Stabilization of nonlinear systems using sampled-data output-feedback fuzzy controller based on polynomial-fuzzy-model-based control approach.

PubMed

Lam, H K

2012-02-01

This paper investigates the stability of sampled-data output-feedback (SDOF) polynomial-fuzzy-model-based control systems. Representing the nonlinear plant using a polynomial fuzzy model, an SDOF fuzzy controller is proposed to perform the control process using the system output information. As only the system output is available for feedback compensation, it is more challenging for the controller design and system analysis compared to the full-state-feedback case. Furthermore, because of the sampling activity, the control signal is kept constant by the zero-order hold during the sampling period, which complicates the system dynamics and makes the stability analysis more difficult. In this paper, two cases of SDOF fuzzy controllers, which either share the same number of fuzzy rules or not, are considered. The system stability is investigated based on the Lyapunov stability theory using the sum-of-squares (SOS) approach. SOS-based stability conditions are obtained to guarantee the system stability and synthesize the SDOF fuzzy controller. Simulation examples are given to demonstrate the merits of the proposed SDOF fuzzy control approach.

Spectral characterization of a supercontinuum source based on nonlinear broadening in an aqueous K_2ZnCl_4 salt solution

DOE PAGES

Robinson, Timothy S.; Patankar, Siddharth; Floyd, Emma; ...

2017-01-01

We report on investigations concerning the shot-to-shot spectral stability properties of a supercontinuum source based on nonlinear processes such as self-phase modulation and optical wave-breaking in a highly concentrated K 2ZnCl 4 double salt solution. The use of a liquid medium offers both damage resistance and high third-order optical nonlinearity. Approximately 40 μJ pulses spanning a spectral range between 390 and 960 nm were produced with 3.8% RMS energy stability, using infrared input pulses of 500±50 fs FWHM durations and 2.42±0.04 mJ energies with an RMS stability of 2%. The spectral stability was quantified via acquiring single-shot spectra and studyingmore » shot-to-shot variation across a spectral range of 200–1100 nm, as well as by considering spectral correlations. The regional spectral correlation variations were indicative of nonlinear processes leading to sideband generation. Spectral stability and efficiency of energy transfer into the supercontinuum were found to weakly improve with increasing driver pulse energy, suggesting that the nonlinear broadening processes are more stable when driven more strongly, or that self-guiding effects in a filament help to stabilize the supercontinuum generation.« less

Spectral characterization of a supercontinuum source based on nonlinear broadening in an aqueous K_2ZnCl_4 salt solution

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

Robinson, Timothy S.; Patankar, Siddharth; Floyd, Emma

We report on investigations concerning the shot-to-shot spectral stability properties of a supercontinuum source based on nonlinear processes such as self-phase modulation and optical wave-breaking in a highly concentrated K 2ZnCl 4 double salt solution. The use of a liquid medium offers both damage resistance and high third-order optical nonlinearity. Approximately 40 μJ pulses spanning a spectral range between 390 and 960 nm were produced with 3.8% RMS energy stability, using infrared input pulses of 500±50 fs FWHM durations and 2.42±0.04 mJ energies with an RMS stability of 2%. The spectral stability was quantified via acquiring single-shot spectra and studyingmore » shot-to-shot variation across a spectral range of 200–1100 nm, as well as by considering spectral correlations. The regional spectral correlation variations were indicative of nonlinear processes leading to sideband generation. Spectral stability and efficiency of energy transfer into the supercontinuum were found to weakly improve with increasing driver pulse energy, suggesting that the nonlinear broadening processes are more stable when driven more strongly, or that self-guiding effects in a filament help to stabilize the supercontinuum generation.« less

[Preliminary safety and stability assessment of orthodontic miniscrew implantation guided by surgical template based on cone-beam CT images].

PubMed

Qiu, L L; Li, S; Bai, Y X

2016-06-01

To develop surgical templates for orthodontic miniscrew implantation based on cone-beam CT(CBCT)three-dimensional(3D)images and to evaluate the safety and stability of implantation guided by the templates. DICOM data obtained in patients who had CBCT scans taken were processed using Mimics software, and 3D images of teeth and maxillary bone were acquired. Meanwhile, 3D images of miniscrews were acquired using Solidworks software and processed with Mimics software. Virtual position of miniscrews was determined based on 3D images of teeth, bone, and miniscrews. 3D virtual templates were designed according to the virtual implantation plans. STL files were output and the real templates were fabricated with stereolithographic appliance(SLA). Postoperative CBCT scans were used to evaluate the implantation safety and the stability of miniscrews were investigated. All the templates were positioned accurately and kept stable throughout the implantation process. No root damage was found. The deviations were(1.73±0.65)mm at the corona, and(1.28±0.82)mm at the apex, respectively. The stability of miniscrews was fairly well. Surgical templates for miniscrew implantation could be acquired based on 3D CBCT images and fabricated with SLA. Implantation guided by these templates was safe and stable.

Organic Heat Stabilizers for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A Synergistic Behavior of Eugenol and Uracil Derivative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asawakosinchai, Aran; Jubsilp, Chanchira; Mora, Phattarin; Rimdusit, Sarawut

2017-10-01

Recycling ability, mechanical, and thermal properties of PVC stabilized with organic heat stabilizers, i.e., uracil (DAU) and eugenol were investigated to substitute PVCs stabilized with commercial lead, Ca/Zn, and organic-based stabilizer for PVC pipe production. PVC stabilized with the DAU and the eugenol can be processable at 30 °C lower than that of the PVC stabilized with commercial heat stabilizers. The most remarkable short-term thermal stability belonged to the PVC stabilized with the DAU, and its original color can be maintained at least up to 3 processing cycles. Synergistic behavior in thermal stability of the PVC mixed with DAU and eugenol at mass ratios of 1.5:1.5 was observed. Mechanical properties of DAU- and eugenol-stabilized PVC were higher than the samples with other heat stabilizers. Glass transition temperature of the PVC stabilized with all heat stabilizers was determined to be 99 °C with the exception of the value of 89 °C for eugenol-stabilized PVC. Therefore, the DAU and the eugenol showed high potential to be used as an organic heat stabilizer for PVC because of their non-toxic and good heat resistance properties.

Stability Analysis of Radial Turning Process for Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez, Alberto; Boto, Fernando; Irigoien, Itziar; Sierra, Basilio; Suarez, Alfredo

2017-09-01

Stability detection in machining processes is an essential component for the design of efficient machining processes. Automatic methods are able to determine when instability is happening and prevent possible machine failures. In this work a variety of methods are proposed for detecting stability anomalies based on the measured forces in the radial turning process of superalloys. Two different methods are proposed to determine instabilities. Each one is tested on real data obtained in the machining of Waspalloy, Haynes 282 and Inconel 718. Experimental data, in both Conventional and High Pressure Coolant (HPC) environments, are set in four different states depending on materials grain size and Hardness (LGA, LGS, SGA and SGS). Results reveal that PCA method is useful for visualization of the process and detection of anomalies in online processes.

Mathematics, Thermodynamics, and Modeling to Address Ten Common Misconceptions about Protein Structure, Folding, and Stability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robic, Srebrenka

2010-01-01

To fully understand the roles proteins play in cellular processes, students need to grasp complex ideas about protein structure, folding, and stability. Our current understanding of these topics is based on mathematical models and experimental data. However, protein structure, folding, and stability are often introduced as descriptive, qualitative…

Games With Estimation of Non-Damage Objectives

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

Canavan, G.H.

1998-09-14

Games against nature illustrate the role of non-damage objectives in producing conflict with uncertain rewards and the role of probing and estimation in reducing that uncertainty and restoring optimal strategies. This note discusses two essential elements of the analysis of crisis stability omitted from current treatments based on first strike stability: the role of an objective that motivates conflicts sufficiently serious to lead to conflicts, and the process of sequential interactions that could cause those conflicts to deepen. Games against nature illustrate role of objectives and uncertainty that are at the core of detailed treatments of crisis stability. These modelsmore » can also illustrate how these games processes can generate and deepen crises and the optimal strategies that might be used to end them. This note discusses two essential elements of the analysis of crisis stability that are omitted from current treatments based on first strike stability: anon-damage objective that motivates conflicts sufficiently serious to lead to conflicts, and the process of sequential tests that could cause those conflicts to deepen. The model used is a game against nature, simplified sufficiently to make the role of each of those elements obvious.« less

Production process stability - core assumption of INDUSTRY 4.0 concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chromjakova, F.; Bobak, R.; Hrusecka, D.

2017-06-01

Today’s industrial enterprises are confronted by implementation of INDUSTRY 4.0 concept with basic problem - stabilised manufacturing and supporting processes. Through this phenomenon of stabilisation, they will achieve positive digital management of both processes and continuously throughput. There is required structural stability of horizontal (business) and vertical (digitized) manufacturing processes, supported through digitalised technologies of INDUSTRY 4.0 concept. Results presented in this paper based on the research results and survey realised in more industrial companies. Following will described basic model for structural process stabilisation in manufacturing environment.

Emulsion stability measurements by single electrode capacitance probe (SeCaP) technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schüller, R. B.; Løkra, S.; Salas-Bringas, C.; Egelandsdal, B.; Engebretsen, B.

2008-08-01

This paper describes a new and novel method for the determination of the stability of emulsions. The method is based on the single electrode capacitance technology (SeCaP). A measuring system consisting of eight individual measuring cells, each with a volume of approximately 10 ml, is described in detail. The system has been tested on an emulsion system based on whey proteins (WPC80), oil and water. Xanthan was added to modify the emulsion stability. The results show that the new measuring system is able to quantify the stability of the emulsion in terms of a differential variable. The whole separation process is observed much faster in the SeCaP system than in a conventional separation column. The complete separation process observed visually over 30 h is seen in less than 1.4 h in the SeCaP system.

Thermo-Mechanical Methodology for Stabilizing Shape Memory Alloy Response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Padula, Santo

2013-01-01

This innovation is capable of significantly reducing the amount of time required to stabilize the strain-temperature response of a shape memory alloy (SMA). Unlike traditional stabilization processes that take days to weeks to achieve stabilized response, this innovation accomplishes stabilization in a matter of minutes, thus making it highly useful for the successful and practical implementation of SMA-based technologies in real-world applications. The innovation can also be applied to complex geometry components, not just simple geometries like wires or rods.

Signal Processing Methods for Liquid Rocket Engine Combustion Stability Assessments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kenny, R. Jeremy; Lee, Erik; Hulka, James R.; Casiano, Matthew

2011-01-01

The J2X Gas Generator engine design specifications include dynamic, spontaneous, and broadband combustion stability requirements. These requirements are verified empirically based high frequency chamber pressure measurements and analyses. Dynamic stability is determined with the dynamic pressure response due to an artificial perturbation of the combustion chamber pressure (bomb testing), and spontaneous and broadband stability are determined from the dynamic pressure responses during steady operation starting at specified power levels. J2X Workhorse Gas Generator testing included bomb tests with multiple hardware configurations and operating conditions, including a configuration used explicitly for engine verification test series. This work covers signal processing techniques developed at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to help assess engine design stability requirements. Dynamic stability assessments were performed following both the CPIA 655 guidelines and a MSFC in-house developed statistical-based approach. The statistical approach was developed to better verify when the dynamic pressure amplitudes corresponding to a particular frequency returned back to pre-bomb characteristics. This was accomplished by first determining the statistical characteristics of the pre-bomb dynamic levels. The pre-bomb statistical characterization provided 95% coverage bounds; these bounds were used as a quantitative measure to determine when the post-bomb signal returned to pre-bomb conditions. The time for post-bomb levels to acceptably return to pre-bomb levels was compared to the dominant frequency-dependent time recommended by CPIA 655. Results for multiple test configurations, including stable and unstable configurations, were reviewed. Spontaneous stability was assessed using two processes: 1) characterization of the ratio of the peak response amplitudes to the excited chamber acoustic mode amplitudes and 2) characterization of the variability of the peak response's frequency over the test duration. This characterization process assists in evaluating the discreteness of a signal as well as the stability of the chamber response. Broadband stability was assessed using a running root-mean-square evaluation. These techniques were also employed, in a comparative analysis, on available Fastrac data, and these results are presented here.

Analysis of the Efficiency of Surfactant-Mediated Stabilization Reactions of EGaIn Nanodroplets.

PubMed

Finkenauer, Lauren R; Lu, Qingyun; Hakem, Ilhem F; Majidi, Carmel; Bockstaller, Michael R

2017-09-26

A methodology based on light scattering and spectrophotometry was developed to evaluate the effect of organic surfactants on the size and yield of eutectic gallium/indium (EGaIn) nanodroplets formed in organic solvents by ultrasonication. The process was subsequently applied to systematically evaluate the role of headgroup chemistry as well as polar/apolar interactions of aliphatic surfactant systems on the efficiency of nanodroplet formation. Ethanol was found to be the most effective solvent medium in promoting the formation and stabilization of EGaIn nanodroplets. For the case of thiol-based surfactants in ethanol, the yield of nanodroplet formation increased with the number of carbon atoms in the aliphatic part. In the case of the most effective surfactant system-octadecanethiol-the nanodroplet yield increased by about 370% as compared to pristine ethanol. The rather low overall efficiency of the reaction process along with the incompatibility of surfactant-stabilized EGaIn nanodroplets in nonpolar organic solvents suggests that the stabilization mechanism differs from the established self-assembled monolayer formation process that has been widely observed in nanoparticle formation.

Video Completion in Digital Stabilization Task Using Pseudo-Panoramic Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Favorskaya, M. N.; Buryachenko, V. V.; Zotin, A. G.; Pakhirka, A. I.

2017-05-01

Video completion is a necessary stage after stabilization of a non-stationary video sequence, if it is desirable to make the resolution of the stabilized frames equalled the resolution of the original frames. Usually the cropped stabilized frames lose 10-20% of area that means the worse visibility of the reconstructed scenes. The extension of a view of field may appear due to the pan-tilt-zoom unwanted camera movement. Our approach deals with a preparing of pseudo-panoramic key frame during a stabilization stage as a pre-processing step for the following inpainting. It is based on a multi-layered representation of each frame including the background and objects, moving differently. The proposed algorithm involves four steps, such as the background completion, local motion inpainting, local warping, and seamless blending. Our experiments show that a necessity of a seamless stitching occurs often than a local warping step. Therefore, a seamless blending was investigated in details including four main categories, such as feathering-based, pyramid-based, gradient-based, and optimal seam-based blending.

Performance analysis of different tuning rules for an isothermal CSTR using integrated EPC and SPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roslan, A. H.; Karim, S. F. Abd; Hamzah, N.

2018-03-01

This paper demonstrates the integration of Engineering Process Control (EPC) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) for the control of product concentration of an isothermal CSTR. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the performance of Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N), Direct Synthesis, (DS) and Internal Model Control (IMC) tuning methods and determine the most effective method for this process. The simulation model was obtained from past literature and re-constructed using SIMULINK MATLAB to evaluate the process response. Additionally, the process stability, capability and normality were analyzed using Process Capability Sixpack reports in Minitab. Based on the results, DS displays the best response for having the smallest rise time, settling time, overshoot, undershoot, Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) and Integral Square Error (ISE). Also, based on statistical analysis, DS yields as the best tuning method as it exhibits the highest process stability and capability.

A novel double loop control model design for chemical unstable processes.

PubMed

Cong, Er-Ding; Hu, Ming-Hui; Tu, Shan-Tung; Xuan, Fu-Zhen; Shao, Hui-He

2014-03-01

In this manuscript, based on Smith predictor control scheme for unstable process in industry, an improved double loop control model is proposed for chemical unstable processes. Inner loop is to stabilize integrating the unstable process and transform the original process to first-order plus pure dead-time dynamic stable process. Outer loop is to enhance the performance of set point response. Disturbance controller is designed to enhance the performance of disturbance response. The improved control system is simple with exact physical meaning. The characteristic equation is easy to realize stabilization. Three controllers are separately design in the improved scheme. It is easy to design each controller and good control performance for the respective closed-loop transfer function separately. The robust stability of the proposed control scheme is analyzed. Finally, case studies illustrate that the improved method can give better system performance than existing design methods. © 2013 ISA Published by ISA All rights reserved.

Reduction of Charge Traps and Stability Enhancement in Solution-Processed Organic Field-Effect Transistors Based on a Blended n-Type Semiconductor.

PubMed

Campos, Antonio; Riera-Galindo, Sergi; Puigdollers, Joaquim; Mas-Torrent, Marta

2018-05-09

Solution-processed n-type organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are essential elements for developing large-area, low-cost, and all organic logic/complementary circuits. Nonetheless, the development of air-stable n-type organic semiconductors (OSCs) lags behind their p-type counterparts. The trapping of electrons at the semiconductor-dielectric interface leads to a lower performance and operational stability. Herein, we report printed small-molecule n-type OFETs based on a blend with a binder polymer, which enhances the device stability due to the improvement of the semiconductor-dielectric interface quality and a self-encapsulation. Both combined effects prevent the fast deterioration of the OSC. Additionally, a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor-like inverter is fabricated depositing p-type and n-type OSCs simultaneously.

Rupture of DNA aptamer: New insights from simulations

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

Mishra, Rakesh Kumar; Nath, Shesh; Kumar, Sanjay

2015-10-28

Base-pockets (non-complementary base-pairs) in a double-stranded DNA play a crucial role in biological processes. Because of thermal fluctuations, it can lower the stability of DNA, whereas, in case of DNA aptamer, small molecules, e.g., adenosinemonophosphate and adenosinetriphosphate, form additional hydrogen bonds with base-pockets termed as “binding-pockets,” which enhance the stability. Using the Langevin dynamics simulations of coarse grained model of DNA followed by atomistic simulations, we investigated the influence of base-pocket and binding-pocket on the stability of DNA aptamer. Striking differences have been reported here for the separation induced by temperature and force, which require further investigation by single moleculemore » experiments.« less

Logic Dynamics for Deductive Inference -- Its Stability and Neural Basis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuda, Ichiro

2014-12-01

We propose a dynamical model that represents a process of deductive inference. We discuss the stability of logic dynamics and a neural basis for the dynamics. We propose a new concept of descriptive stability, thereby enabling a structure of stable descriptions of mathematical models concerning dynamic phenomena to be clarified. The present theory is based on the wider and deeper thoughts of John S. Nicolis. In particular, it is based on our joint paper on the chaos theory of human short-term memories with a magic number of seven plus or minus two.

Role of Temperature and SiCP Parameters in Stability and Quality of Al-Si-Mg/SiC Foams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravi Kumar, N. V.; Gokhale, Amol A.

2018-06-01

Composites of Al-Si-Mg (A356) alloy with silicon carbide particles were synthesized in-house and foamed by melt processing using titanium hydride as foaming agent. The effects of the SiCP size and content, and foaming temperature on the stability and quality of the foam were explored. It was observed that the foam stability depended on the foaming temperature alone but not on the particle size or volume percent within the studied ranges. Specifically, foam stability was poor at 670°C. Among the stable foams obtained at 640°C, cell soundness (absence of/low defects, and collapse) was seen to vary depending on the particle size and content; For example, for finer size, lower particle contents were sufficient to obtain sound cell structure. It is possible to determine a foaming process window based on material and process parameters for good expansion, foam stability, and cell structure.

ZrP nanoplates based fire-fighting foams stabilizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lecheng; Cheng, Zhengdong; Li, Hai

2015-03-01

Firefighting foam, as a significant innovation in fire protection, greatly facilitates extinguishments for liquid pool fire. Recently, with developments in LNG industry, high-expansion firefighting foams are also used for extinguishing LNG fire or mitigating LNG leakage. Foam stabilizer, an ingredient in fire-fighting foam, stabilizes foam bubbles and maintains desired foam volume. Conventional foam stabilizers are organic molecules. In this work, we developed a inorganic based ZrP (Zr(HPO4)2 .H2O, Zirconium phosphate) plates functionalized as firefighting foam stabilizer, improving firefighting foam performance under harsh conditions. Several tests were conducted to illustrate performance. The mechanism for the foam stabilization is also proposed. Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-3122

Dynamical investigation and parameter stability region analysis of a flywheel energy storage system in charging mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei-Ya; Li, Yong-Li; Chang, Xiao-Yong; Wang, Nan

2013-09-01

In this paper, the dynamic behavior analysis of the electromechanical coupling characteristics of a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) with a permanent magnet (PM) brushless direct-current (DC) motor (BLDCM) is studied. The Hopf bifurcation theory and nonlinear methods are used to investigate the generation process and mechanism of the coupled dynamic behavior for the average current controlled FESS in the charging mode. First, the universal nonlinear dynamic model of the FESS based on the BLDCM is derived. Then, for a 0.01 kWh/1.6 kW FESS platform in the Key Laboratory of the Smart Grid at Tianjin University, the phase trajectory of the FESS from a stable state towards chaos is presented using numerical and stroboscopic methods, and all dynamic behaviors of the system in this process are captured. The characteristics of the low-frequency oscillation and the mechanism of the Hopf bifurcation are investigated based on the Routh stability criterion and nonlinear dynamic theory. It is shown that the Hopf bifurcation is directly due to the loss of control over the inductor current, which is caused by the system control parameters exceeding certain ranges. This coupling nonlinear process of the FESS affects the stability of the motor running and the efficiency of energy transfer. In this paper, we investigate into the effects of control parameter change on the stability and the stability regions of these parameters based on the averaged-model approach. Furthermore, the effect of the quantization error in the digital control system is considered to modify the stability regions of the control parameters. Finally, these theoretical results are verified through platform experiments.

Global rotational motion and displacement estimation of digital image stabilization based on the oblique vectors matching algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Fei; Hui, Mei; Zhao, Yue-jin

2009-08-01

The image block matching algorithm based on motion vectors of correlative pixels in oblique direction is presented for digital image stabilization. The digital image stabilization is a new generation of image stabilization technique which can obtains the information of relative motion among frames of dynamic image sequences by the method of digital image processing. In this method the matching parameters are calculated from the vectors projected in the oblique direction. The matching parameters based on the vectors contain the information of vectors in transverse and vertical direction in the image blocks at the same time. So the better matching information can be obtained after making correlative operation in the oblique direction. And an iterative weighted least square method is used to eliminate the error of block matching. The weights are related with the pixels' rotational angle. The center of rotation and the global emotion estimation of the shaking image can be obtained by the weighted least square from the estimation of each block chosen evenly from the image. Then, the shaking image can be stabilized with the center of rotation and the global emotion estimation. Also, the algorithm can run at real time by the method of simulated annealing in searching method of block matching. An image processing system based on DSP was used to exam this algorithm. The core processor in the DSP system is TMS320C6416 of TI, and the CCD camera with definition of 720×576 pixels was chosen as the input video signal. Experimental results show that the algorithm can be performed at the real time processing system and have an accurate matching precision.

Enhancement of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) thermal and processing stability using a bio-waste derived additive.

PubMed

Persico, Paola; Ambrogi, Veronica; Baroni, Antonio; Santagata, Gabriella; Carfagna, Cosimo; Malinconico, Mario; Cerruti, Pierfrancesco

2012-12-01

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable polymer, whose applicability is limited by its brittleness and narrow processing window. In this study a pomace extract (EP), from the bio-waste of winery industry, was used as thermal and processing stabilizer for PHB, aimed to engineer a totally bio-based system. The results showed that EP enhanced the thermal stability of PHB, which maintained high molecular weights after processing. This evidence was in agreement with the slower decrease in viscosity over time observed by rheological tests. EP also affected the melt crystallization kinetics and the overall crystallinity extent. Finally, dynamic mechanical and tensile tests showed that EP slightly improved the polymer ductility. The results are intriguing, in view of the development of sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymer additives, thus increasing the applicability of bio-based materials. Moreover, the reported results demonstrated the feasibility of the conversion of an agro-food by-product into a bio-resource in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of natural phenolics on the thermal and processing behaviour of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auriemma, Maria; Piscitelli, Amodio; Pasquino, Rossana; Cerruti, Pierfrancesco; Angelini, Stefania; Scarinzi, Gennaro; Malinconico, Mario; Grizzuti, Nino

2015-12-01

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable polymer, whose applicability is limited by its relatively poor mechanical properties and narrow processing window. In this paper, different natural phenol-based additives, including tannic acid (TA), grape bagasse extract (EP), and a lignocellulosic biomass (LC) were used as thermal and processing stabilizers for PHB. The thermal stability of both neat and doped PHB samples was studied by rheology and calorimetry. The experimental results showed that neat PHB massively degrades and that the addition of phenol additives enhances the thermal stability of PHB, preserving the polymer molecular weight after processing. This finding was in agreement with the slower decay in viscosity observed through rheological tests. Physical and chemical interactions between polymer and additive were considered as key factors to interpret the experimental data. LC affected the melt crystallization kinetics of PHB enhancing crystallization upon cooling. This finding suggests that LC was a heterogeneous nucleating agent, potentially able to control the physical aging of PHB. The described results are of interest for the development of sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymer additives, by increasing the applicability of bio-based materials.

Stabilization of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccines by Freeze Drying, Spray Drying, and Foam Drying.

PubMed

Lovalenti, Phillip M; Anderl, Jeff; Yee, Luisa; Nguyen, Van; Ghavami, Behnaz; Ohtake, Satoshi; Saxena, Atul; Voss, Thomas; Truong-Le, Vu

2016-05-01

The goal of this research is to develop stable formulations for live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) by employing the drying methods freeze drying, spray drying, and foam drying. Formulated live attenuated Type-A H1N1 and B-strain influenza vaccines with a variety of excipient combinations were dried using one of the three drying methods. Process and storage stability at 4, 25 and 37°C of the LAIV in these formulations was monitored using a TCID50 potency assay. Their immunogenicity was also evaluated in a ferret model. The thermal stability of H1N1 vaccine was significantly enhanced through application of unique formulation combinations and drying processes. Foam dried formulations were as much as an order of magnitude more stable than either spray dried or freeze dried formulations, while exhibiting low process loss and full retention of immunogenicity. Based on long-term stability data, foam dried formulations exhibited a shelf life at 4, 25 and 37°C of >2, 1.5 years and 4.5 months, respectively. Foam dried LAIV Type-B manufactured using the same formulation and process parameters as H1N1 were imparted with a similar level of stability. Foam drying processing methods with appropriate selection of formulation components can produce an order of magnitude improvement in LAIV stability over other drying methods.

Carbohydrate-Assisted Combustion Synthesis To Realize High-Performance Oxide Transistors.

PubMed

Wang, Binghao; Zeng, Li; Huang, Wei; Melkonyan, Ferdinand S; Sheets, William C; Chi, Lifeng; Bedzyk, Michael J; Marks, Tobin J; Facchetti, Antonio

2016-06-08

Owing to high carrier mobilities, good environmental/thermal stability, excellent optical transparency, and compatibility with solution processing, thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on amorphous metal oxide semiconductors (AOSs) are promising alternatives to those based on amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and low-temperature (<600 °C) poly-silicon (LTPS). However, solution-processed display-relevant indium-gallium-tin-oxide (IGZO) TFTs suffer from low carrier mobilities and/or inferior bias-stress stability versus their sputtered counterparts. Here we report that three types of environmentally benign carbohydrates (sorbitol, sucrose, and glucose) serve as especially efficient fuels for IGZO film combustion synthesis to yield high-performance TFTs. The results indicate that these carbohydrates assist the combustion process by lowering the ignition threshold temperature and, for optimal stoichiometries, enhancing the reaction enthalpy. IGZO TFT mobilities are increased to >8 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) on SiO2/Si gate dielectrics with significantly improved bias-stress stability. The first correlations between precursor combustion enthalpy and a-MO densification/charge transport are established.

Quantum Stabilizer Codes Can Realize Access Structures Impossible by Classical Secret Sharing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, Ryutaroh

We show a simple example of a secret sharing scheme encoding classical secret to quantum shares that can realize an access structure impossible by classical information processing with limitation on the size of each share. The example is based on quantum stabilizer codes.

Analysis of the aging/stability process of organic solar cells based on PTB7:[70]PCBM and an alternative free-vacuum deposited cathode: the effect of active layer scaling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barreiro-Argüelles, Denisse; Ramos-Ortiz, Gabriel; Maldonado, José-Luis L.; Romero-Borja, Daniel; Meneses-Nava, Marco-Antonio; Pérez-Gutiérrez, Enrique

2017-08-01

The PV performance and aging/stability of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices based on the well-known system PTB7:[70]PCBM and an alternative air-stable electrode deposited at room conditions are fully studied when the active area is scaled by a factor of 25. On the other hand, the aging/stability processes were also studied through single diode model, impedance spectroscopy and light-beam induced current (LBIC) measurements in accordance with the established ISOS-D1 (dark storage) and ISOS-L1 (illumination conditions) protocols. Results are a good indication that the alternative cathode Field's metal (FM) cathode works as an encapsulating material and provides excellent PV performance comparable with the common and costly high-vacuum evaporated Al cathode.

Mercury stabilization in chemically bonded phosphate ceramics

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

Wagh, A. S.; Singh, D.; Jeong, S. Y.

2000-04-04

Mercury stabilization and solidification is a significant challenge for conventional stabilization technologies. This is because of the stringent regulatory limits on leaching of its stabilized products. In a conventional cement stabilization process, Hg is converted at high pH to its hydroxide, which is not a very insoluble compound; hence the preferred route for Hg sulfidation to convert it into insoluble cinnabar (HgS). Unfortunately, efficient formation of this compound is pH-dependent. At a high pH, one obtains a more soluble Hg sulfate, in a very low pH range, insufficient immobilization occurs because of the escape of hydrogen sulfide, while efficient formationmore » of HgS occurs only in a moderately acidic region. Thus, the pH range of 4 to 8 is where stabilization with Chemically Bonded Phosphate Ceramics (CBPC) is carried out. This paper discusses the authors experience on bench-scale stabilization of various US Department of Energy (DOE) waste streams containing Hg in the CBPC process. This process was developed to treat DOE's mixed waste streams. It is a room-temperature-setting process based on an acid-base reaction between magnesium oxide and monopotassium phosphate solution that forms a dense ceramic within hours. For Hg stabilization, addition of a small amount (< 1 wt.%) of Na{sub 2}S or K{sub 2}S is sufficient in the binder composition. Here the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) results on CBPC waste forms of surrogate waste streams representing secondary Hg containing wastes such as combustion residues and Delphi DETOX{trademark} residues are presented. The results show that although the current limit on leaching of Hg is 0.2 mg/L, the results from the CBPC waste forms are at least one order lower than this stringent limit. Encouraged by these results on surrogate wastes, they treated actual low-level Hg-containing mixed waste from their facility at Idaho. TCLP results on this waste are presented here. The efficient stabilization in all these cases is attributed to chemical immobilization as both a sulfide (cinnabar) and a phosphate, followed by its physical encapsulation in a dense matrix of the ceramic.« less

Utilization of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash in blended cement Part 1: Processing and characterization of MSWI fly ash.

PubMed

Aubert, J E; Husson, B; Sarramone, N

2006-08-25

This paper is the first of a series of two articles dealing with the processes applied to MSWI fly ash with a view to reusing it safely in cement-based materials. Part 1 presents two stabilization processes and Part 2 deals with the use of the two treated fly ashes (TFA) in mortars. Two types of binder were used: an Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) containing more than 95% clinker (CEM I 52.5R) and a binary blend cement composed of 70% ground granulated blast furnace slag and 30% clinker (CEM III-B 42.5N). In this first part, two stabilization processes are presented: the conventional process, called "A", based on the washing, phosphation and calcination of the ash, and a modified process, called "B", intended to eliminate metallic aluminum and sulfate contained in the ash. The physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the two TFA were comparable. The main differences observed were those expected, i.e. TFA-B was free of metallic aluminum and sulfate. The mineralogical characterization of the two TFAs highlighted the presence of large amounts of a calcium aluminosilicate phase taking two forms, a crystalline form (gehlenite) and an amorphous form. Hydration studies on pastes containing mixed TFA and calcium hydroxide showed that this phase reacted with calcium hydroxide to form calcium aluminate hydrates. This formation of hydrates was accompanied by a hardening of the pastes. These results are very encouraging for the reuse of such TFA in cement-based materials because they can be considered as pozzolanic additions and could advantageously replace a part of the cement in cement-based materials. Finally, leaching tests were carried out to evaluate the environmental impact of the two TFAs. The elements which were less efficiently stabilized by process A were zinc, cadmium and antimony but, when the results of the leaching tests were compared with the thresholds of the European landfill directive, TFA-A could nevertheless be accepted at landfills for non-hazardous waste. The modifications of the process led to a significant reduction in the stabilization of chromium, selenium and antimony.

Two-stage system based on a software-defined radio for stabilizing of optical frequency combs in long-term experiments.

PubMed

Cížek, Martin; Hucl, Václav; Hrabina, Jan; Smíd, Radek; Mikel, Břetislav; Lazar, Josef; Cíp, Ondřej

2014-01-20

A passive optical resonator is a special sensor used for measurement of lengths on the nanometer and sub-nanometer scale. A stabilized optical frequency comb can provide an ultimate reference for measuring the wavelength of a tunable laser locked to the optical resonator. If we lock the repetition and offset frequencies of the comb to a high-grade radiofrequency (RF) oscillator its relative frequency stability is transferred from the RF to the optical frequency domain. Experiments in the field of precise length metrology of low-expansion materials are usually of long-term nature so it is required that the optical frequency comb stay in operation for an extended period of time. The optoelectronic closed-loop systems used for stabilization of combs are usually based on traditional analog electronic circuits processing signals from photodetectors. From an experimental point of view, these setups are very complicated and sensitive to ambient conditions, especially in the optical part, therefore maintaining long-time operation is not easy. The research presented in this paper deals with a novel approach based on digital signal processing and a software-defined radio. We describe digital signal processing algorithms intended for keeping the femtosecond optical comb in a long-time stable operation. This need arose during specialized experiments involving measurements of optical frequencies of tunable continuous-wave lasers. The resulting system is capable of keeping the comb in lock for an extensive period of time (8 days or more) with the relative stability better than 1.6 × 10(-11).

Glass composition development for stabilization of lead based paints

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

Marra, J.C.

1996-10-01

Exposure to lead can lead to adverse health affects including permanent damage to the central nervous system. Common means of exposure to lead are from ingestion of lead paint chips or breathing of dust from deteriorating painted surfaces. The U.S. Army has over 101 million square feet of buildings dating to World War II or earlier. Many of these structures were built before the 1978 ban on lead based paints. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CERL is developing technologies to remove and stabilize lead containing organic coatings. Promising results have been achieved using a patented flame spray process thatmore » utilizes a glass frit to stabilize the hazardous constituents. When the glass frit is sprayed onto the paint containing substrate, differences in thermal expansion coefficients between the frit and the paint results in spalling of the paint from the substrate surface. The removed fragments are then collected and remelted to stabilize the hazardous constituents and allow for disposal as non-hazardous waste. Similar successful results using a patented process involving microwave technology for paint removal have also been achieved. In this process, the painted surface is coated with a microwave coupling compound that when exposed to microwave energy results in the spalling of the hazardous paint from the surface. The fragments can again be accumulated and remelted for stabilization and disposal.« less

Biocompatible Nanoemulsions for Improved Aceclofenac Skin Delivery: Formulation Approach Using Combined Mixture-Process Experimental Design.

PubMed

Isailović, Tanja; Ðorđević, Sanela; Marković, Bojan; Ranđelović, Danijela; Cekić, Nebojša; Lukić, Milica; Pantelić, Ivana; Daniels, Rolf; Savić, Snežana

2016-01-01

We aimed to develop lecithin-based nanoemulsions intended for effective aceclofenac (ACF) skin delivery utilizing sucrose esters [sucrose palmitate (SP) and sucrose stearate (SS)] as additional stabilizers and penetration enhancers. To find the suitable surfactant mixtures and levels of process variables (homogenization pressure and number of cycles - high pressure homogenization manufacturing method) that result in drug-loaded nanoemulsions with minimal droplet size and narrow size distribution, a combined mixture-process experimental design was employed. Based on optimization data, selected nanoemulsions were evaluated regarding morphology, surface charge, drug-excipient interactions, physical stability, and in vivo skin performances (skin penetration and irritation potential). The predicted physicochemical properties and storage stability were proved satisfying for ACF-loaded nanoemulsions containing 2% of SP in the blend with 0%-1% of SS and 1%-2% of egg lecithin (produced at 50°C/20 cycles/800 bar). Additionally, the in vivo tape stripping demonstrated superior ACF skin absorption from these nanoemulsions, particularly from those containing 2% of SP, 0.5% of SS, and 1.5% of egg lecithin, when comparing with the sample costabilized by conventional surfactant - polysorbate 80. In summary, the combined mixture-process experimental design was shown as a feasible tool for formulation development of multisurfactant-based nanosized delivery systems with potentially improved overall product performances.

In silico studies to explore the mutagenic ability of 5-halo/oxy/li-oxy-uracil bases with guanine of DNA base pairs.

PubMed

Jana, Kalyanashis; Ganguly, Bishwajit

2014-10-16

DNA nucleobases are reactive in nature and undergo modifications by deamination, oxidation, alkylation, or hydrolysis processes. Many such modified bases are susceptible to mutagenesis when formed in cellular DNA. The mutagenesis can occur by mispairing with DNA nucleobases by a DNA polymerase during replication. We have performed a study of mispairing of DNA bases with unnatural bases computationally. 5-Halo uracils have been studied as mispairs in mutagenesis; however, the reports on their different forms are scarce in the literature. The stability of mispairs with keto form, enol form, and ionized form of 5-halo-uracil has been computed with the M06-2X/6-31+G** level of theory. The enol form of 5-halo-uracil showed remarkable stability toward DNA mispair compared to the corresponding keto and ionized forms. (F)U-G mispair showed the highest stability in the series and (Halo)(U(enol/ionized)-G mispair interactions energies are more stable than the natural G-C basepair of DNA. To enhance the stability of DNA mispairs, we have introduced the hydroxyl group in the place of halogen atoms, which provides additional hydrogen-bonding interactions in the system while forming the 5-membered ring. The study has been further extended with lithiated 5-hydroxymethyl-uracil to stabilize the DNA mispair. (CH2OLi)U(ionized)-G mispair has shown the highest stability (ΔG = -32.4 kcal/mol) with multi O-Li interactions. AIM (atoms in molecules) and EDA (energy decomposition analysis) analysis has been performed to examine the nature of noncovalent interactions in such mispairs. EDA analysis has shown that electrostatic energy mainly contributes toward the interaction energy of mispairs. The higher stability achieved in these studied mispairs can play a pivotal role in the mutagenesis and can help to attain the mutation for many desired biological processes.

Influence of the stretch wrapping process on the mechanical behavior of a stretch film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, Daniel; Stommel, Markus; Zimmer, Johannes

2018-05-01

Lightweight construction is an ongoing task in packaging development. Consequently, the stability of packages during transport is gaining importance. This study contributes to the optimization of lightweight packaging concepts regarding their stability. A very widespread packaging concept is the distribution of goods on a pallet whereas a Polyethylene (PE) stretch film stabilizes the lightweight structure during the shipment. Usually, a stretch wrapping machine applies this stretch film to the pallet. The objective of this study is to support packaging development with a method that predicts the result of the wrapping process, based on the mechanical characterization of the stretch film. This result is not only defined by the amount of stretch film, its spatial distribution on the pallet and its internal stresses that result in a containment force. More accurate, this contribution also considers the influence of the deformation history of the stretch film during the wrapping process. By focusing on similarities of stretch wrappers rather than on differences, the influence of generalized process parameters on stretch film mechanics and thereby on pallet stability can be determined experimentally. For a practical use, the predictive method is accumulated in an analytic model of the wrapping process that can be verified experimentally. This paves the way for experimental and numerical approaches regarding the optimization of pallet stability.

Opportunities for bio-based packaging technologies to improve the quality and safety of fresh and further processed muscle foods.

PubMed

Cutter, Catherine Nettles

2006-09-01

It has been well documented that vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging materials, made from polyethylene- or other plastic-based materials, have been found to improve the stability and safety of raw or further processed muscle foods. However, recent research developments have demonstrated the feasibility, utilization, and commercial application of a variety of bio-based polymers or bio-polymers made from a variety of materials, including renewable/sustainable agricultural commodities, and applied to muscle foods. A variety of these bio-based materials have been shown to prevent moisture loss, drip, reduce lipid oxidation and improve flavor attributes, as well as enhancing the handling properties, color retention, and microbial stability of foods. With consumers demanding more environmentally friendly packaging and a desire for more natural products, bio-based films or bio-polymers will continue to play an important role in the food industry by improving the quality of many products, including fresh or further processed muscle foods.

A decentralised multi-agent approach to enhance the stability of smart microgrids with renewable energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, M. S.; Pota, H. R.; Mahmud, M. A.; Hossain, M. J.

2016-05-01

This paper presents the impact of large penetration of wind power on the transient stability through a dynamic evaluation of the critical clearing times (CCTs) by using intelligent agent-based approach. A decentralised multi-agent-based framework is developed, where agents represent a number of physical device models to form a complex infrastructure for computation and communication. They enable the dynamic flow of information and energy for the interaction between the physical processes and their activities. These agents dynamically adapt online measurements and use the CCT information for relay coordination to improve the transient stability of power systems. Simulations are carried out on a smart microgrid system for faults at increasing wind power penetration levels and the improvement in transient stability using the proposed agent-based framework is demonstrated.

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

Vijayakumar, M.; Nie, Zimin; Walter, Eric D.

Redox flow battery (RFB) is a promising candidate for energy storage component in designing resilient grid scale power supply due to the advantage of the separation of power and energy. However, poorly understood chemical and thermal stability issues of electrolytes currently limit the performance of RFB. Designing of high performance stable electrolytes requires comprehensive knowledge about the molecular level solvation structure and dynamics of their redox active species. The molecular level understanding of detrimental V2O5 precipitation process led to successful designing of mixed acid based electrolytes for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB). The higher stability of mixed acid based electrolytesmore » is attributed to the choice of hydrochloric acid as optimal co-solvent, which provides chloride anions for ligand exchange process in vanadium solvation structure. The role of chloride counter anion on solvation structure and dynamics of vanadium species were studied using combined magnetic resonance spectroscopy and DFT based theoretical methods. Finally, the solvation phenomenon of multiple vanadium species and their impact on VRFB electrolyte chemical stability were discussed.« less

Three-dimensional modelling of slope stability using the Local Factor of Safety concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Shirin; Huisman, Sander; Beck, Martin; Vereecken, Harry; Class, Holger

2017-04-01

Slope stability is governed by coupled hydrological and mechanical processes. The slope stability depends on the effective stress, which in turn depends on the weight of the soil and the matrix potential. Therefore, changes in water content and matrix potential associated with infiltration will affect slope stability. Most available models describing these coupled hydro-mechanical processes either rely on a one- or two-dimensional representation of hydrological and mechanical properties and processes, which obviously is a strong simplification in many applications. Therefore, the aim of this work is to develop a three-dimensional hydro-mechanical model that is able to capture the effect of spatial and temporal variability of both mechanical and hydrological parameters on slope stability. For this, we rely on DuMux, which is a free and open-source simulator for flow and transport processes in porous media that facilitates coupling of different model approaches and offers flexibility for model development. We use the Richards equation to model unsaturated water flow. The simulated water content and matrix potential distribution is used to calculate the effective stress. We only consider linear elasticity and solve for statically admissible fields of stress and displacement without invoking failure or the redistribution of post-failure stress or displacement. The Local Factor of Safety concept is used to evaluate slope stability in order to overcome some of the main limitations of commonly used methods based on limit equilibrium considerations. In a first step, we compared our model implementation with a 2D benchmark model that was implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics. In a second step, we present in-silico experiments with the newly developed 3D model to show the effect of slope morphology, spatial variability in hydraulic and mechanical material properties, and spatially variable soil depth on simulated slope stability. It is expected that this improved physically-based three-dimensional hydro-mechanical model is able to provide more reliable slope instability predictions in more complex situations.

Conformational and Thermal Stability Improvements for the Large-Scale Production of Yeast-Derived Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus-Like Particles as Multipurpose Vaccine

PubMed Central

Méndez, Lídice; González, Nemecio; Parra, Francisco; Martín-Alonso, José M.; Limonta, Miladys; Sánchez, Kosara; Cabrales, Ania; Estrada, Mario P.; Rodríguez-Mallón, Alina; Farnós, Omar

2013-01-01

Recombinant virus-like particles (VLP) antigenically similar to rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) were recently expressed at high levels inside Pichia pastoris cells. Based on the potential of RHDV VLP as platform for diverse vaccination purposes we undertook the design, development and scale-up of a production process. Conformational and stability issues were addressed to improve process control and optimization. Analyses on the structure, morphology and antigenicity of these multimers were carried out at different pH values during cell disruption and purification by size-exclusion chromatography. Process steps and environmental stresses in which aggregation or conformational instability can be detected were included. These analyses revealed higher stability and recoveries of properly assembled high-purity capsids at acidic and neutral pH in phosphate buffer. The use of stabilizers during long-term storage in solution showed that sucrose, sorbitol, trehalose and glycerol acted as useful aggregation-reducing agents. The VLP emulsified in an oil-based adjuvant were subjected to accelerated thermal stress treatments. None to slight variations were detected in the stability of formulations and in the structure of recovered capsids. A comprehensive analysis on scale-up strategies was accomplished and a nine steps large-scale production process was established. VLP produced after chromatographic separation protected rabbits against a lethal challenge. The minimum protective dose was identified. Stabilized particles were ultimately assayed as carriers of a foreign viral epitope from another pathogen affecting a larger animal species. For that purpose, a linear protective B-cell epitope from Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) E2 envelope protein was chemically coupled to RHDV VLP. Conjugates were able to present the E2 peptide fragment for immune recognition and significantly enhanced the peptide-specific antibody response in vaccinated pigs. Overall these results allowed establishing improved conditions regarding conformational stability and recovery of these multimers for their production at large-scale and potential use on different animal species or humans. PMID:23460801

[Recent advance in solidification/stabilization technology for the remediation of heavy metals-contaminated soil].

PubMed

Hao, Han-zhou; Chen, Tong-bin; Jin, Meng-gui; Lei, Mei; Liu, Cheng-wu; Zu, Wen-pu; Huang, Li-mi

2011-03-01

Remediation of heavy metals-contaminated soil is still a difficulty and a hotspot of international research projects. At present, the technologies commonly adopted for the remediation of contaminated sites mainly include excavation, solidification/stabilization (S/S), soil washing, soil vapor extraction (SVE), thermal treatment, and bioremediation. Based on the S/S technical guidelines of Unite State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United Kingdom Environment Agency (EA) and the domestic and foreign patents, this paper introduced the concepts of S/S and its development status at home and abroad, and discussed its future development directions. Solidification refers to a process that binds contaminated media with a reagent, changing the media's physical properties via increasing its compressive strength, decreasing its permeability, and encapsulating the contaminants to form a solid material. Stabilization refers to the process that involves a chemical reaction which reduces the leachability of a waste, chemically immobilizes the waste and reduces its solubility, making the waste become less harmful or less mobile. S/S technology includes cement solidification, lime pozzolanic solidification, plastic materials stabilization, vitrification, and regent-based stabilization. Stabilization (or immobilization) treatment processes convert contaminants to less mobile forms through chemical or thermal interactions. In stabilization technology, the aim of adding agents is to change the soil physical and chemical properties through pH control technology, redox potential technology, precipitation techniques, adsorption technology, and ion-exchange technology that change the existing forms of heavy metals in soil, and thus, reduce the heavy metals bioavailability and mobility. This review also discussed the S/S evaluation methods, highlighted the need to enhance S/S technology in the molecular bonding, soil polymers, and formulation of China's S/S technical guidelines.

Development of real-time extensometer based on image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adinanta, H.; Puranto, P.; Suryadi

2017-04-01

An extensometer system was developed by using high definition web camera as main sensor to track object position. The developed system applied digital image processing techniques. The image processing was used to measure the change of object position. The position measurement was done in real-time so that the system can directly showed the actual position in both x and y-axis. In this research, the relation between pixel and object position changes had been characterized. The system was tested by moving the target in a range of 20 cm in interval of 1 mm. To verify the long run performance, the stability and linearity of continuous measurements on both x and y-axis, this measurement had been conducted for 83 hours. The results show that this image processing-based extensometer had both good stability and linearity.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-11-01

The goal of the ELF investigation is to improve our fundamental understanding of the effects of the flow environment on flame stability. The flame's stability refers to the position of its base and ultimately its continued existence. Combustion research focuses on understanding the important hidden processes of ignitions, flame spreading, and flame extinction. Understanding these processes will directly affect the efficiency of combustion operations in converting chemical energy to heat and will create a more balanced ecology and healthy environment by reducing pollutants emitted during combustion.

Post-ExSELEX stabilization of an unnatural-base DNA aptamer targeting VEGF165 toward pharmaceutical applications.

PubMed

Kimoto, Michiko; Nakamura, Mana; Hirao, Ichiro

2016-09-06

A new technology, genetic alphabet expansion using artificial bases (unnatural bases), has created high-affinity DNA ligands (aptamers) that specifically bind to target proteins by ExSELEX (genetic alphabet Expansion for Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). We recently found that the unnatural-base DNA aptamers can be stabilized against nucleases, by introducing an extraordinarily stable, unique hairpin DNA (mini-hairpin DNA) and by reinforcing the stem region with G-C pairs. Here, to establish this aptamer generation method, we examined the stabilization of a high-affinity anti-VEGF165 unnatural-base DNA aptamer. The stabilized aptamers displayed significantly increased thermal and nuclease stabilities, and furthermore, exhibited higher affinity to the target. As compared to the well-known anti-VEGF165 RNA aptamer, pegaptanib (Macugen), our aptamers did not require calcium ions for binding to VEGF165 Biological experiments using cultured cells revealed that our stabilized aptamers efficiently inhibited the interaction between VEGF165 and its receptor, with the same or slightly higher efficiency than that of the pegaptanib RNA aptamer. The development of cost-effective and calcium ion-independent high-affinity anti-VEGF165 DNA aptamers encourages further progress in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In addition, the stabilization process provided additional information about the key elements required for aptamer binding to VEGF165. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Continuous control of chaos based on the stability criterion.

PubMed

Yu, Hong Jie; Liu, Yan Zhu; Peng, Jian Hua

2004-06-01

A method of chaos control based on stability criterion is proposed in the present paper. This method can stabilize chaotic systems onto a desired periodic orbit by a small time-continuous perturbation nonlinear feedback. This method does not require linearization of the system around the stabilized orbit and only an approximate location of the desired periodic orbit is required which can be automatically detected in the control process. The control can be started at any moment by choosing appropriate perturbation restriction condition. It seems that more flexibility and convenience are the main advantages of this method. The discussions on control of attitude motion of a spacecraft, Rössler system, and two coupled Duffing oscillators are given as numerical examples.

Rapid oxidation/stabilization technique for carbon foams, carbon fibers and C/C composites

DOEpatents

Tan, Seng; Tan, Cher-Dip

2004-05-11

An enhanced method for the post processing, i.e. oxidation or stabilization, of carbon materials including, but not limited to, carbon foams, carbon fibers, dense carbon-carbon composites, carbon/ceramic and carbon/metal composites, which method requires relatively very short and more effective such processing steps. The introduction of an "oxygen spill over catalyst" into the carbon precursor by blending with the carbon starting material or exposure of the carbon precursor to such a material supplies required oxygen at the atomic level and permits oxidation/stabilization of carbon materials in a fraction of the time and with a fraction of the energy normally required to accomplish such carbon processing steps. Carbon based foams, solids, composites and fiber products made utilizing this method are also described.

Stabilization and Solidification of Nitric Acid Effluent Waste at Y-12

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

Singh, Dileep; Lorenzo-Martin, Cinta

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) at the Y-12 plant is investigating approaches for the treatment (stabilization and solidification) of a nitric acid waste effluent that contains uranium. Because the pH of the waste stream is 1-2, it is a difficult waste stream to treat and stabilize by a standard cement-based process. Alternative waste forms are being considered. In this regard, Ceramicrete technology, developed at Argonne National Laboratory, is being explored as an option to solidify and stabilize the nitric acid effluent wastes.

Formulation and process considerations affecting the stability of solid dosage forms formulated with methacrylate copolymers.

PubMed

Petereit, H U; Weisbrod, W

1999-01-01

General considerations concerning the stability of coated dosage forms are discussed, in order to avoid predictable interactions which may cause long-term stability problems. As polymers themselves maintain a high chemical stability and a low reactivity, instability phenomena mainly have to be explained by interactions of low molecular weight substances or physical changes. Possible interactions of functional groups can be predicted easily and insulating subcoates are proper countermeasures. Impurities, remaining in the polymeric material from the manufacturing process, may accelerate the hydrolysis of sensitive drugs. Instabilities of coated dosage forms are mainly based on physical interactions, caused by improper formulations of coating suspensions (i.e. plasticizers or pigments) or the film coating process. Residual moisture or solvents, probably enclosed in the core and migrating over time, may increase the permeability of coatings, due to plasticizing effects. The functionality of coatings from aqueous dispersions is linked to coalescence of latex particles. Thus any incomplete film formation, caused by too high or too low coating temperatures, may result in high permeable coatings. During storage, preferably under stress conditions this process will continue and thus change the release profile. Therefore bed temperatures of 10-20 degrees C above MFT must ensure the formation of homogeneous polymer layers during the coating process. Stability test procedures and packaging materials also need to be adapted to the physicochemical properties of the dosage form, in order to get meaningful results in stability tests.

Ceramification: A plutonium immobilization process

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

Rask, W.C.; Phillips, A.G.

1996-05-01

This paper describes a low temperature technique for stabilizing and immobilizing actinide compounds using a combination process/storage vessel of stainless steel, in which measured amounts of actinide nitrate solutions and actinide oxides (and/or residues) are systematically treated to yield a solid article. The chemical ceramic process is based on a coating technology that produces rare earth oxide coatings for defense applications involving plutonium. The final product of this application is a solid, coherent actinide oxide with process-generated encapsulation that has long-term environmental stability. Actinide compounds can be stabilized as pure materials for ease of re-use or as intimate mixtures withmore » additives such as rare earth oxides to increase their degree of proliferation resistance. Starting materials for the process can include nitrate solutions, powders, aggregates, sludges, incinerator ashes, and others. Agents such as cerium oxide or zirconium oxide may be added as powders or precursors to enhance the properties of the resulting solid product. Additives may be included to produce a final product suitable for use in nuclear fuel pellet production. The process is simple and reduces the time and expense for stabilizing plutonium compounds. It requires a very low equipment expenditure and can be readily implemented into existing gloveboxes. The process is easily conducted with less associated risk than proposed alternative technologies.« less

Preparation, melting behavior and thermal stability of poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene carbonate) blends processed by vane extruder

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

Zou, Wei, E-mail: zw55624@163.com; Chen, Rongyuan; Zhang, Haichen

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/Poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) blends were prepared by vane extruder which is a type of novel polymer processing extruder based on elongation force field. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) were used respectively to analyze the compatibility, the melting behavior and thermal stability properties of PLA/PPC blends affected by the different content of PPC. The results showed that with the increase of the PPC content, the glass transition temperature of PLA was reduced, and the glass transition temperature of PPC was increased, which indicated that PLA and PPC had partial compatibility. Themore » cold crystallization temperature of PLA increased with the increase of the PPC content, which showed that PPC hindered the cold crystallization process of PLA. The addition of PPC had little impact on the melting process of PLA, and the melting temperature of PLA was almost kept the same value. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of PPC was worse than that of PLA, the addition of PPC reduced the thermal stability of PLA.« less

Modeling and optimization of lime-based stabilization in high alkaline arsenic-bearing sludges with a central composite design.

PubMed

Lei, Jie; Peng, Bing; Min, Xiaobo; Liang, Yanjie; You, Yang; Chai, Liyuan

2017-04-16

This study focuses on the modeling and optimization of lime-based stabilization in high alkaline arsenic-bearing sludges (HAABS) and describes the relationship between the arsenic leachate concentration (ALC) and stabilization parameters to develop a prediction model for obtaining the optimal process parameters and conditions. A central composite design (CCD) along with response surface methodology (RSM) was conducted to model and investigate the stabilization process with three independent variables: the Ca/As mole ratio, reaction time and liquid/solid ratio, along with their interactions. The obvious characteristic changes of the HAABS before and after stabilization were verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution (PSD) and the community bureau of reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure. A prediction model Y (ALC) with a statistically significant P-value <0.01 and high correlation coefficient R 2 = 93.22% was obtained. The optimal parameters were successfully predicted by the model for the minimum ALC of 0.312 mg/L, which was validated with the experimental result (0.306 mg/L). The XRD, SEM and PSD results indicated that crystal calcium arsenate Ca 5 (AsO 4 ) 3 OH and Ca 4 (OH) 2 (AsO 4 ) 2 ·4H 2 O formation played an important role in minimizing the ALC. The BCR sequential extraction results demonstrated that the treated HAABS were stable in a weak acidic environment for a short time but posed a potential environmental risk after a long time. The results clearly confirm that the proposed three-factor CCD is an effective approach for modeling the stabilization of HAABS. However, further solidification technology is suggested for use after lime-based stabilization treatment of arsenic-bearing sludges.

Summary Reviews of Soil Stabilization Processes. Report 7. Electrical Stabilization of Fine-Grained Soils

DTIC Science & Technology

1961-10-01

Observations . . . . . . . .................. 3 Double Layer Theory ................. .... 4 The Electroosmotic Phenomenon in Soils . . . . ... 6 Helmholtz...lL PART III: EFFECTS OF ELECTROOSMOSIS . ............. .. 133 Electroosmotic Dewatering ........ ................ ... 13 Electroosmotic ... electroosmotic flow based on the theories of Helmholtz-Smoluchowski and Schmid are compared. It is apparent that the applicability of the theoretical concepts

Quality control and quality assurance plan for bridge channel-stability assessments in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parker, Gene W.; Pinson, Harlow

1993-01-01

A quality control and quality assurance plan has been implemented as part of the Massachusetts bridge scour and channel-stability assessment program. This program is being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts-Rhode Island District, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Highway Department. Project personnel training, data-integrity verification, and new data-management technologies are being utilized in the channel-stability assessment process to improve current data-collection and management techniques. An automated data-collection procedure has been implemented to standardize channel-stability assessments on a regular basis within the State. An object-oriented data structure and new image management tools are used to produce a data base enabling management of multiple data object classes. Data will be reviewed by assessors and data base managers before being merged into a master bridge-scour data base, which includes automated data-verification routines.

On the Stability of Jump-Linear Systems Driven by Finite-State Machines with Markovian Inputs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patilkulkarni, Sudarshan; Herencia-Zapana, Heber; Gray, W. Steven; Gonzalez, Oscar R.

2004-01-01

This paper presents two mean-square stability tests for a jump-linear system driven by a finite-state machine with a first-order Markovian input process. The first test is based on conventional Markov jump-linear theory and avoids the use of any higher-order statistics. The second test is developed directly using the higher-order statistics of the machine s output process. The two approaches are illustrated with a simple model for a recoverable computer control system.

3D Modeling of Landslide in Open-pit Mining on Basis of Ground-based LIDAR Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, H.; Fernandez-Steeger, T. M.; Azzam, R.; Arnhardt, C.

2009-04-01

Slope stability is not only an important problem which is related to production and safety in open-pit mining, but also very complex task. There are three main reasons which affect the slope stability as follows: geotechnical factors: Geological structure, lithologic characteristics, water, cohesion, friction, etc.; climate factors: Rainfall and temperature; and external factors: Open-pit mining process, explosion vibration, dynamic load, etc.. The 3rd reason, as a specially one in open-pit mining, not only causes some dynamic problems but also induces the fast geometry changing which must be considered in the following research using numerical simulation and stability analysis. Recently, LIDAR technology has been applied in many fields and places in the world wide. Ground-based LIDAR technology with high accuracy up to 3mm increasingly accommodates to monitoring landslides and detecting changing. LIDAR data collection and preprocessing research have been carried out by Department of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology at RWTH Aachen University. LIDAR data, so-called a point-cloud of mass data in high density can be obtained in short time for the sensitive open-pit mining area by using ground-based LIDAR. To obtain a consistent surface model, it is necessary to set up multiple scans with the ground-based LIDAR. The framework of data preprocessing which can be implemented by Poly-Works is introduced as follows: gross error detection and elimination, integration of reference frame, model fusion of different scans (re-sampled in overlap region), data reduction without removing the useful information which is a challenge and research front in LIDAR data processing. After data preprocessing, 3D surface model can be directly generated in Poly-Works or generated in other software by building the triangular meshes. The 3D surface landslide model can be applied to further researches such as: real time landslide geometry monitoring due to the fast data collection and processing; change detecting by means of overlying different periods of topographic or geometric data; FEM (Finite Element Method) numerical simulation on basis of combining with the geotechnical properties and parameters to analyze slope stability and predict future movements for designing and rectifying the open-pit mining process; using the reverse engineering thought for developing constitutive models. An improved 3D surface model (HRDEM) which is based on fast data collection and precise data processing on basis of ground-based LIDAR technology is important contribution for further researches of slope stability in open-pit mining area.

Stabilization of red fruit-based smoothies by high-pressure processing. Part A. Effects on microbial growth, enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity and physical stability.

PubMed

Hurtado, Adriana; Guàrdia, Maria Dolors; Picouet, Pierre; Jofré, Anna; Ros, José María; Bañón, Sancho

2017-02-01

Non-thermal pasteurization by high-pressure processing (HPP) is increasingly replacing thermal processing (TP) to maintain the properties of fresh fruit products. However, most of the research on HPP-fruit products only partially addresses fruit-pressure interaction, which limits its practical interest. The objective of this study was to assess the use of a mild HPP treatment to stabilize red fruit-based smoothies (microbial, enzymatic, oxidative and physical stability). HPP (350 MPa/10 °C/5 min) was slightly less effective than TP (85 °C/7 min) in inactivating microbes (mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria, coliforms, yeasts and moulds) in smoothies kept at 4 °C for up to 28 days. The main limitation of using HPP was its low efficacy in inactivating oxidative (polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase) and hydrolytic (pectin methyl esterase) enzymes. Data on antioxidant status, colour parameters, browning index, transmittance, turbidity and viscosity confirmed that the HPP-smoothies have a greater tendency towards oxidation and clarification, which might lead to undesirable sensory and nutritional changes (see Part B). The microbial quality of smoothies was adequately controlled by mild HPP treatment without affecting their physical-chemical characteristics; however, oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes are highly pressure-resistant, which suggests that additional strategies should be used to stabilize smoothies. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Establishment of an equivalence acceptance criterion for accelerated stability studies.

PubMed

Burdick, Richard K; Sidor, Leslie

2013-01-01

In this article, the use of statistical equivalence testing for providing evidence of process comparability in an accelerated stability study is advocated over the use of a test of differences. The objective of such a study is to demonstrate comparability by showing that the stability profiles under nonrecommended storage conditions of two processes are equivalent. Because it is difficult at accelerated conditions to find a direct link to product specifications, and hence product safety and efficacy, an equivalence acceptance criterion is proposed that is based on the statistical concept of effect size. As with all statistical tests of equivalence, it is important to collect input from appropriate subject-matter experts when defining the acceptance criterion.

Simulated digestion for testing the stability of edible vaccine based on Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) chimeric particle display Hepatitis C virus (HCV) peptide.

PubMed

Vitti, Antonella; Nuzzaci, Maria; Condelli, Valentina; Piazzolla, Pasquale

2014-01-01

Edible vaccines must survive digestive process and preserve the specific structure of the antigenic peptide to elicit effective immune response. The stability of a protein to digestive process can be predicted by subjecting it to the in vitro assay with simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Here, we describe the protocol of producing and using chimeric Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) displaying Hepatitis C virus (HCV) derived peptide (R9) in double copy as an oral vaccine. Its stability after treatment with SGF and SIF and the preservation of the antigenic properties were verified by SDS-PAGE and immuno western blot techniques.

Sequential bottom-up assembly of mechanically stabilized synthetic cells by microfluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Marian; Frohnmayer, Johannes Patrick; Benk, Lucia Theresa; Haller, Barbara; Janiesch, Jan-Willi; Heitkamp, Thomas; Börsch, Michael; Lira, Rafael B.; Dimova, Rumiana; Lipowsky, Reinhard; Bodenschatz, Eberhard; Baret, Jean-Christophe; Vidakovic-Koch, Tanja; Sundmacher, Kai; Platzman, Ilia; Spatz, Joachim P.

2018-01-01

Compartments for the spatially and temporally controlled assembly of biological processes are essential towards cellular life. Synthetic mimics of cellular compartments based on lipid-based protocells lack the mechanical and chemical stability to allow their manipulation into a complex and fully functional synthetic cell. Here, we present a high-throughput microfluidic method to generate stable, defined sized liposomes termed `droplet-stabilized giant unilamellar vesicles (dsGUVs)’. The enhanced stability of dsGUVs enables the sequential loading of these compartments with biomolecules, namely purified transmembrane and cytoskeleton proteins by microfluidic pico-injection technology. This constitutes an experimental demonstration of a successful bottom-up assembly of a compartment with contents that would not self-assemble to full functionality when simply mixed together. Following assembly, the stabilizing oil phase and droplet shells are removed to release functional self-supporting protocells to an aqueous phase, enabling them to interact with physiologically relevant matrices.

Stability evaluation of short-circuiting gas metal arc welding based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yong; Wang, Kehong; Zhou, Zhilan; Zhou, Xiaoxiao; Fang, Jimi

2017-03-01

The arc of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) contains abundant information about its stability and droplet transition, which can be effectively characterized by extracting the arc electrical signals. In this study, ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) was used to evaluate the stability of electrical current signals. The welding electrical signals were first decomposed by EEMD, and then transformed to a Hilbert-Huang spectrum and a marginal spectrum. The marginal spectrum is an approximate distribution of amplitude with frequency of signals, and can be described by a marginal index. Analysis of various welding process parameters showed that the marginal index of current signals increased when the welding process was more stable, and vice versa. Thus EEMD combined with the marginal index can effectively uncover the stability and droplet transition of GMAW.

Influence of lead on stabilization/solidification by ordinary Portland cement and magnesium phosphate cement.

PubMed

Wang, Yan-Shuai; Dai, Jian-Guo; Wang, Lei; Tsang, Daniel C W; Poon, Chi Sun

2018-01-01

Inorganic binder-based stabilization/solidification (S/S) of Pb-contaminated soil is a commonly used remediation approach. This paper investigates the influences of soluble Pb species on the hydration process of two types of inorganic binders: ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC). The environmental leachability, compressive strength, and setting time of the cement products are assessed as the primary performance indicators. The mechanisms of Pb involved in the hydration process are analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), hydration heat evolution, and thermogravimetric analyses. Results show that the presence of Pb imposes adverse impact on the compressive strength (decreased by 30.4%) and the final setting time (prolonged by 334.7%) of OPC, but it exerts much less influence on those of MKPC. The reduced strength and delayed setting are attributed to the retarded hydration reaction rate of OPC during the induction period. These results suggest that the OPC-based S/S of soluble Pb mainly depends on physical encapsulation by calcium-silicate-hydrate (CSH) gels. In contrast, in case of MKPC-based S/S process, chemical stabilization with residual phosphate (pyromorphite and lead phosphate precipitation) and physical fixation of cementitious struvite-K are the major mechanisms. Therefore, MKPC is a more efficient and chemically stable inorganic binder for the Pb S/S process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of stabilization techniques for ion implant processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ross, Matthew F.; Wong, Selmer S.; Minter, Jason P.; Marlowe, Trey; Narcy, Mark E.; Livesay, William R.

1999-06-01

With the integration of high current ion implant processing into volume CMOS manufacturing, the need for photoresist stabilization to achieve a stable ion implant process is critical. This study compares electron beam stabilization, a non-thermal process, with more traditional thermal stabilization techniques such as hot plate baking and vacuum oven processing. The electron beam processing is carried out in a flood exposure system with no active heating of the wafer. These stabilization techniques are applied to typical ion implant processes that might be found in a CMOS production process flow. The stabilization processes are applied to a 1.1 micrometers thick PFI-38A i-line photoresist film prior to ion implant processing. Post stabilization CD variation is detailed with respect to wall slope and feature integrity. SEM photographs detail the effects of the stabilization technique on photoresist features. The thermal stability of the photoresist is shown for different levels of stabilization and post stabilization thermal cycling. Thermal flow stability of the photoresist is detailed via SEM photographs. A significant improvement in thermal stability is achieved with the electron beam process, such that photoresist features are stable to temperatures in excess of 200 degrees C. Ion implant processing parameters are evaluated and compared for the different stabilization methods. Ion implant system end-station chamber pressure is detailed as a function of ion implant process and stabilization condition. The ion implant process conditions are detailed for varying factors such as ion current, energy, and total dose. A reduction in the ion implant systems end-station chamber pressure is achieved with the electron beam stabilization process over the other techniques considered. This reduction in end-station chamber pressure is shown to provide a reduction in total process time for a given ion implant dose. Improvements in the ion implant process are detailed across several combinations of current and energy.

Quercetin as natural stabilizing agent for bio-polymer

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

Morici, Elisabetta; Arrigo, Rossella; Dintcheva, Nadka Tzankova

The introduction of antioxidants in polymers is the main way to prevent or delay the degradation process. In particular natural antioxidants receive attention in the food industry also because of their presumed safety. In this work bio-polymers, i.e. a commercial starch-based polymer (Mater-Bi®) and a bio-polyester (PLA), and a bio-polyether (PEO) were additivated with quercetin, a natural flavonoid antioxidants, in order to formulate bio-based films for ecosustainable packaging and outdoor applications. The photo-oxidation behavior of unstabilized and quercetin stabilized films was analyzed and compared with the behavior of films additivated with a commercial synthetic light stabilizer. The quercetin is ablemore » to slow down the photo-degradation rate of all bio-polymeric films investigated in similar way to the synthetic stabilizer.« less

Quercetin as natural stabilizing agent for bio-polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morici, Elisabetta; Arrigo, Rossella; Dintcheva, Nadka Tzankova

2014-05-01

The introduction of antioxidants in polymers is the main way to prevent or delay the degradation process. In particular natural antioxidants receive attention in the food industry also because of their presumed safety. In this work bio-polymers, i.e. a commercial starch-based polymer (Mater-Bi®) and a bio-polyester (PLA), and a bio-polyether (PEO) were additivated with quercetin, a natural flavonoid antioxidants, in order to formulate bio-based films for ecosustainable packaging and outdoor applications. The photo-oxidation behavior of unstabilized and quercetin stabilized films was analyzed and compared with the behavior of films additivated with a commercial synthetic light stabilizer. The quercetin is able to slow down the photo-degradation rate of all bio-polymeric films investigated in similar way to the synthetic stabilizer.

Attention Problems and Stability of WISC-IV Scores Among Clinically Referred Children.

PubMed

Green Bartoi, Marla; Issner, Jaclyn Beth; Hetterscheidt, Lesley; January, Alicia M; Kuentzel, Jeffrey Garth; Barnett, Douglas

2015-01-01

We examined the stability of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) scores among 51 diverse, clinically referred 8- to 16-year-olds (M(age) = 11.24 years, SD = 2.36). Children were referred to and tested at an urban, university-based training clinic; 70% of eligible children completed follow-up testing 12 months to 40 months later (M = 22.05, SD = 5.94). Stability for index scores ranged from .58 (Processing Speed) to .81 (Verbal Comprehension), with a stability of .86 for Full-Scale IQ. Subtest score stability ranged from .35 (Letter-Number Sequencing) to .81 (Vocabulary). Indexes believed to be more susceptible to concentration (Processing Speed and Working Memory) had lower stability. We also examined attention problems as a potential moderating factor of WISC-IV index and subtest score stability. Children with attention problems had significantly lower stability for Digit Span and Matrix Reasoning subtests compared with children without attention problems. These results provide support for the temporal stability of the WISC-IV and also provide some support for the idea that attention problems contribute to children producing less stable IQ estimates when completing the WISC-IV. We hope our report encourages further examination of this hypothesis and its implications.

Bio-Oil Separation and Stabilization by Supercritical Fluid Fractionation. 2014 Final Report

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

Agblevor, Foster; Petkovic, Lucia; Bennion, Edward

The objective of this project is to use supercritical fluids to separate and fractionate algal-based bio-oils into stable products that can be subsequently upgraded to produce drop-in renewable fuels. To accomplish this objective, algae was grown and thermochemically converted to bio-oils using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), pyrolysis, and catalytic pyrolysis. The bio-oils were separated into an extract and a raffinate using near-critical propane or carbon dioxide. The fractions were then subjected to thermal aging studies to determine if the extraction process had stabilized the products. It was found that the propane extract fraction was twice as stable as the parent catalyticmore » pyrolysis bio-oils as measured by the change in viscosity after two weeks of accelerated aging at 80°C. Further, in-situ NMR aging studies found that the propane extract was chemically more stable than the parent bio-oil. Thus the milestone of stabilizing the product was met. A preliminary design of the extraction plant was prepared. The design was based on a depot scale plant processing 20,000,000 gallons per year of bio-oil. It was estimated that the capital costs for such a plant would be $8,700,000 with an operating cost of $3,500,000 per year. On a per gallon of product cost and a 10% annual rate of return, capital costs would represent $0.06 per gallon and operating costs would amount to $0.20 per gallon. Further, it was found that the energy required to run the process represented 6.2% of the energy available in the bio-oil, meeting the milestone of less than 20%. Life cycle analysis and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission analysis found that the energy for running the critical fluid separation process and the GHG emissions were minor compared to all the inputs to the overall well to pump system. For the well to pump system boundary, energetics in biofuel conversion are typically dominated by energy demands in the growth, dewater, and thermochemical process. Bio-oil stabilization by near critical propane extraction had minimal impact in the overall energetics of the process with NER contributions of 0.03. Based on the LCA, the overall conversion pathways were found to be energy intensive with a NER of about 2.3 and 1.2 for catalytic pyrolysis and HTL, respectively. GHG emissions for the catalytic pyrolysis process were greater than that of petroleum diesel at 210 g CO2 eq compared to 18.9 g CO2 eq. Microalgae bio-oil based diesel with thermochemical conversion through HTL meets renewable fuel standards with favorable emission reductions of -10.8 g CO2 eq. The importance of the outcomes is that the critical fluid extraction and stabilization process improved product stability and did so with minimal energy inputs and processing costs. The LCA and GHG emission calculations point toward the HTL pathway as the more favorable thermochemical route towards upgrading algae to bio-fuels. Since the quality of the HTL oil was significantly lower than that of the catalytic pyrolysis bio-oil, the next steps point toward improving the quality of the HTL oils from algae biomass and focusing the critical fluid stabilization on that bio-oil product.« less

[Stability of home based care arrangements for people with dementia : Development of a consensus definition of stability using expert focus groups].

PubMed

von Kutzleben, Milena; Köhler, Kerstin; Dreyer, Jan; Holle, Bernhard; Roes, Martina

2017-04-01

The majority of people with dementia in Germany live at home. These informal care arrangements, which are mostly coordinated by informal carers, are the backbone of home-based dementia care. Creating and maintaining stability is an underlying theme in informal care; however, a definition of the complex phenomenon of 'stability' in this context is still lacking. The aim was to develop a working definition of stability of home-based care arrangements for people with dementia, which can be applied in current and future research projects at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Witten (DZNE Witten) and others. Ensuing from prior research a preliminary version of the definition was formulated. This definition was discussed in a focus group of scientific experts with expertise in dementia research and care (n = 8). After data analysis using content analysis, the definition was revised during a scientific colloquium (n = 18) and a consensus was finally reached. There were four major themes which were considered by the experts as being relevant for the definition of stability: (1) creating and maintaining stability as a continuous adaptation process, (2) a qualitative component of stability, (3) persons with dementia and informal carers as pivotal players and (4) transitions to residential care. The working definition introduced in this article reflects the authors' understanding of the phenomenon of stability of home-based care arrangements for people with dementia. In times of increasing need for evidence-based interventions it is necessary to develop elaborated definitions of complex phenomena in order to be able to systematically evaluate the efficacy of interventions on the basis of a common understanding.

Mild Biomass Liquefaction Process for Economic Production of Stabilized Refinery-Ready Bio-oil

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

Gangwal, Santosh; Meng, Jiajia; McCabe, Kevin

Southern Research (SR) in cooperation with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Bioenergy Technology Office (BETO), investigated a biomass liquefaction process for economic production of stabilized refinery-ready bio-oil. The project was awarded by DOE under a Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0000686) for Bio-oil Stabilization and Commoditization that intended to evaluate the feasibility of using bio-oil as a potential feedstock in an existing petroleum refinery. SR investigated Topic Area 1 of the FOA at Technology Readiness Level 2-3 to develop thermochemical liquefaction technologies for producing a bio-oil feedstock from high-impact biomass that can be utilized within a petroleum refinery. Bio-oil obtained from fastmore » pyrolysis of biomass is a green intermediate that can be further upgraded into a biofuel for blending in a petroleum refinery using a hydro-deoxygenation (HDO) route. Co-processing pyrolysis bio-oil in a petroleum refinery is an attractive approach to leverage the refinery’s existing capital. However, the petroleum industry is reluctant to accept pyrolysis bio-oil because of a lack of a standard definition for an acceptable bio-oil feedstock in existing refinery processes. Also per BETO’s multiyear program plan, fast pyrolysis-based bio-fuel is presently not cost competitive with petroleum-based transportation fuels. SR aims to develop and demonstrate a cost-effective low-severity thermal liquefaction and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) process to convert woody biomass to stabilized bio-oils that can be directly blended with hydrotreater input streams in a petroleum refinery for production of gasoline and/or diesel range hydrocarbons. The specific project objectives are to demonstrate the processes at laboratory scale, characterize the bio-oil product and develop a plan in partnership with a refinery company to move the technology towards commercialization.« less

Nanostructured Fe-Cr Alloys for Advanced Nuclear Energy Applications

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

Scattergood, Ronald O.

2016-04-26

We have completed research on the grain-size stabilization of model nanostructured Fe14Cr base alloys at high temperatures by the addition of non-equilibrium solutes. Fe14Cr base alloys are representative for nuclear reactor applications. The neutron flux in a nuclear reactor will generate He atoms that coalesce to form He bubbles. These can lead to premature failure of the reactor components, limiting their lifetime and increasing the cost and capacity for power generation. In order to mitigate such failures, Fe14Cr base alloys have been processed to contain very small nano-size oxide particles (less than 10 nm in size) that trap He atomsmore » and reduce bubble formation. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that the grain boundaries can also be very effective traps for He atoms and bubble formation. An optimum grain size will be less than 100 nm, ie., nanocrystalline alloys must be used. Powder metallurgy methods based on high-energy ball milling can produce Fe-Cr base nanocrystalline alloys that are suitable for nuclear energy applications. The problem with nanocrystalline alloys is that excess grain-boundary energy will cause grains to grow at higher temperatures and their propensity for He trapping will be lost. The nano-size oxide particles in current generation nuclear alloys provide some grain size stabilization by reducing grain-boundary mobility (Zener pinning – a kinetic effect). However the current mitigation strategy minimizing bubble formation is based primarily on He trapping by nano-size oxide particles. An alternate approach to nanoscale grain size stabilization has been proposed. This is based on the addition of small amounts of atoms that are large compared to the base alloy. At higher temperatures these will diffuse to the grain boundaries and will produce an equilibrium state for the grain size at higher temperatures (thermodynamic stabilization – an equilibrium effect). This would be preferred compared to a kinetic effect, which is not based on an equilibrium state. The PI and coworkers have developed thermodynamic-based models that can be used to select appropriate solute additions to Fe14Cr base alloys to achieve a contribution to grain-size stabilization and He bubble mitigation by the thermodynamic effect. All such models require approximations and the proposed research was aimed at alloy selection, processing and detailed atomic-level microstructure evaluations to establish the efficacy of the thermodynamic effect. The outcome of this research shows that appropriate alloy additions can produce a contribution from the thermodynamic stabilization effect. Furthermore, due to the oxygen typically present in nominally high purity elemental powders used for powder metallurgy processing, the optimum results obtained appeared as a synergistic combination of nano-size oxide particle pinning kinetic effect and the grain-boundary segregation thermodynamic effect.« less

Rational design for the stability improvement of Armillariella tabescens β-mannanase MAN47 based on N-glycosylation modification.

PubMed

Hu, Weixiong; Liu, Xiaoyun; Li, Yufeng; Liu, Daling; Kuang, Zhihe; Qian, Chuiwen; Yao, Dongsheng

2017-02-01

β-Mannanase has been widely used in industries such as food and feed processing and thus has been a target enzyme for biotechnological development. In this study, we sought to improve the stability and protease resistance of a recombinant β-mannanase, MAN47 from Armillariella tabescens, through rationally designed N-glycosylation. Based on homology modeling, molecular docking, secondary structure analysis and glycosylation feasibility analysis, an enhanced aromatic sequon sequence was introduced into specific MAN47 loop regions to facilitate N-glycosylation. The mutant enzymes were expressed in Pichia pastoris SMD1168, and their thermal stability, pH stability, trypsin resistance and pepsin resistance were determined. Two mutant MAN47 enzymes, g-123 and g-347, were glycosylated as expected when expressed in yeast, and their thermal stability, pH stability, and protease resistance were significantly improved compared to the wild-type enzyme. An enzyme with multiple stability characterizations has broad prospects in practical applications, and the rational design N-glycosylation strategy may have applications in simultaneously improving several properties of other biotechnological targets. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Providing Spark and Stability: The Role of Intermediary Organizations in Establishing School-Based Youth-Adult Partnerships

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitra, Dana L.; Sanders, Felicia C.; Perkins, Daniel F.

2010-01-01

The term "youth-adult partnership" increasingly is being used to define a relationship in which both youth and adults have the potential to contribute to decision making processes, to learn from one another, and to promote change. Establishing a relationship with an "intermediary organization" can provide much needed stability and sustainability…

Structural design/margin assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, R. S.

1993-01-01

Determining structural design inputs and the structural margins following design completion is one of the major activities in space exploration. The end result is a statement of these margins as stability, safety factors on ultimate and yield stresses, fracture limits (fracture control), fatigue lifetime, reuse criteria, operational criteria and procedures, stability factors, deflections, clearance, handling criteria, etc. The process is normally called a load cycle and is time consuming, very complex, and involves much more than structures. The key to successful structural design is the proper implementation of the process. It depends on many factors: leadership and management of the process, adequate analysis and testing tools, data basing, communications, people skills, and training. This process and the various factors involved are discussed.

A Dynamic Hydrology-Critical Zone Framework for Rainfall-triggered Landslide Hazard Prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dialynas, Y. G.; Foufoula-Georgiou, E.; Dietrich, W. E.; Bras, R. L.

2017-12-01

Watershed-scale coupled hydrologic-stability models are still in their early stages, and are characterized by important limitations: (a) either they assume steady-state or quasi-dynamic watershed hydrology, or (b) they simulate landslide occurrence based on a simple one-dimensional stability criterion. Here we develop a three-dimensional landslide prediction framework, based on a coupled hydrologic-slope stability model and incorporation of the influence of deep critical zone processes (i.e., flow through weathered bedrock and exfiltration to the colluvium) for more accurate prediction of the timing, location, and extent of landslides. Specifically, a watershed-scale slope stability model that systematically accounts for the contribution of driving and resisting forces in three-dimensional hillslope segments was coupled with a spatially-explicit and physically-based hydrologic model. The landslide prediction framework considers critical zone processes and structure, and explicitly accounts for the spatial heterogeneity of surface and subsurface properties that control slope stability, including soil and weathered bedrock hydrological and mechanical characteristics, vegetation, and slope morphology. To test performance, the model was applied in landslide-prone sites in the US, the hydrology of which has been extensively studied. Results showed that both rainfall infiltration in the soil and groundwater exfiltration exert a strong control on the timing and magnitude of landslide occurrence. We demonstrate the extent to which three-dimensional slope destabilizing factors, which are modulated by dynamic hydrologic conditions in the soil-bedrock column, control landslide initiation at the watershed scale.

Design of nanostructured-based glucose biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komirisetty, Archana; Williams, Frances; Pradhan, Aswini; Konda, Rajini B.; Dondapati, Hareesh; Samantaray, Diptirani

2012-04-01

This paper presents the design of glucose sensors that will be integrated with advanced nano-materials, bio-coatings and electronics to create novel devices that are highly sensitive, inexpensive, accurate, and reliable. In the work presented, a glucose biosensor and its fabrication process flow have been designed. The device is based on electrochemical sensing using a working electrode with bio-functionalized zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-rods. Among all metal oxide nanostructures, ZnO nano-materials play a significant role as a sensing element in biosensors due to their properties such as high isoelectric point (IEP), fast electron transfer, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and chemical stability which are very crucial parameters to achieve high sensitivity. Amperometric enzyme electrodes based on glucose oxidase (GOx) are used due to their stability and high selectivity to glucose. The device also consists of silicon dioxide and titanium layers as well as platinum working and counter electrodes and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. Currently, the biosensors are being fabricated using the process flow developed. Once completed, the sensors will be bio-functionalized and tested to characterize their performance, including their sensitivity and stability.

Stability analysis for a multi-camera photogrammetric system.

PubMed

Habib, Ayman; Detchev, Ivan; Kwak, Eunju

2014-08-18

Consumer-grade digital cameras suffer from geometrical instability that may cause problems when used in photogrammetric applications. This paper provides a comprehensive review of this issue of interior orientation parameter variation over time, it explains the common ways used for coping with the issue, and describes the existing methods for performing stability analysis for a single camera. The paper then points out the lack of coverage of stability analysis for multi-camera systems, suggests a modification of the collinearity model to be used for the calibration of an entire photogrammetric system, and proposes three methods for system stability analysis. The proposed methods explore the impact of the changes in interior orientation and relative orientation/mounting parameters on the reconstruction process. Rather than relying on ground truth in real datasets to check the system calibration stability, the proposed methods are simulation-based. Experiment results are shown, where a multi-camera photogrammetric system was calibrated three times, and stability analysis was performed on the system calibration parameters from the three sessions. The proposed simulation-based methods provided results that were compatible with a real-data based approach for evaluating the impact of changes in the system calibration parameters on the three-dimensional reconstruction.

Stability analysis of spacecraft power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpin, S. M.; Grigsby, L. L.; Sheble, G. B.; Nelms, R. M.

1990-01-01

The problems in applying standard electric utility models, analyses, and algorithms to the study of the stability of spacecraft power conditioning and distribution systems are discussed. Both single-phase and three-phase systems are considered. Of particular concern are the load and generator models that are used in terrestrial power system studies, as well as the standard assumptions of load and topological balance that lead to the use of the positive sequence network. The standard assumptions regarding relative speeds of subsystem dynamic responses that are made in the classical transient stability algorithm, which forms the backbone of utility-based studies, are examined. The applicability of these assumptions to a spacecraft power system stability study is discussed in detail. In addition to the classical indirect method, the applicability of Liapunov's direct methods to the stability determination of spacecraft power systems is discussed. It is pointed out that while the proposed method uses a solution process similar to the classical algorithm, the models used for the sources, loads, and networks are, in general, more accurate. Some preliminary results are given for a linear-graph, state-variable-based modeling approach to the study of the stability of space-based power distribution networks.

Stability Analysis for a Multi-Camera Photogrammetric System

PubMed Central

Habib, Ayman; Detchev, Ivan; Kwak, Eunju

2014-01-01

Consumer-grade digital cameras suffer from geometrical instability that may cause problems when used in photogrammetric applications. This paper provides a comprehensive review of this issue of interior orientation parameter variation over time, it explains the common ways used for coping with the issue, and describes the existing methods for performing stability analysis for a single camera. The paper then points out the lack of coverage of stability analysis for multi-camera systems, suggests a modification of the collinearity model to be used for the calibration of an entire photogrammetric system, and proposes three methods for system stability analysis. The proposed methods explore the impact of the changes in interior orientation and relative orientation/mounting parameters on the reconstruction process. Rather than relying on ground truth in real datasets to check the system calibration stability, the proposed methods are simulation-based. Experiment results are shown, where a multi-camera photogrammetric system was calibrated three times, and stability analysis was performed on the system calibration parameters from the three sessions. The proposed simulation-based methods provided results that were compatible with a real-data based approach for evaluating the impact of changes in the system calibration parameters on the three-dimensional reconstruction. PMID:25196012

Robustness and cognition in stabilization problem of dynamical systems based on asymptotic methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubovik, S. A.; Kabanov, A. A.

2017-01-01

The problem of synthesis of stabilizing systems based on principles of cognitive (logical-dynamic) control for mobile objects used under uncertain conditions is considered. This direction in control theory is based on the principles of guaranteeing robust synthesis focused on worst-case scenarios of the controlled process. The guaranteeing approach is able to provide functioning of the system with the required quality and reliability only at sufficiently low disturbances and in the absence of large deviations from some regular features of the controlled process. The main tool for the analysis of large deviations and prediction of critical states here is the action functional. After the forecast is built, the choice of anti-crisis control is the supervisory control problem that optimizes the control system in a normal mode and prevents escape of the controlled process in critical states. An essential aspect of the approach presented here is the presence of a two-level (logical-dynamic) control: the input data are used not only for generating of synthesized feedback (local robust synthesis) in advance (off-line), but also to make decisions about the current (on-line) quality of stabilization in the global sense. An example of using the presented approach for the problem of development of the ship tilting prediction system is considered.

Molecular Basis of Valine-Citrulline-PABC Linker Instability in Site-Specific ADCs and Its Mitigation by Linker Design.

PubMed

Dorywalska, Magdalena; Dushin, Russell; Moine, Ludivine; Farias, Santiago E; Zhou, Dahui; Navaratnam, Thayalan; Lui, Victor; Hasa-Moreno, Adela; Casas, Meritxell Galindo; Tran, Thomas-Toan; Delaria, Kathy; Liu, Shu-Hui; Foletti, Davide; O'Donnell, Christopher J; Pons, Jaume; Shelton, David L; Rajpal, Arvind; Strop, Pavel

2016-05-01

The degree of stability of antibody-drug linkers in systemic circulation, and the rate of their intracellular processing within target cancer cells are among the key factors determining the efficacy of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) in vivo Previous studies demonstrated the susceptibility of cleavable linkers, as well as auristatin-based payloads, to enzymatic cleavage in rodent plasma. Here, we identify Carboxylesterase 1C as the enzyme responsible for the extracellular hydrolysis of valine-citrulline-p-aminocarbamate (VC-PABC)-based linkers in mouse plasma. We further show that the activity of Carboxylesterase 1C towards VC-PABC-based linkers, and consequently the stability of ADCs in mouse plasma, can be effectively modulated by small chemical modifications to the linker. While the introduced modifications can protect the VC-PABC-based linkers from extracellular cleavage, they do not significantly alter the intracellular linker processing by the lysosomal protease Cathepsin B. The distinct substrate preference of the serum Carboxylesterase 1C offers the opportunity to modulate the extracellular stability of cleavable ADCs without diminishing the intracellular payload release required for ADC efficacy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 958-70. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

A combined interfacial and in-situ polymerization strategy to construct well-defined core-shell epoxy-containing SiO2-based microcapsules with high encapsulation loading, super thermal stability and nonpolar solvent tolerance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia; Wang; Tian; Li; Xu; Jiao; Cao; Wu

2016-10-01

SiO2-based microcapsules containing hydrophobic molecules exhibited potential applications such as extrinsic self-healing, drug delivery, due to outstanding thermal and chemical stability of SiO2. However, to construct SiO2-based microcapsules with both high encapsulation loading and long-term structural stability is still a troublesome issue, limiting their further utilization. We herein design a single-batch route, a combined interfacial and in-situ polymerization strategy, to fabricate epoxy-containing SiO2-based microcapsules with both high encapsulation loading and long-term structural stability. The final SiO2-based microcapsules preserve high encapsulation loading of 85.7 wt% by controlling exclusively hydrolysis and condensed polymerization at oil/water interface in the initial interfacial polymerization step. In the subsequent in-situ polymerization step, the initial SiO2-based microcapsules as seeds could efficiently harvest SiO2 precursors and primary SiO2 particles to finely tune the SiO2 wall thickness, thereby enhancing long-term structural stability of the final SiO2-based microcapsules including high thermal stability with almost no any weight loss until 250°C, and strong tolerance against nonpolar solvents such as CCl4 with almost unchanged core-shell structure and unchanged core weight after immersing into strong solvents for up to 5 days. These SiO2-based microcapsules are extremely suited for processing them into anticorrosive coating in the presence of nonpolar solvents for self-healing application.

A gait stability investigation into FES-assisted paraplegic walking based on the walker tipping index.

PubMed

Ming, Dong; Bai, Yanru; Liu, Xiuyun; Qi, Hongzhi; Cheng, Longlong; Wan, Baikun; Hu, Yong; Wong, Yatwa; Luk, Keith D K; Leong, John C Y

2009-12-01

The gait outcome measures used in clinical trials of paraplegic locomotor training determine the effectiveness of improved walking function assisted by the functional electrical stimulation (FES) system. Focused on kinematic, kinetic or physiological changes of paraplegic patients, traditional methods cannot quantify the walking stability or identify the unstable factors of gait in real time. Up until now, the published studies on dynamic gait stability for the effective use of FES have been limited. In this paper, the walker tipping index (WTI) was used to analyze and process gait stability in FES-assisted paraplegic walking. The main instrument was a specialized walker dynamometer system based on a multi-channel strain-gauge bridge network fixed on the frame of the walker. This system collected force information for the handle reaction vector between the patient's upper extremities and the walker during the walking process; the information was then converted into walker tipping index data, which is an evaluation indicator of the patient's walking stability. To demonstrate the potential usefulness of WTI in gait analysis, a preliminary clinical trial was conducted with seven paraplegic patients who were undergoing FES-assisted walking training and seven normal control subjects. The gait stability levels were quantified for these patients under different stimulation patterns and controls under normal walking with knee-immobilization through WTI analysis. The results showed that the walking stability in the FES-assisted paraplegic group was worse than that in the control subject group, with the primary concern being in the anterior-posterior plane. This new technique is practical for distinguishing useful gait information from the viewpoint of stability, and may be further applied in FES-assisted paraplegic walking rehabilitation.

A gait stability investigation into FES-assisted paraplegic walking based on the walker tipping index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ming, Dong; Bai, Yanru; Liu, Xiuyun; Qi, Hongzhi; Cheng, Longlong; Wan, Baikun; Hu, Yong; Wong, Yatwa; Luk, Keith D. K.; Leong, John C. Y.

2009-12-01

The gait outcome measures used in clinical trials of paraplegic locomotor training determine the effectiveness of improved walking function assisted by the functional electrical stimulation (FES) system. Focused on kinematic, kinetic or physiological changes of paraplegic patients, traditional methods cannot quantify the walking stability or identify the unstable factors of gait in real time. Up until now, the published studies on dynamic gait stability for the effective use of FES have been limited. In this paper, the walker tipping index (WTI) was used to analyze and process gait stability in FES-assisted paraplegic walking. The main instrument was a specialized walker dynamometer system based on a multi-channel strain-gauge bridge network fixed on the frame of the walker. This system collected force information for the handle reaction vector between the patient's upper extremities and the walker during the walking process; the information was then converted into walker tipping index data, which is an evaluation indicator of the patient's walking stability. To demonstrate the potential usefulness of WTI in gait analysis, a preliminary clinical trial was conducted with seven paraplegic patients who were undergoing FES-assisted walking training and seven normal control subjects. The gait stability levels were quantified for these patients under different stimulation patterns and controls under normal walking with knee-immobilization through WTI analysis. The results showed that the walking stability in the FES-assisted paraplegic group was worse than that in the control subject group, with the primary concern being in the anterior-posterior plane. This new technique is practical for distinguishing useful gait information from the viewpoint of stability, and may be further applied in FES-assisted paraplegic walking rehabilitation.

Modeling Physical Stability of Amorphous Solids Based on Temperature and Moisture Stresses.

PubMed

Zhu, Donghua Alan; Zografi, George; Gao, Ping; Gong, Yuchuan; Zhang, Geoff G Z

2016-09-01

Isothermal microcalorimetry was utilized to monitor the crystallization process of amorphous ritonavir (RTV) and its hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate-based amorphous solid dispersion under various stressed conditions. An empirical model was developed: ln(τ)=ln(A)+EaRT-b⋅wc, where τ is the crystallization induction period, A is a pre-exponential factor, Ea is the apparent activation energy, b is the moisture sensitivity parameter, and wc is water content. To minimize the propagation of errors associated with the estimates, a nonlinear approach was used to calculate mean estimates and confidence intervals. The physical stability of neat amorphous RTV and RTV in hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate solid dispersions was found to be mainly governed by the nucleation kinetic process. The impact of polymers and moisture on the crystallization process can be quantitatively described by Ea and b in this Arrhenius-type model. The good agreement between the measured values under some less stressful test conditions and those predicted, reflected by the slope and R(2) of the correlation plot of these 2 sets of data on a natural logarithm scale, indicates its predictability of long-term physical stability of amorphous RTV in solid dispersions. To further improve the model, more understanding of the impact of temperature and moisture on the amorphous physical stability and fundamentals regarding nucleation and crystallization is needed. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A digital frequency stabilization system of external cavity diode laser based on LabVIEW FPGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhuohuan; Hu, Zhaohui; Qi, Lu; Wang, Tao

2015-10-01

Frequency stabilization for external cavity diode laser has played an important role in physics research. Many laser frequency locking solutions have been proposed by researchers. Traditionally, the locking process was accomplished by analog system, which has fast feedback control response speed. However, analog system is susceptible to the effects of environment. In order to improve the automation level and reliability of the frequency stabilization system, we take a grating-feedback external cavity diode laser as the laser source and set up a digital frequency stabilization system based on National Instrument's FPGA (NI FPGA). The system consists of a saturated absorption frequency stabilization of beam path, a differential photoelectric detector, a NI FPGA board and a host computer. Many functions, such as piezoelectric transducer (PZT) sweeping, atomic saturation absorption signal acquisition, signal peak identification, error signal obtaining and laser PZT voltage feedback controlling, are totally completed by LabVIEW FPGA program. Compared with the analog system, the system built by the logic gate circuits, performs stable and reliable. User interface programmed by LabVIEW is friendly. Besides, benefited from the characteristics of reconfiguration, the LabVIEW program is good at transplanting in other NI FPGA boards. Most of all, the system periodically checks the error signal. Once the abnormal error signal is detected, FPGA will restart frequency stabilization process without manual control. Through detecting the fluctuation of error signal of the atomic saturation absorption spectrum line in the frequency locking state, we can infer that the laser frequency stability can reach 1MHz.

Solution processed transition metal oxide anode buffer layers for efficiency and stability enhancement of polymer solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ameen, M. Yoosuf; Shamjid, P.; Abhijith, T.; Reddy, V. S.

2018-01-01

Polymer solar cells were fabricated with solution-processed transition metal oxides, MoO3 and V2O5 as anode buffer layers (ABLs). The optimized device with V2O5 ABL exhibited considerably higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to the devices based on MoO3 and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) ABLs. The space charge limited current measurements and impedance spectroscopy results of hole-only devices revealed that V2O5 provided a very low charge transfer resistance and high hole mobility, facilitating efficient hole transfer from the active layer to the ITO anode. More importantly, incorporation of V2O5 as ABL resulted in substantial improvement in device stability compared to MoO3 and PEDOT:PSS based devices. Unencapsulated PEDOT:PSS-based devices stored at a relative humidity of 45% have shown complete failure within 96 h. Whereas, MoO3 and V2O5 based devices stored in similar conditions retained 22% and 80% of their initial PCEs after 96 h. Significantly higher stability of the V2O5-based device is ascribed to the reduction in degradation of the anode/active layer interface, as evident from the electrical measurements.

A novel vehicle dynamics stability control algorithm based on the hierarchical strategy with constrain of nonlinear tyre forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Liang; Jia, Gang; Chen, Jie; Zhu, Hongjun; Cao, Dongpu; Song, Jian

2015-08-01

Direct yaw moment control (DYC), which differentially brakes the wheels to produce a yaw moment for the vehicle stability in a steering process, is an important part of electric stability control system. In this field, most control methods utilise the active brake pressure with a feedback controller to adjust the braked wheel. However, the method might lead to a control delay or overshoot because of the lack of a quantitative project relationship between target values from the upper stability controller to the lower pressure controller. Meanwhile, the stability controller usually ignores the implementing ability of the tyre forces, which might be restrained by the combined-slip dynamics of the tyre. Therefore, a novel control algorithm of DYC based on the hierarchical control strategy is brought forward in this paper. As for the upper controller, a correctional linear quadratic regulator, which not only contains feedback control but also contains feed forward control, is introduced to deduce the object of the stability yaw moment in order to guarantee the yaw rate and side-slip angle stability. As for the medium and lower controller, the quantitative relationship between the vehicle stability object and the target tyre forces of controlled wheels is proposed to achieve smooth control performance based on a combined-slip tyre model. The simulations with the hardware-in-the-loop platform validate that the proposed algorithm can improve the stability of the vehicle effectively.

Two-Stage System Based on a Software-Defined Radio for Stabilizing of Optical Frequency Combs in Long-Term Experiments

PubMed Central

Čížek, Martin; Hucl, Václav; Hrabina, Jan; Šmíd, Radek; Mikel, Břetislav; Lazar, Josef; Číp, Ondřej

2014-01-01

A passive optical resonator is a special sensor used for measurement of lengths on the nanometer and sub-nanometer scale. Astabilized optical frequency comb can provide an ultimate reference for measuring the wavelength of a tunable laser locked to the optical resonator. If we lock the repetition and offset frequencies of the comb to a high-grade radiofrequency (RF) oscillator its relative frequency stability is transferred from the RF to the optical frequency domain. Experiments in the field of precise length metrology of low-expansion materials are usually of long-term nature so it is required that the optical frequency comb stay in operation for an extended period of time. The optoelectronic closed-loop systems used for stabilization of combs are usually based on traditional analog electronic circuits processing signals from photodetectors. From an experimental point of view, these setups are very complicated and sensitive to ambient conditions, especially in the optical part, therefore maintaining long-time operation is not easy. The research presented in this paper deals with a novel approach based on digital signal processing and a software-defined radio. We describe digital signal processing algorithms intended for keeping the femtosecond optical comb in a long-time stable operation. This need arose during specialized experiments involving measurements of optical frequencies of tunable continuous-wave lasers. The resulting system is capable of keeping the comb in lock for an extensive period of time (8 days or more) with the relative stability better than 1.6 × 10−11. PMID:24448169

Superfast high-resolution absolute 3D recovery of a stabilized flapping flight process.

PubMed

Li, Beiwen; Zhang, Song

2017-10-30

Scientific research of a stabilized flapping flight process (e.g. hovering) has been of great interest to a variety of fields including biology, aerodynamics, and bio-inspired robotics. Different from the current passive photogrammetry based methods, the digital fringe projection (DFP) technique has the capability of performing dense superfast (e.g. kHz) 3D topological reconstructions with the projection of defocused binary patterns, yet it is still a challenge to measure a flapping flight process with the presence of rapid flapping wings. This paper presents a novel absolute 3D reconstruction method for a stabilized flapping flight process. Essentially, the slow motion parts (e.g. body) and the fast-motion parts (e.g. wings) are segmented and separately reconstructed with phase shifting techniques and the Fourier transform, respectively. The topological relations between the wings and the body are utilized to ensure absolute 3D reconstruction. Experiments demonstrate the success of our computational framework by testing a flapping wing robot at different flapping speeds.

Thermal stability study of a new guanidine suppressor for the next-generation caustic-side solvent extraction process

DOE PAGES

Hill, Talon G.; Ensor, Dale D.; Delmau, Lætitia Helene; ...

2016-02-06

Cesium stripping performance of thermally stressed solvent degrades slowly over time in batch tests of the Next Generation Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction (NGS) process. NGS is currently used at pilot scale at the Savannah River Site for the selective removal of cesium from high-level salt waste. Recently a new guanidine, N,N',N" -tris(3,7-dimethyloctyl)guanidine (TiDG), was chosen for use as the suppressor, a lipophilic organic base needed for stripping, and the present study was undertaken to address the question of its stability. The NGS process solvent was evaluated for a period of three months under a variety of temperature and storage conditions. Themore » performance of the solvent was tested at 30-day increments using a standard extraction, scrub, strip, and extraction (ES 2S 3E) sequence. Lastly, the results provide insight on the effects of storage and process conditions, the stripping behavior of TiDG, and the stability of the new solvent composition.« less

Thermal stability study of a new guanidine suppressor for the next-generation caustic-side solvent extraction process

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

Hill, Talon G.; Ensor, Dale D.; Delmau, Lætitia Helene

Cesium stripping performance of thermally stressed solvent degrades slowly over time in batch tests of the Next Generation Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction (NGS) process. NGS is currently used at pilot scale at the Savannah River Site for the selective removal of cesium from high-level salt waste. Recently a new guanidine, N,N',N" -tris(3,7-dimethyloctyl)guanidine (TiDG), was chosen for use as the suppressor, a lipophilic organic base needed for stripping, and the present study was undertaken to address the question of its stability. The NGS process solvent was evaluated for a period of three months under a variety of temperature and storage conditions. Themore » performance of the solvent was tested at 30-day increments using a standard extraction, scrub, strip, and extraction (ES 2S 3E) sequence. Lastly, the results provide insight on the effects of storage and process conditions, the stripping behavior of TiDG, and the stability of the new solvent composition.« less

Stability of ternesite and the production at scale of ternesite-based clinkers

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

Hanein, Theodore; Galan, Isabel; Glasser, Fredrik P.

A method to synthesize high-purity ternesite is presented and the importance of reaction volume is highlighted; a brief description of the product morphology is also presented. Thermodynamic data for ternesite are derived and the limits of ternesite stability are then explored. An upper temperature stability limit of ≈ 1290 °C at 1 atm is determined; however, this temperature is dependent on the fugacity of the volatile components in the atmosphere. Thermodynamic predictions confirm that belite and ternesite rich calcium sulfoaluminate clinkers can be readily produced in a single stage process at temperatures above 1200 °C provided the atmosphere and temperaturemore » are controlled. To demonstrate this control at larger scales, a conventional 7.4-meter rotary kiln has been used to produce ≈ 20 kg of ternesite-containing clinkers. This demonstrates the usefulness of thermodynamic modelling as it has enabled ternesite-based clinkers to be readily produced at scale in a single-stage process using existing equipment without major modifications.« less

Stability test of the silicon Fiber Bragg Grating embroidered on textile for joint angle measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apiwattanadej, Thanit; Chun, Byung Jae; Lee, Hyub; Li, King Ho Holden; Kim, Young-Jin

2017-06-01

Recently, Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are being used for motion tracking applications. However, the sensitivity, linearity and stability of the systems have not been fully studied. Herein, an embroidered optical Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) on a stretchable supportive textile for elbow movement measurement was developed. The sensing principle of this system is based on the alteration of Bragg wavelength due to strain from the elbow movements. The relationship between elbow movements and reflected Bragg wavelength was found to be linear. The dynamic range of FBG sensor on elbow support is between 0 and 120 degree. Finally, the stability of the FBG sensor on the supportive textile was tested during the exercise and the cleaning process with water. The sensitivity of FBG sensors for joint angle measurement and the effect of the movement and cleaning process to signals from FBG sensors after using in the real activity will be the basis knowledge for design and actual implementation of future optical fiber based wearable devices.

Assessment of read and write stability for 6T SRAM cell based on charge plasma DLTFET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anju; Yadav, Shivendra; Sharma, Dheeraj

2018-03-01

To overcome the process variations due to random dopant fluctuations (RDFs) and complex annealing techniques a charge plasma based doping less TFET (CP-DLTFET) device has been proposed for designing of 6T SRAM cell. The proposed device also benefited by subthreshold slope, low leakage current, and low power supply. In this paper, to avoid the dependency of stability parameters of SRAM cell to supply voltage (Vdd), here N-curve metrics has been analyzed to determine read and write stability. Because N-curve provides stability analysis in terms of voltage and current as well as it gives combine stability analysis with the facility of an inline tester. Further, analyzing the N-curve metrics for different Vdd, cell ratio, and pull-up ratio assist in designing the configuration of transistors for the better read and write stability. Power metrics of N-curve gives the knowledge about read and write stability instead of using four metrics (SINM, SVNM, WTV, and WTI) of N-curve. Finally, in the 6T CP-DLTFET SRAM cell, read and write stability is tested by the interface trap charges (ITCs). The performance parameter of the 6T CP-DLTFET SRAM cell provides considerable read and write stability with less fabrication complexity.

Design and fabrication of conventional and unconventional superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collings, E. W.

1983-01-01

The design and fabrication of conventional and unconventionally processed Ti-Nb base and Al5-compound-base, respectively, composite superconductors is discussed in a nine section review. The first two sections introduce the general properties of alloy and compound superconductors, and the design and processing requirements for the production of long lengths of stable low loss conductor. All aspects of flux jump stability, and the general requirements of cryogenic stabilization are addressed. Conductor design from an a.c.-loss standpoint; some basic formulae describing hysteretic and eddy current losses and the influences on a.c. loss of filament diameter, strand (conductor) diameter, twist pitch, and matrix resistivity are discussed. The basic techniques used in the fabrication of conventional multifilamentary conductors are described.

Solution-processed high-mobility neodymium-substituted indium oxide thin-film transistors formed by facile patterning based on aqueous precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zhenguo; Lan, Linfeng; Sun, Sheng; Li, Yuzhi; Song, Wei; Gao, Peixiong; Song, Erlong; Zhang, Peng; Li, Meiling; Wang, Lei; Peng, Junbiao

2017-03-01

Solution-processed neodymium-substituted indium oxide (InNdO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on gel-like aqueous precursors were fabricated with a surface-selective deposition technique associated with ultraviolet irradiation. The Nd concentration can be easily tuned by changing the ratio of Nd2O3 to In2O3 precursors. It was found that Nd played roles of suppressing grain growth, suppressing oxygen vacancy formation, and increasing the electrical stability of TFTs. The InNdO TFT with a Nd:In ratio of 0.02:1 exhibited a mobility of as high as 15.6 cm2 V-1 s-1 with improved stability under gate-bias stress.

Effective inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in minimally processed Makgeolli using low-pressure homogenization-based pasteurization.

PubMed

Bak, Jin Seop

2015-01-01

In order to address the limitations associated with the inefficient pasteurization platform used to make Makgeolli, such as the presence of turbid colloidal dispersions in suspension, commercially available Makgeolli was minimally processed using a low-pressure homogenization-based pasteurization (LHBP) process. This continuous process demonstrates that promptly reducing the exposure time to excessive heat using either large molecules or insoluble particles can dramatically improve internal quality and decrease irreversible damage. Specifically, optimal homogenization increased concomitantly with physical parameters such as colloidal stability (65.0% of maximum and below 25-μm particles) following two repetitions at 25.0 MPa. However, biochemical parameters such as microbial population, acidity, and the presence of fermentable sugars rarely affected Makgeolli quality. Remarkably, there was a 4.5-log reduction in the number of Saccharomyces cerevisiae target cells at 53.5°C for 70 sec in optimally homogenized Makgeolli. This value was higher than the 37.7% measured from traditionally pasteurized Makgeolli. In contrast to the analytical similarity among homogenized Makgeollis, our objective quality evaluation demonstrated significant differences between pasteurized (or unpasteurized) Makgeolli and LHBP-treated Makgeolli. Low-pressure homogenization-based pasteurization, Makgeolli, minimal processing-preservation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suspension stability.

Formulation and Stabilization of Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain

PubMed Central

OHTAKE, SATOSHI; MARTIN, RUSSELL A.; SAXENA, ATUL; LECHUGA-BALLESTEROS, DAVID; SANTIAGO, ARACELI E; BARRY, EILEEN M.; TRUONG-LE, VU

2012-01-01

Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain (F. tularensis LVS), a promising vaccine candidate for protection against F. tularensis exposure, is a particularly thermolabile vaccine and difficult to stabilize sufficiently for storage under refrigerated conditions. Our preliminary data show that F. tularensis LVS can be stabilized in the dried state using foam drying, a modified freeze drying method, with sugar-based formulations. The process was conducted under mild drying conditions, which resulted in a good titer retention following processing. The inclusion of osmolytes in the growth media resulted in an acceleration of growth kinetics, although no change in osmotolerance was observed. The optimized F. tularensis formulation, which contained trehalose, gelatin, and Pluronic F68 demonstrated stability for approximately 1.5 weeks at 37°C (i.e., time required for the vaccine to decrease in potency by 1 log10 colony forming unit) and for 12 weeks at 25°C. At refrigerator storage condition (4°C), stabilized F. tularensis LVS vaccine exhibited no activity loss for at least 12 weeks. This stabilization method utilizes conventional freeze dryers and pharmaceutically approved stabilizers, and thus can be readily implemented at many manufacturing sites for large-scale production of stabilized vaccines. The improved heat stability of the F. tularensis LVS could mitigate risks of vaccine potency loss during long-term storage, shipping, and distribution. PMID:21491457

TaN resistor process development and integration.

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

Romero, Kathleen; Martinez, Marino John; Clevenger, Jascinda

This paper describes the development and implementation of an integrated resistor process based on reactively sputtered tantalum nitride. Image reversal lithography was shown to be a superior method for liftoff patterning of these films. The results of a response surface DOE for the sputter deposition of the films are discussed. Several approaches to stabilization baking were examined and the advantages of the hot plate method are shown. In support of a new capability to produce special-purpose HBT-based Small-Scale Integrated Circuits (SSICs), we developed our existing TaN resistor process, designed for research prototyping, into one with greater maturity and robustness. Includedmore » in this work was the migration of our TaN deposition process from a research-oriented tool to a tool more suitable for production. Also included was implementation and optimization of a liftoff process for the sputtered TaN to avoid the complicating effects of subtractive etching over potentially sensitive surfaces. Finally, the method and conditions for stabilization baking of the resistors was experimentally determined to complete the full implementation of the resistor module. Much of the work to be described involves the migration between sputter deposition tools - from a Kurt J. Lesker CMS-18 to a Denton Discovery 550. Though they use nominally the same deposition technique (reactive sputtering of Ta with N{sup +} in a RF-excited Ar plasma), they differ substantially in their design and produce clearly different results in terms of resistivity, conformity of the film and the difference between as-deposited and stabilized films. We will describe the design of and results from the design of experiments (DOE)-based method of process optimization on the new tool and compare this to what had been used on the old tool.« less

Mechanochemically Activated, Calcium Oxide-Based, Magnesium Oxide-Stabilized Carbon Dioxide Sorbents.

PubMed

Kurlov, Alexey; Broda, Marcin; Hosseini, Davood; Mitchell, Sharon J; Pérez-Ramírez, Javier; Müller, Christoph R

2016-09-08

Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is a promising approach to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions and mitigate climate change. However, the costs associated with the capture of CO2 using the currently available technology, that is, amine scrubbing, are considered prohibitive. In this context, the so-called calcium looping process, which relies on the reversible carbonation of CaO, is an attractive alternative. The main disadvantage of naturally occurring CaO-based CO2 sorbents, such as limestone, is their rapid deactivation caused by thermal sintering. Here, we report a scalable route based on wet mechanochemical activation to prepare MgO-stabilized, CaO-based CO2 sorbents. We optimized the synthesis conditions through a fundamental understanding of the underlying stabilization mechanism, and the quantity of MgO required to stabilize CaO could be reduced to as little as 15 wt %. This allowed the preparation of CO2 sorbents that exceed the CO2 uptake of the reference limestone by 200 %. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Light assisted drying (LAD) for protein stabilization: optimization of laser processing parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Madison A.; Antczak, Andrew T.; Elliott, Gloria D.; Trammell, Susan R.

2017-02-01

In this study, a novel light-based processing method to create an amorphous trehalose matrix for the stabilization of proteins is discussed. Near-IR radiation is used to remove water from samples, leaving behind an amorphous solid with embedded protein. This method has potential applications in the stabilization of protein-based therapeutics and diagnostics that are becoming widely used in the treatment and diagnosis of a variety of diseases. Freeze-drying or freezing are currently the standard for the preservation of proteins, but these methods are expensive and can be challenging in some environments due to a lack of available infrastructure. Light-assisted drying offers a relatively inexpensive method for drying samples. Proteins suspended in a trehalose solution are dehydrated using near-infrared laser light. The laser radiation speeds drying and as water is removed the sugar forms a protective matrix. The goal of this study is to determine processing parameters that result in fast processing times and low end moisture contents (EMC), while maintaining the functionality of embedded proteins. We compare the effect of changing processing wavelength, power and resulting sample temperature, and substrate material on the EMC for two NIR laser sources (1064 nm and 1850 nm). The 1850 nm laser resulted in the lowest EMC (0.1836+/-0.09 gH2O/gDryWeight) after 10 minutes of processing on borosilicate glass microfiber paper. This suggests a storage temperature of 3°C.

The effect of Ti-B on stabilization of Cu-Zn-Al martensite

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

Stipcich, M.; Romero, R.

1998-10-05

The application of shape memory effect in devices requires, in many cases, stable and reliable transformation temperatures. However, as a consequence of diffusional processes, in Cu-based shape memory alloys, reverse transformation temperature significantly rises after aging at temperatures above room temperature. This generally unwanted behavior is usually referred to as the stabilization of martensite. Numerous investigations have been carried out on this subject as reviewed by Ahlers and Chandrasekaran et al. Within the Cu-based alloys the Cu-Zn-Al are claimed to be more prone to stabilization than Cu-Al-Ni on aging. It has been proposed that in the Cu-Zn-Al the stabilization ismore » due to the interchange of Cu and Zn atoms assisted by vacancies, changing, consequently, the long range order inherited from the {beta} phase. In the present work, the authors investigate the stabilization behavior of polycrystalline samples of stress induced Cu-Zn-Al and Cu-Zn-Al-B martensite.« less

Hormone purification by isoelectric focusing in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bier, M.

1988-01-01

The objective of the program was the definition and development of optimal methods for electrophoretic separations in microgravity. The approach is based on a triad consisting of ground based experiments, mathematical modeling and experiments in microgravity. Zone electrophoresis is a rate process, where separation is achieved in uniform buffers on the basis of differences in electrophoretic mobilities. Optimization and modeling of continuous flow electrophoresis mainly concern the hydrodynamics of the flow process, including gravity dependent fluid convection due to density gradients and gravity independent electroosmosis. Optimization of focusing requires a more complex model describing the molecular transport processes involved in electrophoresis of interacting systems. Three different focusing instruments were designed, embodying novel principles of fluid stabilization. Fluid stability was achieved by: (1) flow streamlining by means of membrane elements in combination with rapid fluid recycling; (2) apparatus rotation in combination with said membrane elements; and (3) shear stress induced by rapid recycling through a narrow gap channel.

Organic microchemical performance of solvent resistant polycarbosilane based microreactor.

PubMed

Yoon, Tae-Ho; Jung, Sang-Hee; Kim, Dong-Pyo

2011-05-01

We report the successful fabrication of preceramic polymer allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) derived microchannels with excellent organic solvent resistance and optical transparency via economic imprinting process, followed by UV and post thermal curing process at 160 degrees C for 3 h. The microchemical performance of the fabricated microreactors was evaluated by choosing two model micro chemical reactions under organic solvent conditions; syntheses of 2-aminothiazole in DMF and dimethylpyrazole in THF, and compared with glass-based microreactor having identical dimensions and batch system with analogy. It is clear that AHPCS derived microreactor showed excellent solvent resistance and chemical stability compare with glass derived microreactor made by high cost of photolithography and thermal bonding process. The novel preceramic polymer derived microreactors showed reliable mechanical and chemical stability and conversion yields compare with that of glass derived microreactors, which is very promising for developing an integrated microfluidics by adopting available microstructuring techniques of the polymers.

Using Hamiltonian control to desynchronize Kuramoto oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gjata, Oltiana; Asllani, Malbor; Barletti, Luigi; Carletti, Timoteo

2017-02-01

Many coordination phenomena are based on a synchronization process, whose global behavior emerges from the interactions among the individual parts. Often in nature, such self-organized mechanism allows the system to behave as a whole and thus grounding its very first existence, or expected functioning, on such process. There are, however, cases where synchronization acts against the stability of the system; for instance in some neurodegenerative diseases or epilepsy or the famous case of Millennium Bridge where the crowd synchronization of the pedestrians seriously endangered the stability of the structure. In this paper we propose an innovative control method to tackle the synchronization process based on the application of the Hamiltonian control theory, by adding a small control term to the system we are able to impede the onset of the synchronization. We present our results on a generalized class of the paradigmatic Kuramoto model.

Recycling of spent adsorbents for oxyanions and heavy metal ions in the production of ceramics.

PubMed

Verbinnen, Bram; Block, Chantal; Van Caneghem, Jo; Vandecasteele, Carlo

2015-11-01

Spent adsorbents for oxyanion forming elements and heavy metals are classified as hazardous materials and they are typically treated by stabilization/solidification before landfilling. The use of lime or cement for stabilization/solidification entails a high environmental impact and landfilling costs are high. This paper shows that mixing spent adsorbents in the raw material for the production of ceramic materials is a valuable alternative to stabilize oxyanion forming elements and heavy metals. The produced ceramics can be used as construction material, avoiding the high economic and environmental impact of stabilization/solidification followed by landfilling. To study the stabilization of oxyanion forming elements and heavy metals during the production process, two series of experiments were performed. In the first series of experiments, the main pollutant, Mo was adsorbed onto iron-based adsorbents, which were then mixed with industrial sludge (3 w/w%) and heated at 1100°C for 30 min. Mo was chosen, as this element is easily adsorbed onto iron-based adsorbents and it is the element that is the most difficult to stabilize (i.e. the highest temperatures need to be reached before the concentrations in the leachate are reduced). Leaching concentration from the 97/3 sludge/adsorbent mixture before heating ranged between 85 and 154 mg/kg; after the heating process they were reduced to 0.42-1.48 mg/kg. Mo was actually stabilized, as the total Mo concentration after addition was not affected by the heat treatment. In the second series of experiments, the sludge was spiked with other heavy metals and oxyanion forming elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) in concentrations 5 times higher than the initial concentrations; after heat treatment the leachate concentrations were below the regulatory limit values. The incorporation of spent adsorbents in ceramic materials is a valuable and sustainable alternative to the existing treatment methods, saving raw materials in the ceramics production process and avoiding the use of stabilizing agents. Besides, spent adsorbents added to the raw material for ceramic products, may improve their aesthetic and structural properties. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Respiration and enzymatic activities as indicators of stabilization of sewage sludge composting.

PubMed

Nikaeen, Mahnaz; Nafez, Amir Hossein; Bina, Bijan; Nabavi, BiBi Fatemeh; Hassanzadeh, Akbar

2015-05-01

The objective of this work was to study the evolution of physico-chemical and microbial parameters in the composting process of sewage sludge (SS) with pruning wastes (PW) in order to compare these parameters with respect to their applicability in the evaluation of organic matter (OM) stabilization. To evaluate the composting process and organic matter stability, different microbial activities were compared during composting of anaerobically digested SS with two volumetric ratios, 1:1 and 3:1 of PW:SS and two aeration techniques including aerated static piles (ASP) and turned windrows (TW). Dehydrogenase activity, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, and specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) were used as microbial activity indices. These indices were compared with traditional parameters, including temperature, pH, moisture content, organic matter, and C/N ratio. The results showed that the TW method and 3:1 (PW:SS) proportion was superior to the ASP method and 1:1 proportion, since the former accelerate the composting process by catalyzing the OM stabilization. Enzymatic activities and SOUR, which reflect microbial activity, correlated well with temperature fluctuations. Based on these results it appears that SOUR and the enzymatic activities are useful parameters to monitor the stabilization of SS compost. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sparse Reconstruction of Regional Gravity Signal Based on Stabilized Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (SOMP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saadat, S. A.; Safari, A.; Needell, D.

2016-06-01

The main role of gravity field recovery is the study of dynamic processes in the interior of the Earth especially in exploration geophysics. In this paper, the Stabilized Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (SOMP) algorithm is introduced for sparse reconstruction of regional gravity signals of the Earth. In practical applications, ill-posed problems may be encountered regarding unknown parameters that are sensitive to the data perturbations. Therefore, an appropriate regularization method needs to be applied to find a stabilized solution. The SOMP algorithm aims to regularize the norm of the solution vector, while also minimizing the norm of the corresponding residual vector. In this procedure, a convergence point of the algorithm that specifies optimal sparsity-level of the problem is determined. The results show that the SOMP algorithm finds the stabilized solution for the ill-posed problem at the optimal sparsity-level, improving upon existing sparsity based approaches.

Analysis of rocket flight stability based on optical image measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Shuhua; Liu, Junhu; Shen, Si; Wang, Min; Liu, Jun

2018-02-01

Based on the abundant optical image measurement data from the optical measurement information, this paper puts forward the method of evaluating the rocket flight stability performance by using the measurement data of the characteristics of the carrier rocket in imaging. On the basis of the method of measuring the characteristics of the carrier rocket, the attitude parameters of the rocket body in the coordinate system are calculated by using the measurements data of multiple high-speed television sets, and then the parameters are transferred to the rocket body attack angle and it is assessed whether the rocket has a good flight stability flying with a small attack angle. The measurement method and the mathematical algorithm steps through the data processing test, where you can intuitively observe the rocket flight stability state, and also can visually identify the guidance system or failure analysis.

Autonomous magnetic float zone microgravity crystal growth application to TiC and GaAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Tony Y.-T.; Choi, Sang-Keun

1992-10-01

The floating zone process is ideal for high temperature (greater than 3000 K) growth of titanium carbide because it is containerless. However, float zoning requires small melt volumes in order to maintain a stable melt configuration. The short melt columns make it difficult to achieve a controlled thermal profile, a necessity for producing crystals of high quality. Thus, an automated control strategy based upon continuous monitoring of the growth process with processing parameters adjusted to values based upon the physical transport processes of the growth process is very desirable for maintaining stability and reproducibility of the process. The present work developed a Float-zone Acquisition and Control Technology (FACT) system which uses relations derived by combining empirical relations with a knowledge data base deduced from detailed numerical analysis of fluid mechanics and thermal transport of the growth process. The FACT system was assembled, tested and employed to grow two TiC ingots. One of the ingots was characterized by x-ray diffraction at different axial locations. The x-ray rocking curves showed consistent characteristics of a manually grown ingot. It was also found that with the FACT system, the process conditions can be operated closer to the stability limits, due to fast response time and repetitive amounts of adjustment from the FACT system. The FACT system shows a major potential in growing quality TiC crystals in a cost-effective manner.

Stability analysis of multipoint tool equipped with metal cutting ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maksarov, V. V.; Khalimonenko, A. D.; Matrenichev, K. G.

2017-10-01

The article highlights the issues of determining the stability of the cutting process by a multipoint cutting tool equipped with cutting ceramics. There were some recommendations offered on the choice of parameters of replaceable cutting ceramic plates for milling based of the conducted researches. Ceramic plates for milling are proposed to be selected on the basis of value of their electrical volume resistivity.

The capacity fading mechanism and improvement of cycling stability in MoS2-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Haibo; Li, Feng; Hu, Chenli; Liang, Pei; Cao, Dan; Chen, Xiaoshuang

2016-01-01

Two-dimensional (2D) layered MoS2 nanosheets possess great potential as anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), but they still suffer from poor cycling performance. Improving the cycling stability of electrode materials depends on a deep understanding of their dynamic structural evolution and reaction kinetics in the lithiation process. Herein, thermodynamic phase diagrams and the lithiation dynamics of MoS2-based nanostructures with the intercalation of lithium ions are studied by using first-principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Our results demonstrate that the continuous intercalation of Li ions induces structural destruction of 2H phase MoS2 nanosheets in the discharge process that follows a layer-by-layer dissociation mechanism. Meanwhile, the intercalation of Li ions leads to a structural transition of MoS2 nanosheets from the 2H to the 1T phase due to the ultralow transition barriers (~0.1 eV). We find that the phase transition can slow down the dissociation of MoS2 nanosheets during lithiation. The result can be applied to explain extensive experimental observation of the fast capacity fading of MoS2-based anode materials between the first and the subsequent discharges. To suppress the dissociation of MoS2 nanosheets in the lithiation process, we propose a strategy by constructing a sandwich-like graphene/MoS2/graphene structure that indicates high chemical stability, superior conductivity, and high Li-ion mobility in the charge/discharge process, implying the possibility to induce an improvement in the anode cycling performance. This work opens a new route to rational design layered transition-metal disulfide (TMD) anode materials for LIBs with superior cycling stability and electrochemical performance.Two-dimensional (2D) layered MoS2 nanosheets possess great potential as anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), but they still suffer from poor cycling performance. Improving the cycling stability of electrode materials depends on a deep understanding of their dynamic structural evolution and reaction kinetics in the lithiation process. Herein, thermodynamic phase diagrams and the lithiation dynamics of MoS2-based nanostructures with the intercalation of lithium ions are studied by using first-principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Our results demonstrate that the continuous intercalation of Li ions induces structural destruction of 2H phase MoS2 nanosheets in the discharge process that follows a layer-by-layer dissociation mechanism. Meanwhile, the intercalation of Li ions leads to a structural transition of MoS2 nanosheets from the 2H to the 1T phase due to the ultralow transition barriers (~0.1 eV). We find that the phase transition can slow down the dissociation of MoS2 nanosheets during lithiation. The result can be applied to explain extensive experimental observation of the fast capacity fading of MoS2-based anode materials between the first and the subsequent discharges. To suppress the dissociation of MoS2 nanosheets in the lithiation process, we propose a strategy by constructing a sandwich-like graphene/MoS2/graphene structure that indicates high chemical stability, superior conductivity, and high Li-ion mobility in the charge/discharge process, implying the possibility to induce an improvement in the anode cycling performance. This work opens a new route to rational design layered transition-metal disulfide (TMD) anode materials for LIBs with superior cycling stability and electrochemical performance. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Models and energetics of Li adsorption/intercalation onto MoS2 sheets, details of the phase diagram calculations, schematic illustration for the structural evolution of lithiated MoS2 nanosheets, AIMD trajectories for lithiated silicene/MoS2/silicene composites, and movies for recording the AIMD simulation results. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07909h

Production and processing of Cu-Cr-Nb alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellis, David L.; Michal, Gary M.; Orth, Norman W.

1990-01-01

A new Cu-based alloy possessing high strength, high conductivity, and good stability at elevated temperatures was recently produced. This paper details the melting of the master alloys, production of rapidly solidified ribbon, and processing of the ribbon to sheet by hot pressing and hot rolling.

Stability-based sorting: The forgotten process behind (not only) biological evolution.

PubMed

Toman, Jan; Flegr, Jaroslav

2017-12-21

Natural selection is considered to be the main process that drives biological evolution. It requires selected entities to originate dependent upon one another by the means of reproduction or copying, and for the progeny to inherit the qualities of their ancestors. However, natural selection is a manifestation of a more general persistence principle, whose temporal consequences we propose to name "stability-based sorting" (SBS). Sorting based on static stability, i.e., SBS in its strict sense and usual conception, favours characters that increase the persistence of their holders and act on all material and immaterial entities. Sorted entities could originate independently from each other, are not required to propagate and need not exhibit heredity. Natural selection is a specific form of SBS-sorting based on dynamic stability. It requires some form of heredity and is based on competition for the largest difference between the speed of generating its own copies and their expiration. SBS in its strict sense and selection thus have markedly different evolutionary consequences that are stressed in this paper. In contrast to selection, which is opportunistic, SBS is able to accumulate even momentarily detrimental characters that are advantageous for the long-term persistence of sorted entities. However, it lacks the amplification effect based on the preferential propagation of holders of advantageous characters. Thus, it works slower than selection and normally is unable to create complex adaptations. From a long-term perspective, SBS is a decisive force in evolution-especially macroevolution. SBS offers a new explanation for numerous evolutionary phenomena, including broad distribution and persistence of sexuality, altruistic behaviour, horizontal gene transfer, patterns of evolutionary stasis, planetary homeostasis, increasing ecosystem resistance to disturbances, and the universal decline of disparity in the evolution of metazoan lineages. SBS acts on all levels in all biotic and abiotic systems. It could be the only truly universal evolutionary process, and an explanatory framework based on SBS could provide new insight into the evolution of complex abiotic and biotic systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A feedback control strategy for the airfoil system under non-Gaussian colored noise excitation.

PubMed

Huang, Yong; Tao, Gang

2014-09-01

The stability of a binary airfoil with feedback control under stochastic disturbances, a non-Gaussian colored noise, is studied in this paper. First, based on some approximated theories and methods the non-Gaussian colored noise is simplified to an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. Furthermore, via the stochastic averaging method and the logarithmic polar transformation, one dimensional diffusion process can be obtained. At last by applying the boundary conditions, the largest Lyapunov exponent which can determine the almost-sure stability of the system and the effective region of control parameters is calculated.

DIMENSION STABILIZED FIXED PHOTOGRAPHIC TYPE EMULSION AND A METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME

DOEpatents

Gilbert, F.C.

1962-03-13

A process is given for stabilizing the dimensions of fixed gelatin-base photographic type emulsions containing silver halide, and particularly to such emulsions containing large amounts of silver chloride for use as nuclear track emulsions, so that the dimensions of the final product are the same as or in a predetermined fixed ratio to the dimensions of the emulsions prior to exposure. The process comprises contacting an exposed, fixed emulsion with a solution of wood rosin dissolved in ethyl alcohol for times corresponding to the dimensions desired, and thereafter permitting the alcohol to evaporate. (AEC)

A feedback control strategy for the airfoil system under non-Gaussian colored noise excitation

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

Huang, Yong, E-mail: hy@njust.edu.cn, E-mail: taogang@njust.edu.cn; Tao, Gang, E-mail: hy@njust.edu.cn, E-mail: taogang@njust.edu.cn

2014-09-01

The stability of a binary airfoil with feedback control under stochastic disturbances, a non-Gaussian colored noise, is studied in this paper. First, based on some approximated theories and methods the non-Gaussian colored noise is simplified to an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. Furthermore, via the stochastic averaging method and the logarithmic polar transformation, one dimensional diffusion process can be obtained. At last by applying the boundary conditions, the largest Lyapunov exponent which can determine the almost-sure stability of the system and the effective region of control parameters is calculated.

Understanding Environmental Stability of Two-Dimensional Materials and Extending Their Shelf Life by Surface Functionalization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Sijie

Since the discovery of graphene, two dimensional materials (2D materials) have become a focus of interest for material research due to their many unique physical properties embedded in their 2D structure. While they host many exciting potential applications, some of these 2D materials are subject to environmental instability issues induced by interaction between material and gas molecules in air, which poses a barrier to further application and manufacture. To overcome this, it is necessary to understand the origin of material instability and interaction with molecules commonly found in air, as well as developing a reproducible and manufacturing compatible method to post-process these materials to extend their lifetime. In this work, the very first investigation on environmental stability on Te containing anisotropic 2D materials such as GaTe and ZrTe 3 is reported. Experimental results have demonstrated that freshly exfoliated GaTe quickly deteriorate in air, during which the Raman spectrum, surface morphology, and surface chemistry undergo drastic changes. Environmental Raman spectroscopy and XPS measurements demonstrate that H2O molecules in air interact strongly on the surface while O2, N 2, and inert gases don't show any detrimental effects on GaTe surface. Moreover, the anisotropic properties of GaTe slowly disappear during the aging process. To prevent this gas/material interaction based surface transformation, diazonium based surface functionalization is adopted on these Te based 2D materials. Environmental Raman spectroscopy results demonstrate that the stability of functionalized Te based 2D materials exhibit much higher stability both in ambient and extreme conditions. Meanwhile, PL spectroscopy, angle resolved Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy measurements confirm that many attractive physical properties of the material are not affected by surface functionalization. Overall, these findings unveil the degradation mechanism of Te based 2D materials as well as provide a way to significantly enhance their environmental stability through an inexpensive and reproducible surface chemical functionalization route.

Quaternized Cellulose Hydrogels as Sorbent Materials and Pickering Emulsion Stabilizing Agents

PubMed Central

Udoetok, Inimfon A.; Wilson, Lee D.; Headley, John V.

2016-01-01

Quaternized (QC) and cross-linked/quaternized (CQC) cellulose hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking native cellulose with epichlorohydrin (ECH), with subsequent grafting of glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMAC). Materials characterization via carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen (CHN) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)/13C solid state NMR spectroscopy provided supportive evidence of the hydrogel synthesis. Enhanced thermal stability of the hydrogels was observed relative to native cellulose. Colloidal stability of octanol and water mixtures revealed that QC induces greater stabilization over CQC, as evidenced by the formation of a hexane–water Pickering emulsion system. Equilibrium sorption studies with naphthenates from oil sands process water (OSPW) and 2-naphthoxy acetic acid (NAA) in aqueous solution revealed that CQC possess higher affinity relative to QC with the naphthenates. According to the Langmuir isotherm model, the sorption capacity of CQC for OSPW naphthenates was 33.0 mg/g and NAA was 69.5 mg/g. CQC displays similar affinity for the various OSPW naphthenate component species in aqueous solution. Kinetic uptake of NAA at variable temperature, pH and adsorbent dosage showed that increased temperature favoured the uptake process at 303 K, where Qm = 76.7 mg/g. Solution conditions at pH 3 or 9 had a minor effect on the sorption process, while equilibrium was achieved in a shorter time at lower dosage (ca. three-fold lower) of hydrogel (100 mg vs. 30 mg). The estimated activation parameters are based on temperature dependent rate constants, k1, which reveal contributions from enthalpy-driven electrostatic interactions. The kinetic results indicate an ion-based associative sorption mechanism. This study contributes to a greater understanding of the adsorption and physicochemical properties of cellulose-based hydrogels. PMID:28773767

Improvement of a stability-indicating method by Quality-by-Design versus Quality-by-Testing: a case of a learning process.

PubMed

Hubert, C; Lebrun, P; Houari, S; Ziemons, E; Rozet, E; Hubert, Ph

2014-01-01

The understanding of the method is a major concern when developing a stability-indicating method and even more so when dealing with impurity assays from complex matrices. In the presented case study, a Quality-by-Design approach was applied in order to optimize a routinely used method. An analytical issue occurring at the last stage of a long-term stability study involving unexpected impurities perturbing the monitoring of characterized impurities needed to be resolved. A compliant Quality-by-Design (QbD) methodology based on a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was evaluated within the framework of a Liquid Chromatography (LC) method. This approach allows the investigation of Critical Process Parameters (CPPs), which have an impact on Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) and, consequently, on LC selectivity. Using polynomial regression response modeling as well as Monte Carlo simulations for error propagation, Design Space (DS) was computed in order to determine robust working conditions for the developed stability-indicating method. This QbD compliant development was conducted in two phases allowing the use of the Design Space knowledge acquired during the first phase to define the experimental domain of the second phase, which constitutes a learning process. The selected working condition was then fully validated using accuracy profiles based on statistical tolerance intervals in order to evaluate the reliability of the results generated by this LC/ESI-MS stability-indicating method. A comparison was made between the traditional Quality-by-Testing (QbT) approach and the QbD strategy, highlighting the benefit of this QbD strategy in the case of an unexpected impurities issue. On this basis, the advantages of a systematic use of the QbD methodology were discussed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fundamental and applied studies in nanoparticle biomedical imaging, stabilization, and processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pansare, Vikram J.

Nanoparticle carrier systems are gaining importance in the rapidly expanding field of biomedical whole animal imaging where they provide long circulating, real time imaging capability. This thesis presents a new paradigm in imaging whereby long wavelength fluorescent or photoacoustically active contrast agents are embedded in the hydrophobic core of nanocarriers formed by Flash NanoPrecipitation. The long wavelength allows for improved optical penetration depth. Compared to traditional contrast agents where fluorophores are placed on the surface, this allows for improved signal, increased stability, and molecular targeting capabilities. Several types of long wavelength hydrophobic dyes based on acene, cyanine, and bacteriochlorin scaffolds are utilized and animal results obtained for nanocarrier systems used in both fluorescent and photoacoustic imaging modes. Photoacoustic imaging is particularly promising due to its high resolution, excellent penetration depth, and ability to provide real-time functional information. Fundamental studies in nanoparticle stabilization are also presented for two systems: model alumina nanoparticles and charge stabilized polystyrene nanoparticles. Motivated by the need for stable suspensions of alumina-based nanocrystals for security printing applications, results are presented for the adsorption of various small molecule charged hydrophobes onto the surface of alumina nanoparticles. Results are also presented for the production of charge stabilized polystyrene nanoparticles via Flash NanoPrecipitation, allowing for the independent control of polymer molecular weight and nanoparticle size, which is not possible by traditional emulsion polymerization routes. Lastly, methods for processing nanoparticle systems are explored. The increasing use of nanoparticle therapeutics in the pharmaceutical industry has necessitated the development of scalable, industrially relevant processing methods. Ultrafiltration is particularly well suited for concentrating and purifying macromolecular suspensions. Processing parameters are defined and optimized for PEGylated nanoparticles, charge stabilized latices, and solutions of albumin. The fouling characteristics are compared and scale-up recommendations made. Finally, a pilot scale spray drying system to produce stable nanocrystalline powders of highly crystalline drugs which cannot be stably formulated by traditional spray drying methods is presented. To accomplish this, a novel mixing device was developed and implemented at pilot scale, demonstrating feasibility beyond the lab scale.

Stabilization of benthic algal biomass in a temperate stream draining agroecosystems.

PubMed

Ford, William I; Fox, James F

2017-01-01

Results of the present study quantified carbon sequestration due to algal stabilization in low order streams, which has not been considered previously in carbon stream ecosystem studies. The authors used empirical mode decomposition of an 8-year carbon elemental and isotope dataset to quantify carbon accrual and fingerprint carbon derived from algal stabilization. The authors then applied a calibrated, process-based stream carbon model (ISOFLOC) that elicits further evidence of algal stabilization. Data and modeling results suggested that processes of shielding and burial during an extreme hydrologic event enhance algal stabilization. Given that previous studies assumed stream algae are turned over or sloughed downstream, the authors performed scenario simulations of the calibrated model in order to assess how changing environmental conditions might impact algae stabilization within the stream. Results from modeling scenarios showed an increase in algal stabilization as mean annual water temperature increases ranging from 0 to 0.04 tC km -2  °C -1 for the study watershed. The dependence of algal stabilization on temperature highlighted the importance of accounting for benthic fate of carbon in streams under projected warming scenarios. This finding contradicts the evolving paradigm that net efflux of CO 2 from streams increases with increasing temperatures. Results also quantified sloughed algae that is transported and potentially stabilized downstream and showed that benthos-derived sloughed algae was on the same order of magnitude, and at times greater, than phytoplankton within downstream water bodies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design of experiments reveals critical parameters for pilot-scale freeze-and-thaw processing of L-lactic dehydrogenase.

PubMed

Roessl, Ulrich; Humi, Sebastian; Leitgeb, Stefan; Nidetzky, Bernd

2015-09-01

Freezing constitutes an important unit operation of biotechnological protein production. Effects of freeze-and-thaw (F/T) process parameters on stability and other quality attributes of the protein product are usually not well understood. Here a design of experiments (DoE) approach was used to characterize the F/T behavior of L-lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in a 700-mL pilot-scale freeze container equipped with internal temperature and pH probes. In 24-hour experiments, target temperature between -10 and -38°C most strongly affected LDH stability whereby enzyme activity was retained best at the highest temperature of -10°C. Cooling profile and liquid fill volume also had significant effects on LDH stability and affected the protein aggregation significantly. Parameters of the thawing phase had a comparably small effect on LDH stability. Experiments in which the standard sodium phosphate buffer was exchanged by Tris-HCl and the non-ionic surfactant Tween 80 was added to the protein solution showed that pH shift during freezing and protein surface exposure were the main factors responsible for LDH instability at the lower freeze temperatures. Collectively, evidence is presented that supports the use of DoE-based systematic analysis at pilot scale in the identification of F/T process parameters critical for protein stability and in the development of suitable process control strategies. Copyright © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Collecting and Using Networked Statistics: Current Status, Future Goals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hiott, Judith

2004-01-01

For more than five years the Houston Public Library has collected statistics for measuring networked collections and services based on emerging guidelines. While the guidelines have provided authority and stability to the process, the clarification process continues. The development of information discovery software, such as federated search tools…

The effect of processing on the surface physical stability of amorphous solid dispersions.

PubMed

Yang, Ziyi; Nollenberger, Kathrin; Albers, Jessica; Moffat, Jonathan; Craig, Duncan; Qi, Sheng

2014-11-01

The focus of this study was to investigate the effect of processing on the surface crystallization of amorphous molecular dispersions and gain insight into the mechanisms underpinning this effect. The model systems, amorphous molecular dispersions of felodipine-EUDRAGIT® E PO, were processed both using spin coating (an ultra-fast solvent evaporation based method) and hot melt extrusion (HME) (a melting based method). Amorphous solid dispersions with drug loadings of 10-90% (w/w) were obtained by both processing methods. Samples were stored under 75% RH/room temperatures for up to 10months. Surface crystallization was observed shortly after preparation for the HME samples with high drug loadings (50-90%). Surface crystallization was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and imaging techniques (SEM, AFM and localized thermal analysis). Spin coated molecular dispersions showed significantly higher surface physical stability than hot melt extruded samples. For both systems, the progress of the surface crystal growth followed zero order kinetics on aging. Drug enrichment at the surfaces of HME samples on aging was observed, which may contribute to surface crystallization of amorphous molecular dispersions. In conclusion it was found the amorphous molecular dispersions prepared by spin coating had a significantly higher surface physical stability than the corresponding HME samples, which may be attributed to the increased process-related apparent drug-polymer solubility and reduced molecular mobility due to the quenching effect caused by the rapid solvent evaporation in spin coating. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Emulsions Stabilized by Chitosan-Modified Silica Nanoparticles: pH Control of Structure-Property Relations.

PubMed

Alison, Lauriane; Demirörs, Ahmet F; Tervoort, Elena; Teleki, Alexandra; Vermant, Jan; Studart, Andre R

2018-05-29

In food-grade emulsions, particles with an appropriate surface modification can be used to replace surfactants and potentially enhance the stability of emulsions. During the life cycle of products based on such emulsions, they can be exposed to a broad range of pH conditions and hence it is crucial to understand how pH changes affect stability of emulsions stabilized by particles. Here, we report on a comprehensive study of the stability, microstructure, and macroscopic behavior of pH-controlled oil-in-water emulsions containing silica nanoparticles modified with chitosan, a food-grade polycation. We found that the modified colloidal particles used as stabilizers behave differently depending on the pH, resulting in unique emulsion structures at multiple length scales. Our findings are rationalized in terms of the different emulsion stabilization mechanisms involved, which are determined by the pH-dependent charges and interactions between the colloidal building blocks of the system. At pH 4, the silica particles are partially hydrophobized through chitosan modification, favoring their adsorption at the oil-water interface and the formation of Pickering emulsions. At pH 5.5, the particles become attractive and the emulsion is stabilized by a network of agglomerated particles formed between the droplets. Finally, chitosan aggregates form at pH 9 and these act as the emulsion stabilizers under alkaline conditions. These insights have important implications for the processing and use of particle-stabilized emulsions. On one hand, changes in pH can lead to undesired macroscopic phase separation or coalescence of oil droplets. On the other hand, the pH effect on emulsion behavior can be harnessed in industrial processing, either to tune their flow response by altering the pH between processing stages or to produce pH-responsive emulsions that enhance the functionality of the emulsified end products.

Relationships between slope erosion processes and aggregate stability of Ultisols from subtropical China during rainstorms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Gang; Xiao, Hai; Liu, Puling

2017-04-01

Soil aggregates, being a key soil structural unit, influence several soil physical properties such as water infiltration, runoff and erosion. The relationship between soil aggregate stability and interrill and rill erodibility is unclear but critical to process-based erosion prediction models. One obvious reason is that it is hard to distinguish between interrill and rill-eroded sediment during the erosion process. This study was designed to partition interrill and rill erosion rates and relates them to the aggregate stability of Ultisols in subtropical China. Six kinds of rare earth element (REE) were applied as tracers mixed with two cultivated soils derived from the Quaternary red clay soil and the shale soil at six slope positions. Soil aggregate stability was determined by the Le Bissonnais (LB)-method. Simulated rainfall with three intensities (60, 90 and 120 mm/h) were applied to a soil plot (2.25 m long, 0.5 m wide, 0.2 m deep) at three slope gradients (10°, 20° and 30°) with duration of 30 min after runoff initiation. The results indicated that interrill and rill erosion increased with increasing rainfall intensity and slope gradient for both types of soil. Rill and interrill erosion rates of the shale soil were much higher than those of the Quaternary red clay soil. Rill erosion contribution enhanced with increasing rainfall intensity and slope gradient for both soils. Percentage of the downslope area erosion to total erosion was the largest, followed by the mid-slope area and then upslope area. Equations using an aggregate stability index As to replace the erodibility factor of interrill and rill erosion in the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model were constructed after analyzing the relationships between estimated and measured rill and interrill erosion data. It was shown that these equations based on the stability index, As, have the potential to improve methods for assessing interrill and rill erosion erodibility synchronously for the subtropical Ultisols by using REE tracing method.

Efficient sensitivity analysis and optimization of a helicopter rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lim, Joon W.; Chopra, Inderjit

1989-01-01

Aeroelastic optimization of a system essentially consists of the determination of the optimum values of design variables which minimize the objective function and satisfy certain aeroelastic and geometric constraints. The process of aeroelastic optimization analysis is illustrated. To carry out aeroelastic optimization effectively, one needs a reliable analysis procedure to determine steady response and stability of a rotor system in forward flight. The rotor dynamic analysis used in the present study developed inhouse at the University of Maryland is based on finite elements in space and time. The analysis consists of two major phases: vehicle trim and rotor steady response (coupled trim analysis), and aeroelastic stability of the blade. For a reduction of helicopter vibration, the optimization process requires the sensitivity derivatives of the objective function and aeroelastic stability constraints. For this, the derivatives of steady response, hub loads and blade stability roots are calculated using a direct analytical approach. An automated optimization procedure is developed by coupling the rotor dynamic analysis, design sensitivity analysis and constrained optimization code CONMIN.

Kinetics and mechanical stability of the fibril state control fibril formation time of polypeptide chains: A computational study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouza, Maksim; Co, Nguyen Truong; Li, Mai Suan; Kmiecik, Sebastian; Kolinski, Andrzej; Kloczkowski, Andrzej; Buhimschi, Irina Alexandra

2018-06-01

Fibril formation resulting from protein misfolding and aggregation is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Despite much progress in the understanding of the protein aggregation process, the factors governing fibril formation rates and fibril stability have not been fully understood. Using lattice models, we have shown that the fibril formation time is controlled by the kinetic stability of the fibril state but not by its energy. Having performed all-atom explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations with the GROMOS43a1 force field for full-length amyloid beta peptides Aβ40 and Aβ42 and truncated peptides, we demonstrated that kinetic stability can be accessed via mechanical stability in such a way that the higher the mechanical stability or the kinetic stability, the faster the fibril formation. This result opens up a new way for predicting fibril formation rates based on mechanical stability that may be easily estimated by steered molecular dynamics.

Adaptive correlation filter-based video stabilization without accumulative global motion estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koh, Eunjin; Lee, Chanyong; Jeong, Dong Gil

2014-12-01

We present a digital video stabilization approach that provides both robustness and efficiency for practical applications. In this approach, we adopt a stabilization model that maintains spatio-temporal information of past input frames efficiently and can track original stabilization position. Because of the stabilization model, the proposed method does not need accumulative global motion estimation and can recover the original position even if there is a failure in interframe motion estimation. It can also intelligently overcome the situation of damaged or interrupted video sequences. Moreover, because it is simple and suitable to parallel scheme, we implement it on a commercial field programmable gate array and a graphics processing unit board with compute unified device architecture in a breeze. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is both fast and robust.

A new method for the prediction of chatter stability lobes based on dynamic cutting force simulation model and support vector machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Chong; Wang, Lun; Liao, T. Warren

2015-10-01

Currently, chatter has become the critical factor in hindering machining quality and productivity in machining processes. To avoid cutting chatter, a new method based on dynamic cutting force simulation model and support vector machine (SVM) is presented for the prediction of chatter stability lobes. The cutting force is selected as the monitoring signal, and the wavelet energy entropy theory is used to extract the feature vectors. A support vector machine is constructed using the MATLAB LIBSVM toolbox for pattern classification based on the feature vectors derived from the experimental cutting data. Then combining with the dynamic cutting force simulation model, the stability lobes diagram (SLD) can be estimated. Finally, the predicted results are compared with existing methods such as zero-order analytical (ZOA) and semi-discretization (SD) method as well as actual cutting experimental results to confirm the validity of this new method.

Solution-based electrical doping of semiconducting polymer films over a limited depth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolesov, Vladimir A.; Fuentes-Hernandez, Canek; Chou, Wen-Fang; Aizawa, Naoya; Larrain, Felipe A.; Wang, Ming; Perrotta, Alberto; Choi, Sangmoo; Graham, Samuel; Bazan, Guillermo C.; Nguyen, Thuc-Quyen; Marder, Seth R.; Kippelen, Bernard

2017-04-01

Solution-based electrical doping protocols may allow more versatility in the design of organic electronic devices; yet, controlling the diffusion of dopants in organic semiconductors and their stability has proven challenging. Here we present a solution-based approach for electrical p-doping of films of donor conjugated organic semiconductors and their blends with acceptors over a limited depth with a decay constant of 10-20 nm by post-process immersion into a polyoxometalate solution (phosphomolybdic acid, PMA) in nitromethane. PMA-doped films show increased electrical conductivity and work function, reduced solubility in the processing solvent, and improved photo-oxidative stability in air. This approach is applicable to a variety of organic semiconductors used in photovoltaics and field-effect transistors. PMA doping over a limited depth of bulk heterojunction polymeric films, in which amine-containing polymers were mixed in the solution used for film formation, enables single-layer organic photovoltaic devices, processed at room temperature, with power conversion efficiencies up to 5.9 +/- 0.2% and stable performance on shelf-lifetime studies at 60 °C for at least 280 h.

New methods of multimode fiber interferometer signal processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vitrik, Oleg B.; Kulchin, Yuri N.; Maxaev, Oleg G.; Kirichenko, Oleg V.; Kamenev, Oleg T.; Petrov, Yuri S.

1995-06-01

New methods of multimode fiber interferometers signal processing are suggested. For scheme of single fiber multimode interferometers with two excited modes, the method based on using of special fiber unit is developed. This unit provides the modes interaction and further sum optical field filtering. As a result the amplitude of output signal is modulated by external influence on interferometer. The stabilization of interferometer sensitivity is achieved by using additional special modulation of output signal. For scheme of single fiber multimode interferometers with excitation of wide mode spectrum, the signal of intermode interference is registered by photodiode matrix and then special electronic unit performs correlation processing. For elimination of temperature destabilization, the registered signal is adopted to multimode interferometers optical signal temperature changes. The achieved parameters for double mode scheme: temporary stability--0.6% per hour, sensitivity to interferometer length deviations--3,2 nm; for multimode scheme: temperature stability--(0.5%)/(K), temporary nonstability--0.2% per hour, sensitivity to interferometer length deviations--20 nm, dynamic range--35 dB.

Multifunctional PLA-PHB/cellulose nanocrystal films: processing, structural and thermal properties.

PubMed

Arrieta, M P; Fortunati, E; Dominici, F; Rayón, E; López, J; Kenny, J M

2014-07-17

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) synthesized from microcrystalline cellulose by acid hydrolysis were added into poly(lactic acid)-poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PLA-PHB) blends to improve the final properties of the multifunctional systems. CNC were also modified with a surfactant (CNCs) to increase the interfacial adhesion in the systems maintaining the thermal stability. Firstly, masterbatch pellets were obtained for each formulation to improve the dispersion of the cellulose structures in the PLA-PHB and then nanocomposite films were processed. The thermal stability as well as the morphological and structural properties of nanocomposites was investigated. While PHB increased the PLA crystallinity due to its nucleation effect, well dispersed CNC and CNCs not only increased the crystallinity but also improved the processability, the thermal stability and the interaction between both polymers especially in the case of the modified CNCs based PLA-PHB formulation. Likewise, CNCs were better dispersed in PLA-CNCs and PLA-PHB-CNCs, than CNC. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of stress stabilities in amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O thin-film transistors: Effect of passivation with Si-based resin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochi, Mototaka; Hino, Aya; Goto, Hiroshi; Hayashi, Kazushi; Fujii, Mami N.; Uraoka, Yukiharu; Kugimiya, Toshihiro

2018-02-01

Fabrication process conditions of a passivation (PV) layer correlated with stress stabilities of amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). In etch-stop layer (ESL)-TFTs, by inserting a Si-based resin between SiN x and SiO x PV layers, the peak intensity in the photoinduced transient spectroscopy (PITS) spectrum was notably reduced. This suggested the suppression of hydrogen incorporation into a-IGZO, which led to the improvement of stability under negative bias thermal illumination stress (NBTIS). In contrast, the hydrogen-related defects in the a-IGZO were easily formed by the back-channel etch (BCE) process. Furthermore, it was found that, under NBTIS, the transfer curves of the BCE-TFTs shifted in parallel owing to the positive fixed charge located in the back channel of the a-IGZO TFTs. The hump-shaped shift increased with stress time. This is because hydrogen atoms located at the back-channel surfaces of the a-IGZO and/or PV layers were incorporated into the channel region of the BCE-TFTs and induced the hydrogen-related defects.

A dynamic feedforward neural network based on gaussian particle swarm optimization and its application for predictive control.

PubMed

Han, Min; Fan, Jianchao; Wang, Jun

2011-09-01

A dynamic feedforward neural network (DFNN) is proposed for predictive control, whose adaptive parameters are adjusted by using Gaussian particle swarm optimization (GPSO) in the training process. Adaptive time-delay operators are added in the DFNN to improve its generalization for poorly known nonlinear dynamic systems with long time delays. Furthermore, GPSO adopts a chaotic map with Gaussian function to balance the exploration and exploitation capabilities of particles, which improves the computational efficiency without compromising the performance of the DFNN. The stability of the particle dynamics is analyzed, based on the robust stability theory, without any restrictive assumption. A stability condition for the GPSO+DFNN model is derived, which ensures a satisfactory global search and quick convergence, without the need for gradients. The particle velocity ranges could change adaptively during the optimization process. The results of a comparative study show that the performance of the proposed algorithm can compete with selected algorithms on benchmark problems. Additional simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed combination algorithm in identifying and controlling nonlinear systems with long time delays.

High-Temperature Nucleosynthesis Processes on the Proton-Rich Side of Stability: the Alpha-Rich Freezeout and the rp^2-Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Bradley S.

2001-10-01

Nucleosynthesis on the proton-rich side of stability has at least two intriguing aspects. First, the most abundant of the stable iron-group isotopes, such as ^48Ti, ^52Cr, and ^56,57Fe, are synthesized as proton-rich, radioactive parents in alpha-rich freezeouts from equilibrium. The production of these radioactive progenitors depends in large measure on reactions on the proton-rich side of stability. The second intriguing aspect is that explosive nucleosynthesis in a hydrogen-rich environment (namely, the rp-process) may be associated with exotic astrophysical settings, such as x-ray bursts, and may be responsible for production of some of the light p-process nuclei (for example, ^92,94Mo and ^96,98Ru). We have developed web-based tools to help nuclear physicists determine which nuclear reactions on the proton-rich side of stability govern the nucleosynthesis in these processes. For the alpha-rich freezeout, one may determine the effect of any one of 2,140 reactions on the yield of any isotope in the nuclear reaction network with the web calculator. As a relevant example, I will discuss the governing role of ^57Ni (n,p)^57Co in the synthesis of the important astronomical observable ^57Co. As for explosive, proton-rich burning, I will discuss the synthesis of p-process nuclei in the repetitive rp-process (the rp^2-process). Movies of the rp^2-process illustrate its important features and give some indications of the important nuclear reactions.

Universality Results for Multi-phase Hele-Shaw Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daripa, Prabir

2013-03-01

Saffman-Taylor instability is a well known viscosity driven instability of an interface separating two immiscible fluids. We study linear stability of displacement processes in a Hele-Shaw cell involving an arbitrary number of immiscible fluid phases. This is a problem involving many interfaces. Universal stability results have been obtained for this multi-phase immiscible flow in the sense that the results hold for arbitrary number of interfaces. These stability results have been applied to design displacement processes that are considerably less unstable than the pure Saffman-Taylor case. In particular, we derive universal formula which gives specific values of the viscosities of the fluid layers corresponding to smallest unstable band. Other similar universal results will also be presented. The talk is based on the following paper. This work was supported by the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of The Qatar Foundation).

Enhanced planar perovskite solar cell efficiency and stability using a perovskite/PCBM heterojunction formed in one step.

PubMed

Zhou, Long; Chang, Jingjing; Liu, Ziye; Sun, Xu; Lin, Zhenhua; Chen, Dazheng; Zhang, Chunfu; Zhang, Jincheng; Hao, Yue

2018-02-08

Perovskite/PCBM heterojunctions are efficient for fabricating perovskite solar cells with high performance and long-term stability. In this study, an efficient perovskite/PCBM heterojunction was formed via conventional sequential deposition and one-step formation processes. Compared with conventional deposition, the one-step process was more facile, and produced a perovskite thin film of substantially improved quality due to fullerene passivation. Moreover, the resulting perovskite/PCBM heterojunction exhibited more efficient carrier transfer and extraction, and reduced carrier recombination. The perovskite solar cell device based on one-step perovskite/PCBM heterojunction formation exhibited a higher maximum PCE of 17.8% compared with that from the conventional method (13.7%). The device also showed exceptional stability, retaining 83% of initial PCE after 60 days of storage under ambient conditions.

Organic field-effect transistors: a combined study on short-channel effects and the influence of substrate pre-treatment on ambient stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klug, A.; Meingast, A.; Wurzinger, G.; Blümel, A.; Schmoltner, K.; Scherf, U.; List, E. J. W.

2011-10-01

For high-performance low-cost applications based on organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and corresponding sensors essential properties of the applied semiconducting materials include solution-processability, high field-effect mobility, compatibility with adjacent layers and stability with respect to ambient conditions. In this combined study regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene)- and pentacene-based bottom-gate bottom-contact OFETs with various channel lengths are thoroughly investigated with respect to short-channel effects and the implications of dielectric surface modification with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) on device performance. In addition, the influences of oxygen, moisture and HMDStreatment on the ambient stability of the devices are evaluated in detail. While OFETs without surface modification exhibited the expected degradation behavior upon air exposure mainly due to oxygen/moisture-induced doping or charge-carrier trapping, the stability of the investigated semiconductors was found to be distinctly increased when the substrate surface was hydrophobized. The presented results thoroughly summarize important issues which have to be considered when selecting semiconducting materials for high-performance OFETs and OFET-based sensors.

Stabilized tin-oxide-based oxidation/reduction catalysts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watkins, Anthony Neal (Inventor); Oglesby, Donald M. (Inventor); Gulati, Suresh T. (Inventor); Summers, Jerry C. (Inventor); Schryer, David R. (Inventor); Davis, Patricia P. (Inventor); Leighty, Bradley D. (Inventor); Jordan, Jeffrey D. (Inventor); Schryer, Jacqueline L. (Inventor)

2008-01-01

The invention described herein involves a novel approach to the production of oxidation/reduction catalytic systems. The present invention serves to stabilize the tin oxide reducible metal-oxide coating by co-incorporating at least another metal-oxide species, such as zirconium. In one embodiment, a third metal-oxide species is incorporated, selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, hafnium, and ruthenium. The incorporation of the additional metal oxide components serves to stabilize the active tin-oxide layer in the catalytic process during high-temperature operation in a reducing environment (e.g., automobile exhaust). Moreover, the additional metal oxides are active components due to their oxygen-retention capabilities. Together, these features provide a mechanism to extend the range of operation of the tin-oxide-based catalyst system for automotive applications, while maintaining the existing advantages.

Stabilisation problem in biaxial platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindner, Tymoteusz; Rybarczyk, Dominik; Wyrwał, Daniel

2016-12-01

The article describes investigation of rolling ball stabilization problem on a biaxial platform. The aim of the control system proposed here is to stabilize ball moving on a plane in equilibrium point. The authors proposed a control algorithm based on cascade PID and they compared it with another control method. The article shows the results of the accuracy of ball stabilization and influence of applied filter on the signal waveform. The application used to detect the ball position measured by digital camera has been written using a cross platform .Net wrapper to the OpenCV image processing library - EmguCV. The authors used the bipolar stepper motor with dedicated electronic controller. The data between the computer and the designed controller are sent with use of the RS232 standard. The control stand is based on ATmega series microcontroller.

Nucleophilic stabilization of water-based reactive ink for titania-based thin film inkjet printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gadea, C.; Marani, D.; Esposito, V.

2017-02-01

Drop on demand deposition (DoD) of titanium oxide thin films (<500 nm) is performed via a novel titanium-alkoxide-based solution that is tailored as a reactive ink for inkjet printing. The ink is developed as water-based solution by a combined use of titanium isopropoxide and n-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) used as nucleophilic ligand. The function of the ligand is to control the fast hydrolysis/condensation reactions in water for the metal alkoxide before deposition, leading to formation of the TiO2 only after the jet process. The evolution of the titanium-ligand interactions at increasing amount of MDEA is here elucidated in terms of long term stability. The ink printability parameter (Z) is optimized, resulting in a reactive solution with printability, Z, >1, and chemical stability up to 600 h. Thin titanium oxide films (<500 nm) are proved on different substrates. Pure anatase phase is obtained after annealing at low temperature (ca. 400 °C).

Stabilization of nanosized titanium dioxide by cyclodextrin polymers and its photocatalytic effect on the degradation of wastewater pollutants

PubMed Central

Agócs, Tamás Zoltán; Puskás, István; Varga, Erzsébet; Molnár, Mónika

2016-01-01

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are considered highly competitive water treatment technologies for the removal of organic pollutants. Among AOP techniques, photocatalysis has recently been the most widely studied. Our aims were to investigate how the dispersion of nanosized titanium dioxide (nanoTiO2) applied in photodegradation-based procedures can be stabilized with cyclodextrins in order to obtain a new, more efficient photocatalyst for the purification of waters polluted by xenobiotics applying UV irradiation. During our work, on the one hand, we studied the behavior and stability of nanoTiO2 in cyclodextrin solutions. On the other hand, we used various monomer and polymer cyclodextrin derivatives, and assessed the options for nanoTiO2 stabilization in the presence of various salts and tap water on the basis of turbidity tests. The physical stability of nanoTiO2 dispersions is diminished in the presence of the salts found in tap water (and occurring also in surface waters and ground water) and they are precipitated immediately. This colloidal instability can be improved by cyclodextrin derivatives. Based on the results of our studies we have selected carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin polymer (CMBCD-P) for stabilization of nanoTiO2 dispersions. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and ibuprofen as model organic pollutants in various media (distilled water, NaCl solution and tap water) has been studied using nanoTiO2 as catalyst stabilized by CMBCD-P. CMBCD-P itself showed a catalytic effect on the UV degradation of methylene blue. In addition to enhancing the colloid stability of nanoTiO2 CMBCD-P showed also synergistic effects in catalyzing the photodecomposition process of the dye. On the other hand, ibuprofen as a model pharmaceutical, a pollutant of emerging concern (EP), was protected by CMBCD-P against the photocatalytic degradation showing that inclusion complex formation can result in opposite effects depending on the structure of the host–guest complex. PMID:28144360

Stabilization of nanosized titanium dioxide by cyclodextrin polymers and its photocatalytic effect on the degradation of wastewater pollutants.

PubMed

Agócs, Tamás Zoltán; Puskás, István; Varga, Erzsébet; Molnár, Mónika; Fenyvesi, Éva

2016-01-01

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are considered highly competitive water treatment technologies for the removal of organic pollutants. Among AOP techniques, photocatalysis has recently been the most widely studied. Our aims were to investigate how the dispersion of nanosized titanium dioxide (nanoTiO 2 ) applied in photodegradation-based procedures can be stabilized with cyclodextrins in order to obtain a new, more efficient photocatalyst for the purification of waters polluted by xenobiotics applying UV irradiation. During our work, on the one hand, we studied the behavior and stability of nanoTiO 2 in cyclodextrin solutions. On the other hand, we used various monomer and polymer cyclodextrin derivatives, and assessed the options for nanoTiO 2 stabilization in the presence of various salts and tap water on the basis of turbidity tests. The physical stability of nanoTiO 2 dispersions is diminished in the presence of the salts found in tap water (and occurring also in surface waters and ground water) and they are precipitated immediately. This colloidal instability can be improved by cyclodextrin derivatives. Based on the results of our studies we have selected carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin polymer (CMBCD-P) for stabilization of nanoTiO 2 dispersions. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and ibuprofen as model organic pollutants in various media (distilled water, NaCl solution and tap water) has been studied using nanoTiO 2 as catalyst stabilized by CMBCD-P. CMBCD-P itself showed a catalytic effect on the UV degradation of methylene blue. In addition to enhancing the colloid stability of nanoTiO 2 CMBCD-P showed also synergistic effects in catalyzing the photodecomposition process of the dye. On the other hand, ibuprofen as a model pharmaceutical, a pollutant of emerging concern (EP), was protected by CMBCD-P against the photocatalytic degradation showing that inclusion complex formation can result in opposite effects depending on the structure of the host-guest complex.

Issues of Stability and Change in Interest Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tracey, Terence J. G.; Sodano, Sandro M.

2008-01-01

Interest development is not an easily studied process. There are at least 4 methods for examining the process of stability and change over time: relative stability, absolute stability, profile stability, and structural stability. A program of research that focuses on examining these 4 types of stability is summarized relative to the issues…

Effect of stabilization temperature during pyrolysis process of P84 co-polyimide-based tubular carbon membrane for H2/N2 and He/N2 separations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sazali, N.; Salleh, W. N. W.; Ismail, A. F.; Ismail, N. H.; Aziz, F.; Yusof, N.; Hasbullah, H.

2018-04-01

In this study, the effect of stabilization temperature on the performance of tubular carbon membrane was being investigated. P84 co-polyimide-based tubular carbon membrane will be fabricated through the dip-coating technique. The tubular carbon membrane performance can be controlled by manipulating the pyrolysis conditions which was conducted at different stabilization temperatures of 250, 300, 350, 400, and 450°C under N2 environment (200 ml/min). The prepared membranes were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and pure gas permeation system. The pure gas of H2, He, and N2 were used to determine the permeation properties of the carbon membrane. The P84 co-polyimide-based tubular carbon membrane stabilized at 300°C demonstrated an excellent permeation property with H2, He, and N2 gas permeance of 1134.51±2.87, 1287.22±2.86 and 2.98±1.28GPU, respectively. The highest H2/N2 and He/N2 selectivity of 380.71±2.34 and 431.95±2.61 was obtained when the stabilization temperature of 450°C was applied. It is concluded that the stabilization temperatures have protrusive effect on the carbon membrane properties specifically their pore structure, and eventually their gas separation properties.

Global-change effects on early-stage decomposition processes in tidal wetlands - implications from a global survey using standardized litter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, Peter; Schile-Beers, Lisa M.; Mozdzer, Thomas J.; Chmura, Gail L.; Dinter, Thomas; Kuzyakov, Yakov; de Groot, Alma V.; Esselink, Peter; Smit, Christian; D'Alpaos, Andrea; Ibáñez, Carles; Lazarus, Magdalena; Neumeier, Urs; Johnson, Beverly J.; Baldwin, Andrew H.; Yarwood, Stephanie A.; Montemayor, Diana I.; Yang, Zaichao; Wu, Jihua; Jensen, Kai; Nolte, Stefanie

2018-05-01

Tidal wetlands, such as tidal marshes and mangroves, are hotspots for carbon sequestration. The preservation of organic matter (OM) is a critical process by which tidal wetlands exert influence over the global carbon cycle and at the same time gain elevation to keep pace with sea-level rise (SLR). The present study assessed the effects of temperature and relative sea level on the decomposition rate and stabilization of OM in tidal wetlands worldwide, utilizing commercially available standardized litter. While effects on decomposition rate per se were minor, we show strong negative effects of temperature and relative sea level on stabilization, as based on the fraction of labile, rapidly hydrolyzable OM that becomes stabilized during deployment. Across study sites, OM stabilization was 29 % lower in low, more frequently flooded vs. high, less frequently flooded zones. Stabilization declined by ˜ 75 % over the studied temperature gradient from 10.9 to 28.5 °C. Additionally, data from the Plum Island long-term ecological research site in Massachusetts, USA, show a pronounced reduction in OM stabilization by > 70 % in response to simulated coastal eutrophication, confirming the potentially high sensitivity of OM stabilization to global change. We therefore provide evidence that rising temperature, accelerated SLR, and coastal eutrophication may decrease the future capacity of tidal wetlands to sequester carbon by affecting the initial transformations of recent OM inputs to soil OM.

Robust interval-based regulation for anaerobic digestion processes.

PubMed

Alcaraz-González, V; Harmand, J; Rapaport, A; Steyer, J P; González-Alvarez, V; Pelayo-Ortiz, C

2005-01-01

A robust regulation law is applied to the stabilization of a class of biochemical reactors exhibiting partially known highly nonlinear dynamic behavior. An uncertain environment with the presence of unknown inputs is considered. Based on some structural and operational conditions, this regulation law is shown to exponentially stabilize the aforementioned bioreactors around a desired set-point. This approach is experimentally applied and validated on a pilot-scale (1 m3) anaerobic digestion process for the treatment of raw industrial wine distillery wastewater where the objective is the regulation of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) by using the dilution rate as the manipulated variable. Despite large disturbances on the input COD and state and parametric uncertainties, this regulation law gave excellent performances leading the output COD towards its set-point and keeping it inside a pre-specified interval.

Natural pigments: carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains--characteristics, biosynthesis, processing, and stability.

PubMed

Delgado-Vargas, F; Jiménez, A R; Paredes-López, O

2000-05-01

Pigments are present in all living matter and provide attractive colors and play basic roles in the development of organisms. Human beings, like most animals, come in contact with their surroundings through color, and things can or cannot be acceptable based on their color characteristics. This review presents the basic information about pigments focusing attention on the natural ones; it emphasizes the principal plant pigments: carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains. Special considerations are given to their salient characteristics; to their biosynthesis, taking into account the biochemical and molecular biology information generated in their elucidation; and to the processing and stability properties of these compounds as food colorants.

Multifunctional Organic-Semiconductor Interfacial Layers for Solution-Processed Oxide-Semiconductor Thin-Film Transistor.

PubMed

Kwon, Guhyun; Kim, Keetae; Choi, Byung Doo; Roh, Jeongkyun; Lee, Changhee; Noh, Yong-Young; Seo, SungYong; Kim, Myung-Gil; Kim, Choongik

2017-06-01

The stabilization and control of the electrical properties in solution-processed amorphous-oxide semiconductors (AOSs) is crucial for the realization of cost-effective, high-performance, large-area electronics. In particular, impurity diffusion, electrical instability, and the lack of a general substitutional doping strategy for the active layer hinder the industrial implementation of copper electrodes and the fine tuning of the electrical parameters of AOS-based thin-film transistors (TFTs). In this study, the authors employ a multifunctional organic-semiconductor (OSC) interlayer as a solution-processed thin-film passivation layer and a charge-transfer dopant. As an electrically active impurity blocking layer, the OSC interlayer enhances the electrical stability of AOS TFTs by suppressing the adsorption of environmental gas species and copper-ion diffusion. Moreover, charge transfer between the organic interlayer and the AOS allows the fine tuning of the electrical properties and the passivation of the electrical defects in the AOS TFTs. The development of a multifunctional solution-processed organic interlayer enables the production of low-cost, high-performance oxide semiconductor-based circuits. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Review of alternative fuels data bases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harsha, P. T.; Edelman, R. B.

1983-01-01

Based on an analysis of the interaction of fuel physical and chemical properties with combustion characteristics and indicators, a ranking of the importance of various fuel properties with respect to the combustion process was established. This ranking was used to define a suite of specific experiments whose objective is the development of an alternative fuels design data base. Combustion characteristics and indicators examined include droplet and spray formation, droplet vaporization and burning, ignition and flame stabilization, flame temperature, laminar flame speed, combustion completion, soot emissions, NOx and SOx emissions, and the fuels' thermal and oxidative stability and fouling and corrosion characteristics. Key fuel property data is found to include composition, thermochemical data, chemical kinetic rate information, and certain physical properties.

Influence of formulation and processing factors on stability of levothyroxine sodium pentahydrate.

PubMed

Collier, Jarrod W; Shah, Rakhi B; Gupta, Abhay; Sayeed, Vilayat; Habib, Muhammad J; Khan, Mansoor A

2010-06-01

Stability of formulations over shelf-life is critical for having a quality product. Choice of excipients, manufacturing process, storage conditions, and packaging can either mitigate or enhance the degradation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), affecting potency and/or stability. The purpose was to investigate the influence of processing and formulation factors on stability of levothyroxine (API). The API was stored at long-term (25 degrees C/60%RH), accelerated (40 degrees C/75%RH), and low-humidity (25 degrees C/0%RH and 40 degrees C/0%RH) conditions for 28 days. Effect of moisture loss was evaluated by drying it (room temperature, N(2)) and placed at 25 degrees C/0%RH and 40 degrees C/0%RH. The API was incubated with various excipients (based on package insert of marketed tablets) in either 1:1, 1:10, or 1:100 ratios with 5% moisture at 60 degrees C. Commonly used ratios for excipients were used. The equilibrium sorption data was collected on the API and excipients. The API was stable in solid state for the study duration under all conditions for both forms (potency between 90% and 110%). Excipients effect on stability varied and crospovidone, povidone, and sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) caused significant API degradation where deiodination and deamination occurred. Moisture sorption values were different across excipients. Crospovidone and povidone were hygroscopic whereas SLS showed deliquescence at high RH. The transient formulation procedures where temperature might go up or humidity might go down would not have major impact on the API stability. Excipients influence stability and if possible, those three should either be avoided or used in minimum quantity which could provide more stable tablet formulations with minimum potency loss throughout its shelf-life.

Development of lysozyme-combined antibacterial system to reduce sulfur dioxide and to stabilize Italian Riesling ice wine during aging process

PubMed Central

Chen, Kai; Han, Shun-yu; Zhang, Bo; Li, Min; Sheng, Wen-jun

2015-01-01

For the purpose of SO2 reduction and stabilizing ice wine, a new antibacterial technique was developed and verified in order to reduce the content of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and simultaneously maintain protein stability during ice wine aging process. Hazardous bacterial strain (lactic acid bacteria, LAB) and protein stability of Italian Riesling ice wine were evaluated in terms of different amounts of lysozyme, SO2, polyphenols, and wine pH by single-factor experiments. Subsequently, a quadratic rotation-orthogonal composite design with four variables was conducted to establish the multiple linear regression model that demonstrated the influence of different treatments on synthesis score between LAB inhibition and protein stability of ice wine. The results showed that, synthesis score can be influenced by lysozyme and SO2 concentrations on an extremely significant level (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the lysozyme-combined antibacterial system, which is specially designed for ice wine aging, was optimized step by step by response surface methodology and ridge analysis. As a result, the optimal proportion should be control in ice wine as follows: 179.31 mg L−1 lysozyme, 177.14 mg L−1 SO2, 0.60 g L−1 polyphenols, and 4.01 ice wine pH. Based on this system, the normalized synthesis score between LAB inhibition and protein stability can reach the highest point 0.920. Finally, by the experiments of verification and comparison, it was indicated that lysozyme-combined antibacterial system, which was a practical and prospective method to reduce SO2 concentration and effectively prevent contamination from hazardous LAB, can be used to stabilize ice wine during aging process. PMID:26405531

Rice Husk Ash to Stabilize Heavy Metals Contained in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash: First Results by Applying New Pre-treatment Technology

PubMed Central

Benassi, Laura; Franchi, Federica; Catina, Daniele; Cioffi, Flavio; Rodella, Nicola; Borgese, Laura; Pasquali, Michela; Depero, Laura E.; Bontempi, Elza

2015-01-01

A new technology was recently developed for municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash stabilization, based on the employment of all waste and byproduct materials. In particular, the proposed method is based on the use of amorphous silica contained in rice husk ash (RHA), an agricultural byproduct material (COSMOS-RICE project). The obtained final inert can be applied in several applications to produce “green composites”. In this work, for the first time, a process for pre-treatment of rice husk, before its use in the stabilization of heavy metals, based on the employment of Instant Pressure Drop technology (DIC) was tested. The aim of this work is to verify the influence of the pre-treatment on the efficiency on heavy metals stabilization in the COSMOS-RICE technology. DIC technique is based on a thermomechanical effect induced by an abrupt transition from high steam pressure to a vacuum, to produce changes in the material. Two different DIC pre-treatments were selected and thermal annealing at different temperatures were performed on rice husk. The resulting RHAs were employed to obtain COSMOS-RICE samples, and the stabilization procedure was tested on the MSWI fly ash. In the frame of this work, some thermal treatments were also realized in O2-limiting conditions, to test the effect of charcoal obtained from RHA on the stabilization procedure. The results of this work show that the application of DIC technology into existing treatment cycles of some waste materials should be investigated in more details to offer the possibility to stabilize and reuse waste. PMID:28793605

Micromolecular modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guillet, J. E.

1984-01-01

A reaction kinetics based model of the photodegradation process, which measures all important rate constants, and a computerized model capable of predicting the photodegradation rate and failure modes of a 30 year period, were developed. It is shown that the computerized photodegradation model for polyethylene correctly predicts failure of ELVAX 15 and cross linked ELVAX 150 on outdoor exposure. It is indicated that cross linking ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) does not significantly change its degradation rate. It is shown that the effect of the stabilizer package is approximately equivalent on both polymers. The computerized model indicates that peroxide decomposers and UV absorbers are the most effective stabilizers. It is found that a combination of UV absorbers and a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) is the most effective stabilizer system.

Thermal stability of DNA quadruplex-duplex hybrids.

PubMed

Lim, Kah Wai; Khong, Zi Jian; Phan, Anh Tuân

2014-01-14

DNA has the capacity to adopt several distinct structural forms, such as duplex and quadruplex helices, which have been implicated in cellular processes and shown to exhibit important functional properties. Quadruplex-duplex hybrids, generated from the juxtaposition of these two structural elements, could find applications in therapeutics and nanotechnology. Here we used NMR and CD spectroscopy to investigate the thermal stability of two classes of quadruplex-duplex hybrids comprising fundamentally distinct modes of duplex and quadruplex connectivity: Construct I involves the coaxial orientation of the duplex and quadruplex helices with continual base stacking across the two components; Construct II involves the orthogonal orientation of the duplex and quadruplex helices with no base stacking between the two components. We have found that for both constructs, the stability of the quadruplex generally increases with the length of the stem-loop incorporated, with respect to quadruplexes comprising nonstructured loops of the same length, which showed a continuous drop in stability with increasing loop length. The stability of these complexes, particularly Construct I, can be substantially influenced by the base-pair steps proximal to the quadruplex-duplex junction. Bulges at the junction are largely detrimental to the adoption of the desired G-quadruplex topology for Construct I but not for Construct II. These findings should facilitate future design and prediction of quadruplex-duplex hybrids.

Model-based chatter stability prediction and detection for the turning of a flexible workpiece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Kaibo; Lian, Zisheng; Gu, Fengshou; Liu, Hunju

2018-02-01

Machining long slender workpieces still presents a technical challenge on the shop floor due to their low stiffness and damping. Regenerative chatter is a major hindrance in machining processes, reducing the geometric accuracies and dynamic stability of the cutting system. This study has been motivated by the fact that chatter occurrence is generally in relation to the cutting position in straight turning of slender workpieces, which has seldom been investigated comprehensively in literature. In the present paper, a predictive chatter model of turning a tailstock supported slender workpiece considering the cutting position change during machining is explored. Based on linear stability analysis and stiffness distribution at different cutting positions along the workpiece, the effect of the cutting tool movement along the length of the workpiece on chatter stability is studied. As a result, an entire stability chart for a single cutting pass is constructed. Through this stability chart the critical cutting condition and the chatter onset location along the workpiece in a turning operation can be estimated. The difference between the predicted tool locations and the experimental results was within 9% at high speed cutting. Also, on the basis of the predictive model the dynamic behavior during chatter that when chatter arises at some cutting location it will continue for a period of time until another specified location is arrived at, can be inferred. The experimental observation is in good agreement with the theoretical inference. In chatter detection respect, besides the delay strategy and overlap processing technique, a relative threshold algorithm is proposed to detect chatter by comparing the spectrum and variance of the acquired acceleration signals with the reference saved during stable cutting. The chatter monitoring method has shown reliability for various machining conditions.

Protein Engineering by Random Mutagenesis and Structure-Guided Consensus of Geobacillus stearothermophilus Lipase T6 for Enhanced Stability in Methanol

PubMed Central

Dror, Adi; Shemesh, Einav; Dayan, Natali

2014-01-01

The abilities of enzymes to catalyze reactions in nonnatural environments of organic solvents have opened new opportunities for enzyme-based industrial processes. However, the main drawback of such processes is that most enzymes have a limited stability in polar organic solvents. In this study, we employed protein engineering methods to generate a lipase for enhanced stability in methanol, which is important for biodiesel production. Two protein engineering approaches, random mutagenesis (error-prone PCR) and structure-guided consensus, were applied in parallel on an unexplored lipase gene from Geobacillus stearothermophilus T6. A high-throughput colorimetric screening assay was used to evaluate lipase activity after an incubation period in high methanol concentrations. Both protein engineering approaches were successful in producing variants with elevated half-life values in 70% methanol. The best variant of the random mutagenesis library, Q185L, exhibited 23-fold-improved stability, yet its methanolysis activity was decreased by one-half compared to the wild type. The best variant from the consensus library, H86Y/A269T, exhibited 66-fold-improved stability in methanol along with elevated thermostability (+4.3°C) and a 2-fold-higher fatty acid methyl ester yield from soybean oil. Based on in silico modeling, we suggest that the Q185L substitution facilitates a closed lid conformation that limits access for both the methanol and substrate excess into the active site. The enhanced stability of H86Y/A269T was a result of formation of new hydrogen bonds. These improved characteristics make this variant a potential biocatalyst for biodiesel production. PMID:24362426

Design and implementation of a micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer.

PubMed

Huang, Libin; Yang, Hui; Gao, Yang; Zhao, Liye; Liang, Jinxing

2013-11-19

The micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer has attracted considerable attention in the research and development of high-precision MEMS accelerometers because of its output of quasi-digital signals, high sensitivity, high resolution, wide dynamic range, anti-interference capacity and good stability. Because of the mismatching thermal expansion coefficients of silicon and glass, the micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer based on the Silicon on Glass (SOG) technique is deeply affected by the temperature during the fabrication, packaging and use processes. The thermal stress caused by temperature changes directly affects the frequency output of the accelerometer. Based on the working principle of the micromechanical resonant accelerometer, a special accelerometer structure that reduces the temperature influence on the accelerometer is designed. The accelerometer can greatly reduce the thermal stress caused by high temperatures in the process of fabrication and packaging. Currently, the closed-loop drive circuit is devised based on a phase-locked loop. The unloaded resonant frequencies of the prototype of the micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer are approximately 31.4 kHz and 31.5 kHz. The scale factor is 66.24003 Hz/g. The scale factor stability is 14.886 ppm, the scale factor repeatability is 23 ppm, the bias stability is 23 μg, the bias repeatability is 170 μg, and the bias temperature coefficient is 0.0734 Hz/°C.

High-efficiency and air-stable P3HT-based polymer solar cells with a new non-fullerene acceptor

PubMed Central

Holliday, Sarah; Ashraf, Raja Shahid; Wadsworth, Andrew; Baran, Derya; Yousaf, Syeda Amber; Nielsen, Christian B.; Tan, Ching-Hong; Dimitrov, Stoichko D.; Shang, Zhengrong; Gasparini, Nicola; Alamoudi, Maha; Laquai, Frédéric; Brabec, Christoph J.; Salleo, Alberto; Durrant, James R.; McCulloch, Iain

2016-01-01

Solution-processed organic photovoltaics (OPV) offer the attractive prospect of low-cost, light-weight and environmentally benign solar energy production. The highest efficiency OPV at present use low-bandgap donor polymers, many of which suffer from problems with stability and synthetic scalability. They also rely on fullerene-based acceptors, which themselves have issues with cost, stability and limited spectral absorption. Here we present a new non-fullerene acceptor that has been specifically designed to give improved performance alongside the wide bandgap donor poly(3-hexylthiophene), a polymer with significantly better prospects for commercial OPV due to its relative scalability and stability. Thanks to the well-matched optoelectronic and morphological properties of these materials, efficiencies of 6.4% are achieved which is the highest reported for fullerene-free P3HT devices. In addition, dramatically improved air stability is demonstrated relative to other high-efficiency OPV, showing the excellent potential of this new material combination for future technological applications. PMID:27279376

Polyethylene Glycol Based Graphene Aerogel Confined Phase Change Materials with High Thermal Stability.

PubMed

Fu, Yang; Xiong, Weilai; Wang, Jianying; Li, Jinghua; Mei, Tao; Wang, Xianbao

2018-05-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) based graphene aerogel (GA) confined shaped-stabilized phase change materials (PCMs) are simply prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. Three-dimensional GA inserted by PEG molecule chains, as a supporting material, obtained by reducing graphene oxide sheets, is used to keep their stabilized shape during a phase change process. The volume of GA is obviously expended after adding PEG, and only 9.8 wt% of GA make the composite achieve high energy efficiency without leakage during their phase change because of hydrogen bonding widely existing in the GA/PEG composites (GA-PCMs). The heat storage energy of GA-PCMs is 164.9 J/g, which is 90.2% of the phase change enthalpy of pure PEG. In addition, this composite inherits the natural thermal properties of graphene and thus shows enhanced thermal conductivity compared with pure PEG. This novel study provides an efficient way to fabricate shape-stabilized PCMs with a high content of PEG for thermal energy storage.

Study of Eu{sup 3+} → Eu{sup 2+} reduction in BaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Eu prepared in different gas atmospheres

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

Rezende, Marcos V. dos S., E-mail: mvsrezende@gmail.com; Valerio, Mário E.G.; Jackson, Robert A.

2015-01-15

Highlights: • The effect of different gas atmospheres on the Eu reduction process was studied. • The Eu reduction was monitored analyzing XANES region at the Eu L{sub III}-edge. • Hydrogen reducing agent are the most appropriate gas for Eu{sup 2+} stabilization. • Only a part of the Eu ions can be stabilized in the divalent state. • A model of Eu reduction process is proposed. - Abstract: The effect of different gas atmospheres such as H{sub 2}(g), synthetic air, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen (N{sub 2}) on the Eu{sup 3+} → Eu{sup 2+} reduction process during the synthesis ofmore » Eu-doped BaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} was studied using synchrotron radiation. The Eu{sup 3+} → Eu{sup 2+} reduction was monitored analyzing XANES region when the sample are excited at the Eu L{sub III}-edge. The results show that the hydrogen reducing agent are the most appropriate gas for Eu{sup 2+} stabilization in BaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} and that only a part of the Eu ions can be stabilized in the divalent state. A model of Eu reduction process, based on the incorporation of charge compensation defects, is proposed.« less

Does compliance to patient safety tasks improve and sustain when radiotherapy treatment processes are standardized?

PubMed

Simons, Pascale A M; Houben, Ruud; Benders, Jos; Pijls-Johannesma, Madelon; Vandijck, Dominique; Marneffe, Wim; Backes, Huub; Groothuis, Siebren

2014-10-01

To realize safe radiotherapy treatment, processes must be stabilized. Standard operating procedures (SOP's) were expected to stabilize the treatment process and perceived task importance would increase sustainability in compliance. This paper presents the effects on compliance to safety related tasks of a process redesign based on lean principles. Compliance to patient safety tasks was measured by video recording of actual radiation treatment, before (T0), directly after (T1) and 1.5 years after (T2) a process redesign. Additionally, technologists were surveyed on perceived task importance and reported incidents were collected for three half-year periods between 2007 and 2009. Compliance to four out of eleven tasks increased at T1, of which improvements on three sustained (T2). Perceived importance of tasks strongly correlated (0.82) to compliance rates at T2. The two tasks, perceived as least important, presented low base-line compliance, improved (T1), but relapsed at T2. The reported near misses (patient-level not reached) on accelerators increased (P < 0.001) from 144 (2007) to 535 (2009), while the reported misses (patient-level reached) remained constant. Compliance to specific tasks increased after introducing SOP's and improvements sustained after 1.5 years, indicating increased stability. Perceived importance of tasks correlated positively to compliance and sustainability. Raising the perception of task importance is thus crucial to increase compliance. The redesign resulted in increased willingness to report incidents, creating opportunities for patient safety improvement in radiotherapy treatment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stability of an Electrodeposited Nanocrystalline Ni-Based Alloy Coating in Oil and Gas Wells with the Coexistence of H₂S and CO₂.

PubMed

Sui, Yiyong; Sun, Chong; Sun, Jianbo; Pu, Baolin; Ren, Wei; Zhao, Weimin

2017-06-09

The stability of an electrodeposited nanocrystalline Ni-based alloy coating in a H₂S/CO₂ environment was investigated by electrochemical measurements, weight loss method, and surface characterization. The results showed that both the cathodic and anodic processes of the Ni-based alloy coating were simultaneously suppressed, displaying a dramatic decrease of the corrosion current density. The corrosion of the Ni-based alloy coating was controlled by H₂S corrosion and showed general corrosion morphology under the test temperatures. The corrosion products, mainly consisting of Ni₃S₂, NiS, or Ni₃S₄, had excellent stability in acid solution. The corrosion rate decreased with the rise of temperature, while the adhesive force of the corrosion scale increased. With the rise of temperature, the deposited morphology and composition of corrosion products changed, the NiS content in the corrosion scale increased, and the stability and adhesive strength of the corrosion scale improved. The corrosion scale of the Ni-based alloy coating was stable, compact, had strong adhesion, and caused low weight loss, so the corrosion rates calculated by the weight loss method cannot reveal the actual oxidation rate of the coating. As the corrosion time was prolonged, the Ni-based coating was thinned while the corrosion scale thickened. The corrosion scale was closely combined with the coating, but cannot fully prevent the corrosive reactants from reaching the substrate.

Enhanced ethylene separation and plasticization resistance in polymer membranes incorporating metal-organic framework nanocrystals.

PubMed

Bachman, Jonathan E; Smith, Zachary P; Li, Tao; Xu, Ting; Long, Jeffrey R

2016-08-01

The implementation of membrane-based separations in the petrochemical industry has the potential to reduce energy consumption significantly relative to conventional separation processes. Achieving this goal, however, requires the development of new membrane materials with greater selectivity, permeability and stability than available at present. Here, we report composite materials consisting of nanocrystals of metal-organic frameworks dispersed within a high-performance polyimide, which can exhibit enhanced selectivity for ethylene over ethane, greater ethylene permeability and improved membrane stability. Our results suggest that framework-polymer interactions reduce chain mobility of the polymer while simultaneously boosting membrane separation performance. The increased stability, or plasticization resistance, is expected to improve membrane utility under real process conditions for petrochemical separations and natural gas purification. Furthermore, this approach can be broadly applied to numerous polymers that encounter aggressive environments, potentially making gas separations possible that were previously inaccessible to membranes.

Modeling Nitrogen Decrease in Water Lettuce Ponds from Waste Stabilization Ponds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, Gitta Agnes; Sunarsih

2018-02-01

This paper presents about the dynamic modeling of the Water Lettuce ponds as a form of improvement from the Water Hyacinth ponds. The purpose of this paper is to predict nitrogen decrease and nitrogen transformation in Water Lettuce ponds integrated with Waste Stabilization Ponds. The model consists of 4 mass balances, namely Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (DON), Particulate Organic Nitrogen (PON), ammonium (NH4+), Nitrate and Nitrite (NOx). The process of nitrogen transformation which considered in a Water Lettuce ponds, namely hydrolysis, mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, plant and bacterial uptake processes. Numerical simulations are performed by giving the values of parameters and the initial values of nitrogen compounds based on a review of previous studies. Numerical results show that the rate of change in the concentration of nitrogen compounds in the integration ponds of waste stabilization and water lettuce decreases and reaches stable at different times.

Hillslope hydrology and stability

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lu, Ning; Godt, Jonathan

2012-01-01

Landslides are caused by a failure of the mechanical balance within hillslopes. This balance is governed by two coupled physical processes: hydrological or subsurface flow and stress. The stabilizing strength of hillslope materials depends on effective stress, which is diminished by rainfall. This book presents a cutting-edge quantitative approach to understanding hydro-mechanical processes across variably saturated hillslope environments and to the study and prediction of rainfall-induced landslides. Topics covered include historic synthesis of hillslope geomorphology and hydrology, total and effective stress distributions, critical reviews of shear strength of hillslope materials and different bases for stability analysis. Exercises and homework problems are provided for students to engage with the theory in practice. This is an invaluable resource for graduate students and researchers in hydrology, geomorphology, engineering geology, geotechnical engineering and geomechanics and for professionals in the fields of civil and environmental engineering and natural hazard analysis.

Submarine slope failures due to pipe structure formation.

PubMed

Elger, Judith; Berndt, Christian; Rüpke, Lars; Krastel, Sebastian; Gross, Felix; Geissler, Wolfram H

2018-02-19

There is a strong spatial correlation between submarine slope failures and the occurrence of gas hydrates. This has been attributed to the dynamic nature of gas hydrate systems and the potential reduction of slope stability due to bottom water warming or sea level drop. However, 30 years of research into this process found no solid supporting evidence. Here we present new reflection seismic data from the Arctic Ocean and numerical modelling results supporting a different link between hydrates and slope stability. Hydrates reduce sediment permeability and cause build-up of overpressure at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone. Resulting hydro-fracturing forms pipe structures as pathways for overpressured fluids to migrate upward. Where these pipe structures reach shallow permeable beds, this overpressure transfers laterally and destabilises the slope. This process reconciles the spatial correlation of submarine landslides and gas hydrate, and it is independent of environmental change and water depth.

Experiment research on inertia-aided adaptive electronic image stabilization of optical stable platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xiaodong; Wu, Tianze; Zhou, Jun; Zhao, Bin; Ma, Xiaoyuan; Tang, Xiucheng

2016-03-01

An electronic image stabilization method compounded with inertia information, which can compensate the coupling interference caused by the pitch-yaw movement of the optical stable platform system, has been proposed in this paper. Firstly the mechanisms of coning rotation and lever-arm translation of line of sight (LOS) are analyzed during the stabilization process under moving carriers, and the mathematical model which describes the relationship between LOS rotation angle and platform attitude angle are derived. Then the image spin angle caused by coning rotation is estimated by using inertia information. Furthermore, an adaptive block matching method, which based on image edge and angular point, is proposed to smooth the jitter created by the lever-arm translation. This method optimizes the matching process and strategies. Finally, the results of hardware-in-the-loop simulation verified the effectiveness and real-time performance of the proposed method.

Implications of recent research on microstructure modifications, through heat-related processing and trait alteration to bio-functions, molecular thermal stability and mobility, metabolic characteristics and nutrition in cool-climate cereal grains and other types of seeds with advanced molecular techniques.

PubMed

Ying, Yuguang; Zhang, Huihua; Yu, Peiqiang

2018-02-16

The cutting-edge synchrotron radiation based and globar-sourced vibrational infrared microspectroscopy have recently been developed. These novel techniques are able to reveal structure features at cellular and molecular levels with the tested tissues being intact. However, to date, the advanced techniques are unfamiliar or unknown to food and feed scientists and have not been used to study the molecular structure changes in cool-climate cereal grain seeds and other types of bio-oil and bioenergy seeds. This article aims to provide some recent research in cool-climate cereal grains and other types of seeds on molecular structures and metabolic characteristics of carbohydrate and protein, and implication of microstructure modification through heat-related processing and trait alteration to bio-functions, molecular thermal stability and mobility, and nutrition with advanced molecular techniques- synchrotron radiation based and globar-sourced vibrational infrared microspectroscopy in the areas of (1) Inherent microstructure of cereal grain seeds; (2) The nutritional values of cereal grains; (3) Impact and modification of heat-related processing to cereal grain; (4) Conventional nutrition evaluation methodology; (5) Synchrotron radiation-based and globar-sourced vibrational (micro)-spectroscopy for molecular structure study and molecular thermal stability and mobility, and (6) Recent molecular spectroscopic technique applications in research on raw, traits altered and processed cool-climate cereal grains and other types of seeds. The information described in this article gives better insights of research progress and update in cool-climate cereal grains and other seeds with advanced molecular techniques.

Investigating the potential of Bacillus subtilis alpha-amylase as a pressure-temperature-time indicator for high hydrostatic pressure pasteurization processes.

PubMed

Grauwet, Tara; Van der Plancken, Iesel; Vervoort, Liesbeth; Hendrickx, Marc E; Van Loey, Ann

2009-01-01

The potential of Bacillus subtilis alpha-amylase (BSA) as a pressure-temperature-time indicator (pTTI) for high pressure pasteurization processing (400-600 MPa; T(i) 10-40 degrees C; 1-15 min) was investigated. A stepwise approach was followed for the development of an enzyme-based, extrinsic, isolated pTTI. First, based on literature data on the pressure stability, BSA was selected as a candidate indicator. Next to the accuracy and ease of the measurement of the indicator's response (residual activity) to the pressure treatment, the storage and handling stability of BSA at atmospheric pressure was verified. Second, the stability of BSA at a constant temperature (T) and time in function of pressure (p) was investigated. Solvent engineering was used to shift the inactivation window of BSA in the processing range of interest. Third, the enzyme (1 g/L BSA-MES 0.05 M pH 5.0) was kinetically calibrated under isobaric-isothermal conditions. Time dependent changes in activity could be modeled best by a first-order model. Except for low pressures and high temperatures, a synergistic effect between pressure and temperature could be observed. Based on the model selected to describe the combined p,T-dependency of the inactivation rate constant, an elliptically shaped isorate contour plot could be constructed, illustrating the processing range where BSA can be used to demonstrate temperature gradients. Fourth, the validity of the kinetic model was tested successfully under dynamic conditions similar to those used in food industry. Finally, the indicator was found suitable to demonstrate nonuniformity in two-sectional planes of a vertical, single vessel system. (c) 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Biotechnol. Prog., 2009.

Methodology for the effective stabilization of tin-oxide-based oxidation/reduction catalysts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jordan, Jeffrey D. (Inventor); Schryer, David R. (Inventor); Leighty, Bradley D. (Inventor); Watkins, Anthony N. (Inventor); Summers, Jerry C. (Inventor); Davis, Patricia P. (Inventor); Oglesby, Donald M. (Inventor); Schryer, Jacqueline L. (Inventor); Gulati, Suresh T. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The invention described herein involves a novel approach to the production of oxidation/reduction catalytic systems. The present invention serves to stabilize the tin oxide reducible metal-oxide coating by co-incorporating at least another metal-oxide species, such as zirconium. In one embodiment, a third metal-oxide species is incorporated, selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, hafnium, and ruthenium. The incorporation of the additional metal oxide components serves to stabilize the active tin-oxide layer in the catalytic process during high-temperature operation in a reducing environment (e.g., automobile exhaust). Moreover, the additional metal oxides are active components due to their oxygen-retention capabilities. Together, these features provide a mechanism to extend the range of operation of the tin-oxide-based catalyst system for automotive applications, while maintaining the existing advantages.

Highly Stretchable and Transparent Supercapacitor by Ag-Au Core-Shell Nanowire Network with High Electrochemical Stability.

PubMed

Lee, Habeom; Hong, Sukjoon; Lee, Jinhwan; Suh, Young Duk; Kwon, Jinhyeong; Moon, Hyunjin; Kim, Hyeonseok; Yeo, Junyeob; Ko, Seung Hwan

2016-06-22

Stretchable and transparent electronics have steadily attracted huge attention in wearable devices. Although Ag nanowire is the one of the most promising candidates for transparent and stretchable electronics, its electrochemical instability has forbidden its application to the development of electrochemical energy devices such as supercapacitors. Here, we introduce a highly stretchable and transparent supercapacitor based on electrochemically stable Ag-Au core-shell nanowire percolation network electrode. We developed a simple solution process to synthesize the Ag-Au core-shell nanowire with excellent electrical conductivity as well as greatly enhanced chemical and electrochemical stabilities compared to pristine Ag nanowire. The proposed core-shell nanowire-based supercapacitor still possesses fine optical transmittance and outstanding mechanical stability up to 60% strain. The Ag-Au core-shell nanowire can be a strong candidate for future wearable electrochemical energy devices.

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

Hong, Yongchun; Hensley, Alyssa; McEwen, Jean-Sabin

Catalytic fast pyrolysis is the most promising approach for biofuel production, due to its simple process and versatility to handle lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks with varying and complex compositions. Compared with in situ catalytic fast pyrolysis, ex situ catalytic pyrolysis has the flexibility of optimizing the pyrolysis step and catalytic process individually to improve the quality of pyrolysis oil (stability, oxygen content, acid number, etc.) and to maximize the carbon efficiency in the conversion of biomass to pyrolysis oil. Hydrodeoxygenation is one of the key catalytic functions in ex situ catalytic fast pyrolysis. Recently, Fe-based catalysts have been reported to exhibitmore » superior catalytic properties in hydrodeoxygenation of model compounds in pyrolysis oil, which potentially makes the ex situ pyrolysis of biomass commercially viable due to the abundance and low cost of Fe. Here, we briefly summarize the recent progress on Fe-based catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation of biomass, and provide perspectives on how to further improve Fe-based catalysts (activity and stability) for their potential applications in the emerging area of biomass conversion.« less

Enhanced electrical stability of nitrate ligand-based hexaaqua complexes solution-processed ultrathin a-IGZO transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, C.; Baek, Y.; Lee, B. M.; Kim, K. H.; Rim, Y. S.

2017-12-01

We report solution-processed, amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide-based (a-IGZO-based) thin-film transistors (TFTs). Our proposed solution-processed a-IGZO films, using a simple spin-coating method, were formed through nitrate ligand-based metal complexes, and they were annealed at low temperature (250 °C) to achieve high-quality oxide films and devices. We investigated solution-processed a-IGZO TFTs with various thicknesses, ranging from 4 to 16 nm. The 4 nm-thick TFT films had smooth morphology and high-density, and they exhibited excellent performance, i.e. a high saturation mobility of 7.73  ±  0.44 cm2 V-1 s-1, a sub-threshold swing of 0.27 V dec-1, an on/off ratio of ~108, and a low threshold voltage of 3.10  ±  0.30 V. However, the performance of the TFTs degraded as the film thickness was increased. We further performed positive and negative bias stress tests to examine their electrical stability, and it was noted that the operating behavior of the devices was highly stable. Despite a small number of free charges, the high performance of the ultrathin a-IGZO TFTs was attributed to the small effect of the thickness of the channel, low bulk resistance, the quality of the a-IGZO/SiO2 interface, and high film density.

Next Generation Solvent Performance in the Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Process - 15495

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

Smith, Tara E.; Scherman, Carl; Martin, David

Changes to the Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU) flow-sheet were implemented in the facility. Implementation included changing the scrub and strip chemicals and concentrations, modifying the O/A ratios for the strip, scrub, and extraction contactor banks, and blending the current BoBCalixC6 extractant-based solvent in MCU with clean MaxCalix extractant-based solvent. During the successful demonstration period, the MCU process was subject to rigorous oversight to ensure hydraulic stability and chemical/radionuclide analysis of the key process tanks (caustic wash tank, solvent hold tank, strip effluent hold tank, and decontaminated salt solution hold tank) to evaluate solvent carryover to downstream facilitiesmore » and the effectiveness of cesium removal from the liquid salt waste. Results indicated the extraction of cesium was significantly more effective with an average Decontamination Factor (DF) of 1,129 (range was 107 to 1,824) and that stripping was effective. The contactor hydraulic performance was stable and satisfactory, as indicated by contactor vibration, contactor rotational speed, and flow stability; all of which remained at or near target values. Furthermore, the Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) level and specific gravity was as expected, indicating that solvent integrity and organic hydraulic stability were maintained. The coalescer performances were in the range of processing results under the BOBCalixC6 flow sheet, indicating negligible adverse impact of NGS deployment. After the Demonstration period, MCU began processing via routine operations. Results to date reiterate the enhanced cesium extraction and stripping capability of the Next Generation Solvent (NGS) flow sheet. This paper presents process performance results of the NGS Demonstration and continued operations of MCU utilizing the blended BobCalixC6-MaxCalix solvent under the NGS flowsheet.« less

Comparative study of resist stabilization techniques for metal etch processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Gerry; Ross, Matthew F.; Wong, Selmer S.; Minter, Jason P.; Marlowe, Trey; Livesay, William R.

1999-06-01

This study investigates resist stabilization techniques as they are applied to a metal etch application. The techniques that are compared are conventional deep-UV/thermal stabilization, or UV bake, and electron beam stabilization. The electron beam tool use din this study, an ElectronCure system from AlliedSignal Inc., ELectron Vision Group, utilizes a flood electron source and a non-thermal process. These stabilization techniques are compared with respect to a metal etch process. In this study, two types of resist are considered for stabilization and etch: a g/i-line resist, Shipley SPR-3012, and an advanced i-line, Shipley SPR 955- Cm. For each of these resist the effects of stabilization on resist features are evaluated by post-stabilization SEM analysis. Etch selectivity in all cases is evaluated by using a timed metal etch, and measuring resists remaining relative to total metal thickness etched. Etch selectivity is presented as a function of stabilization condition. Analyses of the effects of the type of stabilization on this method of selectivity measurement are also presented. SEM analysis was also performed on the features after a compete etch process, and is detailed as a function of stabilization condition. Post-etch cleaning is also an important factor impacted by pre-etch resist stabilization. Results of post- etch cleaning are presented for both stabilization methods. SEM inspection is also detailed for the metal features after resist removal processing.

The Dawn of Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cell: Highly Stable Double Perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 Film.

PubMed

Wu, Cuncun; Zhang, Qiaohui; Liu, Yang; Luo, Wei; Guo, Xuan; Huang, Ziru; Ting, Hungkit; Sun, Weihai; Zhong, Xinrui; Wei, Shiyuan; Wang, Shufeng; Chen, Zhijian; Xiao, Lixin

2018-03-01

Recently, lead-free double perovskites have emerged as a promising environmentally friendly photovoltaic material for their intrinsic thermodynamic stability, appropriate bandgaps, small carrier effective masses, and low exciton binding energies. However, currently no solar cell based on these double perovskites has been reported, due to the challenge in film processing. Herein, a first lead-free double perovskite planar heterojunction solar cell with a high quality Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 film, fabricated by low-pressure assisted solution processing under ambient conditions, is reported. The device presents a best power conversion efficiency of 1.44%. The preliminary efficiency and the high stability under ambient condition without encapsulation, together with the high film quality with simple processing, demonstrate promise for lead-free perovskite solar cells.

Color in the corners: ITO-free white OLEDs with angular color stability.

PubMed

Gaynor, Whitney; Hofmann, Simone; Christoforo, M Greyson; Sachse, Christoph; Mehra, Saahil; Salleo, Alberto; McGehee, Michael D; Gather, Malte C; Lüssem, Björn; Müller-Meskamp, Lars; Peumans, Peter; Leo, Karl

2013-08-07

High-efficiency white OLEDs fabricated on silver nanowire-based composite transparent electrodes show almost perfectly Lambertian emission and superior angular color stability, imparted by electrode light scattering. The OLED efficiencies are comparable to those fabricated using indium tin oxide. The transparent electrodes are fully solution-processable, thin-film compatible, and have a figure of merit suitable for large-area devices. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Tool vibration detection with eddy current sensors in machining process and computation of stability lobes using fuzzy classifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devillez, Arnaud; Dudzinski, Daniel

2007-01-01

Today the knowledge of a process is very important for engineers to find optimal combination of control parameters warranting productivity, quality and functioning without defects and failures. In our laboratory, we carry out research in the field of high speed machining with modelling, simulation and experimental approaches. The aim of our investigation is to develop a software allowing the cutting conditions optimisation to limit the number of predictive tests, and the process monitoring to prevent any trouble during machining operations. This software is based on models and experimental data sets which constitute the knowledge of the process. In this paper, we deal with the problem of vibrations occurring during a machining operation. These vibrations may cause some failures and defects to the process, like workpiece surface alteration and rapid tool wear. To measure on line the tool micro-movements, we equipped a lathe with a specific instrumentation using eddy current sensors. Obtained signals were correlated with surface finish and a signal processing algorithm was used to determine if a test is stable or unstable. Then, a fuzzy classification method was proposed to classify the tests in a space defined by the width of cut and the cutting speed. Finally, it was shown that the fuzzy classification takes into account of the measurements incertitude to compute the stability limit or stability lobes of the process.

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

Morishita, Sadaharu; Goto, Tetsuya; Nagase, Masaaki

Multiprocesses in a single plasma process chamber with high throughput require precise, sequential, high-speed alteration of partial pressures of multiple gas species. A conventional gas-distribution system cannot realize this because the system seriously overshoots gas pressure immediately following valve operation. Furthermore, chamber volume and conductance of gas piping between the system and chamber should both be considered because they delay the stabilizing time of gas pressure. Therefore, the authors proposed a new gas-distribution system without overshoot by controlling gas flow rate based on pressure measurement, as well as a method of pulse-controlled gas injection immediately following valve operation. Time variationmore » of measured partial pressure agrees well with a calculation based on an equivalent-circuit model that represents the chamber and gas piping between the system and chamber. Using pulse-controlled gas injection, the stabilizing time can be reduced drastically to 0.6 s for HBr added to pure Ar plasma, and 0.7 s for O{sub 2} added to Ar/HBr plasma; without the pulse control, the stabilizing times are 3 and 7 s, respectively. In the O{sub 2} addition case, rapid stabilization can be achieved during the period of line/space pattern etching of poly-Si on a thin SiO{sub 2} film. This occurs without anomalous etching of the underlying SiO{sub 2} film or the Si substrate near the sidewall, thus obtaining a wide process margin with high throughput.« less

How ion properties determine the stability of a lipase enzyme in ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics study.

PubMed

Klähn, Marco; Lim, Geraldine S; Wu, Ping

2011-11-07

The influence of eight different ionic liquid (IL) solvents on the stability of the lipase Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B) is investigated with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Considered ILs contain cations that are based either on imidazolium or guanidinium as well as nitrate, tetrafluoroborate or hexafluorophosphate anions. Partial unfolding of CAL-B is observed during high-temperature MD simulations and related changes of CAL-B regarding its radius of gyration, surface area, secondary structure, amount of solvent close to the backbone and interaction strength with the ILs are evaluated. CAL-B stability is influenced primarily by anions in the order NO(3)(-)≪ BF(4)(-) < PF(6)(-) of increasing stability, which agrees with experiments. Cations influence protein stability less than anions but still substantially. Long decyl side chains, polar methoxy groups and guanidinium-based cations destabilize CAL-B more than short methyl groups, other non-polar groups and imidazolium-based cations, respectively. Two distinct causes for CAL-B destabilization are identified: a destabilization of the protein surface is facilitated mostly by strong Coulomb interactions of CAL-B with anions that exhibit a localized charge and strong polarization as well as with polar cation groups. Surface instability is characterized by an unraveling of α-helices and an increase of surface area, radius of gyration and protein-IL total interaction strength of CAL-B, all of which describe a destabilization of the folded protein state. On the other hand, a destabilization of the protein core is facilitated when direct core-IL interactions are feasible. This is the case when long alkyl chains are involved or when particularly hydrophobic ILs induce major conformational changes that enable ILs direct access to the protein core. This core instability is characterized by a disintegration of β-sheets, diffusion of ions into CAL-B and increasing protein-IL van der Waals interactions. This process describes a stabilization of the unfolded protein state. Both of these processes reduce the folding free energy and thus destabilize CAL-B. The results of this work clarify the impact of ions on CAL-B stabilization. An extrapolation of the observed trends enables proposing novel ILs in which protein stability could be enhanced further. This journal is © the Owner Societies 2011

Test plan for formulation and evaluation of grouted waste forms with shine process wastes

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

Ebert, W. L.; Jerden, J. L.

2015-09-01

The objective of this experimental project is to demonstrate that waste streams generated during the production of Mo99 by the SHINE Medical Technologies (SHINE) process can be immobilized in cement-based grouted waste forms having physical, chemical, and radiological stabilities that meet regulatory requirements for handling, storage, transport, and disposal.

Orthogonal Operation of Constitutional Dynamic Networks Consisting of DNA-Tweezer Machines.

PubMed

Yue, Liang; Wang, Shan; Cecconello, Alessandro; Lehn, Jean-Marie; Willner, Itamar

2017-12-26

Overexpression or down-regulation of cellular processes are often controlled by dynamic chemical networks. Bioinspired by nature, we introduce constitutional dynamic networks (CDNs) as systems that emulate the principle of the nature processes. The CDNs comprise dynamically interconvertible equilibrated constituents that respond to external triggers by adapting the composition of the dynamic mixture to the energetic stabilization of the constituents. We introduce a nucleic acid-based CDN that includes four interconvertible and mechanically triggered tweezers, AA', BB', AB' and BA', existing in closed, closed, open, and open configurations, respectively. By subjecting the CDN to auxiliary triggers, the guided stabilization of one of the network constituents dictates the dynamic reconfiguration of the structures of the tweezers constituents. The orthogonal and reversible operations of the CDN DNA tweezers are demonstrated, using T-A·T triplex or K + -stabilized G-quadruplex as structural motifs that control the stabilities of the constituents. The implications of the study rest on the possible applications of input-guided CDN assemblies for sensing, logic gate operations, and programmed activation of molecular machines.

Investigation on thermo-acoustic instability dynamic characteristics of hydrocarbon fuel flowing in scramjet cooling channel based on wavelet entropy method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zan, Hao; Li, Haowei; Jiang, Yuguang; Wu, Meng; Zhou, Weixing; Bao, Wen

2018-06-01

As part of our efforts to find ways and means to further improve the regenerative cooling technology in scramjet, the experiments of thermo-acoustic instability dynamic characteristics of hydrocarbon fuel flowing have been conducted in horizontal circular tubes at different conditions. The experimental results indicate that there is a developing process from thermo-acoustic stability to instability. In order to have a deep understanding on the developing process of thermo-acoustic instability, the method of Multi-scale Shannon Wavelet Entropy (MSWE) based on Wavelet Transform Correlation Filter (WTCF) and Multi-Scale Shannon Entropy (MSE) is adopted in this paper. The results demonstrate that the developing process of thermo-acoustic instability from noise and weak signals is well detected by MSWE method and the differences among the stability, the developing process and the instability can be identified. These properties render the method particularly powerful for warning thermo-acoustic instability of hydrocarbon fuel flowing in scramjet cooling channels. The mass flow rate and the inlet pressure will make an influence on the developing process of the thermo-acoustic instability. The investigation on thermo-acoustic instability dynamic characteristics at supercritical pressure based on wavelet entropy method offers guidance on the control of scramjet fuel supply, which can secure stable fuel flowing in regenerative cooling system.

Making a commercial carbon fiber cloth having comparable capacitances to carbon nanotubes and graphene in supercapacitors through a "top-down" approach.

PubMed

Zhang, Tianchang; Kim, Christine H J; Cheng, Yingwen; Ma, Yanwen; Zhang, Hongbo; Liu, Jie

2015-02-21

A "top-down" and scalable approach for processing carbon fiber cloth (CFC) into flexible and all-carbon electrodes with remarkable areal capacity and cyclic stability was developed. CFC is commercially available in large quantities but its use as an electrode material in supercapacitors is not satisfactory. The approach demonstrated in this work is based on the sequential treatment of CFC with KOH activation and high temperature annealing that can effectively improve its specific surface area to a remarkable 2780 m(2) g(-1) while at the same time achieving a good electrical conductivity of 320 S m(-1) without sacrificing its intrinsic mechanical strength and flexibility. The processed CFC can be directly used as an electrode for supercapacitors without any binders, conductive additives and current collectors while avoiding elaborate electrode processing steps to deliver a specific capacitance of ∼0.5 F cm(-2) and ∼197 F g(-1) with remarkable rate performance and excellent cyclic stability. The properties of these processed CFCs are comparable or better than graphene and carbon nanotube based electrodes. We further demonstrate symmetric solid-state supercapacitors based on these processed CFCs with very good flexibility. This "top-down" and scalable approach can be readily applied to other types of commercially available carbon materials and therefore can have a substantial significance for high performance supercapacitor devices.

Recycling of poly (lactic acid)/silk based bionanocomposites films and its influence on thermal stability, crystallization kinetics, solution and melt rheology.

PubMed

Tesfaye, Melakuu; Patwa, Rahul; Gupta, Arvind; Kashyap, Manash Jyoti; Katiyar, Vimal

2017-08-01

In this study, the effect of silk nanocrystals (SNCs) on the thermal and rheological properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) under repetitive extrusion process is investigated. The presence of SNCs facilitates the crystallization process and delaying the thermal degradation of PLA matrix. This leads to the reduction in cold crystallization peak temperature with lower crystallization half-time and higher growth rate. The substantial improvement in nucleation density observed through Polarized Optical Microscope (POM) proves the nucleating effect of SNC in all processing cycles. Moreover, the rheological investigation (complex viscosity, storage and loss modules values) revealed the stabilizing effect of SNC and the drastic degradation of neat PLA (NPLA) in third and fourth cycle is observed to be fortified by the presence of SNC. Cole-Cole plot and cross over frequencies have been correlated with the molar mass distribution of PLA and PLA-Silk composite during processing, which is further supported by the intrinsic viscosity measurement and acid value analysis. This investigation suggests that the melt viscosity and thermal properties of PLA can be stabilized by addition of silk nanocrystals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Functionalized graphene hydrogel-based high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Xu, Yuxi; Lin, Zhaoyang; Huang, Xiaoqing; Wang, Yang; Huang, Yu; Duan, Xiangfeng

2013-10-25

Functionalized graphene hydrogels are prepared by a one-step low-temperature reduction process and exhibit ultrahigh specific capacitances and excellent cycling stability in the aqueous electrolyte. Flexible solid-state supercapacitors based on functionalized graphene hydrogels are demonstrated with superior capacitive performances and extraordinary mechanical flexibility. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The use of natural teeth in overlay dentures.

PubMed

Frantz, W R

1975-08-01

A method has been described for the construction of tooth-supported dentures where the natural tooth was utilized and the acrylic resin for the denture base processed directly to the prepared cast. Based on the 112 dentures that were made, this technique is economical, provides support and stabilization, and has full patient acceptance.

Molecular Imprinting Technology in Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) Sensors.

PubMed

Emir Diltemiz, Sibel; Keçili, Rüstem; Ersöz, Arzu; Say, Rıdvan

2017-02-24

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as artificial antibodies have received considerable scientific attention in the past years in the field of (bio)sensors since they have unique features that distinguish them from natural antibodies such as robustness, multiple binding sites, low cost, facile preparation and high stability under extreme operation conditions (higher pH and temperature values, etc.). On the other hand, the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is an analytical tool based on the measurement of small mass changes on the sensor surface. QCM sensors are practical and convenient monitoring tools because of their specificity, sensitivity, high accuracy, stability and reproducibility. QCM devices are highly suitable for converting the recognition process achieved using MIP-based memories into a sensor signal. Therefore, the combination of a QCM and MIPs as synthetic receptors enhances the sensitivity through MIP process-based multiplexed binding sites using size, 3D-shape and chemical function having molecular memories of the prepared sensor system toward the target compound to be detected. This review aims to highlight and summarize the recent progress and studies in the field of (bio)sensor systems based on QCMs combined with molecular imprinting technology.

No control genes required: Bayesian analysis of qRT-PCR data.

PubMed

Matz, Mikhail V; Wright, Rachel M; Scott, James G

2013-01-01

Model-based analysis of data from quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) is potentially more powerful and versatile than traditional methods. Yet existing model-based approaches cannot properly deal with the higher sampling variances associated with low-abundant targets, nor do they provide a natural way to incorporate assumptions about the stability of control genes directly into the model-fitting process. In our method, raw qPCR data are represented as molecule counts, and described using generalized linear mixed models under Poisson-lognormal error. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is used to sample from the joint posterior distribution over all model parameters, thereby estimating the effects of all experimental factors on the expression of every gene. The Poisson-based model allows for the correct specification of the mean-variance relationship of the PCR amplification process, and can also glean information from instances of no amplification (zero counts). Our method is very flexible with respect to control genes: any prior knowledge about the expected degree of their stability can be directly incorporated into the model. Yet the method provides sensible answers without such assumptions, or even in the complete absence of control genes. We also present a natural Bayesian analogue of the "classic" analysis, which uses standard data pre-processing steps (logarithmic transformation and multi-gene normalization) but estimates all gene expression changes jointly within a single model. The new methods are considerably more flexible and powerful than the standard delta-delta Ct analysis based on pairwise t-tests. Our methodology expands the applicability of the relative-quantification analysis protocol all the way to the lowest-abundance targets, and provides a novel opportunity to analyze qRT-PCR data without making any assumptions concerning target stability. These procedures have been implemented as the MCMC.qpcr package in R.

Analysis of Chatter Stability in Facing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kebdani, S.; Sahli, A.; Rahmani, O.; Boutchicha, D.; Belarbi, A.

This study attempts to develop a chatter model for predicting chatter stability conditions in hard turning. A linear model is developed by introducing non-uniform load distribution on a tool tip to account for the flank wear effect. Stability analysis based on the root locus method and the harmonic balance method is conducted to determine a critical stability parameter. To validate the model, a series of experiment is carried out to determine the stability limits as well as certain characteristic parameters for facing and straight turning. Chatter in hard turning has the feature that the critical stability limits increase very rapidly when the cutting speed is higher than 13 rev sec-1 for all feed directions. The main contributions of the study are threefold. First, chatter-free cutting conditions are predicted and can be used as a guideline for designing tools and machines. Second, the characteristics of chatter in hard turning, which is observed for the first time, helps to broaden our physical understanding of the interactions between the tool and the workpiece in hard turning. Third, experimental stability limits for different flank wear can contribute to lead more reasonable ways to consider the flank wear effect in chatter models of hard turning. Based on these contributions, the proposed linear chatter model will support to improve the productivity in many manufacturing processes. In addition, the chatter experimental data will be useful to develop other chatter models in hard turning.

Thermal and bias cycling stabilizes planar silicon devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, R. E.; Meinhard, J. E.

1967-01-01

Terminal burn-in or baking step time in the processing of planar silicon devices is extended to reduce their inversion tendencies. The collector-base junction of the device is also cyclically biased during the burn-in.

Thermal processing of a poorly water-soluble drug substance exhibiting a high melting point: the utility of KinetiSol® Dispersing.

PubMed

Hughey, Justin R; Keen, Justin M; Brough, Chris; Saeger, Sophie; McGinity, James W

2011-10-31

Poorly water-soluble drug substances that exhibit high melting points are often difficult to successfully process by fusion-based techniques. The purpose of this study was to identify a suitable polymer system for meloxicam (MLX), a high melting point class II BCS compound, and investigate thermal processing techniques for the preparation of chemically stable single phase solid dispersions. Thermal and solution based screening techniques were utilized to screen hydrophilic polymers suitable for immediate release formulations. Results of the screening studies demonstrated that Soluplus(®)(SOL) provided the highest degree of miscibility and solubility enhancement. A hot-melt extrusion feasibility study demonstrated that high temperatures and extended residence times were required in order to render compositions amorphous, causing significant degradation of MLX. A design of experiments (DOE) was conducted on the KinetiSol(®) Dispersing (KSD) process to evaluate the effect of processing conditions on the chemical stability and amorphous character of MLX. The study demonstrated that ejection temperature significantly impacted MLX stability. All samples prepared by KSD were substantially amorphous. Dissolution analysis of the KSD processed solid dispersions showed increased dissolution rates and extent of supersaturation over the marketed generic MLX tablets. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Scalable Fabrication of High-Performance Transparent Conductors Using Graphene Oxide-Stabilized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Inks

PubMed Central

He, Linxiang; Liao, Chengzhu

2018-01-01

Recent development in liquid-phase processing of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has revealed rod-coating as a promising approach for large-scale production of SWNT-based transparent conductors. Of great importance in the ink formulation is the stabilizer having excellent dispersion stability, environmental friendly and tunable rheology in the liquid state, and also can be readily removed to enhance electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. Herein we demonstrate the promise of graphene oxide (GO) as a synergistic stabilizer for SWNTs in water. SWNTs dispersed in GO is formulated into inks with homogeneous nanotube distribution, good wetting and rheological properties, and compatible with industrial rod coating practice. Microwave treatment of rod-coated films can reduce GOs and enhance electro-optical performance. The resultant films offer a sheet resistance of ~80 Ω/sq at 86% transparency, along with good mechanical flexibility. Doping the films with nitric acid can further decrease the sheet resistance to ~25 Ω/sq. Comparing with the films fabricated from typical surfactant-based SWNT inks, our films offer superior adhesion as assessed by the Scotch tape test. This study provides new insight into the selection of suitable stabilizers for functional SWNT inks with strong potential for printed electronics. PMID:29642446

Radiation Pressure Cooling as a Quantum Dynamical Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Bing; Yang, Liu; Lin, Qing; Xiao, Min

2017-06-01

One of the most fundamental problems in optomechanical cooling is how small the thermal phonon number of a mechanical oscillator can be achieved under the radiation pressure of a proper cavity field. Different from previous theoretical predictions, which were based on an optomechanical system's time-independent steady states, we treat such cooling as a dynamical process of driving the mechanical oscillator from its initial thermal state, due to its thermal equilibrium with the environment, to a stabilized quantum state of higher purity. We find that the stabilized thermal phonon number left in the end actually depends on how fast the cooling process could be. The cooling speed is decided by an effective optomechanical coupling intensity, which constitutes an essential parameter for cooling, in addition to the sideband resolution parameter that has been considered in other theoretical studies. The limiting thermal phonon number that any cooling process cannot surpass exhibits a discontinuous jump across a certain value of the parameter.

Design and performance of a production-worthy excimer-laser-based stepper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unger, Robert; Sparkes, Christopher; Disessa, Peter A.; Elliott, David J.

1992-06-01

Excimer-laser-based steppers have matured to a production-worthy state. Widefield high-NA lenses have been developed and characterized for imaging down to 0.35 micron and below. Excimer lasers have attained practical levels of performance capability and stability, reliability, safety, and operating cost. Excimer stepper system integration and control issues such as focus, exposure, and overlay stability have been addressed. Enabling support technologies -- resist systems, resist processing, metrology and conventional mask making -- continue to progress and are becoming available. This paper discusses specific excimer stepper design challenges, and presents characterization data from several field installations of XLSTM deep-UV steppers configured with an advanced lens design.

Thermal stability comparison of nanocrystalline Fe-based binary alloy pairs

DOE PAGES

Clark, Blythe G.; Hattar, Khalid Mikhiel; Marshall, Michael Thomas; ...

2016-03-24

Here, the widely recognized property improvements of nanocrystalline (NC) materials have generated significant interest, yet have been difficult to realize in engineering applications due to the propensity for grain growth in these interface-dense systems. While traditional pathways to thermal stabilization can slow the mobility of grain boundaries, recent theories suggest that solute segregation in NC alloy can reduce the grain boundary energy such that thermodynamic stabilization is achieved. Following the predictions of Murdock et al., here we compare for the first time the thermal stability of a predicted NC stable alloy (Fe-10at.% Mg) with a predicted non-NC stable alloy (Fe-10at.%more » Cu) using the same processing and characterization methodologies. Results indicate improved thermal stability of the Fe-Mg alloy in comparison to the Fe-Cu, and observed microstructures are consistent with those predicted by Monte Carlo simulations.« less

Enhancing fullerene-based solar cell lifetimes by addition of a fullerene dumbbell.

PubMed

Schroeder, Bob C; Li, Zhe; Brady, Michael A; Faria, Gregório Couto; Ashraf, Raja Shahid; Takacs, Christopher J; Cowart, John S; Duong, Duc T; Chiu, Kar Ho; Tan, Ching-Hong; Cabral, João T; Salleo, Alberto; Chabinyc, Michael L; Durrant, James R; McCulloch, Iain

2014-11-17

Cost-effective, solution-processable organic photovoltaics (OPV) present an interesting alternative to inorganic silicon-based solar cells. However, one of the major remaining challenges of OPV devices is their lack of long-term operational stability, especially at elevated temperatures. The synthesis of a fullerene dumbbell and its use as an additive in the active layer of a PCDTBT:PCBM-based OPV device is reported. The addition of only 20 % of this novel fullerene not only leads to improved device efficiencies, but more importantly also to a dramatic increase in morphological stability under simulated operating conditions. Dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (DSIMS) and TEM are used, amongst other techniques, to elucidate the origins of the improved morphological stability. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

On-Line Robust Modal Stability Prediction using Wavelet Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brenner, Martin J.; Lind, Rick

1998-01-01

Wavelet analysis for filtering and system identification has been used to improve the estimation of aeroservoelastic stability margins. The conservatism of the robust stability margins is reduced with parametric and nonparametric time- frequency analysis of flight data in the model validation process. Nonparametric wavelet processing of data is used to reduce the effects of external disturbances and unmodeled dynamics. Parametric estimates of modal stability are also extracted using the wavelet transform. Computation of robust stability margins for stability boundary prediction depends on uncertainty descriptions derived from the data for model validation. The F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle aeroservoelastic flight test data demonstrates improved robust stability prediction by extension of the stability boundary beyond the flight regime. Guidelines and computation times are presented to show the efficiency and practical aspects of these procedures for on-line implementation. Feasibility of the method is shown for processing flight data from time- varying nonstationary test points.

Agglomeration, colloidal stability, and magnetic separation of magnetic nanoparticles: collective influences on environmental engineering applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeap, Swee Pin; Lim, JitKang; Ooi, Boon Seng; Ahmad, Abdul Latif

2017-11-01

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) which exhibit magnetic and catalytic bifunctionalities have been widely accepted as one of the most promising nanoagents used in water purification processes. However, due to the magnetic dipole-dipole interaction, MNPs can easily lose their colloidal stability and tend to agglomerate. Thus, it is necessary to enhance their colloidal stability in order to maintain the desired high specific surface area. Meanwhile, in order to successfully utilize MNPs for environmental engineering applications, an effective magnetic separation technology has to be developed. This step is to ensure the MNPs that have been used for pollutant removal can be fully reharvested back. Unfortunately, it was recently highlighted that there exists a conflicting role between colloidal stability and magnetic separability of the MNPs, whereby the more colloidally stable the particle is, the harder for it to be magnetically separated. In other words, attaining a win-win scenario in which the MNPs possess both good colloidal stability and fast magnetic separation rate becomes challenging. Such phenomenon has to be thoroughly understood as the colloidal stability and the magnetic separability of MNPs play a pivotal role on affecting their effective implementation in water purification processes. Accordingly, it is the aim of this paper to provide reviews on (i) the colloidal stability and (ii) the magnetic separation of MNPs, as well as to provide insights on (iii) their conflicting relationship based on recent research findings. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Effect of amino acids on the stability of spray freeze-dried immunoglobulin G in sugar-based matrices.

PubMed

Emami, Fakhrossadat; Vatanara, Alireza; Najafabadi, Abdolhosein Rouholamini; Kim, Yejin; Park, Eun Ji; Sardari, Soroush; Na, Dong Hee

2018-07-01

The purpose of this study was to prepare spray freeze-dried particles of immunoglobulin G (IgG) using various combinations of trehalose and different amino acids (leucine, phenylalanine, arginine, cysteine, and glycine), and investigate the effect of the amino acids on the stability of IgG during the spray freeze-drying (SFD) process and storage. The morphology and structural integrity of the processed particles were evaluated by physical and spectroscopic techniques. SFD-processed IgG without any excipient resulted in the formation of aggregates corresponding to approximately 14% of IgG. In contrast, IgG formulations stabilized using an optimal level of leucine, phenylalanine, or glycine in the presence of trehalose displayed aggregates <2.2%. In particular, phenylalanine combined with trehalose was most effective in stabilizing IgG against shear, freezing, and dehydration stresses during SFD. Arginine and cysteine were destabilizers displaying aggregation and fragmentation of IgG, respectively. Aggregation and fragmentation were evaluated by dynamic light scattering, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, size-exclusion chromatography, and microchip capillary gel electrophoresis. The IgG formulations prepared with leucine, phenylalanine, or glycine in the presence of trehalose showed good stability after storage at 40 °C and 75% relative humidity for 2 months. Thus, a combination of the excipients trehalose and uncharged, nonpolar amino acids appears effective for production of stable SFD IgG formulations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Digital approach to stabilizing optical frequency combs and beat notes of CW lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čížek, Martin; Číp, Ondřej; Å míd, Radek; Hrabina, Jan; Mikel, Břetislav; Lazar, Josef

2013-10-01

In cases when it is necessary to lock optical frequencies generated by an optical frequency comb to a precise radio frequency (RF) standard (GPS-disciplined oscillator, H-maser, etc.) the usual practice is to implement phase and frequency-locked loops. Such system takes the signal generated by the RF standard (usually 10 MHz or 100 MHz) as a reference and stabilizes the repetition and offset frequencies of the comb contained in the RF output of the f-2f interferometer. These control loops are usually built around analog electronic circuits processing the output signals from photo detectors. This results in transferring the stability of the standard from RF to optical frequency domain. The presented work describes a different approach based on digital signal processing and software-defined radio algorithms used for processing the f-2f and beat-note signals. Several applications of digital phase and frequency locks to a RF standard are demonstrated: the repetition (frep) and offset frequency (fceo) of the comb, and the frequency of the beat note between a CW laser source and a single component of the optical frequency comb spectrum.

Calcium phosphate stabilization of fly ash with chloride extraction.

PubMed

Nzihou, Ange; Sharrock, Patrick

2002-01-01

Municipal solid waste incinerator by products include fly ash and air pollution control residues. In order to transform these incinerator wastes into reusable mineral species, soluble alkali chlorides must be separated and toxic trace elements must be stabilized in insoluble form. We show that alkali chlorides can be extracted efficiently in an aqueous extraction step combining a calcium phosphate gel precipitation. In such a process, sodium and potassium chlorides are obtained free from calcium salts, and the trace metal ions are immobilized in the calcium phosphate matrix. Moderate calcination of the chemically treated fly ash leads to the formation of cristalline hydroxylapatite. Fly ash spiked with copper ions and treated by this process shows improved stability of metal ions. Leaching tests with water or EDTA reveal a significant drop in metal ion dissolution. Hydroxylapatite may trap toxic metals and also prevent their evaporation during thermal treatments. Incinerator fly ash together with air pollution control residues, treated by the combined chloride extraction and hydroxylapatite formation process may be considered safe to use as a mineral filler in value added products such as road base or cement blocks.

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

Yablinsky, C. A.; Tippey, K. E.; Vaynman, S.

In this study, the development of oxide dispersion strengthened ferrous alloys has shown that microstructures designed for excellent irradiation resistance and thermal stability ideally contain stable nanoscale precipitates and dislocation sinks. Based upon this understanding, the microstructures of conventionally manufactured ferritic and ferritic-martensitic steels can be designed to include controlled volume fractions of fine, stable precipitates and dislocation sinks via specific alloying and processing paths. The concepts proposed here are categorized as advanced high-Cr ferritic-martensitic (AHCr-FM) and novel tailored precipitate ferritic (TPF) steels, which have the potential to improve the in-reactor performance of conventionally manufactured alloys. AHCr-FM steels have modifiedmore » alloy content relative to current reactor materials (such as alloy NF616/P92) to maximize desirable precipitates and control phase stability. TPF steels are designed to incorporate nickel aluminides, in addition to microalloy carbides, in a ferritic matrix to produce fine precipitate arrays with good thermal stability. Both alloying concepts may also benefit from thermomechanical processing to establish dislocation sinks and modify phase transformation behaviors. Alloying and processing paths toward designed microstructures are discussed for both AHCr-FM and TPF material classes.« less

Impact of excitation waveform on the frequency stability of electrostatically-actuated micro-electromechanical oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juillard, J.; Brenes, A.

2018-05-01

In this paper, the frequency stability of high-Q electrostatically-actuated MEMS oscillators with cubic restoring forces, and its relation with the amplitude, the phase and the shape of the excitation waveform, is studied. The influence on close-to-the carrier frequency noise of additive processes (such as thermomechanical noise) or parametric processes (bias voltage fluctuations, feedback phase fluctuations, feedback level fluctuations) is taken into account. It is shown that the optimal operating conditions of electrostatically-actuated MEMS oscillators are highly waveform-dependent, a factor that is largely overlooked in the existing literature. This simulation-based study covers the cases of harmonic and pulsed excitation of a parallel-plate capacitive MEMS resonator.

New potential biocatalysts by laccase immobilization in PVA Cryogel type carrier.

PubMed

Stanescu, Michaela Dina; Fogorasi, Magdalena; Shaskolskiy, Boris L; Gavrilas, Simona; Lozinsky, Vladimir I

2010-04-01

Laccases are enzymes belonging to the Oxidoreductases class. These enzymes may be good biocatalysts for different processes, at laboratory and industrial levels. A successful use at industrial scale demands a higher stability of the enzyme. As an easy way to obtain longer life biocatalysts, the immobilization process is recommended. Thus, the paper presents different ways of obtaining new biocatalysts by a laccase covalent immobilization on a macroporous carrier based on poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel. Different procedures of covalent immobilization are described, the newly obtained biocatalysts being characterized. According to the experimental data, the stability of the immobilized enzyme increased and the pH profile changed, compared with those of the free enzyme.

Long-Term Stability of Residual Stress Improvement by Water Jet Peening Considering Working Processes.

PubMed

Hashimoto, Tadafumi; Osawa, Yusuke; Itoh, Shinsuke; Mochizuki, Masahito; Nishimoto, Kazutoshi

2013-06-01

To prevent primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC), water jet peening (WJP) has been used on the welds of Ni-based alloys in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Before WJP, the welds are machined and buffed in order to conduct a penetrant test (PT) to verify the weld qualities to access, and microstructure evolution takes place in the target area due to the severe plastic deformation. The compressive residual stresses induced by WJP might be unstable under elevated temperatures because of the high dislocation density in the compressive stress layer. Therefore, the stability of the compressive residual stresses caused by WJP was investigated during long-term operation by considering the microstructure evolution due to the working processes. The following conclusions were made: The compressive residual stresses were slightly relaxed in the surface layers of the thermally aged specimens. There were no differences in the magnitude of the relaxation based on temperature or time. The compressive residual stresses induced by WJP were confirmed to remain stable under elevated temperatures. The stress relaxation at the surface followed the Johnson-Mehl equation, which states that stress relaxation can occur due to the recovery of severe plastic strain, since the estimated activation energy agrees very well with the self-diffusion energy for Ni. By utilizing the additivity rule, it was indicated that stress relaxation due to recovery is completed during the startup process. It was proposed that the long-term stability of WJP under elevated temperatures must be assessed based on compressive stresses with respect to the yield stress. Thermal elastic-plastic creep analysis was performed to predict the effect of creep strain. After 100 yr of simulated continuous operation at 80% capacity, there was little change in the WJP compressive stresses under an actual operating temperature of 623 K. Therefore, the long-term stability of WJP during actual operation was analytically predicted.

Coupling effect and control strategies of the maglev dual-stage inertially stabilization system based on frequency-domain analysis.

PubMed

Lin, Zhuchong; Liu, Kun; Zhang, Li; Zeng, Delin

2016-09-01

Maglev dual-stage inertially stabilization (MDIS) system is a newly proposed system which combines a conventional two-axis gimbal assembly and a 5-DOF (degree of freedom) magnetic bearing with vernier tilting capacity to perform dual-stage stabilization for the LOS of the suspended optical instrument. Compared with traditional dual-stage system, maglev dual-stage system exhibits different characteristics due to the negative position stiffness of the magnetic forces, which introduces additional coupling in the dual stage control system. In this paper, the coupling effect on the system performance is addressed based on frequency-domain analysis, including disturbance rejection, fine stage saturation and coarse stage structural resonance suppression. The difference between various control strategies is also discussed, including pile-up(PU), stabilize-follow (SF) and stabilize-compensate (SC). A number of principles for the design of a maglev dual stage system are proposed. A general process is also suggested, which leads to a cost-effective design striking a balance between high performance and complexity. At last, a simulation example is presented to illustrate the arguments in the paper. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimal Control of Micro Grid Operation Mode Seamless Switching Based on Radau Allocation Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaomin; Wang, Gang

2017-05-01

The seamless switching process of micro grid operation mode directly affects the safety and stability of its operation. According to the switching process from island mode to grid-connected mode of micro grid, we establish a dynamic optimization model based on two grid-connected inverters. We use Radau allocation method to discretize the model, and use Newton iteration method to obtain the optimal solution. Finally, we implement the optimization mode in MATLAB and get the optimal control trajectory of the inverters.

Stability of prebiotic, laminaran oligosaccharide under food processing conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamidah, A.

2018-04-01

Prebiotic stability tests on laminaran oligosaccharide under food processing conditions were urgently performed to determine the ability of prebiotics deal with processing. Laminaran, oligosaccharide is produced from enzymatic hydrolysis. To further apply this prebiotic, it is necessary to test its performance on food processing. Single prebiotic or in combination with probiotic can improve human digestive health. The effectiveness evaluation of prebiotic should be taken into account in regards its chemical and functional stabilities. This study aims to investigate the stability of laminaran, oligosaccharide under food processing condition.

The oxidative stability of carbon fibre reinforced glass-matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prewo, K. M.; Batt, J. A.

1988-01-01

The environmental stability of carbon fibre reinforced glass-matrix composites is assessed. Loss of composite strength due to oxidative exposure at elevated temperatures under no load, static load and cyclic fatigue as well as due to thermal cycling are all examined. It is determined that strength loss is gradual and predictable based on the oxidation of carbon fibres. The glass matrix was not found to prevent this degradation but simply to limit it to a gradual process progressing from the composite surfaces inward.

Coating processes for increasing the moisture resistance of polyurethane baffle material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bilow, N.; Sawko, P.

1974-01-01

An investigation was conducted with the objective to improve the hydrolytic stability of reticulated polyurethane baffle material. This material is used in fuel tanks of aircraft and ground vehicles. The most commonly used foam of this type is hydrolytically unstable. Potential moisture barrier coatings which were evaluated include Parylene, epoxy-polysulfide, polyether based polyurethanes, polysulfides, polyolefin rubbers, and several other materials. Parylene coatings of at least 0.2 mil were found to provide the greatest improvement in hydrolytic stability.

The formation of catalytically competent enzyme-substrate complex is not a bottleneck in lesion excision by human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase.

PubMed

Kuznetsov, N A; Kiryutin, A S; Kuznetsova, A A; Panov, M S; Barsukova, M O; Yurkovskaya, A V; Fedorova, O S

2017-04-01

Human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (AAG) protects DNA from alkylated and deaminated purine lesions. AAG flips out the damaged nucleotide from the double helix of DNA and catalyzes the hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bond to release the damaged base. To understand better, how the step of nucleotide eversion influences the overall catalytic process, we performed a pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of AAG interaction with specific DNA-substrates, 13-base pair duplexes containing in the 7th position 1-N6-ethenoadenine (εA), hypoxanthine (Hx), and the stable product analogue tetrahydrofuran (F). The combination of the fluorescence of tryptophan, 2-aminopurine, and 1-N6-ethenoadenine was used to record conformational changes of the enzyme and DNA during the processes of DNA lesion recognition, damaged base eversion, excision of the N-glycosidic bond, and product release. The thermal stability of the duplexes characterized by the temperature of melting, T m , and the rates of spontaneous opening of individual nucleotide base pairs were determined by NMR spectroscopy. The data show that the relative thermal stability of duplexes containing a particular base pair in position 7, (T m (F/T) < T m (εA/T) < T m (Hx/T) < T m (A/T)) correlates with the rate of reversible spontaneous opening of the base pair. However, in contrast to that, the catalytic lesion excision rate is two orders of magnitude higher for Hx-containing substrates than for substrates containing εA, proving that catalytic activity is not correlated with the stability of the damaged base pair. Our study reveals that the formation of the catalytically competent enzyme-substrate complex is not the bottleneck controlling the catalytic activity of AAG.

Biobased, environmentally friendly lubricants for processing plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Vegetable oil based lubricants have excellent lubricity, biodegradability, good viscosity temperature characteristics and low evaporation loss, but poor thermos-oxidative stability and cold flow properties. This paper presents a systematic approach to improve the oxidative and cold flow behavior of...

Schizosaccharomyces pombe MutSα and MutLα Maintain Stability of Tetra-Nucleotide Repeats and Msh3 of Hepta-Nucleotide Repeats

PubMed Central

Villahermosa, Desirée; Christensen, Olaf; Knapp, Karen; Fleck, Oliver

2017-01-01

Defective mismatch repair (MMR) in humans is associated with colon cancer and instability of microsatellites, that is, DNA sequences with one or several nucleotides repeated. Key factors of eukaryotic MMR are the heterodimers MutSα (Msh2-Msh6), which recognizes base-base mismatches and unpaired nucleotides in DNA, and MutLα (Mlh1-Pms1), which facilitates downstream steps. In addition, MutSβ (Msh2-Msh3) recognizes DNA loops of various sizes, although our previous data and the data presented here suggest that Msh3 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe does not play a role in MMR. To test microsatellite stability in S. pombe and hence DNA loop repair, we have inserted tetra-, penta-, and hepta-nucleotide repeats in the ade6 gene and determined their Ade+ reversion rates and spectra in wild type and various mutants. Our data indicate that loops with four unpaired nucleotides in the nascent and the template strand are the upper limit of MutSα- and MutLα-mediated MMR in S. pombe. Stability of hepta-nucleotide repeats requires Msh3 and Exo1 in MMR-independent processes as well as the DNA repair proteins Rad50, Rad51, and Rad2FEN1. Most strikingly, mutation rates in the double mutants msh3 exo1 and msh3 rad51 were decreased when compared to respective single mutants, indicating that Msh3 prevents error prone processes carried out by Exo1 and Rad51. We conclude that Msh3 has no obvious function in MMR in S. pombe, but contributes to DNA repeat stability in MMR-independent processes. PMID:28341698

Schizosaccharomyces pombe MutSα and MutLα Maintain Stability of Tetra-Nucleotide Repeats and Msh3 of Hepta-Nucleotide Repeats.

PubMed

Villahermosa, Desirée; Christensen, Olaf; Knapp, Karen; Fleck, Oliver

2017-05-05

Defective mismatch repair (MMR) in humans is associated with colon cancer and instability of microsatellites, that is, DNA sequences with one or several nucleotides repeated. Key factors of eukaryotic MMR are the heterodimers MutSα (Msh2-Msh6), which recognizes base-base mismatches and unpaired nucleotides in DNA, and MutLα (Mlh1-Pms1), which facilitates downstream steps. In addition, MutSβ (Msh2-Msh3) recognizes DNA loops of various sizes, although our previous data and the data presented here suggest that Msh3 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe does not play a role in MMR. To test microsatellite stability in S. pombe and hence DNA loop repair, we have inserted tetra-, penta-, and hepta-nucleotide repeats in the ade6 gene and determined their Ade + reversion rates and spectra in wild type and various mutants. Our data indicate that loops with four unpaired nucleotides in the nascent and the template strand are the upper limit of MutSα- and MutLα-mediated MMR in S. pombe Stability of hepta-nucleotide repeats requires Msh3 and Exo1 in MMR-independent processes as well as the DNA repair proteins Rad50, Rad51, and Rad2 FEN1 Most strikingly, mutation rates in the double mutants msh3 exo1 and msh3 rad51 were decreased when compared to respective single mutants, indicating that Msh3 prevents error prone processes carried out by Exo1 and Rad51. We conclude that Msh3 has no obvious function in MMR in S. pombe , but contributes to DNA repeat stability in MMR-independent processes. Copyright © 2017 Villahermosa et al.

The strengthening mechanism of a nickel-based alloy after laser shock processing at high temperatures

PubMed Central

Li, Yinghong; Zhou, Liucheng; He, Weifeng; He, Guangyu; Wang, Xuede; Nie, Xiangfan; Wang, Bo; Luo, Sihai; Li, Yuqin

2013-01-01

We investigated the strengthening mechanism of laser shock processing (LSP) at high temperatures in the K417 nickel-based alloy. Using a laser-induced shock wave, residual compressive stresses and nanocrystals with a length of 30–200 nm and a thickness of 1 μm are produced on the surface of the nickel-based alloy K417. When the K417 alloy is subjected to heat treatment at 900 °C after LSP, most of the residual compressive stress relaxes while the microhardness retains good thermal stability; the nanocrystalline surface has not obviously grown after the 900 °C per 10 h heat treatment, which shows a comparatively good thermal stability. There are several reasons for the good thermal stability of the nanocrystalline surface, such as the low value of cold hardening of LSP, extreme high-density defects and the grain boundary pinning of an impure element. The results of the vibration fatigue experiments show that the fatigue strength of K417 alloy is enhanced and improved from 110 to 285 MPa after LSP. After the 900 °C per 10 h heat treatment, the fatigue strength is 225 MPa; the heat treatment has not significantly reduced the reinforcement effect. The feature of the LSP strengthening mechanism of nickel-based alloy at a high temperature is the co-working effect of the nanocrystalline surface and the residual compressive stress after thermal relaxation. PMID:27877617

Coupled Growth in Hypermonotectics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, J. Barry; Coriell, Sam R.

2001-01-01

The overall objective of this project is to obtain a fundamental understanding of the physics controlling solidification processes in immiscible alloy systems. The investigation involves both experimentation and the development of a model describing solidification in monotectic systems. The experimental segment was designed to first demonstrate that it is possible to obtain interface stability and steady state coupled growth in hypermonotectic alloys through microgravity processing. Microgravity results obtained to date have verified this possibility. Future flights will permit experimental determination of the limits of interface stability and the influence of alloy composition and growth rate on microstructure. The objectives of the modeling segment of the investigation include prediction of the limits of interface stability, modeling of convective flow due to residual acceleration, and the influence of surface tension driven flows at the solidification interface. The study of solidification processes in immiscible alloy systems is hindered by the inherent convective flow that occurs on Earth and by the possibility of sedimentation of the higher density immiscible liquid phase. It has been shown that processing using a high thermal gradient and a low growth rate can lead to a stable macroscopically planar growth front even in hypermonotectic alloys. Processing under these growth conditions can avoid constitutional supercooling and prevent the formation of the minor immiscible liquid phase in advance of the solidification front. However, the solute depleted boundary layer that forms in advance of the solidification front is almost always less dense than the liquid away from the solidification front. As a result, convective instability is expected. Ground based testing has indicated that convection is a major problem in these alloy systems and leads to gross compositional variations along the sample and difficulties maintaining interface stability. Sustained low gravity processing conditions are necessary in order to minimize these problems and obtain solidification conditions which approach steady state.

JWST Point Spread Function Quality and Stability: Ground Testing, Integrated Modeling, and Space Validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McElwain, Michael; Van Gorkom, Kyle; Bowers, Charles W.; Carnahan, Timothy M.; Kimble, Randy A.; Knight, J. Scott; Lightsey, Paul; Maghami, Peiman G.; Mustelier, David; Niedner, Malcolm B.;

Research on flight stability performance of rotor aircraft based on visual servo control method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yanan; Chen, Jing

2016-11-01

control method based on visual servo feedback is proposed, which is used to improve the attitude of a quad-rotor aircraft and to enhance its flight stability. Ground target images are obtained by a visual platform fixed on aircraft. Scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorism is used to extract image feature information. According to the image characteristic analysis, fast motion estimation is completed and used as an input signal of PID flight control system to realize real-time status adjustment in flight process. Imaging tests and simulation results show that the method proposed acts good performance in terms of flight stability compensation and attitude adjustment. The response speed and control precision meets the requirements of actual use, which is able to reduce or even eliminate the influence of environmental disturbance. So the method proposed has certain research value to solve the problem of aircraft's anti-disturbance.

A generic interface to reduce the efficiency-stability-cost gap of perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Yi; Du, Xiaoyan; Scheiner, Simon; McMeekin, David P.; Wang, Zhiping; Li, Ning; Killian, Manuela S.; Chen, Haiwei; Richter, Moses; Levchuk, Ievgen; Schrenker, Nadine; Spiecker, Erdmann; Stubhan, Tobias; Luechinger, Norman A.; Hirsch, Andreas; Schmuki, Patrik; Steinrück, Hans-Peter; Fink, Rainer H.; Halik, Marcus; Snaith, Henry J.; Brabec, Christoph J.

2017-12-01

A major bottleneck delaying the further commercialization of thin-film solar cells based on hybrid organohalide lead perovskites is interface loss in state-of-the-art devices. We present a generic interface architecture that combines solution-processed, reliable, and cost-efficient hole-transporting materials without compromising efficiency, stability, or scalability of perovskite solar cells. Tantalum-doped tungsten oxide (Ta-WOx)/conjugated polymer multilayers offer a surprisingly small interface barrier and form quasi-ohmic contacts universally with various scalable conjugated polymers. In a simple device with regular planar architecture and a self-assembled monolayer, Ta-WOx-doped interface-based perovskite solar cells achieve maximum efficiencies of 21.2% and offer more than 1000 hours of light stability. By eliminating additional ionic dopants, these findings open up the entire class of organics as scalable hole-transporting materials for perovskite solar cells.

9 CFR 318.23 - Heat-processing and stabilization requirements for uncured meat patties.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Heat-processing and stabilization...; REINSPECTION AND PREPARATION OF PRODUCTS General § 318.23 Heat-processing and stabilization requirements for... been heat processed for less time or using lower internal temperatures than are prescribed by paragraph...

Enhanced methodology of focus control and monitoring on scanner tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yen-Jen; Kim, Young Ki; Hao, Xueli; Gomez, Juan-Manuel; Tian, Ye; Kamalizadeh, Ferhad; Hanson, Justin K.

2017-03-01

As the demand of the technology node shrinks from 14nm to 7nm, the reliability of tool monitoring techniques in advanced semiconductor fabs to achieve high yield and quality becomes more critical. Tool health monitoring methods involve periodic sampling of moderately processed test wafers to detect for particles, defects, and tool stability in order to ensure proper tool health. For lithography TWINSCAN scanner tools, the requirements for overlay stability and focus control are very strict. Current scanner tool health monitoring methods include running BaseLiner to ensure proper tool stability on a periodic basis. The focus measurement on YIELDSTAR by real-time or library-based reconstruction of critical dimensions (CD) and side wall angle (SWA) has been demonstrated as an accurate metrology input to the control loop. The high accuracy and repeatability of the YIELDSTAR focus measurement provides a common reference of scanner setup and user process. In order to further improve the metrology and matching performance, Diffraction Based Focus (DBF) metrology enabling accurate, fast, and non-destructive focus acquisition, has been successfully utilized for focus monitoring/control of TWINSCAN NXT immersion scanners. The optimal DBF target was determined to have minimized dose crosstalk, dynamic precision, set-get residual, and lens aberration sensitivity. By exploiting this new measurement target design, 80% improvement in tool-to-tool matching, >16% improvement in run-to-run mean focus stability, and >32% improvement in focus uniformity have been demonstrated compared to the previous BaseLiner methodology. Matching <2.4 nm across multiple NXT immersion scanners has been achieved with the new methodology of set baseline reference. This baseline technique, with either conventional BaseLiner low numerical aperture (NA=1.20) mode or advanced illumination high NA mode (NA=1.35), has also been evaluated to have consistent performance. This enhanced methodology of focus control and monitoring on multiple illumination conditions, opens an avenue to significantly reduce Focus-Exposure Matrix (FEM) wafer exposure for new product/layer best focus (BF) setup.

Quantitative assessment of the risk of microbial spoilage in foods. Prediction of non-stability at 55 °C caused by Geobacillus stearothermophilus in canned green beans.

PubMed

Rigaux, Clémence; André, Stéphane; Albert, Isabelle; Carlin, Frédéric

2014-02-03

Microbial spoilage of canned foods by thermophilic and highly heat-resistant spore-forming bacteria, such as Geobacillus stearothermophilus, is a persistent problem in the food industry. An incubation test at 55 °C for 7 days, then validation of biological stability, is used as an indicator of compliance with good manufacturing practices. We propose a microbial risk assessment model predicting the percentage of non-stability due to G. stearothermophilus in canned green beans manufactured by a French company. The model accounts for initial microbial contaminations of fresh unprocessed green beans with G. stearothermophilus, cross-contaminations in the processing chain, inactivation processes and probability of survival and growth. The sterilization process is modeled by an equivalent heating time depending on sterilization value F₀ and on G. stearothermophilus resistance parameter z(T). Following the recommendations of international organizations, second order Monte-Carlo simulations are used, separately propagating uncertainty and variability on parameters. As a result of the model, the mean predicted non-stability rate is of 0.5%, with a 95% uncertainty interval of [0.1%; 1.2%], which is highly similar to data communicated by the French industry. A sensitivity analysis based on Sobol indices and some scenario tests underline the importance of cross-contamination at the blanching step, in addition to inactivation due to the sterilization process. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stable and verifiable state estimation methods and systems with spacecraft applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Rongsheng (Inventor); Wu, Yeong-Wei Andy (Inventor)

2001-01-01

The stability of a recursive estimator process (e.g., a Kalman filter is assured for long time periods by periodically resetting an error covariance P(t.sub.n) of the system to a predetermined reset value P.sub.r. The recursive process is thus repetitively forced to start from a selected covariance and continue for a time period that is short compared to the system's total operational time period. The time period in which the process must maintain its numerical stability is significantly reduced as is the demand on the system's numerical stability. The process stability for an extended operational time period T.sub.o is verified by performing the resetting step at the end of at least one reset time period T.sub.r whose duration is less than the operational time period T.sub.o and then confirming stability of the process over the reset time period T.sub.r. Because the recursive process starts from a selected covariance at the beginning of each reset time period T.sub.r, confirming stability of the process over at least one reset time period substantially confirms stability over the longer operational time period T.sub.o.

A validated stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for levofloxacin in the presence of degradation products, its process related impurities and identification of oxidative degradant.

PubMed

Lalitha Devi, M; Chandrasekhar, K B

2009-12-05

The objective of current study was to develop a validated specific stability indicating reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of levofloxacin as well as its related substances determination in bulk samples, pharmaceutical dosage forms in the presence of degradation products and its process related impurities. Forced degradation studies were performed on bulk sample of levofloxacin as per ICH prescribed stress conditions using acid, base, oxidative, water hydrolysis, thermal stress and photolytic degradation to show the stability indicating power of the method. Significant degradation was observed during oxidative stress and the degradation product formed was identified by LCMS/MS, slight degradation in acidic stress and no degradation was observed in other stress conditions. The chromatographic method was optimized using the samples generated from forced degradation studies and the impurity spiked solution. Good resolution between the peaks corresponds to process related impurities and degradation products from the analyte were achieved on ACE C18 column using the mobile phase consists a mixture of 0.5% (v/v) triethyl amine in sodium dihydrogen orthophosphate dihydrate (25 mM; pH 6.0) and methanol using a simple linear gradient. The detection was carried out at 294 nm. The limit of detection and the limit of quantitation for the levofloxacin and its process related impurities were established. The stressed test solutions were assayed against the qualified working standard of levofloxacin and the mass balance in each case was in between 99.4 and 99.8% indicating that the developed LC method was stability indicating. Validation of the developed LC method was carried out as per ICH requirements. The developed LC method was found to be suitable to check the quality of bulk samples of levofloxacin at the time of batch release and also during its stability studies (long term and accelerated stability).

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

Glosser, D.; Kutchko, B.; Benge, G.

Foamed cement is a critical component for wellbore stability. The mechanical performance of a foamed cement depends on its microstructure, which in turn depends on the preparation method and attendant operational variables. Determination of cement stability for field use is based on laboratory testing protocols governed by API Recommended Practice 10B-4 (API RP 10B-4, 2015). However, laboratory and field operational variables contrast considerably in terms of scale, as well as slurry mixing and foaming processes. Here in this paper, laboratory and field operational processes are characterized within a physics-based framework. It is shown that the “atomization energy” imparted by themore » high pressure injection of nitrogen gas into the field mixed foamed cement slurry is – by a significant margin – the highest energy process, and has a major impact on the void system in the cement slurry. There is no analog for this high energy exchange in current laboratory cement preparation and testing protocols. Quantifying the energy exchanges across the laboratory and field processes provides a basis for understanding relative impacts of these variables on cement structure, and can ultimately lead to the development of practices to improve cement testing and performance.« less

Stability and Reactivity: Positive and Negative Aspects for Nanoparticle Processing.

PubMed

Xu, Liang; Liang, Hai-Wei; Yang, Yuan; Yu, Shu-Hong

2018-04-11

Nanoparticles exist far from the equilibrium state due to their high surface energy. Nanoparticles are therefore extremely unstable and easily change themselves or react with active substances to reach a relatively stable state in some cases. This causes desired changes or undesired changes to nanoparticles and thus makes them exhibit a high reactivity and a poor stability. Such dual nature (poor stability and high reactivity) of nanoparticles may result in both negative and positive effects for nanoparticle processing. However, the existing studies mainly focus on the high reactivity of nanoparticles, whereas their poor stability has been neglected or considered inconsequential. In fact, in some cases the unstable process, which is derived from the poor stability of nanoparticles, offers an opportunity to design and fabricate unique nanomaterials, such as by chemically transforming the "captured" intermediate nanostructures during a changing process, assembling destabilized nanoparticles into larger ordered assemblies, or shrinking/processing pristine materials into the desired size or shape via selective etching. In this review, we aim to present the stability and reactivity of nanoparticles on three levels: the foundation, concrete manifestations, and applications. We start with a brief introduction of dangling bonds and the surface chemistry of nanoparticles. Then, concrete manifestations of the poor stability and high reactivity of nanoparticles are presented from four perspectives: dispersion stability, thermal stability, structural stability, and chemical stability/reactivity. Next, we discuss some issues regarding the stability and reactivity of nanomaterials during applications. Finally, conclusions and perspectives on this field are presented.

Pitch-based carbon foam and composites

DOEpatents

Klett, James W.

2001-01-01

A process for producing carbon foam or a composite is disclosed which obviates the need for conventional oxidative stabilization. The process employs mesophase or isotropic pitch and a simplified process using a single mold. The foam has a relatively uniform distribution of pore sizes and a highly aligned graphic structure in the struts. The foam material can be made into a composite which is useful in high temperature sandwich panels for both thermal and structural applications.

Pitch-based carbon foam and composites

DOEpatents

Klett, James W.

2003-12-16

A process for producing carbon foam or a composite is disclosed which obviates the need for conventional oxidative stabilization. The process employs mesophase or isotropic pitch and a simplified process using a single mold. The foam has a relatively uniform distribution of pore sizes and a highly aligned graphic structure in the struts. The foam material can be made into a composite which is useful in high temperature sandwich panels for both thermal and structural applications.

Pitch-based carbon foam and composites

DOEpatents

Klett, James W.

2003-12-02

A process for producing carbon foam or a composite is disclosed which obviates the need for conventional oxidative stabilization. The process employs mesophase or isotropic pitch and a simplified process using a single mold. The foam has a relatively uniform distribution of pore sizes and a highly aligned graphic structure in the struts. The foam material can be made into a composite which is useful in high temperature sandwich panels for both thermal and structural applications.

Pitch-based carbon foam and composites

DOEpatents

Klett, James W.

2002-01-01

A process for producing carbon foam or a composite is disclosed which obviates the need for conventional oxidative stabilization. The process employs mesophase or isotropic pitch and a simplified process using a single mold. The foam has a relatively uniform distribution of pore sizes and a highly aligned graphic structure in the struts. The foam material can be made into a composite which is useful in high temperature sandwich panels for both thermal and structural applications.

Design, processing, and testing of LSI arrays for space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, W. C.

1974-01-01

At wafer probe, units of the TA6567 circuit, a beam leaded COS/MOS/SOS 256-bit RAM, were demonstrated to be functionally perfect. An aluminum gate current-sense version and a silicon-gate voltage-sense version of this memory were developed. Initial base line data for the beam lead SOS process using the TA5388 circuit show the stability of the dc device characteristics through the beam lead processing.

The Dawn of Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cell: Highly Stable Double Perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 Film

PubMed Central

Wu, Cuncun; Zhang, Qiaohui; Liu, Yang; Luo, Wei; Guo, Xuan; Huang, Ziru; Ting, Hungkit; Sun, Weihai; Zhong, Xinrui; Wei, Shiyuan

2017-01-01

Abstract Recently, lead‐free double perovskites have emerged as a promising environmentally friendly photovoltaic material for their intrinsic thermodynamic stability, appropriate bandgaps, small carrier effective masses, and low exciton binding energies. However, currently no solar cell based on these double perovskites has been reported, due to the challenge in film processing. Herein, a first lead‐free double perovskite planar heterojunction solar cell with a high quality Cs2AgBiBr6 film, fabricated by low‐pressure assisted solution processing under ambient conditions, is reported. The device presents a best power conversion efficiency of 1.44%. The preliminary efficiency and the high stability under ambient condition without encapsulation, together with the high film quality with simple processing, demonstrate promise for lead‐free perovskite solar cells. PMID:29593974

Stability of an Electrodeposited Nanocrystalline Ni-Based Alloy Coating in Oil and Gas Wells with the Coexistence of H2S and CO2

PubMed Central

Sui, Yiyong; Sun, Chong; Sun, Jianbo; Pu, Baolin; Ren, Wei; Zhao, Weimin

2017-01-01

The stability of an electrodeposited nanocrystalline Ni-based alloy coating in a H2S/CO2 environment was investigated by electrochemical measurements, weight loss method, and surface characterization. The results showed that both the cathodic and anodic processes of the Ni-based alloy coating were simultaneously suppressed, displaying a dramatic decrease of the corrosion current density. The corrosion of the Ni-based alloy coating was controlled by H2S corrosion and showed general corrosion morphology under the test temperatures. The corrosion products, mainly consisting of Ni3S2, NiS, or Ni3S4, had excellent stability in acid solution. The corrosion rate decreased with the rise of temperature, while the adhesive force of the corrosion scale increased. With the rise of temperature, the deposited morphology and composition of corrosion products changed, the NiS content in the corrosion scale increased, and the stability and adhesive strength of the corrosion scale improved. The corrosion scale of the Ni-based alloy coating was stable, compact, had strong adhesion, and caused low weight loss, so the corrosion rates calculated by the weight loss method cannot reveal the actual oxidation rate of the coating. As the corrosion time was prolonged, the Ni-based coating was thinned while the corrosion scale thickened. The corrosion scale was closely combined with the coating, but cannot fully prevent the corrosive reactants from reaching the substrate. PMID:28772995

Design and Implementation of a Micromechanical Silicon Resonant Accelerometer

PubMed Central

Huang, Libin; Yang, Hui; Gao, Yang; Zhao, Liye; Liang, Jinxing

2013-01-01

The micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer has attracted considerable attention in the research and development of high-precision MEMS accelerometers because of its output of quasi-digital signals, high sensitivity, high resolution, wide dynamic range, anti-interference capacity and good stability. Because of the mismatching thermal expansion coefficients of silicon and glass, the micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer based on the Silicon on Glass (SOG) technique is deeply affected by the temperature during the fabrication, packaging and use processes. The thermal stress caused by temperature changes directly affects the frequency output of the accelerometer. Based on the working principle of the micromechanical resonant accelerometer, a special accelerometer structure that reduces the temperature influence on the accelerometer is designed. The accelerometer can greatly reduce the thermal stress caused by high temperatures in the process of fabrication and packaging. Currently, the closed-loop drive circuit is devised based on a phase-locked loop. The unloaded resonant frequencies of the prototype of the micromechanical silicon resonant accelerometer are approximately 31.4 kHz and 31.5 kHz. The scale factor is 66.24003 Hz/g. The scale factor stability is 14.886 ppm, the scale factor repeatability is 23 ppm, the bias stability is 23 μg, the bias repeatability is 170 μg, and the bias temperature coefficient is 0.0734 Hz/°C. PMID:24256978

Membrane Technologies in Wine Industry: An Overview.

PubMed

El Rayess, Youssef; Mietton-Peuchot, Martine

2016-09-09

Membrane processes are increasingly reported for various applications in wine industry such as microfiltration, electrodialysis, and reverse osmosis, but also emerging processes as bipolar electrodialysis and membrane contactor. Membrane-based processes are playing a critical role in the field of separation/purification, clarification, stabilization, concentration, and de-alcoholization of wine products. They begin to be an integral part of the winemaking process. This review will provide an overview of recent developments, applications, and published literature in membrane technologies applied in wine industry.

A coupled distributed hydrological-stability analysis on a terraced slope of Valtellina (northern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camera, C.; Apuani, T.; Masetti, M.

2013-02-01

The aim of this work was to understand and reproduce the hydrological dynamics of a slope, which was terraced using dry-stone retaining walls and its response to these processes in terms of stability at the slope scale. The slope studied is located in Valtellina (northern Italy), near the village of Tresenda, and in the last 30 yr has experienced several soil slip/debris flow events. In 1983 alone, such events caused the death of 18 people. Direct observation of the events of 1983 enabled the principal triggering cause of these events to be recognized in the formation of an overpressure at the base of a dry-stone wall, which caused its failure. To perform the analyses it is necessary to include the presence of dry-stone walls, considering the importance they have in influencing hydrological and geotechnical processes at the slope scale. This requires a very high resolution DEM (1 m × 1 m because the walls are from 0.60 m to 1.0 m wide) that has been appositely derived. A hydrogeological raster-based model, which takes into account both the unsaturated and saturated flux components, was applied. This was able to identify preferential infiltration zones and was rather precise in the prediction of maximum groundwater levels, providing valid input for the distributed stability analysis. Results of the hydrogeological model were used for the successive stability analysis. Sections of terrace were identified from the downslope base of a retaining wall to the top of the next downslope retaining wall. Within each section a global method of equilibrium was applied to determine its safety factor. The stability model showed a general tendency to overestimate the amount of unstable areas. An investigation of the causes of this unexpected behavior was, therefore, also performed in order to progressively improve the reliability of the model.

Towards an evolutionary theory of the origin of life based on kinetics and thermodynamics.

PubMed

Pascal, Robert; Pross, Addy; Sutherland, John D

2013-11-06

A sudden transition in a system from an inanimate state to the living state-defined on the basis of present day living organisms-would constitute a highly unlikely event hardly predictable from physical laws. From this uncontroversial idea, a self-consistent representation of the origin of life process is built up, which is based on the possibility of a series of intermediate stages. This approach requires a particular kind of stability for these stages-dynamic kinetic stability (DKS)-which is not usually observed in regular chemistry, and which is reflected in the persistence of entities capable of self-reproduction. The necessary connection of this kinetic behaviour with far-from-equilibrium thermodynamic conditions is emphasized and this leads to an evolutionary view for the origin of life in which multiplying entities must be associated with the dissipation of free energy. Any kind of entity involved in this process has to pay the energetic cost of irreversibility, but, by doing so, the contingent emergence of new functions is made feasible. The consequences of these views on the studies of processes by which life can emerge are inferred.

Solidification/stabilization of chromite ore processing residue using alkali-activated composite cementitious materials.

PubMed

Huang, Xiao; Zhuang, RanLiang; Muhammad, Faheem; Yu, Lin; Shiau, YanChyuan; Li, Dongwei

2017-02-01

Chromite Ore Processing Residue (COPR) produced in chromium salt production process causes a great health and environmental risk with Cr(VI) leaching. The solidification/stabilization (S/S) of COPR using alkali-activated blast furnace slag (BFS) and fly ash (FA) based cementitious material was investigated in this study. The optimum percentage of BFS and FA for preparing the alkali-activated BFS-FA binder had been studied. COPR was used to replace the amount of BFS-FA or ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for the preparation of the cementitious materials, respectively. The immobilization effect of the alkali-activated BFS-FA binder on COPR was much better than that of OPC based cementitious material. The potential for reusing the final treatment product as a readily available construction material was evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) analysis indicated that COPR had been effectively immobilized. The solidification mechanism is the combined effect of reduction, ion exchange, precipitation, adsorption and physical fixation in the alkali-activated composite cementitious material. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How electrostatic networks modulate specificity and stability of collagen.

PubMed

Zheng, Hongning; Lu, Cheng; Lan, Jun; Fan, Shilong; Nanda, Vikas; Xu, Fei

2018-06-12

One-quarter of the 28 types of natural collagen exist as heterotrimers. The oligomerization state of collagen affects the structure and mechanics of the extracellular matrix, providing essential cues to modulate biological and pathological processes. A lack of high-resolution structural information limits our mechanistic understanding of collagen heterospecific self-assembly. Here, the 1.77-Å resolution structure of a synthetic heterotrimer demonstrates the balance of intermolecular electrostatics and hydrogen bonding that affects collagen stability and heterospecificity of assembly. Atomistic simulations and mutagenesis based on the solved structure are used to explore the contributions of specific interactions to energetics. A predictive model of collagen stability and specificity is developed for engineering novel collagen structures.

Importance of stability study of continuous systems for ethanol production.

PubMed

Paz Astudillo, Isabel Cristina; Cardona Alzate, Carlos Ariel

2011-01-10

Fuel ethanol industry presents different problems during bioreactors operation. One of them is the unexpected variation in the output ethanol concentration from the bioreactor or a drastic fall in the productivity. In this paper, a compilation of concepts and relevant results of several experimental and theoretical studies about dynamic behavior of fermentation systems for bioethanol production with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis is done with the purpose of understanding the stability phenomena that could affect the productivity of industries producing fuel ethanol. It is shown that the design of high scale biochemical processes for fuel ethanol production must be done based on stability studies. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nonlinear relative-proportion-based route adjustment process for day-to-day traffic dynamics: modeling, equilibrium and stability analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Wenlong; Ma, Shoufeng; Tian, Junfang; Li, Geng

2016-11-01

Travelers' route adjustment behaviors in a congested road traffic network are acknowledged as a dynamic game process between them. Existing Proportional-Switch Adjustment Process (PSAP) models have been extensively investigated to characterize travelers' route choice behaviors; PSAP has concise structure and intuitive behavior rule. Unfortunately most of which have some limitations, i.e., the flow over adjustment problem for the discrete PSAP model, the absolute cost differences route adjustment problem, etc. This paper proposes a relative-Proportion-based Route Adjustment Process (rePRAP) maintains the advantages of PSAP and overcomes these limitations. The rePRAP describes the situation that travelers on higher cost route switch to those with lower cost at the rate that is unilaterally depended on the relative cost differences between higher cost route and its alternatives. It is verified to be consistent with the principle of the rational behavior adjustment process. The equivalence among user equilibrium, stationary path flow pattern and stationary link flow pattern is established, which can be applied to judge whether a given network traffic flow has reached UE or not by detecting the stationary or non-stationary state of link flow pattern. The stability theorem is proved by the Lyapunov function approach. A simple example is tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of the rePRAP model.

Leaching behaviour and mechanical properties of copper flotation waste in stabilized/solidified products.

PubMed

Mesci, Başak; Coruh, Semra; Ergun, Osman Nuri

2009-02-01

This research describes the investigation of a cement-based solidification/stabilization process for the safe disposal of copper flotation waste and the effect on cement properties of the addition of copper flotation waste (CW) and clinoptilolite (C). In addition to the reference mixture, 17 different mixtures were prepared using different proportions of CW and C. Physical properties such as setting time, specific surface area and compressive strength were determined and compared to a reference mixture and Turkish standards (TS). Different mixtures with the copper flotation waste portion ranging from 2.5 to 12.5% by weight of the mixture were tested for copper leachability. The results show that as cement replacement materials especially clinoptilolite had clear effects on the mechanical properties. Substitution of 5% copper flotation waste for Portland cement gave a similar strength performance to the reference mixture. Higher copper flotation waste addition such as 12.5% replacement yielded lower strength values. As a result, copper flotation waste and clinoptilolite can be used as cementitious materials, and copper flotation waste also can be safely stabilized/solidified in a cement-based solidification/stabilization system.

Thermodynamic analysis and purifying an amorphous phase of frozen crystallization centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lysov, V. I.; Tsaregradskaya, T. L.; Turkov, O. V.; Saenko, G. V.

2017-12-01

The possibility of dissolving frozen crystallization centers in amorphous alloys of the Fe-B system is considered by means of thermodynamic calculations. This can in turn improve the thermal stability of an amorphous alloy. The effect isothermal annealing has on the thermal stability of multicomponent amorphous alloys based on iron is investigated via the highly sensitive dilatometric technique, measurements of microsolidity, and electron microscopic investigations. The annealing temperature is determined empirically on the basis of the theses of the thermodynamic theory of the high temperature stability of multicomponent amorphous alloys, according to which there exists a range of temperatures that is characterized by a negative difference between the chemical potentials of phases in a heterogeneous amorphous matrix-frozen crystallization centers system. The thermodynamic condition of the possible dissolution of frozen crystallization centers is thus met. It is shown that introducing regimes of thermal processing allows us to expand the ranges of the thermal stability of iron-based amorphous alloys by 20-40 K through purifying an amorphous matrix of frozen crystallization centers. This conclusion is proved via electron microscopic investigations.

Nanoporous Hybrid Electrolytes for High-Energy Batteries Based on Reactive Metal Anodes

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

Tu, Zhengyuan; Zachman, Michael J.; Choudhury, Snehashis

2017-01-06

Successful strategies for stabilizing electrodeposition of reactive metals, including lithium, sodium, and aluminum are a requirement for safe, high-energy electrochemical storage technologies that utilize these metals as anodes. Unstable deposition produces high-surface area dendritic structures at the anode/electrolyte interface, which causes premature cell failure by complex physical and chemical processes that have presented formidable barriers to progress. Here, it is reported that hybrid electrolytes created by infusing conventional liquid electrolytes into nanoporous membranes provide exceptional ability to stabilize Li. Electrochemical cells based on γ-Al2O3 ceramics with pore diameters below a cut-off value above 200 nm exhibit long-term stability even atmore » a current density of 3 mA cm-2. The effect is not limited to ceramics; similar large enhancements in stability are observed for polypropylene membranes with less monodisperse pores below 450 nm. These findings are critically assessed using theories for ion rectification and electrodeposition reactions in porous solids and show that the source of stable electrodeposition in nanoporous electrolytes is fundamental.« less

CIP (cleaning-in-place) stability of AlGaN/GaN pH sensors.

PubMed

Linkohr, St; Pletschen, W; Schwarz, S U; Anzt, J; Cimalla, V; Ambacher, O

2013-02-20

The CIP stability of pH sensitive ion-sensitive field-effect transistors based on AlGaN/GaN heterostructures was investigated. For epitaxial AlGaN/GaN films with high structural quality, CIP tests did not degrade the sensor surface and pH sensitivities of 55-58 mV/pH were achieved. Several different passivation schemes based on SiO(x), SiN(x), AlN, and nanocrystalline diamond were compared with special attention given to compatibility to standard microelectronic device technologies as well as biocompatibility of the passivation films. The CIP stability was evaluated with a main focus on the morphological stability. All stacks containing a SiO₂ or an AlN layer were etched by the NaOH solution in the CIP process. Reliable passivations withstanding the NaOH solution were provided by stacks of ICP-CVD grown and sputtered SiN(x) as well as diamond reinforced passivations. Drift levels about 0.001 pH/h and stable sensitivity over several CIP cycles were achieved for optimized sensor structures. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facile hydrothermal method for synthesizing nitrogen-doped graphene nanoplatelets using aqueous ammonia: dispersion, stability in solvents and thermophysical performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafiah Shazali, Siti; Amiri, Ahmad; Zubir, Mohd. Nashrul Mohd; Rozali, Shaifulazuar; Zakuan Zabri, Mohd; Sabri, Mohd Faizul Mohd

2018-03-01

A simple and green approach has been developed to synthesize nitrogen-doped graphene nanoplatelets (N-doped GNPs) for mass production with a very high stability in different solvents e.g. water, ethylene glycol, methanol, ethanol, and 1-hexanol. The strategy is based on mild oxidation of GNPs using hydrogen peroxide and doping with nitrogen using hydrothermal process. The modification of N-doped GNPs was demonstrated by FTIR, TGA, XPS, Raman spectroscopy and high resolution-transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Further study was carried out by using N-doped GNPs as an additive to prepare different colloidal dispersions. Water-based N-doped GNPs, methanol-based N-doped GNPs, ethanol-based N-doped GNPs, ethylene-glycol based N-doped GNPs and 1-hexanol-based N-doped GNPs dispersions at 0.01 wt.% shown great colloidal stabilities, indicating 17%, 29%, 33%, 18%, and 43% sedimentations after a 15-days period, respectively. The thermophysical properties e.g., viscosity and thermal conductivity of water-based N-doped GNP nanofluids were also evaluated for different weight concentrations of 0.100, 0.075, 0.050, and 0.025 wt.%. Through this, it is found that the obtained dispersions have great potential to be used as working fluids for industrial thermal systems.

Nonlinear Slewing Spacecraft Control Based on Exergy, Power Flow, and Static and Dynamic Stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinett, Rush D.; Wilson, David G.

2009-10-01

This paper presents a new nonlinear control methodology for slewing spacecraft, which provides both necessary and sufficient conditions for stability by identifying the stability boundaries, rigid body modes, and limit cycles. Conservative Hamiltonian system concepts, which are equivalent to static stability of airplanes, are used to find and deal with the static stability boundaries: rigid body modes. The application of exergy and entropy thermodynamic concepts to the work-rate principle provides a natural partitioning through the second law of thermodynamics of power flows into exergy generator, dissipator, and storage for Hamiltonian systems that is employed to find the dynamic stability boundaries: limit cycles. This partitioning process enables the control system designer to directly evaluate and enhance the stability and performance of the system by balancing the power flowing into versus the power dissipated within the system subject to the Hamiltonian surface (power storage). Relationships are developed between exergy, power flow, static and dynamic stability, and Lyapunov analysis. The methodology is demonstrated with two illustrative examples: (1) a nonlinear oscillator with sinusoidal damping and (2) a multi-input-multi-output three-axis slewing spacecraft that employs proportional-integral-derivative tracking control with numerical simulation results.

Toward a Molecular Understanding of Energetics in Li–S Batteries Using Nonaqueous Electrolytes: A High-Level Quantum Chemical Study

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

Assary, Rajeev S.; Curtiss, Larry A.; Moore, Jeffrey S.

2014-06-05

The Li-S battery (secondary cell or redox flow) technology is a promising future alternative to the present lithium intercalation-based energy storage and, therefore, a molecular level understanding of the chemical processes and properties such as stability of intermediates, reactivity of polysulfides and reactivity towards the non-aqueous electrolytes in the Li-S batteries is of great interest. In this paper, quantum chemical methods (G4MP2, MP2, and B3LYP) were utilized to compute reduction potentials of lithium polysulfides and polysulfide molecular clusters, energetics of disproportionation and association reactions of likely intermediates, and their reactions with ether-based electrolytes. Based on the computed reaction energetics inmore » solution, a probable mechanism during the discharge process for polysulfide anions and lithium polysulfides in solution is proposed and likely intermediates such as S42-,S32-, S22-, and S31- radical were identified. Additionally, the stability and reactivity of propylene carbonate and tetraglyme solvent molecules were assessed against the above-mentioned intermediates and other reactive species by computing the reaction energetics required to initiate the solvent decomposition reactions in solution. Calculations suggest that the propylene carbonate molecule is unstable against the polysulfide anions such as S22-, S32-, and S42- (ΔH† < 0.8 eV) and highly reactive towards Li2S2 and Li2S3. Even though the tetraglyme solvent molecule exhibits increased stability towards polysulfide anions compared to propylene carbonate, this molecule too is vulnerable to nucleophilic attack from Li2S2 and Li2S3 species in solutions. Hence, a long- term stability of the ether molecules is unlikely if high concentration of these reactive intermediates present in the Li-S energy storage systems.« less

Time-interval for integration of stabilizing haptic and visual information in subjects balancing under static and dynamic conditions

PubMed Central

Honeine, Jean-Louis; Schieppati, Marco

2014-01-01

Maintaining equilibrium is basically a sensorimotor integration task. The central nervous system (CNS) continually and selectively weights and rapidly integrates sensory inputs from multiple sources, and coordinates multiple outputs. The weighting process is based on the availability and accuracy of afferent signals at a given instant, on the time-period required to process each input, and possibly on the plasticity of the relevant pathways. The likelihood that sensory inflow changes while balancing under static or dynamic conditions is high, because subjects can pass from a dark to a well-lit environment or from a tactile-guided stabilization to loss of haptic inflow. This review article presents recent data on the temporal events accompanying sensory transition, on which basic information is fragmentary. The processing time from sensory shift to reaching a new steady state includes the time to (a) subtract or integrate sensory inputs; (b) move from allocentric to egocentric reference or vice versa; and (c) adjust the calibration of motor activity in time and amplitude to the new sensory set. We present examples of processes of integration of posture-stabilizing information, and of the respective sensorimotor time-intervals while allowing or occluding vision or adding or subtracting tactile information. These intervals are short, in the order of 1–2 s for different postural conditions, modalities and deliberate or passive shift. They are just longer for haptic than visual shift, just shorter on withdrawal than on addition of stabilizing input, and on deliberate than unexpected mode. The delays are the shortest (for haptic shift) in blind subjects. Since automatic balance stabilization may be vulnerable to sensory-integration delays and to interference from concurrent cognitive tasks in patients with sensorimotor problems, insight into the processing time for balance control represents a critical step in the design of new balance- and locomotion training devices. PMID:25339872

Computational methods in preformulation study for pharmaceutical solid dosage forms of therapeutic proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majee, Sutapa Biswas; Biswas, Gopa Roy

2017-06-01

Design and delivery of protein-based biopharmaceuticals needs detailed planning and strict monitoring of intermediate processing steps, storage conditions and container-closure system to ensure a stable, elegant and biopharmaceutically acceptable dosage form. Selection of manufacturing process variables and conditions along with packaging specifications can be achieved through properly designed preformulation study protocol for the formulation. Thermodynamic stability and biological activity of therapeutic proteins depend on folding-unfolding and three-dimensional packing dynamics of amino acid network in the protein molecule. Lack of favourable environment may cause protein aggregation with loss in activity and even fatal immunological reaction. Although lyophilization can enhance the stability of protein-based formulations in the solid state, it can induce protein unfolding leading to thermodynamic instability. Formulation stabilizers such as preservatives can also result in aggregation of therapeutic proteins. Modern instrumental techniques in conjunction with computational tools enable rapid and accurate prediction of amino acid sequence, thermodynamic parameters associated with protein folding and detection of aggregation "hot-spots." Globular proteins pose a challenge during investigations on their aggregation propensity. Biobetter therapeutic monoclonal antibodies with enhanced stability, solubility and reduced immunogenic potential can be designed through mutation of aggregation-prone zones. The objective of the present review article is to focus on the various analytical methods and computational approaches used in the study of thermodynamic stability and aggregation tendency of therapeutic proteins, with an aim to develop optimal and marketable formulation. Knowledge of protein dynamics through application of computational tools will provide the essential inputs and relevant information for successful and meaningful completion of preformulation studies on solid dosage forms of therapeutic proteins.

CFD Based Computations of Flexible Helicopter Blades for Stability Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guruswamy, Guru P.

2011-01-01

As a collaborative effort among government aerospace research laboratories an advanced version of a widely used computational fluid dynamics code, OVERFLOW, was recently released. This latest version includes additions to model flexible rotating multiple blades. In this paper, the OVERFLOW code is applied to improve the accuracy of airload computations from the linear lifting line theory that uses displacements from beam model. Data transfers required at every revolution are managed through a Unix based script that runs jobs on large super-cluster computers. Results are demonstrated for the 4-bladed UH-60A helicopter. Deviations of computed data from flight data are evaluated. Fourier analysis post-processing that is suitable for aeroelastic stability computations are performed.

Improved Stability and Performance of Visible Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting on Solution-Processed Organic Semiconductor Thin Films by Ultrathin Metal Oxide Passivation

DOE PAGES

Wang, Lei; Yan, Danhua; Shaffer, David W.; ...

2017-12-27

Solution-processable organic semiconductors have potentials as visible photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting photoelectrodes due to their tunable small band gap and electronic energy levels, but they are typically limited by poor stability and photocatalytic activity. In this study, we demonstrate the direct visible PEC water oxidation on solution-processed organic semiconductor thin films with improved stability and performance by ultrathin metal oxide passivation layers. N-type fullerene-derivative thin films passivated by sub-2 nm ZnO via atomic layer deposition enabled the visible PEC water oxidation at wavelengths longer than 600 nm in harsh alkaline electrolyte environments with up to 30 μA/cm 2 photocurrents atmore » the thermodynamic water-oxidation equilibrium potential and the photoanode half-lifetime extended to ~1000 s. The systematic investigation reveals the enhanced water oxidation catalytic activity afforded by ZnO passivation and the charge tunneling governing the hole transfer through passivation layers. Further enhanced PEC performances were realized by improving the bottom ohmic contact to the organic semiconductor, achieving ~60 μA/cm 2 water oxidation photocurrent at the equilibrium potential, the highest values reported for organic semiconductor thin films to our knowledge. The improved stability and performance of passivated organic photoelectrodes and discovered design rationales provide useful guidelines for realizing the stable visible solar PEC water splitting based on organic semiconductor thin films.« less

Small hazardous waste generators in developing countries: use of stabilization/solidification process as an economic tool for metal wastewater treatment and appropriate sludge disposal.

PubMed

Silva, Marcos A R; Mater, Luciana; Souza-Sierra, Maria M; Corrêa, Albertina X R; Sperb, Rafael; Radetski, Claudemir M

2007-08-25

The aim of this study was to propose a profitable destination for an industrial sludge that can cover the wastewater treatment costs of small waste generators. Optimized stabilization/solidification technology was used to treat hazardous waste from an electroplating industry that is currently released untreated to the environment. The stabilized/solidified (S/S) waste product was used as a raw material to build concrete blocks, to be sold as pavement blocks or used in roadbeds and/or parking lots. The quality of the blocks containing a mixture of cement, lime, clay and waste was evaluated by means of leaching and solubility tests according to the current Brazilian waste regulations. Results showed very low metal leachability and solubility of the block constituents, indicating a low environmental impact. Concerning economic benefits from the S/S process and reuse of the resultant product, the cost of untreated heavy metal-containing sludge disposal to landfill is usually on the order of US$ 150-200 per tonne of waste, while 1tonne of concrete roadbed blocks (with 25% of S/S waste constitution) has a value of around US$ 100. The results of this work showed that the cement, clay and lime-based process of stabilization/solidification of hazardous waste sludge is sufficiently effective and economically viable to stimulate the treatment of wastewater from small industrial waste generators.

Improved Stability and Performance of Visible Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting on Solution-Processed Organic Semiconductor Thin Films by Ultrathin Metal Oxide Passivation

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

Wang, Lei; Yan, Danhua; Shaffer, David W.

Solution-processable organic semiconductors have potentials as visible photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting photoelectrodes due to their tunable small band gap and electronic energy levels, but they are typically limited by poor stability and photocatalytic activity. In this study, we demonstrate the direct visible PEC water oxidation on solution-processed organic semiconductor thin films with improved stability and performance by ultrathin metal oxide passivation layers. N-type fullerene-derivative thin films passivated by sub-2 nm ZnO via atomic layer deposition enabled the visible PEC water oxidation at wavelengths longer than 600 nm in harsh alkaline electrolyte environments with up to 30 μA/cm 2 photocurrents atmore » the thermodynamic water-oxidation equilibrium potential and the photoanode half-lifetime extended to ~1000 s. The systematic investigation reveals the enhanced water oxidation catalytic activity afforded by ZnO passivation and the charge tunneling governing the hole transfer through passivation layers. Further enhanced PEC performances were realized by improving the bottom ohmic contact to the organic semiconductor, achieving ~60 μA/cm 2 water oxidation photocurrent at the equilibrium potential, the highest values reported for organic semiconductor thin films to our knowledge. The improved stability and performance of passivated organic photoelectrodes and discovered design rationales provide useful guidelines for realizing the stable visible solar PEC water splitting based on organic semiconductor thin films.« less

Antigenic stability of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] proteins: effects of thermal treatments and in vitro digestion.

PubMed

Venkatachalam, Mahesh; Teuber, Suzanne S; Peterson, W Rich; Roux, Kenneth H; Sathe, Shridhar K

2006-02-22

Rabbit polyclonal antibody-based inhibition ELISA as well as immunoblotting analyses of proteins extracted from variously processed pecans (cv. Desirable) indicate that pecan proteins are antigenically stable. Pecan antigens were more sensitive to moist heat than dry heat processing treatments. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting analysis of the native and heat-denatured proteins that were previously subjected to in vitro simulated gastric fluid digestions indicate that stable antigenic peptides were produced. Both enzyme-to-substrate ratio and digestion time were influential in determining the stability of pecan polypeptides. The stable antigenic polypeptides may serve as useful markers in developing assays suitable for the detection of trace amounts of pecans in foods.

Developments in the formulation and delivery of spray dried vaccines.

PubMed

Kanojia, Gaurav; Have, Rimko Ten; Soema, Peter C; Frijlink, Henderik; Amorij, Jean-Pierre; Kersten, Gideon

2017-10-03

Spray drying is a promising method for the stabilization of vaccines, which are usually formulated as liquids. Usually, vaccine stability is improved by spray drying in the presence of a range of excipients. Unlike freeze drying, there is no freezing step involved, thus the damage related to this step is avoided. The edge of spray drying resides in its ability for particles to be engineered to desired requirements, which can be used in various vaccine delivery methods and routes. Although several spray dried vaccines have shown encouraging preclinical results, the number of vaccines that have been tested in clinical trials is limited, indicating a relatively new area of vaccine stabilization and delivery. This article reviews the current status of spray dried vaccine formulations and delivery methods. In particular it discusses the impact of process stresses on vaccine integrity, the application of excipients in spray drying of vaccines, process and formulation optimization strategies based on Design of Experiment approaches as well as opportunities for future application of spray dried vaccine powders for vaccine delivery.

Bulk antimony sulfide with excellent cycle stability as next-generation anode for lithium-ion batteries

PubMed Central

Yu, Denis Y. W.; Hoster, Harry E.; Batabyal, Sudip K.

2014-01-01

Nanomaterials as anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIB) have gained widespread interest in the research community. However, scaling up and processibility are bottlenecks to further commercialization of these materials. Here, we report that bulk antimony sulfide with a size of 10–20 μm exhibits a high capacity and stable cycling of 800 mAh g−1. Mechanical and chemical stabilities of the electrodes are ensured by an optimal electrode-electrolyte system design, with a polyimide-based binder together with fluoroethylene carbonate in the electrolyte. The polyimide binder accommodates the volume expansion during alloying process and fluoroethylene carbonate suppresses the increase in charge transfer resistance of the electrodes. We observed that particle size is not a major factor affecting the charge-discharge capacities, rate capability and stability of the material. Despite the large particle size, bulk antimony sulfide shows excellent rate performance with a capacity of 580 mAh g−1 at a rate of 2000 mA g−1. PMID:24691396

A thorough experimental study of CH/π interactions in water: quantitative structure-stability relationships for carbohydrate/aromatic complexes.

PubMed

Jiménez-Moreno, Ester; Jiménez-Osés, Gonzalo; Gómez, Ana M; Santana, Andrés G; Corzana, Francisco; Bastida, Agatha; Jiménez-Barbero, Jesus; Asensio, Juan Luis

2015-11-13

CH/π interactions play a key role in a large variety of molecular recognition processes of biological relevance. However, their origins and structural determinants in water remain poorly understood. In order to improve our comprehension of these important interaction modes, we have performed a quantitative experimental analysis of a large data set comprising 117 chemically diverse carbohydrate/aromatic stacking complexes, prepared through a dynamic combinatorial approach recently developed by our group. The obtained free energies provide a detailed picture of the structure-stability relationships that govern the association process, opening the door to the rational design of improved carbohydrate-based ligands or carbohydrate receptors. Moreover, this experimental data set, supported by quantum mechanical calculations, has contributed to the understanding of the main driving forces that promote complex formation, underlining the key role played by coulombic and solvophobic forces on the stabilization of these complexes. This represents the most quantitative and extensive experimental study reported so far for CH/π complexes in water.

Influence of growth conditions on exchange bias of NiMn-based spin valves

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

Wienecke, Anja; Kruppe, Rahel; Rissing, Lutz

2015-05-07

As shown in previous investigations, a correlation between a NiMn-based spin valve's thermal stability and its inherent exchange bias exists, even if the blocking temperature of the antiferromagnet is clearly above the heating temperature and the reason for thermal degradation is mainly diffusion and not the loss of exchange bias. Samples with high exchange bias are thermally more stable than samples with low exchange bias. Those structures promoting a high exchange bias are seemingly the same suppressing thermally induced diffusion processes (A. Wienecke and L. Rissing, “Relationship between thermal stability and layer-stack/structure of NiMn-based GMR systems,” in IEEE Transaction onmore » Magnetic Conference (EMSA 2014)). Many investigations were carried out on the influence of the sputtering parameters as well as the layer thickness on the magnetoresistive effect. The influence of these parameters on the exchange bias and the sample's thermal stability, respectively, was hardly taken into account. The investigation described here concentrates on the last named issue. The focus lies on the influence of the sputtering parameters and layer thickness of the “starting layers” in the stack and the layers forming the (synthetic) antiferromagnet. This paper includes a guideline for the evaluated sputtering conditions and layer thicknesses to realize a high exchange bias and presumably good thermal stability for NiMn-based spin valves with a synthetic antiferromagnet.« less

A Practice-Oriented Bifurcation Analysis for Pulse Energy Converters: A Stability Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolokolov, Yury; Monovskaya, Anna

The popularity of systems of pulse energy conversion (PEC-systems) for practical applications is due to the heightened efficiency of energy conversion processes with comparatively simple realizations. Nevertheless, a PEC-system represents a nonlinear object with a variable structure, and the bifurcation analysis remains the basic tool to describe PEC dynamics evolution. The paper is devoted to the discussion on whether the scientific viewpoint on the natural nonlinear dynamics evolution can be involved in practical applications. We focus on the problems connected with stability boundaries of an operating regime. The results of both small-signal analysis and computational bifurcation analysis are considered in the parametrical space in comparison with the results of the experimental identification of the zonal heterogeneity of the operating process. This allows to propose an adapted stability margin as a sufficiently safe distance before the point after which the operating process begins to lose the stability. Such stability margin can extend the permissible operating domain in the parametrical space at the expense of using cause-and-effect relations in the context of natural regularities of nonlinear dynamics. Reasoning and discussion are based on the experimental and computational results for a synchronous buck converter with a pulse-width modulation. The presented results can be useful, first of all, for PEC-systems with significant variation of equivalent inductance and/or capacity. We believe that the discussion supports a viewpoint by which the contemporary methods of the computational and experimental bifurcation analyses possess both analytical abilities and experimental techniques for promising solutions which could be practice-oriented for PEC-systems.

General predictive model of friction behavior regimes for metal contacts based on the formation stability and evolution of nanocrystalline surface films.

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

Argibay, Nicolas; Cheng, Shengfeng; Sawyer, W. G.

2015-09-01

The prediction of macro-scale friction and wear behavior based on first principles and material properties has remained an elusive but highly desirable target for tribologists and material scientists alike. Stochastic processes (e.g. wear), statistically described parameters (e.g. surface topography) and their evolution tend to defeat attempts to establish practical general correlations between fundamental nanoscale processes and macro-scale behaviors. We present a model based on microstructural stability and evolution for the prediction of metal friction regimes, founded on recently established microstructural deformation mechanisms of nanocrystalline metals, that relies exclusively on material properties and contact stress models. We show through complementary experimentalmore » and simulation results that this model overcomes longstanding practical challenges and successfully makes accurate and consistent predictions of friction transitions for a wide range of contact conditions. This framework not only challenges the assumptions of conventional causal relationships between hardness and friction, and between friction and wear, but also suggests a pathway for the design of higher performance metal alloys.« less

Evaluation of electron beam stabilization for ion implant processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buffat, Stephen J.; Kickel, Bee; Philipps, B.; Adams, J.; Ross, Matthew F.; Minter, Jason P.; Marlowe, Trey; Wong, Selmer S.

1999-06-01

With the integration of high energy ion implant processes into volume CMOS manufacturing, the need for thick resist stabilization to achieve a stable ion implant process is critical. With new photoresist characteristics, new implant end station characteristics arise. The resist outgassing needs to be addressed as well as the implant profile to ensure that the dosage is correct and the implant angle does not interfere with other underlying features. This study compares conventional deep-UV/thermal with electron beam stabilization. The electron beam system used in this study utilizes a flood electron source and is a non-thermal process. These stabilization techniques are applied to a MeV ion implant process in a CMOS production process flow.

Maximum likelihood identification and optimal input design for identifying aircraft stability and control derivatives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stepner, D. E.; Mehra, R. K.

1973-01-01

A new method of extracting aircraft stability and control derivatives from flight test data is developed based on the maximum likelihood cirterion. It is shown that this new method is capable of processing data from both linear and nonlinear models, both with and without process noise and includes output error and equation error methods as special cases. The first application of this method to flight test data is reported for lateral maneuvers of the HL-10 and M2/F3 lifting bodies, including the extraction of stability and control derivatives in the presence of wind gusts. All the problems encountered in this identification study are discussed. Several different methods (including a priori weighting, parameter fixing and constrained parameter values) for dealing with identifiability and uniqueness problems are introduced and the results given. The method for the design of optimal inputs for identifying the parameters of linear dynamic systems is also given. The criterion used for the optimization is the sensitivity of the system output to the unknown parameters. Several simple examples are first given and then the results of an extensive stability and control dervative identification simulation for a C-8 aircraft are detailed.

Mathematics, thermodynamics, and modeling to address ten common misconceptions about protein structure, folding, and stability.

PubMed

Robic, Srebrenka

2010-01-01

To fully understand the roles proteins play in cellular processes, students need to grasp complex ideas about protein structure, folding, and stability. Our current understanding of these topics is based on mathematical models and experimental data. However, protein structure, folding, and stability are often introduced as descriptive, qualitative phenomena in undergraduate classes. In the process of learning about these topics, students often form incorrect ideas. For example, by learning about protein folding in the context of protein synthesis, students may come to an incorrect conclusion that once synthesized on the ribosome, a protein spends its entire cellular life time in its fully folded native confirmation. This is clearly not true; proteins are dynamic structures that undergo both local fluctuations and global unfolding events. To prevent and address such misconceptions, basic concepts of protein science can be introduced in the context of simple mathematical models and hands-on explorations of publicly available data sets. Ten common misconceptions about proteins are presented, along with suggestions for using equations, models, sequence, structure, and thermodynamic data to help students gain a deeper understanding of basic concepts relating to protein structure, folding, and stability.

Li 2OHCl crystalline electrolyte for stable metallic lithium anodes

DOE PAGES

Hood, Zachary D.; Wang, Hui; Samuthira Pandian, Amaresh; ...

2016-01-22

In a classic example of stability from instability, we show that Li 2OHCl solid electrolyte forms a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) with metallic lithium anode. The Li 2OHCl solid electrolyte can be readily achieved through simple mixing of air-stable LiOH and LiCl precursors with a mild processing temperature under 400 °C. Additionally, we show that continuous, dense Li 2OHCl membranes can be fabricated at temperatures less than 400 °C, standing in great contrast to current processing temperatures of over 1600 °C for most oxide-based solid electrolytes. The ionic conductivity and Arrhenius activation energy were explored for the LiOH-LiCl systemmore » of crystalline solid electrolytes where Li 2OHCl with increased crystal defects was found to have the highest ionic conductivity and reasonable Arrhenius activation energy. The Li 2OHCl solid electrolyte displays stability against metallic lithium, even in extreme conditions past the melting point of lithium metal. Furthermore, to understand this excellent stability, we show that SEI formation is critical in stabilizing the interface between metallic lithium and the Li 2OHCl solid electrolyte.« less

Improved electrical performance and bias stability of solution-processed active bilayer structure of indium zinc oxide based TFT.

PubMed

Seo, Jin-Suk; Bae, Byeong-Soo

2014-09-10

We fabricated active single- and bilayer structure thin film transistors (TFTs) with aluminum or gallium doped (IZO:Al or IZO:Ga) and undoped indium zinc oxide (IZO) thin film layers using an aqueous solution process. The electrical performance and bias stability of these active single- and bilayer structure TFTs were investigated and compared to reveal the effects of Al/Gal doping and bilayer structure. The single-layer structure IZO TFT shows a high mobility of 19 cm(2)/V · s with a poor positive bias stability (PBS) of ΔVT + 3.4 V. However, Al/Ga doped in IZO TFT reduced mobility to 8.5-9.9 cm(2)/V · s but improved PBS to ΔVT + 1.6-1.7 V due to the reduction of oxygen vacancy. Thus, it is found the bilayer structure TFTs with a combination of bottom- and top-layer compositions modify both the mobility and bias stability of the TFTs to be optimized. The bilayer structure TFT with an IZO:X bottom layer possess high mobility and an IZO bottom layer improves the PBS.

Reviving Andean Culture.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pacoricona, Nestor Chambi; Inouye, Laura

1998-01-01

Describes the founding of the Chuyma Aru Association, an Oxfam America partner based in Peru, which is adapting and using traditional indigenous knowledge to stabilize new agrarian infrastructure in peasant communities. Describes the process of gathering statistics and understanding the Aymara campesino world view and crianza (caretaking)…

War and Escalation in South Asia

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

their foreign area officer expertise in the region, especially through language training (p. 85). Summary xv • Review special operations forces...stability, based on an effective central gov- ernment and denial of safe haven for terrorists. In Nepal and Sri Lanka, we will support processes to...U.S.-Pakistan Defense Consultative Group processes — has historically proven the highest-leverage U.S. policy instrument. The Near East South Asia

Low thermal budget annealing technique for high performance amorphous In-Ga-ZnO thin film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Joong-Won; Cho, Won-Ju

2017-07-01

In this paper, we investigate a low thermal budget post-deposition-annealing (PDA) process for amorphous In-Ga-ZnO (a-IGZO) oxide semiconductor thin-film-transistors (TFTs). To evaluate the electrical characteristics and reliability of the TFTs after the PDA process, microwave annealing (MWA) and rapid thermal annealing (RTA) methods were applied, and the results were compared with those of the conventional annealing (CTA) method. The a-IGZO TFTs fabricated with as-deposited films exhibited poor electrical characteristics; however, their characteristics were improved by the proposed PDA process. The CTA-treated TFTs had excellent electrical properties and stability, but the CTA method required high temperatures and long processing times. In contrast, the fabricated RTA-treated TFTs benefited from the lower thermal budget due to the short process time; however, they exhibited poor stability. The MWA method uses a low temperature (100 °C) and short annealing time (2 min) because microwaves transfer energy directly to the substrate, and this method effectively removed the defects in the a-IGZO TFTs. Consequently, they had a higher mobility, higher on-off current ratio, lower hysteresis voltage, lower subthreshold swing, and higher interface trap density than TFTs treated with CTA or RTA, and exhibited excellent stability. Based on these results, low thermal budget MWA is a promising technology for use on various substrates in next generation displays.

Stochastic Dynamics Underlying Cognitive Stability and Flexibility

PubMed Central

Ueltzhöffer, Kai; Armbruster-Genç, Diana J. N.; Fiebach, Christian J.

2015-01-01

Cognitive stability and flexibility are core functions in the successful pursuit of behavioral goals. While there is evidence for a common frontoparietal network underlying both functions and for a key role of dopamine in the modulation of flexible versus stable behavior, the exact neurocomputational mechanisms underlying those executive functions and their adaptation to environmental demands are still unclear. In this work we study the neurocomputational mechanisms underlying cue based task switching (flexibility) and distractor inhibition (stability) in a paradigm specifically designed to probe both functions. We develop a physiologically plausible, explicit model of neural networks that maintain the currently active task rule in working memory and implement the decision process. We simplify the four-choice decision network to a nonlinear drift-diffusion process that we canonically derive from a generic winner-take-all network model. By fitting our model to the behavioral data of individual subjects, we can reproduce their full behavior in terms of decisions and reaction time distributions in baseline as well as distractor inhibition and switch conditions. Furthermore, we predict the individual hemodynamic response timecourse of the rule-representing network and localize it to a frontoparietal network including the inferior frontal junction area and the intraparietal sulcus, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. This refines the understanding of task-switch-related frontoparietal brain activity as reflecting attractor-like working memory representations of task rules. Finally, we estimate the subject-specific stability of the rule-representing attractor states in terms of the minimal action associated with a transition between different rule states in the phase-space of the fitted models. This stability measure correlates with switching-specific thalamocorticostriatal activation, i.e., with a system associated with flexible working memory updating and dopaminergic modulation of cognitive flexibility. These results show that stochastic dynamical systems can implement the basic computations underlying cognitive stability and flexibility and explain neurobiological bases of individual differences. PMID:26068119

Quantification of Urban Environment's Role in Slope Stability for Landslide Events.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bozzolan, E.; Holcombe, E.; Wagener, T.; Pianosi, F.

2017-12-01

The combination of a rapid and unplanned urban development with a likely future climate change could significantly affect landslide occurrences in the humid tropics, where rainfall events of high intensity and duration are the dominant trigger for landslide risk. The attention of current landslide hazard studies is largely focussed on natural slope processes based on combinations of environmental factors, excluding the role of urbanisation on slope stability. This project aims to understand the relative influence of urbanisation features on local slope stability and to translate the findings to a wider region. Individual slopes are firstly analysed with the software CHASM, a physically based model which combines soil hydrology and slope stability assessment. Instead of relying on existing records, generally lacking for landslides, ranges of plausible preparatory (such as slope, cohesion, friction angles), triggering (rainfall) and aggravating factors (deforestation, house density and water network) are defined and possible combinations of these factors are created by sampling from those ranges. The influence of urban features on site hydrology and stability mechanisms are evaluated and then implemented in denser urban contexts, characteristic of unplanned settlements. The results of CHASMS can be transferred to regional maps in order to identify the areas belonging to the triggering combinations of factors previously found. In this way, areas susceptible to landslides can be detected not only in terms of natural factors but also in relation to the degree of urbanisation. Realistic scenarios can be extrapolated from the areas considered and then analysed again with CHASM. This permits to adapt (and improve) the initial variability ranges of the factors, creating a general-specific cycle able to identify the landslide susceptibility regions and outline a hazard map. Once the triggers are understood, possible consequences can be assessed and mitigation strategies can be evaluated. The ability to define local urban rainfall threshold for landslide slope stability helps the decision-making process to prioritize the areas of interest and locally define the main causes of instability.

[Definition and stabilization of processes I. Management processes and support in a Urology Department].

PubMed

Pascual, Carlos; Luján, Marcos; Mora, José Ramón; Chiva, Vicente; Gamarra, Manuela

2015-01-01

The implantation of total quality management models in clinical departments can better adapt to the 2009 ISO 9004 model. An essential part of implantation of these models is the establishment of processes and their stabilization. There are four types of processes: key, management, support and operative (clinical). Management processes have four parts: process stabilization form, process procedures form, medical activities cost estimation form and, process flow chart. In this paper we will detail the creation of an essential process in a surgical department, such as the process of management of the surgery waiting list.

Sampled-data-based vibration control for structural systems with finite-time state constraint and sensor outage.

PubMed

Weng, Falu; Liu, Mingxin; Mao, Weijie; Ding, Yuanchun; Liu, Feifei

2018-05-10

The problem of sampled-data-based vibration control for structural systems with finite-time state constraint and sensor outage is investigated in this paper. The objective of designing controllers is to guarantee the stability and anti-disturbance performance of the closed-loop systems while some sensor outages happen. Firstly, based on matrix transformation, the state-space model of structural systems with sensor outages and uncertainties appearing in the mass, damping and stiffness matrices is established. Secondly, by considering most of those earthquakes or strong winds happen in a very short time, and it is often the peak values make the structures damaged, the finite-time stability analysis method is introduced to constrain the state responses in a given time interval, and the H-infinity stability is adopted in the controller design to make sure that the closed-loop system has a prescribed level of disturbance attenuation performance during the whole control process. Furthermore, all stabilization conditions are expressed in the forms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), whose feasibility can be easily checked by using the LMI Toolbox. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed theorems. Copyright © 2018 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel Approach to Front Contact Passivation for CdTe Photovoltaics

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

Kephart, Jason M.

2018-02-18

The goal of this project was to study the use of sputter-deposited oxide materials for interface passivation of CdTe-based photovoltaics. Several candidate materials were chosen based on their promise in passivating the CdTe and CdSeTe semiconductor interface, chemical and thermal stability to device processing, and ability to be deposited by sputter deposition.

Molecular Imprinting Technology in Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) Sensors

PubMed Central

Emir Diltemiz, Sibel; Keçili, Rüstem; Ersöz, Arzu; Say, Rıdvan

2017-01-01

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as artificial antibodies have received considerable scientific attention in the past years in the field of (bio)sensors since they have unique features that distinguish them from natural antibodies such as robustness, multiple binding sites, low cost, facile preparation and high stability under extreme operation conditions (higher pH and temperature values, etc.). On the other hand, the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is an analytical tool based on the measurement of small mass changes on the sensor surface. QCM sensors are practical and convenient monitoring tools because of their specificity, sensitivity, high accuracy, stability and reproducibility. QCM devices are highly suitable for converting the recognition process achieved using MIP-based memories into a sensor signal. Therefore, the combination of a QCM and MIPs as synthetic receptors enhances the sensitivity through MIP process-based multiplexed binding sites using size, 3D-shape and chemical function having molecular memories of the prepared sensor system toward the target compound to be detected. This review aims to highlight and summarize the recent progress and studies in the field of (bio)sensor systems based on QCMs combined with molecular imprinting technology. PMID:28245588

Design and Application of a Field Sensing System for Ground Anchors in Slopes

PubMed Central

Choi, Se Woon; Lee, Jihoon; Kim, Jong Moon; Park, Hyo Seon

2013-01-01

In a ground anchor system, cables or tendons connected to a bearing plate are used for stabilization of slopes. Then, the stability of a slope is dependent on maintaining the tension levels in the cables. So far, no research on a strain-based field sensing system for ground anchors has been reported. Therefore, in this study, a practical monitoring system for long-term sensing of tension levels in tendons for anchor-reinforced slopes is proposed. The system for anchor-reinforced slopes is composed of: (1) load cells based on vibrating wire strain gauges (VWSGs), (2) wireless sensor nodes which receive and process the signals from load cells and then transmit the result to a master node through local area communication, (3) master nodes which transmit the data sent from sensor nodes to the server through mobile communication, and (4) a server located at the base station. The system was applied to field sensing of ground anchors in the 62 m-long and 26 m-high slope at the side of the highway. Based on the long-term monitoring, the safety of the anchor-reinforced slope can be secured by the timely applications of re-tensioning processes in tendons. PMID:23507820

Fabrication and evaluation of a protruding Si-based printhead for electrohydrodynamic jet printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Yanqiao; Chen, Xinyuan; Zeng, Liangcai; Huang, YongAn; Yin, Zhouping

2017-12-01

A printhead that is compatible with Si-based processes and able to generate homogeneous micro- and nano-scale droplets plays an important role in electrohydrodynamic jet printing (E-jet printing) for the large-scale manufacturing. This paper proposes the design, fabrication and evaluation of a novel protruding Si-based printhead for E-jet printing. The protruding nozzle can concentrate the electrical field and restrain the lateral wetting so as to improve the jetting stability. However, it is a challenge to have both the protruding structure and a stable solution/voltage supply. Accordingly, a set of micro-manufacturing processes, as well as methods of adopting hydrophobic and insulation treatments, are also presented to stabilize the solution/voltage supply. The diameter and height of the protruding nozzle are 50 µm and 60 µm, respectively. Printing tests are performed using both quantum dots solution (CdSe/CdS/ZnS) and a mixed solution of glycerol, ethylene glycol and water. Feasibility of the protruding nozzle is proved by experiments that a stable meniscus with Taylor cone could form on the nozzle orifice, and fine dots (⩽30 µm) could be printed successfully and continuously. The protruding design and micro-fabrication processes of the protruding Si-based printhead pave the way for the multi-nozzle E-jet printing with high efficiency and resolution.

CSER 01-008 Canning of Thermally Stabilized Plutonium Oxide Powder in PFP Glovebox HC-21A

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

ERICKSON, D.G.

This document presents the analysis performed to support the canning operation in HC-21A. Most of the actual analysis was performed for the operation in HC-18M and HA-20MB, and is documented in HNF-2707 Rev I a (Erickson 2001a). This document will reference Erickson (2001a) as necessary to support the operation in HC-21A. The plutonium stabilization program at the Plutonium Finishing Plant (PFP) uses heat to convert plutonium-bearing materials into dry powder that is chemically stable for long term storage. The stabilized plutonium is transferred into one of several gloveboxes for the canning process, Gloveboxes HC-18M in Room 228'2, HA-20MB in Roommore » 235B, and HC-21A in Room 230B are to be used for this process. This document presents the analysis performed to support the canning operation in HC-21A. Most of the actual analysis was performed for the operation in HC-I8M and HA-20MB, and is documented in HNF-2707 Rev l a (Erickson 2001a). This document will reference Erickson (2001a) as necessary to support the operation in HC-21A. Evaluation of this operation included normal, base cases, and contingencies. The base cases took the normal operations for each type of feed material and added the likely off-normal events. Each contingency is evaluated assuming the unlikely event happens to the conservative base case. Each contingency was shown to meet the double contingency requirement. That is, at least two unlikely, independent, and concurrent changes in process conditions are required before a criticality is possible.« less

Design criteria for developing low-resource magnetic bead assays using surface tension valves

PubMed Central

Adams, Nicholas M.; Creecy, Amy E.; Majors, Catherine E.; Wariso, Bathsheba A.; Short, Philip A.; Wright, David W.; Haselton, Frederick R.

2013-01-01

Many assays for biological sample processing and diagnostics are not suitable for use in settings that lack laboratory resources. We have recently described a simple, self-contained format based on magnetic beads for extracting infectious disease biomarkers from complex biological samples, which significantly reduces the time, expertise, and infrastructure required. This self-contained format has the potential to facilitate the application of other laboratory-based sample processing assays in low-resource settings. The technology is enabled by immiscible fluid barriers, or surface tension valves, which stably separate adjacent processing solutions within millimeter-diameter tubing and simultaneously permit the transit of magnetic beads across the interfaces. In this report, we identify the physical parameters of the materials that maximize fluid stability and bead transport and minimize solution carryover. We found that fluid stability is maximized with ≤0.8 mm i.d. tubing, valve fluids of similar density to the adjacent solutions, and tubing with ≤20 dyn/cm surface energy. Maximizing bead transport was achieved using ≥2.4 mm i.d. tubing, mineral oil valve fluid, and a mass of 1-3 mg beads. The amount of solution carryover across a surface tension valve was minimized using ≤0.2 mg of beads, tubing with ≤20 dyn/cm surface energy, and air separators. The most favorable parameter space for valve stability and bead transport was identified by combining our experimental results into a single plot using two dimensionless numbers. A strategy is presented for developing additional self-contained assays based on magnetic beads and surface tension valves for low-resource diagnostic applications. PMID:24403996

Flexible Electronics Powered by Mixed Metal Oxide Thin Film Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marrs, Michael

A low temperature amorphous oxide thin film transistor (TFT) and amorphous silicon PIN diode backplane technology for large area flexible digital x-ray detectors has been developed to create 7.9-in. diagonal backplanes. The critical steps in the evolution of the backplane process include the qualification and optimization of the low temperature (200 °C) metal oxide TFT and a-Si PIN photodiode process, the stability of the devices under forward and reverse bias stress, the transfer of the process to flexible plastic substrates, and the fabrication and assembly of the flexible detectors. Mixed oxide semiconductor TFTs on flexible plastic substrates suffer from performance and stability issues related to the maximum processing temperature limitation of the polymer. A novel device architecture based upon a dual active layer improves both the performance and stability. Devices are directly fabricated below 200 ºC on a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate using mixed metal oxides of either zinc indium oxide (ZIO) or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) as the active semiconductor. The dual active layer architecture allows for adjustment to the saturation mobility and threshold voltage stability without the requirement of high temperature annealing, which is not compatible with flexible plastic substrates like PEN. The device performance and stability is strongly dependent upon the composition of the mixed metal oxide; this dependency provides a simple route to improving the threshold voltage stability and drive performance. By switching from a single to a dual active layer, the saturation mobility increases from 1.2 cm2/V-s to 18.0 cm2/V-s, while the rate of the threshold voltage shift decreases by an order of magnitude. This approach could assist in enabling the production of devices on flexible substrates using amorphous oxide semiconductors. Low temperature (200°C) processed amorphous silicon photodiodes were developed successfully by balancing the tradeoffs between low temperature and low stress (less than -70 MPa compressive) and device performance. Devices with a dark current of less than 1.0 pA/mm2 and a quantum efficiency of 68% have been demonstrated. Alternative processing techniques, such as pixelating the PIN diode and using organic photodiodes have also been explored for applications where extreme flexibility is desired.

Composite membranes for alkaline electrolysis based on polysulfone and mineral fillers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnat, Dariusz; Schlupp, Meike; Wichser, Adrian; Lothenbach, Barbara; Gorbar, Michal; Züttel, Andreas; Vogt, Ulrich F.

2015-09-01

Mineral-based membranes for high temperature alkaline electrolysis were developed by a phase inversion process with polysulfone as binder. The long-term stability of new mineral fillers: wollastonite, forsterite and barite was assessed by 8000 h-long leaching experiments (5.5 M KOH, 85 °C) combined with thermodynamic modelling. Barite has released only 6.22 10-4 M of Ba ions into the electrolyte and was selected as promising filler material, due to its excellent stability. Barite-based membranes, prepared by the phase inversion process, were further studied. The resistivity of these membranes in 5.5 M KOH was investigated as a function of membrane thickness and total porosity, hydrodynamic porosity as well as gas purities determined by conducting electrolysis at ambient conditions. It was found that a dense top layer resulting from the phase inversion process, shows resistivity values up to 451.0 ± 22 Ω cm, which is two orders of magnitude higher than a porous bulk membrane microstructure (3.89 Ω cm). Developed membranes provided hydrogen purity of 99.83 at 200 mA cm-2, which is comparable to previously used chrysotile membranes and higher than commercial state-of-the-art Zirfon 500utp membrane. These cost-effective polysulfone - barite membranes are promising candidates as asbestos replacement for commercial applications.

Photophysical properties of Schiff's bases from 3-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy naphthalene-1-carbaldehyde.

PubMed

Satam, Manjaree A; Telore, Rahul D; Sekar, Nagaiyan

2014-11-11

A series of novel Schiff's bases have been synthesized from 3-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carbaldehyde. The presence of hydroxyl group ortho to the benzothiazolyl group as well as the imine linkage lead to the occurrence of excited state intramolecular proton transfer process. The computational strategy was used to study the ESIPT process of the synthesized Schiff's bases, which revealed surprisingly that the keto form predominantly exists in the ground state contradicting the ESIPT process. Density functional theory and time dependent density functional theory have been used to investigate the structural parameters and photophysical properties in different solvents of one of the Schiff's bases. The experimental results correlate well with the computed results. All Schiff's bases show good thermal stability. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal stability increase in metallic nanoparticles-loaded cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites.

PubMed

Goikuria, U; Larrañaga, A; Vilas, J L; Lizundia, E

2017-09-01

Due to the potential of CNC-based flexible materials for novel industrial applications, the aim of this work is to improve the thermal stability of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) films through a straightforward and scalable method. Based of nanocomposite approach, five different metallic nanoparticles (ZnO, SiO 2 , TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 and Fe 2 O 3 ) have been co-assembled in water with CNCs to obtain free-standing nanocomposite films. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals an increased thermal stability upon nanoparticle. This increase in the thermal stability reaches a maximum of 75°C for the nanocomposites having 10wt% of Fe 2 O 3 and ZnO. The activation energies of thermodegradation process (E a ) determined according to Kissinger and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall methods further confirm the delayed degradation of CNC nanocomposites upon heating. Finally, the changes induced in the crystalline structure during thermodegradation were followed by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). It is also observed that thermal degradation proceeds at higher temperatures for nanocomposites having metallic nanoparticles. Overall, experimental findings here showed make nanocomposite approach a simple low-cost environmentally-friendly strategy to overcome the relatively poor thermal stability of CNCs when extracted via sulfuric acid assisted hydrolysis of cellulose. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MEMS-based thermally-actuated image stabilizer for cellular phone camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chun-Ying; Chiou, Jin-Chern

2012-11-01

This work develops an image stabilizer (IS) that is fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology and is designed to counteract the vibrations when human using cellular phone cameras. The proposed IS has dimensions of 8.8 × 8.8 × 0.3 mm3 and is strong enough to suspend an image sensor. The processes that is utilized to fabricate the IS includes inductive coupled plasma (ICP) processes, reactive ion etching (RIE) processes and the flip-chip bonding method. The IS is designed to enable the electrical signals from the suspended image sensor to be successfully emitted out using signal output beams, and the maximum actuating distance of the stage exceeds 24.835 µm when the driving current is 155 mA. Depending on integration of MEMS device and designed controller, the proposed IS can decrease the hand tremor by 72.5%.

Process for stabilizing the viscosity characteristics of coal derived materials and the stabilized materials obtained thereby

DOEpatents

Bronfenbrenner, James C.; Foster, Edward P.; Tewari, Krishna

1985-01-01

A process is disclosed for stabilizing the viscosity of coal derived materials such as an SRC product by adding up to 5.0% by weight of a light volatile phenolic viscosity repressor. The viscosity will remain stabilized for a period of time of up to 4 months.

Process Stability of Ultrasonic-Wave-Assisted Gas Metal Arc Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Chenglei; Xie, Weifeng; Yang, Chunli; Lin, Sanbao; Fan, Yangyang

2017-10-01

As a newly developed arc welding method, ultrasonic-wave-assisted arc welding successfully introduced power ultrasound into the arc and weld pool, during which the ultrasonic acts on the top of the arc in the coaxial alignment direction. The advanced process for molten metals can be realized by using an additional ultrasonic field. Compared with the conventional gas metal arc welding (GMAW), the welding arc is compressed, the droplet size is decreased, and the droplet transfer frequency is increased significantly in ultrasonic-wave-assisted GMAW (U-GMAW). However, the stability of the metal transfer has deep influence on the welding quality equally, and the ultrasonic wave effect on the stability of the metal transfer is a phenomenon that is not completely understood. In this article, the stabilities of the short-circuiting transfer process and globular transfer process are studied systematically, and the effect of ultrasonic wave on the metal transfer is analyzed further. The transfer frequency and process stability of the U-GMAW process are much higher than those of the conventional GMAW. Analytical results show that the additional ultrasonic wave is helpful for improving welding stability.

Remote entanglement stabilization for modular quantum computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Didier, Nicolas; Shankar, S.; Mirrahimi, M.

Quantum information processing in a modular architecture requires to distribute and stabilize entanglement in a qubit network. We present autonomous entanglement stabilization protocols between two qubits that are coupled to distant cavities. The cavities coupling is mediated and controlled via a three-wave mixing device that generates either a delocalized mode or a two-mode squeezed state between the remote cavities depending on the pump frequency. Local drives on the qubits and the cavities steer and maintain the system to the desired qubit Bell state. We show that these reservoir-engineering based protocols stabilize entanglement in presence of qubit-cavity asymmetries and losses. Most spectacularly, even a weakly-squeezed state can stabilize a maximally entangled Bell state of two distant qubits through entanglement accumulation. This research was supported by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche under Grant ANR-14-CE26-0018, by Inria's DPEI under the TAQUILLA associated team and by ARO under Grant No. W911NF-14-1-0011.

Morphological Control of Au Dendrite Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nesbitt, Nathan T.; Ma, Ming; Carter, Brittany E.; D'Imperio, Luke A.; Naughton, Jeffrey R.; Courtney, Dave T.; Shepard, Steve; Burns, Michael J.; Smith, Wilson A.; Naughton, Michael J.

Au has demonstrated the highest catalytic selectivity, activity, and stability for CO2 reduction to CO of any metal, but the mechanism for this performance remains unclear. Studies of nanoparticle films have shown that higher index facets have improved performance, but the preeminent nanoparticle films, from oxide-derived Au, lack well-defined facets and morphological stability to illuminate their enabling mechanism. More recent work has shown Au needles with a sub 5 nm radius of curvature have excellent performance and stability, independent of crystal facet. The same studies, however, still show calculations expecting a facet dependance. Here we demonstrate a facile and novel dendrite fabrication process with tunable morphology. The dendrites show high catalytic selectivity, activity, and stability for CO2 reduction to CO, along with morphological stability after 18 hours of operation, allowing correlation between morphology and performance. The influence of exposed facets will be discussed. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. (DGE-1258923).

Noise source and reactor stability estimation in a boiling water reactor using a multivariate autoregressive model

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

Kanemoto, S.; Andoh, Y.; Sandoz, S.A.

1984-10-01

A method for evaluating reactor stability in boiling water reactors has been developed. The method is based on multivariate autoregressive (M-AR) modeling of steady-state neutron and process noise signals. In this method, two kinds of power spectral densities (PSDs) for the measured neutron signal and the corresponding noise source signal are separately identified by the M-AR modeling. The closed- and open-loop stability parameters are evaluated from these PSDs. The method is applied to actual plant noise data that were measured together with artificial perturbation test data. Stability parameters identified from noise data are compared to those from perturbation test data,more » and it is shown that both results are in good agreement. In addition to these stability estimations, driving noise sources for the neutron signal are evaluated by the M-AR modeling. Contributions from void, core flow, and pressure noise sources are quantitatively evaluated, and the void noise source is shown to be the most dominant.« less

Materials processing in a centrifuge - Numerical modeling of macrogravity effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramachandran, N.; Downey, J. P.; Jones, J. C.; Curreri, P. A.

1992-01-01

The fluid mechanics associated with crystal growth processes on a centrifuge is investigated. A simple scaling analysis is used to examine the relative magnitudes of the forces acting on the system and good agreement is obtained with previous studies. A two-dimensional model of crystal growth on a centrifuge is proposed and calculations are undertaken to help in understanding the fundamental transport processes within the crystal growth cell. Results from three-dimensional calculations of actual centrifuge-based crystal growth systems are presented both for the thermodynamically stable and unstable configurations. The calculations show the existence of flow bifurcations in certain configurations but not in all instances. The numerical simulations also show that the centrifugal force is the dominant stabilizing force on fluid convection in the stable configuration. The stabilizing influence of the Coriolis force is found to be only secondary in nature. No significant impact of gravity gradient is found in the calculations. Simulations of unstable configurations show that the Coriolis force has a stabilizing influence on fluid motion by delaying the onset of unsteady convection. Detailed flow and thermal field characteristics are presented for all the different cases that are simulated.

Concepts for the development of nanoscale stable precipitation-strengthened steels manufactured by conventional methods

DOE PAGES

Yablinsky, C. A.; Tippey, K. E.; Vaynman, S.; ...

2014-11-11

In this study, the development of oxide dispersion strengthened ferrous alloys has shown that microstructures designed for excellent irradiation resistance and thermal stability ideally contain stable nanoscale precipitates and dislocation sinks. Based upon this understanding, the microstructures of conventionally manufactured ferritic and ferritic-martensitic steels can be designed to include controlled volume fractions of fine, stable precipitates and dislocation sinks via specific alloying and processing paths. The concepts proposed here are categorized as advanced high-Cr ferritic-martensitic (AHCr-FM) and novel tailored precipitate ferritic (TPF) steels, which have the potential to improve the in-reactor performance of conventionally manufactured alloys. AHCr-FM steels have modifiedmore » alloy content relative to current reactor materials (such as alloy NF616/P92) to maximize desirable precipitates and control phase stability. TPF steels are designed to incorporate nickel aluminides, in addition to microalloy carbides, in a ferritic matrix to produce fine precipitate arrays with good thermal stability. Both alloying concepts may also benefit from thermomechanical processing to establish dislocation sinks and modify phase transformation behaviors. Alloying and processing paths toward designed microstructures are discussed for both AHCr-FM and TPF material classes.« less

A new solution to emulsion liquid membrane problems by non-Newtonian conversion

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

Skelland, A.H.P.; Meng, X.

1996-02-01

Surfactant-stabilized emulsion liquid membrane processes constitute an emerging separation technology that has repeatedly been shown to be highly suited for such diverse separation processes as metal recovery or removal from dilute aqueous solutions; separations in the food industry; removal of organic bases and acids from water; and separation of hydrocarbons. Emulsion liquid membrane separation processes remain excessively vulnerable to one or more of four major problems. Difficulties lie in developing liquid membranes that combine high levels of both stability and permeability with acceptably low levels of swelling and ease of subsequent demulsification for membrane and solute recovery. This article providesmore » a new technique for simultaneously overcoming the first three problems, while identifying physical indications that the proposed solution may have little adverse effect on the fourth problem (demulsification) and may even alleviate it. Numerous benefits of optimized conversion of the membrane phase into suitable non-Newtonian form are identified, their mechanisms outlined, and experimental verifications provided. These include increased stability, retained (or enhanced) permeability, reduced swelling, increased internal phase volume, and increased stirrer speeds. The highly favorable responsiveness of both aliphatic and aromatic membranes to the new technique is demonstrated.« less

Study on stability of rake teeth inserting soil of chain rake type mulching film recovery machine based on Adams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Wensong; Jian, Jianming; San, Yunlong; Lui, Rui; Li, Gang; Hou, Shulin

2017-08-01

Traditional rake type mulching film recycling machine has the problem of difficulty in unloading and packing film, poor continuity of the work. In order to solve such problems, this paper designs a kind of chain rake type mulching film recycling machine which can realize continuous raking film, collecting film, transporting film, shaking off soil, unloading film. Rake teeth is the basic part of chain rake mulching recycling machine. The stability of rake teeth's inserting soil is an important factor to ensure recovery efficiency of the plastic film recovery. By virtual prototype simulation, this paper study the influence of different factors on the stability of rake teeth inserting soil. The results are as follows: The speed of chain rake has no significant effect on the stability of rake teeth inserting soil; Reducing resistance of rake teeth in the process of working, is conducive to improve the stability of rake teeth inserting soil; Appropriate increasing elastic modulus of chain rake, is helpful to enhance the stability of rake teeth inserting soil.

Mathematical modeling of the MHD stability dependence on the interpole distance in the multianode aluminium electrolyser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzmin, R. N.; Savenkova, N. P.; Shobukhov, A. V.; Kalmykov, A. V.

2018-03-01

The paper deals with investigation of the MHD-stability dependence on the depth of the anode immersion in the process of aluminium electrolysis. The proposed 3D three-phase mathematical model is based on the Navier-Stokes and Maxwell equation systems. This model makes it possible to simulate the distributions of the main physical fields both in horizontal and vertical planes. The suggested approach also allows to study the dynamics of the border between aluminium and electrolyte and the shape of the back oxidation zone.

PMAA-stabilized ferrofluid/chitosan/yeast composite for bioapplications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldikova, Eva; Prochazkova, Jitka; Stepanek, Miroslav; Hajduova, Jana; Pospiskova, Kristyna; Safarikova, Mirka; Safarik, Ivo

2017-04-01

A simple, one-pot process for the preparation of magnetically responsive yeast-based biocatalysts was developed. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida utilis and Kluyveromyces lactis cells were successfully incorporated into chitosan gel magnetically modified with poly(methacrylic acid)-stabilized magnetic fluid (PMAA-FF) during its formation. Magnetic PMAA-FF/chitosan/yeast composites were efficiently employed for invert sugar production. The dependence of invertase activity on used yeast, amount of magnetic biocatalyst, agitation time and after reuse was studied in detail. The tested magnetic biocatalysts retained at least 69% of their initial activity after 8 reuse cycles.

Numerical limitations in application of vector autoregressive modeling and Granger causality to analysis of EEG time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kammerdiner, Alla; Xanthopoulos, Petros; Pardalos, Panos M.

2007-11-01

In this chapter a potential problem with application of the Granger-causality based on the simple vector autoregressive (VAR) modeling to EEG data is investigated. Although some initial studies tested whether the data support the stationarity assumption of VAR, the stability of the estimated model is rarely (if ever) been verified. In fact, in cases when the stability condition is violated the process may exhibit a random walk like behavior or even be explosive. The problem is illustrated by an example.

Optical heterodyne accelerometry: passively stabilized, fully balanced velocity interferometer system for any reflector

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

Buttler, William T.; Lamoreaux, Steven K.

2010-08-10

We formalize the physics of an optical heterodyne accelerometer that allows measurement of low and high velocities from material surfaces under high strain. The proposed apparatus incorporates currently common optical velocimetry techniques used in shock physics, with interferometric techniques developed to self-stabilize and passively balance interferometers in quantum cryptography. The result is a robust telecom-fiber-based velocimetry system insensitive to modal and frequency dispersion that should work well in the presence of decoherent scattering processes, such as from ejecta clouds and shocked surfaces.

Degradation and Stabilization of Peptide Hormones in Human Blood Specimens

PubMed Central

Yi, Jizu; Warunek, David; Craft, David

2015-01-01

Plasma hormone peptides, including GLP-1, GIP, Glucagon, and OXM, possess multiple physiological roles and potential therapeutic and diagnostic utility as biomarkers in the research of metabolic disorders. These peptides are subject to proteolytic degradation causing preanalytical variations. Stabilization for accurate quantitation of these active peptides in ex vivo blood specimens is essential for drug and biomarker development. We investigated the protease-driven instability of these peptides in conventional serum, plasma, anticoagulated whole blood, as well as whole blood and plasma stabilized with protease inhibitors. The peptide was monitored by both time-course Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-to-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI –TOF MS) and Ab-based assay (ELISA or RIA). MS enabled the identification of proteolytic fragments. In non-stabilized blood samples, the results clearly indicated that dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) removed the N-terminal two amino acid residues from GLP-1, GIP and OXM(1-37) and not-yet identified peptidase(s) cleave(s) the full-length OXM(1-37) and its fragments. DPP-IV also continued to remove two additional N-terminal residues of processed OXM(3–37) to yield OXM(5–37). Importantly, both DPP-IV and other peptidase(s) activities were inhibited efficiently by the protease inhibitors included in the BD P800* tube. There was preservation of GLP-1, GIP, OXM and glucagon in the P800 plasma samples with half-lives > 96, 96, 72, and 45 hours at room temperature (RT), respectively. In the BD P700* plasma samples, the stabilization of GLP-1 was also achieved with half-life > 96 hours at RT. The stabilization of these variable peptides increased their utility in drug and/or biomarker development. While stability results of GLP-1 obtained with Ab-based assay were consistent with those obtained by MS analysis, the Ab-based results of GIP, Glucagon, and OXM did not reflect the time-dependent degradations revealed by MS analysis. Therefore, we recommended characterizing the degradation of the peptide using the MS-based method when investigating the stability of a specific peptide. PMID:26222180

Iterative filtering decomposition based on local spectral evolution kernel

PubMed Central

Wang, Yang; Wei, Guo-Wei; Yang, Siyang

2011-01-01

The synthesizing information, achieving understanding, and deriving insight from increasingly massive, time-varying, noisy and possibly conflicting data sets are some of most challenging tasks in the present information age. Traditional technologies, such as Fourier transform and wavelet multi-resolution analysis, are inadequate to handle all of the above-mentioned tasks. The empirical model decomposition (EMD) has emerged as a new powerful tool for resolving many challenging problems in data processing and analysis. Recently, an iterative filtering decomposition (IFD) has been introduced to address the stability and efficiency problems of the EMD. Another data analysis technique is the local spectral evolution kernel (LSEK), which provides a near prefect low pass filter with desirable time-frequency localizations. The present work utilizes the LSEK to further stabilize the IFD, and offers an efficient, flexible and robust scheme for information extraction, complexity reduction, and signal and image understanding. The performance of the present LSEK based IFD is intensively validated over a wide range of data processing tasks, including mode decomposition, analysis of time-varying data, information extraction from nonlinear dynamic systems, etc. The utility, robustness and usefulness of the proposed LESK based IFD are demonstrated via a large number of applications, such as the analysis of stock market data, the decomposition of ocean wave magnitudes, the understanding of physiologic signals and information recovery from noisy images. The performance of the proposed method is compared with that of existing methods in the literature. Our results indicate that the LSEK based IFD improves both the efficiency and the stability of conventional EMD algorithms. PMID:22350559

Message survival and decision dynamics in a class of reactive complex systems subject to external fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez Lucatero, C.; Schaum, A.; Alarcon Ramos, L.; Bernal-Jaquez, R.

2014-07-01

In this study, the dynamics of decisions in complex networks subject to external fields are studied within a Markov process framework using nonlinear dynamical systems theory. A mathematical discrete-time model is derived using a set of basic assumptions regarding the convincement mechanisms associated with two competing opinions. The model is analyzed with respect to the multiplicity of critical points and the stability of extinction states. Sufficient conditions for extinction are derived in terms of the convincement probabilities and the maximum eigenvalues of the associated connectivity matrices. The influences of exogenous (e.g., mass media-based) effects on decision behavior are analyzed qualitatively. The current analysis predicts: (i) the presence of fixed-point multiplicity (with a maximum number of four different fixed points), multi-stability, and sensitivity with respect to the process parameters; and (ii) the bounded but significant impact of exogenous perturbations on the decision behavior. These predictions were verified using a set of numerical simulations based on a scale-free network topology.

Multi-disciplinary optimization of aeroservoelastic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karpel, Mordechay

1990-01-01

Efficient analytical and computational tools for simultaneous optimal design of the structural and control components of aeroservoelastic systems are presented. The optimization objective is to achieve aircraft performance requirements and sufficient flutter and control stability margins with a minimal weight penalty and without violating the design constraints. Analytical sensitivity derivatives facilitate an efficient optimization process which allows a relatively large number of design variables. Standard finite element and unsteady aerodynamic routines are used to construct a modal data base. Minimum State aerodynamic approximations and dynamic residualization methods are used to construct a high accuracy, low order aeroservoelastic model. Sensitivity derivatives of flutter dynamic pressure, control stability margins and control effectiveness with respect to structural and control design variables are presented. The performance requirements are utilized by equality constraints which affect the sensitivity derivatives. A gradient-based optimization algorithm is used to minimize an overall cost function. A realistic numerical example of a composite wing with four controls is used to demonstrate the modeling technique, the optimization process, and their accuracy and efficiency.

Multidisciplinary optimization of aeroservoelastic systems using reduced-size models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karpel, Mordechay

1992-01-01

Efficient analytical and computational tools for simultaneous optimal design of the structural and control components of aeroservoelastic systems are presented. The optimization objective is to achieve aircraft performance requirements and sufficient flutter and control stability margins with a minimal weight penalty and without violating the design constraints. Analytical sensitivity derivatives facilitate an efficient optimization process which allows a relatively large number of design variables. Standard finite element and unsteady aerodynamic routines are used to construct a modal data base. Minimum State aerodynamic approximations and dynamic residualization methods are used to construct a high accuracy, low order aeroservoelastic model. Sensitivity derivatives of flutter dynamic pressure, control stability margins and control effectiveness with respect to structural and control design variables are presented. The performance requirements are utilized by equality constraints which affect the sensitivity derivatives. A gradient-based optimization algorithm is used to minimize an overall cost function. A realistic numerical example of a composite wing with four controls is used to demonstrate the modeling technique, the optimization process, and their accuracy and efficiency.

Transient performance analysis of the master cylinder hydraulic system of a 6.3 MN fineblanking press

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Guodong; Li, Jin

2018-03-01

The master cylinder hydraulic system is the core component of the fineblanking press that seriously affects the machine performance. A key issue in the design of the master cylinder hydraulic system is dealing with the heavy shock loads in the fineblanking process. In this paper, an equivalent model of the master cylinder hydraulic system is established based on typical process parameters for practical fineblanking; then, the response characteristics of the master cylinder slider to the step changes in the load and control current are analyzed, and lastly, control strategies for the proportional valve are studied based on the impact of the control parameters on the kinetic stability of the slider. The results show that the kinetic stability of the slider is significantly affected by the step change of the control current, while it is slightly affected by the step change of the system load, which can be improved by adjusting the flow rate and opening time of the proportional valve.

Single Crystal Fibers of Yttria-Stabilized Cubic Zirconia with Ternary Oxide Additions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritzert, F. J.; Yun, H. M.; Miner, R. V.

1997-01-01

Single crystal fibers of yttria (Y2O3)-stabilized cubic zirconia, (ZrO2) with ternary oxide additions were grown using the laser float zone fiber processing technique. Ternary additions to the ZrO2-Y2O3 binary system were studied aimed at increasing strength while maintaining the high coefficient of thermal expansion of the binary system. Statistical methods aided in identifying the most promising ternary oxide candidate (Ta2O5, Sc2O3, and HfO2) and optimum composition. The yttria, range investigated was 14 to 24 mol % and the ternary oxide component ranged from 1 to 5 mol %. Hafnium oxide was the most promising ternary oxide component based on 816 C tensile strength results and ease of fabrication. The optimum composition for development was 81 ZrO2-14 Y203-5 HfO2 based upon the same elevated temperature strength tests. Preliminary results indicate process improvements could improve the fiber performance. We also investigated the effect of crystal orientation on strength.

The Development of HfO2-Rare Earth Based Oxide Materials and Barrier Coatings for Thermal Protection Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dongming; Harder, Bryan James

2014-01-01

Advanced hafnia-rare earth oxides, rare earth aluminates and silicates have been developed for thermal environmental barrier systems for aerospace propulsion engine and thermal protection applications. The high temperature stability, low thermal conductivity, excellent oxidation resistance and mechanical properties of these oxide material systems make them attractive and potentially viable for thermal protection systems. This paper will focus on the development of the high performance and high temperature capable ZrO2HfO2-rare earth based alloy and compound oxide materials, processed as protective coating systems using state-or-the-art processing techniques. The emphasis has been in particular placed on assessing their temperature capability, stability and suitability for advanced space vehicle entry thermal protection systems. Fundamental thermophysical and thermomechanical properties of the material systems have been investigated at high temperatures. Laser high-heat-flux testing has also been developed to validate the material systems, and demonstrating durability under space entry high heat flux conditions.

Advances of the smooth variable structure filter: square-root and two-pass formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gadsden, S. Andrew; Lee, Andrew S.

2017-01-01

The smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) has seen significant development and research activity in recent years. It is based on sliding mode concepts, which utilize a switching gain that brings an inherent amount of stability to the estimation process. In an effort to improve upon the numerical stability of the SVSF, a square-root formulation is derived. The square-root SVSF is based on Potter's algorithm. The proposed formulation is computationally more efficient and reduces the risks of failure due to numerical instability. The new strategy is applied on target tracking scenarios for the purposes of state estimation, and the results are compared with the popular Kalman filter. In addition, the SVSF is reformulated to present a two-pass smoother based on the SVSF gain. The proposed method is applied on an aerospace flight surface actuator, and the results are compared with the Kalman-based two-pass smoother.

Flexible thin-film battery based on solid-like ionic liquid-polymer electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qin; Ardebili, Haleh

2016-01-01

The development of high-performance flexible batteries is imperative for several contemporary applications including flexible electronics, wearable sensors and implantable medical devices. However, traditional organic liquid-based electrolytes are not ideal for flexible batteries due to their inherent safety and stability issues. In this study, a non-volatile, non-flammable and safe ionic liquid (IL)-based polymer electrolyte film with solid-like feature is fabricated and incorporated in a flexible lithium ion battery. The ionic liquid is 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (EMIMDCA) and the polymer is composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVDF-HFP). The electrolyte exhibits good thermal stability (i.e. no weight loss up to 300 °C) and relatively high ionic conductivity (6 × 10-4 S cm-1). The flexible thin-film lithium ion battery based on solid-like electrolyte film is encapsulated using a thermal-lamination process and demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance, in both flat and bent configurations.

Effect of gamma radiation on the stability of UV replicated composite mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaldivar, Rafael J.; Kim, Hyun I.; Ferrelli, Geena L.

2018-04-01

Composite replicated mirrors are gaining increasing attention for space-based applications due to their lower density, tailorable mechanical properties, and rapid manufacturing times over state-of-the-art glass mirrors. Ultraviolet (UV)-cured mirrors provide a route by which high-quality mirrors can be manufactured at relatively low processing temperatures that minimize residual stresses. The successful utilization of these mirrors requires nanometer scale dimensional stability after both thermal cycling and hygrothermal exposure. We investigate the effect of gamma irradiation as a process to improve the stability of UV replicated mirrors. Gamma radiation exposure was shown to increase the cure state of these mirrors as evidenced by an increase in modulus, glass transition temperature, and the thermal degradation behavior with dosage. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy also showed evidence of consumption of the primary monomers and initiation of the photosensitive agent with gamma exposure. The gamma-exposed mirrors exhibited significant improvement in stability even after multiple thermal cycling in comparison with nonirradiated composite mirrors. Though improvements in the cure state contribute to the overall stability, the radiation dosage was also shown to reduce the film stress of the mirror by over 80% as evidenced using Stoney replicated specimens. This reduction in residual stress is encouraging considering the utilization of these structures for space applications. This paper shows that replicated composite mirrors are a viable alternative to conventional optical structures.

Phase Stability and Thermal Conductivity of Composite Environmental Barrier Coatings on SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benkel, Samantha; Zhu, Dongming

2011-01-01

Advanced environmental barrier coatings are being developed to protect SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites in harsh combustion environments. The current coating development emphasis has been placed on the significantly improved cyclic durability and combustion environment stability in high-heat-flux and high velocity gas turbine engine environments. Environmental barrier coating systems based on hafnia (HfO2) and ytterbium silicate, HfO2-Si nano-composite bond coat systems have been processed and their stability and thermal conductivity behavior have been evaluated in simulated turbine environments. The incorporation of Silicon Carbide Nanotubes (SiCNT) into high stability (HfO2) and/or HfO2-silicon composite bond coats, along with ZrO2, HfO2 and rare earth silicate composite top coat systems, showed promise as excellent environmental barriers to protect the SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites.

Formation and Stability of Bulk Nanobubbles Generated by Ethanol-Water Exchange.

PubMed

Qiu, Jie; Zou, Zhenglei; Wang, Shuo; Wang, Xingya; Wang, Lei; Dong, Yaming; Zhao, Hongwei; Zhang, Lijuan; Hu, Jun

2017-05-19

Bulk nanobubbles have unique properties and find potential applications in many important processes. However, their stability or long lifetime still needs to be understood and has attracted much attention from researchers. Bulk nanobubbles are generated based on ethanol-water exchange, a method that is generally used in the study of surface nanobubbles. Their formation and stability is further studied by using a new type of dynamic light scattering known as NanoSight. The results show that the concentration of the bulk nanobubbles produced by this method is about five times greater than that in the degassed group, which indicates the existence of bulk gas nanobubbles. The effects of ethanol/water ratios and temperature on the stability of the bulk nanobubbles have also been studied and their numbers reach a maximum at a ratio of about 1:10 (v/v). © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Exploring the Dynamics and Modeling National Budget as a Supply Chain System: A Proposal for Reengineering the Budgeting Process and for Developing a Management Flight Simulator

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Elmendorf, D. W., & Gregory Mankiw , N. (1999). Government debt. Handbook of Macroeconomics , 1, 1615-1669. European Union. European financial stability...budget process, based on the supply chain demand management process principles of operations and it is introduced the idea of developing a Budget... principles of systems dynamics, a proposal for the development of a Budget Management Flight Simulator, that will operate as a learning and educational

Crystallization modifiers in lipid systems.

PubMed

Ribeiro, Ana Paula Badan; Masuchi, Monise Helen; Miyasaki, Eriksen Koji; Domingues, Maria Aliciane Fontenele; Stroppa, Valter Luís Zuliani; de Oliveira, Glazieli Marangoni; Kieckbusch, Theo Guenter

2015-07-01

Crystallization of fats is a determinant physical event affecting the structure and properties of fat-based products. The stability of these processed foods is regulated by changes in the physical state of fats and alterations in their crystallization behavior. Problems like polymorphic transitions, oil migration, fat bloom development, slow crystallization and formation of crystalline aggregates stand out. The change of the crystallization behavior of lipid systems has been a strategic issue for the processing of foods, aiming at taylor made products, reducing costs, improving quality, and increasing the applicability and stability of different industrial fats. In this connection, advances in understanding the complex mechanisms that govern fat crystallization led to the development of strategies in order to modulate the conventional processes of fat structuration, based on the use of crystallization modifiers. Different components have been evaluated, such as specific triacyglycerols, partial glycerides (monoacylglycerols and diacylglycerols), free fatty acids, phospholipids and emulsifiers. The knowledge and expertise on the influence of these specific additives or minor lipids on the crystallization behavior of fat systems represents a focus of current interest for the industrial processing of oils and fats. This article presents a comprehensive review on the use of crystallization modifiers in lipid systems, especially for palm oil, cocoa butter and general purpose fats, highlighting: i) the removal, addition or fractionation of minor lipids in fat bases; ii) the use of nucleating agents to modify the crystallization process; iii) control of crystallization in lipid bases by using emulsifiers. The addition of these components into lipid systems is discussed in relation to the phenomena of nucleation, crystal growth, morphology, thermal behavior and polymorphism, with the intention of providing the reader with a complete panorama of the associated mechanisms with crystallization of fats and oils.

Duplex Interrogation by a Direct DNA Repair Protein in Search of Base Damage

PubMed Central

Yi, Chengqi; Chen, Baoen; Qi, Bo; Zhang, Wen; Jia, Guifang; Zhang, Liang; Li, Charles J.; Dinner, Aaron R.; Yang, Cai-Guang; He, Chuan

2012-01-01

ALKBH2 is a direct DNA repair dioxygenase guarding mammalian genome against N1-methyladenine, N3-methylcytosine, and 1,N6-ethenoadenine damage. A prerequisite for repair is to identify these lesions in the genome. Here we present crystal structures of ALKBH2 bound to different duplex DNAs. Together with computational and biochemical analyses, our results suggest that DNA interrogation by ALKBH2 displays two novel features: i) ALKBH2 probes base-pair stability and detects base pairs with reduced stability; ii) ALKBH2 does not have nor need a “damage-checking site”, which is critical for preventing spurious base-cleavage for several glycosylases. The demethylation mechanism of ALKBH2 insures that only cognate lesions are oxidized and reversed to normal bases, and that a flipped, non-substrate base remains intact in the active site. Overall, the combination of duplex interrogation and oxidation chemistry allows ALKBH2 to detect and process diverse lesions efficiently and correctly. PMID:22659876

Simulation Learning: PC-Screen Based (PCSB) versus High Fidelity Simulation (HFS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

methods for the use of simulation for teaching clinical skills to military and civilian clinicians . High fidelity simulation is an expensive method of...without the knowledge and approval of the IRB. Changes include, but not limited to, modifications in study design, recruitment process and number of...Person C-Collar simulation algorithm Pathway A Scenario A - Spinal stabilization: Sub processes Legend: Pathway Points Complex task to be performed by

Tales around the clock: Poly(A) tails in circadian gene expression.

PubMed

Beta, Rafailia A A; Balatsos, Nikolaos A A

2018-06-17

Circadian rhythms are ubiquitous time-keeping processes in eukaryotes with a period of ~24 hr. Light is perhaps the main environmental cue (zeitgeber) that affects several aspects of physiology and behaviour, such as sleep/wake cycles, orientation of birds and bees, and leaf movements in plants. Temperature can serve as the main zeitgeber in the absence of light cycles, even though it does not lead to rhythmicity through the same mechanism as light. Additional cues include feeding patterns, humidity, and social rhythms. At the molecular level, a master oscillator orchestrates circadian rhythms and organizes molecular clocks located in most cells. The generation of the 24 hr molecular clock is based on transcriptional regulation, as it drives intrinsic rhythmic changes based on interlocked transcription/translation feedback loops that synchronize expression of genes. Thus, processes and factors that determine rhythmic gene expression are important to understand circadian rhythms. Among these, the poly(A) tails of RNAs play key roles in their stability, translational efficiency and degradation. In this article, we summarize current knowledge and discuss perspectives on the role and significance of poly(A) tails and associating factors in the context of the circadian clock. This article is categorized under: RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability RNA Processing > 3' End Processing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relationship between operational variables, fundamental physics and foamed cement properties in lab and field generated foamed cement slurries

DOE PAGES

Glosser, D.; Kutchko, B.; Benge, G.; ...

2016-03-21

Foamed cement is a critical component for wellbore stability. The mechanical performance of a foamed cement depends on its microstructure, which in turn depends on the preparation method and attendant operational variables. Determination of cement stability for field use is based on laboratory testing protocols governed by API Recommended Practice 10B-4 (API RP 10B-4, 2015). However, laboratory and field operational variables contrast considerably in terms of scale, as well as slurry mixing and foaming processes. Here in this paper, laboratory and field operational processes are characterized within a physics-based framework. It is shown that the “atomization energy” imparted by themore » high pressure injection of nitrogen gas into the field mixed foamed cement slurry is – by a significant margin – the highest energy process, and has a major impact on the void system in the cement slurry. There is no analog for this high energy exchange in current laboratory cement preparation and testing protocols. Quantifying the energy exchanges across the laboratory and field processes provides a basis for understanding relative impacts of these variables on cement structure, and can ultimately lead to the development of practices to improve cement testing and performance.« less

A high precision position sensor design and its signal processing algorithm for a maglev train.

PubMed

Xue, Song; Long, Zhiqiang; He, Ning; Chang, Wensen

2012-01-01

High precision positioning technology for a kind of high speed maglev train with an electromagnetic suspension (EMS) system is studied. At first, the basic structure and functions of the position sensor are introduced and some key techniques to enhance the positioning precision are designed. Then, in order to further improve the positioning signal quality and the fault-tolerant ability of the sensor, a new kind of discrete-time tracking differentiator (TD) is proposed based on nonlinear optimal control theory. This new TD has good filtering and differentiating performances and a small calculation load. It is suitable for real-time signal processing. The stability, convergence property and frequency characteristics of the TD are studied and analyzed thoroughly. The delay constant of the TD is figured out and an effective time delay compensation algorithm is proposed. Based on the TD technology, a filtering process is introduced in to improve the positioning signal waveform when the sensor is under bad working conditions, and a two-sensor switching algorithm is designed to eliminate the positioning errors caused by the joint gaps of the long stator. The effectiveness and stability of the sensor and its signal processing algorithms are proved by the experiments on a test train during a long-term test run.

A High Precision Position Sensor Design and Its Signal Processing Algorithm for a Maglev Train

PubMed Central

Xue, Song; Long, Zhiqiang; He, Ning; Chang, Wensen

2012-01-01

High precision positioning technology for a kind of high speed maglev train with an electromagnetic suspension (EMS) system is studied. At first, the basic structure and functions of the position sensor are introduced and some key techniques to enhance the positioning precision are designed. Then, in order to further improve the positioning signal quality and the fault-tolerant ability of the sensor, a new kind of discrete-time tracking differentiator (TD) is proposed based on nonlinear optimal control theory. This new TD has good filtering and differentiating performances and a small calculation load. It is suitable for real-time signal processing. The stability, convergence property and frequency characteristics of the TD are studied and analyzed thoroughly. The delay constant of the TD is figured out and an effective time delay compensation algorithm is proposed. Based on the TD technology, a filtering process is introduced in to improve the positioning signal waveform when the sensor is under bad working conditions, and a two-sensor switching algorithm is designed to eliminate the positioning errors caused by the joint gaps of the long stator. The effectiveness and stability of the sensor and its signal processing algorithms are proved by the experiments on a test train during a long-term test run. PMID:22778582

Freeze-drying of nanosuspensions, part 3: investigation of factors compromising storage stability of highly concentrated drug nanosuspensions.

PubMed

Beirowski, Jakob; Inghelbrecht, Sabine; Arien, Albertina; Gieseler, Henning

2012-01-01

On the basis of a previously developed formulation and process guideline for lyophilized, highly concentrated drug nanosuspensions for parenteral use, it was the purpose of this study to demonstrate that the original nanoparticle size distribution can be preserved over a minimum period of 3 months, even if aggressive primary drying conditions are used. Critical factors were evaluated that were originally believed to affect storage stability of freeze-dried drug nanoparticles. It was found that the nature and concentration of the steric stabilizer, such as Poloxamer 338 and Cremophor EL, are the most important factors for long-term stability of such formulations, independent of the used drug compound. The rational choice of an adequate steric stabilizer, namely Poloxamer 338, in combination with various lyoprotectants seems crucial to prevent physical instabilities of the lyophilized drug nanoparticles during short-term stability experiments at ambient and accelerated conditions. A 200 mg/mL concentration of nanoparticles could successfully be stabilized over the investigated time interval. In the course of the present experiments, polyvinylpyrrolidone, type K15 was found superior to trehalose or sucrose in preserving the original particle size distribution, presumably based on its surface-active properties. Lastly, it was demonstrated that lower water contents are generally beneficial to stabilize such systems. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

No Control Genes Required: Bayesian Analysis of qRT-PCR Data

PubMed Central

Matz, Mikhail V.; Wright, Rachel M.; Scott, James G.

2013-01-01

Background Model-based analysis of data from quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) is potentially more powerful and versatile than traditional methods. Yet existing model-based approaches cannot properly deal with the higher sampling variances associated with low-abundant targets, nor do they provide a natural way to incorporate assumptions about the stability of control genes directly into the model-fitting process. Results In our method, raw qPCR data are represented as molecule counts, and described using generalized linear mixed models under Poisson-lognormal error. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is used to sample from the joint posterior distribution over all model parameters, thereby estimating the effects of all experimental factors on the expression of every gene. The Poisson-based model allows for the correct specification of the mean-variance relationship of the PCR amplification process, and can also glean information from instances of no amplification (zero counts). Our method is very flexible with respect to control genes: any prior knowledge about the expected degree of their stability can be directly incorporated into the model. Yet the method provides sensible answers without such assumptions, or even in the complete absence of control genes. We also present a natural Bayesian analogue of the “classic” analysis, which uses standard data pre-processing steps (logarithmic transformation and multi-gene normalization) but estimates all gene expression changes jointly within a single model. The new methods are considerably more flexible and powerful than the standard delta-delta Ct analysis based on pairwise t-tests. Conclusions Our methodology expands the applicability of the relative-quantification analysis protocol all the way to the lowest-abundance targets, and provides a novel opportunity to analyze qRT-PCR data without making any assumptions concerning target stability. These procedures have been implemented as the MCMC.qpcr package in R. PMID:23977043

Membrane-based systems for carbon capture and hydrogen purification

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

Berchtold, Kathryn A

2010-11-24

This presentation describes the activities being conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory to develop carbon capture technologies for power systems. This work is aimed at continued development and demonstration of a membrane based pre- and post-combustion carbon capture technology and separation schemes. Our primary work entails the development and demonstration of an innovative membrane technology for pre-combustion capture of carbon dioxide that operates over a broad range of conditions relevant to the power industry while meeting the US DOE's Carbon Sequestration Program goals of 90% CO{sub 2} capture at less than a 10% increase in the cost of energy services.more » Separating and capturing carbon dioxide from mixed gas streams is a first and critical step in carbon sequestration. To be technically and economically viable, a successful separation method must be applicable to industrially relevant gas streams at realistic temperatures and pressures as well as be compatible with large gas volumes. Our project team is developing polymer membranes based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) chemistries that can purify hydrogen and capture CO{sub 2} at industrially relevant temperatures. Our primary objectives are to develop and demonstrate polymer-based membrane chemistries, structures, deployment platforms, and sealing technologies that achieve the critical combination of high selectivity, high permeability, chemical stability, and mechanical stability all at elevated temperatures (> 150 C) and packaged in a scalable, economically viable, high area density system amenable to incorporation into an advanced Integrated Gasification Combined-Cycle (IGCC) plant for pre-combustion CO{sub 2} capture. Stability requirements are focused on tolerance to the primary synthesis gas components and impurities at various locations in the IGCC process. Since the process stream compositions and conditions (temperature and pressure) vary throughout the IGCC process, the project is focused on the optimization of a technology that could be positioned upstream or downstream of one or more of the water-gas-shift reactors (WGSRs) or integrated with a WGSR.« less

Enhnacing the science of the WFIRST coronagraph instrument with post-processing.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pueyo, Laurent; WFIRST CGI data analysis and post-processing WG

2018-01-01

We summarize the results of a three years effort investigating how to apply to the WFIRST coronagraph instrument (CGI) modern image analysis methods, now routinely used with ground-based coronagraphs. In this post we quantify the gain associated post-processing for WFIRST-CGI observing scenarios simulated between 2013 and 2017. We also show based one simulations that spectrum of planet can be confidently retrieved using these processing tools with and Integral Field Spectrograph. We then discuss our work using CGI experimental data and quantify coronagraph post-processing testbed gains. We finally introduce stability metrics that are simple to define and measure, and place useful lower bound and upper bounds on the achievable RDI post-processing contrast gain. We show that our bounds hold in the case of the testbed data.

Simulation of surface hardening in the deep rolling process by means of an axial symmetric nodal averaged finite element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrev, P. G.; Gordon, V. A.

2018-03-01

Surface hardening by deep rolling can be considered as the axial symmetric problem in some special events (namely, when large R and small r radii of the deforming roller meet the requirement R>> r). An axisymmetric nodal averaged stabilized finite element is formulated. The formulation is based on a variational principle with a penalty (stabilizing) item in order to involve large elastic-plastic strain and near to incompressible materials. The deep rolling process for a steel rod is analyzed. Axial residual stress, yield stress, and Odkvist’s parameter are calculated. The residual stress is compared with the data obtained by other authors using a three-dimensional statement of the problem. The results obtained demonstrate essential advantages of the newly developed finite element.

Vesper - Venus Chemistry and Dynamics Orbiter - A NASA Discovery Mission Proposal: Submillimeter Investigation of Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chin, Gordon

2011-01-01

Vesper conducts a focused investigation of the chemistry and dynamics of the middle atmosphere of our sister planet- from the base of the global cloud cover to the lower thermosphere. The middle atmosphere controls the stability of the Venus climate system. Vesper determines what processes maintain the atmospheric chemical stability, cause observed variability of chemical composition, control the escape of water, and drive the extreme super-rotation. The Vesper science investigation provides a unique perspective on the Earth environment due to the similarities in the middle atmosphere processes of both Venus and the Earth. Understanding key distinctions and similarities between Venus and Earth will increase our knowledge of how terrestrial planets evolve along different paths from nearly identical initial conditions.

Effect of processing and storage on the stability of flaxseed lignan added to bakery products.

PubMed

Hyvärinen, Helena K; Pihlava, Juha-Matti; Hiidenhovi, Jaakko A; Hietaniemi, Veli; Korhonen, Hannu J T; Ryhänen, Eeva-Liisa

2006-01-11

The study focused on the effects of processing and storage on the stability of flaxseed-derived secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) added to various bakery products. The SDG concentration of doughs, baked rye breads, graham buns, and muffins was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection; the baked products were analyzed immediately after baking and upon storage at room temperature for 1 week and at -25 degrees C for 1 and 2 months, respectively. Added SDG was found to withstand normal baking temperatures in all bakery products. SDG also was a relatively stable compound during storage. Similarly, the content of SDG in flax buns containing fat-free flaxseed meal was unaffected by storage. We conclude that cereal-based bakery products can be supplemented with flaxseed-derived SDG.

Universality Results for Multi-layer Radial Hele-Shaw Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daripa, Prabir; Gin, Craig; Daripa Research Team

2014-03-01

Saffman-Taylor instability is a well known viscosity driven instability of an interface separating two immiscible fluids. We study linear stability of this displacement process in multi-layer radial Hele-Shaw geometry involving an arbitrary number of immiscible fluid phases. Universal stability results have been obtained and applied to design displacement processes that are considerably less unstable than the pure Saffman-Taylor case. In particular, we derive universal formula which gives specific values of the viscosities of the fluid layers corresponding to smallest unstable band. Other similar universal results will also be presented. The talk is based on ongoing work. Supported by an NPRP Grant # 08-777-1-141 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.

Effect of Dispersion Method on Stability and Dielectric Strength of Transformer Oil-Based TiO2 Nanofluids.

PubMed

Lv, Yu-Zhen; Li, Chao; Sun, Qian; Huang, Meng; Li, Cheng-Rong; Qi, Bo

2016-12-01

Dispersion stability of nanoparticles in the liquid media is of great importance to the utilization in practice. This study aims to investigate the effects of mechanical dispersion method on the dispersibility of functionalized TiO 2 nanoparticles in the transformer oil. Dispersion methods, including stirring, ultrasonic bath, and probe processes, were systematically tested to verify their versatility for preparing stable nanofluid. The test results reveal that the combination of ultrasonic bath process and stirring method has the best dispersion efficiency and the obtained nanofluid possesses the highest AC breakdown strength. Specifically, after aging for 168 h, the size of nanoparticles in the nanofluid prepared by the combination method has no obvious change, while those obtained by the other three paths are increased obviously.

Vector processing efficiency of plasma MHD codes by use of the FACOM 230-75 APU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuura, T.; Tanaka, Y.; Naraoka, K.; Takizuka, T.; Tsunematsu, T.; Tokuda, S.; Azumi, M.; Kurita, G.; Takeda, T.

1982-06-01

In the framework of pipelined vector architecture, the efficiency of vector processing is assessed with respect to plasma MHD codes in nuclear fusion research. By using a vector processor, the FACOM 230-75 APU, the limit of the enhancement factor due to parallelism of current vector machines is examined for three numerical codes based on a fluid model. Reasonable speed-up factors of approximately 6,6 and 4 times faster than the highly optimized scalar version are obtained for ERATO (linear stability code), AEOLUS-R1 (nonlinear stability code) and APOLLO (1-1/2D transport code), respectively. Problems of the pipelined vector processors are discussed from the viewpoint of restructuring, optimization and choice of algorithms. In conclusion, the important concept of "concurrency within pipelined parallelism" is emphasized.

Optimization of composite coagulant made from polyferric chloride and tapioca starch in landfill leachate treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaylinda, M. Z. N.; Hamidi, A. A.; Mohd, N. A.; Ariffin, A.; Irvan, D.; Hazreek, Z. A. M.; Nizam, Z. M.

2018-04-01

In this research, the performance of polyferric chloride and tapioca flour as composite coagulants for partially stabilized leachate was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the coagulation and flocculation process of partially stabilized leachate. Central composite design a standard design tool in RSM was applied to evaluate the interactions and effects of dose and pH. Dose 0.2 g/L Fe and pH 4.71 were the optimum value suggested by RSM. Experimental test based on the optimum condition, resulted in 95.9%, 94.6% and 50.4% of SS, color and COD removals, respectively. The percentage difference recorded between experimental and model responses was <5%. Therefore, it can be concluded that RSM was an appropriate optimization tool for coagulation and flocculation process.

Enhanced fish oil-in-water emulsions enabled by rapeseed lecithins obtained under different processing conditions.

PubMed

Li, Jingbo; Pedersen, Jacob Nedergaard; Anankanbil, Sampson; Guo, Zheng

2018-10-30

It is hypothesized that rapeseed lecithins may have different emulsifying and antioxidant properties in delivering fish oil compared to soy lecithin based on previous studies. The results showed that in vitro antioxidant activities of rapeseed lecithins were stronger than those of soy lecithin. Emulsions stabilized by rapeseed based lecithins and DATEM were stable over 3 months at 4 °C, whereas the creaming of emulsions containing soy lecithin started immediately after its preparation. Zeta-potential of rapeseed lecithins was higher than soy lecithin and DATEM, which partially contributed to the emulsion stability. Although the particle sizes of emulsions prepared by rapeseed lecithins increased after 14 days storage, no creaming was observed. Lipid oxidation as indicated by TBARS values suggested that DATEM was the most unfavorable, followed by soy lecithin. It is concluded that rapeseed lecithins are better than soy lecithin and DATEM in terms of emulsion stability and antioxidant capability, respectively. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Pharmaceutical research progress of rhynchophylla based on chemical stability].

PubMed

Hao, Bo; Yang, Xiu-Juan; Feng, Yi; Hong, Yan-Long

2014-12-01

Rhynchophylla is a Chinese herb commonly used in clinical practice. It's also the primary herb of some famous Chinese herbal compound such as Tianma Gouteng decoction, and Lingyang Gouteng decoction. According the record from many previous materia medica literatures, rhynchophylla should be added later during decoction. Pharmaceutical research showed that rhynchophylla alkaloids were not stable. Which has resulted in many problems in the research and its application. For example, there was not a quantitative determination method in "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" of past and present versions, which seriously impacted its quality control and product application. Firstly, records from previous materia medica literatures and "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" were systematically sorted based on the chemical stability of rhynchophylla. Secondly, pharmaceutical research including chemical compositions and their stability, pharmacological effects, extraction process and quality analysis, was reviewed after reference of literatures published at home and abroad in recent decades. Positive reference and evidence for further research and development of rhynchophylla will be provided in the article.

Two-pass smoother based on the SVSF estimation strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gadsden, S. A.; Al-Shabi, M.; Kirubarajan, T.

2015-05-01

The smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) has seen significant development and research activity in recent years. It is based on sliding mode concepts, which utilizes a switching gain that brings an inherent amount of stability to the estimation process. In this paper, the SVSF is reformulated to present a two-pass smoother based on the SVSF gain. The proposed method is applied on an aerospace flight surface actuator, and the results are compared with the popular Kalman-based two-pass smoother.

Wavelet Filtering to Reduce Conservatism in Aeroservoelastic Robust Stability Margins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brenner, Marty; Lind, Rick

1998-01-01

Wavelet analysis for filtering and system identification was used to improve the estimation of aeroservoelastic stability margins. The conservatism of the robust stability margins was reduced with parametric and nonparametric time-frequency analysis of flight data in the model validation process. Nonparametric wavelet processing of data was used to reduce the effects of external desirableness and unmodeled dynamics. Parametric estimates of modal stability were also extracted using the wavelet transform. Computation of robust stability margins for stability boundary prediction depends on uncertainty descriptions derived from the data for model validation. F-18 high Alpha Research Vehicle aeroservoelastic flight test data demonstrated improved robust stability prediction by extension of the stability boundary beyond the flight regime.

Magnesium-aspartate-based crystallization switch inspired from shell molt of crustacean

PubMed Central

Tao, Jinhui; Zhou, Dongming; Zhang, Zhisen; Xu, Xurong; Tang, Ruikang

2009-01-01

Many animals such as crustacean periodically undergo cyclic molt of the exoskeleton. During this process, amorphous calcium mineral phases are biologically stabilized by magnesium and are reserved for the subsequent rapid formation of new shell tissue. However, it is a mystery how living organisms can regulate the transition of the precursor phases precisely. We reveal that the shell mineralization from the magnesium stabilized precursors is associated with the presence of Asp-rich proteins. It is suggested that a cooperative effect of magnesium and Asp-rich compound can result into a crystallization switch in biomineralization. Our in vitro experiments confirm that magnesium increases the lifetime of amorphous calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate in solution so that the crystallization can be temporarily switched off. Although Asp monomer alone inhibits the crystallization of pure amorphous calcium minerals, it actually reduces the stability of the magnesium-stabilized precursors to switch on the transformation from the amorphous to crystallized phases. These modification effects on crystallization kinetics can be understood by an Asp-enhanced magnesium desolvation model. The interesting magnesium-Asp-based switch is a biologically inspired lesson from nature, which can be developed into an advanced strategy to control material fabrications. PMID:20007788

Magnesium-aspartate-based crystallization switch inspired from shell molt of crustacean.

PubMed

Tao, Jinhui; Zhou, Dongming; Zhang, Zhisen; Xu, Xurong; Tang, Ruikang

2009-12-29

Many animals such as crustacean periodically undergo cyclic molt of the exoskeleton. During this process, amorphous calcium mineral phases are biologically stabilized by magnesium and are reserved for the subsequent rapid formation of new shell tissue. However, it is a mystery how living organisms can regulate the transition of the precursor phases precisely. We reveal that the shell mineralization from the magnesium stabilized precursors is associated with the presence of Asp-rich proteins. It is suggested that a cooperative effect of magnesium and Asp-rich compound can result into a crystallization switch in biomineralization. Our in vitro experiments confirm that magnesium increases the lifetime of amorphous calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate in solution so that the crystallization can be temporarily switched off. Although Asp monomer alone inhibits the crystallization of pure amorphous calcium minerals, it actually reduces the stability of the magnesium-stabilized precursors to switch on the transformation from the amorphous to crystallized phases. These modification effects on crystallization kinetics can be understood by an Asp-enhanced magnesium desolvation model. The interesting magnesium-Asp-based switch is a biologically inspired lesson from nature, which can be developed into an advanced strategy to control material fabrications.

An optimized OPC and MDP flow for reducing mask write time and mask cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ellyn; Li, Cheng He; Park, Se Jin; Zhu, Yu; Guo, Eric

2010-09-01

In the process of optical proximity correction, layout edge or fragment is migrating to proper position in order to minimize edge placement error (EPE). During this fragment migration, several factors other than EPE can be also taken into account as a part of cost function for optimal fragment displacement. Several factors are devised in favor of OPC stability, which can accommodate room for high mask error enhancement factor (MEEF), lack of process window, catastrophic pattern failure such as pinch/bridge and improper fragmentation. As technology node becomes finer, there happens conflict between OPC accuracy and stability. Especially for metal layers, OPC has focused on the stability by loss of accurate OPC results. On this purpose, several techniques have been introduced, which are target smoothing, process window aware OPC, model-based retargeting and adaptive OPC. By utilizing those techniques, OPC enables more stabilized patterning, instead of realizing design target exactly on wafer. Inevitably, post-OPC layouts become more complicated because those techniques invoke additional edge, or fragments prior to correction or during OPC iteration. As a result, jogs of post OPC layer can be dramatically increased, which results in huge number of shot count after data fracturing. In other words, there is trade-off relationship between data complexity and various methods for OPC stability. In this paper, those relationships have been investigated with respect to several technology nodes. The mask shot count reduction is achieved by reducing the number of jogs with which EPE difference are within pre-specified value. The effect of jog smoothing on OPC output - in view of OPC performance and mask data preparation - was studied quantitatively for respective technology nodes.

Scale up, optimization and stability analysis of Curcumin C3 complex-loaded nanoparticles for cancer therapy

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Nanoparticle based delivery of anticancer drugs have been widely investigated. However, a very important process for Research & Development in any pharmaceutical industry is scaling nanoparticle formulation techniques so as to produce large batches for preclinical and clinical trials. This process is not only critical but also difficult as it involves various formulation parameters to be modulated all in the same process. Methods In our present study, we formulated curcumin loaded poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-CURC). This improved the bioavailability of curcumin, a potent natural anticancer drug, making it suitable for cancer therapy. Post formulation, we optimized our process by Reponse Surface Methodology (RSM) using Central Composite Design (CCD) and scaled up the formulation process in four stages with final scale-up process yielding 5 g of curcumin loaded nanoparticles within the laboratory setup. The nanoparticles formed after scale-up process were characterized for particle size, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, surface morphology, in vitro release kinetics and pharmacokinetics. Stability analysis and gamma sterilization were also carried out. Results Results revealed that that process scale-up is being mastered for elaboration to 5 g level. The mean nanoparticle size of the scaled up batch was found to be 158.5 ± 9.8 nm and the drug loading was determined to be 10.32 ± 1.4%. The in vitro release study illustrated a slow sustained release corresponding to 75% drug over a period of 10 days. The pharmacokinetic profile of PLGA-CURC in rats following i.v. administration showed two compartmental model with the area under the curve (AUC0-∞) being 6.139 mg/L h. Gamma sterilization showed no significant change in the particle size or drug loading of the nanoparticles. Stability analysis revealed long term physiochemical stability of the PLGA-CURC formulation. Conclusions A successful effort towards formulating, optimizing and scaling up PLGA-CURC by using Solid-Oil/Water emulsion technique was demonstrated. The process used CCD-RSM for optimization and further scaled up to produce 5 g of PLGA-CURC with almost similar physicochemical characteristics as that of the primary formulated batch. PMID:22937885

Scale up, optimization and stability analysis of Curcumin C3 complex-loaded nanoparticles for cancer therapy.

PubMed

Ranjan, Amalendu P; Mukerjee, Anindita; Helson, Lawrence; Vishwanatha, Jamboor K

2012-08-31

Nanoparticle based delivery of anticancer drugs have been widely investigated. However, a very important process for Research & Development in any pharmaceutical industry is scaling nanoparticle formulation techniques so as to produce large batches for preclinical and clinical trials. This process is not only critical but also difficult as it involves various formulation parameters to be modulated all in the same process. In our present study, we formulated curcumin loaded poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-CURC). This improved the bioavailability of curcumin, a potent natural anticancer drug, making it suitable for cancer therapy. Post formulation, we optimized our process by Reponse Surface Methodology (RSM) using Central Composite Design (CCD) and scaled up the formulation process in four stages with final scale-up process yielding 5 g of curcumin loaded nanoparticles within the laboratory setup. The nanoparticles formed after scale-up process were characterized for particle size, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, surface morphology, in vitro release kinetics and pharmacokinetics. Stability analysis and gamma sterilization were also carried out. Results revealed that that process scale-up is being mastered for elaboration to 5 g level. The mean nanoparticle size of the scaled up batch was found to be 158.5±9.8 nm and the drug loading was determined to be 10.32±1.4%. The in vitro release study illustrated a slow sustained release corresponding to 75% drug over a period of 10 days. The pharmacokinetic profile of PLGA-CURC in rats following i.v. administration showed two compartmental model with the area under the curve (AUC0-∞) being 6.139 mg/L h. Gamma sterilization showed no significant change in the particle size or drug loading of the nanoparticles. Stability analysis revealed long term physiochemical stability of the PLGA-CURC formulation. A successful effort towards formulating, optimizing and scaling up PLGA-CURC by using Solid-Oil/Water emulsion technique was demonstrated. The process used CCD-RSM for optimization and further scaled up to produce 5 g of PLGA-CURC with almost similar physicochemical characteristics as that of the primary formulated batch.

Geomechanical Characterization and Stability Analysis of the Bedrock Underlying the Costa Concordia Cruise Ship

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dotta, Giulia; Gigli, Giovanni; Ferrigno, Federica; Gabbani, Giuliano; Nocentini, Massimiliano; Lombardi, Luca; Agostini, Andrea; Nolesini, Teresa; Casagli, Nicola

2017-09-01

The shipwreck of the Costa Concordia cruise ship, which ran aground on 13 January 2012 on the northwestern coast of Giglio Island (Italy), required continuous monitoring of the position and movement of the vessel to guarantee the security of workers and rescuers operating around and within the wreck and to support shipwreck removal operations. Furthermore, understanding the geomechanical properties and stability behaviour of the coastal rock mass and rocky seabed underlying the ship was of similar importance. To assess the stability conditions of the ship, a ground-based monitoring system was installed in front of the wreck. The network included a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) device, which was used to perform remote semiautomatic geomechanical characterization of the observed rock mass. Using TLS survey techniques, three main discontinuity sets were identified in the granitic rock mass of Giglio Island. Furthermore, a multibeam bathymetric survey was used to qualitatively characterize the seabed. To integrate the processed TLS data and quantitatively describe the rock mass quality, a subsequent field survey was carried out to provide a rock mass geomechanical evaluation (from very good to moderate quality). Based on the acquired information, kinematic and stability analyses were performed to create a spatial prediction of rock failure mechanisms in the study area. The obtained kinematic hazard index values were generally low; only the plane failure index reached slightly higher values. The general stability of the rock mass was confirmed by the stability analysis, which yielded a high safety factor value (approximately 12).

Solid oxide membrane (SOM) process for ytterbium and silicon production from their oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yihong

The Solid oxide membrane (SOM) electrolysis is an innovative green technology that produces technologically important metals directly from their respective oxides. A yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) tube, closed at one end is employed to separate the molten salt containing dissolved metal oxides from the anode inside the YSZ tube. When the applied electric potential between the cathode in the molten salt and the anode exceeds the dissociation potential of the desired metal oxides, oxygen ions in the molten salt migrate through the YSZ membrane and are oxidized at the anode while the dissolved metal cations in the flux are reduced to the desired metal at the cathode. Compared with existing metal production processes, the SOM process has many advantages such as one unit operation, less energy consumption, lower capital costs and zero carbon emission. Successful implementation of the SOM electrolysis process would provide a way to mitigate the negative environmental impact of the metal industry. Successful demonstration of producing ytterbium (Yb) and silicon (Si) directly from their respective oxides utilizing the SOM electrolysis process is presented in this dissertation. During the SOM electrolysis process, Yb2O3 was reduced to Yb metal on an inert cathode. The melting point of the supporting electrolyte (LiF-YbF3-Yb2O3) was determined by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Static stability testing confirmed that the YSZ tube was stable with the flux at operating temperature. Yb metal deposit on the cathode was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). During the SOM electrolysis process for silicon production, a fluoride based flux based on BaF2, MgF2, and YF3 was engineered to serve as the liquid electrolyte for dissolving silicon dioxide. YSZ tube was used to separate the molten salt from an anode current collector in the liquid silver. Liquid tin was chosen as cathode to dissolve the reduced silicon during SOM electrolysis. After electrolysis, upon cooling, silicon crystals precipitated out from the Si-Sn liquid alloy. The presence of high-purity silicon crystals in the liquid tin cathode was confirmed by SEM/EDS. The fluoride based flux was also optimized to improve YSZ membrane stability for long-term use.

A Quadrupole Dalton-based multi-attribute method for product characterization, process development, and quality control of therapeutic proteins.

PubMed

Xu, Weichen; Jimenez, Rod Brian; Mowery, Rachel; Luo, Haibin; Cao, Mingyan; Agarwal, Nitin; Ramos, Irina; Wang, Xiangyang; Wang, Jihong

2017-10-01

During manufacturing and storage process, therapeutic proteins are subject to various post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as isomerization, deamidation, oxidation, disulfide bond modifications and glycosylation. Certain PTMs may affect bioactivity, stability or pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics profile and are therefore classified as potential critical quality attributes (pCQAs). Identifying, monitoring and controlling these PTMs are usually key elements of the Quality by Design (QbD) approach. Traditionally, multiple analytical methods are utilized for these purposes, which is time consuming and costly. In recent years, multi-attribute monitoring methods have been developed in the biopharmaceutical industry. However, these methods combine high-end mass spectrometry with complicated data analysis software, which could pose difficulty when implementing in a quality control (QC) environment. Here we report a multi-attribute method (MAM) using a Quadrupole Dalton (QDa) mass detector to selectively monitor and quantitate PTMs in a therapeutic monoclonal antibody. The result output from the QDa-based MAM is straightforward and automatic. Evaluation results indicate this method provides comparable results to the traditional assays. To ensure future application in the QC environment, this method was qualified according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guideline and applied in the characterization of drug substance and stability samples. The QDa-based MAM is shown to be an extremely useful tool for product and process characterization studies that facilitates facile understanding of process impact on multiple quality attributes, while being QC friendly and cost-effective.

Synthesis of highly efficient CaO-based, self-stabilizing CO2 sorbents via structure-reforming of steel slag.

PubMed

Tian, Sicong; Jiang, Jianguo; Yan, Feng; Li, Kaimin; Chen, Xuejing

2015-06-16

Capturing anthropogenic CO2 in a cost-effective and highly efficient manner is one of the most challenging issues faced by scientists today. Herein, we report a novel structure-reforming approach to convert steel slag, a cheap, abundant, and nontoxic calcium-rich industrial waste, as the only feedstock into superior CaO-based, self-stabilizing CO2 sorbents. The CO2 capture capacity of all the steel slag-derived sorbents was improved more than 10-fold compared to the raw slag, with the maximum uptake of CO2 achieving at 0.50 gCO2 gsorbent(-1). Additionally, the initial steel slag-derived sorbent could retain 0.25 gCO2 gsorbent(-1), that is, a decay rate of only 12% over 30 carbonation-calcination cycles, the excellent self-stabilizing property allowed it to significantly outperform conventional CaO, and match with most of the existing synthetic CaO-based sorbents. A synergistic effect that facilitated CO2 capture by CaO-based sorbents was clearly recognized when Mg and Al, the most common elements in steel slag, coexisted with CaO in the forms of MgO and Al2O3, respectively. During the calcium looping process, MgO served as a well spacer to increase the porosity of sorbents together with Al2O3 serving as a durable stabilizer to coresist the sintering of CaCO3 grains at high temperatures.

Process margin enhancement for 0.25-μm metal etch process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chung Y.; Ma, Wei Wen; Lim, Eng H.; Cheng, Alex T.; Joy, Raymond; Ross, Matthew F.; Wong, Selmer S.; Marlowe, Trey

2000-06-01

This study evaluates electron beam stabilization of UV6, a positive tone Deep-UV (DUV) resist from Shipley, for a 0.25 micrometer metal etch application. Results are compared between untreated resist and resist treated with different levels of electron beam stabilization. The electron beam processing was carried out in an ElectronCureTM flood electron beam exposure system from Honeywell International Inc., Electron Vision. The ElectronCureTM system utilizes a flood electron beam source which is larger in diameter than the substrate being processed, and is capable of variable energy so that the electron range is matched to the resist film thickness. Changes in the UV6 resist material as a result of the electron beam stabilization are monitored via spectroscopic ellipsometry for film thickness and index of refraction changes and FTIR for analysis of chemical changes. Thermal flow stability is evaluated by applying hot plate bakes of 150 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius, to patterned resist wafers with no treatment and with an electron beam dose level of 2000 (mu) C/cm2. A significant improvement in the thermal flow stability of the patterned UV6 resist features is achieved with the electron beam stabilization process. Etch process performance of the UV6 resist was evaluated by performing a metal pattern transfer process on wafers with untreated resist and comparing these with etch results on wafers with different levels of electron beam stabilization. The etch processing was carried out in an Applied Materials reactor with an etch chemistry including BCl3 and Cl2. All wafers were etched under the same conditions and the resist was treated after etch to prevent further erosion after etch but before SEM analysis. Post metal etch SEM cross-sections show the enhancement in etch resistance provided by the electron beam stabilization process. Enhanced process margin is achieved as a result of the improved etch resistance, and is observed in reduced resist side-wall angles after etch. Only a slight improvement is observed in the isolated to dense bias effects of the etch process. Improved CD control is also achieved by applying the electron beam process, as more consistent CDs are observed after etch.

Facile synthesis of nanostructured TiNb2O7 anode materials with superior performance for high-rate lithium ion batteries.

PubMed

Lou, Shuaifeng; Ma, Yulin; Cheng, Xinqun; Gao, Jinlong; Gao, Yunzhi; Zuo, Pengjian; Du, Chunyu; Yin, Geping

2015-12-18

One-dimensional nanostructured TiNb2O7 was prepared by a simple solution-based process and subsequent thermal annealing. The obtained anode materials exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with superior reversible capacity, rate capability and cyclic stability.

Process for depositing an oxide epitaxially onto a silicon substrate and structures prepared with the process

DOEpatents

McKee, Rodney A.; Walker, Frederick J.

1993-01-01

A process and structure involving a silicon substrate utilizes an ultra high vacuum and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) methods to grow an epitaxial oxide film upon a surface of the substrate. As the film is grown, the lattice of the compound formed at the silicon interface becomes stabilized, and a base layer comprised of an oxide having a sodium chloride-type lattice structure grows epitaxially upon the compound so as to cover the substrate surface. A perovskite may then be grown epitaxially upon the base layer to render a product which incorporates silicon, with its electronic capabilities, with a perovskite having technologically-significant properties of its own.

Research progress on trifluoromethyl-based radical reaction process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Hao

2017-12-01

Due to the unique properties imparted by the trifluoromethyl group, such as high electron density and strong lipotropy, which effectively improve acidity, lipophilicity and metabolic stability of the molecule itself, trifluoromethyl-substituted organic compounds are becoming increasingly important as structural motifs in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and organic materials. In this review, we present several methods developed for the direct introduction of a trifluoromethyl group, beginning with its rich and storied history. Then the present article addresses mechanism and process in carbon-carbon bond forming reaction based on radical process which is divided into three parts according to the way of CF3 radical generation. Finally, challenges and opportunities of researches on trifluoromethylation reactions facing are prospected.

Low-Temperature Fabrication of Robust, Transparent, and Flexible Thin-Film Transistors with a Nanolaminated Insulator.

PubMed

Kwon, Jeong Hyun; Park, Junhong; Lee, Myung Keun; Park, Jeong Woo; Jeon, Yongmin; Shin, Jeong Bin; Nam, Minwoo; Kim, Choong-Ki; Choi, Yang-Kyu; Choi, Kyung Cheol

2018-05-09

The lack of reliable, transparent, and flexible electrodes and insulators for applications in thin-film transistors (TFTs) makes it difficult to commercialize transparent, flexible TFTs (TF-TFTs). More specifically, conventional high process temperatures and the brittleness of these elements have been hurdles in developing flexible substrates vulnerable to heat. Here, we propose electrode and insulator fabrication techniques considering process temperature, transmittance, flexibility, and environmental stability. A transparent and flexible indium tin oxide (ITO)/Ag/ITO (IAI) electrode and an Al 2 O 3 /MgO (AM)-laminated insulator were optimized at the low temperature of 70 °C for the fabrication of TF-TFTs on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The optimized IAI electrode with a sheet resistance of 7 Ω/sq exhibited the luminous transmittance of 85.17% and maintained its electrical conductivity after exposure to damp heat conditions because of an environmentally stable ITO capping layer. In addition, the electrical conductivity of IAI was maintained after 10 000 bending cycles with a tensile strain of 3% because of the ductile Ag film. In the metal/insulator/metal structure, the insulating and mechanical properties of the optimized AM-laminated film deposited at 70 °C were significantly improved because of the highly dense nanolaminate system, compared to those of the Al 2 O 3 film deposited at 70 °C. In addition, the amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) was used as the active channel for TF-TFTs because of its excellent chemical stability. In the environmental stability test, the ITO, a-IGZO, and AM-laminated films showed the excellent environmental stability. Therefore, our IGZO-based TFT with IAI electrodes and the 70 °C AM-laminated insulator was fabricated to evaluate robustness, transparency, flexibility, and process temperature, resulting in transfer characteristics comparable to those of an IGZO-based TFT with a 150 °C Al 2 O 3 insulator.

Clay Stabilization Using the Ash of Mount Sinabung in Terms of the Value of California Bearing Ratio (CBR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hastuty, I. P.; Roesyanto, R.; Napitupulu, S. M. A.

2018-02-01

Most areas in Indonesia consist of clay soils with high plasticity so that to meet technical requirements the soil needs improvement, which is known as soil stabilization.There are three ways of soil stabilization process, i.e. mechanical, physical and chemical. In this study, chemical stabilization was performed, that was by adding stabilizing agents to the soil. The stabilizing agent used was the ash of Mount Sinabung. Since 2010 until now, Sinabung Mountain is still experiencing eruption that produces a lot of volcanic ash and it inconveniences the environment. So, it is expected that this research will be able to optimize the utilization of Sinabung ash. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of Mount Sinabung ash to CBR (California Bearing Ratio) value, to determine the effect of the curing time of one day and fourteen days mixture on the CBR value, and to find the mixed content with effective curing time to produce the largest CBR value. Based on this study, the soil type CL (Clay - Low Plasticity) was obtained, based on the classification of USCS (Unified Soil Classification System) and categorized as A-6 (6) based on the classification of AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials) with the most effective mixed stabilizer material which was the variation of 10% Mount Sinabung ash with fourteen days of curing time. The CBR value resulted from the mixture of 10% Sinabung ash that was cured within fourteen days was 8.95%. By the increase of the content of the Sinabung ash, the CBR value always improved to the level of 10%, Sinabung ash then decreased and became constant at the mixture of higher volcanic ash mixture but remained above the CBR value of the original soil.

Predicting human liver microsomal stability with machine learning techniques.

PubMed

Sakiyama, Yojiro; Yuki, Hitomi; Moriya, Takashi; Hattori, Kazunari; Suzuki, Misaki; Shimada, Kaoru; Honma, Teruki

2008-02-01

To ensure a continuing pipeline in pharmaceutical research, lead candidates must possess appropriate metabolic stability in the drug discovery process. In vitro ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity) screening provides us with useful information regarding the metabolic stability of compounds. However, before the synthesis stage, an efficient process is required in order to deal with the vast quantity of data from large compound libraries and high-throughput screening. Here we have derived a relationship between the chemical structure and its metabolic stability for a data set of in-house compounds by means of various in silico machine learning such as random forest, support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression, and recursive partitioning. For model building, 1952 proprietary compounds comprising two classes (stable/unstable) were used with 193 descriptors calculated by Molecular Operating Environment. The results using test compounds have demonstrated that all classifiers yielded satisfactory results (accuracy > 0.8, sensitivity > 0.9, specificity > 0.6, and precision > 0.8). Above all, classification by random forest as well as SVM yielded kappa values of approximately 0.7 in an independent validation set, slightly higher than other classification tools. These results suggest that nonlinear/ensemble-based classification methods might prove useful in the area of in silico ADME modeling.

Feedback control stabilization of critical dynamics via resource transport on multilayer networks: How glia enable learning dynamics in the brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Virkar, Yogesh S.; Shew, Woodrow L.; Restrepo, Juan G.; Ott, Edward

2016-10-01

Learning and memory are acquired through long-lasting changes in synapses. In the simplest models, such synaptic potentiation typically leads to runaway excitation, but in reality there must exist processes that robustly preserve overall stability of the neural system dynamics. How is this accomplished? Various approaches to this basic question have been considered. Here we propose a particularly compelling and natural mechanism for preserving stability of learning neural systems. This mechanism is based on the global processes by which metabolic resources are distributed to the neurons by glial cells. Specifically, we introduce and study a model composed of two interacting networks: a model neural network interconnected by synapses that undergo spike-timing-dependent plasticity; and a model glial network interconnected by gap junctions that diffusively transport metabolic resources among the glia and, ultimately, to neural synapses where they are consumed. Our main result is that the biophysical constraints imposed by diffusive transport of metabolic resources through the glial network can prevent runaway growth of synaptic strength, both during ongoing activity and during learning. Our findings suggest a previously unappreciated role for glial transport of metabolites in the feedback control stabilization of neural network dynamics during learning.

Magnetic properties and thermal stability of Ti-doped CrO2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Cheng, M.; Lu, Z.; Yu, Z.; Liu, S.; Liang, R.; Liu, Y.; Shi, J.; Xiong, R.

2018-04-01

Chromium dioxide (CrO2) is a striking half metal material which may have important applications in the field of spintronics. However, pure CrO2 film is metastable at room temperature and the synthesis process can be only performed in a narrow temperature range of 390-410 °C with TiO2 used as substrate material. Here, we report the preparation and investigation of (1 0 0) oriented Ti-doped CrO2 films on TiO2 substrates. It is found that Ti-doped films can maintain pure rutile phase even after a 510 °C post-annealing, showing much better thermal stability than pure CrO2 films. Ti-doped films can be prepared in a wider temperature window (390-470 °C), which may be attributed to the improvement of thermal stability. The broadening of process window may be beneficial for further improvement of film quality by optimizing growth temperature in a larger range. In addition to the improvement of thermal stability, the magnetic properties of Ti-doped CrO2 are also found to be tuned by Ti doping: saturation magnetizations of Ti-doped films at room temperature are significantly lower, and magnetic anisotropy decreases as the Ti-concentration increases, which is beneficial for decreasing switching current density in STT-based spintronic devices.

Mechanochemical Modeling of Dynamic Microtubule Growth Involving Sheet-to-Tube Transition

PubMed Central

Ji, Xiang-Ying; Feng, Xi-Qiao

2011-01-01

Microtubule dynamics is largely influenced by nucleotide hydrolysis and the resultant tubulin configuration changes. The GTP cap model has been proposed to interpret the stabilizing mechanisms of microtubule growth from the view of hydrolysis effects. Besides, the growth of a microtubule involves the closure of a curved sheet at its growing end. The curvature conversion from the longitudinal direction to the circumferential direction also helps to stabilize the successive growth, and the curved sheet is referred to as the conformational cap. However, there still lacks theoretical investigation on the mechanical–chemical coupling growth process of microtubules. In this paper, we study the growth mechanisms of microtubules by using a coarse-grained molecular method. First, the closure process involving a sheet-to-tube transition is simulated. The results verify the stabilizing effect of the sheet structure and predict that the minimum conformational cap length that can stabilize the growth is two dimers. Then, we show that the conformational cap and the GTP cap can function independently and harmoniously, signifying the pivotal role of mechanical factors. Furthermore, based on our theoretical results, we describe a Tetris-like growth style of microtubules: the stochastic tubulin assembly is regulated by energy and harmonized with the seam zipping such that the sheet keeps a practically constant length during growth. PMID:22205994

Analytical and regression models of glass rod drawing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseeva, L. B.

2018-03-01

The process of drawing glass rods (light guides) is being studied. The parameters of the process affecting the quality of the light guide have been determined. To solve the problem, mathematical models based on general equations of continuum mechanics are used. The conditions for the stable flow of the drawing process have been found, which are determined by the stability of the motion of the glass mass in the formation zone to small uncontrolled perturbations. The sensitivity of the formation zone to perturbations of the drawing speed and viscosity is estimated. Experimental models of the drawing process, based on the regression analysis methods, have been obtained. These models make it possible to customize a specific production process to obtain light guides of the required quality. They allow one to find the optimum combination of process parameters in the chosen area and to determine the required accuracy of maintaining them at a specified level.

A Harris-Todaro Agent-Based Model to Rural-Urban Migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espíndola, Aquino L.; Silveira, Jaylson J.; Penna, T. J. P.

2006-09-01

The Harris-Todaro model of the rural-urban migration process is revisited under an agent-based approach. The migration of the workers is interpreted as a process of social learning by imitation, formalized by a computational model. By simulating this model, we observe a transitional dynamics with continuous growth of the urban fraction of overall population toward an equilibrium. Such an equilibrium is characterized by stabilization of rural-urban expected wages differential (generalized Harris-Todaro equilibrium condition), urban concentration and urban unemployment. These classic results obtained originally by Harris and Todaro are emergent properties of our model.

America Plans for Space

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

facility. Another use of lunar soil on the lunar surface would be in site preparation. Inorganic polymers based on silicon could be added to stabilize...for space construction.1 3 LIVING OFF THE LAND 63 Another lunar material that may be useful with a minimum of processing is basalt . Processed basalt is...already manufac- tured in Europe and the United States. Cast basalt can be used to fabricate pipes, tiles, plates, and fittings. Sintered basalt can

Field Demonstration, Optimization, and Rigorous Validation of Peroxygen-Based ISCO for the Remediation of Contaminated Groundwater - CHP Stabilization Protocol

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

propagations CoCs Contaminants of concern GC Gas chromatography DNAPL Dense nonaqueous phase liquid ISCO In situ chemical oxidation HCA...used for the design and scale-up of air strippers, ion exchange systems, precipitation reactors , and many other treatment processes. Such treatability...studies provide definitive data on system dimensions and reagent dosages using linear or non -linear scale-up. Designing these processes without the

Roll-to-roll-compatible, flexible, transparent electrodes based on self-nanoembedded Cu nanowires using intense pulsed light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Zhaoyang; Woo, Kyoohee; Kim, Inhyuk; Hwang, Hyewon; Kwon, Sin; Choi, Young-Man; Lee, Youngu; Lee, Taik-Min; Kim, Kwangyoung; Moon, Jooho

2016-04-01

Copper nanowire (Cu NW)-based flexible transparent conductive electrodes (FTCEs) have been investigated in detail for use in various applications such as flexible touch screens, organic photovoltaics and organic light-emitting diodes. In this study, hexadecylamine (HDA) adsorbed onto the surface of NWs is changed into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) via a ligand exchange process; the high-molecular-weight PVP enables high dispersion stability. Intense pulsed light (IPL) irradiation is used to remove organic species present on the surface of the NWs and to form direct connections between the NWs rapidly without any atmospheric control. NWs are self-nanoembedded into a plastic substrate after IPL irradiation, which results in a smooth surface, strong NW/substrate adhesion, excellent mechanical flexibility and enhanced oxidation stability. Moreover, Cu NW FTCEs with high uniformities are successfully fabricated on a large area (150 mm × 200 mm) via successive IPL irradiation that is synchronized with the motion of the sample stage. This study demonstrates the possibility of roll-to-roll-based, large-scale production of low-cost, high-performance Cu NW-based FTCEs.Copper nanowire (Cu NW)-based flexible transparent conductive electrodes (FTCEs) have been investigated in detail for use in various applications such as flexible touch screens, organic photovoltaics and organic light-emitting diodes. In this study, hexadecylamine (HDA) adsorbed onto the surface of NWs is changed into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) via a ligand exchange process; the high-molecular-weight PVP enables high dispersion stability. Intense pulsed light (IPL) irradiation is used to remove organic species present on the surface of the NWs and to form direct connections between the NWs rapidly without any atmospheric control. NWs are self-nanoembedded into a plastic substrate after IPL irradiation, which results in a smooth surface, strong NW/substrate adhesion, excellent mechanical flexibility and enhanced oxidation stability. Moreover, Cu NW FTCEs with high uniformities are successfully fabricated on a large area (150 mm × 200 mm) via successive IPL irradiation that is synchronized with the motion of the sample stage. This study demonstrates the possibility of roll-to-roll-based, large-scale production of low-cost, high-performance Cu NW-based FTCEs. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00444j

On the stability and compressive nonlinearity of a physiologically based model of the cochlea

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

Nankali, Amir; Grosh, Karl; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hearing relies on a series of coupled electrical, acoustical (fluidic) and mechanical interactions inside the cochlea that enable sound processing. A positive feedback mechanism within the cochlea, called the cochlear amplifier, provides amplitude and frequency selectivity in the mammalian auditory system. The cochlear amplifier and stability are studied using a nonlinear, micromechanical model of the Organ of Corti (OoC) coupled to the electrical potentials in the cochlear ducts. It is observed that the mechano-electrical transduction (MET) sensitivity and somatic motility of the outer hair cell (OHC), control the cochlear stability. Increasing MET sensitivity beyond a critical value, while electromechanical couplingmore » coefficient is within a specific range, causes instability. We show that instability in this model is generated through a supercritical Hopf bifurcation. A reduced order model of the system is approximated and it is shown that the tectorial membrane (TM) transverse mode effect on the dynamics is significant while the radial mode can be simplified from the equations. The cochlear amplifier in this model exhibits good agreement with the experimental data. A comprehensive 3-dimensional model based on the cross sectional model is simulated and the results are compared. It is indicated that the global model qualitatively inherits some characteristics of the local model, but the longitudinal coupling along the cochlea shifts the stability boundary (i.e., Hopf bifurcation point) and enhances stability.« less

High calcium fly ash geopolymer stabilized lateritic soil and granulated blast furnace slag blends as a pavement base material.

PubMed

Phummiphan, Itthikorn; Horpibulsuk, Suksun; Rachan, Runglawan; Arulrajah, Arul; Shen, Shui-Long; Chindaprasirt, Prinya

2018-01-05

Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) was used as a replacement material in marginal lateritic soil (LS) while class C Fly Ash (FA) was used as a precursor for the geopolymerization process to develop a low-carbon pavement base material at ambient temperature. Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) tests were performed to investigate the strength development of geopolymer stabilized LS/GBFS blends. Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction analysis were undertaken to examine the role of the various influencing factors on UCS development. The influencing factors studied included GBFS content, Na 2 SiO 3 :NaOH ratio (NS:NH) and curing time. The 7-day soaked UCS of FA geopolymer stabilized LS/GBFS blends at various NS:NH ratios tested was found to satisfy the specifications of the Thailand national road authorities. The GBFS replacement was found to be insignificant for the improvement of the UCS of FA geopolymer stabilized LS/GBFS blends at low NS:NH ratio of 50:50. Microstructural analysis indicated the coexistence of Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH) and Sodium Alumino Silicate Hydrate products in FA geopolymer stabilized LS/GBFS blends. This research enables GBFS, which is traditionally considered as a waste material, to be used as a replacement and partially reactive material in FA geopolymer pavement applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A GIS-based susceptibility map for landslides at the Franconian Alb, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaeger, Daniel; Wilde, Martina; Lorenz, Michael; Terhorst, Birgit; Neuhäuser, Bettina; Damm, Bodo; Bemm, Stefan

2014-05-01

In general, slopes of cuesta scarps like the Franconian Alb are highly prone to slide activity due to susceptible geological and geomorphological conditions. The geological setting with alternating permeable and non-permeable bedrock results in the characteristic cuesta landforms of almost flat backslopes and steeper front slopes. Furthermore, this bipartite structure leads to a strong disposition for mass movements. The slopes of the study area near the town of Ebermannstadt are affected by different types of mass movements, such as topples, slides, lateral spreads and flows, either in single or in combined occurrence. In the years 1625, 1957, 1961 and 1979, four large landslides took place in the area of Ebermannstadt, reaching close to the town limits and causing major destructions to traffic facilities. In the study area, slopes are covered by debris and slide masses, thus they are prone to remobilization and further mass movements. In order to assess hazardous areas, a GIS-based susceptibility modelling was generated for the study area. The susceptibtibility modeling was processed with the slope stability model SINMAP (Stability Index Mapping), developed by TARBOTON (1997) and PACK et al. (1999). As SINMAP was particularly designed to model shallow translational slides, it should be well designed for describing the conditions of the study area in a sufficient way. SINMAP is based on the "infinite slope stability model" by HAMMONT et al. (1992) and MONTGOMERY & DIETRICH (1994), which focuses on the relation of stabilizing (cohesiveness, friction angle) and destabilizing (gravitation) factors on a plain surface. By adding a slope gradient, as well as soil mechanical and climatical data, indices of slope stabilities are calculated. For a more detailed modeling of the slope conditions, SINMAP computes different "calibration regions", which merge similar parameters of soil, land-use, vegetation, and geology. Due to the fact that vegetation, land-use, and soils only show minor differences on the slopes of the study area and therefore have no significant impact on the slope stability in the applied modeling, geology becomes the most important input factor. Therefore, first calculations are based on the main geological units drawn in the geological map, such as limestone, clay, sandstone and debris. However, the results obtained were not sufficient, as several areas of known instability were calculated as rather stable slope areas. This was due to an underrepresentation of debris and slide masses in the geological map and the models' calculation. In order to improve the modeling process, geological standard units were further differentiated, with the debris cover and its soil mechanical parameters considered in greater detail. These adjustments not only led to significantly improved modeling results in the study area, but also create a more realistic basis for SINMAP calculations in all cuesta landscapes. HAMMONT, C., HALL, D., MILLER, S., SWETIK, P. (1992): Level I Stability Analysis (LISA) Documentation for version 2.0. General Technical report INT-285, USDA Forest Service Intermountain Research Station 190p. MONTGOMERY, D. R. & DIETRICH, W. E. (1994): A physically based model for the topographic control on shallow landsliding. Water Resources Research 30/4, p 1153-1171. PACK, R. T., TARBOTON, D. G. & GOODWIN, C.N. (1999): SINMAP - A Stability Index Approach to Terrain Stability Hazard Mapping, User's Manual. Forest Renewal B.C., 65p. TARBOTON, G.D. (1997): A new method for the determination of flow directions and upslope areas in grid digital elevation models. Water Resources Research 33/2, p 309-319.

The NASA Monographs on Shell Stability Design Recommendations: A Review and Suggested Improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemeth, Michael P.; Starnes, James H., Jr.

1998-01-01

A summary of existing NASA design criteria monographs for the design of buckling-resistant thin-shell structures is presented. Subsequent improvements in the analysis for nonlinear shell response are reviewed, and current issues in shell stability analysis are discussed. Examples of nonlinear shell responses that are not included in the existing shell design monographs are presented, and an approach for including reliability based analysis procedures in the shell design process is discussed. Suggestions for conducting future shell experiments are presented, and proposed improvements to the NASA shell design criteria monographs are discussed.

The NASA Monographs on Shell Stability Design Recommendations: A Review and Suggested Improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemeth, Michael P.; Starnes, James H., Jr.

1998-01-01

A summary of the existing NASA design criteria monographs for the design of buckling-resistant thin-shell structures is presented. Subsequent improvements in the analysis for nonlinear shell response are reviewed, and current issues in shell stability analysis are discussed. Examples of nonlinear shell responses that are not included in the existing shell design monographs are presented, and an approach for including reliability-based analysis procedures in the shell design process is discussed. Suggestions for conducting future shell experiments are presented, and proposed improvements to the NASA shell design criteria monographs are discussed.

Siting industrial waste land disposal facilities in Thailand: A risk based approach

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

Fingleton, D.J.; Habegger, L.; Peters, R.

The Thailand Industrial Works Department (IWD) has established a toxic industrial waste Central Treatment and Stabilization Center (CTSC) for textile dyeing and electroplating industries located in the Thonburi region of the Bangkok metropolitan area. Industrial waste is treated, stabilized, and stored at the CTSC. Although the IWD plans to ship the stabilized sludge to the Ratchaburi Province in western Thailand for burial, the location for the land disposal site has not been selected. Assessing the relative health risks from exposure to toxic chemicals released from an industrial waste land disposal site is a complicated, data-intensive process that requires a multidisciplinarymore » approach. This process is further complicated by the unique physical and cultural characteristics exhibited by the rapidly industrializing Thai economy. The purpose of this paper is to describe the research approach taken and to detail the constraints to health risk assessments in Thailand. issues discussed include data availability and quality, effectiveness of control or mitigation methods, cultural differences, and the basic assumptions inherent in many of the risk assessment components.« less

RETRACTED: Chemical densification of plasma sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings for high temperature wear and corrosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Yaping; Fehr, Karl Thomas; Faulstich, Martin; Wolf, Gerhard

2012-12-01

Plasma-sprayed yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic coatings have been widely used as wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings in high temperature applications and an aggressive environment due to their high hardness, wear resistance, heat and chemical resistance, and low thermal conductivity. The highly porous structure of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings and their poor adhesion to the substrate usually lead to the coating degradation and failure. In this study, a two-layer system consisting of atmospheric plasma-sprayed 8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) and Ni-based alloy coatings was post-treated by means of a novel chemical sealing process at moderate temperatures of 600-800 °C. Microstructure characteristics of the YSZ coatings were studied using an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). Results revealed that the ceramic top coat was densified by the precipitated zirconia in the open pores. Therefore, the sealed YSZ coatings exhibit reduced porosity, higher hardness and a better adhesion onto the bond coat. The mechanisms for the sealing process were also proposed.

Developments in the formulation and delivery of spray dried vaccines

PubMed Central

Kanojia, Gaurav; Have, Rimko ten; Soema, Peter C.; Frijlink, Henderik; Amorij, Jean-Pierre; Kersten, Gideon

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Spray drying is a promising method for the stabilization of vaccines, which are usually formulated as liquids. Usually, vaccine stability is improved by spray drying in the presence of a range of excipients. Unlike freeze drying, there is no freezing step involved, thus the damage related to this step is avoided. The edge of spray drying resides in its ability for particles to be engineered to desired requirements, which can be used in various vaccine delivery methods and routes. Although several spray dried vaccines have shown encouraging preclinical results, the number of vaccines that have been tested in clinical trials is limited, indicating a relatively new area of vaccine stabilization and delivery. This article reviews the current status of spray dried vaccine formulations and delivery methods. In particular it discusses the impact of process stresses on vaccine integrity, the application of excipients in spray drying of vaccines, process and formulation optimization strategies based on Design of Experiment approaches as well as opportunities for future application of spray dried vaccine powders for vaccine delivery. PMID:28925794

Enhancement of Performance and Mechanism Studies of All-Solution Processed Small-Molecule based Solar Cells with an Inverted Structure.

PubMed

Long, Guankui; Wu, Bo; Yang, Xuan; Kan, Bin; Zhou, Ye-Cheng; Chen, Li-Chuan; Wan, Xiangjian; Zhang, Hao-Li; Sum, Tze Chien; Chen, Yongsheng

2015-09-30

Both solution-processed polymers and small molecule based solar cells have achieved PCEs over 9% with the conventional device structure. However, for the practical applications of photovoltaic technology, further enhancement of both device performance and stability are urgently required, particularly for the inverted structure devices, since this architecture will probably be most promising for the possible coming commercialization. In this work, we have fabricated both conventional and inverted structure devices using the same small molecular donor/acceptor materials and compared the performance of both device structures, and found that the inverted structure based device gave significantly improved performance, the highest PCE so far for inverted structure based device using small molecules as the donor. Furthermore, the inverted device shows a remarkable stability with almost no obvious degradation after three months. Systematic device physics and charge generation dynamics studies, including optical simulation, light-intensity-dependent current-voltage experiments, photocurrent density-effective voltage analyses, transient absorption measurements, and electrical simulations, indicate that the significantly enhanced performance using inverted device is ascribed to the increasing of Jsc compared to the conventional device, which in turn is mainly attributed to the increased absorption of photons in the active layers, rather than the reduced nongeminate recombination.

Fault-tolerant conversion between adjacent Reed-Muller quantum codes based on gauge fixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quan, Dong-Xiao; Zhu, Li-Li; Pei, Chang-Xing; Sanders, Barry C.

2018-03-01

We design forward and backward fault-tolerant conversion circuits, which convert between the Steane code and the 15-qubit Reed-Muller quantum code so as to provide a universal transversal gate set. In our method, only seven out of a total 14 code stabilizers need to be measured, and we further enhance the circuit by simplifying some stabilizers; thus, we need only to measure eight weight-4 stabilizers for one round of forward conversion and seven weight-4 stabilizers for one round of backward conversion. For conversion, we treat random single-qubit errors and their influence on syndromes of gauge operators, and our novel single-step process enables more efficient fault-tolerant conversion between these two codes. We make our method quite general by showing how to convert between any two adjacent Reed-Muller quantum codes \\overline{\\textsf{RM}}(1,m) and \\overline{\\textsf{RM}}≤ft(1,m+1\\right) , for which we need only measure stabilizers whose number scales linearly with m rather than exponentially with m obtained in previous work. We provide the explicit mathematical expression for the necessary stabilizers and the concomitant resources required.

Low temperature stabilization process for production of carbon fiber having structural order

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

Rios, Orlando; McGuire, Michael Alan; More, Karren Leslie

A method for producing a carbon fiber, the method comprising: (i) subjecting a continuous carbon fiber precursor having a polymeric matrix in which strength-enhancing particles are incorporated to a stabilization process during which the carbon fiber precursor is heated to within a temperature range ranging from the glass transition temperature to no less than 20.degree. C. below the glass transition temperature of the polymeric matrix, wherein the maximum temperature employed in the stabilization process is below 400.degree. C., for a processing time within said temperature range of at least 1 hour in the presence of oxygen and in the presencemore » of a magnetic field of at least 1 Tesla, while said carbon fiber precursor is held under an applied axial tension; and (ii) subjecting the stabilized carbon fiber precursor, following step (i), to a carbonization process. The stabilized carbon fiber precursor, resulting carbon fiber, and articles made thereof are also described.« less

Stabilization of Clostridium perfringens collagenase mRNA by VR-RNA-dependent cleavage in 5' leader sequence.

PubMed

Obana, Nozomu; Shirahama, Yu; Abe, Kimihiro; Nakamura, Kouji

2010-09-01

The small RNA (sRNA), VR-RNA that is directly regulated by the VirR/VirS two-component system, regulates many genes including toxin genes such as collagenase (colA) and phospholipase C (plc) in Clostridium perfringens. Although the VR-RNA 3' region is sufficient to regulate the colA and plc genes, the molecular mechanism of toxin gene regulation by VR-RNA remains unclear. Here, we found that colA mRNA is cleaved at position -79 and -78 from the A of the first codon (ATG) in the presence of VR-RNA. The processed transcripts were stable compared with longer intact transcripts. On the other hand, colA mRNA was labile in a VR-RNA-deficient strain, and processed transcripts were undetectable. The stability and processing of colA mRNA were restored by transformation of the 3' region of VR-RNA-expression vector. The 3' region of VR-RNA and colA mRNA had significant complementation and interacted in vitro. These results show that VR-RNA base pairs with colA mRNA and induces cleavage in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of colA mRNA, which leads to the stabilization of colA mRNA and the activation of colA expression. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Double wedge prism based beam deflector for precise laser beam steering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyszka, Krzysztof; Dobosz, Marek; Bilaszewski, Tomasz

2018-02-01

Aiming to increase laser beam pointing stability required in interferometric measurements, we designed a laser beam deflector intended for active laser beam stabilization systems. The design is based on two wedge-prisms: the deflecting wedge driven by a tilting piezo-platform and the fixed wedge to compensate initial beam deflection. Our design allows linear beam steering, independently in the horizontal or vertical direction, with resolution of less than 1 μrad in a range of more than 100 μrad, and no initial deflection of the beam. Moreover, the ratio of the output beam deflection angle and the wedge tilt angle is less than 0.1; therefore, the noise influence is significantly reduced in comparison to standard mirror-based deflectors. The theoretical analyses support the designing process and can serve as a guide to wedge-prism selection. The experimental results are in agreement with theory and confirm the advantages of the presented double wedge system.

Air-stable memory array of bistable rectifying diodes based on ferroelectric-semiconductor polymer blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Manasvi; Sharifi Dehsari, Hamed; Anwar, Saleem; Asadi, Kamal

2018-03-01

Organic bistable diodes based on phase-separated blends of ferroelectric and semiconducting polymers have emerged as promising candidates for non-volatile information storage for low-cost solution processable electronics. One of the bottlenecks impeding upscaling is stability and reliable operation of the array in air. Here, we present a memory array fabricated with an air-stable amine-based semiconducting polymer. Memory diode fabrication and full electrical characterizations were carried out in atmospheric conditions (23 °C and 45% relative humidity). The memory diodes showed on/off ratios greater than 100 and further exhibited robust and stable performance upon continuous write-read-erase-read cycles. Moreover, we demonstrate a 4-bit memory array that is free from cross-talk with a shelf-life of several months. Demonstration of the stability and reliable air operation further strengthens the feasibility of the resistance switching in ferroelectric memory diodes for low-cost applications.

Insights into the redox components of dissolved organic matters during stabilization process.

PubMed

Yuan, Ying; Xi, Bei-Dou; He, Xiao-Song; Ma, Yan; Zhang, Hui; Li, Dan; Zhao, Xin-Yu

2018-05-01

The changes of dissolved organic matter (DOM) components during stabilization process play significant effects on its redox properties but are little reported. Composting is a stabilization process of DOM, during which both the components and electron transfer capacities (ETCs) of DOM change. The redox components within compost-derived DOM during the stabilization process are investigated in this study. The results show that compost-derived DOM contained protein-like, fulvic-like, and humic-like components. The protein-like component decreases during composting, whereas the fulvic- and humic-like components increase during the process. The electron-donating capacity (EDC), electron-accepting capacity (EAC), and ETC of compost-derived DOM all increase during composting but their correlations with the components presented significant difference. The humic-like components were the main functional component responsible for both EDC and ETC, whereas the protein- and fluvic-like components show negative effects with the EAC, EDC, and ETC, suggesting that the components within DOM have specific redox properties during the stabilization process. These findings are very meaningful for better understanding the geochemical behaviors of DOM in the environment.

Influence of in line monitored fluid bed granulation process parameters on the stability of Ethinylestradiol.

PubMed

Roßteuscher-Carl, Katrin; Fricke, Sabine; Hacker, Michael C; Schulz-Siegmund, Michaela

2015-12-30

Ethinylestradiol (EE) as a highly active and low dosed compound is prone to oxidative degradation. The stability of the drug substance is therefore a critical parameter that has to be considered during drug formulation. Beside the stability of the drug substance, granule particle size and moisture are critical quality attributes (CQA) of the fluid bed granulation process which influence the tableting ability of the resulting granules. Both CQA should therefore be monitored during the production process by process analytic technology (PAT) according to ICH Q8. This work focusses on the effects of drying conditions on the stability of EE in a fluid-bed granulation process. We quantified EE degradation products 6-alpha-hydroxy-EE, 6-beta-hydroxy-EE, 9(11)-dehydro-EE and 6-oxo-EE during long time storage and accelerated conditions. PAT-tools that monitor granule particle size (Spatial filtering technology) and granule moisture (Microwave resonance technology) were applied and compared with off-line methods. We found a relevant influence of residual granule moisture and thermic stress applied during granulation on the storage stability of EE, whereas no degradation was found immediately after processing. Hence we conclude that drying parameters have a relevant influence on long term EE stability. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neural network-based sliding mode control for atmospheric-actuated spacecraft formation using switching strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ran; Wang, Jihe; Zhang, Dexin; Shao, Xiaowei

2018-02-01

This paper presents an adaptive neural networks-based control method for spacecraft formation with coupled translational and rotational dynamics using only aerodynamic forces. It is assumed that each spacecraft is equipped with several large flat plates. A coupled orbit-attitude dynamic model is considered based on the specific configuration of atmospheric-based actuators. For this model, a neural network-based adaptive sliding mode controller is implemented, accounting for system uncertainties and external perturbations. To avoid invalidation of the neural networks destroying stability of the system, a switching control strategy is proposed which combines an adaptive neural networks controller dominating in its active region and an adaptive sliding mode controller outside the neural active region. An optimal process is developed to determine the control commands for the plates system. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by a Lyapunov-based method. Comparative results through numerical simulations illustrate the effectiveness of executing attitude control while maintaining the relative motion, and higher control accuracy can be achieved by using the proposed neural-based switching control scheme than using only adaptive sliding mode controller.

Improving the Critic Learning for Event-Based Nonlinear $H_{\\infty }$ Control Design.

PubMed

Wang, Ding; He, Haibo; Liu, Derong

2017-10-01

In this paper, we aim at improving the critic learning criterion to cope with the event-based nonlinear H ∞ state feedback control design. First of all, the H ∞ control problem is regarded as a two-player zero-sum game and the adaptive critic mechanism is used to achieve the minimax optimization under event-based environment. Then, based on an improved updating rule, the event-based optimal control law and the time-based worst-case disturbance law are obtained approximately by training a single critic neural network. The initial stabilizing control is no longer required during the implementation process of the new algorithm. Next, the closed-loop system is formulated as an impulsive model and its stability issue is handled by incorporating the improved learning criterion. The infamous Zeno behavior of the present event-based design is also avoided through theoretical analysis on the lower bound of the minimal intersample time. Finally, the applications to an aircraft dynamics and a robot arm plant are carried out to verify the efficient performance of the present novel design method.

Facile design and stabilization of a novel one-dimensional silicon-based photonic crystal microcavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salem, Mohamed Shaker; Ibrahim, Shaimaa Moustafa; Amin, Mohamed

2017-07-01

A novel silicon-based optical microcavity composed of a defect layer sandwiched between two parallel rugate mirrors is created by the electrochemical anodization of silicon in a hydrofluoric acid-based electrolyte using a precisely controlled current density profile. The profile consists of two sinusoidally modulated current waveforms separated by a fixed current that is applied to produce a defect layer between the mirrors. The spectral response of the rugate-based microcavity is simulated using the transfer matrix method and compared to the conventional Bragg-based microcavity. It is found that the resonance position of both microcavities is unchanged. However, the rugate-based microcavity exhibits a distinct reduction of the sidebands' intensity. Further attenuation of the sidebands' intensity is obtained by creating refractive index matching layers with optimized thickness at the bottom and top of the rugate-based microcavity. In order to stabilize the produced microcavity against natural oxidation, atomic layer deposition of an ultra-thin titanium dioxide layer on the pore wall is carried out followed by thermal annealing. The microcavity resonance position shows an observable sensitivity to the deposition and annealing processes.

The Researches on I-beam of different web’s shapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shuang, Chao; Zhou, Dong Hua

2018-05-01

When the ratio of height to thickness of girder web is relatively high, generally the local stability of web is enhanced by setting up stiffeners. But setting up stiffeners not only increase the use of material, but also increases the welding work. Therefore, the web can be processed into trapezoid, curve, triangles and rectangle to improve its stability. In order to study the mechanical behavior of the web with different shapes and its local stable bearing capacity, the finite element analysis software ANSYS was used to analyze the six I-beam, and the stress characteristics under different web forms were obtained. The results show that the local stability bearing capacity of the I-beam is improved, especially the shape of the trapezoidal web and the shape of the curved web have a significant effect on the local stability of the I-beam. Finally, based on the study of the local stability of the trapezoidal web and the curved web, the influence of their geometrical dimensions on the local stable bearing capacity is also studied.

Effects of external stress field on the charge stability of nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Miao-Miao; Zhu, Tian-Yuan; Shu, Da-Jun

2017-07-01

The interaction of the atom-like defects in semiconductors with external fields provides an avenue to quantum information processing and nanoscale sensors. Meanwhile, external fields may induce instability of the desired charge state of the defects. It is essential to understand how the charge state of a defect is affected by external fields that introduced in diverse applications. In this letter, we explore the stability of the negatively charged state (NV-) and the neutral state (NV0) of the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond under stress by first-principles calculations. We find that the relative stability of NV- to NV0 is always reduced by the stress if the NV center is free to relax its orientation. Once the NV center has formed and retains its orientation, however, the relative stability of NV- can be always enhanced by compressive stress along its trigonal symmetry axis. We believe that the results are not only significant for control of the charge stability of NV center but also enlightening for applications based on specific charge states of other kinds of defects in the stress field.

Suspensions Plasma Spraying of Ceramics with Hybrid Water-Stabilized Plasma Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musalek, Radek; Medricky, Jan; Tesar, Tomas; Kotlan, Jiri; Pala, Zdenek; Lukac, Frantisek; Chraska, Tomas; Curry, Nicholas

2017-01-01

Technology of water-stabilized plasma torch was recently substantially updated through introduction of a so-called hybrid concept that combines benefits of water stabilization and gas stabilization principles. The high-enthalpy plasma provided by the WSP-H ("hybrid") torch may be used for thermal spraying of powders as well as liquid feedstocks with high feed rates. In this study, results from three selected experiments with suspension plasma spraying with WSP-H technology are presented. Possibility of deposition of coatings with controlled microstructures was demonstrated for three different ceramics (YSZ—yttria-stabilized zirconia, YAG—yttrium aluminum garnet and Al2O3) introduced into ethanol-based suspensions. Shadowgraphy was used for optimization of suspension injection and visualization of the liquid fragmentation in the plasma jet. Coatings were deposited onto substrates attached to the rotating carousel with integrated temperature monitoring and air cooling, which provided an excellent reproducibility of the deposition process. Deposition of columnar-like YSZ and dense YAG and Al2O3 coatings was successfully achieved. Deposition efficiency reached more than 50%, as evaluated according to EN ISO 17 836 standard.

Molecular Dynamics Driven Design of pH-Stabilized Mutants of MNEI, a Sweet Protein.

PubMed

Leone, Serena; Picone, Delia

2016-01-01

MNEI is a single chain derivative of monellin, a plant protein that can interact with the human sweet taste receptor, being therefore perceived as sweet. This unusual physiological activity makes MNEI a potential template for the design of new sugar replacers for the food and beverage industry. Unfortunately, applications of MNEI have been so far limited by its intrinsic sensitivity to some pH and temperature conditions, which could occur in industrial processes. Changes in physical parameters can, in fact, lead to irreversible protein denaturation, as well as aggregation and precipitation. It has been previously shown that the correlation between pH and stability in MNEI derives from the presence of a single glutamic residue in a hydrophobic pocket of the protein. We have used molecular dynamics to study the consequences, at the atomic level, of the protonation state of such residue and have identified the network of intramolecular interactions responsible for MNEI stability at acidic pH. Based on this information, we have designed a pH-independent, stabilized mutant of MNEI and confirmed its increased stability by both molecular modeling and experimental techniques.

Electrodeposition of thin yttria-stabilized zirconia layers using glow-discharge plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogumi, Zempachi; Uchimoto, Yoshiharu; Tsuji, Yoichiro; Takehara, Zen-ichiro

1992-08-01

A novel process for preparation of thin yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layers was developed. This process differs from other vapor-phase deposition methods in that a dc bias circuit, separate from the plasma-generation circuit, is used for the electrodeposition process. The YSZ layer was electrodeposited from ZrCl4 and YCl3 on a nonporous calcia-stabilized zirconia substrate. Scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, and x-ray-diffraction measurements confirmed the electrodeposition of a smooth, pinhole-free yttria-stabilized zirconia film of about 3 μm thickness.

Research on Stabilization Properties of Inductive-Capacitive Transducers Based on Hybrid Electromagnetic Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konesev, S. G.; Khazieva, R. T.; Kirllov, R. V.; Konev, A. A.

2017-01-01

Some electrical consumers (the charge system of storage capacitor, powerful pulse generators, electrothermal systems, gas-discharge lamps, electric ovens, plasma torches) require constant power consumption, while their resistance changes in the limited range. Current stabilization systems (CSS) with inductive-capacitive transducers (ICT) provide constant power, when the load resistance changes over a wide range and increaseы the efficiency of high-power loads’ power supplies. ICT elements are selected according to the maximum load, which leads to exceeding a predetermined value of capacity. The paper suggests carrying load power by the ICT based on multifunction integrated electromagnetic components (MIEC) to reduce the predetermined capacity of ICT elements and CSS weights and dimensions. The authors developed and patented ICT based on MIEC that reduces the CSS weights and dimensions by reducing components number with the possibility of device’s electric energy transformation and resonance frequency changing. An ICT mathematical model was produced. The model determines the width of the load stabilization range. Electromagnetic processes study model was built with the MIEC integral parameters (full inductance of the electrical lead, total capacity, current of electrical lead). It shows independence of the load current from the load resistance for different ways of MIEC connection.

Stability analysis of the onset of vortex shedding for wakes behind flat plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuai; Liu, Li; Zhang, Shi-Bo; Wen, Feng-Bo; Zhou, Xun

2018-04-01

Above a critical Reynolds number, wake flows behind flat plates become globally unstable, the leading modal instability in this case is known as Kelvin-Helmholtz mechanism. In this article, both local and BiGlobal linear instability analyses are performed numerically to study the onset of the shedding process. Flat plates with different base shapes are considered to assess geometry effects, and the relation between the critical shedding Reynolds number, Re_cr , and the boundary layer thickness is studied. Three types of base shapes are used: square, triangular and elliptic. It is found that the base shape has a great impact on the growth rate of least stable disturbance mode, thus would influence Re_cr greatly, but it has little effect on the vortex shedding frequency. The shedding frequency is determined mainly by boundary layer thickness and has little dependence on the Reynolds number and base shape. We find that for a fixed Reynolds number, increasing boundary layer thickness acted in two ways to modify the global stability characteristics: It increases the length of the absolute unstable region and it makes the flow less locally absolutely unstable in the near-wake region, and these two effects work against each other to destabilize or stabilize the flow.

Phase stability and processing of strontium and magnesium doped lanthanum gallate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Feng

Fuel Cells are one of the most promising energy transformers with respect to ecological and environmental issues. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are all solid-state devices. One of the challenges to improve a SOFC is to lower the operating temperature while maintaining or increasing its output voltage. Undoped LaGaO3 is an insulator, doping transforms it into an oxygen-ionic conductor. Sr and Mg doped LaGaO3 (LSGM) perovskite is a new oxygen-ionic conductor with higher conductivity than yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). This material is a candidate for a wide variety of electrochemical devices. In order to realize this potential, the phase stability and processing of this material needs to be investigated in detail. In this study, a systematic investigation of the LSGM materials in terms of phase stability, phase transition, sintering, microstructure and electrical conductivity as functions of temperature, doping content and A/B cation ratio has been carried out. The generalized formula of the materials investigated is (La1--xSrx)A(Ga1--yMg y)BO3--delta. Optimized processing parameters have been obtained by investigating their impact on density change and microstructure. Consequently, a suitable compositional window of the LSGM perovskite has been identified for SOFC electrolyte applications. Based on detailed diffraction analysis, it is found that the undoped LaGaO3 takes on the orthorhombic (Pbnm) symmetry at room temperature. This structure changes to rhombohedral (R3c) at 147 +/- 2°C or changes to monoclinic (I2/a) when the doping level increases from 0.1 to 0.2 moles. We have optimized the compositional window to make the single perovskite phase with high oxygen ionic conductivity (x = 0.10 to 0.20 with A/B ratio between 0.98 to 1.02). The best processing condition, starting from glycine nitrate process (GNP) combustion synthesized ultra-fine LSGM powder, is sintering in air at 1500°C for 2 hours. The doped material has higher oxygen ionic conductivity than YSZ at all temperatures. In addition, based on the structure and phase relations, a high temperature phase diagram for this system has been proposed. Finally, a model has been proposed to account for the high ionic conductivity of this material and to explain the effect of the doping content and the stoichiometry on the ionic conductivity. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

On the Use of the Electrospinning Coating Technique to Produce Antimicrobial Polyhydroxyalkanoate Materials Containing In Situ-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Castro-Mayorga, Jinneth Lorena; Fabra, Maria Jose; Cabedo, Luis; Lagaron, Jose Maria

2016-12-29

Electro-hydrodynamic processing, comprising electrospraying and electrospinning techniques, has emerged as a versatile technology to produce nanostructured fiber-based and particle-based materials. In this work, an antimicrobial active multilayer system comprising a commercial polyhydroxyalkanoate substrate (PHA) and an electrospun PHA coating containing in situ-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was successfully developed and characterized in terms of morphology, thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties. The obtained materials reduced the bacterial population of Salmonella enterica below the detection limits at very low silver loading of 0.002 ± 0.0005 wt %. As a result, this study provides an innovative route to generate fully renewable and biodegradable materials that could prevent microbial outbreaks in food packages and food contact surfaces.

Aging Effects on the Properties of Imidazolium-, Quaternary Ammonium-, Pyridinium-, and Pyrrolidinium-Based Ionic Liquids Used in Fuel and Energy Production

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

Fox, Elise B.; Smith, L. Taylor; Williamson, Tyler K.

2013-11-21

Ionic liquids (ILs) are often cited for their excellent thermal stability, a key property for their use as solvents and in the chemical processing of biofuels. However, there has been little supporting data on the long-term aging effect of the temperature on these materials. Imizadolium-, quaternary ammonium-, pyridinium-, and pyrrolidnium-based ILs with the bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide anions were aged for 2520 h (15 weeks) at 200 °C in air to determine the effects of an oxidizing environment on their chemical structure and thermal stability over time. Finally, it was found that the minor changes in the cation chemistry could greatlymore » affect the properties of the ILs over time.« less

On the Use of the Electrospinning Coating Technique to Produce Antimicrobial Polyhydroxyalkanoate Materials Containing In Situ-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Castro-Mayorga, Jinneth Lorena; Fabra, Maria Jose; Cabedo, Luis; Lagaron, Jose Maria

2016-01-01

Electro-hydrodynamic processing, comprising electrospraying and electrospinning techniques, has emerged as a versatile technology to produce nanostructured fiber-based and particle-based materials. In this work, an antimicrobial active multilayer system comprising a commercial polyhydroxyalkanoate substrate (PHA) and an electrospun PHA coating containing in situ-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was successfully developed and characterized in terms of morphology, thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties. The obtained materials reduced the bacterial population of Salmonella enterica below the detection limits at very low silver loading of 0.002 ± 0.0005 wt %. As a result, this study provides an innovative route to generate fully renewable and biodegradable materials that could prevent microbial outbreaks in food packages and food contact surfaces. PMID:28336838

An accuracy assessment of realtime GNSS time series toward semi- real time seafloor geodetic observation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osada, Y.; Ohta, Y.; Demachi, T.; Kido, M.; Fujimoto, H.; Azuma, R.; Hino, R.

2013-12-01

Large interplate earthquake repeatedly occurred in Japan Trench. Recently, the detail crustal deformation revealed by the nation-wide inland GPS network called as GEONET by GSI. However, the maximum displacement region for interplate earthquake is mainly located offshore region. GPS/Acoustic seafloor geodetic observation (hereafter GPS/A) is quite important and useful for understanding of shallower part of the interplate coupling between subducting and overriding plates. We typically conduct GPS/A in specific ocean area based on repeated campaign style using research vessel or buoy. Therefore, we cannot monitor the temporal variation of seafloor crustal deformation in real time. The one of technical issue on real time observation is kinematic GPS analysis because kinematic GPS analysis based on reference and rover data. If the precise kinematic GPS analysis will be possible in the offshore region, it should be promising method for real time GPS/A with USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) and a moored buoy. We assessed stability, precision and accuracy of StarFireTM global satellites based augmentation system. We primarily tested for StarFire in the static condition. In order to assess coordinate precision and accuracy, we compared 1Hz StarFire time series and post-processed precise point positioning (PPP) 1Hz time series by GIPSY-OASIS II processing software Ver. 6.1.2 with three difference product types (ultra-rapid, rapid, and final orbits). We also used difference interval clock information (30 and 300 seconds) for the post-processed PPP processing. The standard deviation of real time StarFire time series is less than 30 mm (horizontal components) and 60 mm (vertical component) based on 1 month continuous processing. We also assessed noise spectrum of the estimated time series by StarFire and post-processed GIPSY PPP results. We found that the noise spectrum of StarFire time series is similar pattern with GIPSY-OASIS II processing result based on JPL rapid orbit products with 300 seconds interval clock information. And we report stability, precision and accuracy of StarFire in the moving conditon.

Increasing Stabilized Performance Of Amorphous Silicon Based Devices Produced By Highly Hydrogen Diluted Lower Temperature Plasma Deposition.

DOEpatents

Li, Yaun-Min; Bennett, Murray S.; Yang, Liyou

1999-08-24

High quality, stable photovoltaic and electronic amorphous silicon devices which effectively resist light-induced degradation and current-induced degradation, are produced by a special plasma deposition process. Powerful, efficient single and multi-junction solar cells with high open circuit voltages and fill factors and with wider bandgaps, can be economically fabricated by the special plasma deposition process. The preferred process includes relatively low temperature, high pressure, glow discharge of silane in the presence of a high concentration of hydrogen gas.

Increased Stabilized Performance Of Amorphous Silicon Based Devices Produced By Highly Hydrogen Diluted Lower Temperature Plasma Deposition.

DOEpatents

Li, Yaun-Min; Bennett, Murray S.; Yang, Liyou

1997-07-08

High quality, stable photovoltaic and electronic amorphous silicon devices which effectively resist light-induced degradation and current-induced degradation, are produced by a special plasma deposition process. Powerful, efficient single and multi-junction solar cells with high open circuit voltages and fill factors and with wider bandgaps, can be economically fabricated by the special plasma deposition process. The preferred process includes relatively low temperature, high pressure, glow discharge of silane in the presence of a high concentration of hydrogen gas.

Biomechanical principles and mechanobiologic aspects of flexible and locked plating.

PubMed

Claes, Lutz

2011-02-01

The goal of minimally invasive surgery in extramedullary internal fixation has led to the development of flexible plates, bridging plates, and locked internal fixators. The change from conventional compression plates to these new implants, however, resulted in different biomechanics of fixation and different mechanobiologic processes for fracture healing. The aim of a flexible fixation is the stimulation of fracture healing by callus formation. Fracture healing follows mechanobiologic rules based mainly on interfragmentary strain, which is dependent on the stability of the fixation construct and the type of fracture. Knowledge of the mechanobiologic processes and the factors influencing the stability of fracture fixation are necessary for the surgeon to choose the correct technique for fracture fixation. Problems in the selection of the correct technique and limitations with the available implants as well as possible future developments are discussed.

Parametric synthesis of a robust controller on a base of mathematical programming method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khozhaev, I. V.; Gayvoronskiy, S. A.; Ezangina, T. A.

2018-05-01

Considered paper is dedicated to deriving sufficient conditions, linking root indices of robust control quality with coefficients of interval characteristic polynomial, on the base of mathematical programming method. On the base of these conditions, a method of PI- and PID-controllers, providing aperiodic transient process with acceptable stability degree and, subsequently, acceptable setting time, synthesis was developed. The method was applied to a problem of synthesizing a controller for a depth control system of an unmanned underwater vehicle.

Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq: Report to Congress in Accordance with the Department of Defense Appropriations Act 2007 (Section 9010, Public Law 109-289)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

initiatives. Political Stability Iraq’s Council of Representatives has passed key legislation to initiate the constitutional review process, to...facilitate foreign invest- ment, and to outline a process for region formation. Most important for long-term political stability is the success of...November 30, 2006 5 1. Stability and Security in Iraq 1.1 Political Stability 1.1.1 Steps to a Free and Self-Governing Iraq As detailed in the August

Robot-based additive manufacturing for flexible die-modelling in incremental sheet forming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieger, Michael; Störkle, Denis Daniel; Thyssen, Lars; Kuhlenkötter, Bernd

2017-10-01

The paper describes the application concept of additive manufactured dies to support the robot-based incremental sheet metal forming process (`Roboforming') for the production of sheet metal components in small batch sizes. Compared to the dieless kinematic-based generation of a shape by means of two cooperating industrial robots, the supporting robot models a die on the back of the metal sheet by using the robot-based fused layer manufacturing process (FLM). This tool chain is software-defined and preserves the high geometrical form flexibility of Roboforming while flexibly generating support structures adapted to the final part's geometry. Test series serve to confirm the feasibility of the concept by investigating the process challenges of the adhesion to the sheet surface and the general stability as well as the influence on the geometric accuracy compared to the well-known forming strategies.

Influence of processing parameters on morphology of polymethoxyflavone in emulsions.

PubMed

Ting, Yuwen; Li, Colin C; Wang, Yin; Ho, Chi-Tang; Huang, Qingrong

2015-01-21

Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are groups of compounds isolated from citrus peels that have been documented with wide arrays of health-promoting bioactivities. Because of their hydrophobic structure and high melting point, crystallized PMFs usually have poor systemic bioavailability when consumed orally. To improve the oral efficiency of PMFs, a viscoelastic emulsion system was formulated. Because of the crystalline nature, the inclusion of PMFs into the emulsion system faces great challenges in having sufficient loading capacity and stabilities. In this study, the process of optimizing the quality of emulsion-based formulation intended for PMF oral delivery was systematically studied. With alteration of the PMF loading concentration, processing temperature, and pressure, the emulsion with the desired droplet and crystal size can be effectively fabricated. Moreover, storage temperatures significantly influenced the stability of the crystal-containing emulsion system. The results from this study are a good illustration of system optimization and serve as a great reference for future formulation design of other hydrophobic crystalline compounds.

Processing and characterization of polyols plasticized-starch reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose.

PubMed

Rico, M; Rodríguez-Llamazares, S; Barral, L; Bouza, R; Montero, B

2016-09-20

Biocomposites suitable for short-life applications such as food packaging were prepared by melt processing and investigated. Biocomposites studied are wheat starch plasticized with two different molecular weight polyols (glycerol and sorbitol) and reinforced with various amounts of microcrystalline cellulose. The effect of the plasticizer type and the filler amount on the processing properties, the crystallization behavior and morphology developed for the materials, and the influence on thermal stability, dynamic mechanical properties and water absorption behavior were investigated. Addition of microcrystalline cellulose led to composites with good filler-matrix adhesion where the stiffness and resistance to humidity absorption were improved. The use of sorbitol as a plasticizer of starch also improved the stiffness and water uptake behavior of the material as well as its thermal stability. Biodegradable starch-based materials with a wide variety of properties can be tailored by varying the polyol plasticizer type and/or by adding microcrystalline cellulose filler. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dip-Coating Process Engineering and Performance Optimization for Three-State Electrochromic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lu; Yang, Dejiang; Fei, Lixun; Huang, Yue; Wu, Fang; Sun, Yiling; Shi, Jiayuan; Xiang, Yong

2017-06-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were modified onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) via dip-coating technique with different nanoparticle sizes, lifting speeds, precursor concentrations, and dipping numbers. Electrodeposition-based electrochromic device with reversible three-state optical transformation (transparent, mirror, and black) was fabricated subsequently by sandwiching a suitable amount of gel electrolyte between modified FTO electrode and flat FTO electrode. Correlation between dip-coating process engineering, morphological features of TiO2 thin films, i.e., thickness and roughness, as well as performance of electrochromic devices, i.e., optical contrast, switching time, and cycling stability, were investigated. The modified device exhibits high optical contrast of 57%, the short coloration/bleaching switching time of 6 and 20 s, and excellent cycling stability after 1500 cycles of only 27% decrement rate by adjusting dip-coating processes engineering. The results in this study will provide valuable guidance for rational design of the electrochromic device with satisfactory performance.

Geospatial Data Integration for Assessing Landslide Hazard on Engineered Slopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, P. E.; Mills, J. P.; Barr, S. L.; Birkinshaw, S. J.

2012-07-01

Road and rail networks are essential components of national infrastructures, underpinning the economy, and facilitating the mobility of goods and the human workforce. Earthwork slopes such as cuttings and embankments are primary components, and their reliability is of fundamental importance. However, instability and failure can occur, through processes such as landslides. Monitoring the condition of earthworks is a costly and continuous process for network operators, and currently, geospatial data is largely underutilised. The research presented here addresses this by combining airborne laser scanning and multispectral aerial imagery to develop a methodology for assessing landslide hazard. This is based on the extraction of key slope stability variables from the remotely sensed data. The methodology is implemented through numerical modelling, which is parameterised with the slope stability information, simulated climate conditions, and geotechnical properties. This allows determination of slope stability (expressed through the factor of safety) for a range of simulated scenarios. Regression analysis is then performed in order to develop a functional model relating slope stability to the input variables. The remotely sensed raster datasets are robustly re-sampled to two-dimensional cross-sections to facilitate meaningful interpretation of slope behaviour and mapping of landslide hazard. Results are stored in a geodatabase for spatial analysis within a GIS environment. For a test site located in England, UK, results have shown the utility of the approach in deriving practical hazard assessment information. Outcomes were compared to the network operator's hazard grading data, and show general agreement. The utility of the slope information was also assessed with respect to auto-population of slope geometry, and found to deliver significant improvements over the network operator's existing field-based approaches.

Solution-Processed Transistors Using Colloidal Nanocrystals with Composition-Matched Molecular "Solders": Approaching Single Crystal Mobility.

PubMed

Jang, Jaeyoung; Dolzhnikov, Dmitriy S; Liu, Wenyong; Nam, Sooji; Shim, Moonsub; Talapin, Dmitri V

2015-10-14

Crystalline silicon-based complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors have become a dominant platform for today's electronics. For such devices, expensive and complicated vacuum processes are used in the preparation of active layers. This increases cost and restricts the scope of applications. Here, we demonstrate high-performance solution-processed CdSe nanocrystal (NC) field-effect transistors (FETs) that exhibit very high carrier mobilities (over 400 cm(2)/(V s)). This is comparable to the carrier mobilities of crystalline silicon-based transistors. Furthermore, our NC FETs exhibit high operational stability and MHz switching speeds. These NC FETs are prepared by spin coating colloidal solutions of CdSe NCs capped with molecular solders [Cd2Se3](2-) onto various oxide gate dielectrics followed by thermal annealing. We show that the nature of gate dielectrics plays an important role in soldered CdSe NC FETs. The capacitance of dielectrics and the NC electronic structure near gate dielectric affect the distribution of localized traps and trap filling, determining carrier mobility and operational stability of the NC FETs. We expand the application of the NC soldering process to core-shell NCs consisting of a III-V InAs core and a CdSe shell with composition-matched [Cd2Se3](2-) molecular solders. Soldering CdSe shells forms nanoheterostructured material that combines high electron mobility and near-IR photoresponse.

Stability of Work Values: Individual Differences and Relationship with Decision Making.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ravlin, Elizabeth C.; And Others

Values in the workplace have long been a topic of interest for both researchers in organizational behavior and management practitioners alike. Values are believed to be deeply internalized standards for personal behavior because they are based on a person's experience. Relatively little attention has been paid to the processes relating to…

A Lagrange-type projector on the real line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mastroianni, G.; Notarangelo, I.

2010-01-01

We introduce an interpolation process based on some of the zeros of the m th generalized Freud polynomial. Convergence results and error estimates are given. In particular we show that, in some important function spaces, the interpolating polynomial behaves like the best approximation. Moreover the stability and the convergence of some quadrature rules are proved.

[Specifics of bio-controlled training in directed relaxation].

PubMed

Baranov, V M; Sentiabrev, N N; Solopov, I N

2005-01-01

Studies of personal and general patterns of acquisition of skills in biocontrolled relaxation based on biological feedback (EMG) permitted classification of human subjects by the ability to relax voluntarily muscles. In the process of skill acquisition changes were minimal at the beginning, grew progressively further on and stabilized on completion of the course of training.

The adaption of coal quality to furnace structure

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

Zhang, Z.; Shun, X.

1996-12-31

This paper gives the research result of coal quality adaption to furnace structure. The designing of a furnace is based on the coal quality that the furnace would fire. If the coal fired in the furnace differs from the design coal, there would be a lot of problems such as flame stability, coal burn-out rate and slagging problem for the furnace during its operation. In order to know the adaptional range of coal quality for an existing furnace the authors had chosen three different furnaces and 18 kinds of coals in their research work. To understand the coal combustion characteristicsmore » they introduce different indexes to show different processes of coal combustion. These indexes include Fz index which demonstrates the coal combustion based on its utility analyzed result, flame stability index, combustion characteristic index and char burn-out index which are based on the analyzed result of thermogravimetric characteristic. As a furnace is built up and set into operation its flame stability, burn-out rate and ash deposition are definite. If a furnace`s fuel changes its structure characteristics and operation condition will change. A relation between coal quality to furnace structure is based on a lot of regressional analysis results of existing furnaces and their fuels. Based on this relation the adaption of coal quality for a furnace are defined and the kinds of coal furnace fired are optimized to its design fuel.« less

Induction of broad immunity by thermostabilised vaccines incorporated in dissolvable microneedles using novel fabrication methods.

PubMed

Vrdoljak, Anto; Allen, Evin A; Ferrara, Francesca; Temperton, Nigel J; Crean, Abina M; Moore, Anne C

2016-03-10

Dissolvable microneedle (DMN) patches for immunization have multiple benefits, including vaccine stability and ease-of-use. However, conventional DMN fabrication methods have several drawbacks. Here we describe a novel, microfluidic, drop dispensing-based dissolvable microneedle production method that overcomes these issues. Uniquely, heterogeneous arrays, consisting of microneedles of diverse composition, can be easily produced on the same patch. Robustness of the process was demonstrated by incorporating and stabilizing adenovirus and MVA vaccines. Clinically-available trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) in DMN patches is fully stable for greater than 6months at 40°C. Immunization using low dose TIV-loaded DMN patches induced significantly higher antibody responses compared to intramuscular-based immunization in mice. TIV-loaded patches also induced a broader, heterosubtypic neutralizing antibody response. By addressing issues that will be faced in large-scale fill-finish DMN fabrication processes and demonstrating superior thermostable characteristics and immunogenicity, this study progresses the translation of this microneedle platform to eventual clinical deployment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of band-aligned double absorber layers on photovoltaic characteristics of chemical bath deposited PbS/CdS thin film solar cells.

PubMed

Ho Yeon, Deuk; Chandra Mohanty, Bhaskar; Lee, Seung Min; Soo Cho, Yong

2015-09-23

Here we report the highest energy conversion efficiency and good stability of PbS thin film-based depleted heterojunction solar cells, not involving PbS quantum dots. The PbS thin films were grown by the low cost chemical bath deposition (CBD) process at relatively low temperatures. Compared to the quantum dot solar cells which require critical and multistep complex procedures for surface passivation, the present approach, leveraging the facile modulation of the optoelectronic properties of the PbS films by the CBD process, offers a simpler route for optimization of PbS-based solar cells. Through an architectural modification, wherein two band-aligned junctions are stacked without any intervening layers, an enhancement of conversion efficiency by as much as 30% from 3.10 to 4.03% facilitated by absorption of a wider range of solar spectrum has been obtained. As an added advantage of the low band gap PbS stacked over a wide gap PbS, the devices show stability over a period of 10 days.

In-line monitoring of (MR) fluid properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kordonski, William; Gorodkin, Sergei; Behlok, Ray

2015-05-01

Proper functionality of devices and processes based on (MR) fluids greatly depends, along with other factors, on stability of fluid characteristics such as concentration of magnetic particles and magnetic properties of the particles. The concentration of magnetic particles may change due to evaporation or leakage of carrier fluid, as well as particle sedimentation. Magnetic properties may change due to temperature, corrosion of particles or irreversible aggregation. In-line noninvasive monitoring of particle concentration and magnetic properties allows, in one way or another, compensation for the impact of destabilizing factors and provides system stable output. Two novel methods of in-line measurement of MR fluid magnetic permeability or magnetic particle concentration are considered in this presentation. The first one is based on the principle of mutual inductance and is intended for monitoring MR fluid flowing in pipes or channels. In the second one, permeability is measured by a flash-mount sensor which reacts on changes in the reluctance of the MR fluid layer adjacent to the wall. The use of the methods for stabilization of the material removal rate in high precision finishing process employing aqueous MR fluid is discussed.

DeNOx Abatement over Sonically Prepared Iron-Substituted Y, USY and MFI Zeolite Catalysts in Lean Exhaust Gas Conditions

PubMed Central

Stachurska, Patrycja; Kuterasiński, Łukasz; Dziedzicka, Anna; Górecka, Sylwia; Chmielarz, Lucjan; Łojewska, Joanna; Sitarz, Maciej

2018-01-01

Iron-substituted MFI, Y and USY zeolites prepared by two preparation routes—classical ion exchange and the ultrasound modified ion-exchange method—were characterised by micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet (UV)/visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV/Vis DRS). Ultrasound irradiation, a new technique for the preparation of the metal salt suspension before incorporation to the zeolite structure, was employed. An experimental study of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3 on both iron-substituted reference zeolite catalysts and those prepared through the application of ultrasound conducted during an ion-exchange process is presented. The prepared zeolite catalysts show high activity and selectivity in SCR deNOx abatement. The MFI-based iron catalysts, especially those prepared via the sonochemical method, revealed superior activity in the deNOx process, with almost 100% selectivity towards N2. The hydrothermal stability test confirmed high stability and activity of MFI-based catalysts in water-rich conditions during the deNOx reaction at 450 °C. PMID:29301370

Novel deployable morphing wing based on SMP composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Kai; Sun, Shouhua; Liu, Liwu; Zhang, Zhen; Liu, Yanju; Leng, Jinsong

2009-07-01

In this paper, a novel kind of deployable morphing wing base on shape memory polymer (SMP) composite is designed and tested. While the deployment of the morphing wing still relies on the mechanisms to ensure the recovery force and the stability performance, the deploying process tends to be more steady and accurate by the application of SMP composite, which overcomes the inherent drawbacks of the traditional one, such as harmful impact to the flight balance, less accuracy during the deployment and complex mechanical masses. On the other hand, SMP composite is also designed as the wing's filler. During its shape recovery process, SMP composite stuffed in the wing helps to form an aerofoil for the wing and withstand the aerodynamic loads, leading to the compressed aerofoil recovering its original shape. To demonstrate the feasibility and the controllability of the designed deployable morphing wing, primary tests are also conducted, including the deploying speed of the morphing wing and SMP filler as the main testing aspects. Finally, Wing's deformation under the air loads is also analyzed by using the finite element method to validate the flight stability.

3D composites based on the blends of chitosan and collagen with the addition of hyaluronic acid.

PubMed

Sionkowska, Alina; Kaczmarek, Beata; Lewandowska, Katarzyna; Grabska, Sylwia; Pokrywczyńska, Marta; Kloskowski, Tomasz; Drewa, Tomasz

2016-08-01

3D porous composites based on blends of chitosan, collagen and hyaluronic acid were obtained through the lyophilization process. Mechanical properties, swelling behavior and thermal stability of the blends were studied. Moreover, SEM images were taken and the structure of the blends was studied. Biological properties of the materials obtained were investigated by analyzing of proliferation rate of fibroblast cells incubated with biomaterial extract using MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). The results showed that the properties of 3D composites based on the blends of chitosan and collagen were altered after the addition 1%, 2% and 5% of hyaluronic acid. Mechanical properties and thermal stability of chitosan/collagen blends were improved in the presence of hyaluronic acid in the composite. New 3D materials based on the blends of chitosan, collagen and hyaluronic acid were non-toxic and did not significantly affect cell morphology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stream Stability and Scour Assessments at Bridges in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parker, Gene W.; Bratton, Lisa; Armstrong, David S.

1997-01-01

In 1989, the Federal Highway Administration mandated that every state establish a program to evaluate the vulnerability to floods of all bridges over water. The Massachusetts Highway Department entered into a cooperative effort with the U.S. Geological Survey to comply with this mandate. Geomorphic and hydraulic characteristics were collected and were used to assess the processes that affect stream stability and current scour problems and potential near 2,361 bridge sites in Massachusetts. As a result of these assessments, the Massachusetts Highway Department will prioritize the bridge inventory for action regarding scour safety. A data base was prepared that includes the geomorphic and hydraulic data collected during field assessments. In addition to the data base, this report includes the historical development of the bridge scour program, the methods used for data collection during assessments, the methods used for quality assurance and quality control, and how the data base was digitally formatted to be presented on a CD-ROM. A user's guide provides assistance in the use of this electronic data base and report.

Analysis of Time Filters in Multistep Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurl, Nicholas

Geophysical ow simulations have evolved sophisticated implicit-explicit time stepping methods (based on fast-slow wave splittings) followed by time filters to control any unstable models that result. Time filters are modular and parallel. Their effect on stability of the overall process has been tested in numerous simulations, but never analyzed. Stability is proven herein for the Crank-Nicolson Leapfrog (CNLF) method with the Robert-Asselin (RA) time filter and for the Crank-Nicolson Leapfrog method with the Robert-Asselin-Williams (RAW) time filter for systems by energy methods. We derive an equivalent multistep method for CNLF+RA and CNLF+RAW and stability regions are obtained. The time step restriction for energy stability of CNLF+RA is smaller than CNLF and CNLF+RAW time step restriction is even smaller. Numerical tests find that RA and RAW add numerical dissipation. This thesis also shows that all modes of the Crank-Nicolson Leap Frog (CNLF) method are asymptotically stable under the standard timestep condition.

High-rate synthesis of phosphine-stabilized undecagold nanoclusters using a multilayered micromixer.

PubMed

Jin, Hyung Dae; Garrison, Anna; Tseng, T; Paul, Brian K; Chang, Chih-Hung

2010-11-05

Growth in the potential applications of nanomaterials has led to a focus on the development of new manufacturing approaches for these materials. In particular, an increased demand due to the unique properties of nanomaterials requires a substantial yield of high-performance materials and a simultaneous reduction in the environmental impact of these processes. In this paper, a high-rate production of phosphine-stabilized undecagold nanoclusters was achieved using a layer-up strategy which involves the use of microlamination architectures; the patterning and bonding of thin layers of material (laminae) to create a multilayered micromixer in the range of 25-250 µm thick was used to step up the production of phosphine-stabilized undecagold nanoclusters. The continuous production of highly monodispersed phosphine-stabilized undecagold nanoclusters at a rate of about 11.8 (mg s(-1)) was achieved using a microreactor with a size of 1.687 cm(3). This result is about 500 times over conventional batch syntheses based on the production rate per reactor volume.

High-rate synthesis of phosphine-stabilized undecagold nanoclusters using a multilayered micromixer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Hyung Dae; Garrison, Anna; Tseng, T.; Paul, Brian K.; Chang, Chih-Hung

2010-11-01

Growth in the potential applications of nanomaterials has led to a focus on the development of new manufacturing approaches for these materials. In particular, an increased demand due to the unique properties of nanomaterials requires a substantial yield of high-performance materials and a simultaneous reduction in the environmental impact of these processes. In this paper, a high-rate production of phosphine-stabilized undecagold nanoclusters was achieved using a layer-up strategy which involves the use of microlamination architectures; the patterning and bonding of thin layers of material (laminae) to create a multilayered micromixer in the range of 25-250 µm thick was used to step up the production of phosphine-stabilized undecagold nanoclusters. The continuous production of highly monodispersed phosphine-stabilized undecagold nanoclusters at a rate of about 11.8 (mg s - 1) was achieved using a microreactor with a size of 1.687 cm3. This result is about 500 times over conventional batch syntheses based on the production rate per reactor volume.

Numerical proof of stability of roll waves in the small-amplitude limit for inclined thin film flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barker, Blake

2014-10-01

We present a rigorous numerical proof based on interval arithmetic computations categorizing the linearized and nonlinear stability of periodic viscous roll waves of the KdV-KS equation modeling weakly unstable flow of a thin fluid film on an incline in the small-amplitude KdV limit. The argument proceeds by verification of a stability condition derived by Bar-Nepomnyashchy and Johnson-Noble-Rodrigues-Zumbrun involving inner products of various elliptic functions arising through the KdV equation. One key point in the analysis is a bootstrap argument balancing the extremely poor sup norm bounds for these functions against the extremely good convergence properties for analytic interpolation in order to obtain a feasible computation time. Another is the way of handling analytic interpolation in several variables by a two-step process carving up the parameter space into manageable pieces for rigorous evaluation. These and other general aspects of the analysis should serve as blueprints for more general analyses of spectral stability.

A locally conservative stabilized continuous Galerkin finite element method for two-phase flow in poroelastic subsurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Q.; Ginting, V.; McCaskill, B.; Torsu, P.

2017-10-01

We study the application of a stabilized continuous Galerkin finite element method (CGFEM) in the simulation of multiphase flow in poroelastic subsurfaces. The system involves a nonlinear coupling between the fluid pressure, subsurface's deformation, and the fluid phase saturation, and as such, we represent this coupling through an iterative procedure. Spatial discretization of the poroelastic system employs the standard linear finite element in combination with a numerical diffusion term to maintain stability of the algebraic system. Furthermore, direct calculation of the normal velocities from pressure and deformation does not entail a locally conservative field. To alleviate this drawback, we propose an element based post-processing technique through which local conservation can be established. The performance of the method is validated through several examples illustrating the convergence of the method, the effectivity of the stabilization term, and the ability to achieve locally conservative normal velocities. Finally, the efficacy of the method is demonstrated through simulations of realistic multiphase flow in poroelastic subsurfaces.

ECCD-induced tearing mode stabilization in coupled IPS/NIMROD/GENRAY HPC simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, Thomas; Kruger, S. E.; Held, E. D.; Harvey, R. W.; Elwasif, W. R.

2012-03-01

We summarize ongoing developments toward an integrated, predictive model for determining optimal ECCD-based NTM stabilization strategies in ITER. We demonstrate the capability of the SWIM Project's Integrated Plasma Simulator (IPS) framework to choreograph multiple executions of, and data exchanges between, physics codes modeling various spatiotemporal scales of this coupled RF/MHD problem on several thousand HPC processors. As NIMROD evolves fluid equations to model bulk plasma behavior, self-consistent propagation/deposition of RF power in the ensuing plasma profiles is calculated by GENRAY. Data from both codes is then processed by computational geometry packages to construct the RF-induced quasilinear diffusion tensor; moments of this tensor (entering as additional terms in NIMROD's fluid equations due to the disparity in RF/MHD spatiotemporal scales) influence the dynamics of current, momentum, and energy evolution as well as the MHD closures. Initial results are shown to correctly capture the physics of magnetic island stabilization; we also discuss the development of a numerical plasma control system for active feedback stabilization of tearing modes.

Nanobiotechnology for enzymatic remediation and soil carbon sequestration

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

Kim, Jungbae; Amonette, James E.; Russell, Colleen K.

2005-03-13

We studied the ability of tyrosinase to catalyze the oxidation of various phenolic compounds. As a revolutionary approach to enzyme stabilization, we developed specially-designed nanoporous silica for enzyme immobilization. Our tests show that the active lifetime of the enzymes stabilized in this material can extend to periods as long as several months, which is about a 100-fold increase in stability. The implications of this new approach to enzyme-based bioremedation will be discussed. In soils, the humification process involves phenol oxidation, mediated by tyrosinase, followed by nonenzymatic polymerization of the resulting quinones with amino acids to form humic polymers. We testedmore » the effects of fly ash amendments on a model humification reaction involving tyrosinase and a suite of organic monomers. The combination of fly ashes with tyrosinase increased the amount of polymer formed by several fold. The strong synergetic effect of these ashes when enzyme is present apparently arises from the combined effects of alkaline pH and physical stabilization of the enzyme in porous silica cenospheres.« less

Reduced Crystallization Temperature Methodology for Polymer Selection in Amorphous Solid Dispersions: Stability Perspective.

PubMed

Bhugra, Chandan; Telang, Chitra; Schwabe, Robert; Zhong, Li

2016-09-06

API-polymer interactions, used to select the right polymeric matrix with an aim to stabilize an amorphous dispersion, are routinely studied using spectroscopic and/or calorimetric techniques (i.e., melting point depression). An alternate selection tool has been explored to rank order polymers for formation of stable amorphous dispersions as a pragmatic method for polymer selection. Reduced crystallization temperature of API, a parameter introduced by Zhou et al.,1 was utilized in this study for rank ordering interactions in API-polymeric systems. The trends in reduced crystallization temperature monitored over polymer concentration range of up to 20% polymer loading were utilized to calculate "crystallization parameter" or CP for two model systems (nifedipine and BI ABC). The rank order of CP, i.e., a measure of API-polymer interaction, for nifedipine followed the order PVP > PVP-VA > Soluplus > HPMCAS > PV Ac > PAA. This rank ordering was correlated to published results of molecular interactions and physical stability for nifedipine. A different rank ordering was observed for BI ABC: PAA > PVP > HPMCAS > Soluplus > PVPV-VA > PVAc. Interactions for BI ABC were not as differentiated when compared to nifedipine based on CP trends. BI ABC dispersions at drug loadings between 40 and 60% were physically stable for prolonged periods under ICH conditions as well as accelerated stress. We propose that large CP differences among polymers could be predictive of stability outcomes. Acceptable stability at pharmaceutically relevant drug loadings would suggest that the relative influence of downstream processes, such as polymer solubility in various solvents, process suitability and selection, and more importantly supersaturation potential, should be higher compared to stability considerations while developing compounds like BI ABC.

Stability of Detached Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazuruk, K.; Volz, M. P.; Croell, A.

2009-01-01

Bridgman crystal growth can be conducted in the so-called "detached" solidification regime, where the growing crystal is detached from the crucible wall. A small gap between the growing crystal and the crucible wall, of the order of 100 micrometers or less, can be maintained during the process. A meniscus is formed at the bottom of the melt between the crystal and crucible wall. Under proper conditions, growth can proceed without collapsing the meniscus. The meniscus shape plays a key role in stabilizing the process. Thermal and other process parameters can also affect the geometrical steady-state stability conditions of solidification. The dynamic stability theory of the shaped crystal growth process has been developed by Tatarchenko. It consists of finding a simplified autonomous set of differential equations for the radius, height, and possibly other process parameters. The problem then reduces to analyzing a system of first order linear differential equations for stability. Here we apply a modified version of this theory for a particular case of detached solidification. Approximate analytical formulas as well as accurate numerical values for the capillary stability coefficients are presented. They display an unexpected singularity as a function of pressure differential. A novel approach to study the thermal field effects on the crystal shape stability has been proposed. In essence, it rectifies the unphysical assumption of the model that utilizes a perturbation of the crystal radius along the axis as being instantaneous. It consists of introducing time delay effects into the mathematical description and leads, in general, to stability over a broader parameter range. We believe that this novel treatment can be advantageously implemented in stability analyses of other crystal growth techniques such as Czochralski and float zone methods.

Experimental evaluation of a new morphological approximation of the articular surfaces of the ankle joint.

PubMed

Belvedere, Claudio; Siegler, Sorin; Ensini, Andrea; Toy, Jason; Caravaggi, Paolo; Namani, Ramya; Giannini, Giulia; Durante, Stefano; Leardini, Alberto

2017-02-28

The mechanical characteristics of the ankle such as its kinematics and load transfer properties are influenced by the geometry of the articulating surfaces. A recent, image-based study found that these surfaces can be approximated by a saddle-shaped, skewed, truncated cone with its apex oriented laterally. The goal of this study was to establish a reliable experimental technique to study the relationship between the geometry of the articular surfaces of the ankle and its mobility and stability characteristics and to use this technique to determine if morphological approximations of the ankle surfaces based on recent discoveries, produce close to normal behavior. The study was performed on ten cadavers. For each specimen, a process based on medical imaging, modeling and 3D printing was used to produce two subject specific artificial implantable sets of the ankle surfaces. One set was a replica of the natural surfaces. The second approximated the ankle surfaces as an original saddle-shaped truncated cone with apex oriented laterally. Testing under cyclic loading conditions was then performed on each specimen following a previously established technique to determine its mobility and stability characteristics under three different conditions: natural surfaces; artificial surfaces replicating the natural surface morphology; and artificial approximation based on the saddle-shaped truncated cone concept. A repeated measure analysis of variance was then used to compare between the three conditions. The results show that (1): the artificial surfaces replicating natural morphology produce close to natural mobility and stability behavior thus establishing the reliability of the technique; and (2): the approximated surfaces based on saddle-shaped truncated cone concept produce mobility and stability behavior close to the ankle with natural surfaces. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monitoring of waste disposal in deep geological formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

German, V.; Mansurov, V.

2003-04-01

In the paper application of kinetic approach for description of rock failure process and waste disposal microseismic monitoring is advanced. On base of two-stage model of failure process the capability of rock fracture is proved. The requests to monitoring system such as real time mode of data registration and processing and its precision range are formulated. The method of failure nuclei delineation in a rock masses is presented. This method is implemented in a software program for strong seismic events forecasting. It is based on direct use of the fracture concentration criterion. The method is applied to the database of microseismic events of the North Ural Bauxite Mine. The results of this application, such as: efficiency, stability, possibility of forecasting rockburst are discussed.

Process stability and morphology optimization of very thick 4H-SiC epitaxial layers grown by chloride-based CVD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdanfar, M.; Stenberg, P.; Booker, I. D.; Ivanov, I. G.; Kordina, O.; Pedersen, H.; Janzén, E.

2013-10-01

The development of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process for very thick silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial layers suitable for high power devices is demonstrated by epitaxial growth of 200 μm thick, low doped 4H-SiC layers with excellent morphology at growth rates exceeding 100 μm/h. The process development was done in a hot wall CVD reactor without rotation using both SiCl4 and SiH4+HCl precursor approaches to chloride based growth chemistry. A C/Si ratio <1 and an optimized in-situ etch are shown to be the key parameters to achieve 200 μm thick, low doped epitaxial layers with excellent morphology.

Room-Temperature and Solution-Processable Cu-Doped Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Hole-Transport Layers of Flexible Large-Area Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

He, Qiqi; Yao, Kai; Wang, Xiaofeng; Xia, Xuefeng; Leng, Shifeng; Li, Fan

2017-12-06

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using plastic substrates have become one of the most attractive points in the field of thin-film solar cells. Low-temperature and solution-processable nanoparticles (NPs) enable the fabrication of semiconductor thin films in a simple and low-cost approach to function as charge-selective layers in flexible PSCs. Here, we synthesized phase-pure p-type Cu-doped NiO x NPs with good electrical properties, which can be processed to smooth, pinhole-free, and efficient hole transport layers (HTLs) with large-area uniformity over a wide range of film thickness using a room-temperature solution-processing technique. Such a high-quality inorganic HTL allows for the fabrication of flexible PSCs with an active area >1 cm 2 , which have a power conversion efficiency over 15.01% without hysteresis. Moreover, the Cu/NiO x NP-based flexible devices also demonstrate excellent air stability and mechanical stability compared to their counterpart fabricated on the pristine NiO x films. This work will contribute to the evolution of upscaling flexible PSCs with a simple fabrication process and high device performances.

Long-term effects of executive process training in young and old adults.

PubMed

Sandberg, Petra; Stigsdotter Neely, Anna

2016-10-01

Prior studies have examined the magnitude of training and transfer effects after process-based training in early and late adulthood. However, little is known about how long-lasting these effects are. Here we investigate the degree of stability of training gains and transfer effects in younger and older adults 18 months after completion of executive process training, tapping updating, inhibition, and shifting. From the original sample, 24 out of 30 older participants, and 19 out of 29 young adults, returned for follow-up assessment at which the criterion and transfer tests from pre- and post-test were re-administered. The results demonstrated stability of training gains in the updating criterion task (Letter Memory Running Span), and in a near transfer updating task (Number Memory Running Span) for both age groups. The young adults improved performance in two complex working memory tasks immediately after training. These transfer effects did not survive across time. Our results provide evidence that executive process training has its greatest effect on transfer tasks with a substantial process overlap with the trained tasks: only those effects are maintained over an 18 month period in both early and late adulthood.

APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS REPORT: SITE PROGRAM DEMONSTRATION TEST SOLIDITECH, INC. SOLIDIFICATION/ STABILIZATION PROCESS

EPA Science Inventory

This Applications Analysis Report evaluates the Soliditech, Inc., solidification/ stabilization process for the on-site treatment of waste materials. The Soliditech process mixes and chemically treats waste material with Urrichem (a proprietary reagent), additives, pozzolanic mat...

Polyaniline nanofibers: a unique polymer nanostructure for versatile applications.

PubMed

Li, Dan; Huang, Jiaxing; Kaner, Richard B

2009-01-20

Known for more than 150 years, polyaniline is the oldest and potentially one of the most useful conducting polymers because of its facile synthesis, environmental stability, and simple acid/base doping/dedoping chemistry. Because a nanoform of this polymer could offer new properties or enhanced performance, nanostructured polyaniline has attracted a great deal of interest during the past few years. This Account summarizes our recent research on the syntheses, processing, properties, and applications of polyaniline nanofibers. By monitoring the nucleation behavior of polyaniline, we demonstrate that high-quality nanofibers can be readily produced in bulk quantity using the conventional chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. The polyaniline nanostructures formed using this simple method have led to a number of exciting discoveries. For example, we can readily prepare aqueous polyaniline colloids by purifying polyaniline nanofibers and controlling the pH. The colloids formed are self-stabilized via electrostatic repulsions without the need for any chemical modification or steric stabilizer, thus providing a simple and environmentally friendly way to process this polymer. An unusual nanoscale photothermal effect called "flash welding", which we discovered with polyaniline nanofibers, has led to the development of new techniques for making asymmetric polymer membranes and patterned nanofiber films and creating polymer-based nanocomposites. We also demonstrate the use of flash-welded polyaniline films for monolithic actuators. Taking advantage of the unique reduction/oxidation chemistry of polyaniline, we can decorate polyaniline nanofibers with metal nanoparticles through in situ reduction of selected metal salts. The resulting polyaniline/metal nanoparticle composites show promise for use in ultrafast nonvolatile memory devices and for chemical catalysis. In addition, the use of polyaniline nanofibers or their composites can significantly enhance the sensitivity, selectivity, and response time of polyaniline-based chemical sensors. By combining straightforward synthesis and composite formation with exceptional solution processability, we have developed a range of new useful functionalities. Further research on nanostructured conjugated polymers holds promise for even more exciting discoveries and intriguing applications.

A dynamic network model for interbank market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Tao; He, Jianmin; Li, Shouwei

2016-12-01

In this paper, a dynamic network model based on agent behavior is introduced to explain the formation mechanism of interbank market network. We investigate the impact of credit lending preference on interbank market network topology, the evolution of interbank market network and stability of interbank market. Experimental results demonstrate that interbank market network is a small-world network and cumulative degree follows the power-law distribution. We find that the interbank network structure keeps dynamic stability in the network evolution process. With the increase of bank credit lending preference, network clustering coefficient increases and average shortest path length decreases monotonously, which improves the stability of the network structure. External shocks are main threats for the interbank market and the reduction of bank external investment yield rate and deposits fluctuations contribute to improve the resilience of the banking system.

Actively stabilized optical fiber interferometry technique for online/in-process surface measurement.

PubMed

Wang, Kaiwei; Martin, Haydn; Jiang, Xiangqian

2008-02-01

In this paper, we report the recent progress in optical-beam scanning fiber interferometry for potential online nanoscale surface measurement based on the previous research. It attempts to generate a robust and miniature measurement device for future development into a multiprobe array measurement system. In this research, both fiber-optic-interferometry and the wavelength-division-multiplexing techniques have been used, so that the optical probe and the optical interferometer are well spaced and fast surface scanning can be carried out, allowing flexibility for online measurement. In addition, this system provides a self-reference signal to stabilize the optical detection with high common-mode noise suppression by adopting an active phase tracking and stabilization technique. Low-frequency noise was significantly reduced compared with unstabilized result. The measurement of a sample surface shows an attained repeatability of 3.3 nm.

[Effects of soil properties on the stabilization process of cadmium in Cd alone and Cd-Pb contaminated soils].

PubMed

Wu, Man; Xu, Ming-Gang; Zhang, Wen-Ju; Wu, Hai-Wen

2012-07-01

In order to clarify the effects of soil properties on the stabilization process of the cadmium (Cd) added, 11 different soils were collected and incubated under a moisture content of 65%-70% at 25 degrees C. The changes of available Cd contents with incubation time (in 360 days) in Cd and Cd-Pb contaminated treatments were determined. The stabilization process was simulated using dynamic equations. The results showed that after 1.0 mg x kg(-1) Cd or 500 mg x kg(-1) Pb + 1.0 mg x kg(-1) Cd were added into the soil, the available Cd content decreased rapidly during the first 15 days, and then the decreasing rate slowed down, with an equilibrium content reached after 60 days' incubation. In Cd-Pb contaminated soils, the presence of Pb increased the content of available Cd. The stabilization process of Cd could be well described by the second-order equation and the first order exponential decay; meanwhile, dynamic parameters including equilibrium content and stabilization velocity were used to characterize the stabilization process of Cd. These two key dynamic parameters were significantly affected by soil properties. Correlation analysis and stepwise regression suggested that high pH and high cation exchange capacity (CEC) significantly retarded the availability of Cd. High pH had the paramount effect on the equilibrium content. The stabilization velocity of Cd was influenced by the soil texture. It took shorter time for Cd to get stabilized in sandy soil than in the clay.

Stability analysis of motion patterns in biathlon shooting.

PubMed

Baca, Arnold; Kornfeind, Philipp

2012-04-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the stability of the aiming process of elite biathlon athletes. Nine elite athletes performed four series of five shots onto the same target and onto targets next to each other in a shooting hall. A video-based system reconstructed the horizontal and vertical motion of the muzzle. The time period starting after repeating the rifle and ending with the shot was divided in 10 intervals of equal duration. Eight kinematic parameters describing the motion in these intervals were calculated. Based on the parameter values obtained a special variant of an artificial network of type SOM (self-organizing map) was trained. Similar neurons were combined to clusters. For each shot the 10 data sets describing the aiming process were then mapped to the corresponding neurons. The sequence of the related clusters in the respective succession was used as representation of the complex aiming motion. In a second processing step types of shots were identified applying a second net. A more stable pattern could be inferred for the members of the national squad compared to the biathletes classified in the next best performance level. Only small differences between the two shooting conditions could be observed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neural-network-based online HJB solution for optimal robust guaranteed cost control of continuous-time uncertain nonlinear systems.

PubMed

Liu, Derong; Wang, Ding; Wang, Fei-Yue; Li, Hongliang; Yang, Xiong

2014-12-01

In this paper, the infinite horizon optimal robust guaranteed cost control of continuous-time uncertain nonlinear systems is investigated using neural-network-based online solution of Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. By establishing an appropriate bounded function and defining a modified cost function, the optimal robust guaranteed cost control problem is transformed into an optimal control problem. It can be observed that the optimal cost function of the nominal system is nothing but the optimal guaranteed cost of the original uncertain system. A critic neural network is constructed to facilitate the solution of the modified HJB equation corresponding to the nominal system. More importantly, an additional stabilizing term is introduced for helping to verify the stability, which reinforces the updating process of the weight vector and reduces the requirement of an initial stabilizing control. The uniform ultimate boundedness of the closed-loop system is analyzed by using the Lyapunov approach as well. Two simulation examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the present control approach.

Synergic combination of the sol–gel method with dip coating for plasmonic devices

PubMed Central

Patrini, Maddalena; Floris, Francesco; Fornasari, Lucia; Pellacani, Paola; Marchesini, Gerardo; Valsesia, Andrea; Artizzu, Flavia; Marongiu, Daniela; Saba, Michele; Marabelli, Franco; Mura, Andrea; Bongiovanni, Giovanni

2015-01-01

Summary Biosensing technologies based on plasmonic nanostructures have recently attracted significant attention due to their small dimensions, low-cost and high sensitivity but are often limited in terms of affinity, selectivity and stability. Consequently, several methods have been employed to functionalize plasmonic surfaces used for detection in order to increase their stability. Herein, a plasmonic surface was modified through a controlled, silica platform, which enables the improvement of the plasmonic-based sensor functionality. The key processing parameters that allow for the fine-tuning of the silica layer thickness on the plasmonic structure were studied. Control of the silica coating thickness was achieved through a combined approach involving sol–gel and dip-coating techniques. The silica films were characterized using spectroscopic ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy and dispersive spectroscopy. The effect of the use of silica layers on the optical properties of the plasmonic structures was evaluated. The obtained results show that the silica coating enables surface protection of the plasmonic structures, preserving their stability for an extended time and inducing a suitable reduction of the regeneration time of the chip. PMID:25821692

Recycling of waste spent catalyst in road construction and masonry blocks.

PubMed

Taha, Ramzi; Al-Kamyani, Zahran; Al-Jabri, Khalifa; Baawain, Mahad; Al-Shamsi, Khalid

2012-08-30

Waste spent catalyst is generated in Oman as a result of the cracking process of petroleum oil in the Mina Al-Fahl and Sohar Refineries. The disposal of spent catalyst is of a major concern to oil refineries. Stabilized spent catalyst was evaluated for use in road construction as a whole replacement for crushed aggregates in the sub-base and base layers and as a partial replacement for Portland cement in masonry blocks manufacturing. Stabilization is necessary as the waste spent catalyst exists in a powder form and binders are needed to attain the necessary strength required to qualify its use in road construction. Raw spent catalyst was also blended with other virgin aggregates, as a sand or filler replacement, for use in road construction. Compaction, unconfined compressive strength and leaching tests were performed on the stabilized mixtures. For its use in masonry construction, blocks were tested for unconfined compressive strength at various curing periods. Results indicate that the spent catalyst has a promising potential for use in road construction and masonry blocks without causing any negative environmental impacts. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced aging properties of HKUST-1 in hydrophobic mixed-matrix membranes for ammonia adsorption.

PubMed

DeCoste, Jared B; Denny, Michael S; Peterson, Gregory W; Mahle, John J; Cohen, Seth M

2016-04-21

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in their free powder form have exhibited superior capacities for many gases when compared to other materials, due to their tailorable functionality and high surface areas. Specifically, the MOF HKUST-1 binds small Lewis bases, such as ammonia, with its coordinatively unsaturated copper sites. We describe here the use of HKUST-1 in mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) prepared from polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) for the removal of ammonia gas. These MMMs exhibit ammonia capacities similar to their hypothetical capacities based on the weight percent of HKUST-1 in each MMM. HKUST-1 in its powder form is unstable toward humid conditions; however, upon exposure to humid environments for prolonged periods of time, the HKUST-1 MMMs exhibit outstanding structural stability, and maintain their ammonia capacity. Overall, this study has achieved all of the critical and combined elements for real-world applications of MOFs: high MOF loadings, fully accessible MOF surfaces, enhanced MOF stabilization, recyclability, mechanical stability, and processability. This study is a critical step in advancing MOFs to a stable, usable, and enabling technology.

Semiautomated Sample Preparation for Protein Stability and Formulation Screening via Buffer Exchange.

PubMed

Ying, William; Levons, Jaquan K; Carney, Andrea; Gandhi, Rajesh; Vydra, Vicky; Rubin, A Erik

2016-06-01

A novel semiautomated buffer exchange process workflow was developed to enable efficient early protein formulation screening. An antibody fragment protein, BMSdab, was used to demonstrate the workflow. The process afforded 60% to 80% cycle time and scientist time savings and significant material efficiencies. These efficiencies ultimately facilitated execution of this stability work earlier in the drug development process, allowing this tool to inform the developability of potential candidates for development from a formulation perspective. To overcome the key technical challenges, the protein solution was buffer-exchanged by centrifuge filtration into formulations for stability screening in a 96-well plate with an ultrafiltration membrane, leveraging automated liquid handling and acoustic volume measurements to allow several cycles of exchanges. The formulations were transferred into a vacuum manifold and sterile filtered into a rack holding 96 glass vials. The vials were sealed with a capmat of individual caps and placed in stability stations. Stability of the samples prepared by this process and by the standard process was demonstrated to be comparable. This process enabled screening a number of formulations of a protein at an early pharmaceutical development stage with a short sample preparation time. © 2015 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

Microencapsulation of fish oil by spray granulation and fluid bed film coating.

PubMed

Anwar, Sri Haryani; Weissbrodt, Jenny; Kunz, Benno

2010-08-01

The stability of microencapsulated fish oil prepared with 2 production processes, spray granulation (SG) and SG followed by film coating (SG-FC) using a fluid bed equipment, was investigated. In the 1st process, 3 types of fish oil used were based on the ratios of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (10/50, 33/22, and 18/12). Each type was emulsified with soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) and maltodextrin to produce 25% oil powders. In the 2nd process, 15% film coating of hydroxypropyl betacyclodextrin (HPBCD) was applied to the granules from the 1st process. The powder stability against oxidation was examined by measurement of peroxide values (PV) and headspace propanal after storage at room temperature and at 3 to 4 degrees C for 6 wk. Uncoated powder containing the lowest concentration of PUFA (18/12) was found to be stable during storage at room temperature with maximum PV of 3.98 +/- 0.001 meq/kg oil. The PV increased sharply for uncoated powder with higher concentration of omega-3 (in 33/22 and 10/50 fish oils) after 3 wk storage. The PVs were in agreement with the concentration of propanal, and these 2 parameters remained constant for most of the uncoated powders stored at low temperature. Unexpectedly, the outcomes showed that the coated powders had lower stability than uncoated powders as indicated by higher initial PVs; more hydroperoxides were detected as well as increasing propanal concentration. The investigation suggests that the film-coating by HPBCD ineffectively protected fish oil as the coating process might have induced further oxidation; however, SG is a good method for producing fish oil powder and to protect it from oxidation because of the "onion skin" structure of granules produced in this process.

Recognition of DNA/RNA bulges by antimicrobial and antitumor metallohelices.

PubMed

Malina, Jaroslav; Scott, Peter; Brabec, Viktor

2015-09-07

Bulged structures have been identified in nucleic acids and have been shown to be linked to biomolecular processes involved in numerous diseases. Thus, chemical agents with affinity for bulged nucleic acids are of general biological significance. Herein, the mechanism of specific recognition and stabilization of bulged DNA and RNA by helical bimetallic species was established through detailed molecular biophysics and biochemistry assays. These agents, known as 'flexicates', are potential mimetics of α-helical peptides in cancer treatment, exhibiting antimicrobial and antitumor effects. The flexicates have positive impacts on the thermal stability of DNA duplexes containing bulges, which means that the flexicates interact with the duplexes containing bulges, and that these interactions stabilize the secondary structures of these duplexes. Notably, the stabilising effect of the flexicates increases with the size of the bulge, the maximal stabilization is observed for the duplexes containing a bulge composed of at least three bases. The flexicates bind most preferentially to the bulges composed of pyrimidines flanked on both sides also by pyrimidines. It is suggested that it is so because these bulges exhibit greatest conformational variability in comparison with other combinations of bases in the bulge loop and bases flanking the bulge. Finally, the results indicate that there is only one dominant binding site for the flexicates on the DNA and RNA bulges and that the flexicates bind directly to the bulge or in its close proximity. It is also shown that the flexicates effectively bind to RNA duplexes containing the bulged region of HIV-1 TAR RNA.

Stability Calculation Method of Slope Reinforced by Prestressed Anchor in Process of Excavation

PubMed Central

Li, Zhong; Wei, Jia; Yang, Jun

2014-01-01

This paper takes the effect of supporting structure and anchor on the slope stability of the excavation process into consideration; the stability calculation model is presented for the slope reinforced by prestressed anchor and grillage beam, and the dynamic search model of the critical slip surface also is put forward. The calculation model of the optimal stability solution of each anchor tension of the whole process is also given out, through which the real-time analysis and checking of slope stability in the process of excavation can be realized. The calculation examples indicate that the slope stability is changed with the dynamic change of the design parameters of anchor and grillage beam. So it is relatively more accurate and reasonable by using dynamic search model to determine the critical slip surface of the slope reinforced by prestressed anchor and grillage beam. Through the relationships of each anchor layout and the slope height of various stages of excavation, and the optimal stability solution of prestressed bolt tension design value in various excavation stages can be obtained. The arrangement of its prestressed anchor force reflects that the layout of the lower part of bolt and the calculation of slope reinforcement is in line with the actual. These indicate that the method is reasonable and practical. PMID:24683319

Stability calculation method of slope reinforced by prestressed anchor in process of excavation.

PubMed

Li, Zhong; Wei, Jia; Yang, Jun

2014-01-01

This paper takes the effect of supporting structure and anchor on the slope stability of the excavation process into consideration; the stability calculation model is presented for the slope reinforced by prestressed anchor and grillage beam, and the dynamic search model of the critical slip surface also is put forward. The calculation model of the optimal stability solution of each anchor tension of the whole process is also given out, through which the real-time analysis and checking of slope stability in the process of excavation can be realized. The calculation examples indicate that the slope stability is changed with the dynamic change of the design parameters of anchor and grillage beam. So it is relatively more accurate and reasonable by using dynamic search model to determine the critical slip surface of the slope reinforced by prestressed anchor and grillage beam. Through the relationships of each anchor layout and the slope height of various stages of excavation, and the optimal stability solution of prestressed bolt tension design value in various excavation stages can be obtained. The arrangement of its prestressed anchor force reflects that the layout of the lower part of bolt and the calculation of slope reinforcement is in line with the actual. These indicate that the method is reasonable and practical.

Stability mechanical considerations, and AC loss in HTSC monoliths, coils, and wires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sumption, M. D.; Collings, E. W.

1995-01-01

For monolithic high-T(sub c) superconductors (HTSC's) calculations are presented of: (1) the initial flux jump field, H(sub fj), in melt-processed YBCO based on a field and temperature dependent J(sub c), and (2) the radial and circumferential stresses in solid and hollow cylinders containing trapped magnetic flux. For model multi filamentary (MF) HTSC/Ag strands calculations are presented of: (1) the limiting filament diameters for adiabatic and dynamic stability, and (2) the hysteretic and eddy current components of AC loss. Again for MF HTSC/Ag composite strands the need for filamentary subdivision and twisting is discussed.

High-power and brightness laser diode modules using new DBR chips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Hao; Riva, Martina; Rossi, Giammarco; Braglia, Andrea; Perrone, Guido

2018-02-01

The paper reports on the design, manufacturing and preliminary characterization of a new family of compact and high beam quality multi-emitter laser diode modules capable of delivering up to over 400W in a 135/0.15 fiber. The layout exploits a proprietary architecture and is based on innovative narrow linewidth high-power DBR chips, properly combined through spatial, polarization and wavelength multiplexing. The intrinsic wavelength-stabilization of these DBR chips allows the use of the developed modules not only for direct-diode material processing but also in pump sources for ytterbium-doped fiber lasers without the need of external stabilization devices.

The influence of incorporating MgO into Ni-based cermets by plasma spraying on anode microstructural and chemical stability in dry methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lay, E.; Metcalfe, C.; Kesler, O.

2012-11-01

The Solution Precursor Plasma Spray (SPPS) process was successfully used to deposit cermet coatings that exhibit fine microstructures with high surface area. MgO addition in Ni-YSZ and Ni-SDC cermets results in (Ni,Mg)O solid solution formation, and nickel particles after reduction are finer than in coatings without magnesia. The influence of MgO on the chemical stability of cermets in anodic operating conditions is discussed. It was found that a sufficient amount of magnesia addition (Ni0.9(MgO)0.1) helps to reduce carbon deposition in dry methane.

BCB Bonding Technology of Back-Side Illuminated COMS Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Y.; Jiang, G. Q.; Jia, S. X.; Shi, Y. M.

2018-03-01

Back-side illuminated CMOS(BSI) sensor is a key device in spaceborne hyperspectral imaging technology. Compared with traditional devices, the path of incident light is simplified and the spectral response is planarized by BSI sensors, which meets the requirements of quantitative hyperspectral imaging applications. Wafer bonding is the basic technology and key process of the fabrication of BSI sensors. 6 inch bonding of CMOS wafer and glass wafer was fabricated based on the low bonding temperature and high stability of BCB. The influence of different thickness of BCB on bonding strength was studied. Wafer bonding with high strength, high stability and no bubbles was fabricated by changing bonding conditions.

Electronics design of the airborne stabilized platform attitude acquisition module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiang; Wei, Guiling; Cheng, Yong; Li, Baolin; Bu, Hongyi; Wang, Hao; Zhang, Zhanwei; Li, Xingni

2014-02-01

We present an attitude acquisition module electronics design for the airborne stabilized platform. The design scheme, which is based on Integrated MEMS sensor ADIS16405, develops the attitude information processing algorithms and the hardware circuit. The hardware circuits with a small volume of only 44.9 x 43.6 x 24.6 mm3, has the characteristics of lightweight, modularization and digitalization. The interface design of the PC software uses the combination plane chart with track line to receive the attitude information and display. Attitude calculation uses the Kalman filtering algorithm to improve the measurement accuracy of the module in the dynamic environment.

High-resolution interferometic microscope for traceable dimensional nanometrology in Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinovski, I.; França, R. S.; Lima, M. S.; Bessa, M. S.; Silva, C. R.; Couceiro, I. B.

2016-07-01

The double color interferometric microscope is developed for step height standards nanometrology traceable to meter definition via primary wavelength laser standards. The setup is based on two stabilized lasers to provide traceable measurements of highest possible resolution down to the physical limits of the optical instruments in sub-nanometer to micrometer range of the heights. The wavelength reference is He-Ne 633 nm stabilized laser, the secondary source is Blue-Green 488 nm grating laser diode. Accurate fringe portion is measured by modulated phase-shift technique combined with imaging interferometry and Fourier processing. Self calibrating methods are developed to correct systematic interferometric errors.

A Non-Intrusive GMA Welding Process Quality Monitoring System Using Acoustic Sensing.

PubMed

Cayo, Eber Huanca; Alfaro, Sadek Crisostomo Absi

2009-01-01

Most of the inspection methods used for detection and localization of welding disturbances are based on the evaluation of some direct measurements of welding parameters. This direct measurement requires an insertion of sensors during the welding process which could somehow alter the behavior of the metallic transference. An inspection method that evaluates the GMA welding process evolution using a non-intrusive process sensing would allow not only the identification of disturbances during welding runs and thus reduce inspection time, but would also reduce the interference on the process caused by the direct sensing. In this paper a nonintrusive method for weld disturbance detection and localization for weld quality evaluation is demonstrated. The system is based on the acoustic sensing of the welding electrical arc. During repetitive tests in welds without disturbances, the stability acoustic parameters were calculated and used as comparison references for the detection and location of disturbances during the weld runs.

A Non-Intrusive GMA Welding Process Quality Monitoring System Using Acoustic Sensing

PubMed Central

Cayo, Eber Huanca; Alfaro, Sadek Crisostomo Absi

2009-01-01

Most of the inspection methods used for detection and localization of welding disturbances are based on the evaluation of some direct measurements of welding parameters. This direct measurement requires an insertion of sensors during the welding process which could somehow alter the behavior of the metallic transference. An inspection method that evaluates the GMA welding process evolution using a non-intrusive process sensing would allow not only the identification of disturbances during welding runs and thus reduce inspection time, but would also reduce the interference on the process caused by the direct sensing. In this paper a nonintrusive method for weld disturbance detection and localization for weld quality evaluation is demonstrated. The system is based on the acoustic sensing of the welding electrical arc. During repetitive tests in welds without disturbances, the stability acoustic parameters were calculated and used as comparison references for the detection and location of disturbances during the weld runs. PMID:22399990

A biomechanical analysis of sublaminar and subtransverse process fixation using metal wires and polyethylene cables.

PubMed

Fujita, Masaru; Diab, Mohammad; Xu, Zheng; Puttlitz, Christian M

2006-09-01

An in vitro biomechanical calf thoracic spine study. To evaluate the biomechanical stability of sublaminar and subtransverse process fixation using stainless steel wires and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) cables. It is commonly held that transverse process fixation provides less stability than sublaminar fixation. To our knowledge, this is the first biomechanical study to compare the stability afforded by sublaminar fixation and subtransverse process fixation using metal wire and UHMWPE cable before and after cyclic loading. There were 6 fresh-frozen calf thoracic spines (T4-T9) used to determine the sublaminar fixation stiffness and subtransverse process fixation stiffness in each group. Double strands of 18-gauge stainless steel wire, 3 and 5 mm-width UHMWPE cable (Nesplon; Alfresa, Inc., Osaka, Japan) were applied to each spine. Cyclic pure flexion-extension moment loading (2 Nm, 0.5 Hz, 5000 cycles) was applied after the initial stability was analyzed by measuring the range of motion. Statistical analyses were used to delineate differences between the various experimental groups. Subtransverse process wiring was more stable than sublaminar wiring after cyclic loading in flexion-extension (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between each group in lateral bending and axial rotation after cyclic loading. Sublaminar stainless steel wiring was more stable than sublaminar 3 and 5-mm cable before and after cyclic loading in axial rotation (P < 0.01). Acute subtransverse process fixation using 3-mm cable was less stable after cyclic loading in axial rotation (P < 0.05). All other groups did not produce statistically significant differences. Subtransverse process fixation provides at least as much stability as sublaminar fixation. A 5-mm UHMWPE cable and stainless steel wire result in equivalent sublaminar and subtransverse process stability.

Effect of homogenization and pasteurization on the structure and stability of whey protein in milk.

PubMed

Qi, Phoebe X; Ren, Daxi; Xiao, Yingping; Tomasula, Peggy M

2015-05-01

The effect of homogenization alone or in combination with high-temperature, short-time (HTST) pasteurization or UHT processing on the whey fraction of milk was investigated using highly sensitive spectroscopic techniques. In pilot plant trials, 1-L quantities of whole milk were homogenized in a 2-stage homogenizer at 35°C (6.9 MPa/10.3 MPa) and, along with skim milk, were subjected to HTST pasteurization (72°C for 15 s) or UHT processing (135°C for 2 s). Other whole milk samples were processed using homogenization followed by either HTST pasteurization or UHT processing. The processed skim and whole milk samples were centrifuged further to remove fat and then acidified to pH 4.6 to isolate the corresponding whey fractions, and centrifuged again. The whey fractions were then purified using dialysis and investigated using the circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared, and Trp intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Results demonstrated that homogenization combined with UHT processing of milk caused not only changes in protein composition but also significant secondary structural loss, particularly in the amounts of apparent antiparallel β-sheet and α-helix, as well as diminished tertiary structural contact. In both cases of homogenization alone and followed by HTST treatments, neither caused appreciable chemical changes, nor remarkable secondary structural reduction. But disruption was evident in the tertiary structural environment of the whey proteins due to homogenization of whole milk as shown by both the near-UV circular dichroism and Trp intrinsic fluorescence. In-depth structural stability analyses revealed that even though processing of milk imposed little impairment on the secondary structural stability, the tertiary structural stability of whey protein was altered significantly. The following order was derived based on these studies: raw whole>HTST, homogenized, homogenized and pasteurized>skimmed and pasteurized, and skimmed UHT>homogenized UHT. The methodology demonstrated in this study can be used to gain insight into the behavior of milk proteins when processed and provides a new empirical and comparative approach for analyzing and assessing the effect of processing schemes on the nutrition and quality of milk and dairy product without the need for extended separation and purification, which can be both time-consuming and disruptive to protein structures. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of the period of stability in a balance test after stepping up using a simplified cumulative sum.

PubMed

Safieddine, Doha; Chkeir, Aly; Herlem, Cyrille; Bera, Delphine; Collart, Michèle; Novella, Jean-Luc; Dramé, Moustapha; Hewson, David J; Duchêne, Jacques

2017-11-01

Falls are a major cause of death in older people. One method used to predict falls is analysis of Centre of Pressure (CoP) displacement, which provides a measure of balance quality. The Balance Quality Tester (BQT) is a device based on a commercial bathroom scale that calculates instantaneous values of vertical ground reaction force (Fz) as well as the CoP in both anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. The entire testing process needs to take no longer than 12 s to ensure subject compliance, making it vital that calculations related to balance are only calculated for the period when the subject is static. In the present study, a method is presented to detect the stabilization period after a subject has stepped onto the BQT. Four different phases of the test are identified (stepping-on, stabilization, balancing, stepping-off), ensuring that subjects are static when parameters from the balancing phase are calculated. The method, based on a simplified cumulative sum (CUSUM) algorithm, could detect the change between unstable and stable stance. The time taken to stabilize significantly affected the static balance variables of surface area and trajectory velocity, and was also related to Timed-up-and-Go performance. Such a finding suggests that the time to stabilize could be a worthwhile parameter to explore as a potential indicator of balance problems and fall risk in older people. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Beam Stability R&D for the APS MBA Upgrade

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

Sereno, Nicholas S.; Arnold, Ned D.; Bui, Hanh D.

2015-01-01

Beam diagnostics required for the APS Multi-bend acromat (MBA) are driven by ambitious beam stability requirements. The major AC stability challenge is to correct rms beam motion to 10% the rms beam size at the insertion device source points from0.01 to 1000 Hz. The vertical plane represents the biggest challenge forAC stability, which is required to be 400 nm rms for a 4-micron vertical beam size. In addition to AC stability, long-term drift over a period of seven days is required to be 1 micron or less. Major diagnostics R&D components include improved rf beam position processing using commercially availablemore » FPGA-based BPM processors, new X-ray beam position monitors based on hard X-ray fluorescence from copper and Compton scattering off diamond, mechanical motion sensing to detect and correct long-term vacuum chamber drift, a new feedback system featuring a tenfold increase in sampling rate, and a several-fold increase in the number of fast correctors and BPMs in the feedback algorithm. Feedback system development represents a major effort, and we are pursuing development of a novel algorithm that integrates orbit correction for both slow and fast correctors down to DC simultaneously. Finally, a new data acquisition system (DAQ) is being developed to simultaneously acquire streaming data from all diagnostics as well as the feedback processors for commissioning and fault diagnosis. Results of studies and the design effort are reported.« less

Enzymatic degradation of poly(L-lactide) nanoparticles followed by the release of octenidine and their bactericidal effects.

PubMed

Baier, Grit; Cavallaro, Alex; Friedemann, Kathrin; Müller, Beate; Glasser, Gunnar; Vasilev, Krasimir; Landfester, Katharina

2014-01-01

The enzyme-triggered release of the antimicrobial agent octenidine out of poly(l-lactide)-based nanoparticles (PLLA-NPs) and their in vitro antibacterial activities in the presence of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria are presented. The formation of the nanoparticles was achieved using a combination of the solvent evaporation and the miniemulsion approach. For the stabilization of the polymeric nanoparticles, non-ionic polymers (polyvinylalcohol [PVA], hydroxyethyl starch [HES], human serum albumin [HSA]) were successfully used for enzymatic degradation; ionic surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride inhibited the enzymatic degradation. The change in pH, size, size distribution and morphology during the degradation process of PLLA-NPs and the release of the antimicrobial agent was studied. The influence of the different amounts of octenidine and of the different stabilizers on the NPs' stability, size, size distribution, morphology, zeta potential and on the surface group's density is discussed. Fluorescently labeled HES-stabilized PLLA-NPs are immobilized by colloidal electrospinning. The observed data from HPLC measurements show that octenidine is released out of PLLA-NPs which are stabilized with PVA, HES or HSA. In bacteria tests the PLLA nanoparticles showed a greater ability to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus compared to Escherichia coli. This article discusses the enzyme-triggered release and antibacterial effects of octenidine from poly(l-lactide)-based nanoparticles demonstrating the viability of this approach for potential future antibacterial therapy. © 2013.

Impedance-Based Stability Analysis in Grid Interconnection Impact Study Owing to the Increased Adoption of Converter-Interfaced Generators

DOE PAGES

Cho, Youngho; Hur, Kyeon; Kang, Yong; ...

2017-09-08

This study investigates the emerging harmonic stability concerns to be addressed by grid planners in generation interconnection studies, owing to the increased adoption of renewable energy resources connected to the grid via power electronic converters. The wideband and high-frequency electromagnetic transient (EMT) characteristics of these converter-interfaced generators (CIGs) and their interaction with the grid impedance are not accurately captured in the typical dynamic studies conducted by grid planners. This paper thus identifies the desired components to be studied and subsequently develops a practical process for integrating a new CIG into a grid with the existing CIGs. The steps of thismore » process are as follows: the impedance equation of a CIG using its control dynamics and an interface filter to the grid, for example, an LCL filter (inductor-capacitor-inductor type), is developed; an equivalent impedance model including the existing CIGs nearby and the grid observed from the point of common coupling are derived; the system stability for credible operating scenarios is assessed. Detailed EMT simulations validate the accuracy of the impedance models and stability assessment for various connection scenarios. Here, by complementing the conventional EMT simulation studies, the proposed analytical approach enables grid planners to identify critical design parameters for seamlessly integrating a new CIG and ensuring the reliability of the grid.« less

Self-associated submicron IgG1 particles for pulmonary delivery: effects of non-ionic surfactants on size, shape, stability, and aerosol performance.

PubMed

Srinivasan, Asha R; Shoyele, Sunday A

2013-03-01

The ability to produce submicron particles of monoclonal antibodies of different sizes and shapes would enhance their application to pulmonary delivery. Although non-ionic surfactants are widely used as stabilizers in protein formulations, we hypothesized that non-ionic surfactants will affect the shape and size of submicron IgG particles manufactured through precipitation. Submicron particles of IgG1 were produced by a precipitation process which explores the fact that proteins have minimum solubility but maximum precipitation at the isoelectric point. Non-ionic surfactants were used for size and shape control, and as stabilizing agents. Aerosol performance of the antibody nanoparticles was assessed using Andersen Cascade Impactor. Spinhaler® and Handihaler® were used as model DPI devices. SEM micrographs revealed that the shape of the submicron particles was altered by varying the type of surfactant added to the precipitating medium. Particle size as measured by dynamic light scattering was also varied based on the type and concentration of the surfactant. The surfactants were able to stabilize the IgG during the precipitation process. Polyhedral, sponge-like, and spherical nanoparticles demonstrated improved aerosolization properties compared to irregularly shaped (>20 μm) unprocessed particles. Stable antibody submicron particles of different shapes and sizes were prepared. Careful control of the shape of such particles is critical to ensuring optimized lung delivery by dry powder inhalation.

Nonlinear process in the mode transition in typical strut-based and cavity-strut based scramjet combustors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Li; Liao, Lei; Huang, Wei; Li, Lang-quan

2018-04-01

The analysis of nonlinear characteristics and control of mode transition process is the crucial issue to enhance the stability and reliability of the dual-mode scramjet engine. In the current study, the mode transition processes in both strut-based combustor and cavity-strut based combustor are numerically studied, and the influence of the cavity on the transition process is analyzed in detail. The simulations are conducted by means of the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations coupled with the renormalization group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model and the single-step chemical reaction mechanism, and this numerical approach is proved to be valid by comparing the predicted results with the available experimental shadowgraphs in the open literature. During the mode transition process, an obvious nonlinear property is observed, namely the unevenly variations of pressure along the combustor. The hysteresis phenomenon is more obvious upstream of the flow field. For the cavity-strut configuration, the whole flow field is more inclined to the supersonic state during the transition process, and it is uneasy to convert to the ramjet mode. In the scram-to-ram transition process, the process would be more stable, and the hysteresis effect would be reduced in the ram-to-scram transition process.

Performance of a Method to Standardize Breast Ultrasound Interpretation Using Image Processing and Case-Based Reasoning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

André, M. P.; Galperin, M.; Berry, A.; Ojeda-Fournier, H.; O'Boyle, M.; Olson, L.; Comstock, C.; Taylor, A.; Ledgerwood, M.

Our computer-aided diagnostic (CADx) tool uses advanced image processing and artificial intelligence to analyze findings on breast sonography images. The goal is to standardize reporting of such findings using well-defined descriptors and to improve accuracy and reproducibility of interpretation of breast ultrasound by radiologists. This study examined several factors that may impact accuracy and reproducibility of the CADx software, which proved to be highly accurate and stabile over several operating conditions.

Alloy and structural optimization of a directionally solidified lamellar eutectic alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheffler, K. D.

1976-01-01

Mechanical property characterization tests of a directionally solidified Ni-20 percent Cb-2.5 percent Al-6 percent Cr cellular eutectic turbine blade alloy demonstrated excellent long time creep stability and indicated intermediate temperature transverse tensile ductility and shear strength to be somewhat low for turbine blade applications. Alloy and structural optimization significantly improves these off-axis properties with no loss of longitudinal creep strength or stability. The optimized alloy-structure combination is a carbon modified Ni-20.1 percent Cb-2.5 percent Al-6.0 percent Cr-0.06 percent C composition processed under conditions producing plane front solidification and a fully-lamellar microstructure. With current processing technology, this alloy exhibits a creep-rupture advantage of 39 C over the best available nickel base superalloy, directionally solidified MAR M200+ Hf. While improved by about 20 percent, shear strength of the optimized alloy remains well below typical superalloy values.

Stabilization of glucose-oxidase in the graphene paste for screen-printed glucose biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pepłowski, Andrzej; Janczak, Daniel; Jakubowska, Małgorzata

2015-09-01

Various methods and materials for enzyme stabilization within screen-printed graphene sensor were analyzed. Main goal was to develop technology allowing immediate printing of the biosensors in single printing process. Factors being considered were: toxicity of the materials used, ability of the material to be screen-printed (squeezed through the printing mesh) and temperatures required in the fabrication process. Performance of the examined sensors was measured using chemical amperometry method, then appropriate analysis of the measurements was conducted. The analysis results were then compared with the medical requirements. Parameters calculated were: correlation coefficient between concentration of the analyte and the measured electrical current (0.986) and variation coefficient for the particular concentrations of the analyte used as the calibration points. Variation of the measured values was significant only in ranges close to 0, decreasing for the concentrations of clinical importance. These outcomes justify further development of the graphene-based biosensors fabricated through printing techniques.

The influence of Cu+ binding to hypoxanthine on stabilization of mismatches involving hypoxanthine and DNA bases: A DFT study.

PubMed

Masoodi, Hamid Reza; Bagheri, Sotoodeh; Ghaderi, Zahra

2018-05-14

In the present work, the influence of Cu + binding to N3- and N7-positions of hypoxanthine on energetic, geometrical and topological properties of hypoxanthine-guanine, hypoxanthine-adenine, hypoxanthine-cytosine, hypoxanthine-thymine and hypoxanthine-hypoxanthine mismatches is theoretically investigated. The calculations, in gas phase, are performed at B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level of theory. Unlike the other mispairs, Cu + binding to N3-position of hypoxanthine causes the proton transfer process from enol form of hypoxanthine to imino forms of adenine and cytosine. This process also occurs in all mismatches having enol form of hypoxanthine when Cu + binds to N7-position of hypoxanthine. The mismatches are stabilized by hydrogen bonds. The influence of Cu + on hydrogen bonds is also examined by atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses.

Automation of metabolic stability studies in microsomes, cytosol and plasma using a 215 Gilson liquid handler.

PubMed

Linget, J M; du Vignaud, P

1999-05-01

A 215 Gilson liquid handler was used to automate enzymatic incubations using microsomes, cytosol and plasma. The design of automated protocols are described. They were based on the use of 96 deep well plates and on HPLC-based methods for assaying the substrate. The assessment of those protocols was made with comparison between manual and automated incubations, reliability and reproducibility of automated incubations in microsomes and cytosol. Examples of the use of those programs in metabolic studies in drug research, i.e. metabolic screening in microsomes and plasma were shown. Even rapid processes (with disappearance half lives as low as 1 min) can be analysed. This work demonstrates how stability studies can be automated to save time, render experiments involving human biological media less hazardous and may be improve inter-laboratory reproducibility.

High Temperature Stable Separator for Lithium Batteries Based on SiO2 and Hydroxypropyl Guar Gum

PubMed Central

Carvalho, Diogo Vieira; Loeffler, Nicholas; Kim, Guk-Tae; Passerini, Stefano

2015-01-01

A novel membrane based on silicon dioxide (SiO2) and hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG) as binder is presented and tested as a separator for lithium-ion batteries. The separator is made with renewable and low cost materials and an environmentally friendly manufacturing processing using only water as solvent. The separator offers superior wettability and high electrolyte uptake due to the optimized porosity and the good affinity of SiO2 and guar gum microstructure towards organic liquid electrolytes. Additionally, the separator shows high thermal stability and no dimensional-shrinkage at high temperatures due to the use of the ceramic filler and the thermally stable natural polymer. The electrochemical tests show the good electrochemical stability of the separator in a wide range of potential, as well as its outstanding cycle performance. PMID:26512701

Effect of Various Catalysts on the Stability of Characteristics of Acetone Sensors Based on Thin Nanocrystalline SnO2 Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sevastyanov, E. Yu.; Maksimova, N. K.; Potekaev, A. I.; Khludkova, L. S.; Chernikov, E. V.; Davydova, T. A.

2018-02-01

The results of studies of electrical and gas sensitive characteristics of acetone sensors based on thin nanocrystalline SnO2 films with various catalysts deposited on the surface (Pt/Pd, Au) and introduced into the volume (Au, Ni, Co) are presented. Films containing impurities of gold and 3d-metals were obtained by the method of magnetron sputtering of mosaic targets. Particular attention was paid to the influence of the longterm tests and humidity level on the properties of sensors. It is shown that the sensors with the deposited dispersed gold layers with Au+Ni and, especially, Au+Co additives introduced into the volume are characterized by the increased stability in the process of testing under prolonged exposure to acetone and also under conditions of varying humidity.

Brazing of Stainless Steels to Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) Using Silver -Base Brazes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Mrityunjay; Shpargel, Tarah P.; Asthana, Rajiv

2005-01-01

Three silver-base brazes containing either noble metal palladium (Palcusil-10 and Palcusil-15) or active metal titanium (Ticusil) were evaluated for high-temperature oxidation resistance, and their effectiveness in joining yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to a corrosion-resistant ferritic stainless steel. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and optical- and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were used to evaluate the braze oxidation behavior and the structure and chemistry of the YSZ/braze/steel joints. The effect of the braze type and processing conditions on the interfacial microstructure and composition of the joint regions is discussed with reference to the chemical changes that occur at the interface. It was found that chemical interdiffusion of the constituents of YSZ, steel and the brazes led to compositional changes and/or interface reconstruction, and metallurgically sound joints.

Design of a robust fuzzy controller for the arc stability of CO(2) welding process using the Taguchi method.

PubMed

Kim, Dongcheol; Rhee, Sehun

2002-01-01

CO(2) welding is a complex process. Weld quality is dependent on arc stability and minimizing the effects of disturbances or changes in the operating condition commonly occurring during the welding process. In order to minimize these effects, a controller can be used. In this study, a fuzzy controller was used in order to stabilize the arc during CO(2) welding. The input variable of the controller was the Mita index. This index estimates quantitatively the arc stability that is influenced by many welding process parameters. Because the welding process is complex, a mathematical model of the Mita index was difficult to derive. Therefore, the parameter settings of the fuzzy controller were determined by performing actual control experiments without using a mathematical model of the controlled process. The solution, the Taguchi method was used to determine the optimal control parameter settings of the fuzzy controller to make the control performance robust and insensitive to the changes in the operating conditions.

Smith predictor-based multiple periodic disturbance compensation for long dead-time processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Fang; Li, Han-Xiong; Shen, Ping

2018-05-01

Many disturbance rejection methods have been proposed for processes with dead-time, while these existing methods may not work well under multiple periodic disturbances. In this paper, a multiple periodic disturbance rejection is proposed under the Smith predictor configuration for processes with long dead-time. One feedback loop is added to compensate periodic disturbance while retaining the advantage of the Smith predictor. With information of the disturbance spectrum, the added feedback loop can remove multiple periodic disturbances effectively. The robust stability can be easily maintained through the rigorous analysis. Finally, simulation examples demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method for processes with long dead-time.

A biopolymer transistor: electrical amplification by microtubules.

PubMed

Priel, Avner; Ramos, Arnolt J; Tuszynski, Jack A; Cantiello, Horacio F

2006-06-15

Microtubules (MTs) are important cytoskeletal structures engaged in a number of specific cellular activities, including vesicular traffic, cell cyto-architecture and motility, cell division, and information processing within neuronal processes. MTs have also been implicated in higher neuronal functions, including memory and the emergence of "consciousness". How MTs handle and process electrical information, however, is heretofore unknown. Here we show new electrodynamic properties of MTs. Isolated, taxol-stabilized MTs behave as biomolecular transistors capable of amplifying electrical information. Electrical amplification by MTs can lead to the enhancement of dynamic information, and processivity in neurons can be conceptualized as an "ionic-based" transistor, which may affect, among other known functions, neuronal computational capabilities.

Development of a Novel Gas Pressurized Stripping Process-Based Technology for CO₂ Capture from Post-Combustion Flue Gases

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

Chen, Shiaoguo

A novel Gas Pressurized Stripping (GPS) post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) process has been developed by Carbon Capture Scientific, LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc., Nexant Inc., and Western Kentucky University in this bench-scale project. The GPS-based process presents a unique approach that uses a gas pressurized technology for CO₂ stripping at an elevated pressure to overcome the energy use and other disadvantages associated with the benchmark monoethanolamine (MEA) process. The project was aimed at performing laboratory- and bench-scale experiments to prove its technical feasibility and generate process engineering and scale-up data, and conducting a techno-economic analysis (TEA) to demonstrate its energy usemore » and cost competitiveness over the MEA process. To meet project goals and objectives, a combination of experimental work, process simulation, and technical and economic analysis studies were applied. The project conducted individual unit lab-scale tests for major process components, including a first absorption column, a GPS column, a second absorption column, and a flasher. Computer simulations were carried out to study the GPS column behavior under different operating conditions, to optimize the column design and operation, and to optimize the GPS process for an existing and a new power plant. The vapor-liquid equilibrium data under high loading and high temperature for the selected amines were also measured. The thermal and oxidative stability of the selected solvents were also tested experimentally and presented. A bench-scale column-based unit capable of achieving at least 90% CO₂ capture from a nominal 500 SLPM coal-derived flue gas slipstream was designed and built. This integrated, continuous, skid-mounted GPS system was tested using real flue gas from a coal-fired boiler at the National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC). The technical challenges of the GPS technology in stability, corrosion, and foaming of selected solvents, and environmental, health and safety risks have been addressed through experimental tests, consultation with vendors and engineering analysis. Multiple rounds of TEA were performed to improve the GPS-based PCC process design and operation, and to compare the energy use and cost performance of a nominal 550-MWe supercritical pulverized coal (PC) plant among the DOE/NETL report Case 11 (the PC plant without CO₂ capture), the DOE/NETL report Case 12 (the PC plant with benchmark MEA-based PCC), and the PC plant using GPS-based PCC. The results reveal that the net power produced in the PC plant with GPS-based PCC is 647 MWe, greater than that of the Case 12 (550 MWe). The 20-year LCOE for the PC plant with GPS-based PCC is 97.4 mills/kWh, or 152% of that of the Case 11, which is also 23% less than that of the Case 12. These results demonstrate that the GPS-based PCC process is energy-efficient and cost-effective compared with the benchmark MEA process.« less

Analysis of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Learning Curve and Its Influence on Procedure Safety and Perioperative Complications.

PubMed

Major, Piotr; Wysocki, Michał; Dworak, Jadwiga; Pędziwiatr, Michał; Pisarska, Magdalena; Wierdak, Mateusz; Zub-Pokrowiecka, Anna; Natkaniec, Michał; Małczak, Piotr; Nowakowski, Michał; Budzyński, Andrzej

2018-06-01

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become an attractive bariatric procedure with promising treatment effects yet amount of data regarding institutional learning process is limited. Retrospective study included patients submitted to LSG at academic teaching hospital. Patients were divided into groups every 100 consecutive patients. LSG introduction was structured along with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) treatment protocol. Primary endpoint was determining the LSG learning curve's stabilization point, using operative time, intraoperative difficulties, intraoperative adverse events (IAE), and number of stapler firings. Secondary endpoints: influence on perioperative complications and reoperations. Five hundred patients were included (330 females, median age of 40 (33-49) years). Operative time in G1-G2 differed significantly from G3-G5. Stabilization point was the 200th procedure using operative time. Intraoperative difficulties of G1 differed significantly from G2-G5, with stabilization after the 100th procedure. IAE and number of stapler firings could not be used as predictor. Based on perioperative morbidity, the learning curve was stabilized at the 100th procedure. The morbidity rates in the groups were G1, 13%; G2, 4%; G3, 5%; G4, 5%; and G5, 2%. The reoperation rate in G1 was 3%; G2, 2%; G3, 2%; G4, 1%; and G5, 0%. The institutional learning process stabilization point for LSG in a newly established bariatric center is between the 100th and 200th operation. Initially, the morbidity rate is high, which should concern surgeons who are willing to perform bariatric surgery.

Physical stability and recrystallization kinetics of amorphous ibipinabant drug product by fourier transform raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Sinclair, Wayne; Leane, Michael; Clarke, Graham; Dennis, Andrew; Tobyn, Mike; Timmins, Peter

2011-11-01

The solid-state physical stability and recrystallization kinetics during storage stability are described for an amorphous solid dispersed drug substance, ibipinabant, at a low concentration (1.0%, w/w) in a solid oral dosage form (tablet). The recrystallization behavior of the amorphous ibipinabant-polyvinylpyrrolidone solid dispersion in the tablet product was characterized by Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy. A partial least-square analysis used for multivariate calibration based on Raman spectra was developed and validated to detect less than 5% (w/w) of the crystalline form (equivalent to less than 0.05% of the total mass of the tablet). The method provided reliable and highly accurate predictive crystallinity assessments after exposure to a variety of stability storage conditions. It was determined that exposure to moisture had a significant impact on the crystallinity of amorphous ibipinabant. The information provided by the method has potential utility for predictive physical stability assessments. Dissolution testing demonstrated that the predicted crystallinity had a direct correlation with this physical property of the drug product. Recrystallization kinetics was measured using FT Raman spectroscopy for the solid dispersion from the tablet product stored at controlled temperature and relative humidity. The measurements were evaluated by application of the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) kinetic model to determine recrystallization rate constants and Avrami exponent (n = 2). The analysis showed that the JMA equation could describe the process very well, and indicated that the recrystallization kinetics observed was a two-step process with an induction period (nucleation) followed by rod-like crystal growth. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Optimization of a pressure control valve for high power automatic transmission considering stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jian, Hongchao; Wei, Wei; Li, Hongcai; Yan, Qingdong

2018-02-01

The pilot-operated electrohydraulic clutch-actuator system is widely utilized by high power automatic transmission because of the demand of large flowrate and the excellent pressure regulating capability. However, a self-excited vibration induced by the inherent non-linear characteristics of valve spool motion coupled with the fluid dynamics can be generated during the working state of hydraulic systems due to inappropriate system parameters, which causes sustaining instability in the system and leads to unexpected performance deterioration and hardware damage. To ensure a stable and fast response performance of the clutch actuator system, an optimal design method for the pressure control valve considering stability is proposed in this paper. A non-linear dynamic model of the clutch actuator system is established based on the motion of the valve spool and coupling fluid dynamics in the system. The stability boundary in the parameter space is obtained by numerical stability analysis. Sensitivity of the stability boundary and output pressure response time corresponding to the valve parameters are identified using design of experiment (DOE) approach. The pressure control valve is optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with the stability boundary as constraint. The simulation and experimental results reveal that the optimization method proposed in this paper helps in improving the response characteristics while ensuring the stability of the clutch actuator system during the entire gear shift process.

Model-based variance-stabilizing transformation for Illumina microarray data.

PubMed

Lin, Simon M; Du, Pan; Huber, Wolfgang; Kibbe, Warren A

2008-02-01

Variance stabilization is a step in the preprocessing of microarray data that can greatly benefit the performance of subsequent statistical modeling and inference. Due to the often limited number of technical replicates for Affymetrix and cDNA arrays, achieving variance stabilization can be difficult. Although the Illumina microarray platform provides a larger number of technical replicates on each array (usually over 30 randomly distributed beads per probe), these replicates have not been leveraged in the current log2 data transformation process. We devised a variance-stabilizing transformation (VST) method that takes advantage of the technical replicates available on an Illumina microarray. We have compared VST with log2 and Variance-stabilizing normalization (VSN) by using the Kruglyak bead-level data (2006) and Barnes titration data (2005). The results of the Kruglyak data suggest that VST stabilizes variances of bead-replicates within an array. The results of the Barnes data show that VST can improve the detection of differentially expressed genes and reduce false-positive identifications. We conclude that although both VST and VSN are built upon the same model of measurement noise, VST stabilizes the variance better and more efficiently for the Illumina platform by leveraging the availability of a larger number of within-array replicates. The algorithms and Supplementary Data are included in the lumi package of Bioconductor, available at: www.bioconductor.org.

Elucidating the Higher Stability of Vanadium (V) Cations in Mixed Acid Based Redox Flow Battery Electrolytes

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

Vijayakumar, M.; Wang, Wei; Nie, Zimin

2013-11-01

The Vanadium (V) cation structures in mixed acid based electrolyte solution were analysed by density functional theory (DFT) based computational modelling and 51V and 35Cl Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The Vanadium (V) cation exists as di-nuclear [V2O3Cl2.6H2O]2+ compound at higher vanadium concentrations (≥1.75M). In particular, at high temperatures (>295K) this di-nuclear compound undergoes ligand exchange process with nearby solvent chlorine molecule and forms chlorine bonded [V2O3Cl2.6H2O]2+ compound. This chlorine bonded [V2O3Cl2.6H2O]2+ compound might be resistant to the de-protonation reaction which is the initial step in the precipitation reaction in Vanadium based electrolyte solutions. The combined theoretical and experimental approachmore » reveals that formation of chlorine bonded [V2O3Cl2.6H2O]2+ compound might be central to the observed higher thermal stability of mixed acid based Vanadium (V) electrolyte solutions.« less

Hydrophobic polymers for orodispersible films: a quality by design approach.

PubMed

Borges, Ana Filipa; Silva, Branca M A; Silva, Cláudia; Coelho, Jorge F J; Simões, Sérgio

2016-10-01

To develop orodispersible films (ODF) based on hydrophobic polymers with higher stability to ordinary environmental humidity conditions without compromising their fast disintegration time. A quality by design approach was applied to screen three different formulations each one based on a different hydrophobic polymer: polyvinyl acetate, methacrylate-based copolymer and shellac. The screening formulations were characterized regarding their mechanical properties, residual water content, disintegration time and appearance, in order to find a suitable ODF formulation according to established critical quality attributes. The selected critical process parameters for the selection of appropriate ODF formulations were the percentage of the different excipients and the plasticizer type. Three hydrophobic-based matrices with fast disintegration were developed. These were generically composed by a hydrophobic polymer, a stabilizer, a disintegrant and a plasticizer. It verified that the common components within the three different formulations behave differently depending on the system/chemical environment that they were included. It was shown that it is possible to develop oral films based on hydrophobic polymers with fast disintegration time, good texture and appearance, breaking a paradigm of the ODF research field.

Short term storage stability at room temperature of two different platelet-rich plasma preparations from equine donors and potential impact on growth factor concentrations.

PubMed

Hauschild, Gregor; Geburek, Florian; Gosheger, Georg; Eveslage, Maria; Serrano, Daniela; Streitbürger, Arne; Johannlükens, Sara; Menzel, Dirk; Mischke, Reinhard

2017-01-05

The increasing interest in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) based therapies is as yet accompanied by inconsistent information regarding nearly all aspects of handling and application. Among these storage stability of processed platelet-rich products may be the basis for a more flexible application mode. The objective of this study was (1) to estimate the storage stability of growth factors platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) in both, a single-step softspin centrifugation-based pure-PRP (P-PRP, ACP®), and a gravity filtration system-based leukocyte-rich-PRP (L-PRP, E-PET), over a six hours time span after preparation at room temperature and (2) to identify possible factors influencing these growth factor concentrations in an equine model. Growth factor concentrations remained stable over the entire investigation period in L-PRP as well as P-PRP preparations revealing a mean of 3569 pg/ml PDGF-BB for E-PET and means of 1276 pg/ml PDGF-BB and 5086 pg/ml TGF-ß1 for ACP®. Pearson correlations yielded no significant impact of whole blood platelet (PLT), white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts on resulting cytokine values. In case of ACP® no significant dependencies between PLT, WBC and RBC counts of the processed platelet-rich product and resulting cytokine content occurred with exception of TGF-ß1 concentrations showing a strong correlation with the WBC content. PDGF-BB content of E-PET preparations showed a strong positive correlation with PLT and a strong negative with WBC of these preparations but not with RBC. L-PRP ad modum E-PET and P-PRP ad modum ACP® are applicable over at least a six hours time span at room temperature without loss of growth factor content. Based on the results of this study factors influencing the resulting growth factor concentrations still remain questionable. Additional studies implicating a further standardization of preparation protocols are necessary to identify consistent impact on cytokine content after PRP processing.

Developing a stability assessment method for power electronics-based microgrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Austin, Peter M.

Modern microgrids with microsources and energy storage are dependent on power electronics for control and regulation. Under certain circumstances power electronics can be destabilizing to the system due to an effect called negative incremental impedance. A careful review of the theory and literature on the subject is presented. This includes stability criteria for both AC and DC systems, as well as a discussion on the limitations posed by the analysis. A method to integrate stability assessment with higher-level microgrid architectural design is proposed. Crucial to this is impedance characterization of individual components, which was accomplished through simulation. DC and AC impedance measurement blocks were created in Matlab simulink to automate the process. A detailed switching-level model of a DC microgrid was implemented in simulink, including wind turbine microsource, battery storage, and three phase inverter. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) was included to maximize the efficiency of the turbine and was implemented through three rectifier alternatives and control schemes. The stability characteristics of each was compared in the final analysis. Impedance data was collected individually from the components and used to assess stability in the system as a whole. The results included the assessment of stability, margin, and unstable operating points to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Final Paper DAT Cognitive Art Therapy System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacobson, Eric

2009-01-01

Del Giacco Art Therapy is a cognitive art therapy process that focuses on stimulating the mental sensory systems and working to stabilize the nervous system and create new neural connections in the brain. This system was created by Maureen Del Giacco, Phd. after recovering from her own traumatic brain injury and is based on extensive research of…