Although the potential impact of these pathogens on wildlife remains unknown, bacteria isolated from free-ranging wild animals may provide relevant information about environmental health and should therefore be more deeply studied.

Volumetric Stress-Strain Analysis of Optohydrodynamically Suspended Biological Cells

PubMed Central

Liang, Yu; Saha, Asit K.

2011-01-01

Ongoing investigations are exploring the biomechanical properties of isolated and suspended biological cells in pursuit of understanding single-cell mechanobiology. An optical tweezer with minimal applied laser power has positioned biologic cells at the geometric center of a microfluidic cross-junction, creating a novel optohydrodynamic trap. The resulting fluid flow environment facilitates unique multiaxial loading of single cells with site-specific normal and shear stresses resulting in a physical albeit extensional state. A recent two-dimensional analysis has explored the cytoskeletal strain response due to these fluid-induced stresses [Wilson and Kohles, 2010, “Two-Dimensional Modeling of Nanomechanical Stresses-Strains in Healthy and Diseased Single-Cells During Microfluidic Manipulation,” J Nanotechnol Eng Med, 1(2), p. 021005]. Results described a microfluidic environment having controlled nanometer and piconewton resolution. In this present study, computational fluid dynamics combined with multiphysics modeling has further characterized the applied fluid stress environment and the solid cellular strain response in three dimensions to accompany experimental cell stimulation. A volumetric stress-strain analysis was applied to representative living cell biomechanical data. The presented normal and shear stress surface maps will guide future microfluidic experiments as well as provide a framework for characterizing cytoskeletal structure influencing the stress to strain response. PMID:21186894

Strain transfer across grain boundaries in MoS2 monolayers grown by chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niehues, Iris; Blob, Anna; Stiehm, Torsten; Schmidt, Robert; Jadriško, Valentino; Radatović, Borna; Čapeta, Davor; Kralj, Marko; Michaelis de Vasconcellos, Steffen; Bratschitsch, Rudolf

2018-07-01

Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) mechanically exfoliated from bulk crystals have exceptional mechanical and optical properties. They are extremely flexible, sustaining mechanical strain of about 10% without breaking. Their optical properties dramatically change with applied strain. However, the fabrication of a large number of mechanical devices is tedious due to the micromechanical exfoliation process. Alternatively, monolayers can be grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on the wafer scale, with the drawback of cracks and grain boundaries in the material. Therefore, it is important to investigate the mechanical properties of CVD-grown material and its potential as a material for mass production of nanomechanical devices. Here, we measure the optical absorption of CVD-grown MoS2 monolayers with applied uniaxial tensile strain. We derive a strain-dependent shift for the A exciton of  ‑42 meV/%. This value is identical to MoS2 monolayers, which are mechanically exfoliated from natural molybdenite crystals. Using angle-resolved second-harmonic generation spectroscopy, we find that the applied uniaxial tensile strain is fully transferred across grain boundaries of the CVD-grown monolayer. Our work demonstrates that large-area artificially grown MoS2 monolayers are promising for mass-produced nanomechanical devices.

Flexible surface acoustic wave strain sensor based on single crystalline LiNbO3 thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Hongsheng; Dong, Shurong; Xuan, Weipeng; Farooq, Umar; Huang, Shuyi; Li, Menglu; Wu, Ting; Jin, Hao; Wang, Xiaozhi; Luo, Jikui

2018-02-01

A flexible surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensor in the frequency range of 162-325 MHz was developed based on a single crystalline LiNbO3 thin film with dual resonance modes, namely, the Rayleigh mode and the thickness shear mode (TSM). This SAW sensor could handle a wide strain range up to ±3500 μɛ owing to its excellent flexibility, which is nearly six times the detecting range of bulk piezoelectric substrate based SAW strain sensors. The sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of 193 Hz/ μɛ with a maximum hysteresis less than 1.5%. The temperature coefficients of frequency, for Rayleigh and TSM modes, were -85 and -59 ppm/ °C , respectively. No visible deterioration was observed after cyclic bending for hundreds of times, showing its desirable stability and reliability. By utilizing the dual modes, the strain sensor with a self-temperature calibrated capability can be achieved. The results demonstrate that the sensor is an excellent candidate for strain sensing.

Optical-strain characteristics of anisotropic polymer films fabricated from a liquid crystal diacrylate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escuti, Michael J.; Cairns, Darran R.; Crawford, Gregory P.

2004-03-01

The optomechanical characteristics of oriented polymer films made from a photopolymerizable liquid crystal diacrylate (BASF LC242) were examined, with general implications for oriented films of similar materials being used and considered for display-component applications. The birefringence of these uniaxial films before and after polymerization was determined by measuring the retardation between crossed polarizers, (resulting in Δn=0.142±0.002 at 633 nm for the cured polymer films). Optical-strain characteristics were also determined by measuring the transmittance of the films between crossed polarizers at two wavelengths (612 and 633 nm) during the application of a monotonically increasing tensile strain. Under the conservative assumption that Poisson's ratio is constant for the relatively small strains in our experiment, we develop a strained-waveplate model to detect changes in birefringence directly from the modulation in transmittance with increasing strain. We show that strain applied along the axis of the polymer chains did not substantially affect the birefringence, and strain applied perpendicularly caused only a slight decrease (˜1% decrease for 10% strain). These results highlight the robustness of fully polymerized reactive mesogen optical films to withstand the moderate strains anticipated during manufacturing processes and in-service deformation caused by bending or impact.

Electronic and phononic modulation of MoS2 under biaxial strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moghadasi, A.; Roknabadi, M. R.; Ghorbani, S. R.; Modarresi, M.

2017-12-01

Dichalcogenides of transition metals are attractive material due to its unique properties. In this work, it has been investigated the electronic band structure, phonon spectrum and heat capacity of MoS2 under the applied tensile and compressive biaxial strain using the density functional theory. The Molybdenum disulfide under compressive (tensile) strain up to 6% (10%) has stable atomic structure without any negative frequency in the phonon dispersion curves. The tensile biaxial strain reduces the energy gap in the electronic band structure and the optical-acoustic gap in phonon dispersion curves. The tensile biaxial strain also increases the specific heat capacity. On the other hand, the compressive biaxial strain in this material increases phonon gap and reduces the heat capacity and the electronic band gap. The phonon softening/hardening is reported for tensile/compressive biaxial strain in MoS2. We report phonon hardening for out of plane ZA mode in the presence of both tensile and compressive strains. Results show that the linear variation of specific heat with strain (CV ∝ε) and square dependency of specific heat with the temperature (CV ∝T2) for low temperature regime. The results demonstrate that the applied biaxial strain tunes the electronic energy gap and modifies the phonon spectrum of MoS2.

Possibility of the real-time dynamic strain field monitoring deduced from GNSS data: case study of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohta, Y.; Ohzono, M.; Takahashi, H.; Kawamoto, S.; Hino, R.

2017-12-01

A large and destructive earthquake (Mjma 7.3) occurred on April 15, 2016 in Kumamoto region, southwestern Japan. This earthquake was accompanied approximately 32 s later by an M 6 earthquake in central Oita region, which hypocenter located 80 km northeast from the hypocenter of the mainshock of the Kumamoto earthquake. This triggered earthquake also had the many aftershocks in and around the Oita region. It is important to understand how to occur such chain-reacted earthquake sequences. We used the 1Hz dual-frequency phase and range data from GEONET in Kyushu island. The data were processed using GIPSY-OASIS (version 6.4). We adopoted kinematic PPP strategy for the coordinate estimation. The reference GPS satellite orbit and 5 s clock information were obtained using the CODE product. We also applied simple sidereal filter technique for the estimated time series. Based on the obtained 1Hz GNSS time series, we estimated the areal strain and principle strain field using the method of the Shen et al. (1996). For the assessment of the dynamic strain, firstly we calculated the averaged absolute value of areal strain field between 60-85s after the origin time of the mainshock of the Kumamoto earthquake which was used as the "reference" static strain field. Secondly, we estimated the absolute value of areal strain in each time step. Finally, we calculated the strain ratio in each time step relative to the "reference". Based on this procedure, we can extract the spatial and temporal characteristic of the dynamic strain in each time step. Extracted strain ratio clearly shows the spatial and temporal dynamic strain characteristic. When an attention is paid to a region of triggered Oita earthquake, the timing of maximum dynamic strain ratio in the epicenter just corresponds to the origin time of the triggered event. It strongly suggested that the large dynamic strain may trigger the Oita event. The epicenter of the triggered earthquake located within the geothermal region. In the geothermal region, the crustal materials are more sensitive to stress perturbations, and the earthquakes are more easily triggered compared with other typical regions. Our result also suggested that the real-time strain field monitoring may be useful information for the understanding of the possibility of the remotely triggered earthquake in the future.

Colony Dimorphism in Bradyrhizobium Strains

PubMed Central

Sylvester-Bradley, Rosemary; Thornton, Philip; Jones, Peter

1988-01-01

Ten isolates of Bradyrhizobium spp. which form two colony types were studied; the isolates originated from a range of legume species. The two colony types differed in the amount of gum formed or size or both, depending on the strain. Whole 7-day-old colonies of each type were subcultured to determine the proportion of cells which had changed to the other type. An iterative computerized procedure was used to determine the rate of switching per generation between the two types and to predict proportions reached at equilibrium for each strain. The predicted proportions of the wetter (more gummy) or larger colony type at equilibrium differed significantly between strains, ranging from 0.9999 (strain CIAT 2383) to 0.0216 (strain CIAT 2469), because some strains switched faster from dry to wet (or small to large) and others switched faster from wet to dry (or large to small). Predicted equilibrium was reached after about 140 generations in strain USDA 76. In all but one strain (CIAT 3030) the growth rate of the wetter colony type was greater than or similar to that of the drier type. The mean difference in generation time between the two colony types was 0.37 h. Doubling times calculated for either colony type after 7 days of growth on the agar surface ranged from 6.0 to 7.3 h. The formation of two persistent colony types by one strain (clonal or colony dimorphism) may be a common phenomenon among Bradyrhizobium strains. Images PMID:16347599

Characterization of Nonlinear Rate Dependent Response of Shape Memory Polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Volk, Brent; Lagoudas, Dimitris C.; Chen, Yi-Chao; Whitley, Karen S.

2007-01-01

Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are a class of polymers, which can undergo deformation in a flexible state at elevated temperatures, and when cooled below the glass transition temperature, while retaining their deformed shape, will enter and remain in a rigid state. Upon heating above the glass transition temperature, the shape memory polymer will return to its original, unaltered shape. SMPs have been reported to recover strains of over 400%. It is important to understand the stress and strain recovery behavior of SMPs to better develop constitutive models which predict material behavior. Initial modeling efforts did not account for large deformations beyond 25% strain. However, a model under current development is capable of describing large deformations of the material. This model considers the coexisting active (rubber) and frozen (glass) phases of the polymer, as well as the transitions between the material phases. The constitutive equations at the continuum level are established with internal state variables to describe the microstructural changes associated with the phase transitions. For small deformations, the model reduces to a linear model that agrees with those reported in the literature. Thermomechanical characterization is necessary for the development, calibration, and validation of a constitutive model. The experimental data reported in this paper will assist in model development by providing a better understanding of the stress and strain recovery behavior of the material. This paper presents the testing techniques used to characterize the thermomechanical material properties of a shape memory polymer (SMP) and also presents the resulting data. An innovative visual-photographic apparatus, known as a Vision Image Correlation (VIC) system was used to measure the strain. The details of this technique will also be presented in this paper. A series of tensile tests were performed on specimens such that strain levels of 10, 25, 50, and 100% were applied to the material while it was above its glass transition temperature. After deforming the material to a specified applied strain, the material was then cooled to below the glass transition temperature (Tg) while retaining the deformed shape. Finally, the specimen was heated again to above the transition temperature, and the resulting shape recovery profile was measured. Results show that strain recovery occurs at a nonlinear rate with respect to time. Results also indicate that the ratio of recoverable strain/applied strain increases as the applied strain increases.

Effect of mechanical strain on mobility of polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors fabricated on stainless steel foil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Po-Chin; Jamshidi-Roudbari, Abbas; Hatalis, Miltiadis

2007-12-01

The effect of uniaxial tensile strain parallel to the channel on mobility of polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (TFTs) on stainless steel foil has been investigated. The electron mobility increases by 20% while the hole mobility decreases by 6% as the strain increases to 0.5%, and both followed by saturation as the strain increases further. The off current decreases for both types of TFTs under strain. All TFTs remained functional at the applied strain of 1.13%.

An investigation of strain cycling behavior of 7075-T6 aluminum under combined state of strain: The effects of out-of-phase, biaxial strain cycling on low cycle fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zamrik, S. Y.

1972-01-01

The effect of out-of-phase strain cycling on the low cycle fatigue of biaxially loaded specimens is discussed. A method to apply phase angles between two strains imposed in two different directions was developed. The data and the proposed theoretical analysis are part of a research program on biaxial strain cycling effect on fatigue life of structural materials.

Shear Strength of Square Graphene Nanoribbons beyond Wrinkling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ragab, Tarek; Basaran, Cemal

2018-04-01

Atomistic modeling of armchair and zigzag graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) has been performed to investigate the post-wrinkling behavior under in-plane (x-y) shear deformation. Simulations were performed at 300 K for square GNRs with size ranging from 2.5 nm to 20 nm. Shear stresses led only to diagonal tension, and wrinkling was not accompanied by any diagonal compressive force. Once the diagonal tension reached its ultimate elastic level, three major stress-relaxing phenomena were observed. The type of stress-relaxing phenomenon involved greatly affected the mechanical behavior in terms of the slope of the stress-strain diagram beyond the elastic range. The results showed that the average slope of the stress-strain relation beyond the ultimate elastic stress decreased with the increase of the GNR size. Moreover, the slope of the shear stress-strain curve beyond the ultimate elastic stress was always greater for armchair than for zigzag GNRs. GNRs can sustain very high plastic shear strains beyond 100% before failure. The ultimate elastic stress can range from 20 GPa to 50 GPa, occurring at shear strain ranging from 52% to 19%. The ultimate elastic stress and strain were inversely proportional to the size of the GNR with a power factor ranging from 0.261 for armchair GNRs to 0.354 for zigzag GNRs due to the decrease in the effective width for diagonal tension.

Shear Strength of Square Graphene Nanoribbons beyond Wrinkling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ragab, Tarek; Basaran, Cemal

2018-07-01

Atomistic modeling of armchair and zigzag graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) has been performed to investigate the post-wrinkling behavior under in-plane ( x- y) shear deformation. Simulations were performed at 300 K for square GNRs with size ranging from 2.5 nm to 20 nm. Shear stresses led only to diagonal tension, and wrinkling was not accompanied by any diagonal compressive force. Once the diagonal tension reached its ultimate elastic level, three major stress-relaxing phenomena were observed. The type of stress-relaxing phenomenon involved greatly affected the mechanical behavior in terms of the slope of the stress-strain diagram beyond the elastic range. The results showed that the average slope of the stress-strain relation beyond the ultimate elastic stress decreased with the increase of the GNR size. Moreover, the slope of the shear stress-strain curve beyond the ultimate elastic stress was always greater for armchair than for zigzag GNRs. GNRs can sustain very high plastic shear strains beyond 100% before failure. The ultimate elastic stress can range from 20 GPa to 50 GPa, occurring at shear strain ranging from 52% to 19%. The ultimate elastic stress and strain were inversely proportional to the size of the GNR with a power factor ranging from 0.261 for armchair GNRs to 0.354 for zigzag GNRs due to the decrease in the effective width for diagonal tension.

Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by food antimicrobials applied singly and in combination.

PubMed

Brandt, Alex L; Castillo, Alejandro; Harris, Kerri B; Keeton, Jimmy T; Hardin, Margaret D; Taylor, Thomas M

2010-01-01

Combining food antimicrobials can enhance inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) meats. A broth dilution assay was used to compare the inhibition of L. monocytogenes resulting from exposure to nisin, acidic calcium sulfate, ε-poly-L-lysine, and lauric arginate ester applied singly and in combination. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were the lowest concentrations of single antimicrobials producing inhibition following 24 h incubation at 35 °C. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were the lowest concentrations that decreased populations by ≥3.0 log(10) CFU/mL. Combinations of nisin with acidic calcium sulfate, nisin with lauric arginate ester, and ɛ-poly-L-lysine with acidic calcium sulfate were prepared using a checkerboard assay to determine optimal inhibitory combinations (OICs). Fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) were calculated from OICs and were used to create FIC indices (FIC(I)s) and isobolograms to classify combinations as synergistic (FIC(I) < 1.00), additive/indifferent (FIC(I)= 1.00), or antagonistic (FIC(I) > 1.00). MIC values for nisin ranged from 3.13 to 6.25 μg/g with MBC values at 6.25 μg/g for all strains except for Natl. Animal Disease Center (NADC) 2045. MIC values for ε-poly-L-lysine ranged from 6.25 to 12.50 μg/g with MBCs from 12.50 to 25.00 μg/g. Lauric arginate ester at 12.50 μg/g was the MIC and MBC for all strains; 12.50 mL/L was the MIC and MBC for acidic calcium sulfate. Combining nisin with acidic calcium sulfate synergistically inhibited L. monocytogenes; nisin with lauric arginate ester produced additive-type inhibition, while ε-poly-L-lysine with acidic calcium sulfate produced antagonistic-type inhibition. Applying nisin along with acidic calcium sulfate should be further investigated for efficacy on RTE meat surfaces. © 2010 Institute of Food Technologists®

Electrostatic coating enhances bioavailability of insecticides and breaks pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes

PubMed Central

Andriessen, Rob; Snetselaar, Janneke; Suer, Remco A.; Osinga, Anne J.; Deschietere, Johan; Lyimo, Issa N.; Mnyone, Ladslaus L.; Brooke, Basil D.; Ranson, Hilary; Knols, Bart G. J.; Farenhorst, Marit

2015-01-01

Insecticide resistance poses a significant and increasing threat to the control of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. We present a novel method of insecticide application based on netting treated with an electrostatic coating that binds insecticidal particles through polarity. Electrostatic netting can hold small amounts of insecticides effectively and results in enhanced bioavailability upon contact by the insect. Six pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles mosquito strains from across Africa were exposed to similar concentrations of deltamethrin on electrostatic netting or a standard long-lasting deltamethrin-coated bednet (PermaNet 2.0). Standard WHO exposure bioassays showed that electrostatic netting induced significantly higher mortality rates than the PermaNet, thereby effectively breaking mosquito resistance. Electrostatic netting also induced high mortality in resistant mosquito strains when a 15-fold lower dose of deltamethrin was applied and when the exposure time was reduced to only 5 s. Because different types of particles adhere to electrostatic netting, it is also possible to apply nonpyrethroid insecticides. Three insecticide classes were effective against strains of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes, demonstrating that electrostatic netting can be used to deploy a wide range of active insecticides against all major groups of disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Promising applications include the use of electrostatic coating on walls or eave curtains and in trapping/contamination devices. We conclude that application of electrostatically adhered particles boosts the efficacy of WHO-recommended insecticides even against resistant mosquitoes. This innovative technique has potential to support the use of unconventional insecticide classes or combinations thereof, potentially offering a significant step forward in managing insecticide resistance in vector-control operations. PMID:26324912

Quantification and significance of fluid shear stress field in biaxial cell stretching device.

PubMed

Thompson, Mark S; Abercrombie, Stuart R; Ott, Claus-Eric; Bieler, Friederike H; Duda, Georg N; Ventikos, Yiannis

2011-07-01

A widely used commercially available system for the investigation of mechanosensitivity applies a biaxial strain field to cells cultured on a compliant silicone substrate membrane stretched over a central post. As well as intended substrate strain, this device also provides a fluid flow environment for the cultured cells. In order to interpret the relevance of experiments using this device to the in vivo and clinical situation, it is essential to characterise both substrate and fluid environments. While previous work has detailed the substrate strain, the fluid shear stresses, to which bone cells are known to be sensitive, are unknown. Therefore, a fluid structure interaction computational fluid dynamics model was constructed, incorporating a finite element technique capable of capturing the contact between the post and the silicone substrate membrane, to the underside of which the pump control pressure was applied. Flow verification experiments using 10-μm-diameter fluorescent microspheres were carried out. Fluid shear stress increased approximately linearly with radius along the on-post substrate membrane, with peak values located close to the post edge. Changes in stimulation frequency and culture medium viscosity effected proportional changes in the magnitude of the fluid shear stress (peak fluid shear stresses varied in the range 0.09-3.5 Pa), with minor effects on temporal and spatial distribution. Good agreement was obtained between predicted and measured radial flow patterns. These results suggest a reinterpretation of previous data obtained using this device to include the potential for a strong role of fluid shear stress in mechanosensitivity.

Flexible and multi-directional piezoelectric energy harvester for self-powered human motion sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Min-Ook; Pyo, Soonjae; Oh, Yongkeun; Kang, Yunsung; Cho, Kyung-Ho; Choi, Jungwook; Kim, Jongbaeg

2018-03-01

A flexible piezoelectric strain energy harvester that is responsive to multi-directional input forces produced by various human motions is proposed. The structure of the harvester, which includes a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bump, facilitates the effective conversion of strain energy, produced by input forces applied in random directions, into electrical energy. The structural design of the PDMS bump and frame as well as the slits in the piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film provide mechanical flexibility and enhance the strain induced in the PVDF film under input forces applied at various angles. The amount and direction of the strain induced in PVDF can be changed by the direction of the applied force; thus, the generated output power can be varied. The measured maximum output peak voltage is 1.75, 1.29, and 0.98 V when an input force of 4 N (2 Hz) is applied at angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°, and the corresponding maximum output power is 0.064, 0.026, and 0.02 μW, respectively. Moreover, the harvester stably generates output voltage over 1.4 × 104 cycles. Thus, the proposed harvester successfully identifies and converts strain energy produced by multi-directional input forces by various human motions into electrical energy. We demonstrate the potential utility of the proposed flexible energy harvester as a self-powered human motion sensor for wireless healthcare systems.

Fumonisin B(1)-nonproducing strains of Fusarium verticillioides cause maize (Zea mays) ear infection and ear rot.

PubMed

Desjardins, A E; Plattner, R D

2000-11-01

Fumonisins are polyketide mycotoxins produced by Fusarium verticillioides (synonym F. moniliforme), a major pathogen of maize (Zea mays) worldwide. Most field strains produce high levels of fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) and low levels of the less-oxygenated homologues FB(2) and FB(3), but fumonisin B(1)-nonproducing field strains have been obtained by natural variation. To test the role of various fumonisins in pathogenesis on maize under field conditions, one strain producing FB(1), FB(2), and FB(3), one strain producing only FB(2), one strain producing only FB(3), and one fumonisin-nonproducing strain were applied to ears via the silk channel and on seeds at planting. Disease severity on the harvested ears was evaluated by visible symptoms and by weight percent symptomatic kernels. Fumonisin levels in kernels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The presence of the applied FB(1)-nonproducing strains in kernels was determined by analysis of recovered strains for fumonisin production and other traits. All three FB(1)-nonproducing strains were able to infect ears following either silk-channel application or seed application at planting and were as effective as the FB(1)-producing strain in causing ear rot following silk-channel application. These results indicate that production of FB(1), FB(2), or FB(3) is not required for F. verticillioides to cause maize ear infection and ear rot.

Development of a high-sensitivity strain measurement system based on a SH SAW sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Haekwan; Lee, Keekeun; Eun, Kyoungtae; Choa, Sung-Hoon; Yang, Sang Sik

2012-02-01

A strain measurement system based on a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH SAW) was developed. The developed system is composed of a SAW microsensor, a printed circuit board (PCB), an adhesive and a strain gauge. When a compression force is applied to the PCB by the strain gauge, the PCB is bent so that external strain energy can be evenly delivered to the microsensor without any detachment of the sensor from the board. When a stretching force is applied to the PCB under the condition that one side of the PCB is fixed and the other side is modulated, the actual length of the SAW delay line between the two interdigital transducers (IDTs) is increased. The increase in the delay line length causes a change in the time for the propagating SAW to reach the output IDT. If strain energy is applied to the piezoelectric substrate, the substrate density is changed, which then changes the propagation velocity of the SAW. Coupling-of-modes modeling was conducted prior to fabrication to determine the optimal device parameters. Depending on the strain, the frequency difference was linearly modulated. The obtained sensitivity for stretching was 17.3 kHz/% for the SH wave mode and split electrode. And the obtained sensitivity for bending was 46.1 kHz/% for the SH wave mode and split electrode. The SH wave showed about 15% higher sensitivity than the Rayleigh wave, and the dog-bone PCB showed about 8% higher sensitivity than the rectangular PCB. The obtained sensitivity was about five times higher than that of existing SAW-based strain sensors.

Mechanical control of the electro-optical properties of monolayer and bilayer BC3 by applying the in-plane biaxial strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behzad, Somayeh

2017-11-01

Recently, a new two-dimensional (2D) material, the 2D BC3 crystal, has been synthesized. Here, the mechanical control of the electro-optical properties of monolayer and bilayer BC3 by applying the biaxial strain is investigated. The electronic structure calculations showed that the strain-free monolayer and bilayer BC3 are indirect band-gap semiconductors with band gap of 0.62 and 0.29 eV, respectively, where the conduction band minimum (CBM) is at the M point whereas the valence band maximum (VBM) is at the Γ point. The doubly degenerated bands in the monolayer BC3 are splitted in the bilayer BC3 due to the interlayer interactions. Both monolayer and bilayer BC3 remain indirect gap semiconductor under biaxial tensile strain and their band gaps increases with strain. On the other hand, by increasing the magnitude of tensile strain, the optical spectra shift to the lower energies and the static dielectric constant increases. These findings suggest the potential of strain-engineered 2D BC3 in electronic and optoelectronic device applications.

DETERMINATION OF THE CREEP–FATIGUE INTERACTION DIAGRAM FOR ALLOY 617

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

Wright, J. K.; Carroll, L. J.; Sham, T. -L.

Alloy 617 is the leading candidate material for an intermediate heat exchanger for the very high temperature reactor. To evaluate the behavior of this material in the expected service conditions, creep-fatigue testing was performed. Testing has been performed primarily on a single heat of material at 850 and 950°C for total strain ranges of 0.3 to 1% and tensile hold times as long as 240 minutes. At 850°C, increases in the tensile hold duration degraded the creep fatigue resistance, at least to the investigated strain-controlled hold time of up to 60 minutes at the 0.3% strain range and 240 minutesmore » at the 1.0% strain range. At 950°C, the creep-fatigue cycles to failure becomes constant with increasing hold times, indicating saturation occurs at relatively short hold times. The creep and fatigue damage fractions have been calculated and plotted on a creep-fatigue interaction D-diagram. Results from earlier creep-fatigue tests at 800 and 1000°C on an additional heat of Alloy 617 are also plotted on the D-diagram. The methodology for calculating the damage fractions will be presented, and the effects of strain rate, strain range, temperature, hold time, and strain profile (i.e. holds in tension, compression or both) on the creep-fatigue damage will be explored.« less

Multifunctional Cement Composites Strain and Damage Sensors Applied on Reinforced Concrete (RC) Structural Elements

PubMed Central

Baeza, Francisco Javier; Galao, Oscar; Zornoza, Emilio; Garcés, Pedro

2013-01-01

In this research, strain-sensing and damage-sensing functional properties of cement composites have been studied on a conventional reinforced concrete (RC) beam. Carbon nanofiber (CNFCC) and fiber (CFCC) cement composites were used as sensors on a 4 m long RC beam. Different casting conditions (in situ or attached), service location (under tension or compression) and electrical contacts (embedded or superficial) were compared. Both CNFCC and CFCC were suitable as strain sensors in reversible (elastic) sensing condition testing. CNFCC showed higher sensitivities (gage factor up to 191.8), while CFCC only reached gage factors values of 178.9 (tension) or 49.5 (compression). Furthermore, damage-sensing tests were run, increasing the applied load progressively up to the RC beam failure. In these conditions, CNFCC sensors were also strain sensitive, but no damage sensing mechanism was detected for the strain levels achieved during the tests. Hence, these cement composites could act as strain sensors, even for severe damaged structures near to their collapse. PMID:28809343

Multifunctional Cement Composites Strain and Damage Sensors Applied on Reinforced Concrete (RC) Structural Elements.

PubMed

Baeza, Francisco Javier; Galao, Oscar; Zornoza, Emilio; Garcés, Pedro

2013-03-06

In this research, strain-sensing and damage-sensing functional properties of cement composites have been studied on a conventional reinforced concrete (RC) beam. Carbon nanofiber (CNFCC) and fiber (CFCC) cement composites were used as sensors on a 4 m long RC beam. Different casting conditions ( in situ or attached), service location (under tension or compression) and electrical contacts (embedded or superficial) were compared. Both CNFCC and CFCC were suitable as strain sensors in reversible (elastic) sensing condition testing. CNFCC showed higher sensitivities (gage factor up to 191.8), while CFCC only reached gage factors values of 178.9 (tension) or 49.5 (compression). Furthermore, damage-sensing tests were run, increasing the applied load progressively up to the RC beam failure. In these conditions, CNFCC sensors were also strain sensitive, but no damage sensing mechanism was detected for the strain levels achieved during the tests. Hence, these cement composites could act as strain sensors, even for severe damaged structures near to their collapse.

Multi-Strain Deterministic Chaos in Dengue Epidemiology, A Challenge for Computational Mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguiar, Maíra; Kooi, Bob W.; Stollenwerk, Nico

2009-09-01

Recently, we have analysed epidemiological models of competing strains of pathogens and hence differences in transmission for first versus secondary infection due to interaction of the strains with previously aquired immunities, as has been described for dengue fever, known as antibody dependent enhancement (ADE). These models show a rich variety of dynamics through bifurcations up to deterministic chaos. Including temporary cross-immunity even enlarges the parameter range of such chaotic attractors, and also gives rise to various coexisting attractors, which are difficult to identify by standard numerical bifurcation programs using continuation methods. A combination of techniques, including classical bifurcation plots and Lyapunov exponent spectra has to be applied in comparison to get further insight into such dynamical structures. Especially, Lyapunov spectra, which quantify the predictability horizon in the epidemiological system, are computationally very demanding. We show ways to speed up computations of such Lyapunov spectra by a factor of more than ten by parallelizing previously used sequential C programs. Such fast computations of Lyapunov spectra will be especially of use in future investigations of seasonally forced versions of the present models, as they are needed for data analysis.

Molecular Characterization of Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Strains by Analysis of Microsatellite Polymorphism

PubMed Central

Ait-Arkoub, Zaïna; Voujon, Delphine; Deback, Claire; Abrao, Emiliana P.; Agut, Henri; Boutolleau, David

2013-01-01

The complete 154-kbp linear double-stranded genomic DNA sequence of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), consisting of two extended regions of unique sequences bounded by a pair of inverted repeat elements, was published in 1998 and since then has been widely employed in a wide range of studies. Throughout the HSV-2 genome are scattered 150 microsatellites (also referred to as short tandem repeats) of 1- to 6-nucleotide motifs, mainly distributed in noncoding regions. Microsatellites are considered reliable markers for genetic mapping to differentiate herpesvirus strains, as shown for cytomegalovirus and HSV-1. The aim of this work was to characterize 12 polymorphic microsatellites within the HSV-2 genome by use of 3 multiplex PCR assays in combination with length polymorphism analysis for the rapid genetic differentiation of 56 HSV-2 clinical isolates and 2 HSV-2 laboratory strains (gHSV-2 and MS). This new system was applied to a specific new HSV-2 variant recently identified in HIV-1-infected patients originating from West Africa. Our results confirm that microsatellite polymorphism analysis is an accurate tool for studying the epidemiology of HSV-2 infections. PMID:23966512

Role of orthopyroxene in rheological weakening of the lithosphere via dynamic recrystallization

PubMed Central

Farla, Robert J. M.; Karato, Shun-ichiro; Cai, Zhengyu

2013-01-01

For plate tectonics to operate on a terrestrial planet, the surface layer (the lithosphere) must have a modest strength (Earth, ≤200 MPa), but a standard strength profile based on olivine far exceeds this threshold value. Consequently, it is essential to identify mechanisms that reduce the strength of the lithosphere on Earth. Here we report results of high-strain laboratory deformation experiments on a representative olivine–orthopyroxene composition that show the addition of orthopyroxene substantially reduces the strength in the ductile regime within a certain temperature window. The reduction in strength is associated with the formation of small orthopyroxene and olivine grains. Our samples show heterogeneous microstructures similar to those observed in natural peridotites in shear zones: fine-grained regions containing both orthopyroxene and olivine that form interconnected bands where a large fraction of strain is accommodated. A model is developed to apply these results to geological conditions. Such a model, combined with our experimental observations, suggests that orthopyroxene may play a key role in the plastic deformation of the lithosphere in a critical temperature range, leading to long-term weakening associated with strain localization in the lithosphere. PMID:24067645

The Fiber Grating Sensors Applied in the Deformation Measurement of Shipborne Antenna Basement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yong; Chen, Jiahong; Zhao, Wenhua

2016-02-01

The optical fiber grating sensor is a novel fibre-optical passive device, its reflecting optical spectrum is linearly related with strain. It is broadly applied in the structural monitoring industry. Shipborne antenna basement is the basic supporting structure for the radar tracking movement. The bending deformation of the basement caused by ship attitude changing influences the antenna tracking precision, According to the structure of shipborne antenna basement, a distributed strain testing method based on the fibre grating sensor is approved to measure the bending deformation under the bending force. The strain-angle model is built. The regularity of the strain distribution is obtained. The finite element method is used to analyze the deformation of the antenna basement. The measuring experiment on the contractible basement mould is carried out to verify the availability of the method. The result of the experiment proves that the model is effective to apply in the deformation measurement. It provides an optimized method for the distribution of the fiber grating sensor in the actual measuring process.

Effect of 1partial thickness actuation on stress concentration reduction near a hole

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sensharma, P. K.; Kadivar, M. H.; Haftka, R. T.

1994-01-01

Recently, there has been much interest in adaptive structures that can respond to a varying environment by changing their properties. Piezoelectric materials and shape memory alloys (SMA) are often used as partial thickness actuators to create such adaptivity by applied energy, usually electric curent. These actuators can be used to inducce strains in a structure and reduce stresses in regions of high stress concentration. Two of the present authors show that axisymmetric actuation strains applied troughout the thickness of a plate with a hole can reduce the stress concentration factor (SCF) in an isotropic plate from 3 to 2. However, in most cases actuators are expected to be bonded to or embedded in the plate, so that the actuation strains are applied in the actuators and not directly in the plate. The objective of this note is to show that such partial-thickness actuation cannot be used to reduce the stress concentration factor with axisymmetric actuations strain distribution.

Combination of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy for multivariate classification of bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prochazka, D.; Mazura, M.; Samek, O.; Rebrošová, K.; Pořízka, P.; Klus, J.; Prochazková, P.; Novotný, J.; Novotný, K.; Kaiser, J.

2018-01-01

In this work, we investigate the impact of data provided by complementary laser-based spectroscopic methods on multivariate classification accuracy. Discrimination and classification of five Staphylococcus bacterial strains and one strain of Escherichia coli is presented. The technique that we used for measurements is a combination of Raman spectroscopy and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Obtained spectroscopic data were then processed using Multivariate Data Analysis algorithms. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was selected as the most suitable technique for visualization of bacterial strains data. To classify the bacterial strains, we used Neural Networks, namely a supervised version of Kohonen's self-organizing maps (SOM). We were processing results in three different ways - separately from LIBS measurements, from Raman measurements, and we also merged data from both mentioned methods. The three types of results were then compared. By applying the PCA to Raman spectroscopy data, we observed that two bacterial strains were fully distinguished from the rest of the data set. In the case of LIBS data, three bacterial strains were fully discriminated. Using a combination of data from both methods, we achieved the complete discrimination of all bacterial strains. All the data were classified with a high success rate using SOM algorithm. The most accurate classification was obtained using a combination of data from both techniques. The classification accuracy varied, depending on specific samples and techniques. As for LIBS, the classification accuracy ranged from 45% to 100%, as for Raman Spectroscopy from 50% to 100% and in case of merged data, all samples were classified correctly. Based on the results of the experiments presented in this work, we can assume that the combination of Raman spectroscopy and LIBS significantly enhances discrimination and classification accuracy of bacterial species and strains. The reason is the complementarity in obtained chemical information while using these two methods.

Functional liquid structures by emulsification of graphene and other two-dimensional nanomaterials.

PubMed

Large, Matthew J; Ogilvie, Sean P; Meloni, Manuela; Amorim Graf, Aline; Fratta, Giuseppe; Salvage, Jonathan; King, Alice A K; Dalton, Alan B

2018-01-25

Pickering emulsions stabilised with nanomaterials provide routes to a range of functional macroscopic assemblies. We demonstrate the formation and properties of water-in-oil emulsions prepared through liquid-phase exfoliation of graphene. Due to the functional nature of the stabiliser, the emulsions exhibit conductivity due to inter-particle tunnelling. We demonstrate a strain sensing application with a large gauge factor of ∼40; the highest reported in a liquid. Our methodology can be applied to other two-dimensional layered materials opening up applications such as energy storage materials, and flexible and printable electronics.

Survivial Strategies in Bacterial Range Expansions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frey, Erwin

2014-03-01

Bacterial communities represent complex and dynamic ecological systems. Different environmental conditions as well as bacterial interactions determine the establishment and sustainability of bacterial diversity. In this talk we discuss the competition of three Escherichia coli strains during range expansions on agar plates. In this bacterial model system, a colicin E2 producing strain C competes with a colicin resistant strain R and with a colicin sensitive strain S for new territory. Genetic engineering allows us to tune the growth rates of the strains and to study distinct ecological scenarios. These scenarios may lead to either single-strain dominance, pairwise coexistence, or to the coexistence of all three strains. In order to elucidate the survival mechanisms of the individual strains, we also developed a stochastic agent-based model to capture the ecological scenarios in silico. In a combined theoretical and experimental approach we are able to show that the level of biodiversity depends crucially on the composition of the inoculum, on the relative growth rates of the three strains, and on the effective reach of colicin toxicity.

Functional properties of Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from Maasai traditional fermented milk products in Kenya.

PubMed

Mathara, Julius Maina; Schillinger, Ulrich; Kutima, Phillip M; Mbugua, Samuel K; Guigas, Claudia; Franz, Charles; Holzapfel, Wilhelm H

2008-04-01

Lactobacillus plantarum was the major species among the lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from traditional fermented milk of the Maasai in Kenya. Selected strains were characterized for their functional properties using in vitro standard procedures. All strains expressed acid tolerance at pH 2.0 after 2-h exposure of values that ranged from 1% to 100%, while bile tolerance of acid-stressed cells at 0.3% oxgal varied from 30% to 80%. In vitro adhesion to the mucus-secreting cell line HT 29 MTX and binding capacity to extracellular protein matrices was demonstrated for several strains. The four strains tested in a simulated stomach duodenum passage survived with recovery rates ranging from 17% to 100%. Strains were intrinsically resistant to several antibiotics tested. From these in vitro studies, a number of Lb. plantarum strains isolated from the Maasai traditional fermented milk showed probiotic potential. The strains are good candidates for multifunctional starter culture development.

Carbon nanotube film interlayer for strain and damage sensing in composites during dynamic compressive loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, A. S.; Na, W.-J.; Yu, W.-R.; Byun, J.-H.; Chou, T.-W.

2012-11-01

A major challenge in the damage assessment of materials under dynamic, high strain rate loading lies in the inability to apply most health monitoring methodologies to the analysis and evaluation of damage incurred on short timescales. Here, we present a resistance-based sensing method utilizing an electrically conductive carbon nanotube film in a fiberglass/vinyl ester composite. This method reveals that applied strain and damage in the form of matrix cracking and delamination give rise to electrical resistance increases across the composite specimen; these can be measured in real-time during high strain rate loading. Damage within the composite specimens is confirmed through pre- and post-mortem x-ray micro computed tomography imaging.

40 CFR 180.1310 - Trichoderma virens strain G-41; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Trichoderma virens strain G-41... RESIDUES IN FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1310 Trichoderma virens strain G-41; exemption from the... Trichoderma virens strain G-41, in or on all food commodities, when applied as a fungicide and used in...

40 CFR 180.1310 - Trichoderma virens strain G-41; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Trichoderma virens strain G-41... RESIDUES IN FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1310 Trichoderma virens strain G-41; exemption from the... Trichoderma virens strain G-41, in or on all food commodities, when applied as a fungicide and used in...

40 CFR 180.1310 - Trichoderma virens strain G-41; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Trichoderma virens strain G-41... RESIDUES IN FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1310 Trichoderma virens strain G-41; exemption from the... Trichoderma virens strain G-41, in or on all food commodities, when applied as a fungicide and used in...

Major secondary metabolites produced by two commercial Trichoderma strains active against different phytopathogens.

PubMed

Vinale, F; Marra, R; Scala, F; Ghisalberti, E L; Lorito, M; Sivasithamparam, K

2006-08-01

Trichoderma harzianum strains T22 and T39 are two micro-organisms used as active agents in a variety of commercial biopesticides and biofertilizers and widely applied amongst field and greenhouse crops. The production, isolation, biological and chemical characterization of the main secondary metabolites produced by these strains are investigated. Of the three major compounds produced by strain T22, one is a new azaphilone that shows marked in vitro inhibition of Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici. In turn, filtrates from strain T39 were demonstrated to contain two compounds previously isolated from other T. harzianum strains and a new butenolide. The production of the isolated metabolites was also monitored by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry during in vitro interaction with R. solani. This paper reports the isolation and characterization of the main secondary metabolites obtained from culture filtrates of two T. harzianum strains and their production during antagonistic interaction with the pathogen R. solani. This is the first work on secondary metabolites produced by the commercially applied strains T22 and T39. Our results provide a better understanding of the metabolism of these fungi, which are both widely used as biopesticides and/or biofertilizers in biocontrol.

Normal Ranges of Right Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Strain Measures in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Levy, Philip T.; Sanchez, Aura; Machefsky, Aliza; Fowler, Susan; Holland, Mark R.; Singh, Gautam K.

2014-01-01

Background Establishment of the range of normal values and associated variations of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) derived right ventricular (RV) strain is a prerequisite for its routine clinical application in children. The objectives of this study were to perform a meta-analysis of normal ranges of RV longitudinal strain measurements derived by 2DSTE in children and identify confounders that may contribute to differences in reported measures. Methods A systematic review was launched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and ClinicTrials.gov. Search hedges were created to cover the concepts of pediatrics, speckle-tracking echocardiography, and right heart ventricle. Two investigators independently identified and included studies if they reported the 2DSTE derived RV strain measures: RV peak global longitudinal strain (pGLS), systolic strain rate (pGLSRs), early diastolic strain rate (pGLSRe), late diastolic strain rate (pGLSRa), or segmental longitudinal strain at the apical, mid, and basal ventricular levels in healthy children. Quality and reporting of the studies were assessed. The weighted mean was estimated by using random-effects with 95% confidence intervals (CI), heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran's Q statistic and the inconsistency index (I2), and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and the Egger test. Effects of demographic, clinical, equipment, and software variables were assessed in a meta-regression. Results The search identified 226 children from 10 studies. The reported normal mean values of pGLS among the studies varied from −20.80% to −34.10% (mean, −29.03%, 95%CI, −31.52% to −26.54%), pGLSRs varied from −1.30 to −2.40 1/sec (mean, −1.88, 95%CI, −2.10 to −1.59), pGLSRe ranged from 1.7 to 2.69 1/sec (mean, 2.34, 95%CI, 2.00 to 2.67) and pGLSRa ranged from 1.00 to 1.30 1/sec (mean, 1.18, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.33). A significant base-to-apex segmental strain gradient (p <0.05) was observed in the right ventricular free wall. There was significant between-study heterogeneity and inconsistency (I2>88% and p<0.01 for each strain measure), which was not explained by age, gender, body surface area, heart rate, frame rate, tissue tracking methodology, equipment, or software. The meta-regression showed that these effects were not significant determinants of variations among normal ranges of strain values. There was no evidence of publication bias (Egger test, p=0.59). Conclusions This study is the first to define normal values of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic (2DSTE) derived right ventricle strain in children on the basis of a meta-analysis. The normal mean value in children for RV global strain is −29.03% (95% CI, −31.52% to −26.54%). The normal mean value for RV global systolic strain rate is −1.88 1/sec (95% CI, −2.10 to −1.59). RV segmental strain has a stable base-to-apex gradient that highlights the dominance of deep longitudinal layers of the RV that are aligned base to apex. Variations among different normal ranges do not appear to be dependent on differences in demographic, clinical, or equipment parameters in this meta-analysis. All of the eligible studies used equipment and software from one manufacturer, General Electric (GE). PMID:24582163

Characterization of Damage in Triaxial Braid Composites Under Tensile Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Littell, Justin D.; Binienda, Wieslaw K.; Roberts, Gary D.; Goldberg, Robert K.

2009-01-01

Carbon fiber composites utilizing flattened, large tow yarns in woven or braided forms are being used in many aerospace applications. Their complex fiber architecture and large unit cell size present challenges in both understanding deformation processes and measuring reliable material properties. This report examines composites made using flattened 12k and 24k standard modulus carbon fiber yarns in a 0 /+60 /-60 triaxial braid architecture. Standard straight-sided tensile coupons are tested with the 0 axial braid fibers either parallel with or perpendicular to the applied tensile load (axial or transverse tensile test, respectively). Nonuniform surface strain resulting from the triaxial braid architecture is examined using photogrammetry. Local regions of high strain concentration are examined to identify where failure initiates and to determine the local strain at the time of initiation. Splitting within fiber bundles is the first failure mode observed at low to intermediate strains. For axial tensile tests splitting is primarily in the 60 bias fibers, which were oriented 60 to the applied load. At higher strains, out-of-plane deformation associated with localized delamination between fiber bundles or damage within fiber bundles is observed. For transverse tensile tests, the splitting is primarily in the 0 axial fibers, which were oriented transverse to the applied load. The initiation and accumulation of local damage causes the global transverse stress-strain curves to become nonlinear and causes failure to occur at a reduced ultimate strain. Extensive delamination at the specimen edges is also observed.

A Modeling Insight into Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Myogenesis.

PubMed

Deshpande, Rajiv S; Grayson, Warren L; Spector, Alexander A

2015-01-01

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are clinically important in regenerative medicine as they are relatively easy to obtain, are characterized by low morbidity, and can differentiate into myogenic progenitor cells. Although studies have elucidated the principal markers, PAX7, Desmin, MyoD, and MHC, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. This motivates the application of computational methods to facilitate greater understanding of such processes. In the following, we present a multi-stage kinetic model comprising a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). We sought to model ASC differentiation using data from a static culture, where no strain is applied, and a dynamic culture, where 10% strain is applied. The coefficients of the equations have been modulated by those experimental data points. To correctly represent the trajectories, various switches and a feedback factor based on total cell number have been introduced to better represent the biology of ASC differentiation. Furthermore, the model has then been applied to predict ASC fate for strains different from those used in the experimental conditions and for times longer than the duration of the experiment. Analysis of the results reveals unique characteristics of ASC myogenesis under dynamic conditions of the applied strain.

Characterization of Hot Deformation Behavior of a Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo-N Superaustenitic Stainless Steel Using Dynamic Materials Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Enxiang; Zheng, Wenjie; Song, Zhigang; Feng, Han; Zhu, Yuliang

2017-03-01

Hot deformation behavior of a Fe-24Cr-22Ni-7Mo-0.5N superaustenitic stainless steel was investigated by hot compression tests in a wide temperature range of 950-1250 °C and strain rate range of 0.001-10 s-1. The flow curves show that the flow stress decreases as the deformation temperature increases or the strain rate decreases. The processing maps developed on the basis of the dynamic materials model and flow stress data were adopted to optimize the parameters of hot working. It was found that the strain higher than 0.2 has no significant effect on the processing maps. The optimum processing conditions were in the temperature range of 1125-1220 °C and strain rate range of 0.1-3 s-1. Comparing to other stable domains, microstructural observations in this domain revealed the complete dynamic recrystallization (DRX) with finer and more uniform grain size. Flow instability occurred in the domain of temperature lower than 1100 °C and strain rate higher than 0.1 s-1.

Pulmonary Bacteriophage Therapy on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cystic Fibrosis Strains: First Steps Towards Treatment and Prevention

PubMed Central

Morello, Eric; Saussereau, Emilie; Maura, Damien; Huerre, Michel; Touqui, Lhousseine; Debarbieux, Laurent

2011-01-01

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are the cause of an increasing number of deadly pulmonary infections. Because there is currently a paucity of novel antibiotics, phage therapy—the use of specific viruses that infect bacteria—is now more frequently being considered as a potential treatment for bacterial infections. Using a mouse lung-infection model caused by a multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa mucoid strain isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient, we evaluated bacteriophage treatments. New bacteriophages were isolated from environmental samples and characterized. Bacteria and bacteriophages were applied intranasally to the immunocompetent mice. Survival was monitored and bronchoalveolar fluids were analysed. Quantification of bacteria, bacteriophages, pro-inflammatory and cytotoxicity markers, as well as histology and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. A curative treatment (one single dose) administrated 2 h after the onset of the infection allowed over 95% survival. A four-day preventive treatment (one single dose) resulted in a 100% survival. All of the parameters measured correlated with the efficacy of both curative and preventive bacteriophage treatments. We also showed that in vitro optimization of a bacteriophage towards a clinical strain improved both its efficacy on in vivo treatments and its host range on a panel of 20 P. aeruginosa cystic fibrosis strains. This work provides an incentive to develop clinical studies on pulmonary bacteriophage therapy to combat multidrug-resistant lung infections. PMID:21347240

Generation and Characterization of Acid Tolerant Fibrobacter succinogenes S85

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

Wu, Chia-wei; Spike, Thomas; Klingeman, Dawn M.

Microorganisms are key components for plant biomass breakdown within rumen environments. Fibrobacter succinogenes have been identified as being active and dominant cellulolytic members of the rumen. In this study, F. succinogenes type strain S85 was adapted for steady state growth in continuous culture at pH 5.75 and confirmed to grow in the range of pH 5.60–5.65, which is lower than has been reported previously. Wild type and acid tolerant strains digested corn stover with equal efficiency in batch culture at low pH. RNA-seq analysis revealed 268 and 829 genes were differentially expressed at pH 6.10 and 5.65 compared to pHmore » 6.70, respectively. Resequencing analysis identified seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the sufD, yidE, xylE, rlmM, mscL and dosC genes of acid tolerant strains. Due to the absence of a F. succinogenes genetic system, homologues in Escherichia coli were mutated and complemented and the resulting strains were assayed for acid survival. Complementation with wild-type or acid tolerant F. succinogenes sufD restored E. coli wild-type levels of acid tolerance, suggesting a possible role in acid homeostasis. Here, recent genetic engineering developments need to be adapted and applied in F. succinogenes to further our understanding of this bacterium.« less

Generation and Characterization of Acid Tolerant Fibrobacter succinogenes S85

DOE PAGES

Wu, Chia-wei; Spike, Thomas; Klingeman, Dawn M.; ...

2017-05-23

Microorganisms are key components for plant biomass breakdown within rumen environments. Fibrobacter succinogenes have been identified as being active and dominant cellulolytic members of the rumen. In this study, F. succinogenes type strain S85 was adapted for steady state growth in continuous culture at pH 5.75 and confirmed to grow in the range of pH 5.60–5.65, which is lower than has been reported previously. Wild type and acid tolerant strains digested corn stover with equal efficiency in batch culture at low pH. RNA-seq analysis revealed 268 and 829 genes were differentially expressed at pH 6.10 and 5.65 compared to pHmore » 6.70, respectively. Resequencing analysis identified seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the sufD, yidE, xylE, rlmM, mscL and dosC genes of acid tolerant strains. Due to the absence of a F. succinogenes genetic system, homologues in Escherichia coli were mutated and complemented and the resulting strains were assayed for acid survival. Complementation with wild-type or acid tolerant F. succinogenes sufD restored E. coli wild-type levels of acid tolerance, suggesting a possible role in acid homeostasis. Here, recent genetic engineering developments need to be adapted and applied in F. succinogenes to further our understanding of this bacterium.« less

Limited genetic diversity among Sarcocystis neurona strains infecting southern sea otters precludes distinction between marine and terrestrial isolates.

PubMed

Wendte, J M; Miller, M A; Nandra, A K; Peat, S M; Crosbie, P R; Conrad, P A; Grigg, M E

2010-04-19

Sarcocystis neurona is an apicomplexan parasite identified as a cause of fatal neurological disease in the threatened southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). In an effort to characterize virulent S. neurona strains circulating in the marine ecosystem, this study developed a range of markers relevant for molecular genotyping. Highly conserved sequences within the 18S ribosomal gene array, the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (RPOb) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (CO1) were assessed for their ability to distinguish isolates at the genus and species level. For within-species comparisons, five surface antigens (SnSAG1-SnSAG5) and one high resolution microsatellite marker (Sn9) were developed as genotyping markers to evaluate intra-strain diversity. Molecular analysis at multiple loci revealed insufficient genetic diversity to distinguish terrestrial isolates from strains infecting marine mammals. Furthermore, SnSAG specific primers applied against DNA from the closely related species, Sarcocystis falcatula, lead to the discovery of highly similar orthologs to SnSAG2, 3, and 4, calling into question the specificity of diagnostic tests based on these antigens. The results of this study suggest a population genetic structure for S. neurona similar to that reported for the related parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, dominated by a limited number of successful genotypes. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Development of Lateral Prestress in High-Strength Concrete-Filled FRP Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vincent, T.; Ozbakkaloglu, T.

2018-02-01

This paper reports on an experimental investigation into the axial and lateral strain development of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) confined high-strength concrete (HSC) with prestressed FRP shells. A total of 24 aramid FRP (AFRP)-confined concrete specimens were manufactured as concrete-filled FRP tubes (CFFTs) with instrumentation to measure the strain variations during application of prestress, removal of end constraints and progressive prestress losses. Prestressed CFFT specimens were prepared with three different dose rates of expansive mineral admixture to create a range of lateral prestress applied to AFRP tubes manufactured with sheet thicknesses of 0.2 or 0.3 mm/ply and referred to as lightly- or well-confined, respectively. In addition to these three levels of prestress, non-prestressed companion specimens were manufactured and tested to determine baseline performance. The experimental results from this study indicate that lateral prestressing of CFFTs manufactured with HSC can be achieved by varying the expansive mineral admixture dose rate with a lateral prestress of up to 7.3 MPa recorded in this study. Significant strain variations were measured during removal of the end constraints with up to 700 microstrain recorded in the axial direction. Finally, the measurement of prestress losses for the month following prestress application revealed minimal progressive losses, with only 250 and 100 με recorded for the axial and hoop strains, respectively.

A droplet microfluidics platform for rapid microalgal growth and oil production analysis.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun Soo; Guzman, Adrian R; Thapa, Hem R; Devarenne, Timothy P; Han, Arum

2016-08-01

Microalgae have emerged as a promising source for producing future renewable biofuels. Developing better microalgal strains with faster growth and higher oil production rates is one of the major routes towards economically viable microalgal biofuel production. In this work, we present a droplet microfluidics-based microalgae analysis platform capable of measuring growth and oil content of various microalgal strains with single-cell resolution in a high-throughput manner. The platform allows for encapsulating a single microalgal cell into a water-in-oil emulsion droplet and tracking the growth and division of the encapsulated cell over time, followed by on-chip oil quantification. The key feature of the developed platform is its capability to fluorescently stain microalgae within microdroplets for oil content quantification. The performance of the developed platform was characterized using the unicellular microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the colonial microalga Botryococcus braunii. The application of the platform in quantifying growth and oil accumulation was successfully confirmed using C. reinhardtii under different culture conditions, namely nitrogen-replete and nitrogen-limited conditions. These results demonstrate the capability of this platform as a rapid screening tool that can be applied to a wide range of microalgal strains for analyzing growth and oil accumulation characteristics relevant to biofuel strain selection and development. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1691-1701. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears: in situ repair versus tear completion prior to repair.

PubMed

Sethi, Paul M; Rajaram, Arun; Obopilwe, Elifho; Mazzocca, Augustus D

2013-06-01

Uncertainty exists over the ideal surgical treatment method for partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears, with options ranging from debridement to in situ repair to tear completion prior to repair. The purpose of this study was to determine whether in situ repair was a viable biomechanical treatment option compared with tear completion prior to repair of partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears. Fourteen fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were dissected. Partial articular-sided tears were created and repaired using in situ repair or tear completion prior to the repair. Strain and displacement were measured at 45°, 60°, and 90° of glenohumeral abduction. Testing was performed with a load of 100 N applied for 30 cycles. Data from the biomechanical testing displayed 4 conditions that showed improved characteristics of in situ repair over completion and repair: bursal-sided strain anteriorly at 45°, bursal-sided strain anteriorly at 90°, bursal-sided displacement anteriorly at 45°, and bursal-sided displacement anteriorly at 90°. The data indicate that in situ repair is a viable biomechanical treatment option compared with tear completion prior to repair of partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears. When clinically appropriate, the in situ repair may offer some biomechanical advantages, with lower strain and displacement observed on the bursal side compared with tear completion prior to repair. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

Thinking outside the "bug": a unique assay to measure intracellular drug penetration in gram-negative bacteria.

PubMed

Zhou, Ying; Joubran, Camil; Miller-Vedam, Lakshmi; Isabella, Vincent; Nayar, Asha; Tentarelli, Sharon; Miller, Alita

2015-04-07

Significant challenges are present in antibiotic drug discovery and development. One of these is the number of efficient approaches Gram-negative bacteria have developed to avoid intracellular accumulation of drugs and other cell-toxic species. In order to better understand these processes and correlate in vitro enzyme inhibition to whole cell activity, a better assay to evaluate a key factor, intracellular accumulation of the drug, is urgently needed. Here, we describe a unique liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS) approach to measure the amount of cellular uptake of antibiotics by Gram-negative bacteria. This method, which measures the change of extracellular drug concentration, was evaluated by comparing the relative uptake of linezolid by Escherichia coli wild-type versus an efflux pump deficient strain. A higher dosage of the drug showed a higher accumulation in these bacteria in a dosing range of 5-50 ng/mL. The Escherichia coli efflux pump deficient strain had a higher accumulation of the drug than the wild-type strain as predicted. The approach was further validated by determining the relative meropenem uptake by Pseudomonas aeruginosa wild-type versus a mutant strain lacking multiple porins. These studies show great promise of being applied within antibiotic drug discovery, as a universal tool to aid in the search for compounds that can easily penetrate bacterial cells.

Radial Field Piezoelectric Diaphragms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryant, R. G.; Effinger, R. T., IV; Copeland, B. M., Jr.

2002-01-01

A series of active piezoelectric diaphragms were fabricated and patterned with several geometrically defined Inter-Circulating Electrodes "ICE" and Interdigitated Ring Electrodes "ICE". When a voltage potential is applied to the electrodes, the result is a radially distributed electric field that mechanically strains the piezoceramic along the Z-axis (perpendicular to the applied electric field). Unlike other piezoelectric bender actuators, these Radial Field Diaphragms (RFDs) strain concentrically yet afford high displacements (several times that of the equivalent Unimorph) while maintaining a constant circumference. One of the more intriguing aspects is that the radial strain field reverses itself along the radius of the RFD while the tangential strain remains relatively constant. The result is a Z-deflection that has a conical profile. This paper covers the fabrication and characterization of the 5 cm. (2 in.) diaphragms as a function of poling field strength, ceramic thickness, electrode type and line spacing, as well as the surface topography, the resulting strain field and displacement as a function of applied voltage at low frequencies. The unique features of these RFDs include the ability to be clamped about their perimeter with little or no change in displacement, the environmentally insulated packaging, and a highly repeatable fabrication process that uses commodity materials.

Microscale and nanoscale strain mapping techniques applied to creep of rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quintanilla-Terminel, Alejandra; Zimmerman, Mark E.; Evans, Brian; Kohlstedt, David L.

2017-07-01

Usually several deformation mechanisms interact to accommodate plastic deformation. Quantifying the contribution of each to the total strain is necessary to bridge the gaps from observations of microstructures, to geomechanical descriptions, to extrapolating from laboratory data to field observations. Here, we describe the experimental and computational techniques involved in microscale strain mapping (MSSM), which allows strain produced during high-pressure, high-temperature deformation experiments to be tracked with high resolution. MSSM relies on the analysis of the relative displacement of initially regularly spaced markers after deformation. We present two lithography techniques used to pattern rock substrates at different scales: photolithography and electron-beam lithography. Further, we discuss the challenges of applying the MSSM technique to samples used in high-temperature and high-pressure experiments. We applied the MSSM technique to a study of strain partitioning during creep of Carrara marble and grain boundary sliding in San Carlos olivine, synthetic forsterite, and Solnhofen limestone at a confining pressure, Pc, of 300 MPa and homologous temperatures, T/Tm, of 0.3 to 0.6. The MSSM technique works very well up to temperatures of 700 °C. The experimental developments described here show promising results for higher-temperature applications.

Can a strain yield a qubit?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benjamin, Colin

2015-03-01

A Josepshon qubit is designed via the application of a tensile strain to a topological insulator surface, sandwiched between two s-wave superconductors. The strain applied leads to a shift in Dirac point without changing the conducting states existing on the surface of a topological insulator. This strain applied can be tuned to form a π-junction in such a structure. Combining two such junctions in a ring architecture leads to the ground state of the ring being in a doubly degenerate state- ``0'' and ``1'' states of the qubit. A qubit designed this way is easily controlled via the tunable strain. We report on the conditions necessary to design such a qubit. Finally the operating time of a single qubit phase gate is derived. This work was supported by funds from Dept. of Science and Technology (Nanomission), Govt. of India, Grant No. SR/NM/NS-1101/2011.

Experimental study of strained and destrained turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jun; Meneveau, Charles; Katz, Joseph

2003-11-01

Planar Particle Image Velocimetry measurements are performed in a water tank facility in which high Reynolds number turbulence is generated by an array of spinning grids. Straining fields are applied using a piston with rectangular cross-section which is pushed towards the bottom of the tank, setting up a planar straining field there. The facility can also be used to reverse the distortion ("destraining'') by pulling the piston upwards. We present calibration tests characterizing the flow in the facility. The initial turbulent state is characterized by means of ditributions of rms values and energy spectra, and corresponds closely to isotropic, homogeneous turbulence. The applied straining is characterized using high-speed camera and PIV measurements of the mean flow without turbulence. Initial results of turbulence subjected to a sequence of straining and destraining motions are presented, with particular emphasis on the flux of kinetic energy from large to small scales and possible backscatter during destraining.

Fractal serpentine-shaped design for stretchable wireless strain sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Wentao; Cheng, Xiao; Wang, Xiaoming; Zhang, Hailiang

2018-07-01

Stretchable sensors have been widely applied to biological fields due to their unique capacity to integrate with soft materials and curvilinear surfaces. The article presents the fractal serpentine-shaped design for stretchable wireless strain sensor which is operating around 1.6 GHz. The wireless passive LC sensor is formed by a fractal serpentine-shaped inductor coil and a concentric coplanar capacitor. The inductance of the fractal serpentine-shaped coil varies with the deformation of the wireless sensor, and the resonance frequency also varies with the applied strain of the wireless sensor embedded in soft substrate. The 40% stretchability of wireless sensor is verified by finite element analysis (FEA). Strain response of the stretchable wireless sensor has been characterized by experiments and demonstrates high strain responsivity about 6.74 MHz/1%. The stretchable wireless sensor has the potential to be used in biological and wearable applications.

A mathematical model to describe the nonlinear elastic properties of the gastrocnemius tendon of chickens.

PubMed

Foutz, T L

1991-03-01

A phenomenological model was developed to describe the nonlinear elastic behavior of the avian gastrocnemius tendon. Quasistatic uniaxial tensile tests were used to apply a deformation and resulting load on the tendon at a deformation rate of 5 mm/min. Plots of deformation versus load indicated a nonlinear loading response. By calculating engineering stress and engineering strain, the experimental data were normalized for tendon shape. The elastic response was determined from stress-strain curves and was found to vary with engineering strain. The response to the applied engineering strain could best be described by a mathematical model that combined a linear function and a nonlinear function. Three parameters in the model were developed to represent the nonlinear elastic behavior of the tendon, thereby allowing analysis of elasticity without prior knowledge of engineering strain. This procedure reduced the amount of data needed for the statistical analysis of nonlinear elasticity.

Ratcheting in a nonlinear viscoelastic adhesive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemme, David; Smith, Lloyd

2017-11-01

Uniaxial time-dependent creep and cycled stress behavior of a standard and toughened film adhesive were studied experimentally. Both adhesives exhibited progressive accumulation of strain from an applied cycled stress. Creep tests were fit to a viscoelastic power law model at three different applied stresses which showed nonlinear response in both adhesives. A third order nonlinear power law model with a permanent strain component was used to describe the creep behavior of both adhesives and to predict creep recovery and the accumulation of strain due to cycled stress. Permanent strain was observed at high stress but only up to 3% of the maximum strain. Creep recovery was under predicted by the nonlinear model, while cycled stress showed less than 3% difference for the first cycle but then over predicted the response above 1000 cycles by 4-14% at high stress. The results demonstrate the complex response observed with structural adhesives, and the need for further analytical advancements to describe their behavior.

The spatial response of nonlinear strain propagation in response to actively driven microspheres through entangled actin networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falzone, Tobias; Blair, Savanna; Robertson-Anderson, Rae

2015-03-01

The semiflexible biopolymer actin, a ubiquitous component of nearly all biological organisms, plays an important role in many mechanically-driven processes such as muscle contraction, cancer invasion and cell motility. As such, entangled actin networks, which possess unique and complex viscoelastic properties, have been the subject of much theoretical and experimental work. However, due to this viscoelastic complexity, much is still unknown regarding the correlation of the applied stress on actin networks to the induced filament strain at the molecular and micro scale. Here, we use simultaneous optical trapping and fluorescence microscopy to characterize the link between applied microscopic forces and strain propagation as a function of strain rate and concentration. Specifically, we track fiduciary markers on entangled actin filaments before, during and after actively driving embedded microspheres through the network. These measurements provide much needed insight into the molecular-level dynamics connecting stress and strain in semiflexible polymer networks.

Predicting cell viability within tissue scaffolds under equiaxial strain: multi-scale finite element model of collagen-cardiomyocytes constructs.

PubMed

Elsaadany, Mostafa; Yan, Karen Chang; Yildirim-Ayan, Eda

2017-06-01

Successful tissue engineering and regenerative therapy necessitate having extensive knowledge about mechanical milieu in engineered tissues and the resident cells. In this study, we have merged two powerful analysis tools, namely finite element analysis and stochastic analysis, to understand the mechanical strain within the tissue scaffold and residing cells and to predict the cell viability upon applying mechanical strains. A continuum-based multi-length scale finite element model (FEM) was created to simulate the physiologically relevant equiaxial strain exposure on cell-embedded tissue scaffold and to calculate strain transferred to the tissue scaffold (macro-scale) and residing cells (micro-scale) upon various equiaxial strains. The data from FEM were used to predict cell viability under various equiaxial strain magnitudes using stochastic damage criterion analysis. The model validation was conducted through mechanically straining the cardiomyocyte-encapsulated collagen constructs using a custom-built mechanical loading platform (EQUicycler). FEM quantified the strain gradients over the radial and longitudinal direction of the scaffolds and the cells residing in different areas of interest. With the use of the experimental viability data, stochastic damage criterion, and the average cellular strains obtained from multi-length scale models, cellular viability was predicted and successfully validated. This methodology can provide a great tool to characterize the mechanical stimulation of bioreactors used in tissue engineering applications in providing quantification of mechanical strain and predicting cellular viability variations due to applied mechanical strain.

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

Song, Bo; Nelson, Kevin; Lipinski, Ronald

In this study, conventional Kolsky tension bar techniques were modified to characterize an iridium alloy in tension at elevated strain rates and temperatures. The specimen was heated to elevated temperatures with an induction coil heater before dynamic loading; whereas, a cooling system was applied to keep the bars at room temperature during heating. A preload system was developed to generate a small pretension load in the bar system during heating in order to compensate for the effect of thermal expansion generated in the high-temperature tensile specimen. A laser system was applied to directly measure the displacements at both ends ofmore » the tensile specimen in order to calculate the strain in the specimen. A pair of high-sensitivity semiconductor strain gages was used to measure the weak transmitted force due to the low flow stress in the thin specimen at elevated temperatures. The dynamic high-temperature tensile stress–strain curves of a DOP-26 iridium alloy were experimentally obtained at two different strain rates (~1000 and 3000 s -1) and temperatures (~750 and 1030°C). The effects of strain rate and temperature on the tensile stress–strain response of the iridium alloy were determined. Finally, the iridium alloy exhibited high ductility in stress–strain response that strongly depended on strain-rate and temperature.« less

A Modified Constitutive Model for Tensile Flow Behaviors of BR1500HS Ultra-High-Strength Steel at Medium and Low Temperature Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jun; Quan, Guo-Zheng; Pan, Jia; Wang, Xuan; Wu, Dong-Sen; Xia, Yu-Feng

2018-01-01

Constitutive model of materials is one of the most requisite mathematical model in the finite element analysis, which describes the relationships of flow behaviors with strain, strain rate and temperature. In order to construct such constitutive relationships of ultra-high-strength BR1500HS steel at medium and low temperature regions, the true stress-strain data over a wide temperature range of 293-873 K and strain rate range of 0.01-10 s-1 were collected from a series of isothermal uniaxial tensile tests. The experimental results show that stress-strain relationships are highly non-linear and susceptible to three parameters involving temperature, strain and strain rate. By considering the impacts of strain rate and temperature on strain hardening, a modified constitutive model based on Johnson-Cook model was proposed to characterize flow behaviors in medium and low temperature ranges. The predictability of the improved model was also evaluated by the relative error (W(%)), correlation coefficient (R) and average absolute relative error (AARE). The R-value and AARE-value for modified constitutive model at medium and low temperature regions are 0.9915 & 1.56 % and 0.9570 & 5.39 %, respectively, which indicates that the modified constitutive model can precisely estimate the flow behaviors for BR1500HS steel in the medium and low temperature regions.

Modelling the effect of temperature, water activity and pH on the growth of Serpula lacrymans.

PubMed

Maurice, S; Coroller, L; Debaets, S; Vasseur, V; Le Floch, G; Barbier, G

2011-12-01

To predict the risk factors for building infestation by Serpula lacrymans, which is one of the most destructive fungi causing timber decay in buildings. The growth rate was assessed on malt extract agar media at temperatures between 1.5 and 45°C, at water activity (a(w)) over the range of 0.800-0.993 and at pH ranges from 1.5 to 11.0. The radial growth rate (μ) and the lag phase (λ) were estimated from the radial growth kinetics via the plots radius vs time. These parameters were then modelled as a function of the environmental factors tested. Models derived from the cardinal model (CM) were used to fit the experimental data and allowed an estimation of the optimal and limit values for fungal growth. Optimal growth rate occurred at 20°C, at high a(w) level (0.993) and at a pH range between 4.0 and 6.0. The strain effect on the temperature parameters was further evaluated using 14 strains of S. lacrymans. The robustness of the temperature model was validated on data sets measured in two different wood-based media (Quercus robur L. and Picea abies). The two-step procedure of exponential model with latency followed by the CM with inflection gives reliable predictions for the growth conditions of a filamentous fungus in our study. The procedure was validated for the study of abiotic factors on the growth rate of S. lacrymans. This work describes the usefulness of evaluating the effect of physico-chemical factors on fungal growth in predictive building mycology. Consequently, the developed mathematical models for predicting fungal growth on a macroscopic scale can be used as a tool for risk assessment of timber decay in buildings. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2011 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Preliminary Investigation on Multiple-Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis Profiles of Listeria Monocytogenes Isolates from Pork Meat Tested from Packaging to Fork

PubMed Central

Parisi, Antonio; Caruso, Marta; Pasquali, Frédérique; Manfreda, Gerardo

2014-01-01

Listeria monocytogenes is recognised as a public health issue and a serious challenge for the food industry. L. monocytogenes strain characterisation on the basis of serotyping and molecular typing methods is used for surveillance, epidemiological tracking and outbreak investigation purposes. Genetic variants of L. monocytogenes have diversified into four major phylogenetic lineages, with lineages 1 and 2 each containing multiple clonal groups of public health importance. Standardised tools for easy identification of clonal groups are needed to trace such groups and determine their presence in a large variety of sources. Given the current limitations of available methods for L. monocytogenes strain typing, a potentially useful approach is multiple locus variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis (MLVA). In this study, MLVA has been applied to a random group of 82 L. monocytogenes strains isolated from 8 different batches of loin chops obtained from the same facility and tested between packaging and consumption time. The strains typed were classified into 10 MLVA profiles containing a number of isolates ranging between 1 to 20. According to the identified MLVA profiles, 75.6% of the pork isolates belonged to the phylogenetic lineage 2 and serotype 1/2c, frequently associated to food isolates. However, 3 pork strains belonged to the phylogenetic lineage 1 and serotype 4b. Moreover, 17 isolates were classified in the phylogenetic lineages 2 and serotype 1/2a. Both serotypes 4b and 1/2a are frequently associated to human isolates of L. monocytogenes. These preliminary results show how the MLVA profiles can support the assessment of the risk profile of food products based on the contaminating L. monocytogenes strain types. PMID:27800312

In vitro activity of Aloe vera inner gel against Helicobacter pylori strains.

PubMed

Cellini, L; Di Bartolomeo, S; Di Campli, E; Genovese, S; Locatelli, M; Di Giulio, M

2014-07-01

Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) is a herbal remedy widely used for a variety of illnesses; A. vera leaf extracts have been promoted for detoxification, cure constipation, help flush out toxins and wastes from the body, promote digestion and are used in the treatment of peptic ulcer for cytoprotective action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of A. vera inner gel against both susceptible and resistant Helicobacter pylori strains isolated in Abruzzo region, Italy. The inner gel of leaves of a 5-year-old plant of A. vera was extracted, homogenized and tested from 800 to 1.56 mg ml(-1) against 14 clinical strains and one reference strain of H. pylori using the broth microdilution methodology. Furthermore, the sample of A. vera was investigated for the chemical fingerprint of anthraquinones. The inhibitory concentrations of A. vera inner gel were similar to the bactericidal ones, with values ranging from 6.25 to 800 mg ml(-1) . Fifty per cent of the detected strains, independently of their susceptibility profile, were inhibited in their growth at 100 mg ml(-1) . Aloe vera inner gel expresses antibacterial properties against H. pylori and, therefore, in combination with antibiotics, could represent a novel strategy for the treatment of the infection of H. pylori, especially in cases of multiresistance. The study demonstrates that the Aloe vera inner gel expresses antibacterial properties against both susceptible and resistant Helicobacter pylori strains. These findings may impact on the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon of H. pylori, proposing the A. vera inner gel as a novel effective natural agent for combination with antibiotics for the treatment of H. pylori gastric infection. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Polymerization shrinkage kinetics and shrinkage-stress in dental resin-composites.

PubMed

Al Sunbul, Hanan; Silikas, Nick; Watts, David C

2016-08-01

To investigate a set of resin-composites and the effect of their composition on polymerization shrinkage strain and strain kinetics, shrinkage stress and the apparent elastic modulus. Eighteen commercially available resin-composites were investigated. Three specimens (n=3) were made per material and light-cured with an LED unit (1200mW/cm(2)) for 20s. The bonded-disk method was used to measure the shrinkage strain and Bioman shrinkage stress instrument was used to measure shrinkage stress. The shrinkage strain kinetics at 23°C was monitored for 60min. Maximum strain and stress was evaluated at 60min. The shrinkage strain rate was calculated using numerical differentiation. The shrinkage strain values ranged from 1.83 (0.09) % for Tetric Evoceram (TEC) to 4.68 (0.04) % for Beautifil flow plus (BFP). The shrinkage strain rate ranged from 0.11 (0.01%s(-1)) for Gaenial posterior (GA-P) to 0.59 (0.07) %s(-1) for BFP. Shrinkage stress values ranged from 3.94 (0.40)MPa for TET to 10.45 (0.41)MPa for BFP. The apparent elastic modulus ranged from 153.56 (18.7)MPa for Ever X posterior (EVX) to 277.34 (25.5) MPa for Grandio SO heavy flow (GSO). The nature of the monomer system determines the amount of the bulk contraction that occurs during polymerization and the resultant stress. Higher values of shrinkage strain and stress were demonstrated by the investigated flowable materials. The bulk-fill materials showed comparable result when compared to the traditional resin-composites. Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of activated barrier hopping theory to viscoplastic modeling of glassy polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, J.; Spencer, P. E.; Vgenopoulos, D.; Babenko, M.; Boutenel, F.; Caton-Rose, P.; Coates, P. D.

2018-05-01

An established statistical mechanical theory of amorphous polymer deformation has been incorporated as a plastic mechanism into a constitutive model and applied to a range of polymer mechanical deformations. The temperature and rate dependence of the tensile yield of PVC, as reported in early studies, has been modeled to high levels of accuracy. Tensile experiments on PET reported here are analyzed similarly and good accuracy is also achieved. The frequently observed increase in the gradient of the plot of yield stress against logarithm of strain rate is an inherent feature of the constitutive model. The form of temperature dependence of the yield that is predicted by the model is found to give an accurate representation. The constitutive model is developed in two-dimensional form and implemented as a user-defined subroutine in the finite element package ABAQUS. This analysis is applied to the tensile experiments on PET, in some of which strain is localized in the form of shear bands and necks. These deformations are modeled with partial success, though adiabatic heating of the instability causes inaccuracies for this isothermal implementation of the model. The plastic mechanism has advantages over the Eyring process, is equally tractable, and presents no particular difficulties in implementation with finite elements.

Application of activated barrier hopping theory to viscoplastic modeling of glassy polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, J.; Spencer, P. E.; Vgenopoulos, D.; Babenko, M.; Boutenel, F.; Caton-Rose, P.; Coates, P. D.

2017-10-01

An established statistical mechanical theory of amorphous polymer deformation has been incorporated as a plastic mechanism into a constitutive model and applied to a range of polymer mechanical deformations. The temperature and rate dependence of the tensile yield of PVC, as reported in early studies, has been modeled to high levels of accuracy. Tensile experiments on PET reported here are analyzed similarly and good accuracy is also achieved. The frequently observed increase in the gradient of the plot of yield stress against logarithm of strain rate is an inherent feature of the constitutive model. The form of temperature dependence of the yield that is predicted by the model is found to give an accurate representation. The constitutive model is developed in two-dimensional form and implemented as a user-defined subroutine in the finite element package ABAQUS. This analysis is applied to the tensile experiments on PET, in some of which strain is localized in the form of shear bands and necks. These deformations are modeled with partial success, though adiabatic heating of the instability causes inaccuracies for this isothermal implementation of the model. The plastic mechanism has advantages over the Eyring process, is equally tractable, and presents no particular difficulties in implementation with finite elements.