The thermal stability of photoacid generators in phenolic matrices

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

Barclay, G.G.; Medeiros, D.R.; Sinta, R.F.

1993-12-31

The thermal stability of various photolabile sulfonate esters in phenolic matrices have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. It was observed that the thermal stability of these photoacid generators is lowered in the presence of phenolic groups. As a result acid can be thermally generated, thereby reducing the selectivity of photoacid generation. The sulfonate esters investigated in phenolic matrices included nitrobenzyl tosylates, imino sulfonates, benzoin tosylate and 1,2,3-tris(methanesulfonyloxy)benzene. Also the effect of the thermal generation of acid from these photoacid generators on the temperature and rate of deprotection of partially t-butoxycarbonate blocked poly (vinylphenol) was studied bymore » thermogravimetric analysis and FTIR.« less

Determining the Effective Density and Stabilizer Layer Thickness of Sterically Stabilized Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

A series of model sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles has been designed to aid the development of analytical protocols in order to determine two key parameters: the effective particle density and the steric stabilizer layer thickness. The former parameter is essential for high resolution particle size analysis based on analytical (ultra)centrifugation techniques (e.g., disk centrifuge photosedimentometry, DCP), whereas the latter parameter is of fundamental importance in determining the effectiveness of steric stabilization as a colloid stability mechanism. The diblock copolymer nanoparticles were prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) using RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization: this approach affords relatively narrow particle size distributions and enables the mean particle diameter and the stabilizer layer thickness to be adjusted independently via systematic variation of the mean degree of polymerization of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks, respectively. The hydrophobic core-forming block was poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate) [PTFEMA], which was selected for its relatively high density. The hydrophilic stabilizer block was poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) [PGMA], which is a well-known non-ionic polymer that remains water-soluble over a wide range of temperatures. Four series of PGMAx–PTFEMAy nanoparticles were prepared (x = 28, 43, 63, and 98, y = 100–1400) and characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). It was found that the degree of polymerization of both the PGMA stabilizer and core-forming PTFEMA had a strong influence on the mean particle diameter, which ranged from 20 to 250 nm. Furthermore, SAXS was used to determine radii of gyration of 1.46 to 2.69 nm for the solvated PGMA stabilizer blocks. Thus, the mean effective density of these sterically stabilized particles was calculated and determined to lie between 1.19 g cm–3 for the smaller particles and 1.41 g cm–3 for the larger particles; these values are significantly lower than the solid-state density of PTFEMA (1.47 g cm–3). Since analytical centrifugation requires the density difference between the particles and the aqueous phase, determining the effective particle density is clearly vital for obtaining reliable particle size distributions. Furthermore, selected DCP data were recalculated by taking into account the inherent density distribution superimposed on the particle size distribution. Consequently, the true particle size distributions were found to be somewhat narrower than those calculated using an erroneous single density value, with smaller particles being particularly sensitive to this artifact. PMID:27478250

Influence of fracture network physical properties on stability criteria of density-driven flow in a dual-porosity system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassanzadeh, H.; Jafari Raad, S. M.

2017-12-01

Linear stability analysis is conducted to study the onset of buoyancy-driven convection involved in solubility trapping of CO2 into deep fractured aquifers. In this study, the effect of fracture network physical properties on the stability criteria in a brine-rich fractured porous layer is investigated using dual porosity concept for both single and variable matrix block size distributions. Linear stability analysis results show that both fracture interporosity flow and fracture storativity factors play an important role in the stability behavior of the system. It is shown that a diffusive boundary layer under the gravity field in a fractured rock with lower fracture storativity and/or higher fracture interporosity flow coefficient is more stable. We present scaling relations that relate the onset of convective instability in fractured aquifers. These findings improve our understanding of buoyancy driven flow in fractured aquifers and are particularly important in estimation of potential storage capacity, risk assessment, and storage sites characterization and screening.Keywords: CO2 sequestration; fractured rock; buoyancy-driven convection; stability analysis

Silicene Flowers: A Dual Stabilized Silicon Building Block for High-Performance Lithium Battery Anodes.

PubMed

Zhang, Xinghao; Qiu, Xiongying; Kong, Debin; Zhou, Lu; Li, Zihao; Li, Xianglong; Zhi, Linjie

2017-07-25

Nanostructuring is a transformative way to improve the structure stability of high capacity silicon for lithium batteries. Yet, the interface instability issue remains and even propagates in the existing nanostructured silicon building blocks. Here we demonstrate an intrinsically dual stabilized silicon building block, namely silicene flowers, to simultaneously address the structure and interface stability issues. These original Si building blocks as lithium battery anodes exhibit extraordinary combined performance including high gravimetric capacity (2000 mAh g -1 at 800 mA g -1 ), high volumetric capacity (1799 mAh cm -3 ), remarkable rate capability (950 mAh g -1 at 8 A g -1 ), and excellent cycling stability (1100 mA h g -1 at 2000 mA g -1 over 600 cycles). Paired with a conventional cathode, the fabricated full cells deliver extraordinarily high specific energy and energy density (543 Wh kg ca -1 and 1257 Wh L ca -1 , respectively) based on the cathode and anode, which are 152% and 239% of their commercial counterparts using graphite anodes. Coupled with a simple, cost-effective, scalable synthesis approach, this silicon building block offers a horizon for the development of high-performance batteries.

Random and Block Sulfonated Polyaramides as Advanced Proton Exchange Membranes

DOE PAGES

Kinsinger, Corey L.; Liu, Yuan; Liu, Feilong; ...

2015-10-09

We present here the experimental and computational characterization of two novel copolyaramide proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with higher conductivity than Nafion at relatively high temperatures, good mechanical properties, high thermal stability, and the capability to operate in low humidity conditions. The random and block copolyaramide PEMs are found to possess different ion exchange capacities (IEC) in addition to subtle structural and morphological differences, which impact the stability and conductivity of the membranes. SAXS patterns indicate the ionomer peak for the dry block copolymer resides at q = 0.1 Å –1, which increases in amplitude when initially hydrated to 25% relativemore » humidity, but then decrease in amplitude with additional hydration. This pattern is hypothesized to signal the transport of water into the polymer matrix resulting in a reduced degree of phase separation. Coupled to these morphological changes, the enhanced proton transport characteristics and structural/mechanical stability for the block copolymer are hypothesized to be primarily due to the ordered structure of ionic clusters that create connected proton transport pathways while reducing swelling upon hydration. Interestingly, the random copolymer did not possess an ionomer peak at any of the hydration levels investigated, indicating a lack of any significant ionomer structure. The random copolymer also demonstrated higher proton conductivity than the block copolymer, which is opposite to the trend normally seen in polymer membranes. However, it has reduced structural/mechanical stability as compared to the block copolymer. In conclusion, this reduction in stability is due to the random morphology formed by entanglements of polymer chains and the adverse swelling characteristics upon hydration. Therefore, the block copolymer with its enhanced proton conductivity characteristics, as compared to Nafion, and favorable structural/mechanical stability, as compared to the random copolymer, represents a viable alternative to current proton exchange membranes.« less

Analysis of Preconditioning and Relaxation Operators for the Discontinuous Galerkin Method Applied to Diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atkins, H. L.; Shu, Chi-Wang

2001-01-01

The explicit stability constraint of the discontinuous Galerkin method applied to the diffusion operator decreases dramatically as the order of the method is increased. Block Jacobi and block Gauss-Seidel preconditioner operators are examined for their effectiveness at accelerating convergence. A Fourier analysis for methods of order 2 through 6 reveals that both preconditioner operators bound the eigenvalues of the discrete spatial operator. Additionally, in one dimension, the eigenvalues are grouped into two or three regions that are invariant with order of the method. Local relaxation methods are constructed that rapidly damp high frequencies for arbitrarily large time step.

Use of Natural-Fiber Bio-Composites in Construction versus Traditional Solutions: Operational and Embodied Energy Assessment.

PubMed

Galan-Marin, Carmen; Rivera-Gomez, Carlos; Garcia-Martinez, Antonio

2016-06-13

During the last decades natural polymers have become more and more frequent to replace traditional inorganic stabilizers in building materials. The purpose of this research is to establish a comparison between the most conventional building material solutions for load-bearing walls and a type of biomaterial. This comparison will focus on load-bearing walls as used in a widespread type of twentieth century dwelling construction in Europe and still used in developing countries nowadays. To carry out this analysis, the structural and thermal insulation characteristics of different construction solutions are balanced. The tool used for this evaluation is the life cycle assessment throughout the whole lifespan of these buildings. This research aims to examine the environmental performance of each material assessed: fired clay brick masonry walls (BW), concrete block masonry walls (CW), and stabilized soil block masonry walls (SW) stabilized with natural fibers and alginates. These conventional and new materials are evaluated from the point of view of both operational and embodied energy.

Use of Natural-Fiber Bio-Composites in Construction versus Traditional Solutions: Operational and Embodied Energy Assessment

PubMed Central

Galan-Marin, Carmen; Rivera-Gomez, Carlos; Garcia-Martinez, Antonio

2016-01-01

During the last decades natural polymers have become more and more frequent to replace traditional inorganic stabilizers in building materials. The purpose of this research is to establish a comparison between the most conventional building material solutions for load-bearing walls and a type of biomaterial. This comparison will focus on load-bearing walls as used in a widespread type of twentieth century dwelling construction in Europe and still used in developing countries nowadays. To carry out this analysis, the structural and thermal insulation characteristics of different construction solutions are balanced. The tool used for this evaluation is the life cycle assessment throughout the whole lifespan of these buildings. This research aims to examine the environmental performance of each material assessed: fired clay brick masonry walls (BW), concrete block masonry walls (CW), and stabilized soil block masonry walls (SW) stabilized with natural fibers and alginates. These conventional and new materials are evaluated from the point of view of both operational and embodied energy. PMID:28773586

Pulsed recording of anisotropy and holographic polarization gratings in azo-polymethacrylates with different molecular architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forcén, Patricia; Oriol, Luis; Sánchez, Carlos; Alcalá, Rafael; Jankova, Katja; Hvilsted, Søren

2008-06-01

Recording of anisotropy and holographic polarization gratings using 532nm, 4ns light pulses has been carried out in thin films of polymers with the same azobenzene content (20wt%) and different molecular architectures. Random and block copolymers comprising azobenzene and methylmethacrylate (MMA) moieties as well as statistical terpolymers with azobenzene, biphenyl, and MMA units have been compared in terms of recording sensitivity and stability upon pulsed excitation. Photoinduced anisotropy just after the pulse was significantly higher in the case of the block copolymers than in the two statistical copolymers. The stability of the recorded anisotropy has also been studied. While a stationary value of the photoinduced anisotropy (approximately 50% of the initial photoinduced value) is reached for the block copolymer, photoinduced anisotropy almost vanished after a few hours in the statistical copolymers. Polarization holographic gratings have been registered using two orthogonally circularly polarized light beams. The results are qualitatively similar to those of photoinduced anisotropy, that is, stability of the registered grating and larger values of diffraction efficiency for the block copolymer as compared with the random copolymers. The recording of holographic gratings with submicron period in films several microns thick, showing both polarization and angular selectivity, has also been demonstrated. Block copolymers showed a lamellar block nanosegregated morphology. The interaction among azo chromophores within the nanosegregated azo blocks seems to be the reason for the stability and the photoresponse enhancement in the block copolymer as compared with the statistical ones.

Optimization of block-floating-point realizations for digital controllers with finite-word-length considerations.

PubMed

Wu, Jun; Hu, Xie-he; Chen, Sheng; Chu, Jian

2003-01-01

The closed-loop stability issue of finite-precision realizations was investigated for digital controllers implemented in block-floating-point format. The controller coefficient perturbation was analyzed resulting from using finite word length (FWL) block-floating-point representation scheme. A block-floating-point FWL closed-loop stability measure was derived which considers both the dynamic range and precision. To facilitate the design of optimal finite-precision controller realizations, a computationally tractable block-floating-point FWL closed-loop stability measure was then introduced and the method of computing the value of this measure for a given controller realization was developed. The optimal controller realization is defined as the solution that maximizes the corresponding measure, and a numerical optimization approach was adopted to solve the resulting optimal realization problem. A numerical example was used to illustrate the design procedure and to compare the optimal controller realization with the initial realization.

Surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes by direct encapsulation with varying dosages of amphiphilic block copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Xueping; Li, Jie; Kong, Liang; Wang, Yong

2015-08-01

Encapsulation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by amphiphilic block copolymers is an efficient way to stabilize CNTs in solvents. However, the appropriate dosages of copolymers and the assembled structures are difficult to predict and control because of the insufficient understanding on the encapsulation process. We encapsulate multiwalled CNTs with polystyrene-block-poly (4-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) by directly mixing them in acetic acid under sonication. The copolymer forms a lamellar structure along the surface of CNTs with the PS blocks anchoring on the tube wall and the P4VP blocks exposed to the outside. The encapsulated CNTs achieve good dispersibility in polar solvents over long periods. To increase our understanding of the encapsulation process we investigate the assembled structures and stability of copolymer/CNTs mixtures with changing mass ratios. Stable dispersions are obtained at high mass ratios between the copolymer and CNTs, i.e. 2 or 3, with the presence of free spherical micelles. Transmission electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis determine that the threshold for the complete coverage of CNTs by the copolymer occurs at the mass ratio of 1.5. The coated copolymer layer activates the surface of CNTs, enabling further functionalization of CNTs. For instance, atomic layer deposition of TiO2 produces conformal thin layers on the encapsulated CNTs while isolated TiO2 bumps are produced on the pristine, inert CNTs.

Flash Nanoprecipitation: Particle Structure and Stability

PubMed Central

Pustulka, Kevin M.; Wohl, Adam R.; Lee, Han Seung; Michel, Andrew R.; Han, Jing; Hoye, Thomas R.; McCormick, Alon V.; Panyam, Jayanth; Macosko, Christopher W.

2013-01-01

Flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) is a process that, through rapid mixing, stabilizes an insoluble low molecular weight compound in a nano-sized, polymer-stabilized delivery vehicle. The polymeric components are typically amphiphilic diblock copolymers (BCPs). In order to fully exploit the potential of FNP, factors affecting particle structure, size, and stability must be understood. Here we show that polymer type, hydrophobicity and crystallinity of the small molecule, and small molecule loading levels all affect particle size and stability. Of the four block copolymers (BCP) that we have studied here, poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-b-PLGA) was most suitable for potential drug delivery applications due to its ability to give rise to stable nanoparticles, its biocompatibility, and its degradability. We found little difference in particle size when using PLGA block sizes over the range of 5 to 15kDa. The choice of hydrophobic small molecule was important, as molecules with a calculated water-octanol partition coefficient (clogP) below 6 gave rise to particles that were unstable and underwent rapid Ostwald ripening. Studies probing the internal structure of nanoparticles were also performed. Analysis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and 1H-NMR experiments support a three-layer core-shell-corona nanoparticle structure. PMID:24053447

Cubosome formulations stabilized by a dansyl-conjugated block copolymer for possible nanomedicine applications.

PubMed

Murgia, Sergio; Falchi, Angela Maria; Meli, Valeria; Schillén, Karin; Lippolis, Vito; Monduzzi, Maura; Rosa, Antonella; Schmidt, Judith; Talmon, Yeshayahu; Bizzarri, Ranieri; Caltagirone, Claudia

2015-05-01

We present here an innovative, fluorescent, monoolein-based cubosome dispersion. Rather than embedded within the monoolein palisade, the fluorescent imaging agent, namely dansyl, was conjugated to the terminal ethylene oxide moieties of the block copolymer Pluronic F108. We discuss the physicochemical and photophysical properties of this fluorescent Pluronic and of a cubosome formulation stabilized by a mixture of dansyl-conjugated and non-conjugated Pluronic, also including an anticancer drug (quercetin). Furthermore, we performed biocompatibility tests against HeLa cells to assess internalization and cytotoxicity features of this nanoparticles aqueous dispersion. Cryo-TEM, SAXS, and DLS analysis, proved the bicontinuous cubic inner nanostructure and the morphology of this fluorescent cubosome dispersion, while photophysical measurements and biocompatibility results basically validate their potential use for theranostic nanomedicine applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Onset of density-driven instabilities in fractured aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari Raad, Seyed Mostafa; Hassanzadeh, Hassan

2018-04-01

Linear stability analysis is conducted to study the onset of density-driven convection involved in solubility trapping of C O2 in fractured aquifers. The effect of physical properties of a fracture network on the stability of a diffusive boundary layer in a saturated fractured porous media is investigated using the dual porosity concept. Linear stability analysis results show that both fracture interporosity flow and fracture storativity play an important role in the stability behavior of the system. It is shown that a diffusive boundary layer under the gravity field in fractured porous media with lower fracture storativity and/or higher fracture interporosity flow coefficient is more stable. We present scaling relations for the onset of convective instability in fractured aquifers with single and variable matrix block size distribution. These findings improve our understanding of density-driven flow in fractured aquifers and are important in the estimation of potential storage capacity, risk assessment, and storage site characterization and screening.

Industrial Water Analysis Program: A Critical Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio UMAMUION lTATEMNT A APtO.6UPbhtd3WJ 83 11 04 014’ X. .. . INDUSTRIAL WATER ANALYSIS PROGRAM: A CRITICAL STUDY Dennis C...Twhoo-17 (ATC) Wright-FPafewon AFB O 44 3 1S. KEY WORDS (Continue on reverse aide if necessary and identify by block number) Industrial Water Analysis ...Boiler Water Analysis Preservation Procedures Air Force Industrial Water Stabilization Procedures 20. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse side it necessary and

Feasibility of blocking detection in observations from radio occultation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunner, Lukas; Steiner, Andrea Karin; Scherllin-Pirscher, Barbara; Jury, Martin

2015-04-01

Blocking describes an atmospheric situation in which the climatological westerly flow at mid latitudes is weakened or reversed. This is caused by a persistent high pressure system which can be stationary for several days to weeks. In the Northern Hemisphere blocking preferably occurs over the Atlantic/European and the Pacific regions. In recent years blocking has been under close scientific investigation due to its effect on weather extremes, triggering heat waves in summer and cold spells in winter. So far, scientific literature mainly focused on the investigation of blocking in reanalysis and global climate model data sets. However, blocking is underestimated in most climate models due to small-scale processes involved in its evolution. For a detection of blocking, most commonly applied methods are based on the computation of meridional geopotential height gradients at the 500 hPa level. Therefore measurements with adequate vertical, horizontal, and temporal resolution and coverage are required. We use an observational data set based on Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) measurements fulfilling these requirements. RO is a relatively new, satellite based remote sensing technique, delivering profiles of atmospheric parameters such as geopotential height, pressure, and temperature. It is characterized by favorable properties like long-term stability, global coverage, and high vertical resolution. Our data set is based on the most recent WEGC RO retrieval. Here we report on a feasibility study for blocking detection and analysis in RO data for two exemplary blocking events: the blocking over Russia in summer 2010 and the blocking over Greenland in late winter 2013. For these two events about 700 RO measurements per day are available in the Northern Hemisphere. We will show that the measurement density and quality of RO observations are favorable for blocking analysis and can therefore contribute to blocking research.

Stability and stabilisation of a class of networked dynamic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, H. B.; Wang, D. Q.

2018-04-01

We investigate the stability and stabilisation of a linear time invariant networked heterogeneous system with arbitrarily connected subsystems. A new linear matrix inequality based sufficient and necessary condition for the stability is derived, based on which the stabilisation is provided. The obtained conditions efficiently utilise the block-diagonal characteristic of system parameter matrices and the sparseness of subsystem connection matrix. Moreover, a sufficient condition only dependent on each individual subsystem is also presented for the stabilisation of the networked systems with a large scale. Numerical simulations show that these conditions are computationally valid in the analysis and synthesis of a large-scale networked system.

Polyacrylonitrile block copolymers for the preparation of a thin carbon coating around TiO2 nanorods for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Oschmann, Bernd; Bresser, Dominic; Tahir, Muhammad Nawaz; Fischer, Karl; Tremel, Wolfgang; Passerini, Stefano; Zentel, Rudolf

2013-11-01

Herein, a new method for the realization of a thin and homogenous carbonaceous particle coating, made by carbonizing RAFT polymerization derived block copolymers anchored on anatase TiO2 nanorods, is presented. These block copolymers consist of a short anchor block (based on dopamine) and a long, easily graphitizable block of polyacrylonitrile. The grafting of such block copolymers to TiO2 nanorods creates a polymer shell, which can be visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Thermal treatment at 700 °C converts the polyacrylonitrile block to partially graphitic structures (as determined by Raman spectroscopy), establishing a thin carbon coating (as determined by transmission electron microscopy, TEM, analysis). The carbon-coated TiO2 nanorods show improved electrochemical performance in terms of achievable specific capacity and, particularly, long-term cycling stability by reducing the average capacity fading per cycle from 0.252 mAh g(-1) to only 0.075 mAh g(-1) . © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Evaluation of long-term stability of low thermal expansion coefficient materials using gauge block interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirai, Akiko; Bitou, Youichi; Oike, Yoshiyuki

2018-06-01

The long-term stability of NEXCERA™ ceramics having a low coefficient of thermal expansion was evaluated over a period of eight years. Several gauge blocks of differing lengths were prepared, using two types of NEXCERA. Each gauge block was kept wrung to a platen and its absolute length was periodically measured by gauge block interferometer during the eight years. Relative uncertainties of measurement of changes in gauge block length were estimated as 4.1  ×  10‑8 and 2.9  ×  10‑8 for 200 mm and 800 mm gauge blocks, respectively. The experimental results show the trend of expansion and a relative change of less than 0.1  ×  10‑6/year for every gauge block.

Computer-Aided Modeling and Analysis of Power Processing Systems (CAMAPPS), phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, S.; Lee, J.; Cho, B. H.; Lee, F. C.

1986-01-01

The large-signal behaviors of a regulator depend largely on the type of power circuit topology and control. Thus, for maximum flexibility, it is best to develop models for each functional block a independent modules. A regulator can then be configured by collecting appropriate pre-defined modules for each functional block. In order to complete the component model generation for a comprehensive spacecraft power system, the following modules were developed: solar array switching unit and control; shunt regulators; and battery discharger. The capability of each module is demonstrated using a simplified Direct Energy Transfer (DET) system. Large-signal behaviors of solar array power systems were analyzed. Stability of the solar array system operating points with a nonlinear load is analyzed. The state-plane analysis illustrates trajectories of the system operating point under various conditions. Stability and transient responses of the system operating near the solar array's maximum power point are also analyzed. The solar array system mode of operation is described using the DET spacecraft power system. The DET system is simulated for various operating conditions. Transfer of the software program CAMAPPS (Computer Aided Modeling and Analysis of Power Processing Systems) to NASA/GSFC (Goddard Space Flight Center) was accomplished.

Analysis of the impact of crude oil price fluctuations on China's stock market in different periods-Based on time series network model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Yang; Sun, Mei; Gao, Cuixia; Han, Dun; Li, Xiuming

2018-02-01

This paper studies the influence of Brent oil price fluctuations on the stock prices of China's two distinct blocks, namely, the petrochemical block and the electric equipment and new energy block, applying the Shannon entropy of information theory. The co-movement trend of crude oil price and stock prices is divided into different fluctuation patterns with the coarse-graining method. Then, the bivariate time series network model is established for the two blocks stock in five different periods. By joint analysis of the network-oriented metrics, the key modes and underlying evolutionary mechanisms were identified. The results show that the both networks have different fluctuation characteristics in different periods. Their co-movement patterns are clustered in some key modes and conversion intermediaries. The study not only reveals the lag effect of crude oil price fluctuations on the stock in Chinese industry blocks but also verifies the necessity of research on special periods, and suggests that the government should use different energy policies to stabilize market volatility in different periods. A new way is provided to study the unidirectional influence between multiple variables or complex time series.

Evolutionary Fuzzy Block-Matching-Based Camera Raw Image Denoising.

PubMed

Yang, Chin-Chang; Guo, Shu-Mei; Tsai, Jason Sheng-Hong

2017-09-01

An evolutionary fuzzy block-matching-based image denoising algorithm is proposed to remove noise from a camera raw image. Recently, a variance stabilization transform is widely used to stabilize the noise variance, so that a Gaussian denoising algorithm can be used to remove the signal-dependent noise in camera sensors. However, in the stabilized domain, the existed denoising algorithm may blur too much detail. To provide a better estimate of the noise-free signal, a new block-matching approach is proposed to find similar blocks by the use of a type-2 fuzzy logic system (FLS). Then, these similar blocks are averaged with the weightings which are determined by the FLS. Finally, an efficient differential evolution is used to further improve the performance of the proposed denoising algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed denoising algorithm effectively improves the performance of image denoising. Furthermore, the average performance of the proposed method is better than those of two state-of-the-art image denoising algorithms in subjective and objective measures.

Measurements of the frequency stability of ultralow thermal expansion glass ceramic optical cavity lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oram, R. J.; Latimer, I. D.; Spoor, S. P.

1997-05-01

This paper reports on a technique for providing a frequency-stabilized helium - neon gas laser by using inherently stable ultralow thermal expansion optical cavities. Four longitudinal monoblock cavity lasers were constructed and tested. These had their laser mirrors optically contacted to the bulk material. A 1 mm diameter hole along the axis of the block served as the discharge channel with electrodes optically contacted to the sides of the block. One of these lasers had a glass capilliary for the discharge channel. A fifth laser had a gain tube with Brewster angle windows fixed in a Zerodur box with the mirrors contacted to the ends. The warm-up characteristics of the five different lasers have been obtained and a theoretical model using finite element analysis was developed to determine the thermal expansion during warm-up. Using this computer model the thermal expansion coefficient of the material Zerodur was obtained. The results suggest that monoblock lasers can produce a free-running laser frequency stability of better than 10 MHz and show a repeatable warm-up characteristic of 100 MHz frequency drift.

Ionic Liquids in Electro-active Devices (ILED)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-12

Polyesters: Structure-Property Relationships in Thermal Behavior, Ionic Conductivity , and Morphology , Advanced Functional Materials, (01 2010...and Ionic Conductivities , Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, (10 2011): . doi: M. Green, C. Schreiner, T. Long. Thermal , Rheological, and Ion...block giving thermal stability and ionic conductivity . Table 1 shows the molecular weight analysis of the triblock copolymers with increasing

The Sensitivity of Memory Consolidation and Reconsolidation to Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis and Kinases: Computational Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Yili; Smolen, Paul; Baxter, Douglas A.; Byrne, John H.

2010-01-01

Memory consolidation and reconsolidation require kinase activation and protein synthesis. Blocking either process during or shortly after training or recall disrupts memory stabilization, which suggests the existence of a critical time window during which these processes are necessary. Using a computational model of kinase synthesis and…

Amphiphilic Imbalance and Stabilization of Block Copolymer Micelles on-Demand through Combinational Photo-Cleavage and Photo-Crosslinking.

PubMed

Zhang, Xuan; Wang, Youpeng; Li, Guo; Liu, Zhaotie; Liu, Zhongwen; Jiang, Jinqiang

2017-01-01

An amphiphilic block copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly((N-methacryloxy phthalimide)-co-(7-(4-vinyl-benzyloxyl)-4-methylcoumarin)) (PEO 45 -b-P(MAPI 36 -co-VBC 4 )) is designed to improve the micellar stability during the photo-triggered release of hydrophobic cargoes. Analysis of absorption and emission spectra, solution transmittance, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy supports that polymer micelles of PEO 45 -b-P(MAPI 36 -co-VBC 4 ) upon the combinational irradiation of 365 and 254 nm light can be solubilized through the photolysis of phthalimide esters and simultaneously crosslinked via the partially reversible photo-dimerization of coumarins. The photo-triggered release experiment shows that the leakage of doxorubicin molecules from crosslinked micelles can be predictably regulated by controlling the irradiation time of 365 and 254 nm light. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Preparation and properties of immobilized pectinase onto the amphiphilic PS-b-PAA diblock copolymers.

PubMed

Lei, Zhongli; Bi, Shuxian

2007-01-30

Well-defined amphiphilic block copolymers poly(styrene-b-acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) with controlled block length were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Pectinase enzyme was immobilized on the well-defined amphiphilic block copolymers PS-b-PAA. The carboxyl groups on the amphiphilic PS-b-PAA diblock copolymers present a very simple, mild, and time-saving process for enzyme immobilization. Various characteristics of immobilized pectinase such as the pH and temperature stability, thermal stability, and storage stability were valuated. Among them the pH optimum and temperature optimum of free and immobilized pectinase were found to be pH 6.0 and 65 degrees C.

Counterrotating prop-fan simulations which feature a relative-motion multiblock grid decomposition enabling arbitrary time-steps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janus, J. Mark; Whitfield, David L.

1990-01-01

Improvements are presented of a computer algorithm developed for the time-accurate flow analysis of rotating machines. The flow model is a finite volume method utilizing a high-resolution approximate Riemann solver for interface flux definitions. The numerical scheme is a block LU implicit iterative-refinement method which possesses apparent unconditional stability. Multiblock composite gridding is used to orderly partition the field into a specified arrangement of blocks exhibiting varying degrees of similarity. Block-block relative motion is achieved using local grid distortion to reduce grid skewness and accommodate arbitrary time step selection. A general high-order numerical scheme is applied to satisfy the geometric conservation law. An even-blade-count counterrotating unducted fan configuration is chosen for a computational study comparing solutions resulting from altering parameters such as time step size and iteration count. The solutions are compared with measured data.

High-concentration graphene dispersion stabilized by block copolymers in ethanol.

PubMed

Perumal, Suguna; Lee, Hyang Moo; Cheong, In Woo

2017-07-01

This article describes a comprehensive study for the preparation of graphene dispersions by liquid-phase exfoliation using amphiphilic diblock copolymers; poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(styrene) (PEO-b-PS), poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PEO-b-PVP), and poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(pyrenemethyl methacrylate) (PEO-b-PPy) with similar block lengths. Block copolymers were prepared from PEO using the Steglich coupling reaction followed by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Graphite platelets (G) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were used as graphene sources. The dispersion stability of graphene in ethanol was comparatively investigated by on-line turbidity, and the graphene concentration in the dispersions was determined gravimetrically. Our results revealed that the graphene dispersions with PEO-b-PVP were much more stable and included graphene with fewer defects than that with PEO-b-PS or PEO-b-PPy, as confirmed by turbidity and Raman analyses. Gravimetry confirmed that graphene concentrations up to 1.7 and 1.8mg/mL could be obtained from G and rGO dispersions, respectively, using PEO-b-PVP after one week. Distinctions in adhesion forces of PS, VP, PPy block units with graphene surface and the variation in solubility of the block copolymers in ethanol medium significantly affected the stability of the graphene dispersion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental analysis of insertion torques and forces of threaded and press-fit acetabular cups by means of ex vivo and in vivo measurements.

PubMed

Vogel, Danny; Rathay, Andreas; Teufel, Stephanie; Ellenrieder, Martin; Zietz, Carmen; Sander, Manuela; Bader, Rainer

2017-01-01

In THA a sufficient primary implant stability is the precondition for successful secondary stability. Industrial foams of different densities have been used for primary stability investigations. The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the insertion behaviour of threaded and press-fit cups in vivo and ex vivo using bone substitutes with various densities. Two threaded (Bicon Plus®, Trident® TC) and one press-fit cup (Trident PSL®) were inserted by orthopaedic surgeons (S1, S2) into 10, 20 and 31 pcf blocks, using modified surgical instruments allowing measurements of the insertion forces and torques. Furthermore, the insertion behaviour of two cups were analysed intraoperatively. Torques for the threaded cups increased while bone substitute density increased. Maximum insertion torques were observed for S2 with 102 Nm for the Bicon Plus® in 20 pcf blocks and 77 Nm for the Trident® TC in 31 pcf blocks, which compares to the in vivo measurement (85 Nm). The average insertion forces for the press-fit cup varied from 5.2 to 6.8 kN (S1) and 7.2-11.5 kN (S2) ex vivo. Intraoperatively an average insertion force of 8.0 kN was determined. Implantation behaviour was influenced by acetabular cup design, bone substitute and experience of the surgeon. No specific density of bone substitute could be favoured for ex vivo investigations on the implantation behaviour of acetabular cups. The use synthetic bone blocks of high density (31 pcf) led to problems regarding cup orientation and seating. Therefore, bone substitutes used should be critically scrutinized in terms of the comparability to the in vivo situation.

Structural Analysis of a β-Helical Protein Motif Stabilized by Targeted Replacements with Conformationally Constrained Amino Acids

PubMed Central

Ballano, Gema; Zanuy, David; Jiménez, Ana I.; Cativiela, Carlos; Nussinov, Ruth; Alemán, Carlos

2009-01-01

Here we study conformational stabilization induced in a β-helical nanostructure by position-specific mutations. The nanostructure is constructed through the self-assembly of the β-helical building block excised from E. coli galactoside acetyltransferase (PDB code 1krr, chain A; residues 131-165). The mutations involve substitutions by cyclic, conformationally constrained amino acids. Specifically, a complete structural analysis of the Pro-Xaa-Val sequence [with Xaa being Gly, Ac3c (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) and Ac5c (1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid)], corresponding to the 148-150 loop region in the wild-type (Gly) and mutated (Ac3c and Ac5c) 1krr, has been performed using Molecular Dynamics simulations and X-ray crystallography. Simulations have been performed for the wild-type and mutants of three different systems, namely the building block, the nanoconstruct and the isolated Pro-Xaa-Val tripeptide. Furthermore, the crystalline structures of five peptides of Pro-Xaa-Val or Xaa-Val sequences have been solved by X-ray diffraction analysis and compared with theoretical predictions. Both the theoretical and crystallographic studies indicate that the Pro-Acnc-Val sequences exhibit a high propensity to adopt turn-like conformations, and this propensity is little affected by the chemical environment. Overall, the results indicate that replacement of Gly149 by Ac3c or Ac5c significantly reduce the conformational flexibility of the target site enhancing the structural specificity of the building block and the nanoconstruct derived from the 1krr β-helical motif. PMID:18811190

Biomechanical evaluation of oversized drilling technique on primary implant stability measured by insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis

PubMed Central

Santamaría-Arrieta, Gorka; Brizuela-Velasco, Aritza; Fernández-González, Felipe J.; Chávarri-Prado, David; Chento-Valiente, Yelko; Solaberrieta, Eneko; Diéguez-Pereira, Markel; Yurrebaso-Asúa, Jaime

2016-01-01

Background This study evaluated the influence of implant site preparation depth on primary stability measured by insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Material and Methods Thirty-two implant sites were prepared in eight veal rib blocks. Sixteen sites were prepared using the conventional drilling sequence recommended by the manufacturer to a working depth of 10mm. The remaining 16 sites were prepared using an oversize drilling technique (overpreparation) to a working depth of 12mm. Bone density was determined using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). The implants were placed and primary stability was measured by two methods: insertion torque (Ncm), and RFA (implant stability quotient [ISQ]). Results The highest torque values were achieved by the conventional drilling technique (10mm). The ANOVA test confirmed that there was a significant correlation between torque and drilling depth (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were obtained between ISQ values at 10 or 12 mm drilling depths (p>0.05) at either measurement direction (cortical and medullar). No statistical relation between torque and ISQ values was identified, or between bone density and primary stability (p >0.05). Conclusions Vertical overpreparation of the implant bed will obtain lower insertion torque values, but does not produce statistically significant differences in ISQ values. Key words:Implant stability quotient, overdrilling, primary stability, resonance frequency analysis, torque. PMID:27398182

31 CFR 588.205 - Expenses of maintaining blocked property; liquidation of blocked account.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... WESTERN BALKANS STABILIZATION REGULATIONS Prohibitions § 588.205 Expenses of maintaining blocked property... license or permit granted before 12:01 a.m., eastern daylight time, June 27, 2001, all expenses incident...

Biomechanical Property of a Newly Designed Assembly Locking Compression Plate: Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

PubMed Central

Liu, Da

2017-01-01

In this study, we developed and validated a refined three-dimensional finite element model of middle femoral comminuted fracture to compare the biomechanical stability after two kinds of plate fixation: a newly designed assembly locking compression plate (NALCP) and a locking compression plate (LCP). CT data of a male volunteer was converted to middle femoral comminuted fracture finite element analysis model. The fracture was fixated by NALCP and LCP. Stress distributions were observed. Under slow walking load and torsion load, the stress distribution tendency of the two plates was roughly uniform. The anterolateral femur was the tension stress area, and the bone block shifted toward the anterolateral femur. Maximum stress was found on the lateral border of the number 5 countersink of the plate. Under a slow walking load, the NALCP maximum stress was 2.160e+03 MPa and the LCP was 8.561e+02 MPa. Under torsion load, the NALCP maximum stress was 2.260e+03 MPa and the LCP was 6.813e+02 MPa. Based on those results of finite element analysis, the NALCP can provide adequate mechanical stability for comminuted fractures, which would help fixate the bone block and promote bone healing. PMID:29065654

Incorporation of bitumen and calcium silicate in cement and lime stabilized soil blocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwan, W. H.; Cheah, C. B.; Ramli, M.; Al-Sakkaf, Y. K.

2017-04-01

Providing affordable housing is the most critical problem in many of the developing countries. Using earth materials in building construction is one of the feasible methods to address this issue and it can be a way towards sustainable construction as well. However, the published information on the stabilized soil blocks is limited. Therefore, the present study is conducted to examine the characterization of the soils and engineering properties of the stabilized soil blocks. Four types of stabilizer were used in the study, namely; cement, slaked lime, bitumen emulsion and calcium silicate. Cement and slaked lime were added at different percentages in the range of 5% to 15%, with interval of 2.5%. The percentage was determined based on weight of soil. Meanwhile, bitumen emulsion and calcium silicate were incorporated at various percentages together with 10% of cement. Dosage of bitumen emulsion is in the range of 2% to 10% at interval of 2% while calcium silicate was incorporated at 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.25%, 1.50% and 2.00%. Results show that cement is the most viable stabilizer for the soil block among all stabilizers in this study. The bulk density, optimum moisture content and compressive strengths were increased with the increasing cement content. The most suitable cement content was 10% added at moisture content of 12%. Lime, bitumen and calcium contents were recommended at 5.0%, 6.0% and 1.25%, respectively.

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.

Using a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to analyze the stability of a natural rock slope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salvini, Riccardo; Esposito, Giuseppe; Mastrorocco, Giovanni; Seddaiu, Marcello

2016-04-01

This paper describes the application of a rotary wing RPAS for monitoring the stability of a natural rock slope in the municipality of Vecchiano (Pisa, Italy). The slope under investigation is approximately oriented NNW-SSE and has a length of about 320 m; elevation ranges from about 7 to 80 m a.s.l.. The hill consists of stratified limestone, somewhere densely fractured, with dip direction predominantly oriented in a normal way respect to the slope. Fracture traces are present in variable lengths, from decimetre to metre, and penetrate inward the rock versant with thickness difficult to estimate, often exceeding one meter in depth. The intersection between different fracture systems and the slope surface generates rocky blocks and wedges of variable size that may be subject to phenomena of gravitational instability (with reference to the variation of hydraulic and dynamic conditions). Geometrical and structural info about the rock mass, necessary to perform the analysis of the slope stability, were obtained in this work from geo-referenced 3D point clouds acquired using photogrammetric and laser scanning techniques. In particular, a terrestrial laser scanning was carried out from two different point of view using a Leica Scanstation2. The laser survey created many shadows in the data due to the presence of vegetation in the lower parts of the slope and limiting the feasibility of geo-structural survey. To overcome such a limitation, we utilized a rotary wing Aibotix Aibot X6 RPAS geared with a Nikon D3200 camera. The drone flights were executed in manual modality and the images were acquired, according to the characteristics of the outcrops, under different acquisition angles. Furthermore, photos were captured very close to the versant (a few meters), allowing to produce a dense 3D point cloud (about 80 Ma points) by the image processing. A topographic survey was carried out in order to guarantee the necessary spatial accuracy to the process of images exterior orientation. The coordinates of GCPs were calculated through the post-processing of data collected by using two GPS receivers, operating in static modality, and a Total Station. The photogrammetric processing of image blocks allowed us to create the 3D point cloud, DTM, orthophoto, and 3D textured model with high level of cartographic detail. Discontinuities were deterministically characterized in terms of attitude, persistence, and spacing. Moreover, the main discontinuity sets were identified through a density analysis of attitudes in stereographic projection. In addition, the size and shape of potentially unstable blocks identified along the rock slope were measured. Finally, using additional data from traditional engineering-geological surveys executed in accessible outcrops, the kinematic and dynamic stability analysis of the rocky slope was performed. Results from this step have indicated the deterministic safety factors of rock blocks and wedges, and will be used by local Authorities to plan the protection works for safety guarantee. Results from this application show the great advantage of modern RPAS that can be successfully applied for the analysis of sub-vertical rocky slopes, especially in areas either difficult to access with traditional techniques or masked by the presence of vegetation. KEY WORDS: 3D point cloud, RPAS photogrammetry, Terrestrial laser scanning, Rock slope, Fracture mapping, Stability analysis

A new bite block for panoramic radiographs of anterior edentulous patients: A technical report.

PubMed

Park, Jong-Woong; Symkhampha, Khanthaly; Huh, Kyung-Hoe; Yi, Won-Jin; Heo, Min-Suk; Lee, Sam-Sun; Choi, Soon-Chul

2015-06-01

Panoramic radiographs taken using conventional chin-support devices have often presented problems with positioning accuracy and reproducibility. The aim of this report was to propose a new bite block for panoramic radiographs of anterior edentulous patients that better addresses these two issues. A new panoramic radiography bite block similar to the bite block for dentulous patients was developed to enable proper positioning stability for edentulous patients. The new bite block was designed and implemented in light of previous studies. The height of the new bite block was 18 mm and to compensate for the horizontal edentulous space, its horizontal width was 7 mm. The panoramic radiographs using the new bite block were compared with those using the conventional chin-support device. Panoramic radiographs taken with the new bite block showed better stability and bilateral symmetry than those taken with the conventional chin-support device. Patients also showed less movement and more stable positioning during panoramic radiography with the new bite block. Conventional errors in panoramic radiographs of edentulous patients could be caused by unreliability of the chin-support device. The newly proposed bite block for panoramic radiographs of edentulous patients showed better reliability. Further study is required to evaluate the image quality and reproducibility of images with the new bite block.

Importance of crystallinity of anchoring block of semi-solid amphiphilic triblock copolymers in stabilization of silicone nanoemulsions.

PubMed

Le Kim, Trang Huyen; Jun, Hwiseok; Nam, Yoon Sung

2017-10-01

Polymer emulsifiers solidified at the interface between oil and water can provide exceptional dispersion stability to emulsions due to the formation of unique semi-solid interphase. Our recent works showed that the structural stability of paraffin-in-water emulsions highly depends on the oil wettability of hydrophobic block of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (mPEG-b-PCL). Here we investigate the effects of the crystallinity of hydrophobic block of triblock copolymer-based emulsifiers, PCLL-b-PEG-b-PCLL, on the colloidal properties of silicone oil-in-water nanoemulsions. The increased ratio of l-lactide to ε-caprolactone decreases the crystallinity of the hydrophobic block, which in turn reduces the droplet size of silicone oil nanoemulsions due to the increased chain mobility at the interface. All of the prepared nanoemulsions are very stable for a month at 37°C. However, the exposure to repeated freeze-thaw cycles quickly destabilizes the nanoemulsions prepared using the polymer with the reduced crystallinity. This work demonstrates that the anchoring chain crystallization in the semi-solid interphase is critically important for the structural robustness of nanoemulsions under harsh physical stresses. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental verification of using nanostructured ceramic implants and osteograft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rerikh, V. V.; Lastevskiy, A. D.; Sadovoy, M. A.; Zaidman, A. M.; Bataev, A. V.; Predein, Yu. A.; Avetisyan, A. R.; Romanenko, V. V.; Mamonova, E. V.; Nikulina, A. A.; Semantsova, E. S.; Smirnov, A. I.

2017-09-01

Ventral interbody fusion was carried out in 8 mini pigs in order to determine the effectiveness of anterior stabilization of the vertebral unit with implants made of nanostructured alumina ceramics using cellular technologies to form a bone block. A ceramic cage with a through cylindrical orifice in the center was implanted into the interbody gap; either cellular osteograft (group 1) or cellular autograft (group 2) was placed in it. The adjacent vertebrae were fixed anteriorly with a ceramic plate containing 4 screws. Bone block formation was studied radiographically, morphologically, and by MSCT. The signs of osteointegration of ceramic implants were observed in both groups after 90 days. MSCT and morphological analysis revealed the formation of the osteoceramic block and completed osteogenesis in the bone-graft contact region in group 1 compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

SOSlope: a new slope stability model for vegetated hillslopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, D.; Schwarz, M.

2016-12-01

Roots contribute to increase soil strength but forces mobilized by roots depend on soil relative displacement. This effect is not included in models of slope stability. Here we present a new numerical model of shallow landslides for vegetated hillslopes that uses a strain-step loading approach for force redistributions within a soil mass including the effects of root strength in both tension and compression. The hillslope is discretized into a two-dimensional array of blocks connected by bonds. During a rainfall event the blocks's mass increases and the soil shear strength decreases. At each time step, we compute a factor of safety for each block. If the factor of safety of one or more blocks is less than one, those blocks are moved in the direction of the local active force by a predefined amount and the factor of safety is recalculated for all blocks. Because of the relative motion between blocks that have moved and those that remain stationary, mechanical bond forces between blocks that depend on relative displacement change, modifying the force balance. This relative motion triggers instantaneous force redistributions across the entire hillslope similar to a self-organized critical system. Looping over blocks and moving those that are unstable is repeated until all blocks are stable and the system reaches a new equilibrium, or, some blocks have failed causing a landslide. Spatial heterogeneity of vegetation is included by computing the root density and distribution as a function of distance form trees. A simple subsurface hydrological model based on dual permeability concepts is used to compute the temporal evolution of water content, pore-water pressure, suction stress, and soil shear strength. Simulations for a conceptual slope indicates that forces mobilized in tension and compression both contribute to the stability of the slope. However, the maximum tensional and compressional forces imparted by roots do not contribute simultaneously to the stability of the soil mass, in contrast to what is commonly assumed in models. Simulations with different tree sizes (different magnitude of root reinforcement) indicate that there is a threshold in tree spacing (or tree diameter) above (or below) which root density and root sizes no longer provide sufficient reinforcement to keep the slope stable during a rainfall event.

Mechanical analysis of the dry stone walls built by the Incas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro, Jaime; Vallejo, Luis E.; Estrada, Nicolas

2017-06-01

In this paper, the retaining walls in the agricultural terraces built by the Incas are analyzed from a mechanical point of view. In order to do so, ten different walls from the Lower Agricultural Sector of Machu Picchu, Perú, were selected using images from Google Street View and Google Earth Pro. Then, these walls were digitalized and their mechanical stability was evaluated. Firstly, it was found that these retaining walls are characterized by two distinctive features: disorder and a block size distribution with a large size span, i.e., the particle size varies from blocks that can be carried by one person to large blocks weighing several tons. Secondly, it was found that, thanks to the large span of the block size distribution, the factor of safety of the Inca retaining walls is remarkably close to those that are recommended in modern geotechnical design standards. This suggests that these structures were not only functional but also highly optimized, probably as a result of a careful trial and error procedure.

MKP-7, a JNK phosphatase, blocks ERK-dependent gene activation by anchoring phosphorylated ERK in the cytoplasm

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

Masuda, Kouhei; Katagiri, Chiaki; Division of Biochemical Oncology and Immunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo

2010-03-05

MAPK phosphatase-7 (MKP-7) was identified as a JNK-specific phosphatase. However, despite its high specificity for JNK, MKP-7 interacts also with ERK. We previously showed that as a physiological consequence of their interaction, activated ERK phosphorylates MKP-7 at Ser-446, and stabilizing MKP-7. In the present study, we analyzed MKP-7 function in activation of ERK. A time-course experiment showed that both MKP-7 and its phosphatase-dead mutant prolonged mitogen-induced ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that MKP-7 functions as a scaffold for ERK. An important immunohistological finding was that nuclear translocation of phospho-ERK following PMA stimulation was blocked by co-expressed MKP-7 and, moreover, that phospho-ERK co-localizedmore » with MKP-7 in the cytoplasm. Reporter gene analysis indicated that MKP-7 blocks ERK-mediated transcription. Overall, our data indicate that MKP-7 down-regulates ERK-dependent gene expression by blocking nuclear accumulation of phospho-ERK.« less

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.

Nanopatterned carbon films with engineered morphology by direct carbonization of UV-stabilized block copolymer films.

PubMed

Wang, Yong; Liu, Jinquan; Christiansen, Silke; Kim, Dong Ha; Gösele, Ulrich; Steinhart, Martin

2008-11-01

Nanopatterned thin carbon films were prepared by direct and expeditious carbonization of the block copolymer polystyrene- block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS- b-P2VP) without the necessity of slow heating to the process temperature and of addition of further carbon precursors. Carbonaceous films having an ordered "dots-on-film" surface topology were obtained from reverse micelle monolayers. The regular nanoporous morphology of PS- b-P2VP films obtained by subjecting reverse micelle monolayers to swelling-induced surface reconstruction could likewise be transferred to carbon films thus characterized by ordered nanopit arrays. Stabilization of PS- b-P2VP by UV irradiation and the concurrent carbonization of both blocks were key to the conservation of the film topography. The approach reported here may enable the realization of a broad range of nanoscaled architectures for carbonaceous materials using a block copolymer ideally suited as a template because of the pronounced repulsion between its blocks and its capability to form highly ordered microdomain structures.

Nanosized amorphous calcium carbonate stabilized by poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(acrylic acid) block copolymers.

PubMed

Guillemet, Baptiste; Faatz, Michael; Gröhn, Franziska; Wegner, Gerhard; Gnanou, Yves

2006-02-14

Particles of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), formed in situ from calcium chloride by the slow release of carbon dioxide by alkaline hydrolysis of dimethyl carbonate in water, are stabilized against coalescence in the presence of very small amounts of double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs) composed of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) blocks. Under optimized conditions, spherical particles of ACC with diameters less than 100 nm and narrow size distribution are obtained at a concentration of only 3 ppm of PEO-b-PAA as additive. Equivalent triblock or star DHBCs are compared to diblock copolymers. The results are interpreted assuming an interaction of the PAA blocks with the surface of the liquid droplets of the concentrated CaCO3 phase, formed by phase separation from the initially homogeneous reaction mixture. The adsorption layer of the block copolymer protects the liquid precursor of ACC from coalescence and/or coagulation.

Amphiphilic Ferrocene-Containing PEG Block Copolymers as Micellar Nanocarriers and Smart Surfactants.

PubMed

Alkan, Arda; Wald, Sarah; Louage, Benoit; De Geest, Bruno G; Landfester, Katharina; Wurm, Frederik R

2017-01-10

An important and usually the only function of most surfactants in heterophase systems is stabilizing one phase in another, for example, droplets or particles in water. Surfactants with additional chemical or physical handles are promising in controlling the colloidal properties by external stimuli. The redox stimulus is an attractive feature; however, to date only a few ionic redox-responsive surfactants have been reported. Herein, the first nonionic and noncytotoxic ferrocene-containing block copolymers are prepared, carrying a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain and multiple ferrocenes in the hydrophobic segment. These amphiphiles were studied as redox-sensitive surfactants that destabilize particles as obtained in miniemulsion polymerization. Because of the nonionic nature of such PEG-based copolymers, they can stabilize nanoparticles even after the addition of ions, whereas particles stabilized with ionic surfactants would be destabilized by the addition of salt. The redox-active surfactants were prepared by the anionic ring-opening polymerization of ferrocenyl glycidyl ether, with PEG monomethyl ether as the macroinitiator. The resultant block copolymers with molecular weights (M n ) between 3600 and 8600 g mol -1 and narrow molecular weight distributions (M w /M n = 1.04-1.10) were investigated via 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance and diffusion ordered spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the block copolymers were used as building blocks for redox-responsive micelles and as redox-responsive surfactants in radical polymerization in miniemulsion to stabilize model polystyrene nanoparticles. Oxidation of iron to the ferrocenium species converted the amphiphilic block copolymers into double hydrophilic macromolecules, which led to the destabilization of the nanoparticles. This destabilization of nanoparticle dispersions may be useful for the formation of coatings and the recovery of surfactants.

Personality Types in Adolescence: Change and Stability and Links with Adjustment and Relationships--A Five-Wave Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meeus, Wim; Van de Schoot, Rens; Klimstra, Theo; Branje, Susan

2011-01-01

We examined change and stability of the 3 personality types identified by Block and Block (1980) and studied their links with adjustment and relationships. We used data from a 5-wave study of 923 early-to-middle and 390 middle-to-late adolescents, thereby covering the ages of 12-20 years. In Study 1, systematic evidence for personality change was…

Tailor-made polyfluoroacrylate and its block copolymer by RAFT polymerization in miniemulsion; improved hydrophobicity in the core-shell block copolymer.

PubMed

Chakrabarty, Arindam; Singha, Nikhil K

2013-10-15

Controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) of a fluoroacrylate was successfully carried out in miniemulsion by Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) process. In this case, 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) was polymerized using 2-cyanopropyl dodecyl trithiocarbonate (CPDTC) as RAFT agent, Triton X-405 and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) as surfactant, and potassium persulphate (KPS) or 2,2'-azobis isobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. Being compatible with hydrophobic fluoroacrylate, this RAFT agent offered very high conversion and good control over the molecular weight of the polymer. The miniemulsion was stable without any costabilizer. The long chain dodecyl group (-C12H25) (Z-group in the RAFT agent) had beneficial effect in stabilizing the miniemulsion. When 2-cyano 2-propyl benzodithioate (CPBD) (Z=-C6H5) was used as RAFT agent, the conversion was less and particle size distribution was very broad. Block copolymerization with butyl acrylate (BA) using PHFBA as macro-RAFT agent showed core-shell morphology with the aggregation of PHFBA segment in the shell. GPC as well as DSC analysis confirmed the formation of block copolymer. The core-shell morphology was confirmed by TEM analysis. The block copolymers (PHFBA-b-PBA) showed significantly higher water contact angle (WCA) showing much better hydrophobicity compared to PHFBA alone. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Iterative Reweighted Mixed-Norm Estimate for Spatio-Temporal MEG/EEG Source Reconstruction.

PubMed

Strohmeier, Daniel; Bekhti, Yousra; Haueisen, Jens; Gramfort, Alexandre

2016-10-01

Source imaging based on magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG) allows for the non-invasive analysis of brain activity with high temporal and good spatial resolution. As the bioelectromagnetic inverse problem is ill-posed, constraints are required. For the analysis of evoked brain activity, spatial sparsity of the neuronal activation is a common assumption. It is often taken into account using convex constraints based on the l 1 -norm. The resulting source estimates are however biased in amplitude and often suboptimal in terms of source selection due to high correlations in the forward model. In this work, we demonstrate that an inverse solver based on a block-separable penalty with a Frobenius norm per block and a l 0.5 -quasinorm over blocks addresses both of these issues. For solving the resulting non-convex optimization problem, we propose the iterative reweighted Mixed Norm Estimate (irMxNE), an optimization scheme based on iterative reweighted convex surrogate optimization problems, which are solved efficiently using a block coordinate descent scheme and an active set strategy. We compare the proposed sparse imaging method to the dSPM and the RAP-MUSIC approach based on two MEG data sets. We provide empirical evidence based on simulations and analysis of MEG data that the proposed method improves on the standard Mixed Norm Estimate (MxNE) in terms of amplitude bias, support recovery, and stability.

Numerical Investigation of the Effect of the Location of Critical Rock Block Fracture on Crack Evolution in a Gob-side Filling Wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xuehua; Ju, Minghe; Yao, Qiangling; Zhou, Jian; Chong, Zhaohui

2016-03-01

Generation, propagation, and coalescence of the shear and tensile cracks in the gob-side filling wall are significantly affected by the location of the fracture of the critical rock block. The Universal Discrete Element Code software was used to investigate crack evolution characteristics in a gob-side filling wall and the parameter calibration process for various strata and the filling wall was clearly illustrated. The cracks in both the filling wall and the coal wall propagate inward in a V-shape pattern with dominant shear cracks generated initially. As the distance between the fracture and the filling wall decreases, the number of cracks in the filling wall decreases, and the stability of the filling wall gradually improves; thus, by splitting the roof rock at the optimal location, the filling wall can be maintained in a stable state. Additionally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis that demonstrated that the higher the coal seam strength, the fewer cracks occur in both the filling wall and the coal wall, and the less failure they experience. With the main roof fracturing into a cantilever structure, the higher the immediate roof strength, the fewer cracks are in the filling wall. With the critical rock block fracturing above the roadway, an optimal strength of the immediate roof can be found that will stabilize the filling wall. This study presents a theoretical investigation into stabilization of the filling wall, demonstrating the significance of pre-splitting the roof rock at a desirable location.

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.

Standard representation and unified stability analysis for dynamic artificial neural network models.

PubMed

Kim, Kwang-Ki K; Patrón, Ernesto Ríos; Braatz, Richard D

2018-02-01

An overview is provided of dynamic artificial neural network models (DANNs) for nonlinear dynamical system identification and control problems, and convex stability conditions are proposed that are less conservative than past results. The three most popular classes of dynamic artificial neural network models are described, with their mathematical representations and architectures followed by transformations based on their block diagrams that are convenient for stability and performance analyses. Classes of nonlinear dynamical systems that are universally approximated by such models are characterized, which include rigorous upper bounds on the approximation errors. A unified framework and linear matrix inequality-based stability conditions are described for different classes of dynamic artificial neural network models that take additional information into account such as local slope restrictions and whether the nonlinearities within the DANNs are odd. A theoretical example shows reduced conservatism obtained by the conditions. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

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.

Comparing blends and blocks: Synthesis of partially fluorinated diblock polythiophene copolymers to investigate the thermal stability of optical and morphological properties

PubMed Central

Boufflet, Pierre; Wood, Sebastian; Wade, Jessica; Fei, Zhuping; Kim, Ji-Seon

2016-01-01

Summary The microstructure of the active blend layer has been shown to be a critically important factor in the performance of organic solar devices. Block copolymers provide a potentially interesting avenue for controlling this active layer microstructure in solar cell blends. Here we explore the impact of backbone fluorination in block copolymers of poly(3-octyl-4-fluorothiophene)s and poly(3-octylthiophene) (F-P3OT-b-P3OT). Two block co-polymers with varying block lengths were prepared via sequential monomer addition under Kumada catalyst transfer polymerisation (KCTP) conditions. We compare the behavior of the block copolymer to that of the corresponding homopolymer blends. In both types of system, we find the fluorinated segments tend to dominate the UV–visible absorption and molecular vibrational spectral features, as well as the thermal behavior. In the block copolymer case, non-fluorinated segments appear to slightly frustrate the aggregation of the more fluorinated block. However, in situ temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy shows that the intramolecular order is more thermally stable in the block copolymer than in the corresponding blend, suggesting that such materials may be interesting for enhanced thermal stability of organic photovoltaic active layers based on similar systems. PMID:27829922

Precision adjustable stage

DOEpatents

Cutburth, Ronald W.; Silva, Leonard L.

1988-01-01

An improved mounting stage of the type used for the detection of laser beams is disclosed. A stage center block is mounted on each of two opposite sides by a pair of spaced ball bearing tracks which provide stability as well as simplicity. The use of the spaced ball bearing pairs in conjunction with an adjustment screw which also provides support eliminates extraneous stabilization components and permits maximization of the area of the center block laser transmission hole.

Discriminating between stabilizing and destabilizing protein design mutations via recombination and simulation.

PubMed

Johnson, Lucas B; Gintner, Lucas P; Park, Sehoo; Snow, Christopher D

2015-08-01

Accuracy of current computational protein design (CPD) methods is limited by inherent approximations in energy potentials and sampling. These limitations are often used to qualitatively explain design failures; however, relatively few studies provide specific examples or quantitative details that can be used to improve future CPD methods. Expanding the design method to include a library of sequences provides data that is well suited for discriminating between stabilizing and destabilizing design elements. Using thermophilic endoglucanase E1 from Acidothermus cellulolyticus as a model enzyme, we computationally designed a sequence with 60 mutations. The design sequence was rationally divided into structural blocks and recombined with the wild-type sequence. Resulting chimeras were assessed for activity and thermostability. Surprisingly, unlike previous chimera libraries, regression analysis based on one- and two-body effects was not sufficient for predicting chimera stability. Analysis of molecular dynamics simulations proved helpful in distinguishing stabilizing and destabilizing mutations. Reverting to the wild-type amino acid at destabilized sites partially regained design stability, and introducing predicted stabilizing mutations in wild-type E1 significantly enhanced thermostability. The ability to isolate stabilizing and destabilizing elements in computational design offers an opportunity to interpret previous design failures and improve future CPD methods. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Mixture design and treatment methods for recycling contaminated sediment.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Kwok, June S H; Tsang, Daniel C W; Poon, Chi-Sun

2015-01-01

Conventional marine disposal of contaminated sediment presents significant financial and environmental burden. This study aimed to recycle the contaminated sediment by assessing the roles and integration of binder formulation, sediment pretreatment, curing method, and waste inclusion in stabilization/solidification. The results demonstrated that the 28-d compressive strength of sediment blocks produced with coal fly ash and lime partially replacing cement at a binder-to-sediment ratio of 3:7 could be used as fill materials for construction. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that hydration products (calcium hydroxide) were difficult to form at high sediment content. Thermal pretreatment of sediment removed 90% of indigenous organic matter, significantly increased the compressive strength, and enabled reuse as non-load-bearing masonry units. Besides, 2-h CO2 curing accelerated early-stage carbonation inside the porous structure, sequestered 5.6% of CO2 (by weight) in the sediment blocks, and acquired strength comparable to 7-d curing. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated substantial weight loss corresponding to decomposition of poorly and well crystalline calcium carbonate. Moreover, partial replacement of contaminated sediment by various granular waste materials notably augmented the strength of sediment blocks. The metal leachability of sediment blocks was minimal and acceptable for reuse. These results suggest that contaminated sediment should be viewed as useful resources. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stabilization of the Nitric Oxide (NO) Prodrugs and Anti-Cancer Leads, PABA/NO and Double JS-K through Incorporation into PEG-Protected Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Kumar, Varun; Hong, Sam Y.; Maciag, Anna E.; Saavedra, Joseph E.; Adamson, Douglas H.; Prud'homme, Robert K.; Keefer, Larry K.; Chakrapani, Harinath

2009-01-01

Here we report the stabilization of the nitric oxide (NO) prodrugs and anti-cancer lead compounds, PABA/NO (O2-{2,4-dinitro-5-[4-(N-methylamino)benzoyloxy]phenyl} 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate) and “Double JS-K” (1,5-bis{[1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diol-2-ato]-2,4-dinitrobenzene), through their incorporation into polymer-protected nanoparticles. The prodrugs were formulated in block copolymer-stabilized nanoparticles with sizes from 220 to 450 nm by a novel rapid precipitation process. The block copolymers, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) soluble blocks, provide a steric barrier against NO prodrug activation by glutathione. Too rapid activation and NO release has been a major barrier to effective administration of this class of compounds. The nanoparticle stabilized PABA/NO from attack by glutathione as evidenced by a significant increase in time taken for 50% decomposition from 15 min (unformulated) to 5 h (formulated); in the case of Double JS-K, the 50% decomposition time was extended from 4.5 min (unformulated) to 40 min (formulated). The more hydrophobic PABA/NO produced more stable nanoparticles and correspondingly more extended release times in comparison with Double JS-K. The hydrophobic blocks of the polymer were either polystyrene or polylactide. Both blocks produced nanoparticles of approximately the same size and release kinetics. This combination of PEG-protected nanoparticles with sizes appropriate for cancer targeting by enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) and delayed release of NO may afford enhanced therapeutic benefit. PMID:20000791

Stabilization of the nitric oxide (NO) prodrugs and anticancer leads, PABA/NO and Double JS-K, through incorporation into PEG-protected nanoparticles.

PubMed

Kumar, Varun; Hong, Sam Y; Maciag, Anna E; Saavedra, Joseph E; Adamson, Douglas H; Prud'homme, Robert K; Keefer, Larry K; Chakrapani, Harinath

2010-02-01

We report the stabilization of the nitric oxide (NO) prodrugs and anticancer lead compounds, PABA/NO (O(2)-{2,4-dinitro-5-[4-(N-methylamino)benzoyloxy]phenyl} 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate) and "Double JS-K" 1,5-bis-{1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diol-2-ato}-2,4-dinitrobenzene, through their incorporation into polymer-protected nanoparticles. The prodrugs were formulated in block copolymer-stabilized nanoparticles with sizes from 220 to 450 nm by a novel rapid precipitation process. The block copolymers, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) soluble blocks, provide a steric barrier against NO prodrug activation by glutathione. Too rapid activation and NO release has been a major barrier to effective administration of this class of compounds. The nanoparticle stabilized PABA/NO are protected from attack by glutathione as evidenced by a significant increase in time taken for 50% decomposition from 15 min (unformulated) to 5 h (formulated); in the case of Double JS-K, the 50% decomposition time was extended from 4.5 min (unformulated) to 40 min (formulated). The more hydrophobic PABA/NO produced more stable nanoparticles and correspondingly more extended release times in comparison with Double JS-K. The hydrophobic blocks of the polymer were either polystyrene or polylactide. Both blocks produced nanoparticles of approximately the same size and release kinetics. This combination of PEG-protected nanoparticles with sizes appropriate for cancer targeting by enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) and delayed release of NO may afford enhanced therapeutic benefit.

Horizontal Resorption of Fresh-Frozen Corticocancellous Bone Blocks in the Reconstruction of the Atrophic Maxilla at 5 Months

PubMed Central

Pereira, Eugénio; Messias, Ana; Dias, Ricardo; Judas, Fernando; Salvoni, Alexander; Guerra, Fernando

2015-01-01

Background Reliable implant-supported rehabilitation of an alveolar ridge needs sufficient volume of bone. In order to achieve a prosthetic-driven positioning, bone graft techniques may be required. Purpose This prospective cohort study aims to clinically evaluate the amount of resorption of corticocancellous fresh-frozen allografts bone blocks used in the reconstruction of the severe atrophic maxilla. Materials and Methods Twenty-two partial and totally edentulous patients underwent bone augmentation procedures with fresh-frozen allogenous blocks from the iliac crest under local anesthesia. Implants were inserted into the grafted sites after a healing period of 5 months. Final fixed prosthesis was delivered ± 4 months later. Ridge width analysis and measurements were performed with a caliper before and after grafting and at implant insertion. Bone biopsies were performed in 16 patients. Results A total of 98 onlay block allografts were used in 22 patients with an initial mean alveolar ridge width of 3.41 ± 1.36 mm. Early exposure of blocks was observed in four situations and one of these completely resorbed. Mean horizontal bone gain was 3.63 ± 1.28 mm (p < .01). Mean buccal bone resorption between allograph placement and the reopening stage was 0.49 ± 0.54 mm, meaning approximately 7.1% (95% confidence interval: [5.6%, 8.6%]) of total ridge width loss during the integration period. One hundred thirty dental implants were placed with good primary stability (≥ 30 Ncm). Four implants presented early failure before the prosthetic delivery (96.7% implant survival). All patients were successfully rehabilitated. Histomorphometric analysis revealed 20.9 ± 5.8% of vital bone in close contact to the remaining grafted bone. A positive strong correlation (adjusted R2 = 0.44, p = .003) was found between healing time and vital bone percentage. Conclusions Augmentation procedures performed using fresh-frozen allografts from the iliac crest are a suitable alternative in the reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla with low resorption rate at 5 months, allowing proper stability of dental implants followed by fixed prosthetic rehabilitation. PMID:25346211

A case study of sea breeze blocking regulated by sea surface temperature along the English south coast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, J. K.; Chagnon, J. M.; Gray, S. L.

2014-05-01

The sensitivity of sea breeze structure to sea surface temperature (SST) and coastal orography is investigated in convection-permitting Met Office Unified Model simulations of a case study along the south coast of England. Changes in SST of 1 K are shown to significantly modify the structure of the sea breeze immediately offshore. On the day of the case study, the sea breeze was partially blocked by coastal orography, particularly within Lyme Bay. The extent to which the flow is blocked depends strongly on the static stability of the marine boundary layer. In experiments with colder SST, the marine boundary layer is more stable, and the degree of blocking is more pronounced. Although a colder SST would also imply a larger land-sea temperature contrast and hence a stronger onshore wind - an effect which alone would discourage blocking - the increased static stability exerts a dominant control over whether blocking takes place. The implications of prescribing fixed SST from climatology in numerical weather prediction model forecasts of the sea breeze are discussed.

3D Reasoning from Blocks to Stability.

PubMed

Zhaoyin Jia; Gallagher, Andrew C; Saxena, Ashutosh; Chen, Tsuhan

2015-05-01

Objects occupy physical space and obey physical laws. To truly understand a scene, we must reason about the space that objects in it occupy, and how each objects is supported stably by each other. In other words, we seek to understand which objects would, if moved, cause other objects to fall. This 3D volumetric reasoning is important for many scene understanding tasks, ranging from segmentation of objects to perception of a rich 3D, physically well-founded, interpretations of the scene. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm to parse a single RGB-D image with 3D block units while jointly reasoning about the segments, volumes, supporting relationships, and object stability. Our algorithm is based on the intuition that a good 3D representation of the scene is one that fits the depth data well, and is a stable, self-supporting arrangement of objects (i.e., one that does not topple). We design an energy function for representing the quality of the block representation based on these properties. Our algorithm fits 3D blocks to the depth values corresponding to image segments, and iteratively optimizes the energy function. Our proposed algorithm is the first to consider stability of objects in complex arrangements for reasoning about the underlying structure of the scene. Experimental results show that our stability-reasoning framework improves RGB-D segmentation and scene volumetric representation.

Rubidium atomic frequency standards for GPS Block IIR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, William J.

1990-01-01

The Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standards (RAFS) were provided for the GPS Block IIR NAVSTAR satellites. These satellites will replenish and upgrade the space segment of the Global Positioning System in the mid 1990s. The GPS RAFS Rb clocks are the latest generation of the high-performance rubidium frequency standards. They offer an aging rate in the low pp 10(exp 14)/day range and a drift-corrected 1-day stability in the low pp 10(exp 14) range. The Block IIR version of these devices will have improved performance, higher reliability, smaller size, and greater radiation hardness. The GPS Block IIR atomic clocks have a natural frequency configuration whereby they output a frequency of about 13.4 MHz that is a submultiple of the atomic resonance of Rb (or Cs). The RAFS operates at a low, fixed C-field for increased stability. The GPS Block IIR RAFS design, including the changes and improvements made, and the test results obtained are described.

Dynamic Sliding Analysis of a Gravity Dam with Fluid-Structure-Foundation Interaction Using Finite Elements and Newmark's Sliding Block Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldgruber, Markus; Shahriari, Shervin; Zenz, Gerald

2015-11-01

To reduce the natural hazard risks—due to, e.g., earthquake excitation—seismic safety assessments are carried out. Especially under severe loading, due to maximum credible or the so-called safety evaluation earthquake, critical infrastructure, as these are high dams, must not fail. However, under high loading local failure might be allowed as long as the entire structure does not collapse. Hence, for a dam, the loss of sliding stability during a short time period might be acceptable if the cumulative displacements after an event are below an acceptable value. This performance is not only valid for gravity dams but also for rock blocks as sliding is even more imminent in zones with higher seismic activity. Sliding modes cannot only occur in the dam-foundation contact, but also in sliding planes formed due to geological conditions. This work compares the qualitative possible and critical displacements for two methods, the well-known Newmark's sliding block analysis and a Fluid-Foundation-Structure Interaction simulation with the finite elements method. The results comparison of the maximum displacements at the end of the seismic event of the two methods depicts that for high friction angles, they are fairly close. For low friction angles, the results are differing more. The conclusion is that the commonly used Newmark's sliding block analysis and the finite elements simulation are only comparable for high friction angles, where this factor dominates the behaviour of the structure. Worth to mention is that the proposed simulation methods are also applicable to dynamic rock wedge problems and not only to dams.

Conformational antibody binding to a native, cell-free expressed GPCR in block copolymer membranes.

PubMed

de Hoog, Hans-Peter M; Lin JieRong, Esther M; Banerjee, Sourabh; Décaillot, Fabien M; Nallani, Madhavan

2014-01-01

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a key role in physiological processes and are attractive drug targets. Their biophysical characterization is, however, highly challenging because of their innate instability outside a stabilizing membrane and the difficulty of finding a suitable expression system. We here show the cell-free expression of a GPCR, CXCR4, and its direct embedding in diblock copolymer membranes. The polymer-stabilized CXCR4 is readily immobilized onto biosensor chips for label-free binding analysis. Kinetic characterization using a conformationally sensitive antibody shows the receptor to exist in the correctly folded conformation, showing binding behaviour that is commensurate with heterologously expressed CXCR4.

Conformational Antibody Binding to a Native, Cell-Free Expressed GPCR in Block Copolymer Membranes

PubMed Central

de Hoog, Hans-Peter M.; Lin JieRong, Esther M.; Banerjee, Sourabh; Décaillot, Fabien M.; Nallani, Madhavan

2014-01-01

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a key role in physiological processes and are attractive drug targets. Their biophysical characterization is, however, highly challenging because of their innate instability outside a stabilizing membrane and the difficulty of finding a suitable expression system. We here show the cell-free expression of a GPCR, CXCR4, and its direct embedding in diblock copolymer membranes. The polymer-stabilized CXCR4 is readily immobilized onto biosensor chips for label-free binding analysis. Kinetic characterization using a conformationally sensitive antibody shows the receptor to exist in the correctly folded conformation, showing binding behaviour that is commensurate with heterologously expressed CXCR4. PMID:25329156

Energy Decay and Boundary Control for Distributed Parameter Systems with Viscoelastic Damping

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-24

for the evolution variational 2 inequality for a rigid-visco-plastic (Bingham) fluid [4, 11-13J. Other work involved numerical and theoretical analysis...dimensional parabolic -elliptic interface problem, submitted to Quart. Appl. Math. 16. W. Desch and R. K. Miller, Exponential Stabilization of Volterra ...17 16. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTATION 17, COSATI CODES 18. SUBJECT TERMS (Continue an revemu of necessay and kdeftOi by block number) FIELD IGROUP ISUB-GROUP

Adsorption of Poly(ethylene oxide)-Poly(lactide) Copolymers. Effects of Composition and Degradation.

PubMed

Muller, Dries; Carlsson, Fredrik; Malmsten, Martin

2001-04-01

The effect of chemical degradation of two diblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (E) and poly(lactide) (L), E(39)L(5) and E(39)L(20), on their adsorption at silica and methylated silica was investigated with in situ ellipsometry. Steric stablization of polystyrene dispersions was investigated in relation to degradation. Hydrolysis of the poly(lactide) block of the copolymers was followed at different temperatures and pH by using HPLC to measure the occurrence of lactic acid in solution. The block copolymers were quite stable in pH-unadjusted solution at low temperature, whereas degradation was facilitated by increasing temperature or lowering of the pH. Lower degradation rates of E(39)L(20) where observed at low temperature in comparison with those of E(39)L(5), whereas the degradation rates of the copolymers were quantitatively similar at high temperature. The adsorption of the copolymers at methylated silica substrates decreased with increasing degree of degradation due to the reduction in the ability of hydrophobic block to anchor the copolymer layer at the surface. At silica the adsorption initially increased with increasing degradation, particularly for E(39)L(20) due to deposition of aggregates onto the surface. After extensive degradation the adsorption of the copolymers at both silica and methylated silica resembled that of the corresponding poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymer. Overall, it was found that the eventual reduction in adsorption occurred at a lower degree of degradation for E(39)L(5) than for E(39)L(20). Mean-field calculations showed a reduced anchoring for the block copolymers with decreasing poly(lactide) block length at hydrophobic surfaces. In accordance with this finding, it was observed that polystyrene dispersions were stabilized by E(39)L(20) or E(39)L(5) in a way that depended on both the lactide block length and the degree of degradation. Upon degradation of the hydrophobic block, stabilization of the polystyrene dispersions was maintained initially, but eventually degradation resulted in destabilization. The average residual copolymer concentration required for stabilization of the polystyrene dispersions was much higher than the corresponding concentration of intact copolymer required for stabilization. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Straightening: existence, uniqueness and stability

PubMed Central

Destrade, M.; Ogden, R. W.; Sgura, I.; Vergori, L.

2014-01-01

One of the least studied universal deformations of incompressible nonlinear elasticity, namely the straightening of a sector of a circular cylinder into a rectangular block, is revisited here and, in particular, issues of existence and stability are addressed. Particular attention is paid to the system of forces required to sustain the large static deformation, including by the application of end couples. The influence of geometric parameters and constitutive models on the appearance of wrinkles on the compressed face of the block is also studied. Different numerical methods for solving the incremental stability problem are compared and it is found that the impedance matrix method, based on the resolution of a matrix Riccati differential equation, is the more precise. PMID:24711723

High quality tissue miniarray technique using a conventional TV/radio telescopic antenna.

PubMed

Elkablawy, Mohamed A; Albasri, Abdulkader M

2015-01-01

The tissue microarray (TMA) is widely accepted as a fast and cost-effective research tool for in situ tissue analysis in modern pathology. However, the current automated and manual TMA techniques have some drawbacks restricting their productivity. Our study aimed to introduce an improved manual tissue miniarray (TmA) technique that is simple and readily applicable to a broad range of tissue samples. In this study, a conventional TV/radio telescopic antenna was used to punch tissue cores manually from donor paraffin embedded tissue blocks which were pre-incubated at 40oC. The cores were manually transferred, organized and attached to a standard block mould, and filled with liquid paraffin to construct TmA blocks without any use of recipient paraffin blocks. By using a conventional TV/radio antenna, it was possible to construct TmA paraffin blocks with variable formats of array size and number (2-mm x 42, 2.5-mm x 30, 3-mm x 24, 4-mm x 20 and 5-mm x 12 cores). Up to 2-mm x 84 cores could be mounted and stained on a standard microscopic slide by cutting two sections from two different blocks and mounting them beside each other. The technique was simple and caused minimal damage to the donor blocks. H and E and immunostained slides showed well-defined tissue morphology and array configuration. This technique is easy to reproduce, quick, inexpensive and creates uniform blocks with abundant tissues without specialized equipment. It was found to improve the stability of the cores within the paraffin block and facilitated no losses during cutting and immunostaining.

Video image stabilization and registration--plus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hathaway, David H. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A method of stabilizing a video image displayed in multiple video fields of a video sequence includes the steps of: subdividing a selected area of a first video field into nested pixel blocks; determining horizontal and vertical translation of each of the pixel blocks in each of the pixel block subdivision levels from the first video field to a second video field; and determining translation of the image from the first video field to the second video field by determining a change in magnification of the image from the first video field to the second video field in each of horizontal and vertical directions, and determining shear of the image from the first video field to the second video field in each of the horizontal and vertical directions.

Transport and retention of surfactant- and polymer-stabilized engineered silver nanoparticles in silicate-dominated aquifer material.

PubMed

Adrian, Yorck F; Schneidewind, Uwe; Bradford, Scott A; Simunek, Jirka; Fernandez-Steeger, Tomas M; Azzam, Rafig

2018-05-01

Packed column experiments were conducted to investigate the transport and blocking behavior of surfactant- and polymer-stabilized engineered silver nanoparticles (Ag-ENPs) in saturated natural aquifer media with varying content of material < 0.063 mm in diameter (silt and clay fraction), background solution chemistry, and flow velocity. Breakthrough curves for Ag-ENPs exhibited blocking behavior that frequently produced a delay in arrival time in comparison to a conservative tracer that was dependent on the physicochemical conditions, and then a rapid increase in the effluent concentration of Ag-ENPs. This breakthrough behavior was accurately described using one or two irreversible retention sites that accounted for Langmuirian blocking on one site. Simulated values for the total retention rate coefficient and the maximum solid phase concentration of Ag-ENPs increased with increasing solution ionic strength, cation valence, clay and silt content, decreasing flow velocity, and for polymer-instead of surfactant-stabilized Ag-ENPs. Increased Ag-ENP retention with ionic strength occurred because of compression of the double layer and lower magnitudes in the zeta potential, whereas lower velocities increased the residence time and decreased the hydrodynamics forces. Enhanced Ag-ENP interactions with cation valence and clay were attributed to the creation of cation bridging in the presence of Ca 2+ . The delay in breakthrough was always more pronounced for polymer-than surfactant-stabilized Ag-ENPs, because of differences in the properties of the stabilizing agents and the magnitude of their zeta-potential was lower. Our results clearly indicate that the long-term transport behavior of Ag-ENPs in natural, silicate dominated aquifer material will be strongly dependent on blocking behavior that changes with the physicochemical conditions and enhanced Ag-ENP transport may occur when retention sites are filled. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Highly conductive side chain block copolymer anion exchange membranes.

PubMed

Wang, Lizhu; Hickner, Michael A

2016-06-28

Block copolymers based on poly(styrene) having pendent trimethyl styrenylbutyl ammonium (with four carbon ring-ionic group alkyl linkers) or benzyltrimethyl ammonium groups with a methylene bridge between the ring and ionic group were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation radical (RAFT) polymerization as anion exchange membranes (AEMs). The C4 side chain polymer showed a 17% increase in Cl(-) conductivity of 33.7 mS cm(-1) compared to the benzyltrimethyl ammonium sample (28.9 mS cm(-1)) under the same conditions (IEC = 3.20 meq. g(-1), hydration number, λ = ∼7.0, cast from DMF/1-propanol (v/v = 3 : 1), relative humidity = 95%). As confirmed by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), the side chain block copolymers with tethered ammonium cations showed well-defined lamellar morphologies and a significant reduction in interdomain spacing compared to benzyltrimethyl ammonium containing block copolymers. The chemical stabilities of the block copolymers were evaluated under severe, accelerated conditions, and degradation was observed by (1)H NMR. The block copolymer with C4 side chain trimethyl styrenylbutyl ammonium motifs displayed slightly improved stability compared to that of a benzyltrimethyl ammonium-based AEM at 80 °C in 1 M NaOD aqueous solution for 30 days.

The effect of implant design and bone quality on insertion torque, resonance frequency analysis, and insertion energy during implant placement in low or low- to medium-density bone.

PubMed

Wang, Tong-Mei; Lee, Ming-Shu; Wang, Juo-Song; Lin, Li-Deh

2015-01-01

This study investigated the effect of implant design and bone quality on insertion torque (IT), implant stability quotient (ISQ), and insertion energy (IE) by monitoring the continuous change in IT and ISQ while implants were inserted in artificial bone blocks that simulate bone of poor or poor-to-medium quality. Polyurethane foam blocks (Sawbones) of 0.16 g/cm³ and 0.32 g/cm³ were respectively used to simulate low density and low- to medium-density cancellous bone. In addition, some test blocks were laminated with a 1-mm 0.80 g/cm³ polyurethane layer to simulate cancellous bone with a thin cortical layer. Four different implants (Nobel Biocare Mk III-3.75, Mk III-4.0, Mk IV-4.0, and NobelActive-4.3) were placed into the different test blocks in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The IT and ISQ were recorded at every 0.5-mm of inserted length during implant insertion, and IE was calculated from the torque curve. The peak IT (PIT), final IT (FIT), IE, and final ISQ values were statistically analyzed. All implants showed increasing ISQ values when the implant was inserted more deeply. In contrast to the ISQ, implants with different designs showed dissimilar IT curve patterns during the insertion. All implants showed a significant increase in the PIT, FIT, IE, and ISQ when the test-block density increased or when the 1-mm laminated layer was present. Tapered implants showed FIT or PIT values of more than 40 Ncm for all of the laminated test blocks and for the nonlaminated test blocks of low to medium density. Parallel-wall implants did not exhibit PIT or FIT values of more than 40 Ncm for all of the test blocks. NobelActive-4.3 showed a significantly higher FIT, but a significantly lower IE, than Mk IV-4.0. While the existence of cortical bone or implant designs significantly affects the dynamic IT profiles during implant insertion, it does not affect the ISQ to a similar extent. Certain implant designs are more suitable than others if high IT is required in bone of poor quality. The manner in which IT, IE, and ISQ represent the implant primary stability requires further study.

Comparative evaluation of insertion torque and mechanical stability for self-tapping and self-drilling orthodontic miniscrews - an in vitro study.

PubMed

Tepedino, Michele; Masedu, Francesco; Chimenti, Claudio

2017-05-30

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between insertion torque and stability of miniscrews in terms of resistance against dislocation, then comparing a self-tapping screw with a self-drilling one. Insertion torque was measured during placement of 30 self-drilling and 31 self-tapping stainless steel miniscrews (Leone SpA, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy) in synthetic bone blocks. Then, an increasing pulling force was applied at an angle of 90° and 45°, and the displacement of the miniscrews was recorded. The statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the mean Maximum Insertion Torque (MIT) observed in the two groups and showed that force angulation and MIT have a statistically significant effect on miniscrews stability. For both the miniscrews, an angle of 90° between miniscrew and loading force is preferable in terms of stability. The tested self-drilling orthodontic miniscrews showed higher MIT and greater resistance against dislocation than the self-tapping ones.

On the numerical treatment of nonlinear source terms in reaction-convection equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lafon, A.; Yee, H. C.

1992-01-01

The objectives of this paper are to investigate how various numerical treatments of the nonlinear source term in a model reaction-convection equation can affect the stability of steady-state numerical solutions and to show under what conditions the conventional linearized analysis breaks down. The underlying goal is to provide part of the basic building blocks toward the ultimate goal of constructing suitable numerical schemes for hypersonic reacting flows, combustions and certain turbulence models in compressible Navier-Stokes computations. It can be shown that nonlinear analysis uncovers much of the nonlinear phenomena which linearized analysis is not capable of predicting in a model reaction-convection equation.

ENGINEERING BULLETIN: SOLIDIFICATION/STABILIZATION OF ORGANICS AND INORGANICS

EPA Science Inventory

Solidification refers to techniques that encapsulate hazardous waste into a solid material of high structural integrity. Encapsulation involves either fine waste particles (microencapsulation) or a large block or container of wastes (macroencapsulation). Stabilization refe...

High stable suspension of magnetite nanoparticles in ethanol by using sono-synthesized nanomagnetite in polyol medium

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

Bastami, Tahereh Rohani; Entezari, Mohammad H., E-mail: moh_entezari@yahoo.com

2013-09-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The sonochemical synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles was carried out in EG without any surfactant. • The nanoparticles with sizes ∼24 nm were composed of small building blocks with sizes ∼2 nm. • The hydrophilic magnetite nanoparticles were stable in ethanol even after 8 months. • Ultrasonic intensity showed a crucial role on the obtained high stable magnetite nanoparticles in ethanol. - Abstract: The sonochemical synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles was carried out at relatively low temperature (80 °C) in ethylene glycol (EG) as a polyol solvent. The particle size was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).more » The magnetite nanoparticles with an average size of 24 nm were composed of small building blocks with an average size of 2–3 nm and the particles exhibited nearly spherical shape. The surface characterization was investigated by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stability of magnetite nanoparticles was studied in ethanol as a polar solvent. The nanoparticles showed an enhanced stability in ethanol which is due to the hydrophilic surface of the particles. The colloidal stability of magnetite nanoparticles in ethanol was monitored by UV–visible spectrophotometer. According to the results, the nanoparticles synthesized in 30 min of sonication with intensity of 35 W/cm{sup 2} (50%) led to a maximum stability in ethanol as a polar solvent with respect to the other applied intensities. The obtained magnetite nanoparticles were stable for more than12 months.« less

Stability analysis for a delay differential equations model of a hydraulic turbine speed governor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halanay, Andrei; Safta, Carmen A.; Dragoi, Constantin; Piraianu, Vlad F.

2017-01-01

The paper aims to study the dynamic behavior of a speed governor for a hydraulic turbine using a mathematical model. The nonlinear mathematical model proposed consists in a system of delay differential equations (DDE) to be compared with already established mathematical models of ordinary differential equations (ODE). A new kind of nonlinearity is introduced as a time delay. The delays can characterize different running conditions of the speed governor. For example, it is considered that spool displacement of hydraulic amplifier might be blocked due to oil impurities in the oil supply system and so the hydraulic amplifier has a time delay in comparison to the time control. Numerical simulations are presented in a comparative manner. A stability analysis of the hydraulic control system is performed, too. Conclusions of the dynamic behavior using the DDE model of a hydraulic turbine speed governor are useful in modeling and controlling hydropower plants.

Polymer Thin Film Stabilization.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, A. C.; Oslanec, R.; Composto, R. J.; Vlcek, P.

1998-03-01

We study the dewetting dynamics of thin polystyrene (PS) films deposited on silicon oxide surfaces using optical (OM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopes. Quantitative analysis of the hole diameter as a function of annealing time at 175^oC shows that blending poly(styrene-block-methyl-methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) with PS acts to dramatically slow down the dewetting rate and even stops holes growth before they impinge. AFM studies show that the hole floor is smooth for a pure PS film but contains residual polymer for the blend. At 5% vol., a PS-b-PMMA with high molar mass and low PMMA is a more effective stabilizing agent than a low molar mass/high PMMA additive. The optimum copolymer concentration is 3% vol. beyond which film stability doesn't improve. Although dewetting is slowed down relative to pure PS, PS/PS-b-PMMA bilayers dewet at a faster rate than blends having the same overall additive concentration.

The insertion torque-depth curve integral as a measure of implant primary stability: An in vitro study on polyurethane foam blocks.

PubMed

Di Stefano, Danilo Alessio; Arosio, Paolo; Gastaldi, Giorgio; Gherlone, Enrico

2017-07-08

Recent research has shown that dynamic parameters correlate with insertion energy-that is, the total work needed to place an implant into its site-might convey more reliable information concerning immediate implant primary stability at insertion than the commonly used insertion torque (IT), the reverse torque (RT), or the implant stability quotient (ISQ). Yet knowledge on these dynamic parameters is still limited. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate whether an energy-related parameter, the torque-depth curve integral (I), could be a reliable measure of primary stability. This was done by assessing if (I) measurement was operator-independent, by investigating its correlation with other known primary stability parameters (IT, RT, or ISQ) by quantifying the (I) average error and correlating (I), IT, RT, and ISQ variations with bone density. Five operators placed 200 implants in polyurethane foam blocks of different densities using a micromotor that calculated the (I) during implant placement. Primary implant stability was assessed by measuring the ISQ, IT, and RT. ANOVA tests were used to evaluate whether measurements were operator independent (P>.05 in all cases). A correlation analysis was performed between (I) and IT, ISQ, and RT. The (I) average error was calculated and compared with that of the other parameters by ANOVA. (I)-density, IT-density, ISQ-density, and RT-density plots were drawn, and their slopes were compared by ANCOVA. The (I) measurements were operator independent and correlated with IT, ISQ, and RT. The average error of these parameters was not significantly different (P>.05 in all cases). The (I)-density, IT-density, ISQ-density, and RT-density curves were linear in the 0.16 to 0.49 g/cm³ range, with the (I)-density curves having a significantly greater slope than those regarding the other parameters (P≤.001 in all cases). The torque-depth curve integral (I) provides a reliable assessment of primary stability and shows a greater sensitivity to density variations than other known primary stability parameters. Copyright © 2017 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flight control systems properties and problems. Volume 2: Block diagram compendium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, D. E.

1975-01-01

A compendium of stability augmentation system and autopilot block diagrams is presented. Descriptive materials for 48 different types of aircraft systems are provided. A broad representation of the many mechanical approaches which have been used for aircraft control is developed.

Remote Stabilization of Copper Paddlewheel Based Molecular Building Blocks in Metal-Organic Frameworks

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

Gao, Wen-Yang; Cai, Rong; Pham, Tony

Copper paddlewheel based molecular building blocks (MBBs) are ubiquitous and have been widely employed for the construction of highly porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). However, most copper paddlewheel based MOFs fail to retain their structural integrity in the presence of water. This instability is directly correlated to the plausible displacement of coordinating carboxylates in the copper paddlewheel MBB, [Cu₂(O₂C-)₄], by the strongly coordinating water molecules. In this comprehensive study, we illustrate the chemical stability control in the rht-MOF platform via strengthening the coordinating bonds within the triangular inorganic MBB, [Cu₃O(N 4–x(CH) xC-)₃] (x = 0, 1, or 2). Remotely, the chemicalmore » stabilization propagated into the paddlewheel MBB to afford isoreticular rht-MOFs with remarkably enhanced water/chemical stabilities compared to the prototypal rht-MOF-1.« less

Pattern interpolation in thin films of lamellar, symmetric copolymers on nano-patterned substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Detcheverry, Francois; Nagpal, Umang; Liu, Guoliang; Nealey, Paul; de Pablo, Juan

2009-03-01

A molecular model of block copolymer systems is used to conduct a systematic study of the morphologies that arise when thin films of symmetric, lamellar forming block copolymer materials are deposited on nanopatterned surfaces. Over 500 distinct cases are considered. It is found that, in general, three distinct morphologies can arise depending on the strength of the substrate-polymer interactions, the film thickness, and the period of the substrate pattern. The relative stability of those morphologies is determined by direct calculation of the free energy differences. The dynamic propensity of those morphologies to emerge is examined by careful analysis of simulated trajectories. The results of this systematic study are used to interpret recent experimental data for films of polystyrene-PMMA copolymers on chemically nanopatterned surfaces.

Design of a Torque Current Generator for Strapdown Gyroscopes. Ph.D. Thesis; [and performance prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcknight, R. D.; Blalock, T. V.; Kennedy, E. J.

1974-01-01

The design, analysis, and experimental evaluation of an optimum performance torque current generator for use with strapdown gyroscopes, is presented. Among the criteria used to evaluate the design were the following: (1) steady-state accuracy; (2) margins of stability against self-oscillation; (3) temperature variations; (4) aging; (5) static errors drift errors, and transient errors, (6) classical frequency and time domain characteristics; and (7) the equivalent noise at the input of the comparater operational amplifier. The DC feedback loop of the torque current generator was approximated as a second-order system. Stability calculations for gain margins are discussed. Circuit diagrams are shown and block diagrams showing the implementation of the torque current generator are discussed.

Analyzing the Influence of a New Dental Implant Design on Primary Stability.

PubMed

Valente, Mariana Lima da Costa; de Castro, Denise Tornavoi; Shimano, Antonio Carlos; Lepri, César Penazzo; dos Reis, Andréa Cândido

2016-02-01

The macrogeometry of dental implants strongly influences the primary stability and hence the osseointegration process. Compare the performance of conventional and modified implant models in terms of primary stability. A total of 36 implants (Neodent®) with two different formats (n = 18): Alvim CM (Conical CM, Ø 4.3 mm × 10 mm in length) and Titamax Ti (Cylindrical HE, Ø 4.0 mm × 11 mm in length) were inserted into artificial bone blocks. Nine implants from each set were selected to undergo external geometry changes. The primary stability was quantified by insertion torque and resonance frequency using an Osstell device and the pullout test. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test were used for statistical evaluation. The comparative analysis of the implants showed a significant increase of the insertion torque for the modified Conical CM implants (p = 0.000) and Cylindrical HE (p = 0.043); for the resonance frequency the modified Cylindrical HE showed a lower statistical mean (p = 0.002) when compared to the conventional model, and in the pullout test both modified implants showed significant reduction (p = 0.000). Within the limitations of this study, the proposed modification showed good stability levels and advantages when compared to the conventional implants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Enhanced Stability and Bioconjugation of Photo-cross-linked Polystyrene-Shell, Au-Core Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Chen, Ying; Cho, Juhee; Young, Alexi; Taton, T. Andrew

2008-01-01

Encapsulating Au nanoparticles within a shell of photo-cross-linked block copolymer surfactant dramatically improves the physical and chemical stability of the nanoparticles, particularly when they are applied as bioconjugates. Photo-cross-linkable block copolymer amphiphiles [polystyrene-co-poly(4-vinyl benzophenone)]-block-poly(acrylic acid) [(PS-co-PVBP)-b-PAA] and [poly(styrene)-co-poly(4-vinyl benzophenone)]-block-poly(ethylene oxide) [(PS-co-PVBP)-b-PEO] were assembled around Au nanoparticles ranging from 12 nm to 108 nm in diameter. UV irradiation cross-linked the PVBP groups on the polymer to yield particles that withstood extremes of temperature, ionic strength, and chemical etching. Streptavidin was attached to [PS-co-PVBP]-b-PAA coated particles using the same noncovalent and covalent conjugation protocols used to bind biomolecules to divinylbenzene-crosslinked polystyrene microspheres. We expect that these particles will be useful as plasmonic, highly light-scattering and light-absorbing analogs to fluorescently labeled polystyrene nanospheres. PMID:17530871

Pickering emulsions stabilized by biodegradable block copolymer micelles for controlled topical drug delivery.

PubMed

Laredj-Bourezg, Faiza; Bolzinger, Marie-Alexandrine; Pelletier, Jocelyne; Chevalier, Yves

2017-10-05

Surfactant-free biocompatible and biodegradable Pickering emulsions were investigated as vehicles for skin delivery of hydrophobic drugs. O/w emulsions of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil droplets loaded with all-trans retinol as a model hydrophobic drug were stabilized by block copolymer nanoparticles: either poly(lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-b-PEG) or poly(caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-b-PEG). Those innovative emulsions were prepared using two different processes allowing drug loading either inside oil droplets or inside both oil droplets and non-adsorbed block copolymer nanoparticles. Skin absorption of retinol was investigated in vitro on pig skin biopsies using the Franz cell method. Supplementary experiments by confocal fluorescence microscopy allowed the visualization of skin absorption of the Nile Red dye on histological sections. Retinol and Nile Red absorption experiments showed the large accumulation of hydrophobic drugs in the stratum corneum for the Pickering emulsions compared to the surfactant-based emulsion and an oil solution. Loading drug inside both oil droplets and block copolymer nanoparticles enhanced again skin absorption of drugs, which was ascribed to the supplementary contribution of free block copolymer nanoparticles loaded with drug. Such effect allowed tuning drug delivery to skin over a wide range by means of a suitable selection of either the formulation or the drug loading process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rock cliffs hazard analysis based on remote geostructural surveys: The Campione del Garda case study (Lake Garda, Northern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrero, A. M.; Migliazza, M.; Roncella, R.; Segalini, A.

2011-02-01

The town of Campione del Garda (located on the west coast of Lake Garda) and its access road have been historically subject to rockfall phenomena with risk for public security in several areas of the coast. This paper presents a study devoted to the determination of risk for coastal cliffs and the design of mitigation measures. Our study was based on statistical rockfall analysis performed with a commercial code and on stability analysis of rock slopes based on the key block method. Hazard from block kinematics and rock-slope failure are coupled by applying the Rockfall Hazard Assessment Procedure (RHAP). Because of the huge dimensions of the slope, its morphology and the geostructural survey were particularly complicated and demanding. For these reasons, noncontact measurement methods, based on aerial photogrammetry by helicopter, were adopted. A special software program, developed by the authors, was applied for discontinuity identification and for their orientation measurements. The potentially of aerial photogrammetic survey in rock mechanic application and its improvement in the rock mass knowledge is analysed in the article.

How players exploit variability and regularity of game actions in female volleyball teams.

PubMed

Ramos, Ana; Coutinho, Patrícia; Silva, Pedro; Davids, Keith; Mesquita, Isabel

2017-05-01

Variability analysis has been used to understand how competitive constraints shape different behaviours in team sports. In this study, we analysed and compared variability of tactical performance indices in players within complex I at two different competitive levels in volleyball. We also examined whether variability was influenced by set type and period. Eight matches from the 2012 Olympics competition and from the Portuguese national league in the 2014-2015 season were analysed (1496 rallies). Variability of setting conditions, attack zone, attack tempo and block opposition was assessed using Shannon entropy measures. Magnitude-based inferences were used to analyse the practical significance of compared values of selected variables. Results showed differences between elite and national teams for all variables, which were co-adapted to the competitive constraints of set type and set periods. Elite teams exploited system stability in setting conditions and block opposition, but greater unpredictability in zone and tempo of attack. These findings suggest that uncertainty in attacking actions was a key factor that could only be achieved with greater performance stability in other game actions. Data suggested how coaches could help setters develop the capacity to play at faster tempos, diversifying attack zones, especially at critical moments in competition.

Synthesis of amphipathic block copolymers based on polyisobutylene and polyoxyethylene and their application in emulsion polymerization

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

Sar, B.

1992-12-31

Polymer colloids stabilized by polymeric surfactants are of great interest both commercially and academically. It has been found that these materials enhance latex stabilization in a number of applications. The polymeric surfactants are amphipathic block and graft copolymers containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. The current study involved the synthesis of a series of amphipathic triblock copolymers, polyisobutylene-block-polyoxyethylene-block-polyisobutylene (PIB-b-POE-b-PIB), for use in the emulsion polymerization of styrene (STY), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and vinyl acetate (VAc). The stabilizing effectiveness of these triblock copolymers was studied as a function of their blocklength. When the molecular weight of the POE center block wasmore » changed from M{sub n} = 2,000 to 20,000 g/mole, stable lattices were obtained in emulsion polymerization with MMA, STY, and VAc as the monomers. In all cases, the polymerization rates remained constant, while the number of particles/volume decreased with increasing POE chain length. When the molecular weight of the PIB end blocks was changed from M{sub n} = 400 to 2,600 g/mole keeping the molecular weight of the POE center block constant at M{sub n} = 20,000 g/mole, the poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(vinyl acetate) lattices exhibited similar behavior, i.e., the number of particles and particle sizes remained the same, but the rate of polymerization reached a maximum at 87 wt% POE content. In the case of poly(styrene) both the rate of polymerization and the number of particles remained constant. The emulsion polymerization of other monomers such as butadiene, acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate was carried out by using one triblock copolymer, i.e., PIB(400)-b-POE (8,000)-b-PIB-(400). Stable lattices were also formed in all cases.« less

Rational synthesis of low-polydispersity block copolymer vesicles in concentrated solution via polymerization-induced self-assembly.

PubMed

Gonzato, Carlo; Semsarilar, Mona; Jones, Elizabeth R; Li, Feng; Krooshof, Gerard J P; Wyman, Paul; Mykhaylyk, Oleksandr O; Tuinier, Remco; Armes, Steven P

2014-08-06

Block copolymer self-assembly is normally conducted via post-polymerization processing at high dilution. In the case of block copolymer vesicles (or "polymersomes"), this approach normally leads to relatively broad size distributions, which is problematic for many potential applications. Herein we report the rational synthesis of low-polydispersity diblock copolymer vesicles in concentrated solution via polymerization-induced self-assembly using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of benzyl methacrylate. Our strategy utilizes a binary mixture of a relatively long and a relatively short poly(methacrylic acid) stabilizer block, which become preferentially expressed at the outer and inner poly(benzyl methacrylate) membrane surface, respectively. Dynamic light scattering was utilized to construct phase diagrams to identify suitable conditions for the synthesis of relatively small, low-polydispersity vesicles. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to verify that this binary mixture approach produced vesicles with significantly narrower size distributions compared to conventional vesicles prepared using a single (short) stabilizer block. Calculations performed using self-consistent mean field theory (SCMFT) account for the preferred self-assembled structures of the block copolymer binary mixtures and are in reasonable agreement with experiment. Finally, both SAXS and SCMFT indicate a significant degree of solvent plasticization for the membrane-forming poly(benzyl methacrylate) chains.

Flash NanoPrecipitation of organic actives via confined micromixing and block copolymer stabilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Brian K.

This dissertation provides a method and the understanding required to produce nanoparticles of organic actives using Flash NanoPrecipitation . The process comprises mixing a solvent phase containing molecularly dissolved amphiphilic block copolymer and an organic active with an anti-solvent. One block of the copolymer precipitates to alter the nucleation and growth of the organic active while the other remains in solution for particle stabilization. A custom built confined impinging jets (CIJ) mixer provides optimum micromixing at the laboratory or full scale within milliseconds. Comparison to other reactor designs is provided. The resulting nanoparticles have functional surfaces tailored to meet the needs of pharmaceutical or specialty chemical formulations. Example beta-carotene nanoparticles with a polyethylene oxide surface are produced at high concentration, high yield, low stabilizer content, and a size suitable for sterile filtration or larger. The technical challenges in nanoparticle production are explained via the characteristic times for mixing, copolymer aggregation, and organic active particle formation. The time for Flash NanoPrecipitation is shown to depend strongly on the time for copolymer aggregation, and control of the organic nucleation versus growth is critical to achieve nanoparticles. Mixing operating lines explain the impact of solubility differences between the colloidal stabilizer and the organic active as function of mixing rate. Techniques to measure the solubility of the copolymer and DeltaG° , DeltaH°, and DeltaS° of micellization are demonstrated. An analytical CIJ mixer is developed by quantifying the characteristic time and physical mechanism of mixing. The methodology described to find an absolute mixing lifetime is also applied to a vortex mixer at a spectrum of flow ratios away from one. Dimensional analysis using the process Damkohler number, defined as the ratio of the mixing to the process time, is applied to precipitation to quantify the induction time through knowledge of the mixing lifetime. Copolymer aggregation without an organic active to kinetically frozen nanoparticles occurs by a "fusion only" mechanism. By analogy to classical precipitation kinetics, the interfacial free energy of a diblock copolymer nanoparticle is determined for the first time. The composite dissertation provides a clear picture of Flash NanoPrecipitation for future research and applications.

Distinct effects of tubulin isotype mutations on neurite growth in Caenorhabditis elegans

PubMed Central

Zheng, Chaogu; Diaz-Cuadros, Margarete; Nguyen, Ken C. Q.; Hall, David H.; Chalfie, Martin

2017-01-01

Tubulins, the building block of microtubules (MTs), play a critical role in both supporting and regulating neurite growth. Eukaryotic genomes contain multiple tubulin isotypes, and their missense mutations cause a range of neurodevelopmental defects. Using the Caenorhabditis elegans touch receptor neurons, we analyzed the effects of 67 tubulin missense mutations on neurite growth. Three types of mutations emerged: 1) loss-of-function mutations, which cause mild defects in neurite growth; 2) antimorphic mutations, which map to the GTP binding site and intradimer and interdimer interfaces, significantly reduce MT stability, and cause severe neurite growth defects; and 3) neomorphic mutations, which map to the exterior surface, increase MT stability, and cause ectopic neurite growth. Structure-function analysis reveals a causal relationship between tubulin structure and MT stability. This stability affects neuronal morphogenesis. As part of this analysis, we engineered several disease-associated human tubulin mutations into C. elegans genes and examined their impact on neuronal development at the cellular level. We also discovered an α-tubulin (TBA-7) that appears to destabilize MTs. Loss of TBA-7 led to the formation of hyperstable MTs and the generation of ectopic neurites; the lack of potential sites for polyamination and polyglutamination on TBA-7 may be responsible for this destabilization. PMID:28835377

Novel High Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Sam; Haliburton, James; Fan, Zben; Taft, Charles; Wang, Yi-Qing; Maaref, Shahin; Mackey, Willie R. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

In man's mission to the outer space or a remote site, the most abundant, renewable, nonpolluting, and unlimited external energy source is light. Photovoltaic (PV) materials can convert light into electrical power. In order to generate appreciable electrical power in space or on the Earth, it is necessary to collect sunlight from large areas due to the low density of sunlight, and this would be very costly using current commercially available inorganic solar cells. Future organic or polymer based solar cells seemed very attractive due to several reasons. These include lightweight, flexible shape, ultra-fast optoelectronic response time (this also makes organic PV materials attractive for developing ultra-fast photo detectors), tunability of energy band-gaps via molecular design, versatile materials synthesis and device fabrication schemes, and much lower cost on large-scale industrial production. It has been predicted that nano-phase separated block copolymer systems containing electron rich donor blocks and electron deficient acceptor blocks will facilitate the charge separation and migration due to improved electronic ultrastructure and morphology in comparison to current polymer composite photovoltaic system. This presentation will describe our recent progress in the design, synthesis and characterization of a novel donor-bridge-acceptor block copolymer system for potential high-efficient organic optoelectronic applications. Specifically, the donor block contains an electron donating alkyloxy derivatized polyphenylenevinylene, the acceptor block contains an electron withdrawing alkyl-sulfone derivatized polyphenylenevinylene, and the bridge block contains an electronically neutral non-conjugated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain. The key synthetic strategy includes the synthesis of each individual block first, then couple the blocks together. While the donor block stabilizes the holes, the acceptor block stabilizes the electrons. The bridge block is designed to hinder the electron-hole recombination. Thus, improved charge separation is expected. In addition, charge migration will also be facilitated due to the expected nano-phase separated and highly ordered block copolymer ultrastructural. The combination of all these factors will result in significant overall enhancement of photovoltaic power conversion efficiency.

The effect of prolonged exposure to 750 C air on the tribological performance of PM212

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bemis, Kirk; Bogdanski, Michael S.; Dellacorte, Christopher; Sliney, Harold E.

1994-01-01

The effect of prolonged exposure to 750 C air on the tribological performance and dimensional stability of PM212, a high temperature, self-lubricating composite, is studied. PM212, by weight, contains 70 percent metal-bonded Cr3C2, 15 percent BaF2/CaF2 eutectic, and 15 percent silver. Rub blocks were fabricated from PM212 by cold isostatic pressing followed by sintering. Prior to tribo-testing, the rub blocks were exposed to 750 C air for periods ranging from 100 to 1000 hours. Then, the rub blocks were slid against nickel-based superalloy disks in a double-rub-block tribometer in air under a 66 N load at temperatures from 25 to 750 C with a sliding velocity of 0.36 m/s. Unexposed rub blocks were tested for baseline comparison. Friction coefficients ranged from 0.24 to 0.37 for the unexposed rub blocks and from 0.32 to 0.56 for the exposed ones. Wear for both the composite blocks and superalloy disks was typically in the moderate to low range of 10(exp -5) to 10(exp -6) mm(exp 3)/N-m. Friction and wear data were similar for the rub blocks exposed for 100, 500, and 1000 hours. Prolonged exposure to 750 C air increased friction and wear of the PM212 rub blocks at room temperature, but their triboperformance remained unaffected at higher temperatures, probably due to the formation of lubricious metal oxides. Dimensional stability of the composite was studied by exposing specimens of varying thicknesses for 500 hours in air at 750 C. Block thicknesses were found to increase with increased exposure time until steady state was reached after 100 hours of exposure, probably due to oxidation.

Video Image Stabilization and Registration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hathaway, David H. (Inventor); Meyer, Paul J. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A method of stabilizing and registering a video image in multiple video fields of a video sequence provides accurate determination of the image change in magnification, rotation and translation between video fields, so that the video fields may be accurately corrected for these changes in the image in the video sequence. In a described embodiment, a key area of a key video field is selected which contains an image which it is desired to stabilize in a video sequence. The key area is subdivided into nested pixel blocks and the translation of each of the pixel blocks from the key video field to a new video field is determined as a precursor to determining change in magnification, rotation and translation of the image from the key video field to the new video field.

Video Image Stabilization and Registration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hathaway, David H. (Inventor); Meyer, Paul J. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A method of stabilizing and registering a video image in multiple video fields of a video sequence provides accurate determination of the image change in magnification, rotation and translation between video fields, so that the video fields may be accurately corrected for these changes in the image in the video sequence. In a described embodiment, a key area of a key video field is selected which contains an image which it is desired to stabilize in a video sequence. The key area is subdivided into nested pixel blocks and the translation of each of the pixel blocks from the key video field to a new video field is determined as a precursor to determining change in magnification, rotation and translation of the image from the key video field to the new video field.

Thin Films of Novel Linear-Dendritic Diblock Copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iyer, Jyotsna; Hammond, Paula

1998-03-01

A series of diblock copolymers with one linear block and one dendrimeric block have been synthesized with the objective of forming ultrathin film nanoporous membranes. Polyethyleneoxide serves as the linear hydrophilic portion of the diblock copolymer. The hyperbranched dendrimeric block consists of polyamidoamine with functional end groups. Thin films of these materials made by spin casting and the Langmuir-Blodgett techniques are being studied. The effect of the polyethylene oxide block size and the number and chemical nature of the dendrimer end group on the nature and stability of the films formed willbe discussed.

Efficient preparation of large-block-code ancilla states for fault-tolerant quantum computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yi-Cong; Lai, Ching-Yi; Brun, Todd A.

2018-03-01

Fault-tolerant quantum computation (FTQC) schemes that use multiqubit large block codes can potentially reduce the resource overhead to a great extent. A major obstacle is the requirement for a large number of clean ancilla states of different types without correlated errors inside each block. These ancilla states are usually logical stabilizer states of the data-code blocks, which are generally difficult to prepare if the code size is large. Previously, we have proposed an ancilla distillation protocol for Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) codes by classical error-correcting codes. It was assumed that the quantum gates in the distillation circuit were perfect; however, in reality, noisy quantum gates may introduce correlated errors that are not treatable by the protocol. In this paper, we show that additional postselection by another classical error-detecting code can be applied to remove almost all correlated errors. Consequently, the revised protocol is fully fault tolerant and capable of preparing a large set of stabilizer states sufficient for FTQC using large block codes. At the same time, the yield rate can be boosted from O (t-2) to O (1 ) in practice for an [[n ,k ,d =2 t +1

Bonding and magnetic response properties of several toroid structures. Insights of the role of Ni2S2 as a building block from relativistic density functional theory calculations.

PubMed

Muñoz-Castro, Alvaro

2011-10-06

Relativistic density functional calculations were carried out on several nickel toroid mercaptides of the general formula [Ni(μ-SR)(2)](n), with the aim to characterize and analyze their stability and magnetic response properties, in order to gain more insights into their stabilization and size-dependent behavior. The Ni-ligand interaction has been studied by means projected density of states and energy decomposition analysis, which denotes its stabilizing character. The graphical representation of the response to an external magnetic field is applied for the very first time taking into account the spin-orbit term. This map allows one to clearly characterize the magnetic behavior inside and in the closeness of the toroid structure showing the prescence of paratropic ring currents inside the Ni(n) ring, and by contrast, diatropic currents confined in each Ni(2)S(2) motif denoting an aromatic behavior (in terms of magnetic criteria). The calculated data suggests that the Ni(2)S(2) moiety can be regarded as a stable constructing block, which can afford several toroid structures of different nuclearities in agreement with that reported in the experimental literature. In addition, the effects of the relativistic treatment over the magnetic response properties on these lighter compounds are denoted by comparing nonrelativistic, scalar relativistic, and scalar plus spin-orbit relativistic treatments, showing their acting, although nonpronunced, role.

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

Thomas, Carla S.; Xu, Liza; Olsen, Bradley D.

Blending the small molecule osmolytes glycerol and trehalose with the model globular protein–polymer block copolymer mCherry-b-poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (mCherry-b-PNIPAM) is demonstrated to improve protein functionality in self-assembled nanostructures. The incorporation of either additive into block copolymers results in functionality retention in the solid state of 80 and 100% for PNIPAM volume fractions of 40 and 55%, respectively. This represents a large improvement over the 50–60% functionality observed in the absence of any additive. Furthermore, glycerol decreases the thermal stability of block copolymer films by 15–20 °C, while trehalose results in an improvement in the thermal stability by 15–20 °C. These resultsmore » suggest that hydrogen bond replacement is responsible for the retention of protein function but suppression or enhancement of thermal motion based on the glass transition of the osmolyte primarily determines thermal stability. While both osmolytes are observed to have a disordering effect on the nanostructure morphology with increasing concentration, this effect is less pronounced in materials with a larger polymer volume fraction. Glycerol preferentially localizes in the protein domains and swells the nanostructures, inducing disordering or a change in morphology depending on the PNIPAM coil fraction. In contrast, trehalose is observed to macrophase separate from the block copolymer, which results in nanodomains becoming more disordered without changing significantly in size.« less

Thermal Degradation Studies of Polyurethane/POSS Nanohybrid Elastomers

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

Lewicki, J P; Pielichowski, K; TremblotDeLaCroix, P

2010-03-05

Reported here is the synthesis of a series of Polyurethane/POSS nanohybrid elastomers, the characterization of their thermal stability and degradation behavior at elevated temperatures using a combination of Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Thermal Volatilization Analysis (TVA). A series of PU elastomers systems have been formulated incorporating varying levels of 1,2-propanediol-heptaisobutyl-POSS (PHIPOSS) as a chain extender unit, replacing butane diol. The bulk thermal stability of the nanohybrid systems has been characterized using TGA. Results indicate that covalent incorporation of POSS into the PU elastomer network increase the non-oxidative thermal stability of the systems. TVA analysis of the thermal degradation ofmore » the POSS/PU hybrid elastomers have demonstrated that the hybrid systems are indeed more thermally stable when compared to the unmodified PU matrix; evolving significantly reduced levels of volatile degradation products and exhibiting a {approx}30 C increase in onset degradation temperature. Furthermore, characterization of the distribution of degradation products from both unmodified and hybrid systems indicate that the inclusion of POSS in the PU network is directly influencing the degradation pathways of both the soft and hard block components of the elastomers: The POSS/PU hybrid systems show reduced levels of CO, CO2, water and increased levels of THF as products of thermal degradation.« less

Macromolecular Colloids of Diblock Poly(amino acids) That Bind Insulin.

PubMed

Constancis; Meyrueix; Bryson; Huille; Grosselin; Gulik-Krzywicki; Soula

1999-09-15

The diblock polymer poly(l-leucine-block-l-glutamate), bLE, was synthesized by acid hydrolysis of the ester poly(l-leucine-block-l-methyl glutamate). During the hydrolysis reaction the leucine block precipitates from the reaction mixture, forming nanosized particulate structures. These particles can be purified and further suspended in water or in 0.15 M phosphate saline buffer (PBS) to give stable, colloidal dispersions. TEM analysis shows the predominant particle form to be that of platelets with a diameter of 200 nm. Smaller cylindrical or spherical particles form a relatively minor fraction of the sample. After fractionation, analysis shows the platelets to be compositionally rich in leucine, while the spheres are glutamate-rich. (1)H NMR, CD, and X-ray diffraction indicate that the core of the platelets is composed of crystalline, helical leucine segments. The poly(l-glutamate) polyelectrolyte brush extending out from the two faces of the disk stabilizes individual particles from flocculation. At pH 7.4, the nanoparticles (platelets and cylinders) spontaneously adsorb proteins, such as insulin, directly from solution. Partial desorption of the protein in its native configuration can be induced by simple dilution. The reversibility of the insulin-nanoparticle complex is the basis for a potential new delivery system. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

One-step formation of w/o/w multiple emulsions stabilized by single amphiphilic block copolymers.

PubMed

Hong, Liangzhi; Sun, Guanqing; Cai, Jinge; Ngai, To

2012-02-07

Multiple emulsions are complex polydispersed systems in which both oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion exists simultaneously. They are often prepared accroding to a two-step process and commonly stabilized using a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfactants. Recently, some reports have shown that multiple emulsions can also be produced through one-step method with simultaneous occurrence of catastrophic and transitional phase inversions. However, these reported multiple emulsions need surfactant blends and are usually described as transitory or temporary systems. Herein, we report a one-step phase inversion process to produce water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) multiple emulsions stabilized solely by a synthetic diblock copolymer. Unlike the use of small molecule surfactant combinations, block copolymer stabilized multiple emulsions are remarkably stable and show the ability to separately encapsulate both polar and nonpolar cargos. The importance of the conformation of the copolymer surfactant at the interfaces with regards to the stability of the multiple emulsions using the one-step method is discussed.

The second Lilly Prize Lecture, University of Newcastle, July 1977. beta-Adrenergic receptor blockade in hypertension, past, present and future.

PubMed Central

Prichard, B N

1978-01-01

All beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs that have been described share the common property of being competitive inhibitors. They differ in their associated properties, the presence or absence of cardioselectivity, membrane stabilizing activity, and partial agonist activity. Recently some beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs have been reported which also possess alpha-adrenoceptor blocking activity. The associated properties have been used as a basis for classifying beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs (Fitzgerald, 1969, 1972). The presence or absence of cardioselectivity is most useful for dividing beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs. The non-selective drugs (Division I) can be further divided according to the presence or absence of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) and membrane stabilizing activity (Fitzgerald's groups I-IV). Group I possess both membrane activity and ISA, e.g. alprenolol, oxprenolol, group II just membrane action, e.g. propanolol, group III ISA but no membrane action, e.g. pindolol. Fitzgerald placed pindolol in group I but should be placed in group III as it possesses a high degree of beta-adrenoceptor blocking potency in relation to its membrane activity (Prichard, 1974). Finally drugs in group IV have neither ISA nor membrane action, e.g. sotalol, timolol. The cardioselective drugs (Division II) can be similarly sub-divided into groups I-IV according to the presence or absence of ISA or membrane action (Fitzgerald grouped all these together as group V). Lastly there are new beta-adrenergic receptor blocking drugs which in addition have alpha- adrenergic receptor blocking properties (Division III). PMID:26370

Goddard high resolution spectrograph science verification and data analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The data analysis performed was to support the Orbital Verification (OV) and Science Verification (SV) of the GHRS was in the areas of the Digicon detector's performance and stability, wavelength calibration, and geomagnetic induced image motion. The results of the analyses are briefly described. Detailed results are given in the form of attachments. Specialized software was developed for the analyses. Calibration files were formatted according to the specifications in a Space Telescope Science report. IRAS images were restored of the Large Magellanic Cloud using a blocked iterative algorithm. The algorithm works with the raw data scans without regridding or interpolating the data on an equally spaced image grid.

Synchronization in networks with heterogeneous coupling delays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otto, Andreas; Radons, Günter; Bachrathy, Dániel; Orosz, Gábor

2018-01-01

Synchronization in networks of identical oscillators with heterogeneous coupling delays is studied. A decomposition of the network dynamics is obtained by block diagonalizing a newly introduced adjacency lag operator which contains the topology of the network as well as the corresponding coupling delays. This generalizes the master stability function approach, which was developed for homogenous delays. As a result the network dynamics can be analyzed by delay differential equations with distributed delay, where different delay distributions emerge for different network modes. Frequency domain methods are used for the stability analysis of synchronized equilibria and synchronized periodic orbits. As an example, the synchronization behavior in a system of delay-coupled Hodgkin-Huxley neurons is investigated. It is shown that the parameter regions where synchronized periodic spiking is unstable expand when increasing the delay heterogeneity.

Block copolymer stabilized nonaqueous biocompatible sub-micron emulsions for topical applications.

PubMed

Atanase, Leonard Ionut; Riess, Gérard

2013-05-20

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400/Miglyol 812 non-aqueous sub-micron emulsions were developed due to the fact that they are of interest for the design of drug-loaded biocompatible topical formulations. These types of emulsions were favourably stabilized by poly (2-vinylpyridine)-b-poly (butadiene) (P2VP-b-PBut) copolymer with DPBut>DP2VP, each of these sequences being well-adapted to the solubility parameters of PEG 400 and Miglyol 812, respectively. This type of block copolymers, which might limit the Ostwald ripening, appeared to be more efficient stabilizers than low molecular weight non-ionic surfactants. The emulsion characteristics, such as particle size, stability and viscosity at different shear rates were determined as a function of the phase ratio, the copolymer concentration and storage time. It was further shown that Acyclovir, as a model drug of low water solubility, could be incorporated into the PEG 400 dispersed phase, with no significant modification of the initial emulsion characteristics. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Durable vesicles for reconstitution of membrane proteins in biotechnology.

PubMed

Beales, Paul A; Khan, Sanobar; Muench, Stephen P; Jeuken, Lars J C

2017-02-08

The application of membrane proteins in biotechnology requires robust, durable reconstitution systems that enhance their stability and support their functionality in a range of working environments. Vesicular architectures are highly desirable to provide the compartmentalisation to utilise the functional transmembrane transport and signalling properties of membrane proteins. Proteoliposomes provide a native-like membrane environment to support membrane protein function, but can lack the required chemical and physical stability. Amphiphilic block copolymers can also self-assemble into polymersomes: tough vesicles with improved stability compared with liposomes. This review discusses the reconstitution of membrane proteins into polymersomes and the more recent development of hybrid vesicles, which blend the robust nature of block copolymers with the biofunctionality of lipids. These novel synthetic vesicles hold great promise for enabling membrane proteins within biotechnologies by supporting their enhanced in vitro performance and could also contribute to fundamental biochemical and biophysical research by improving the stability of membrane proteins that are challenging to work with. © 2017 The Author(s).

Correlation Between Bone Density and Instantaneous Torque at Implant Site Preparation: A Validation on Polyurethane Foam Blocks of a Device Assessing Density of Jawbones.

PubMed

Di Stefano, Danilo Alessio; Arosio, Paolo

2016-01-01

Bone density at implant placement sites is one of the key factors affecting implant primary stability, which is a determinant for implant osseointegration and rehabilitation success. Site-specific bone density assessment is, therefore, of paramount importance. Recently, an implant micromotor endowed with an instantaneous torque-measuring system has been introduced. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of this system. Five blocks with different densities (0.16, 0.26, 0.33, 0.49, and 0.65 g/cm(3)) were used. A single trained operator measured the density of one of them (0.33 g/cm(3)), by means of five different devices (20 measurements/device). The five resulting datasets were analyzed through the analysis of variance (ANOVA) model to investigate interdevice variability. As differences were not significant (P = .41), the five devices were each assigned to a different operator, who collected 20 density measurements for each block, both under irrigation (I) and without irrigation (NI). Measurements were pooled and averaged for each block, and their correlation with the actual block-density values was investigated using linear regression analysis. The possible effect of irrigation on density measurement was additionally assessed. Different devices provided reproducible, homogenous results. No significant interoperator variability was observed. Within the physiologic range of densities (> 0.30 g/cm(3)), the linear regression analysis showed a significant linear correlation between the mean torque measurements and the actual bone densities under both drilling conditions (r = 0.990 [I], r = 0.999 [NI]). Calibration lines were drawn under both conditions. Values collected under irrigation were lower than those collected without irrigation at all densities. The NI/I mean torque ratio was shown to decrease linearly with density (r = 0.998). The mean error introduced by the device-operator system was less than 10% in the range of normal jawbone density. Measurements performed with the device were linearly correlated with the blocks' bone densities. The results validate the device as an objective intraoperative tool for bone-density assessment that may contribute to proper jawbone-density evaluation and implant-insertion planning.

Mesofauna Influence on Humification Process of Vegetable Oddments with Participation Microarthropod

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simonov, Yuriy V.; Svetkina, Irina A.; Kryuchkov, Konstantin V.

2016-01-01

Relevance of the studied problem is caused by the fact that stability of natural ecosystems strongly depends on functioning of their destructive block which closes a biological circulation. The organisms that ensure functioning of the destructive block are very different and numerous. All of them partly supplement, partly duplicate functions of…

Mechanically Evoked Torque and Electromyographic Responses During Passive Elbow Extension in Upper Limb Tension Test Position

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

axis during passive elbow extension. A padded shoulder block was placed superior to the subject’s acromioclavicular joint to stabilize the shoulder...girdle position. A pressure sensor was used between the padded shoulder block and the acromioclavicular joint to monitor and standardize the pressure

Chain exchange in triblock copolymer micelles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jie; Lodge, Timothy; Bates, Frank

2015-03-01

Block polymer micelles offer a host of technological applications including drug delivery, viscosity modification, toughening of plastics, and colloidal stabilization. Molecular exchange between micelles directly influences the stability, structure and access to an equilibrium state in such systems and this property recently has been shown to be extraordinarily sensitive to the core block molecular weight in diblock copolymers. The dependence of micelle chain exchange dynamics on molecular architecture has not been reported. The present work conclusively addresses this issue using time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering (TR-SANS) applied to complimentary S-EP-S and EP-S-EP triblock copolymers dissolved in squalane, a selective solvent for the EP blocks, where S and EP refer to poly(styrene) and poly(ethylenepropylene), respectively. Following the overall SANS intensity as a function of time from judiciously deuterium labelled polymer and solvent mixtures directly probes the rate of molecular exchange. Remarkably, the two triblocks display exchange rates that differ by approximately ten orders of magnitude, even though the solvophobic S blocks are of comparable size. This discovery is considered in the context of a model that successfully explains S-EP diblock exchange dynamics.

Morphology and Surface Energy of a Si Containing Semifluorinated Di-block Copolymer Thin Films.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrestha, Umesh; Clarson, Stephen; Perahia, Dvora

2013-03-01

The structure and composition of an interface influence stability, adhesiveness and response to external stimuli of thin polymeric films. Incorporation of fluorine affects interfacial energy as well as thermal and chemical stability of the layers. The incompatibility between the fluorinated and non-fluorinated blocks induces segregation that leads to long range correlations where the tendency of the fluorine to migrate to interfaces impacts the surface tension of the films. Concurrently Si in a polymeric backbone enhances the flexibility of polymeric chains. Our previous studies of poly trifluoro propyl methyl siloxane-polystyrene thin films with SiF fraction 0.03-0.5 as a function of temperature have shown that the SiF block drives layering parallel to the surface of the diblock. Here in we report the structure and interfacial energies of SiF-PS in the plane of the films, as a function of the volume fraction of the SiF block obtained from Atomic Force microscopy and contact angle measurement studies. This work is supported by NSF DMR - 0907390

Synthesis of Photocrosslinkable and Amine Containing Multifunctional Nanoparticles via Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly.

PubMed

Huang, Jianbing; Li, Decai; Liang, Hui; Lu, Jiang

2017-08-01

Photo-crosslinkable and amine-containing block copolymer nanoparticles are synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization-induced self-assembly of a multifunctional core-forming monomer, 2-((3-(4-(diethylamino)phenyl)acryloyl)oxy)ethyl methacrylate (DEMA), using poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) macromolecular chain transfer agent as a steric stabilizer in methanol at 65 °C. By tuning the chain length of PDEMA, a range of nanoparticle morphologies (sphere, worm, and vesicle) can be obtained. Since cinnamate groups can easily undergo a [2 + 2] cycloaddition of the carbon-carbon double bonds upon UV irradiation, the as-prepared block copolymer nanoparticles are readily stabilized by photo-crosslinking to produce anisotropic nanoparticles. The crosslinked block copolymer nanoparticles can be used as templates for in situ formation polymer/gold hybrid nanoparticles. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Photostability and moisture uptake properties of wood veneers coated with a combination of thin sol-gel films and light stabilizers

Treesearch

Mandla A. Tshabalala; Ryan Libert; Christian M. Schaller

2011-01-01

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the use of inorganic UV blocking nanoparticles for photostabilization of wood surfaces. Photostability and moisture uptake properties of wood veneers coated with a combination of hybrid inorganic-organic thin sol-gel films and organic light stabilizers was investigated. The light stabilizers were applied by brushing...

NUCLEAR REACTORS

DOEpatents

Long, E.; Ashley, J.W.

1958-12-16

A graphite moderator structure is described for a gas-cooled nuclear reactor having a vertical orlentation wherein the structure is physically stable with regard to dlmensional changes due to Wigner growth properties of the graphite, and leakage of coolant gas along spaces in the structure is reduced. The structure is comprised of stacks of unlform right prismatic graphite blocks positioned in layers extending in the direction of the lengths of the blocks, the adjacent end faces of the blocks being separated by pairs of tiles. The blocks and tiles have central bores which are in alignment when assembled and are provided with cooperatlng keys and keyways for physical stability.

Structural design of ketal and acetal blocking groups in two-component chemically amplified positive DUV resists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mertesdorf, Carlo; Muenzel, Norbert; Holzwarth, Heinz E.; Falcigno, Pasquale A.; Schacht, Hans-Thomas; Rohde, Ottmar; Schulz, Reinhard; Slater, Sydney G.; Frey, David; Nalamasu, Omkaram; Timko, Allen G.; Neenan, Thomas X.

1995-06-01

In the present study, protecting groups of moderate stability, such as acetals and ketals, were investigated as pendant blocking groups in polyvinyl phenols. Polymers were obtained by reacting enol ethers with the phenolic side groups to form acetal or ketal blocked phenols. Decomposition temperatures, glass transition temperatures, and molecular weights of the resulting polymers were monitored and correlated with the protecting group structure. Stability of the protecting groups can be explained by protonation occurring at either of the two oxygen sites, making two cleavage routes possible. Secondary reactions of the released protecting groups in the resist film were investigated and discussed. The structure of the protecting group was designed in order to meet basic resist properties such as resolution/linearity, DOF, post exposure delay latitude and thermal stability. A Canon FPA 4500 (NA equals 0.37) and a GCA XLS exposure tool (NA equals 0.53) were used for the optimization process. A preoptimized resist formulation based on the above criteria exhibits 0.23 micrometers line/space resolution, 0.8 micrometers focus latitude at 0.25 micrometers resolution and approximately two hours post exposure delay latitude.

Rockfall trajectory modelling by the integration of Digital Terrestrial Photogrammetry, Laser Scanning and GIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francioni, Mirko; Salvini, Riccardo; Riccucci, Silvia; Guastaldi, Enrico; Ortolano, Fabrizio; Bonciani, Filippo; Callegari, Ivan; Fantozzi, Pierlorenzo

2010-05-01

The present paper describes the runout analysis of rocky unstable blocks on the slope, 500 m wide and 600 m high, overhanging the railroad line Domodossola - Iselle, Italy. In addition to the traditional geological, geomorphological and engineering-geological surveys, DTP (Digital Terrestrial Photogrammetry) by means of an helicopter was used to perform a detailed analysis of rocky blocks sited in inaccessible areas. In order to accomplish the analysis, DTP was combined with LS (Laser Scanning) to build the DDSM (Digital Dense Surface Model) of the slope. Aim of the work is the assessment of the rockfalls potentially dangerous for the railroad line, the assessment of the efficiency of existing protection measures and the prompt of mitigation strategies and monitoring. In order to collect the exact position and size of blocks and wedges, a digital interpretation of stereopairs coming from DTP has been carried out. The photointerpretation has been used to realize the land cover map (ex. outcropping rock, soil covered by vegetation) and to recognize the mitigation and protection measures already installed. Starting from blocks position the DDSM has allowed to determine the probable trajectories of rockfall along the slope. These have been calculated by means of a GIS procedure by the use of the ArcHydro module of EsriTM ArcMap assuming a correspondence between probable trajectories and flowdirection. The morphologic profile of rock falling paths has been obtained by the interpolation of 3D points coming from a properly procedure developed inside EsriTM Arcinfo Workstation environment integrated with the Easy Profiler tool of EsriTM ArcMap. The physical-mechanical characteristics of blocks, the morphologic profile, the land cover and the location of the protection barriers (classified according to the height - from 2 to 4 m - and to the preservation status), have been used as input data in RocFall2D (RoscienceTM) software to calculate the runout analysis. Local slope land cover has been managed by a statistical approach utilizing the coefficient of normal and tangential restitution; in this way probabilistic results about rockfall end point and kinetic energy along the falling path and on the barriers have been obtained. Considering the railroad line proximity, the analysis has shown the high probability to reach the train track for some unstable block. Some other ends their fall mainly in correspondence of vegetated and less steep areas; the remaining blocks are stopped by the existing protection measures. Results from this work have allowed the hazard zoning in respect to the railway; moreover, comparing them with results coming from the rock slope stability analysis, it has been possible to suggest the proper protection methods in different areas.

Calorimetric study on pH-responsive block copolymer grafted lipid bilayers: rational design and development of liposomes.

PubMed

Pippa, Natassa; Chountoulesi, Maria; Kyrili, Aimilia; Meristoudi, Anastasia; Pispas, Stergios; Demetzos, Costas

2016-09-01

This study is focused on chimeric advanced drug delivery nanosystems and specifically on pH-sensitive liposomes, combining lipids and pH-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers. Chimeric liposomes composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and two different forms of block copolymers, i.e. poly(n-butylacrylate)-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PnBA-b-PAA) at 70 and 85% content of PAA at six different molar ratios, each form respectively. PAA block exhibits pH-responsiveness, because of the regulative group of -COOH. -COOH is protonated under acidic pH (pKa ca. 4.2), while remains ionized under basic or neutral pH, leading to liposomes repulse and eventually stability. Lipid bilayers were prepared composed of DPPC and PnBA-b-PAA. Experiments were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in order to investigate their thermotropic properties. DSC indicated disappearance of pre-transition at all chimeric lipid bilayers and slight thermotropic changes of the main transition temperature. Chimeric liposomes have been prepared and their physicochemical characteristics have been explored by measuring the size, size distribution and ζ-potential, owned to the presence of pH-responsive polymer. At percentages containing medium to high amounts of the polymer, chimeric liposomes were found to retain their size during the stability studies. These results were well correlated with those indicated in the DSC measurements of lipid bilayers incorporating polymers in order to explain their physicochemical behavior. The incorporation of the appropriate amount of these novel pH-responsive block copolymers affects thus the cooperativity, the liposomal stabilization and imparts pH-responsiveness.

Aeromechanical stability of a hingeless rotor in hover and forward flight: Analysis and wind tunnel tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yeager, W. T., Jr.; Hamouda, M. N. H.; Mantay, W. R.

1983-01-01

A research effort of analysis and testing was conducted to investigate the ground resonance phenomenon of a soft in-plane hingeless rotor. Experimental data were obtained using a 9 ft. (2.74 m) diameter model rotor in hover and forward flight. Eight model rotor configurations were investigated. Configuration parameters included pitch flap coupling, blade sweep and droop, and precone of the blade feathering axis. An analysis based on a comprehensive analytical model of rotorcraft aerodynamics and dynamics was used. The moving block was used to experimentally determine the regressing lead lag mode damping. Good agreement was obtained between the analysis and test. Both analysis and experiment indicated ground resonance instability in hover. An outline of the analysis, a description of the experimental model and procedures, and comparison of the analytical and experimental data are presented.

Periodontal regenerative effect of a bovine hydroxyapatite/collagen block in one-wall intrabony defects in dogs: a histometric analysis

PubMed Central

Jung, Ui-Won; Lee, Jung-Seok; Park, Weon-Yeong; Cha, Jae-Kook; Hwang, Ji-Wan; Park, Jung-Chul; Kim, Chang-Sung; Cho, Kyoo-Sung; Chai, Jung-Kiu

2011-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of a bovine hydroxyapatite/collagen (BHC) block in one-wall intrabony periodontal defects in dogs. Methods A one-wall intrabony periodontal defect (4 mm wide and 5 mm deep) was prepared bilaterally at the mesial side of the mandibular fourth premolar in five beagle dogs. After thorough root planing, block-type BHC (4×5×5 mm) was placed on one side. The contralateral defect area did not receive any material as a sham-surgery control. Histological analysis of the sites was performed after an 8-week healing period. Results Two of five samples in the experimental group healed well without dissipation of the graft materials, and histological analysis revealed excellent regeneration of the periodontal tissues. However, most of the grafted materials had been displaced in the other three samples, leaving only a small portion of the graft. The measured parameters exhibited large standard deviations, and the mean values did not differ significantly between the experimental and sham-surgery control sides. Conclusions The application of BHC alone-without a barrier membrane-to wide, one-wall intrabony periodontal defects yielded inconsistent results regarding both periodontal regeneration and substantivity of the graft materials. Thus, the use of a barrier membrane for noncontained-type defects is recommended to improve the stability of the grafted material, and to condense it. PMID:22324006

Pore pressure control on faulting behavior in a block-gouge system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Z.; Juanes, R.

2016-12-01

Pore fluid pressure in a fault zone can be altered by natural processes (e.g., mineral dehydration and thermal pressurization) and industrial operations involving subsurface fluid injection/extraction for the development of energy and water resources. However, the effect of pore pressure change on the stability and slip motion of a preexisting geologic fault remain poorly understood; yet they are critical for the assessment of seismic risk. In this work, we develop a micromechanical model to investigate the effect of pore pressure on faulting behavior. The model couples pore network fluid flow and mechanics of the solid grains. We conceptualize the fault zone as a gouge layer sandwiched between two blocks; the block material is represented by a group of contact-bonded grains and the gouge is composed of unbonded grains. A pore network is extracted from the particulate pack of the block-gouge system with pore body volumes and pore throat conductivities calculated rigorously based on the geometry of the local pore space. Pore fluid exerts pressure force onto the grains, the motion of which is solved using the discrete element method (DEM). The model updates the pore network regularly in response to deformation of the solid matrix. We study the fault stability in the presence of a pressure inhomogeneity (gradient) across the gouge layer, and compare it with the case of homogeneous pore pressure. We consider both normal and thrust faulting scenarios with a focus on the onset of shear failure along the block-gouge interfaces. Numerical simulations show that the slip behavior is characterized by intermittent dynamics, which is evident in the number of slipping contacts at the block-gouge interfaces and the total kinetic energy of the gouge particles. Numerical results also show that, for the case of pressure inhomogeneity, the onset of slip occurs earlier for the side with higher pressure, and that this onset appears to be controlled by the maximum pressure of both sides of the fault. We conclude that the stability of the fault should be evaluated separately for both sides of the gouge layer, a result that sheds new light on the use of the effective stress principle and the Coulomb failure criterion in evaluating the stability of a complex fault zone.

Transport and retention of surfactant- and polymer-stabilized engineered silver nanoparticles in silicate-dominated aquifer material

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Packed column experiments were conducted to investigate the transport and blocking behavior of surfactant- and polymer-stabilized engineered silver nanoparticles (Ag-ENPs) in saturated natural aquifer material with varying silt and clay content, background solution chemistry, and flow velocity. Brea...

Peter and the Monolith: A Psychoanalytic Study of a Case of Writer's Block.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tingle, Nick

1998-01-01

Argues that: (1) the disturbing effects of writer's block the student experienced were the result of self-disintegration; (2) the student's cognitive powers were devoted to a defensive stabilization of the self; (3) the defining qualities of his writing were a product of his psychological configuration; and (4) his tendency toward narcissistic…

Are trinuclear superhalogens promising candidates for building blocks of novel magnetic materials? A theoretical prospect from combined broken-symmetry density functional theory and ab initio study.

PubMed

Yu, Yang; Li, Chen; Yin, Bing; Li, Jian-Li; Huang, Yuan-He; Wen, Zhen-Yi; Jiang, Zhen-Yi

2013-08-07

The structures, relative stabilities, vertical electron detachment energies, and magnetic properties of a series of trinuclear clusters are explored via combined broken-symmetry density functional theory and ab initio study. Several exchange-correlation functionals are utilized to investigate the effects of different halogen elements and central atoms on the properties of the clusters. These clusters are shown to possess stronger superhalogen properties than previously reported dinuclear superhalogens. The calculated exchange coupling constants indicate the antiferromagnetic coupling between the transition metal ions. Spin density analysis demonstrates the importance of spin delocalization in determining the strengths of various couplings. Spin frustration is shown to occur in some of the trinuclear superhalogens. The coexistence of strong superhalogen properties and spin frustration implies the possibility of trinuclear superhalogens working as the building block of new materials of novel magnetic properties.

Parallelization of implicit finite difference schemes in computational fluid dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decker, Naomi H.; Naik, Vijay K.; Nicoules, Michel

1990-01-01

Implicit finite difference schemes are often the preferred numerical schemes in computational fluid dynamics, requiring less stringent stability bounds than the explicit schemes. Each iteration in an implicit scheme involves global data dependencies in the form of second and higher order recurrences. Efficient parallel implementations of such iterative methods are considerably more difficult and non-intuitive. The parallelization of the implicit schemes that are used for solving the Euler and the thin layer Navier-Stokes equations and that require inversions of large linear systems in the form of block tri-diagonal and/or block penta-diagonal matrices is discussed. Three-dimensional cases are emphasized and schemes that minimize the total execution time are presented. Partitioning and scheduling schemes for alleviating the effects of the global data dependencies are described. An analysis of the communication and the computation aspects of these methods is presented. The effect of the boundary conditions on the parallel schemes is also discussed.

Factors affecting the stability of drug-loaded polymeric micelles and strategies for improvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Weisai; Li, Caibin; Wang, Zhiyu; Zhang, Wenli; Liu, Jianping

2016-09-01

Polymeric micelles (PMs) self-assembled by amphiphilic block copolymers have been used as promising nanocarriers for tumor-targeted delivery due to their favorable properties, such as excellent biocompatibility, prolonged circulation time, favorable particle sizes (10-100 nm) to utilize enhanced permeability and retention effect and the possibility for functionalization. However, PMs can be easily destroyed due to dilution of body fluid and the absorption of proteins in system circulation, which may induce drug leakage from these micelles before reaching the target sites and compromise the therapeutic effect. This paper reviewed the factors that influence stability of micelles in terms of thermodynamics and kinetics consist of the critical micelle concentration of block copolymers, glass transition temperature of hydrophobic segments and polymer-polymer and polymer-cargo interaction. In addition, some effective strategies to improve the stability of micelles were also summarized.

Influence of Screw Length and Bone Thickness on the Stability of Temporary Implants

PubMed Central

Fernandes, Daniel Jogaib; Elias, Carlos Nelson; Ruellas, Antônio Carlos de Oliveira

2015-01-01

The purpose of this work was to study the influence of screw length and bone thickness on the stability of temporary implants. A total of 96 self-drilling temporary screws with two different lengths were inserted into polyurethane blocks (n = 66), bovine femurs (n = 18) and rabbit tibia (n = 12) with different cortical thicknesses (1 to 8 mm). Screws insertion in polyurethane blocks was assisted by a universal testing machine, torque peaks were collected by a digital torquemeter and bone thickness was monitored by micro-CT. The results showed that the insertion torque was significantly increased with the thickness of cortical bone from polyurethane (p < 0.0001), bovine (p = 0.0035) and rabbit (p < 0.05) sources. Cancellous bone improved significantly the mechanical implant stability. Insertion torque and insertion strength was successfully moduled by equations, based on the cortical/cancellous bone behavior. Based on the results, insertion torque and bone strength can be estimate in order to prevent failure of the cortical layer during temporary screw placement. The stability provided by a cortical thickness of 2 or 1 mm coupled to cancellous bone was deemed sufficient for temporary implants stability. PMID:28793582

Potential geologic hazards and constraints for blocks in proposed North Atlantic OCS Oil and gas lease sale 52

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carpenter, G.B.; Cardinell, A.P.; Francois, D.K.; Good, L.K.; Lewis, R.L.; Stiles, N.T.

1982-01-01

Analysis of high-resolution geophysical data collected over 540 blocks tentatively selected for leasing in proposed OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 52 (Georges Bank) revealed a number of potential geologic hazards to oil and gas exploration and development activities: evidence of mass movements and shallow gas deposits on the continental slope. No potential hazards were observed on the continental shelf or rise. Other geology-related problems, termed constraints because they pose a relatively low degree of risk and can be routinely dealt with by the use of existing technology have been observed on the continental shelf. Constraints identified in the proposed sale area are erosion, sand waves, filled channels and deep faults. Piston cores were collected for geotechnical analysis at selected locations on the continental slope in the proposed lease sale area. The core locations were selected to provide information on slope stability and to establish the general geotechnical properties of the sediments. Preliminary results of a testing program suggest that the surficial sediment cover is stable with respect to mass movement.

Atomic layer deposition of ultrathin blocking layer for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell on nanoporous substrate

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

Yu, Wonjong; Cho, Gu Young; Noh, Seungtak

2015-01-15

An ultrathin yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) blocking layer deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was utilized for improving the performance and reliability of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) supported by an anodic aluminum oxide substrate. Physical vapor-deposited YSZ and gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) electrolyte layers were deposited by a sputtering method. The ultrathin ALD YSZ blocking layer was inserted between the YSZ and GDC sputtered layers. To investigate the effects of an inserted ultrathin ALD blocking layer, SOFCs with and without an ultrathin ALD blocking layer were electrochemically characterized. The open circuit voltage (1.14 V) of the ALD blocking-layered SOFC was visiblymore » higher than that (1.05 V) of the other cell. Furthermore, the ALD blocking layer augmented the power density and improved the reproducibility.« less

Accretionary history of the Archean Barberton Greenstone Belt (3.55-3.22 Ga), southern Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lowe, D. R.

1994-01-01

The 3.55-3.22 Ga Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa and Swaziland, and surrounding coeval plutons can be divided into four tectono-stratigraphic blocks that become younger toward the northwest. Each block formed through early mafic to ultramafic volcanism (Onverwacht Group), probably in oceanic extensional, island, or plateau settings. Volcanism was followed by magmatic quiescence and deposition of fine-grained sediments, possibly in an intraplate setting. Late evolution involved underplating of the mafic crust by tonalitic intrusions along a subduction-related magmatic arc, yielding a thickened, buoyant protocontinental block. The growth of larger continental domains occurred both through magmatic accretion, as new protocontinental blocks developed along the margins of older blocks, and when previously separate blocks were amalgamated through tectonic accretion. Evolution of the Barberton Belt may reflect an Early Archean plate tectonic cycle that characterized a world with few or no large, stabilized blocks of sialic crust.

Near-infrared (1550 nm) in vivo bioimaging based on rare-earth doped ceramic nanophosphors modified with PEG-b-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamimura, Masao; Kanayama, Naoki; Tokuzen, Kimikazu; Soga, Kohei; Nagasaki, Yukio

2011-09-01

A novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based block copolymer possessing a 4-vinylbenzylphosphonate repeating unit in another segment (PEG-block-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)) (PEG-b-PVBP) was designed and successfully synthesized. As a control, an end-functionalized PEG possessing a mono-phosphonate group (PEG-PO3H2) was also synthesized. The surface of near-infrared (NIR) phosphors (i.e., ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er) ion-codoped Y2O3 nanoparticles (YNPs)) were modified with PEG-b-PVBP (PEG-YNP(b)s) and PEG-PO3H2 (PEG-YNP(1)s). The adsorption of PEG-b-PVBP and PEG-PO3H2 was estimated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained YNP samples were analyzed by ζ-potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The ζ-potentials of YNPs modified by these polymers were close to zero, indicating the effective coverage of the YNP surface by our new PEG derivatives. However, the dispersion stability of the PEGylated YNPs was strongly affected by the structure of the PEG terminus. The average diameter of the PEG-YNP(1)s increased, and aggregates precipitated after less than 1 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). In contrast, the size did not change at all in the case of PEG-YNP(b)s and the dispersion in PBS was stable for over 1 week. PEG-YNP(b)s also showed high erosion resistance under acidic conditions. The multiple coordinated PVBP segment of the block copolymer on the YNP surface plays a substantial role in improving such dispersion stability. The excellent dispersion stability and strong NIR luminescence of the obtained PEG-YNP(b)s were also confirmed in fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution over 1 week. Furthermore, in vivo NIR imaging of live mice was performed, and the 1550 nm NIR emission of PEG-YNP(b)s from the organ of live mice was confirmed without dissection.A novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based block copolymer possessing a 4-vinylbenzylphosphonate repeating unit in another segment (PEG-block-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)) (PEG-b-PVBP) was designed and successfully synthesized. As a control, an end-functionalized PEG possessing a mono-phosphonate group (PEG-PO3H2) was also synthesized. The surface of near-infrared (NIR) phosphors (i.e., ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er) ion-codoped Y2O3 nanoparticles (YNPs)) were modified with PEG-b-PVBP (PEG-YNP(b)s) and PEG-PO3H2 (PEG-YNP(1)s). The adsorption of PEG-b-PVBP and PEG-PO3H2 was estimated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained YNP samples were analyzed by ζ-potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The ζ-potentials of YNPs modified by these polymers were close to zero, indicating the effective coverage of the YNP surface by our new PEG derivatives. However, the dispersion stability of the PEGylated YNPs was strongly affected by the structure of the PEG terminus. The average diameter of the PEG-YNP(1)s increased, and aggregates precipitated after less than 1 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). In contrast, the size did not change at all in the case of PEG-YNP(b)s and the dispersion in PBS was stable for over 1 week. PEG-YNP(b)s also showed high erosion resistance under acidic conditions. The multiple coordinated PVBP segment of the block copolymer on the YNP surface plays a substantial role in improving such dispersion stability. The excellent dispersion stability and strong NIR luminescence of the obtained PEG-YNP(b)s were also confirmed in fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution over 1 week. Furthermore, in vivo NIR imaging of live mice was performed, and the 1550 nm NIR emission of PEG-YNP(b)s from the organ of live mice was confirmed without dissection. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: 1H-NMR spectra of PEG-b-PCMS, PEG-b-PDEVBP and PEG-b-PVBP, 31P-NMR spectra of PEG-b-PDEVBP and PEG-b-PVBP, schematic representation of PEG-PO3H2 synthesis, 1H-NMR spectra of PEG-PO3Et2 and PEG-PO3H2, FT-IR spectra of YNP samples, PEG brush density on the YNP surface, and size distribution of YNP samples under acidic conditions are described. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10466g

Fluvial processes and local lithology controlling abundance, structure, and composition of mussel beds.

PubMed

Vannote, R L; Minshall, G W

1982-07-01

In the Salmon River Canyon, Idaho, the fresh-water pearl mussel, Margaritifera falcata, attains maximum density and age in river reaches where large block-boulders structurally stabilize cobbles and interstitial gravels. We hypothesize that block-boulders prevent significant bed scour during major floods, and these boulder-sheltered mussel beds, although rare, may be critical for population recruitment elsewhere within the river, especially after periodic flood scour of less protected mussel habitat. Mussel shells in Indian middens adjacent to these boulder-stabilized areas suggest that prehistoric tribes selectively exploited the high-density old-aged mussel beds. Locally, canyon reaches are aggrading with sand and gravel, and M. falcata is being replaced by Gonidea angulata.

NON-BLOCKING STABILIZED FEED BACK AMPLIFIER

DOEpatents

Fairstein, E.

1960-03-01

A plural stuge nonblocking degenerative feed-back amplifier was designed particularly suitable for counting circuits because of the stability and linearity in operation, characterized by the fact that the inltial stage employs a cathode coupled input circuit fed from a cathode follower and the final stage has a tline constant greater than those of the other stages.

Thermally stable, plastic-bonded explosives

DOEpatents

Benziger, Theodore M.

1979-01-01

By use of an appropriate thermoplastic rubber as the binder, the thermal stability and thermal stress characteristics of plastic-bonded explosives may be greatly improved. In particular, an HMX-based explosive composition using an oil-extended styrene-ethylenebutylene-styrene block copolymer as the binder exhibits high explosive energy and thermal stability and good handling safety and physical properties.

Contribution of plant lignin to the soil organic matter formation and stabilization

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Lignin is the third most abundant plant constituent after cellulose and hemicellulose and thought to be one of the building blocks for soil organic matter formation. Lignin can be used as a predictor for long-term soil organic matter stabilization and C sequestration. Soils and humic acids from fo...

Green remediation of contaminated sediment by stabilization/solidification with industrial by-products and CO2 utilization.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Chen, Liang; Tsang, Daniel C W; Li, Jiang-Shan; Yeung, Tiffany L Y; Ding, Shiming; Poon, Chi Sun

2018-08-01

Navigational dredging is an excavation of marine/freshwater sediment to maintain channels of sufficient depth for shipping safety. Due to historical inputs of anthropogenic contaminants, sediments are often contaminated by metals/metalloids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and other contaminants. Its disposal can present significant environmental and financial burdens. This study developed a novel and green remediation method for contaminated sediment using stabilization/solidification with calcium-rich/low-calcium industrial by-products and CO 2 utilization. The hydration products were evaluated by quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The incorporation of calcium carbide residue (CCR) facilitated hydration reaction and provided relatively high 7-d strength. In contrast, the addition of Class-F pulverized fly ash (PFA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) was beneficial to the 28-d strength development due to supplementary pozzolanic and hydration reactions. The employment of 1-d CO 2 curing was found to promote strength development (98%) and carbon sequestration (4.3wt%), while additional 7-d air curing facilitated cement rehydration and further carbonation in the sediment blocks. The leachability tests indicated that all studied binders, especially CCR binder, effectively immobilized contaminants in the sediments. The calcium-rich CCR and GGBS were regarded as promising candidates for augmenting the efficacy of CO 2 curing, whereas GGBS samples could be applicable as eco-paving blocks in view of their superior 28-d strength. This study presents a new and sustainable way to transform contaminated sediment into value-added materials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of residual bone thickness on primary stability of hybrid self-tapping and cylindric non-self-tapping implants in vitro.

PubMed

Divac, Marija; Stawarczyk, Bogna; Sahrmann, Philipp; Attin, Thomas; Schmidlin, Patrick R

2013-01-01

To assess the primary stability of a hybrid self-tapping implant and a cylindric non-self-tapping implant in an in vitro test model using polyurethane foam. Eighty standardized blocks of cellular rigid polyurethane foam, 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, with different thicknesses of 2, 4, 6, and 9 mm (n = 10 per group) were cut. Two implant systems--a hybrid self-tapping (Tapered Effect [TE], Straumann) and a cylindric non-self-tapping (Standard Plus [SP] Wide Neck, Straumann) were placed in the block specimens. Subsequently, resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed. The RFA measurements were made in triplicate on four aspects of each implant (mesial, distal, buccal, and oral), and the mean RFA value was calculated. Subsequently, the tensile load of the implants was determined by pull-out tests. The data were analyzed using one-way and two-way analysis of variance followed by a post hoc Scheffe test and a t test (α = .05). Additionally, the simple linear correlation between the RFA and tensile load values was evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found between TE and SP in terms of RFA at different bone thicknesses. Starting from a bone thickness of 4 mm, TE implants showed significantly higher tensile load compared to SP implants (P = .016 to .040). A correlation was found between the RFA measurements and tensile load. Mechanically stable placement is possible with TE and SP implants in a trabecular bone model. RFA and tensile load increased with greater bone thickness.

Sulfonated amphiphilic block copolymers : synthesis, self-assembly in water, and application as stabilizer in emulsion polymerization

Treesearch

Jiguang Zhang; Matthew R. Dubay; Carl J. Houtman; Steven J. Severtson

2009-01-01

Described is the synthesis of diblock copolymers generated via sequential atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) followed by chain augmentation with either sulfonated poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) or poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) blocks. ATRP of PHEMA or PHEA from PnBA macroinitiator was conducted in acetone/...

Direct Numerical Simulation of a Cavity-Stabilized Ethylene/Air Premixed Flame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jacqueline; Konduri, Aditya; Kolla, Hemanth; Rauch, Andreas; Chelliah, Harsha

2016-11-01

Cavity flame holders have been shown to be important for flame stabilization in scramjet combustors. In the present study the stabilization of a lean premixed ethylene/air flame in a rectangular cavity at thermo-chemical conditions relevant to scramjet combustors is simulated using a compressible reacting multi-block direct numerical simulation solver, S3D, incorporating a 22 species ethylene-air reduced chemical model. The fuel is premixed with air to an equivalence ratio of 0.4 and enters the computational domain at Mach numbers between 0.3 and 0.6. An auxiliary inert channel flow simulation is used to provide the turbulent velocity profile at the inlet for the reacting flow simulation. The detailed interaction between intense turbulence, nonequilibrium concentrations of radical species formed in the cavity and mixing with the premixed main stream under density variations due to heat release rate and compressibility effects is quantified. The mechanism for flame stabilization is quantified in terms of relevant non-dimensional parameters, and detailed analysis of the flame and turbulence structure will be presented. We acknowledge the sponsorship of the AFOSR-NSF Joint Effort on Turbulent Combustion Model Assumptions and the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences.

Revisit submergence of ice blocks in front of ice cover—an experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Wu, Yi-fan; Sui, Jueyi

2018-04-01

The present paper studies the stabilities of ice blocks in front of an ice cover based on experiments carried out in laboratory by using four types of ice blocks with different dimensions. The forces acting on the ice blocks in front of the ice cover are analyzed. The critical criteria for the entrainment of ice blocks in front of the ice cover are established by considering the drag force caused by the flowing water, the collision force, and the hydraulic pressure force. Formula for determining whether or not an ice block will be entrained under the ice cover is derived. All three dimensions of the ice block are considered in the proposed formula. The velocities calculated by using the developed formula are compared with those of calculated by other formulas proposed by other researchers, as well as the measured flow velocities for the entrainment of ice blocks in laboratory. The fitting values obtained by using the derived formula agree well with the experimental results.

The Tsaoling 1941 Landslide, New Insight of Numerical Simulation of Discrete Element Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, C.-L.; Hu, J.-C.; Lin, M.-L.

2009-04-01

Large earthquakes in the southeastern Taiwan are not rare in the historical catalogue. Tsaoling, located southeast of Taiwan, last five large landslides occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries. According to the literature about the Tsaoling landslide, we concluded four characteristics of the Tsaoling landslide, (1) repeated (2) multi-landslide surface, (3) huge landslide block, and (4) some people survived after sliding a long distance (>2 km). This is the reason why we want to understand the causes of the repeated landslides in Tsaoling and its mechanisms. However, there is not any record about the landslide in 1862 and the most of the landslide evidence disappeared. Hence, we aim at the landslide dynamics of the 1941 landslide in this study. Tsaoling area is located in a large dipping towards the south-southwest monocline. The dip of strata toward the SSW is similar to the both sides of the Chinshui River valley. The bedrock of the Tsaoling area is Pliocene in age and belongs to the upper Chinshui Shale and the lower Cholan Formation. The plane failure analysis and Newmark displacement method are common for slope stability in recent years. However, the plane failure analysis can only provide a safety factor. When the safe factor (FS) is less than 1, it can only indicate that the slope is unstable. The result of Newmark displacement method is a value of displacement length. Both assumptions of the analysis are based on a rigid body. For the large landslide, like the Tsaoling landslide, the volume of landslide masses are over 108 m3, and the landslide block cannot be considered a rigid body. We considered the block as a quasi-rigid body, because the blocks are deformable and jointed. The original version of Distinct Element Method (DEM) was devoted to the modeling of rock-block systems and it was lately applied to the modeling of granular material. The calculation cycle in PFC2D is a time-stepping algorithm that consists of the repeated application of the law of motion to each particle, a force-displacement law to each contact, and a constant updating of wall positions. The physical properties of the particles in the model can be traced in time dominant (i.e. velocity, displacement, force, and stress). During the simulating, we can get the variation of physical properties, so the inter-block change of displacement, force, and stress could be monitored. After the seismic shaking, the result of the PFC model can be divided into three portions, upper (thick), middle (transitional) and lower (thin). The shear displacements of the three parts on the sliding plane are not agreement. The displacement of the lower part block is large than the upper and middle part of the blocks. The shear displacement of middle part is between upper and lower part. During the shaking of the earthquake, the different parts in the block collide with each other, and the upper part of the block was hit back and stayed in origin position or slid a short distance, but the lower part of the block was hit down by the upper block. The collision pushed down a certain length to the lower part of the block. The shear length just lost the strength of the sliding plane and induced the landslide during the 1941 earthquake. The upper part of the block stayed on the slope but revealed unstable. Eight months later, the upper part of the block slid down was induced by a 700 mm downpour in three days.

A Self-Assembled Aggregate Composed of a Fatty Acid Membrane and the Building Blocks of Biological Polymers Provides a First Step in the Emergence of Protocells

PubMed Central

Black, Roy A.; Blosser, Matthew C.

2016-01-01

We propose that the first step in the origin of cellular life on Earth was the self-assembly of fatty acids with the building blocks of RNA and protein, resulting in a stable aggregate. This scheme provides explanations for the selection and concentration of the prebiotic components of cells; the stabilization and growth of early membranes; the catalysis of biopolymer synthesis; and the co-localization of membranes, RNA and protein. In this article, we review the evidence and rationale for the formation of the proposed aggregate: (i) the well-established phenomenon of self-assembly of fatty acids to form vesicles; (ii) our published evidence that nucleobases and sugars bind to and stabilize such vesicles; and (iii) the reasons why amino acids likely do so as well. We then explain how the conformational constraints and altered chemical environment due to binding of the components to the membrane could facilitate the formation of nucleosides, oligonucleotides and peptides. We conclude by discussing how the resulting oligomers, even if short and random, could have increased vesicle stability and growth more than their building blocks did, and how competition among these vesicles could have led to longer polymers with complex functions. PMID:27529283

Conformational Asymmetry and Quasicrystal Approximants in Linear Diblock Copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze, Morgan W.; Lewis, Ronald M.; Lettow, James H.; Hickey, Robert J.; Gillard, Timothy M.; Hillmyer, Marc A.; Bates, Frank S.

2017-05-01

Small angle x-ray scattering experiments on three model low molar mass diblock copolymer systems containing minority polylactide and majority hydrocarbon blocks demonstrate that conformational asymmetry stabilizes the Frank-Kasper σ phase. Differences in block flexibility compete with space filling at constant density inducing the formation of polyhedral shaped particles that assemble into this low symmetry ordered state with local tetrahedral coordination. These results confirm predictions from self-consistent field theory that establish the origins of symmetry breaking in the ordering of block polymer melts subjected to compositional and conformational asymmetry.

Stability of Molasse: TLS for structural analysis in the valley of Gotteron-Fribourg, Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben Hammouda, Mariam; Jaboyedoff, Michel; Derron, Marc Henri; Bouaziz, Samir; Mazotti, Benoit

2016-04-01

The marine molasses of Fribourg (Switzerland) is an area where the cliff collapses and rockfalls are quite frequent and difficult to predict due to this particular lithology, a poorly consolidated greywacke. Because of some recent rockfall events, the situation became critical especially in the valley of Gotteron where a big block has slightly moved down and might destroy a house in case of rupture. The cliff made of jointed sandstone and thin layers of clay and siltstone presents many fractures, joints and massive cross bedding surfaces which increases the possibility of slab failure. This paper presents a detailed structural analysis of the cliff and the identification of the potential failure mechanisms. The methodology is about combining field observation and terrestrial LiDAR scanning point cloud in order to assess the stability of potential slope instabilities of molasses. Three LiDAR scans were done i) to extract discontinuity families depending to the dip and the dip direction of joints and ii) to run kinematic tests in order to identify responsible sets for each potential failure mechanisms. Raw point clouds were processed using IMAlign module of Polyworks and CloudCompare software. The structural analysis based on COLTOP 3D (Jaboyedoff et al. 2007) allowed the identification of four discontinuity sets that were not measured in the field. Two different failure mechanisms have been identified as critical: i) planar sliding which is the main responsible mechanism of the present fallen block and ii) wedge sliding. The planar sliding is defined by the discontinuity sets J1 and J5 with a direction parallel to the slope and with a steep dip angle. The wedges, defined by couples of discontinuity sets, contribute to increase cracks' opening and to the detachment of slabs. The use of TLS combined with field survey provides us a first interpretation of instabilities and a very promising structural analysis.

Amphiphilic Polysaccharide Block Copolymers for pH-Responsive Micellar Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Breitenbach, Benjamin B; Schmid, Ira; Wich, Peter R

2017-09-11

A full polysaccharide amphiphilic block copolymer was prepared from end group-functionalized dextrans using copper-mediated azide-alkyne click chemistry. Sufficient modification of the reducing end in both blocks was achieved by microwave-enhanced reductive amination in a borate-buffer/methanol solvent system. The combination of a hydrophilic dextran block with a hydrophobic acetalated dextran block results in an amphiphilic structure that turns water-soluble upon acid treatment. The material has a low critical micelle concentration and self-assembles in water to spherical micellar nanoparticles. The formed nanoparticles have a narrow size distribution below 70 nm in diameter and disassemble in slightly acidic conditions. The amphiphilic polysaccharide system shows low toxicity and can stabilize the hydrophobic model drug curcumin in aqueous solutions over extended time periods.

Von Neumann stability analysis of globally divergence-free RKDG schemes for the induction equation using multidimensional Riemann solvers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balsara, Dinshaw S.; Käppeli, Roger

2017-05-01

In this paper we focus on the numerical solution of the induction equation using Runge-Kutta Discontinuous Galerkin (RKDG)-like schemes that are globally divergence-free. The induction equation plays a role in numerical MHD and other systems like it. It ensures that the magnetic field evolves in a divergence-free fashion; and that same property is shared by the numerical schemes presented here. The algorithms presented here are based on a novel DG-like method as it applies to the magnetic field components in the faces of a mesh. (I.e., this is not a conventional DG algorithm for conservation laws.) The other two novel building blocks of the method include divergence-free reconstruction of the magnetic field and multidimensional Riemann solvers; both of which have been developed in recent years by the first author. Since the method is linear, a von Neumann stability analysis is carried out in two-dimensions to understand its stability properties. The von Neumann stability analysis that we develop in this paper relies on transcribing from a modal to a nodal DG formulation in order to develop discrete evolutionary equations for the nodal values. These are then coupled to a suitable Runge-Kutta timestepping strategy so that one can analyze the stability of the entire scheme which is suitably high order in space and time. We show that our scheme permits CFL numbers that are comparable to those of traditional RKDG schemes. We also analyze the wave propagation characteristics of the method and show that with increasing order of accuracy the wave propagation becomes more isotropic and free of dissipation for a larger range of long wavelength modes. This makes a strong case for investing in higher order methods. We also use the von Neumann stability analysis to show that the divergence-free reconstruction and multidimensional Riemann solvers are essential algorithmic ingredients of a globally divergence-free RKDG-like scheme. Numerical accuracy analyses of the RKDG-like schemes are presented and compared with the accuracy of PNPM schemes. It is found that PNPM retrieve much of the accuracy of the RKDG-like schemes while permitting a larger CFL number.

Failure Analysis of Overhanging Blocks in the Walls of a Gas Storage Salt Cavern: A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tongtao; Yang, Chunhe; Li, Jianjun; Li, Jinlong; Shi, Xilin; Ma, Hongling

2017-01-01

Most of the rock salt of China is bedded, in which non-salt layers and rock salt layers alternate. Due to the poor solubility of the non-salt layers, many blocks overhang on the walls of the caverns used for gas storage, constructed by water leaching. These overhanging blocks may collapse at any time, which may damage the tubing and casing string, and even cause instability of the cavern. They are one of the main factors threatening the safety of caverns excavated in bedded rock salt formations. In this paper, a geomechanical model of the JJKK-D salt cavern, located in Jintan salt district, Jintan city, Jiangsu province, China, is established to evaluate the stability of the overhanging blocks on its walls. The characters of the target formation, property parameters of the rock mass, and actual working conditions are considered in the geomechanical model. An index system composed of stress, displacement, plastic zone, safety factor, and equivalent strain is used to predict the collapse length of the overhanging blocks, the moment the collapse will take place, and the main factors causing the collapse. The sonar survey data of the JJKK-D salt cavern are used to verify the reliability and accuracy of the proposed geomechanical model. The results show that the proposed geomechanical model has a good reliability and accuracy, and can be used for the collapse prediction of the overhanging blocks on the wall of the JJKK-D salt cavern. The collapse length of the overhanging block is about 8 m. We conclude that the collapse takes place during the debrining. The reason behind the collapse is the sudden decrease of the fluid density, leading to the increase of the self-weight of the overhanging blocks. This study provides a basis for the collapse prediction method of the overhanging blocks of Jintan salt cavern gas storage, and can also serve as a reference for salt cavern gas storage with similar conditions to deal with overhanging blocks.

Method for solidification of radioactive and other hazardous waste

DOEpatents

Anshits, Alexander G.; Vereshchagina, Tatiana A.; Voskresenskaya, Elena N.; Kostin, Eduard M.; Pavlov, Vyacheslav F.; Revenko, Yurii A.; Tretyakov, Alexander A.; Sharonova, Olga M.; Aloy, Albert S.; Sapozhnikova, Natalia V.; Knecht, Dieter A.; Tranter, Troy J.; Macheret, Yevgeny

2002-01-01

Solidification of liquid radioactive waste, and other hazardous wastes, is accomplished by the method of the invention by incorporating the waste into a porous glass crystalline molded block. The porous block is first loaded with the liquid waste and then dehydrated and exposed to thermal treatment at 50-1,000.degree. C. The porous glass crystalline molded block consists of glass crystalline hollow microspheres separated from fly ash (cenospheres), resulting from incineration of fossil plant coals. In a preferred embodiment, the porous glass crystalline blocks are formed from perforated cenospheres of grain size -400+50, wherein the selected cenospheres are consolidated into the porous molded block with a binder, such as liquid silicate glass. The porous blocks are then subjected to repeated cycles of saturating with liquid waste, and drying, and after the last cycle the blocks are subjected to calcination to transform the dried salts to more stable oxides. Radioactive liquid waste can be further stabilized in the porous blocks by coating the internal surface of the block with metal oxides prior to adding the liquid waste, and by coating the outside of the block with a low-melting glass or a ceramic after the waste is loaded into the block.

Histomorphometric analysis after maxillary sinus floor augmentation using cancellous bone-block allograft.

PubMed

Chaushu, Gavriel; Vered, Marilena; Mardinger, Ofer; Nissan, Joseph

2010-08-01

Cancellous bone-block allografts may contribute to improved initial implant stability during sinus augmentation in cases with posterior atrophic maxillary ridge height < or =4 mm. The present study histologically and histomorphometrically evaluates the application of cancellous bone-block allografts for maxillary sinus-floor augmentation. Thirty-one consecutive patients, 16 females and 15 males (age range, 25 to 65 years; mean age: 54 +/- 9 years) underwent sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant placement with cancellous bone-block allografts. After 9 months, a second-stage surgery was performed. The previous window location was determined. A cylindrical sample core was collected. All specimens were prepared for histologic and histomorphometric examinations. Seventy-two of 76 implants were clinically osseointegrated (94.7%). All patients received a fixed implant-supported prosthesis. The mean t values of newly formed bone, residual cancellous bone-block allograft, marrow and connective tissue were 26.1% +/- 15% (range: 10% to 58%); 24.7% +/- 19.4% (range: 0.6% to 71%), and 49.2% +/- 20.4% (range: 14.9% to 78.9%), respectively. No statistically significant histomorphometric differences regarding newly formed bone were found between genders (27.02% in males versus 25.68% in females; P = 0.446), ages (29.82% in subjects < or =40 years old versus 24.43% in subjects >40 years old; P = 0.293), presence of membrane perforations (25.5% in non-perforated sinuses versus 27.3% in perforated sinuses; P = 0.427), and residual alveolar bone height (25.85% for residual alveolar bone height <2 mm versus 26.48% for residual alveolar bone height of 2 to 4 mm; P = 0.473). The cancellous bone-block allograft is biocompatible and osteoconductive and permits new bone formation in sinus augmentations with simultaneous implant-placement procedures in extremely atrophic posterior maxillae.

Two-layer-atmospheric blocking in a medium with high nonlinearity and lateral dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osman, M. S.; Abdel-Gawad, H. I.; El Mahdy, M. A.

2018-03-01

Herein, the extended coupled Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation (CKPE) with lateral dispersion is investigated for studying the atmospheric blocking in two layers. A variety of new types of polynomial solutions for the CKPE is obtained using the unified method. Furthermore, we use the Hamiltonian systems with two degrees of freedom to discuss the stability of the obtained solutions through the bifurcation diagrams.

Near-infrared (1550 nm) in vivo bioimaging based on rare-earth doped ceramic nanophosphors modified with PEG-b-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate).

PubMed

Kamimura, Masao; Kanayama, Naoki; Tokuzen, Kimikazu; Soga, Kohei; Nagasaki, Yukio

2011-09-01

A novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based block copolymer possessing a 4-vinylbenzylphosphonate repeating unit in another segment (PEG-block-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)) (PEG-b-PVBP) was designed and successfully synthesized. As a control, an end-functionalized PEG possessing a mono-phosphonate group (PEG-PO(3)H(2)) was also synthesized. The surface of near-infrared (NIR) phosphors (i.e., ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er) ion-codoped Y(2)O(3) nanoparticles (YNPs)) were modified with PEG-b-PVBP (PEG-YNP(b)s) and PEG-PO(3)H(2) (PEG-YNP(1)s). The adsorption of PEG-b-PVBP and PEG-PO(3)H(2) was estimated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained YNP samples were analyzed by ζ-potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The ζ-potentials of YNPs modified by these polymers were close to zero, indicating the effective coverage of the YNP surface by our new PEG derivatives. However, the dispersion stability of the PEGylated YNPs was strongly affected by the structure of the PEG terminus. The average diameter of the PEG-YNP(1)s increased, and aggregates precipitated after less than 1 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). In contrast, the size did not change at all in the case of PEG-YNP(b)s and the dispersion in PBS was stable for over 1 week. PEG-YNP(b)s also showed high erosion resistance under acidic conditions. The multiple coordinated PVBP segment of the block copolymer on the YNP surface plays a substantial role in improving such dispersion stability. The excellent dispersion stability and strong NIR luminescence of the obtained PEG-YNP(b)s were also confirmed in fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution over 1 week. Furthermore, in vivo NIR imaging of live mice was performed, and the 1550 nm NIR emission of PEG-YNP(b)s from the organ of live mice was confirmed without dissection.

Phytostabilization of a landfill containing coal combustion waste.

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

Barton, Christopher; Marx, Donald; Adriano, Domy

2005-12-01

The establishment of a vegetative cover to enhance evapotranspiration and control runoff and drainage was examined as a method for stabilizing a landfill containing coal combustion waste. Suitable plant species and pretreatment techniques in the form of amendments, tilling, and chemical stabilization were evaluated. A randomized plot design consisting of three subsurface treatments (blocks) and five surface amendments (treatments) was implemented. The three blocks included (1) ripping and compost amended, (2) ripping only, and (3) control. Surface treatments included (1) topsoil, (2) fly ash, (3) compost, (4) apatite, and (5) control. Inoculated loblolly (Pinus taeda) and Virginia (Pinus virginiana) pinemore » trees were planted on each plot. After three growing seasons, certain treatments were shown to be favorable for the establishment of vegetation on the basin. Seedlings located on block A developed a rooting system that penetrated into the basin media without significant adverse effects to the plant. However, seedlings on blocks B and C displayed poor rooting conditions and high mortality, regardless of surface treatment. Pore-water samples from lysimeters in block C were characterized by high acidity, Fe, Mn, Al, sulfate, and traceelement concentrations. Water-quality characteristics of the topsoil plots in block A, however, conformed to regulatory protocols. A decrease in soil-moisture content was observed in the rooting zone of plots that were successfully revegetated, which suggests that the trees, in combination with the surface treatments, influenced the water balance by facilitating water loss through transpiration and thereby reducing the likelihood of unwanted surface runoff and/or drainage effluent.« less

Comparison of dental implant stabilities by impact response and resonance frequencies using artificial bone.

PubMed

Kim, Dae-Seung; Lee, Woo-Jin; Choi, Soon-Chul; Lee, Sam-Sun; Heo, Min-Suk; Huh, Kyung-Hoe; Kim, Tae-Il; Yi, Won-Jin

2014-06-01

We compared implant stability as determined by the peak frequency from the impact response with the implant stability quotient (ISQ) by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) in various artificial bone conditions. The clinical bone conditions were simulated using an artificial bone material with different cortical thicknesses and trabecular densities. The artificial bone material was solid, rigid polyurethane. The polyurethane foam of 0.8g/cm(3) density was used for the cortical bone layer, and that of 0.08, 0.16, 0.24, 0.32, and 0.48g/cm(3) densities for the trabecular bone layer. The cortical bone material of 4 different thicknesses (1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0mm) was attached to the trabecular bone with varying density. Two types of dental implants (10 and 13mm lengths of 4.0mm diameter) were placed into the artificial bone blocks. An inductive sensor was used to measure the vibration caused by tapping the adapter-implant assembly. The peak frequency of the power spectrum of the impact response was used as the criterion for implant stability. The ISQ value was also measured for the same conditions. The stability, as measured by peak frequency (SPF) and ISQ value, increased as the trabecular density and the cortical density increased in linear regression analysis. The SPF and ISQ values were highly correlated with each other when the trabecular bone density and cortical bone thickness changed (Pearson correlation=0.90, p<0.01). The linear regression of the SPF with the cortical bone thickness showed higher goodness of fit (R(2) measure) than the ISQ value with the cortical bone thickness. The SPF could differentiate implantation conditions as many as the ISQ value when the trabecular bone density and the cortical density changed. However, the ISQ value was not consistent with the general stability tendency in some conditions. The SPF showed better consistency and differentiability with implant stability than the ISQ value by resonance frequency analysis in the various implantation conditions. Copyright © 2013 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase Behavior of a Single Structured Ionomer Chain in Solution

DOE PAGES

Aryal, Dipak; Etampawala, Thusitha; Perahia, Dvora; ...

2014-08-14

Structured polymers offer a means to tailor transport pathways within mechanically stable manifolds. Here we examine the building block of such a membrane, namely a single large pentablock co-polymer that consist of a center block of a randomly sulfonated polystyrene, designed for transport, tethered to poly-ethylene-r-propylene and end-capped by poly-t-butyl styrene, for mechanical stability,using molecular dynamics simulations. The polymer structure in a cyclohexane-heptane mixture, a technologically viable solvent, and in water, a poor solvent for all segments and a ubiquitous substance is extracted. In all solvents the pentablock collapsed into nearly spherical aggregates where the ionic block is segregated. Inmore » hydrophobic solvents, the ionic block resides in the center, surrounded by swollen intermix of flexible and end blocks. In water all blocks are collapsed with the sulfonated block residing on the surface. Our results demonstrate that solvents drive different local nano-segregation, providing a gateway to assemble membranes with controlled topology.« less

Tellurite‐Squarate Driven Assembly of a New Family of Nanoscale Clusters Based on (Mo2O2S2)2+

PubMed Central

Purcell, Jamie W.; Miras, Haralampos N.; Long, De‐Liang; Markopoulou, Panagiota

2017-01-01

Abstract The preparation and characterization of a new family of four polyoxothiometalate (POTM) clusters are reported, with varying size and complexity, based upon the dimeric [Mo2O2S2(H2O)6]2+ cation with the general formula (NMe4)aKb[(Mo2O2S2)c(TeO4)d(C4O4)e(OH)f] where a,b,c,d,e,f={1,7,14,2,4,10}=1, {Mo28Te2}; {2,26,36,12,10,48}=2, {Mo72Te12}; {0,11,15,3,3,21}=3, {Mo30Te3}; {2,6,12,2,4,16}=4, {Mo24Te2}. The incorporation of tellurite anions allowed the fine tuning of the templating and bridging of the available building blocks, leading to new topologies of increased complexity. The structural diversity of this family of compounds ranges from the highly symmetrical cross‐shaped {Mo24Te2} to the stacked ring structure of {Mo72Te12}, which is the largest tellurium‐containing POTM cluster reported so far. Also a detailed experimental analysis revealed that the pH isolation window extends from acidic to basic values. ESI‐MS analyses not only confirmed the stability of this family in solution but also revealed the stability of the observed virtual building blocks. PMID:28548217

Stable statistical representations facilitate visual search.

PubMed

Corbett, Jennifer E; Melcher, David

2014-10-01

Observers represent the average properties of object ensembles even when they cannot identify individual elements. To investigate the functional role of ensemble statistics, we examined how modulating statistical stability affects visual search. We varied the mean and/or individual sizes of an array of Gabor patches while observers searched for a tilted target. In "stable" blocks, the mean and/or local sizes of the Gabors were constant over successive displays, whereas in "unstable" baseline blocks they changed from trial to trial. Although there was no relationship between the context and the spatial location of the target, observers found targets faster (as indexed by faster correct responses and fewer saccades) as the global mean size became stable over several displays. Building statistical stability also facilitated scanning the scene, as measured by larger saccadic amplitudes, faster saccadic reaction times, and shorter fixation durations. These findings suggest a central role for peripheral visual information, creating context to free resources for detailed processing of salient targets and maintaining the illusion of visual stability.

Validation of an in situ solidification/stabilization technique for hazardous barium and cyanide waste for safe disposal into a secured landfill.

PubMed

Vaidya, Rucha; Kodam, Kisan; Ghole, Vikram; Surya Mohan Rao, K

2010-09-01

The aim of the present study was to devise and validate an appropriate treatment process for disposal of hazardous barium and cyanide waste into a landfill at a Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage Disposal Facility (CHWTSDF). The waste was generated during the process of hardening of steel components and contains cyanide (reactive) and barium (toxic) as major contaminants. In the present study chemical fixation of the contaminants was carried out. The cyanide was treated by alkali chlorination with calcium hypochlorite and barium by precipitation with sodium sulfate as barium sulfate. The pretreated mixture was then solidified and stabilized by binding with a combination of slag cement, ordinary Portland cement and fly ash, molded into blocks (5 x 5 x 5 cm) and cured for a period of 3, 7 and 28 days. The final experiments were conducted with 18 recipe mixtures of waste + additive:binder (W:B) ratios. The W:B ratios were taken as 80:20, 70:30 and 50:50. The optimum proportions of additives and binders were finalized on the basis of the criteria of unconfined compressive strength and leachability. The leachability studies were conducted using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure. The blocks were analyzed for various physical and leachable chemical parameters at the end of each curing period. Based on the results of the analysis, two recipe mixtures, with compositions - 50% of [waste + (120 g Ca(OCl)(2) + 290 g Na(2)SO(4)) kg(-1) of waste] + 50% of binders, were validated for in situ stabilization into a secured landfill of CHWTSDF. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonochemically conjugated metalloid/triblock copolymer nanocomposite and subsequent thin solid laminate growth for surface and interface studies.

PubMed

Veerapandian, Murugan; Yun, KyuSik

2010-09-07

Polymer and metalloid nanoparticles can be conjugated in a symphonized manner using ultrasonochemical force to obtain hybrid nanocomposites. The process is demonstrated using polymer poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), metalloid SiO(2)@Ag, and triblock copolymer ABA. The acoustic microstreaming and cavitation force from the ultrasonics are crucial parameters that determine the harmonized PEG stabilization and ABA blending of the metalloid nanocomposites that are obtained. Surface plasmon resonance in the resulting hybrid systems are examined by UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy. The resulting PEG-stabilized SiO(2)-Ag conjugated with a triblock copolymer poly(p-dioxanone-co-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(p-dioxanone-co-caprolactone) (PPDO-co-PCL-b-PEG-b-PPDO-co-PCL/ABA) (PEG-SiO(2)@Ag/ABA) shows a red shift of 20 nm (410 nm) from its initial resonance at 390 nm (PEG-SiO(2)@Ag). Nanocomposite particles were then spin-coated on a glass substrate to obtain the growth of thin solid laminates (thickness 27 microm). Structural functionality was studied by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, and FT-Raman spectroscopy. Morphological properties were ensured from FE-SEM, HRTEM, AFM, and FIB-SEM. Identity and crystallinity of the prepared nanocomposite were confirmed by XRD analysis. A very low weight percentile loss of the fabricated nanocomposites ensures its high thermal stability. Fabricated nanocomposite laminate might have a role in coating, reinforcement, and resistance and as substrate additives for a variety of surface and interface studies. Further, the ultrasonochemical approach utilized here could also be a smart system to fabricate other heteronanostructures in a single platform.

Classical workflow nets and workflow nets with reset arcs: using Lyapunov stability for soundness verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clempner, Julio B.

2017-01-01

This paper presents a novel analytical method for soundness verification of workflow nets and reset workflow nets, using the well-known stability results of Lyapunov for Petri nets. We also prove that the soundness property is decidable for workflow nets and reset workflow nets. In addition, we provide evidence of several outcomes related with properties such as boundedness, liveness, reversibility and blocking using stability. Our approach is validated theoretically and by a numerical example related to traffic signal-control synchronisation.

Sustainable regional development and natural hazard impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrova, Elena; Svetlosanov, Vladimir; Kudin, Valery

2016-04-01

During the last decades, natural hazard impacts on social and economic development in many countries were increasing due to the expansion of human activities into the areas prone to natural risks as well as to increasing in number and severity of natural hazardous events caused by climate changes and other natural phenomena. The escalation of severe disasters (such as Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan 2011) triggered by natural hazards and related natural-technological and environmental events is increasingly threatening sustainable development at different levels from regional to global scale. In our study, we develop a model of ecological, economic and social sustainable development for the European part of Russia and the Republic of Belarus. The model consists of six blocks including 1) population, 2) environment, 3) mineral resources, 4) geographic space, 5) investments, and 6) food production and import. These blocks were created based on the analysis of the main processes at the regional level; all the blocks are closely interrelated between each other. Reaching the limit values of block parameters corresponds to a sharp deterioration of the system; as a result, the system can lose its stability. Aggravation of natural and natural-technological risk impacts on each block and should be taken into account in the model of regional development. Natural hazards can cause both strong influences and small but permanent perturbations. In both cases, a system can become unstable. The criterion for sustainable development is proposed. The Russian Foundation for Humanities and Belorussian Republican Foundation for Fundamental Research supported the study (project 15-22-01008).

Modernization of Koesters interferometer and high accuracy calibration gauge blocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

França, R. S.; Silva, I. L. M.; Couceiro, I. B.; Torres, M. A. C.; Bessa, M. S.; Costa, P. A.; Oliveira, W., Jr.; Grieneisen, H. P. H.

2016-07-01

The Optical Metrology Division (Diopt) of Inmetro is responsible for maintaining the national reference of the length unit according to International System of Units (SI) definitions. The length unit is realized by interferometric techniques and is disseminated to the dimensional community through calibrations of gauge blocks. Calibration of large gauge blocks from 100 mm to 1000 mm has been performed by Diopt with a Koesters interferometer with reference to spectral lines of a krypton discharge lamp. Replacement of this lamp by frequency stabilized lasers, traceable now to the time and frequency scale, is described and the first results are reported.

Mechanistic Basis for Biological Polymer Stability, Electron Transfer and Molecular Sensing in Extreme Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-02

electrically driven CO2 fixation. Many different types of extremophiles are known that are robust and resistant to heat or DISTRIBUTION A: Distribution...Metabolic and photosynthetic consequences of blocking starch biosynthesis in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii sta6 mutant. Plant Journal 81...photosynthetic consequences of blocking starch biosynthesis in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii sta6 mutant. Plant Journal 81, 947-960

Structure and Dynamics of Ionic Block Copolymer Melts: Computational Study

DOE PAGES

Aryal, Dipak; Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora; ...

2017-09-06

Structure and dynamics of melts of copolymers with an ABCBA topology, where C is an ionizable block, have been studied by fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Introducing an ionizable block for functionality adds a significant element to the coupled set of interactions that determine the structure and dynamics of the macromolecule. The polymer consists of a randomly sulfonated polystyrene C block tethered to a flexible poly(ethylene-r-propylene) bridge B and end-capped with poly(tert-butylstyrene) A. The chemical structure and topology of these polymers constitute a model for incorporation of ionic blocks within a framework that provides tactility and mechanical stability. Heremore » in this paper we resolve the structure and dynamics of a structured polymer on the nanoscale constrained by ionic clusters. We find that the melts form intertwined networks of the A and C blocks independent of the degree of sulfonation of the C block with no long-range order. The cluster cohesiveness and morphology affect both macroscopic translational motion and segmental dynamics of all the blocks.« less

Structure and Dynamics of Ionic Block Copolymer Melts: Computational Study

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

Aryal, Dipak; Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora

Structure and dynamics of melts of copolymers with an ABCBA topology, where C is an ionizable block, have been studied by fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Introducing an ionizable block for functionality adds a significant element to the coupled set of interactions that determine the structure and dynamics of the macromolecule. The polymer consists of a randomly sulfonated polystyrene C block tethered to a flexible poly(ethylene-r-propylene) bridge B and end-capped with poly(tert-butylstyrene) A. The chemical structure and topology of these polymers constitute a model for incorporation of ionic blocks within a framework that provides tactility and mechanical stability. Heremore » in this paper we resolve the structure and dynamics of a structured polymer on the nanoscale constrained by ionic clusters. We find that the melts form intertwined networks of the A and C blocks independent of the degree of sulfonation of the C block with no long-range order. The cluster cohesiveness and morphology affect both macroscopic translational motion and segmental dynamics of all the blocks.« less

Laccase-Catalyzed Synthesis of Low-Molecular-Weight Lignin-Like Oligomers and their Application as UV-Blocking Materials.

PubMed

Lim, Jieyan; Sana, Barindra; Krishnan, Ranganathan; Seayad, Jayasree; Ghadessy, Farid J; Jana, Satyasankar; Ramalingam, Balamurugan

2018-02-02

The laccase-catalyzed oxidative polymerization of monomeric and dimeric lignin model compounds was carried out with oxygen as the oxidant in aqueous medium. The oligomers were characterized by using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. Oxidative polymerization led to the formation of oligomeric species with a number-average molecular weight (M n ) that ranged from 700 to 2300 Da with a low polydispersity index. Spectroscopic analysis provided insight into the possible modes of linkages present in the oligomers, and the oligomerization is likely to proceed through the formation of C-C linkages between phenolic aromatic rings. The oligomers were found to show good UV light absorption characteristics with high molar extinction coefficient (5000-38 000 m -1  cm -1 ) in the UV spectral region. The oligomers were blended independently with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by using solution blending to evaluate the compatibility and UV protection ability of the oligomers. The UV/Vis transmittance spectra of the oligomer-embedded PVC films indicated that these lignin-like oligomers possessed a notable ability to block UV light. In particular, oligomers obtained from vanillyl alcohol and the dimeric lignin model were found to show good photostability in accelerated UV weathering experiments. The UV-blocking characteristics and photostability were finally compared with the commercial low-molecular-weight UV stabilizer 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Sub-5 nm Domains in Ordered Poly(cyclohexylethylene)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) Block Polymers for Lithography.

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

Kennemur, Justin; Yao, Li; Bates, Frank Stephen

2014-01-01

A series of poly(cyclohexylethylene)-block-poly- (methyl methacrylate) (PCHE PMMA) diblock copolymers with varying molar mass (4.9 kg/mol Mn 30.6 kg/mol) and narrow molar mass distribution were synthesized through a combination of anionic and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques. Heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of -(hydroxy)polystyrene (PS-OH) yielded -(hydroxy)poly(cyclohexylethylene) (PCHEOH) with little loss of hydroxyl functionality. PCHE-OH was reacted with -bromoisobutyryl bromide (BiBB) to produce an ATRP macroinitiator used for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. PCHE PMMA is a glassy, thermally stable material with a large effective segment segment interaction parameter, eff = (144.4 6.2)/T (0.162 0.013), determined by meanfield analysis of order-to-disordermore » transition temperatures (TODT) measured by dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Ordered lamellar domain pitches (9 D 33 nm) were identified by small-angle X-ray scattering from neat BCPs containing 43 52 vol % PCHE ( f PCHE). Atomic force microscopy was used to show 7.5 nm lamellar features (D = 14.8 nm) which are some of the smallest observed to date. The lowest molar mass sample (Mn = 4.9 kg/mol, f PCHE = 0.46) is characterized by TODT = 173 3 C and sub-5 nm nanodomains, which together with the sacrificial properties of PMMA and the high overall thermal stability place this material at the forefront of high- systems for advanced nanopatterning applications.« less

Conjugated block copolymers as model materials to examine charge transfer in donor-acceptor systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, Enrique; Aplan, Melissa; Lee, Youngmin

Weak intermolecular interactions and disorder at junctions of different organic materials limit the performance and stability of organic interfaces and hence the applicability of organic semiconductors to electronic devices. The lack of control of interfacial structure has also prevented studies of how driving forces promote charge photogeneration, leading to conflicting hypotheses in the organic photovoltaic literature. Our approach has focused on utilizing block copolymer architectures -where critical interfaces are controlled and stabilized by covalent bonds- to provide the hierarchical structure needed for high-performance organic electronics from self-assembled soft materials. For example, we have demonstrated control of donor-acceptor heterojunctions through microphase-separated conjugated block copolymers to achieve 3% power conversion efficiencies in non-fullerene photovoltaics. Furthermore, incorporating the donor-acceptor interface within the molecular structure facilitates studies of charge transfer processes. Conjugated block copolymers enable studies of the driving force needed for exciton dissociation to charge transfer states, which must be large to maximize charge photogeneration but must be minimized to prevent losses in photovoltage in solar cell devices. Our work has systematically varied the chemical structure, energetics, and dielectric constant to perturb charge transfer. As a consequence, we predict a minimum dielectric constant needed to minimize the driving force and therefore simultaneously maximize photocurrent and photovoltage in organic photovoltaic devices.

Sintering behavior and mechanical properties of zirconia compacts fabricated by uniaxial press forming.

PubMed

Oh, Gye-Jeong; Yun, Kwi-Dug; Lee, Kwang-Min; Lim, Hyun-Pil; Park, Sang-Won

2010-09-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the linear sintering behavior of presintered zirconia blocks of various densities. The mechanical properties of the resulting sintered zirconia blocks were then analyzed. Three experimental groups of dental zirconia blocks, with a different presintering density each, were designed in the present study. Kavo Everest® ZS blanks (Kavo, Biberach, Germany) were used as a control group. The experimental group blocks were fabricated from commercial yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia powder (KZ-3YF (SD) Type A, KCM. Corporation, Nagoya, Japan). The biaxial flexural strengths, microhardnesses, and microstructures of the sintered blocks were then investigated. The linear sintering shrinkages of blocks were calculated and compared. Despite their different presintered densities, the sintered blocks of the control and experimental groups showed similar mechanical properties. However, the sintered block had different linear sintering shrinkage rate depending on the density of the presintered block. As the density of the presintered block increased, the linear sintering shrinkage decreased. In the experimental blocks, the three sectioned pieces of each block showed the different linear shrinkage depending on the area. The tops of the experimental blocks showed the lowest linear sintering shrinkage, whereas the bottoms of the experimental blocks showed the highest linear sintering shrinkage. Within the limitations of this study, the density difference of the presintered zirconia block did not affect the mechanical properties of the sintered zirconia block, but affected the linear sintering shrinkage of the zirconia block.

Sintering behavior and mechanical properties of zirconia compacts fabricated by uniaxial press forming

PubMed Central

Oh, Gye-Jeong; Yun, Kwi-Dug; Lee, Kwang-Min; Lim, Hyun-Pil

2010-01-01

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the linear sintering behavior of presintered zirconia blocks of various densities. The mechanical properties of the resulting sintered zirconia blocks were then analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three experimental groups of dental zirconia blocks, with a different presintering density each, were designed in the present study. Kavo Everest® ZS blanks (Kavo, Biberach, Germany) were used as a control group. The experimental group blocks were fabricated from commercial yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia powder (KZ-3YF (SD) Type A, KCM. Corporation, Nagoya, Japan). The biaxial flexural strengths, microhardnesses, and microstructures of the sintered blocks were then investigated. The linear sintering shrinkages of blocks were calculated and compared. RESULTS Despite their different presintered densities, the sintered blocks of the control and experimental groups showed similar mechanical properties. However, the sintered block had different linear sintering shrinkage rate depending on the density of the presintered block. As the density of the presintered block increased, the linear sintering shrinkage decreased. In the experimental blocks, the three sectioned pieces of each block showed the different linear shrinkage depending on the area. The tops of the experimental blocks showed the lowest linear sintering shrinkage, whereas the bottoms of the experimental blocks showed the highest linear sintering shrinkage. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, the density difference of the presintered zirconia block did not affect the mechanical properties of the sintered zirconia block, but affected the linear sintering shrinkage of the zirconia block. PMID:21165274

In vivo architectonic stability of fully de novo designed protein-only nanoparticles.

PubMed

Céspedes, María Virtudes; Unzueta, Ugutz; Tatkiewicz, Witold; Sánchez-Chardi, Alejandro; Conchillo-Solé, Oscar; Álamo, Patricia; Xu, Zhikun; Casanova, Isolda; Corchero, José Luis; Pesarrodona, Mireia; Cedano, Juan; Daura, Xavier; Ratera, Imma; Veciana, Jaume; Ferrer-Miralles, Neus; Vazquez, Esther; Villaverde, Antonio; Mangues, Ramón

2014-05-27

The fully de novo design of protein building blocks for self-assembling as functional nanoparticles is a challenging task in emerging nanomedicines, which urgently demand novel, versatile, and biologically safe vehicles for imaging, drug delivery, and gene therapy. While the use of viruses and virus-like particles is limited by severe constraints, the generation of protein-only nanocarriers is progressively reachable by the engineering of protein-protein interactions, resulting in self-assembling functional building blocks. In particular, end-terminal cationic peptides drive the organization of structurally diverse protein species as regular nanosized oligomers, offering promise in the rational engineering of protein self-assembling. However, the in vivo stability of these constructs, being a critical issue for their medical applicability, needs to be assessed. We have explored here if the cross-molecular contacts between protein monomers, generated by end-terminal cationic peptides and oligohistidine tags, are stable enough for the resulting nanoparticles to overcome biological barriers in assembled form. The analyses of renal clearance and biodistribution of several tagged modular proteins reveal long-term architectonic stability, allowing systemic circulation and tissue targeting in form of nanoparticulate material. This observation fully supports the value of the engineered of protein building blocks addressed to the biofabrication of smart, robust, and multifunctional nanoparticles with medical applicability that mimic structure and functional capabilities of viral capsids.

A simple technique to strengthen the initial and mid-term to long-term stability of the cup during total hip arthroplasty in developmental dysplasia of the hip.

PubMed

Guan, Mingqiang; Zhou, Guanming; Li, Xue

2018-04-01

To assess the effects of a technique of cup blocking screws combined with impaction bone grafting during total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). From August 2011 to July 2015, 53 patients (59 hips) with DDH in our hospital were treated with THA using the technique of cup blocking screws combined with impaction particulate bone grafting. These patients were prospectively followed, and the clinical and imaging results were collected. Harris hip score (HHS) was raised from 41.24 before surgery to 91.49 at the latest follow-up (p less than 0.001). Length discrepancy (LLD) was reduced from 28.97 mm before surgery to 6.08 mm after surgery (p less than 0.001). No loosening of the cup was detected at the last follow-up. The differences were insignificant in cup inclination and rate of cup coverage among the 3 groups of Crowe type II, type III, and type IV DDH (p greater than 0.05). The technique of cup blocking screws combined with impaction particulate bone grafting is simple and reliable, and it not only simplifies the attainment of initial stability, but also strengthens the mid-term to long-term stability during THA in DDH.

Flecainide

MedlinePlus

... of medications called antiarrhythmics. It works by slowing electrical signals in the heart to stabilize the heart ... if you have heart block (condition in which electrical signals are not passed normally from the upper ...

A comparison of parallel and diverging screw angles in the stability of locked plate constructs.

PubMed

Wähnert, D; Windolf, M; Brianza, S; Rothstock, S; Radtke, R; Brighenti, V; Schwieger, K

2011-09-01

We investigated the static and cyclical strength of parallel and angulated locking plate screws using rigid polyurethane foam (0.32 g/cm(3)) and bovine cancellous bone blocks. Custom-made stainless steel plates with two conically threaded screw holes with different angulations (parallel, 10° and 20° divergent) and 5 mm self-tapping locking screws underwent pull-out and cyclical pull and bending tests. The bovine cancellous blocks were only subjected to static pull-out testing. We also performed finite element analysis for the static pull-out test of the parallel and 20° configurations. In both the foam model and the bovine cancellous bone we found the significantly highest pull-out force for the parallel constructs. In the finite element analysis there was a 47% more damage in the 20° divergent constructs than in the parallel configuration. Under cyclical loading, the mean number of cycles to failure was significantly higher for the parallel group, followed by the 10° and 20° divergent configurations. In our laboratory setting we clearly showed the biomechanical disadvantage of a diverging locking screw angle under static and cyclical loading.

Characterization of a new TiF(4) and β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and its in vitro evaluation on inhibiting enamel demineralization.

PubMed

Nassur, Camila; Alexandria, Adílis Kalina; Pomarico, Luciana; de Sousa, Valeria Pereira; Cabral, Lúcio Mendes; Maia, Lucianne Cople

2013-03-01

Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF(4)) is an effective but instable caries preventive agent. As the stability problems could be minimized through the use of drug carriers this study aimed to prepare and characterize a new TiF(4) nanoinclusion complex and to evaluate its potential in inhibiting enamel demineralization under pH cycling conditions. The TiF(4) nanosystems were prepared using β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and sodium montmorillonite (MMTNa). Bovine enamel blocks (n=48) with known surface microhardness (SMH), were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=12) and submitted to one of the following treatments: distilled deionized water (as negative control) and solutions containing 1% βCD, 1% TiF(4) and TiF(4):βCD. The solutions were blinded applied once on the blocks with a microbrush(®) on the surface for 1min before pH-cycling. After that, samples were reavaluated by SMH, %SMH loss, cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDX). The inclusion complex of TiF(4):βCD offered better protection against demineralization in the subsurface. The SEM analysis showed that TiF(4) and TiF(4):βCD samples presented the most intact enamel than the control. The EDX analysis identified titanium in TiF(4) and TiF(4):βCD groups. TiF(4):βCD has higher potential on inhibiting demineralization in the inner enamel. TiF(4):βCD is a new alternative to TiF(4) stabilization in order to reduce enamel subsurface demineralization. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unsteady Aerodynamic Response of a Linear Cascade of Airfoils in Separated Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Capece, Vincent R.; Ford, Christopher; Bone, Christopher; Li, Rui

2004-01-01

The overall objective of this research program was to investigate methods to modify the leading edge separation region, which could lead to an improvement in aeroelastic stability of advanced airfoil designs. The airfoil section used is representative of current low aspect ratio fan blade tip sections. The experimental potion of this study investigated separated zone boundary layer from removal through suction slots. Suction applied to a cavity in the vicinity of the separation onset point was found to be the most effective location. The computational study looked into the influence of front camber on flutter stability. To assess the influence of the change in airfoil shape on stability the work-per-cycle was evaluated for torsion mode oscillations. It was shown that the front camberline shape can be an important factor for stabilizing the predicted work-per-cycle and reducing the predicted extent of the separation zone. In addition, data analysis procedures are discussed for reducing data acquired in experiments that involve periodic unsteady data. This work was conducted in support of experiments being conducted in the NASA Glenn Research Center Transonic Flutter Cascade. The spectral block averaging method is presented. This method is shown to be able to account for variations in airfoil oscillation frequency that can occur in experiments that force oscillate the airfoils to simulate flutter.

Novel one-pot facile technique for preparing nanoparticles modified with hydrophilic polymers on the surface via block polymer-assisted emulsification/evaporation process.

PubMed

Kanakubo, Yurie; Ito, Fuminori; Murakami, Yoshihiko

2010-06-15

In this paper, we describe the novel facile technique for preparing surface-modified nanoparticles via newly developed amphiphilic block polymer-assisted emulsification/evaporation process. The effects of both organic solvents (the dispersed phase) and stabilizer in the external continuous phase on the stability of o/w emulsion was firstly investigated to clarify the optimal conditions for stable emulsification/evaporation processes. We found that the organic solvent mixture having a density adjusted to be 1.00 g/cm(3) gave the highly stable o/w emulsion. Under the optimal conditions, the relatively monodisperse poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticle was obtained and characterized. The introduction of PEG to the particle surface was suggested by the fact that the diameter and zeta potential of the particle increased as the amount of added block polymer increased. The facile method presented in this paper can be a universal tool for modifying the surface of nanoparticles, even though reactive groups are not present on the surface. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stratovolcano stability assessment methods and results from Citlaltepetl, Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zimbelman, D.R.; Watters, R.J.; Firth, I.R.; Breit, G.N.; Carrasco-Nunez, Gerardo

2004-01-01

Citlaltépetl volcano is the easternmost stratovolcano in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Situated within 110 km of Veracruz, it has experienced two major collapse events and, subsequent to its last collapse, rebuilt a massive, symmetrical summit cone. To enhance hazard mitigation efforts we assess the stability of Citlaltépetl's summit cone, the area thought most likely to fail during a potential massive collapse event. Through geologic mapping, alteration mineralogy, geotechnical studies, and stability modeling we provide important constraints on the likelihood, location, and size of a potential collapse event. The volcano's summit cone is young, highly fractured, and hydrothermally altered. Fractures are most abundant within 5–20-m wide zones defined by multiple parallel to subparallel fractures. Alteration is most pervasive within the fracture systems and includes acid sulfate, advanced argillic, argillic, and silicification ranks. Fractured and altered rocks both have significantly reduced rock strengths, representing likely bounding surfaces for future collapse events. The fracture systems and altered rock masses occur non-uniformly, as an orthogonal set with N–S and E–W trends. Because these surfaces occur non-uniformly, hazards associated with collapse are unevenly distributed about the volcano. Depending on uncertainties in bounding surfaces, but constrained by detailed field studies, potential failure volumes are estimated to range between 0.04–0.5 km3. Stability modeling was used to assess potential edifice failure events. Modeled failure of the outer portion of the cone initially occurs as an "intact block" bounded by steeply dipping joints and outwardly dipping flow contacts. As collapse progresses, more of the inner cone fails and the outer "intact" block transforms into a collection of smaller blocks. Eventually, a steep face develops in the uppermost and central portion of the cone. This modeled failure morphology mimics collapse amphitheaters

Validation of value of actual micromotion as a direct measure of implant micromobility after healing (secondary implant stability). An in vivo histologic and biomechanical study.

PubMed

Trisi, Paolo; Berardini, Marco; Falco, Antonello; Podaliri Vulpiani, Michele

2016-11-01

The osseointegration process replaces the surgically damaged bone with newly formed bone in contact to the implant surface. This involves some loss of primary stability, which will continue until new bone is formed providing a new stability, known as "secondary stability." A direct measurement of secondary implant stability appears fundamental to determine the period and modalities for implant loading. The aim of this study was to validate the measurement of the implant micromotion to test secondary implant stability. Twenty-four 3.8 × 11.5 mm implants (Dynamix, Cortex, Shlomi, Israel) were inserted in sheep iliac crests. The animals were sacrificed after 2 months, and the freshly retrieved bone blocks were immediately fixed on a customized device to calculate the value of actual micromotion (VAM) according to a previously described technique. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values, reverse torque value (RTV), %bone-to-implant contact (%BIC), bone volume percentage (%BV) and crestal bone loss (CBL) were also calculated for each implant. Statistical correlations between VAM and the other parameters were calculated. Data correlation analysis between the examined parameters showed that VAM significantly correlates (P < 0.05) to RTV, %BIC, ISQ and CBL. As VAM showed to be statistical correlated to the other parameters of osseointegration, it may be used to clinically check the amount of implant osseointegration, secondary stability and CBL. Future studies are needed to confirm these results moreover. An instrument to measure VAM in the oral cavity still needs to be developed. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Preliminary Analysis of Effect of Random Segment Errors on Coronagraph Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahl, Mark T.; Shaklan, Stuart B.; Stahl, H. Philip

2015-01-01

Are we alone in the Universe is probably the most compelling science question of our generation. To answer it requires a large aperture telescope with extreme wavefront stability. To image and characterize Earth-like planets requires the ability to block 10(exp 10) of the host stars light with a 10(exp -11) stability. For an internal coronagraph, this requires correcting wavefront errors and keeping that correction stable to a few picometers rms for the duration of the science observation. This requirement places severe specifications upon the performance of the observatory, telescope and primary mirror. A key task of the AMTD project (initiated in FY12) is to define telescope level specifications traceable to science requirements and flow those specifications to the primary mirror. From a systems perspective, probably the most important question is: What is the telescope wavefront stability specification? Previously, we suggested this specification should be 10 picometers per 10 minutes; considered issues of how this specification relates to architecture, i.e. monolithic or segmented primary mirror; and asked whether it was better to have few or many segmented. This paper reviews the 10 picometers per 10 minutes specification; provides analysis related to the application of this specification to segmented apertures; and suggests that a 3 or 4 ring segmented aperture is more sensitive to segment rigid body motion that an aperture with fewer or more segments.

No-cost manual method for preparation of tissue microarrays having high quality comparable to semiautomated methods.

PubMed

Foda, Abd Al-Rahman Mohammad

2013-05-01

Manual tissue microarray (TMA) construction had been introduced to avoid the high cost of automated and semiautomated techniques. The cheapest and simplest technique for constructing manual TMA was that of using mechanical pencil tips. This study was carried out to modify this method, aiming to raise its quality to reach that of expensive ones. Some modifications were introduced to Shebl's technique. Two conventional mechanical pencil tips of different diameters were used to construct the recipient blocks. A source of mild heat was used, and blocks were incubated at 38°C overnight. With our modifications, 3 high-density TMA blocks were constructed. We successfully performed immunostaining without substantial tissue loss. Our modifications increased the number of cores per block and improved the stability of the cores within the paraffin block. This new, modified technique is a good alternative for expensive machines in many laboratories.

Highly Ordered Block Copolymer Templates for the Generation of Nanostructured Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhoje Gowd, E.; Nandan, Bhanu; Bigall, Nadja C.; Eychmuller, Alexander; Stamm, Manfred

2009-03-01

Among many different types of self-assembled materials, block copolymers have attracted immense interest for applications in nanotechnology. Block copolymer thin film can be used as a template for patterning of hard inorganic materials such as metal nanoparticles. In the present work, we demonstrate a new approach to fabricate highly ordered arrays of nanoscopic inorganic dots and wires using switchable block copolymer thin films. Various inorganic nanoparticles from a simple aqueous solution were directly deposited on the surface reconstructed block copolymer templates. The preferential interaction of the nanoparticles with one of the blocks is mainly responsible for the lateral distribution of the nanoparticles in addition to the capillary forces. Subsequent stabilization by UV-irradiation followed by pyrolysis in air at 450 ^oC removes the polymer to produce highly ordered metallic nanostructures. This method is highly versatile as the procedure used here is simple, eco-friendly and provides a facile approach to fabricate a broad range of nanoscaled architectures with tunable lateral spacing.

Hierarchical Nanostructures Self-Assembled from a Mixture System Containing Rod-Coil Block Copolymers and Rigid Homopolymers

PubMed Central

Li, Yongliang; Jiang, Tao; Lin, Shaoliang; Lin, Jiaping; Cai, Chunhua; Zhu, Xingyu

2015-01-01

Self-assembly behavior of a mixture system containing rod-coil block copolymers and rigid homopolymers was investigated by using Brownian dynamics simulations. The morphologies of formed hierarchical self-assemblies were found to be dependent on the Lennard-Jones (LJ) interaction εRR between rod blocks, lengths of rod and coil blocks in copolymer, and mixture ratio of block copolymers to homopolymers. As the εRR value decreases, the self-assembled structures of mixtures are transformed from an abacus-like structure to a helical structure, to a plain fiber, and finally are broken into unimers. The order parameter of rod blocks was calculated to confirm the structure transition. Through varying the length of rod and coil blocks, the regions of thermodynamic stability of abacus, helix, plain fiber, and unimers were mapped. Moreover, it was discovered that two levels of rod block ordering exist in the helices. The block copolymers are helically wrapped on the homopolymer bundles to form helical string, while the rod blocks are twistingly packed inside the string. In addition, the simulation results are in good agreement with experimental observations. The present work reveals the mechanism behind the formation of helical (experimentally super-helical) structures and may provide useful information for design and preparation of the complex structures. PMID:25965726

Structural ceramics containing electric arc furnace dust.

PubMed

Stathopoulos, V N; Papandreou, A; Kanellopoulou, D; Stournaras, C J

2013-11-15

In the present work the stabilization of electric arc furnace dust EAFD waste in structural clay ceramics was investigated. EAFD was collected over eleven production days. The collected waste was characterized for its chemical composition by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. By powder XRD the crystal structure was studied while the fineness of the material was determined by a laser particle size analyzer. The environmental characterization was carried out by testing the dust according to EN12457 standard. Zn, Pb and Cd were leaching from the sample in significant amounts. The objective of this study is to investigate the stabilization properties of EAFD/clay ceramic structures and the potential of EAFD utilization into structural ceramics production (blocks). Mixtures of clay with 2.5% and 5% EAFD content were studied by TG/DTA, XRD, SEM, EN12457 standard leaching and mechanical properties as a function of firing temperature at 850, 900 and 950 °C. All laboratory facilities maintained 20 ± 1 °C. Consequently, a pilot-scale experiment was conducted with an addition of 2.5% and 5% EAFD to the extrusion mixture for the production of blocks. During blocks manufacturing, the firing step reached 950 °C in a tunnel kiln. Laboratory heating/cooling gradients were similar to pilot scale production firing. The as produced blocks were then subjected to quality control tests, i.e. dimensions according to EN772-17, water absorbance according to EN772-6, and compressive strength according to EN772-1 standard, in laboratory facilities certified under EN17025. The data obtained showed that the incorporation of EAFD resulted in an increase of mechanical strength. Moreover, leaching tests performed according to the Europeans standards on the EAFD-block samples showed that the quantities of heavy metals leached from crushed blocks were within the regulatory limits. Thus the EAFD-blocks can be regarded as material of no environmental concern. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Azidated Ether-Butadiene-Ether Block Copolymers as Binders for Solid Propellants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cappello, Miriam; Lamia, Pietro; Mura, Claudio; Polacco, Giovanni; Filippi, Sara

2016-07-01

Polymeric binders for solid propellants are usually based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), which does not contribute to the overall energy output. Azidic polyethers represent an interesting alternative but may have poorer mechanical properties. Polybutadiene-polyether copolymers may combine the advantages of both. Four different ether-butadiene-ether triblock copolymers were prepared and azidated starting from halogenated and/or tosylated monomers using HTPB as initiator. The presence of the butadiene block complicates the azidation step and reduces the storage stability of the azidic polymer. Nevertheless, the procedure allows modifying the binder properties by varying the type and lengths of the energetic blocks.

The TCP4 transcription factor of Arabidopsis blocks cell division in yeast at G1 {yields} S transition

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

Aggarwal, Pooja; Padmanabhan, Bhavna; Bhat, Abhay

2011-07-01

Highlights: {yields} TCP4 is a class II TCP transcription factor, that represses cell division in Arabidopsis. {yields} TCP4 expression in yeast retards cell division by blocking G1 {yields} S transition. {yields} Genome-wide expression studies and Western analysis reveals stabilization of cell cycle inhibitor Sic1, as possible mechanism. -- Abstract: The TCP transcription factors control important aspects of plant development. Members of class I TCP proteins promote cell cycle by regulating genes directly involved in cell proliferation. In contrast, members of class II TCP proteins repress cell division. While it has been postulated that class II proteins induce differentiation signal, theirmore » exact role on cell cycle has not been studied. Here, we report that TCP4, a class II TCP protein from Arabidopsis that repress cell proliferation in developing leaves, inhibits cell division by blocking G1 {yields} S transition in budding yeast. Cells expressing TCP4 protein with increased transcriptional activity fail to progress beyond G1 phase. By analyzing global transcriptional status of these cells, we show that expression of a number of cell cycle genes is altered. The possible mechanism of G1 {yields} S arrest is discussed.« less

Gaussian curvature analysis allows for automatic block placement in multi-block hexahedral meshing.

PubMed

Ramme, Austin J; Shivanna, Kiran H; Magnotta, Vincent A; Grosland, Nicole M

2011-10-01

Musculoskeletal finite element analysis (FEA) has been essential to research in orthopaedic biomechanics. The generation of a volumetric mesh is often the most challenging step in a FEA. Hexahedral meshing tools that are based on a multi-block approach rely on the manual placement of building blocks for their mesh generation scheme. We hypothesise that Gaussian curvature analysis could be used to automatically develop a building block structure for multi-block hexahedral mesh generation. The Automated Building Block Algorithm incorporates principles from differential geometry, combinatorics, statistical analysis and computer science to automatically generate a building block structure to represent a given surface without prior information. We have applied this algorithm to 29 bones of varying geometries and successfully generated a usable mesh in all cases. This work represents a significant advancement in automating the definition of building blocks.

The role of non-covalent interactions in anticancer drug loading and kinetic stability of polymeric micelles.

PubMed

Yang, Chuan; Attia, Amalina B Ebrahim; Tan, Jeremy P K; Ke, Xiyu; Gao, Shujun; Hedrick, James L; Yang, Yi-Yan

2012-04-01

A new series of acid- and urea-functionalized polycarbonate block copolymers were synthesized via organocatalytic living ring-opening polymerization using methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a macroinitiator to form micelles as drug delivery carriers. The micelles were characterized for critical micelle concentration, particle size and size distribution, kinetic stability and loading capacity for a model anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) having an amine group. The acid/urea groups were placed in block forms (i.e. acid as the middle block or the end block) or randomly distributed in the polycarbonate block to investigate molecular structure effect. The micelles formed from the polymers in both random and block forms provided high drug loading capacity due to strong ionic interaction between the acid in the polymer and the amine in DOX. However, the polymers with acid and urea groups placed in the block forms formed micelles with wider size distribution (two size populations), and their DOX-loaded micelles were less stable. The number of acid/urea groups in the random form was further varied from 5 to 8, 13 and 19 to study its effects on self-assembly behaviors and DOX loading. An increased number of acid/urea groups yielded DOX-loaded micelles with smaller size and enhanced kinetic stability because of improved inter-molecular polycarbonate-polycarbonate (urea-urea and urea-acid) hydrogen-bonding and polycarbonate-DOX (acid-amine) ionic interactions. However, when the number of acid/urea groups was 13 or higher, micelles aggregated in a serum-containing medium, and freeze-dried DOX-loaded micelles were unable to re-disperse in an aqueous solution. Among all the polymers synthesized in this study, 1b with 8 acid/urea groups in the random form had the optimum properties. In vitro release studies showed that DOX release from 1b micelles was sustained over 7 h without significant initial burst release. MTT assays demonstrated that the polymer was not toxic towards HepG2 and HEK293 cells. Importantly, DOX-loaded micelles were potent against HepG2 cells with IC(50) of 0.26 mg/L, comparable to that of free DOX (IC(50): 0.20 mg/L). In addition, DOX-loaded 1b micelles yielded lower DOX content in the heart tissue of the tested mice as compared to free DOX formulation after i.v. injection. These findings signify that 1b micelles may be a promising carrier for delivery of anticancer drugs that contain amine groups. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ordered porous mesostructured materials from nanoparticle-block copolymer self-assembly

DOEpatents

Warren, Scott; Wiesner, Ulrich; DiSalvo, Jr., Francis J

2013-10-29

The invention provides mesostructured materials and methods of preparing mesostructured materials including metal-rich mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrids, porous metal-nonmetal nanocomposite mesostructures, and ordered metal mesostructures with uniform pores. The nanoparticles can be metal, metal alloy, metal mixture, intermetallic, metal-carbon, metal-ceramic, semiconductor-carbon, semiconductor-ceramic, insulator-carbon or insulator-ceramic nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. A block copolymer/ligand-stabilized nanoparticle solution is cast, resulting in the formation of a metal-rich (or semiconductor-rich or insulator-rich) mesostructured nanoparticle-block copolymer hybrid. The hybrid is heated to an elevated temperature, resulting in the formation of an ordered porous nanocomposite mesostructure. A nonmetal component (e.g., carbon or ceramic) is then removed to produce an ordered mesostructure with ordered and large uniform pores.

Au13(8e): A secondary block for describing a special group of liganded gold clusters containing icosahedral Au13 motifs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Wen Wu; Zeng, Xiao Cheng; Gao, Yi

2017-05-01

A grand unified model (GUM) has been proposed recently to understand structure anatomy and evolution of liganded gold clusters. In this work, besides the two types of elementary blocks (triangular Au3(2e) and tetrahedral Au4(2e)), we introduce a secondary block, namely, the icosahedral Au13 with 8e valence electrons, noted as Au13(8e). Using this secondary block, structural anatomy and evolution of a special group of liganded gold nanoclusters containing icosahedral Au13 motifs can be conveniently analyzed. In addition, a new ligand-protected cluster Au49(PR3)10(SR)15Cl2 is predicted to exhibit high chemical and thermal stability, suggesting likelihood of its synthesis in the laboratory.

Highly stable biocompatible inorganic nanoparticles by self-assembly of triblock-copolymer ligands.

PubMed

Pöselt, Elmar; Fischer, Steffen; Foerster, Stephan; Weller, Horst

2009-12-15

A novel type of ligand for biofunctionalization of nanoparticles is presented that comprises tailor-made triblock-copolymers consisting of a polyethylene imine binding block, a hydrophobic polycaprolactone and a terminal functionalized polyethelene oxide block. Phase transfer to water occurs simply by ligand and water addition and removal of the organic solvents. It is shown that the intermediate polycaprolacton block favors the attachment to the particle surface and shields the binding groups effectively from the solution. As a consequence, the particles exhibit an outstanding stability in various aqueous media for biological studies and give easy access to specific coupling reactions at the terminal end groups of the polyethylene oxide block. Controlling the ligand exchange parameters leads to self-assembly to either individual encapsulated nanoparticles or to multifunctional nanobeads.

31 CFR 588.302 - Effective date.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY WESTERN BALKANS STABILIZATION REGULATIONS General... interests in property are blocked pursuant to § 588.201(a)(1), 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, June 27...

The role or non-role of ATPase activation by phenytoin in the stabilization of excitable membranes.

PubMed

Deupree, J D

1977-09-01

The role or non-role of NaK ATPase, Mg ATPase, and CaMg ATPase involvement in stabilization of excitable membranes by phenytoin is critically evaluated. There is no substantial evidence to indicate that the membrane-stabilizing effect of phenytoin is due to activation of the NaK ATPase. Previous reports of activation of the NaK ATPase at low potassium and high sodium are probably not due to phenytoin but to a potassium contamination in the phenytoin solution. In vitro experiments do not provide any clear evidence of any alterations of NaK ATPase properties by phenytoin. However, one cannot rule out the possibility that phenytoin alters the efficiency of the sodium-potassium pump. Likewise, the Ca ATPase is not inhibited by phenytoin. However, there is some evidence that the Mg ATPase in synaptic vesicles is substantially inhibited by phenytoin. There is substantial evidence indicating that phenytoin partially blocks passive diffusion of sodium into stimulated nerves. The mechanism by which phenytoin blocks sodium influx and the relationship of this effect to the drug's anticonvulsant action remain to be determined.

The Surface Properties of Teeth Treated with Resin Infiltration or Amorphous Calcium Phosphate

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-04

properties of color stability and surface roughness of demineralized enamel treated with resin infiltration (ICON) or with casein phosphopeptide...amorphous calcium phosphate (MI Paste, CPP-ACP). Methods: Fifty human enamel blocks (4 x 4 mm2) were prepared. Each block was treated with 1M HCl (pH...and 5 (see Figure 2). Conclusion: The results of this study do not provide conclusive evidence that the standard of care for enamel

Rapid Soil Stabilization of Soft Clay Soils for Contingency Airfields

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

quicklime or calcium carbide, could possibly crosslink the polymers of sodium or potassium polyacrylic acid together to form a harder material. Very...LiquiBlock 40K and 41K are both potassium salts of crosslinked polyacrylic acids/polyacrylamide copolymers in granular form that also gel in the presence...communication, 2006), soil could possibly be stabilized with calcium and super absorbent polymers, such as sodium or potassium polyacrylic acids. This

Improving electrokinetic microdevice stability by controlling electrolysis bubbles.

PubMed

Lee, Hwi Yong; Barber, Cedrick; Minerick, Adrienne R

2014-07-01

The voltage-operating window for many electrokinetic microdevices is limited by electrolysis gas bubbles that destabilize microfluidic system causing noise and irreproducible responses above ∼3 V DC and less than ∼1 kHz AC at 3 Vpp. Surfactant additives, SDS and Triton X-100, and an integrated semipermeable SnakeSkin® membrane were employed to control and assess electrolysis bubbles from platinum electrodes in a 180 by 70 μm, 10 mm long microchannel. Stabilized current responses at 100 V DC were observed with surfactant additives or SnakeSkin® barriers. Electrolysis bubble behaviors, visualized via video microscopy at the electrode surface and in the microchannels, were found to be influenced by surfactant function and SnakeSkin® barriers. Both SDS and Triton X-100 surfactants promoted smaller bubble diameters and faster bubble detachment from electrode surfaces via increasing gas solubility. In contrast, SnakeSkin® membranes enhanced natural convection and blocked bubbles from entering the microchannels and thus reduced current disturbances in the electric field. This data illustrated that electrode surface behaviors had substantially greater impacts on current stability than microbubbles within microchannels. Thus, physically blocking bubbles from microchannels is less effective than electrode functionalization approaches to stabilize electrokinetic microfluidic systems. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Introduction of Molecular Building Blocks to Improve the Stability of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Mercury Removal.

PubMed

Jiang, Shu-Yi; He, Wen-Wen; Li, Shun-Li; Su, Zhong-Min; Lan, Ya-Qian

2018-05-21

With expanding human needs, many heavy metals were mined, smelted, processed, and manufactured for commercialization, which caused serious environmental pollutions. Currently, many adsorption materials are applied in the field of adsorption of heavy metals. Among them, the principle of many mercury adsorbents is based on the interaction between mercury and sulfur. Here, a S-containing metal-organic framework NENU-400 was synthesized for effective mercury extraction. Unfortunately, the skeleton of NENU-400 collapsed easily when exposed to the mercury liquid solution. To improve the stability, a synthetic strategy installing molecular building blocks (MBBs) into the channels was used. Modified by the MBBs, a more stable nanoporous framework was synthesized, which not only exhibits a high capacity of saturation mercury uptake but also shows high selectivity and efficient recyclability.

Determination of the mechanical parameters of rock mass based on a GSI system and displacement back analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Kwang-Song; Hu, Nai-Lian; Sin, Chung-Sik; Rim, Song-Ho; Han, Eun-Cheol; Kim, Chol-Nam

2017-08-01

It is very important to obtain the mechanical paramerters of rock mass for excavation design, support design, slope design and stability analysis of the underground structure. In order to estimate the mechanical parameters of rock mass exactly, a new method of combining a geological strength index (GSI) system with intelligent displacment back analysis is proposed in this paper. Firstly, average spacing of joints (d) and rock mass block rating (RBR, a new quantitative factor), surface condition rating (SCR) and joint condition factor (J c) are obtained on in situ rock masses using the scanline method, and the GSI values of rock masses are obtained from a new quantitative GSI chart. A correction method of GSI value is newly introduced by considering the influence of joint orientation and groundwater on rock mass mechanical properties, and then value ranges of rock mass mechanical parameters are chosen by the Hoek-Brown failure criterion. Secondly, on the basis of the measurement result of vault settlements and horizontal convergence displacements of an in situ tunnel, optimal parameters are estimated by combination of genetic algorithm (GA) and numerical simulation analysis using FLAC3D. This method has been applied in a lead-zinc mine. By utilizing the improved GSI quantization, correction method and displacement back analysis, the mechanical parameters of the ore body, hanging wall and footwall rock mass were determined, so that reliable foundations were provided for mining design and stability analysis.

Green remediation and recycling of contaminated sediment by waste-incorporated stabilization/solidification.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Tsang, Daniel C W; Poon, Chi-Sun

2015-03-01

Navigational/environmental dredging of contaminated sediment conventionally requires contained marine disposal and continuous monitoring. This study proposed a green remediation approach to treat and recycle the contaminated sediment by means of stabilization/solidification enhanced by the addition of selected solid wastes. With an increasing amount of contaminated sediment (20-70%), the 28-d compressive strength of sediment blocks decreased from greater than 10MPa to slightly above 1MPa. For augmenting the cement hydration, coal fly ash was more effective than lime and ground seashells, especially at low sediment content. The microscopic and spectroscopic analyses showed varying amounts of hydration products (primarily calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate) in the presence of coal fly ash, signifying the influence of pozzolanic reaction. To facilitate the waste utilization, cullet from beverage glass bottles and bottom ashes from coal combustion and waste incineration were found suitable to substitute coarse aggregate at 33% replacement ratio, beyond which the compressive strength decreased accordingly. The mercury intrusion porosimetry analysis indicated that the increase in the total pore area and average pore diameter were linearly correlated with the decrease of compressive strength due to waste replacement. All the sediment blocks complied with the acceptance criteria for reuse in terms of metal leachability. These results suggest that, with an appropriate mixture design, contaminated sediment and waste materials are useful resources for producing non-load-bearing masonry units or fill materials for construction uses. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of the radical-stable Coprinus cinereus peroxidase (CiP) by blocking the radical attack.

PubMed

Kim, Su Jin; Joo, Jeong Chan; Kim, Han Sang; Kwon, Inchan; Song, Bong Keun; Yoo, Young Je; Kim, Yong Hwan

2014-11-10

Despite the potential use of peroxidases as industrial biocatalysts, their practical application is often impeded due to suicide inactivation by radicals generated in oxidative reactions. Using a peroxidase from Coprinus cinereus (CiP) as a model enzyme, we revealed a dominant factor for peroxidase inactivation during phenol oxidation, and we engineered radical-stable mutants by site-directed mutagenesis of an amino acid residue susceptible to modification by phenoxyl radical. Mass spectrometry analysis of inactivated CiP identified an adduct between F230 and a phenoxyl radical, and subsequently, the F230 residue was mutated to amino acids that resisted radical coupling. Of the F230 mutants, the F230A mutant showed the highest stability against radical inactivation, retaining 80% of its initial activity, while the wild-type protein was almost completely inactivated. The F230A mutant also exhibited a 16-fold higher turnover of the phenol substrate compared with the wild-type enzyme. Furthermore, the F230A mutant was stable during the oxidation of other phenolic compounds, including m-cresol and 3-methoxyphenol. No structural changes were observed by UV-vis and CD spectra of CiP after radical coupling, implying that the F230-phenol radical adduct inactivated CiP by blocking substrate access to the active site. Our novel strategy can be used to improve the stability of other peroxidases inactivated by radicals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of body mass and midsole hardness on kinetic and perceptual variables during basketball landing manoeuvres.

PubMed

Nin, Darren Z; Lam, Wing K; Kong, Pui W

2016-01-01

This study investigated the effects of body mass and shoe midsole hardness on kinetic and perceptual variables during the performance of three basketball movements: (1) the first and landing steps of layup, (2) shot-blocking landing and (3) drop landing. Thirty male basketball players, assigned into "heavy" (n = 15, mass 82.7 ± 4.3 kg) or "light" (n = 15, mass 63.1 ± 2.8 kg) groups, performed five trials of each movement in three identical shoes of varying midsole hardness (soft, medium, hard). Vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during landing was sampled using multiple wooden-top force plates. Perceptual responses on five variables (forefoot cushioning, rearfoot cushioning, forefoot stability, rearfoot stability and overall comfort) were rated after each movement condition using a 150-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) (Body Mass × Shoe) was applied to all kinetic and perceptual variables. During the first step of the layup, the loading rate associated with rearfoot contact was 40.7% higher in the "heavy" than "light" groups (P = .014) and 12.4% higher in hard compared with soft shoes (P = .011). Forefoot peak VGRF in a soft shoe was higher (P = .011) than in a hard shoe during shot-block landing. Both "heavy" and "light" groups preferred softer to harder shoes. Overall, body mass had little effect on kinetic or perceptual variables.

Periodontal tissue reaction to customized nano-hydroxyapatite block scaffold in one-wall intrabony defect: a histologic study in dogs

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung-Seok; Park, Weon-Yeong; Cha, Jae-Kook; Jung, Ui-Won; Kim, Chang-Sung; Lee, Yong-Keun

2012-01-01

Purpose This study evaluated histologically the tissue responses to and the effects of a customized nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) block bone graft on periodontal regeneration in a one-wall periodontal-defect model. Methods A customized block bone for filling in the standardized periodontal defect was fabricated from prefabricated n-HA powders and a polymeric sponge. Bilateral 4×4×5 mm (buccolingual width×mesiodistal width×depth), one-wall, critical-size intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth premolars of five Beagle dogs. In each dog, one defect was filled with block-type HA and the other served as a sham-surgery control. The animals were sacrificed following an 8-week healing interval for clinical and histological evaluations. Results Although the sites that received an n-HA block showed minimal bone formation, the n-HA block was maintained within the defect with its original hexahedral shape. In addition, only a limited inflammatory reaction was observed at sites that received an n-HA block, which might have been due to the high stability of the customized block bone. Conclusions In the limitation of this study, customized n-HA block could provide a space for periodontal tissue engineering, with minimal inflammation. PMID:22586523

Periodontal tissue reaction to customized nano-hydroxyapatite block scaffold in one-wall intrabony defect: a histologic study in dogs.

PubMed

Lee, Jung-Seok; Park, Weon-Yeong; Cha, Jae-Kook; Jung, Ui-Won; Kim, Chang-Sung; Lee, Yong-Keun; Choi, Seong-Ho

2012-04-01

This study evaluated histologically the tissue responses to and the effects of a customized nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) block bone graft on periodontal regeneration in a one-wall periodontal-defect model. A customized block bone for filling in the standardized periodontal defect was fabricated from prefabricated n-HA powders and a polymeric sponge. Bilateral 4×4×5 mm (buccolingual width×mesiodistal width×depth), one-wall, critical-size intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth premolars of five Beagle dogs. In each dog, one defect was filled with block-type HA and the other served as a sham-surgery control. The animals were sacrificed following an 8-week healing interval for clinical and histological evaluations. Although the sites that received an n-HA block showed minimal bone formation, the n-HA block was maintained within the defect with its original hexahedral shape. In addition, only a limited inflammatory reaction was observed at sites that received an n-HA block, which might have been due to the high stability of the customized block bone. In the limitation of this study, customized n-HA block could provide a space for periodontal tissue engineering, with minimal inflammation.

Loss of Topoisomerase I leads to R-loop-mediated transcriptional blocks during ribosomal RNA synthesis

PubMed Central

El Hage, Aziz; French, Sarah L.; Beyer, Ann L.; Tollervey, David

2010-01-01

Pre-rRNA transcription by RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) is very robust on active rDNA repeats. Loss of yeast Topoisomerase I (Top1) generated truncated pre-rRNA fragments, which were stabilized in strains lacking TRAMP (Trf4/Trf5–Air1/Air2–Mtr4 polyadenylation complexes) or exosome degradation activities. Loss of both Top1 and Top2 blocked pre-rRNA synthesis, with pre-rRNAs truncated predominately in the 18S 5′ region. Positive supercoils in front of Pol I are predicted to slow elongation, while rDNA opening in its wake might cause R-loop formation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed substantial levels of RNA/DNA hybrids in the wild type, particularly over the 18S 5′ region. The absence of RNase H1 and H2 in cells depleted of Top1 increased the accumulation of RNA/DNA hybrids and reduced pre-rRNA truncation and pre-rRNA synthesis. Hybrid accumulation over the rDNA was greatly exacerbated when Top1, Top2, and RNase H were all absent. Electron microscopy (EM) analysis revealed Pol I pileups in the wild type, particularly over the 18S. Pileups were longer and more frequent in the absence of Top1, and their frequency was exacerbated when RNase H activity was also lacking. We conclude that the loss of Top1 enhances inherent R-loop formation, particularly over the 5′ region of the rDNA, imposing persistent transcription blocks when RNase H is limiting. PMID:20634320

An amphiphilic graft copolymer-based nanoparticle platform for reduction-responsive anticancer and antimalarial drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Najer, Adrian; Wu, Dalin; Nussbaumer, Martin G.; Schwertz, Geoffrey; Schwab, Anatol; Witschel, Matthias C.; Schäfer, Anja; Diederich, François; Rottmann, Matthias; Palivan, Cornelia G.; Beck, Hans-Peter; Meier, Wolfgang

2016-08-01

Medical applications of anticancer and antimalarial drugs often suffer from low aqueous solubility, high systemic toxicity, and metabolic instability. Smart nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems provide means of solving these problems at once. Herein, we present such a smart nanoparticle platform based on self-assembled, reduction-responsive amphiphilic graft copolymers, which were successfully synthesized through thiol-disulfide exchange reaction between thiolated hydrophilic block and pyridyl disulfide functionalized hydrophobic block. These amphiphilic graft copolymers self-assembled into nanoparticles with mean diameters of about 30-50 nm and readily incorporated hydrophobic guest molecules. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to study nanoparticle stability and triggered release of a model compound in detail. Long-term colloidal stability and model compound retention within the nanoparticles was found when analyzed in cell media at body temperature. In contrast, rapid, complete reduction-triggered disassembly and model compound release was achieved within a physiological reducing environment. The synthesized copolymers revealed no intrinsic cellular toxicity up to 1 mg mL-1. Drug-loaded reduction-sensitive nanoparticles delivered a hydrophobic model anticancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX) to cancer cells (HeLa cells) and an experimental, metabolically unstable antimalarial drug (the serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) inhibitor (+/-)-1) to Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBCs), with higher efficacy compared to similar, non-sensitive drug-loaded nanoparticles. These responsive copolymer-based nanoparticles represent a promising candidate as smart nanocarrier platform for various drugs to be applied to different diseases, due to the biocompatibility and biodegradability of the hydrophobic block, and the protein-repellent hydrophilic block.Medical applications of anticancer and antimalarial drugs often suffer from low aqueous solubility, high systemic toxicity, and metabolic instability. Smart nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems provide means of solving these problems at once. Herein, we present such a smart nanoparticle platform based on self-assembled, reduction-responsive amphiphilic graft copolymers, which were successfully synthesized through thiol-disulfide exchange reaction between thiolated hydrophilic block and pyridyl disulfide functionalized hydrophobic block. These amphiphilic graft copolymers self-assembled into nanoparticles with mean diameters of about 30-50 nm and readily incorporated hydrophobic guest molecules. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to study nanoparticle stability and triggered release of a model compound in detail. Long-term colloidal stability and model compound retention within the nanoparticles was found when analyzed in cell media at body temperature. In contrast, rapid, complete reduction-triggered disassembly and model compound release was achieved within a physiological reducing environment. The synthesized copolymers revealed no intrinsic cellular toxicity up to 1 mg mL-1. Drug-loaded reduction-sensitive nanoparticles delivered a hydrophobic model anticancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX) to cancer cells (HeLa cells) and an experimental, metabolically unstable antimalarial drug (the serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) inhibitor (+/-)-1) to Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBCs), with higher efficacy compared to similar, non-sensitive drug-loaded nanoparticles. These responsive copolymer-based nanoparticles represent a promising candidate as smart nanocarrier platform for various drugs to be applied to different diseases, due to the biocompatibility and biodegradability of the hydrophobic block, and the protein-repellent hydrophilic block. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed experimental procedures, additional schemes and supplementary data including NMR, FTIR, TEM, DLS, UV-Vis, FCS, and fluorescence microscopy images. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr04290b

Primary stability and self-tapping blades: biomechanical assessment of dental implants in medium-density bone.

PubMed

Kim, Yung-Soo; Lim, Young-Jun

2011-10-01

The aim of this biomechanical study was to assess the influence of self-tapping blades in terms of primary implant stability between implants with self-tapping blades and implants without self-tapping blades using five different analytic methods, especially in medium-density bone. Two different types of dental implants (4 × 10 mm) were tested: self-tapping and non-self-tapping. The fixture design including thread profiles was exactly the same between the two groups; the only difference was the presence of cutting blades on one half of the apical portion of the implant body. Solid rigid polyurethane blocks with corresponding densities were selected to simulate medium-density bone. Five mechanical assessments (insertion torque, resonance frequency analysis [RFA], reverse torque, pull-out and push in test) were performed for primary stability. Implants without self-tapping blades showed significantly higher values (P<0.001) in four biomechanical assessments, except RFA (P=0.684). However, a statistically significant correlation could not be detected between insertion torque values with the four different outcome variables (P>0.05). The outcomes of the present study indicate that the implant body design without self-tapping blades has a good primary stability compared with that with self-tapping blades in medium-density bone. Considering the RFA, a distinct layer of cortical bone on marginal bone will yield implant stability quotient values similar to those in medium-bone density when implants have the same diameter. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Sensitivity analysis for the control of supersonic impinging jet noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nichols, Joseph W.; Hildebrand, Nathaniel

2016-11-01

The dynamics of a supersonic jet that impinges perpendicularly on a flat plate depend on complex interactions between fluid turbulence, shock waves, and acoustics. Strongly organized oscillations emerge, however, and they induce loud, often damaging, tones. We investigate this phenomenon using unstructured, high-fidelity Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and global stability analysis. Our flow configurations precisely match laboratory experiments with nozzle-to-wall distances of 4 and 4.5 jet diameters. We use multi-block shift-and-invert Arnoldi iteration to extract both direct and adjoint global modes that extend upstream into the nozzle. The frequency of the most unstable global mode agrees well with that of the emergent oscillations in the LES. We compute the "wavemaker" associated with this mode by multiplying it by its corresponding adjoint mode. The wavemaker shows that this instability is most sensitive to changes in the base flow slightly downstream of the nozzle exit. By modifying the base flow in this region, we then demonstrate that the flow can indeed be stabilized. This explains the success of microjets as an effective noise control measure when they are positioned around the nozzle lip. Computational resources were provided by the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility.

C-5 Propynyl Modifications Enhance the Mechanical Stability of DNA.

PubMed

Aschenbrenner, Daniela; Baumann, Fabian; Milles, Lukas F; Pippig, Diana A; Gaub, Hermann E

2015-07-20

Increased thermal or mechanical stability of DNA duplexes is desired for many applications in nanotechnology or -medicine where DNA is used as a programmable building block. Modifications of pyrimidine bases are known to enhance thermal stability and have the advantage of standard base-pairing and easy integration during chemical DNA synthesis. Through single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments with atomic force microscopy and the molecular force assay we investigated the effect of pyrimidines harboring C-5 propynyl modifications on the mechanical stability of double-stranded DNA. Utilizing these complementary techniques, we show that propynyl bases significantly increase the mechanical stability if the DNA is annealed at high temperature. In contrast, modified DNA complexes formed at room temperature and short incubation times display the same stability as non-modified DNA duplexes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Suprascapular block associated with supraclavicular block: An alternative to isolated interscalene block for analgesia in shoulder instability surgery?

PubMed

Trabelsi, W; Ben Gabsia, A; Lebbi, A; Sammoud, W; Labbène, I; Ferjani, M

2017-02-01

Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) is the gold standard for postoperative pain management in shoulder surgery. However, this technique has side effects and potentially serious complications. The aim of this study was to compare the combinations of ultrasound-guided suprascapular (SSB) associated with supraclavicular nerve block (SCB) and ultrasound-guided ISB for postoperative analgesia after shoulder instability surgery. Sixty ASA physical status I-II patients scheduled to undergo shoulder instability surgery were included. Two groups: (i) the SSB+SCB group (n=30) in which the patients received a combination of US-guided SSB (15mL of bupivacaine 0.25%) and US-guided SCB (15mL of bupivacaine 0.25%) and (ii) the ISB group (n=30) in which the patients received US-guided ISB with 30mL of bupivacaine 0.25%. General anesthesia was administered to all patients. During the first 24h, the variables assessed were time to administer the anesthesia, duration of the analgesia, onset and duration of motor and sensory blockade, opioid consumption, cardiovascular stability, complications, and patient satisfaction. Anesthesia induction took more time for the SSB+SCB group than for the ISB group. However, the onset time of motor and sensory blockade was similar in the two groups. Statistical analysis of the visual analog postoperative pain scoring at H0, H6, H12, and H24 showed nonsignificant differences between the groups. Analgesia, the first request for morphine, and total morphine consumption during the first 24h was similar in both groups. No complication was recorded in the SSB+SCB group. However, phrenic nerve block occurred in all patients in the ISB group. US-guided SCB combined with US-guided SSB was as effective as ISB for postoperative analgesia after shoulder instability surgery without decreasing potential side effects. NCT identifier: NCT02397330. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Domain analysis of Ras-association domain family member 6 upon interaction with MDM2.

PubMed

Sarkar, Aradhan; Iwasa, Hiroaki; Hossain, Shakhawoat; Xu, Xiaoyin; Sawada, Takeru; Shimizu, Takanobu; Maruyama, Junichi; Arimoto-Matsuzaki, Kyoko; Hata, Yutaka

2017-01-01

The tumor suppressor Ras-association domain family member 6 (RASSF6) has Ras-association domain (RA) and Salvador/RASSF/Hippo domain (SARAH). RASSF6 antagonizes MDM2, stabilizes p53, and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. We previously demonstrated the interaction between RASSF6 and MDM2, but did not determine how both proteins interact with each other. We have shown here that N-terminal, RA, and SARAH domains of RASSF6 interact with MDM2 at distinct regions. RA binds to the RING-finger region of MDM2 and stabilizes p53. SARAH binds RA and blocks the interaction between RA and MDM2. RA overexpression induces p53-dependent apoptosis and senescence. In the presence of active KRas, the interaction between RA and MDM2 is recovered. In this way, RA and SARAH play an important role in Ras-mediated regulation of p53. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Fine pointing of the Solar Optical Telescope in the Space Shuttle environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gowrinathan, S.

Instruments requiring fine (i.e., sub-arcsecond) pointing, such as the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT), must be equipped with two-stage pointing devices, coarse and fine. Coarse pointing will be performed by a gimbal system, such as the Instrument Pointing System, while the image motion compensation (IMC) will provide fine pointing. This paper describes work performed on the SOT concept design that illustrates IMC as applied to SOT. The SOT control system was modeled in the frequency domain to evaluate performance, stability, and bandwidth requirements. The two requirements of the pointing control, i.e., the 2 arcsecond reproducibility and 0.03 arcsecond rms pointing jitter, can be satisfied by use of IMC at about 20 Hz bandwidth. The need for this high bandwidth is related to Shuttle-induced disturbances that arise primarily from man push-offs and vernier thruster firings. A block diagram of SOT model/stability analysis, schematic illustrations of the SOT pointing system, and a structural model summary are included.

Increasing the stability of the articulated lorry at braking by locking the fifth wheel coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skotnikov, G. I.; Jileykin, M. M.; Komissarov, A. I.

2018-02-01

The jackknifing of the articulated lorry is determined by the loss of stability with respect to the vertical axis of the fifth wheel coupling, which can be caused by the failure of the brake system, the displacement of the center of mass of the semitrailer or tractor from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the road parameters (longitudinal and transverse slopes), the difference in the friction coefficients under the sides of the articulated lorry. In this regard, the issue of creating devices that prevent the jackknifing, and their control systems is important. A method is proposed for maintaining the stability of the movement of articulated lorry when braking both on a straight line and in a turn by blocking the relative rotation of the tractor and the trailer. Blocking occurs due to the creation of a stabilizing moment in the direction opposite to the angular rate of folding. To test the developed algorithm for locking the fifth wheel coupling, a mathematical model of the spatial motion of the articulated lorry was developed, including the models of interaction of an elastic tire with a rigid terrain, suspension systems, transmission, steering, fifth-wheel coupling. The efficiency and effectiveness of the coupling locking control system is proved by comparing the results of the simulation of a straight-line braking and braking in turn. It is shown that the application of the control system significantly increases the stability of the road train.

A case study of sea breeze blocking regulated by sea surface temperature along the English south coast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, J. K.; Chagnon, J. M.; Gray, S. L.

2013-09-01

The sensitivity of sea breeze structure to sea surface temperature (SST) and coastal orography is investigated in convection-permitting Met Office Unified Model simulations of a case study along the south coast of England. Changes in SST of 1 K are shown to significantly modify the structure of the sea breeze. On the day of the case study the sea breeze was partially blocked by coastal orography, particularly within Lyme Bay. The extent to which the flow is blocked depends strongly on the static stability of the marine boundary layer. In experiments with colder SST, the marine boundary layer is more stable, and the degree of blocking is more pronounced. The implications of prescribing fixed SST from climatology in numerical weather prediction model forecasts of the sea breeze are discussed.

Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in caudal analgesia in children

PubMed Central

Goyal, Vigya; Kubre, Jyotsna; Radhakrishnan, Krishnaprabha

2016-01-01

Context: Postoperative pain management is becoming an integral part of anesthesia care. Various techniques of pediatric pain relief have been designed among which the most commonly practiced is caudal epidural block. Several adjuvants have been used to prolong the duration of caudal analgesia such as clonidine, neostigmine, ketamine, opioids, and ephedrine. We have designed the study using dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to assess analgesic efficacy, duration of postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic stability, postoperative sedation, and any adverse effects in children. Aims: The aim is to study the effects of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in caudal analgesia in pediatric patients posted for infraumbilical surgeries. Settings and Design: This is a randomized, double-blind study in which effect of dexmedetomidine is studied when added to bupivacaine in the caudal epidural block. The observations are made intraoperatively for hemodynamic stability and postoperatively for the duration of analgesia. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted in 100 children of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, aged 2–10 years, undergoing elective infraumbilical surgeries. They were divided into two groups as follows: Group A: (0.25%) bupivacaine 1 ml/kg + normal saline (NS) 1 ml. Group B: (0.25%) bupivacaine 1 ml/kg + 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine in 1 ml NS. As this study was double-blind, patients were randomly assigned to receive either (bupivacaine + saline) or (bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine) in each group. The patients were observed for hemodynamic stability, respiratory depression, and postoperative pain using face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) pain scale for 24 h postoperatively. Statistical Analysis Used: Unpaired Student's t-test. Results: The mean duration of effective analgesia in Group A patients was 4.33 ± 0.98 h versus 9.88 ± 0.90 h in Group B patients. Likewise, the difference in mean FLACC score of both the groups was also statistically significant, 7.21 ± 0.76 and 6.49 ± 1.72 in Group A and Group B, respectively. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to Bupivacaine increases duration of caudal analgesia and improves hemodynamic stability without an increase in adverse effects in children undergoing infraumbilical surgeries. PMID:27212752

High elastic modulus polymer electrolytes

DOEpatents

Balsara, Nitash Pervez; Singh, Mohit; Eitouni, Hany Basam; Gomez, Enrique Daniel

2013-10-22

A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1.times.10.sup.7 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1.times.10.sup.-5 Scm.sup.-1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics.

Nanocomposites based on self-assembly poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate)-block-poly(N-phenylmaleimide) and Fe3O4-NPs. Thermal stability, morphological characterization and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pizarro, Guadalupe del C.; Marambio, Oscar G.; Jeria-Orell, Manuel; Sánchez, Julio; Oyarzún, Diego P.

2018-02-01

The current work presents the synthesis, characterization and preparation of organic-inorganic hybrid polymer films that contain inorganic magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). The block copolymer, prepared by Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), was used as a nanoreactor for iron oxide NPs. The NPs were embedded in poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate)-block-poly(N-phenylmaleimide) matrix. The following topographical modifications of the surface of the film were specially analyzed: control of pore features and changes in surface roughness. Finally, the NPs functionality inside the polymer matrix and how it may affect the thermal and optical properties of the films were assessed.

Construction and Self-Assembly of Single-Chain Polymer Nanoparticles via Coordination Association and Electrostatic Repulsion in Water.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhengguang; Xu, Na; Yu, Qiuping; Guo, Lei; Cao, Hui; Lu, Xinhua; Cai, Yuanli

2015-08-01

Simultaneous coordination-association and electrostatic-repulsion interactions play critical roles in the construction and stabilization of enzymatic function metal centers in water media. These interactions are promising for construction and self-assembly of artificial aqueous polymer single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs). Herein, the construction and self-assembly of dative-bonded aqueous SCNPs are reported via simultaneous coordination-association and electrostatic-repulsion interactions within single chains of histamine-based hydrophilic block copolymer. The electrostatic-repulsion interactions are tunable through adjusting the imidazolium/imidazole ratio in response to pH, and in situ Cu(II)-coordination leads to the intramolecular association and single-chain collapse in acidic water. SCNPs are stabilized by the electrostatic repulsion of dative-bonded block and steric shielding of nonionic water-soluble block, and have a huge specific surface area of function metal centers accessible to substrates in acidic water. Moreover, SCNPs can assemble into micelles, networks, and large particles programmably in response to the solution pH. These unique media-sensitive phase-transformation behaviors provide a general, facile, and versatile platform for the fabrication of enzyme-inspired smart aqueous catalysts. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[THE TECHNOLOGY "CELL BLOCK" IN CYTOLOGICAL PRACTICE].

PubMed

Volchenko, N N; Borisova, O V; Baranova, I B

2015-08-01

The article presents summary information concerning application of "cell block" technology in cytological practice. The possibilities of implementation of various modern techniques (immune cytochemnical analysis. FISH, CISH, polymerase chain reaction) with application of "cell block" method are demonstrated. The original results of study of "cell block" technology made with gelatin, AgarCyto and Shadon Cyoblock set are presented. The diagnostic effectiveness of "cell block" technology and common cytological smear and also immune cytochemical analysis on samples of "cell block" technology and fluid cytology were compared. Actually application of "cell block" technology is necessary for ensuring preservation of cell elements for subsequent immune cytochemical and molecular genetic analysis.

Primary Stability of Zirconium vs Titanium Implants: An In Vitro Comparison

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-05

Zirconia implant and 4x11.5 Titanium implant placed in artificial bone ( polyurethane foam ) at .08 rotations /sec…………………………………28   viii...measurements as they relate to primary Implant Stability. Artificial Bone made of solid ridged polyurethane foam was used as an alternative test...30 pound per cubic foot solid rigid polyurethane blocks used to substitute human cancellous bone

Examination of lignocellulosic fibers for chemical, thermal, and separations properties: Addressing thermo-chemical stability issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Carter David

Natural fiber-plastic composites incorporate thermoplastic resins with fibrous plant-based materials, sometimes referred to as biomass. Pine wood mill waste has been the traditional source of natural fibrous feedstock. In anticipation of a waste wood shortage other fibrous biomass materials are being investigated as potential supplements or replacements. Perennial grasses, agricultural wastes, and woody biomass are among the potential source materials. As these feedstocks share the basic chemical building blocks; cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, they are collectively called lignocellulosics. Initial investigation of a number of lignocellulosic materials, applied to fiber-plastic composite processing and material testing, resulted in varied results, particularly response to processing conditions. Less thermally stable lignocellulosic filler materials were physically changed in observable ways: darkened color and odor. The effect of biomass materials' chemical composition on thermal stability was investigated an experiment involving determination of the chemical composition of seven lignocellulosics: corn hull, corn stover, fescue, pine, soy hull, soy stover, and switchgrass. These materials were also evaluated for thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis. The results of these determinations indicated that both chemical composition and pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials can have an effect on their thermal stability. A second study was performed to investigate what effect different pretreatment systems have on hybrid poplar, pine, and switchgrass. These materials were treated with hot water, ethanol, and a 2:1 benzene/ethanol mixture for extraction times of: 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. This factorial experiment demonstrated that both extraction time and medium have an effect on the weight percent of extractives removed from all three material types. The extracted materials generated in the above study were then subjected to an evaluation of thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis in a subsequent experiment. Overlay plots, combining individual weight loss curves, demonstrate that the experimental factors, solvent system and extraction time, produce effects on the thermal stability of the treated biomass samples. These data also indicated that the individual lignocellulosic materials had unique responses to the type of solvent used for pretreatment. Increasing extraction time had either no correlation with or a positive effect on thermal stability of the biomass samples.

Double hydrophilic block copolymer controlled growth and self-assembly of CaCO3 multilayered structures at the air/water interface.

PubMed

Gao, Yun-Xiang; Yu, Shu-Hong; Guo, Xiao-Hui

2006-07-04

Double hydrophilic block copolymers PEG-b-PEI-linear with different PEI block lengths have been examined for CaCO3 mineralization at the air/water interface. The results demonstrated that either PEI length or the solution acidity had a significant influence on the morphogenesis of vaterite crystals at the air/water interface. A possible mechanism for the stratification of CaCO3 vaterite crystals has been proposed. Increasing either PEI length or the initial pH value of the solution will decrease the density of the PEG block anchored on the binding interface and result in exposing more space as binding interface to solution and favoring the subnucleation and stratification growth on the polymer-CaCO3 interface. In contrast, higher density of PEG blocks will stabilize the growing crystals more efficiently and inhibit subnucleation on the polymer-CaCO3 interface, and thus prevent the formation of stratified structures. This study provides an example that it is possible to access morphogenesis of calcium carbonate structures by a combination of a block copolymer with the air/water interface.

Nano-assemblies of cationic mPEG brush block copolymers with gadolinium polyoxotungstate [Gd(W5O18)2]9- form stable, high relaxivity MRI contrast agents.

PubMed

Ly, Joanne; Li, Yuhuan; Vu, Mai N; Moffat, Bradford A; Jack, Kevin S; Quinn, John F; Whittaker, Michael R; Davis, Thomas P

2018-04-19

Polyoxometalates (POMs) incorporating paramagnetic ions, such as gadolinium, show promise as contrast agents for application in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Specifically, [Gd(W5O18)2]9- (denoted as GdWO) has been reported to have a higher relaxivity than commercially available contrast agents, but it's clinical utility has been limited by the intrinsic instability of POMs at physiological pH (7.4). In the current report we present a stability study on neat GdWO and nano-assemblies of block copolymers with GdWO in the pH range 5.0-7.4 to assess their suitability as MRI contrast agents. Neat GdWO only maintained structural stability between pH 5.4 and 6.4, and demonstrated poor MRI contrast at pH 7.4. To address this pH instability, GdWO was self-assembled with cationic mPEG brush block copolymers containing 20 or 40 units derived from the cationic monomer, 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). Nano-assemblies with different charge ratios were synthesised and characterised according to their size, stability, contrasting properties and toxicity. The longitudinal relaxivity (r1) of the nano-assemblies was found to be dependent on the charge ratio, but not on the length of the cationic polymer block. Further investigation of PDMAEMA20 nano-assemblies demonstrated that they were stable over the pH range 5.0-7.4, exhibiting a higher r1 than either neat GdWO (2.77 s-1 mM-1) or clinical MRI contrast agent Gd-DTPA (4.1 s-1 mM-1) at pH 7.4. Importantly, the nano-assembly with the lowest charge ratio (0.2), showed the highest r1 (12.1 s-1 mM-1) whilst, stabilising GdWO over the pH range studied, eliciting low toxicity with MDA-MB231 cells.

Enhanced stiffness of silk-like fibers by loop formation in the corona leads to stronger gels.

PubMed

Rombouts, Wolf H; Domeradzka, Natalia E; Werten, Marc W T; Leermakers, Frans A M; de Vries, Renko J; de Wolf, Frits A; van der Gucht, Jasper

2016-11-01

We study the self-assembly of protein polymers consisting of a silk-like block flanked by two hydrophilic blocks, with a cysteine residue attached to the C-terminal end. The silk blocks self-assemble to form fibers while the hydrophilic blocks form a stabilizing corona. Entanglement of the fibers leads to the formation of hydrogels. Under oxidizing conditions the cysteine residues form disulfide bridges, effectively connecting two corona chains at their ends to form a loop. We find that this leads to a significant increase in the elastic modulus of the gels. Using atomic force microscopy, we show that this stiffening is due to an increase of the persistence length of the fibers. Self-consistent-field calculations indicate a slight decrease of the lateral pressure in the corona upon loop formation. We argue that this small decrease in the repulsive interactions affects the stacking of the silk-like blocks in the core, resulting in a more rigid fiber. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Blocking Filters with Enhanced Throughput for X-Ray Microcalorimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grove, David; Betcher, Jacob; Hagen, Mark

2012-01-01

New and improved blocking filters (see figure) have been developed for microcalorimeters on several mission payloads, made of high-transmission polyimide support mesh, that can replace the nickel mesh used in previous blocking filter flight designs. To realize the resolution and signal sensitivity of today s x-ray microcalorimeters, significant improvements in the blocking filter stack are needed. Using high-transmission polyimide support mesh, it is possible to improve overall throughput on a typical microcalorimeter such as Suzaku s X-ray Spectrometer by 11%, compared to previous flight designs. Using polyimide to replace standard metal mesh means the mesh will be transparent to energies 3 keV and higher. Incorporating polyimide s advantageous strength-to-weight ratio, thermal stability, and transmission characteristics permits thinner filter materials, significantly enhancing through - put. A prototype contamination blocking filter for ASTRO-H has passed QT-level acoustic testing. Resistive traces can also be incorporated to provide decontamination capability to actively restore filter performance in orbit.

Polyelectrolyte Complex Optimization for Macrophage Delivery of Redox Enzyme Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yuling; Haney, Matthew J.; Klyachko, Natalia L.; Li, Shu; Booth, Stephanie L.; Higginbotham, Sheila M.; Jones, Jocelyn; Zimmerman, Matthew C.; Mosley, R. Lee; Kabanov, Alexander V.; Gendelman, Howard E.; Batrakova, Elena V.

2011-01-01

Background We posit that cell-mediated drug delivery can improve transport of therapeutic enzymes to the brain and decrease inflammation and neurodegeneration induced during Parkinson’s disease. Our prior work demonstrated that macrophages loaded with nanoformulated catalase (“nanozyme”) protect the nigrostriatum in a murine model of Parkinson’s disease. Packaging of catalase into block ionomer complex with a synthetic polyelectrolyte block copolymers protects the enzyme degradation in macrophages. Methods We examined relationships between the composition and structure of block ionomer complexes, their physicochemical characteristics, and loadings, release rates, and catalase activity in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Results Formation of block-ionomer complexes resulted in improved aggregation stability. Block ionomer complexes with ε-polylisine, and poly-L-glutamic acid -poly(ethylene glycol) demonstrated the least cytotoxicity and high loading and release rates, however, did not efficiently protect catalase inside macrophages. Conclusion nanozymes with polyethyleneimine- and poly(L-lysine)10-poly(ethylene glycol) provided the best protection of enzymatic activity for cell-mediated drug delivery. PMID:21182416

Rapid and annealing-free self-assembly of DNA building blocks for 3D hydrogel chaperoned by cationic comb-type copolymers.

PubMed

Zhang, Zheng; Wu, Yuyang; Yu, Feng; Niu, Chaoqun; Du, Zhi; Chen, Yong; Du, Jie

2017-10-01

The construction and self-assembly of DNA building blocks are the foundation of bottom-up development of three-dimensional DNA nanostructures or hydrogels. However, most self-assembly from DNA components is impeded by the mishybridized intermediates or the thermodynamic instability. To enable rapid production of complicated DNA objects with high yields no need for annealing process, herein different DNA building blocks (Y-shaped, L- and L'-shaped units) were assembled in presence of a cationic comb-type copolymer, poly (L-lysine)-graft-dextran (PLL-g-Dex), under physiological conditions. The results demonstrated that PLL-g-Dex not only significantly promoted the self-assembly of DNA blocks with high efficiency, but also stabilized the assembled multi-level structures especially for promoting the complicated 3D DNA hydrogel formation. This study develops a novel strategy for rapid and high-yield production of DNA hydrogel even derived from instable building blocks at relatively low DNA concentrations, which would endow DNA nanotechnology for more practical applications.

75 FR 57492 - Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB American Recovery and Reinvestment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-21

... Energy and Green retrofit Investment program, Indian Community Development Block Grant Program, Native... Proposed Use: The Public Housing Capital Fund, Assisted Housing Stability and Energy and Green retrofit...

Formulation and characterization of biocompatible and stable I.V. itraconazole nanosuspensions stabilized by a new stabilizer polyethylene glycol-poly(β-Benzyl-l-aspartate) (PEG-PBLA).

PubMed

Zong, Lanlan; Li, Xiaohua; Wang, Haiyan; Cao, Yanping; Yin, Li; Li, Mengmeng; Wei, Zhihao; Chen, Dongxiao; Pu, Xiaohui; Han, Jihong

2017-10-05

Amphiphilic block copolymers, PEG-PBLA with different molecular weights, were synthesized and used as new stabilizers for Itraconazole nannosuspensions (ITZ-PBLA-Nanos). ITZ-PBLA-Nanos were prepared by the microprecipitation-high pressure homogenization method, and the particle size and zeta potential were measured using a ZetaSizer Nano-ZS90. Morphology and crystallinity were studied using TEM, DSC and powder X-ray. The effect of the PEG-to-PBLA ratio, and the drug-to-stabilizer ratio were investigated to obtain the optimal formulation. It was found that the optimal length of hydrophobic block was 25 BLA-NCA molecules and the optimal ratio of drug/stabilizer was 1:1, where the resulted average particle size of ITZ-PBLA-Nanos was 262.1±7.13nm with a PDI value of 0.163±0.011. The images of TEM suggest that ITZ-PBLA-Nanos were rectangular in shape. ITZ existed as crystals in the nanoparticles as suggested by the DSC and XRD results. Compared with the crude drug suspensions, the dissolution rate of ITZ nanocrystals, was significantly increased and was similar to Sporanox ® injection. The ITZ-PBLA-Nanos also demonstrated better dilution stability and storage stability compared with ITZ-F68-Nanos. The particle size of ITZ-PBLA-Nanos did not change significantly after incubated in rat plasma for 24h which is a good attribute for I.V. administration. Acute toxicity tests showed that ITZ-PBLA-Nanos has the highest LD 50 compared with ITZ-F68-Nanos and Sporanox ® injection. ITZ-PBLA-Nanos also showed stronger inhibiting effect on the growth of Candida albicans compared with Sporanox ® injection. Therefore, PEG-PBLA has a promising potential as a biocompatible stabilizer for ITZ nanosuspensions and potentially for other nanosuspensions as well. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Learning trajectories for speech motor performance in children with specific language impairment.

PubMed

Richtsmeier, Peter T; Goffman, Lisa

2015-01-01

Children with specific language impairment (SLI) often perform below expected levels, including on tests of motor skill and in learning tasks, particularly procedural learning. In this experiment we examined the possibility that children with SLI might also have a motor learning deficit. Twelve children with SLI and thirteen children with typical development (TD) produced complex nonwords in an imitation task. Productions were collected across three blocks, with the first and second blocks on the same day and the third block one week later. Children's lip movements while producing the nonwords were recorded using an Optotrak camera system. Movements were then analyzed for production duration and stability. Movement analyses indicated that both groups of children produced shorter productions in later blocks (corroborated by an acoustic analysis), and the rate of change was comparable for the TD and SLI groups. A nonsignificant trend for more stable productions was also observed in both groups. SLI is regularly accompanied by a motor deficit, and this study does not dispute that. However, children with SLI learned to make more efficient productions at a rate similar to their peers with TD, revealing some modification of the motor deficit associated with SLI. The reader will learn about deficits commonly associated with specific language impairment (SLI) that often occur alongside the hallmark language deficit. The authors present an experiment showing that children with SLI improved speech motor performance at a similar rate compared to typically developing children. The implication is that speech motor learning is not impaired in children with SLI. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Customized Knee Prosthesis in Treatment of Giant Cell Tumors of the Proximal Tibia: Application of 3-Dimensional Printing Technology in Surgical Design.

PubMed

Luo, Wenbin; Huang, Lanfeng; Liu, He; Qu, Wenrui; Zhao, Xin; Wang, Chenyu; Li, Chen; Yu, Tao; Han, Qing; Wang, Jincheng; Qin, Yanguo

2017-04-07

BACKGROUND We explored the application of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology in treating giant cell tumors (GCT) of the proximal tibia. A tibia block was designed and produced through 3D printing technology. We expected that this 3D-printed block would fill the bone defect after en-bloc resection. Importantly, the block, combined with a standard knee joint prosthesis, provided attachments for collateral ligaments of the knee, which can maintain knee stability. MATERIAL AND METHODS A computed tomography (CT) scan was taken of both knee joints in 4 patients with GCT of the proximal tibia. We developed a novel technique - the real-size 3D-printed proximal tibia model - to design preoperative treatment plans. Hence, with the application of 3D printing technology, a customized proximal tibia block could be designed for each patient individually, which fixed the bone defect, combined with standard knee prosthesis. RESULTS In all 4 cases, the 3D-printed block fitted the bone defect precisely. The motion range of the affected knee was 90 degrees on average, and the soft tissue balance and stability of the knee were good. After an average 7-month follow-up, the MSTS score was 19 on average. No sign of prosthesis fracture, loosening, or other relevant complications were detected. CONCLUSIONS This technique can be used to treat GCT of the proximal tibia when it is hard to achieve soft tissue balance after tumor resection. 3D printing technology simplified the design and manufacturing progress of custom-made orthopedic medical instruments. This new surgical technique could be much more widely applied because of 3D printing technology.

Reactive p-block cations stabilized by weakly coordinating anions

PubMed Central

Engesser, Tobias A.; Lichtenthaler, Martin R.; Schleep, Mario

2016-01-01

The chemistry of the p-block elements is a huge playground for fundamental and applied work. With their bonding from electron deficient to hypercoordinate and formally hypervalent, the p-block elements represent an area to find terra incognita. Often, the formation of cations that contain p-block elements as central ingredient is desired, for example to make a compound more Lewis acidic for an application or simply to prove an idea. This review has collected the reactive p-block cations (rPBC) with a comprehensive focus on those that have been published since the year 2000, but including the milestones and key citations of earlier work. We include an overview on the weakly coordinating anions (WCAs) used to stabilize the rPBC and give an overview to WCA selection, ionization strategies for rPBC-formation and finally list the rPBC ordered in their respective group from 13 to 18. However, typical, often more organic ion classes that constitute for example ionic liquids (imidazolium, ammonium, etc.) were omitted, as were those that do not fulfill the – naturally subjective – “reactive”-criterion of the rPBC. As a rule, we only included rPBC with crystal structure and only rarely refer to important cations published without crystal structure. This collection is intended for those who are simply interested what has been done or what is possible, as well as those who seek advice on preparative issues, up to people having a certain application in mind, where the knowledge on the existence of a rPBC that might play a role as an intermediate or active center may be useful. PMID:26612538

Thermo-Responsive Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Stablilized Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis and High Catalytic Properties.

PubMed

Lü, Jianhua; Yang, Yu; Gao, Junfang; Duan, Haichao; Lü, Changli

2018-06-19

A series of novel well-defined 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ)-containing thermo-responsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers poly(styrene-co-5-(2-methacryloylethyloxy- methyl)-8-quinolinol)-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) P(St-co-MQ)-b-PNIPAm (P1,2), P(NIPAm- co-MQ)-b-PSt (P3,4) and triblock copolymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-poly(methyl- methacrylate-co-5-(2-methacryloylethyloxymethyl)-8-quinolinol)-b-polystyrene PNIPAm-b- P(MMA-co-MQ)-b-PSt (P5) were prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and their self-assembly behaviors were studied. The block copolymers P1-P5 stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au@P1-Au@P5) with small size and narrow distribution were obtained through in situ reduction of gold precursors in aqueous solution of polymer micelles with HQ as the coordination groups. The resulting Au@P nanohybrids possessed excellent catalytic activities for the reduction of nitrophenols using NaBH4. The size, morphology and surface chemistry of Au NPs could be controlled by adjusting the structure of block polymers with HQ in different block positions, which plays an important role in the catalytic properties. It was found that longer chain length of hydrophilic or hydrophobic segments of block copolymers were beneficial to elevate the catalytic activity of Au NPs for the reduction of nitrophenols, and the spherical nanoparticles (Au@P5) stabilized with triblock copolymer exhibit higher catalytic performance. Surprisingly, the gold nanowires (Au@P4) produced with P4 have a highest catalytic activity due to large abundance of grain boundaries. Excellent thermo-responsive behaviors for catalytic reaction make the as-prepared Au@P hybrids become an environmentally responsive nano-catalytic materials.

Design optimization and tolerance analysis of a spot-size converter for the taper-assisted vertical integration platform in InP.

PubMed

Tolstikhin, Valery; Saeidi, Shayan; Dolgaleva, Ksenia

2018-05-01

We report on the design optimization and tolerance analysis of a multistep lateral-taper spot-size converter based on indium phosphide (InP), performed using the Monte Carlo method. Being a natural fit to (and a key building block of) the regrowth-free taper-assisted vertical integration platform, such a spot-size converter enables efficient and displacement-tolerant fiber coupling to InP-based photonic integrated circuits at a wavelength of 1.31 μm. An exemplary four-step lateral-taper design featuring 0.35 dB coupling loss at optimal alignment of a standard single-mode fiber; ≥7  μm 1 dB displacement tolerance in any direction in a facet plane; and great stability against manufacturing variances is demonstrated.

A Comparison of Efficacy of Segmental Epidural Block versus Spinal Anaesthesia for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

PubMed Central

Nandanwar, Avinash S; Patil, Yogita; Baheti, Vidyasagar H.; Tanwar, Harshwardhan V.; Patwardhan, Sujata K.

2015-01-01

Introduction Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is done under general anaesthesia in most of the centres. Associated complications and cost are higher for general anaesthesia than for regional anaesthesia. Present study is designed to compare the efficacy of epidural block versus spinal anaesthesia with regards to intraoperative mean arterial pressure, heart rate, postoperative pain intensity, analgesic requirement, Postoperative complications and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing PCNL. Materials and Methods After taking Ethical Committee clearance, patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups using table of randomization (n= 40 each) Group E- Epidural block, Group S- Spinal block. Various parameters like intraoperative mean arterial pressure, heart rate, postoperative pain intensity, analgesic requirement, postoperative complications and patient satisfaction were studied in these groups. Statistical Analysis Quantitative data was analysed using unpaired t-test and qualitative data was analysed using chi-square test. Results Twenty four times in Epidural as compared to fifteen times in spinal anaesthesia two or more attempts required. Mean time (min) required to achieve the block of anaesthesia in group E and group S was 15.45±2.8 and 8.52±2.62 min respectively. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 5 min, 10 min and 15 min were significantly lower in spinal group as compared to epidural group. After 30 minutes, differences were not significant but still MAP was lower in spinal group. After 30 minutes difference in heart rate between two groups was statistically significant and higher rate recorded in spinal group till the end of 3 hours. Postoperative VAS score was significantly higher in spinal group and 4 hours onwards difference was highly significant. Postoperative Nausea Vomiting (PONV) Score was significantly higher in spinal group as compared to epidural group. Conclusion For PCNL, segmental epidural block is better than spinal anaesthesia in terms of haemodynamic stability, postoperative analgesia, patient satisfaction and reduced incidence of PONV. Epidural anaesthesia is difficult to execute and takes longer time to act as compared to spinal block which limits its use. PMID:26436021

Cellular Trojan horse based polymer nanoreactors with light-sensitive activity.

PubMed

Baumann, Patric; Spulber, Mariana; Dinu, Ionel Adrian; Palivan, Cornelia G

2014-08-07

Stimulus-sensitive systems at the nanoscale represent ideal candidates for improving therapeutic and diagnostic approaches by producing rapid responses to the presence of specific molecules or conditions either by changing properties or by acting "on demand". Here we introduce an optimized light-sensitive nanoreactor based on encapsulation of a photosensitizer inside polymer vesicles to serve as an efficient source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) "on demand". Two types of amphiphilic block copolymers, poly(2-methyloxazoline)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block-poly(2-methyloxazoline), PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA, and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-block-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), PNVP-PDMS-PNVP, were used to encapsulate Rose Bengal-bovine serum albumin (RB-BSA) inside the cavity of vesicles. The difference of copolymers molecular properties (hydrophobic to hydrophilic ratio, different chemical nature of the hydrophilic block) influenced the encapsulation ability, and uptake by cells, allowing therefore a selection of the most efficient polymer system. Nanoreactors were optimized in terms of (i) size, (ii) stability, and (iii) encapsulation efficiency based on a combination of light scattering, TEM, and UV-vis spectroscopy. By illumination, encapsulated RB-BSA conjugates generated in situ ROS, which diffused through the polymer membrane to the environment of the vesicles, as proved by electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR). Optimum illumination conditions were obtained based on the effect of the illumination time on the amount of ROS produced in situ by the encapsulated RB-BSA conjugates. ROS diffusion monitored by ESR was dependent on the molecular weight of copolymer that influences the thickness of the polymer membrane. Upon uptake into HeLa cells our nontoxic nanoreactors acted as a Trojan horse: they produced illumination-controlled ROS in sufficient amounts to induce cell death under photodynamic therapy (PDT) conditions. Straightforward production, stability, and Trojan horse activity inside cells support our light-sensitive nanoreactors for medical applications which require ROS to be generated with precise time and space control.

Development of control system of coating of rod hydraulic cylinders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aizhambaeva, S. Zh; Maximova, A. V.

2018-01-01

In this article, requirements to materials of hydraulic cylinders and methods of eliminating the main factors affecting the quality of the applied coatings rod hydraulic cylinders. The chromium plating process - one of ways of increase of anti-friction properties of coatings rods, stability to the wear and corrosion. The article gives description of differences of the stand-speed chromium plating process from other types of chromium plating that determines a conclusion about cutting time of chromium plating process. Conducting the analysis of technological equipment suggested addressing the modernization of high-speed chromium plating processes by automation and mechanization. Control system developed by design of schematic block diagram of a modernized and stand-speed chromium plating process.

pH-sensitive multi-PEGylated block copolymer as a bioresponsive pDNA delivery vector.

PubMed

Lai, Tsz Chung; Bae, Younsoo; Yoshida, Takayuki; Kataoka, Kazunori; Kwon, Glen S

2010-11-01

A reversibly-PEGylated diblock copolymer, poly(aspartate-hydrazide-poly(ethylene glycol))-block-poly(aspartate-diaminoethane) (p[Asp(Hyd-PEG)]-b-p[Asp(DET)]) was reported here for enhanced gene transfection and colloidal stability. The diblock copolymer possessed a unique architecture based on a poly(aspartamide) backbone. The first block, p[Asp(Hyd)], was used for multi-PEG conjugations, and the second block, p[Asp(DET)], was used for DNA condensation and endosomal escape. p[Asp(Hyd-PEG)]-b-p[Asp(DET)] was synthesized and characterized by (1)H-NMR. Polyplexes were formed by mixing the synthesized polymers and pDNA. The polyplex size, ζ-potential, and in vitro transfection efficiency were determined by dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential measurements, and luciferase assays, respectively. pH-dependent release of PEG from the polymer was monitored by cationic-exchange chromatography. The polyplexes were 70-90 nm in size, and the surface charge was effectively shielded by a PEG layer. The transfection efficiency of the reversibly PEGylated polyplexes was confirmed to be comparable to that of the non-PEGylated counterparts and 1,000 times higher than that of the irreversibly PEGylated polyplexes. PEG release was demonstrated to be pH-sensitive. Fifty percent of the PEG was released within 30 min at pH 5, while the polymer incubated at pH 7.4 could still maintain 50% of PEG after 8 h. The reversibly PEGylated polyplexes were shown to maintain polyplex stability without compromising transfection efficiency.

Control over self-assembly of diblock copolymers on hexagonal and square templates for high area density circuit boards.

PubMed

Feng, Jie; Cavicchi, Kevin A; Heinz, Hendrik

2011-12-27

Self-assembled diblock copolymer melts on patterned substrates can induce a smaller characteristic domain spacing compared to predefined lithographic patterns and enable the manufacture of circuit boards with a high area density of computing and storage units. Monte Carlo simulation using coarse-grain models of polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane shows that the generation of high-density hexagonal and square patterns is controlled by the ratio N(D) of the surface area per post and the surface area per spherical domain of neat block copolymer. N(D) represents the preferred number of block copolymer domains per post. Selected integer numbers support the formation of ordered structures on hexagonal (1, 3, 4, 7, 9) and square (1, 2, 5, 7) templates. On square templates, only smaller numbers of block copolymer domains per post support the formation of ordered arrays with significant stabilization energies relative to hexagonal morphology. Deviation from suitable integer numbers N(D) increases the likelihood of transitional morphologies between square and hexagonal. Upon increasing the spacing of posts on the substrate, square arrays, nested square arrays, and disordered hexagonal morphologies with multiple coordination numbers were identified, accompanied by a decrease in stabilization energy. Control over the main design parameter N(D) may allow an up to 7-fold increase in density of spherical block copolymer domains per surface area in comparison to the density of square posts and provide access to a wide range of high-density nanostructures to pattern electronic devices.

Diblock-copolymer-mediated self-assembly of protein-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticle clusters for magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Tähkä, Sari; Laiho, Ari; Kostiainen, Mauri A

2014-03-03

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) can be used as efficient transverse relaxivity (T2 ) contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Organizing small (D<10 nm) SPIONs into large assemblies can considerably enhance their relaxivity. However, this assembly process is difficult to control and can easily result in unwanted aggregation and precipitation, which might further lead to lower contrast agent performance. Herein, we present highly stable protein-polymer double-stabilized SPIONs for improving contrast in MRI. We used a cationic-neutral double hydrophilic poly(N-methyl-2-vinyl pyridinium iodide-block-poly(ethylene oxide) diblock copolymer (P2QVP-b-PEO) to mediate the self-assembly of protein-cage-encapsulated iron oxide (γ-Fe2 O3 ) nanoparticles (magnetoferritin) into stable PEO-coated clusters. This approach relies on electrostatic interactions between the cationic N-methyl-2-vinylpyridinium iodide block and magnetoferritin protein cage surface (pI≈4.5) to form a dense core, whereas the neutral ethylene oxide block provides a stabilizing biocompatible shell. Formation of the complexes was studied in aqueous solvent medium with dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cryogenic transmission electron microcopy (cryo-TEM). DLS results indicated that the hydrodynamic diameter (Dh ) of the clusters is approximately 200 nm, and cryo-TEM showed that the clusters have an anisotropic stringlike morphology. MRI studies showed that in the clusters the longitudinal relaxivity (r1 ) is decreased and the transverse relaxivity (r2 ) is increased relative to free magnetoferritin (MF), thus indicating that clusters can provide considerable contrast enhancement. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Aridity drives plant biogeographical sub regions in the Caatinga, the largest tropical dry forest and woodland block in South America.

PubMed

Silva, Augusto C; Souza, Alexandre F

2018-01-01

Our aims were to quantify and map the plant sub regions of the the Caatinga, that covers 844,453 km2 and is the largest block of seasonally dry forest in South America. We performed spatial analyses of the largest dataset of woody plant distributions in this region assembled to date (of 2,666 shrub and tree species; 260 localities), compared these distributions with the current phytogeographic regionalizations, and investigated the potential environmental drivers of the floristic patterns in these sub regions. Phytogeographical regions were identified using quantitative analyses of species turnover calculated as Simpson dissimilarity index. We applied an interpolation method to map NMDS axes of compositional variation over the entire extent of the Caatinga, and then classified the compositional dissimilarity according to the number of biogeographical sub regions identified a priori using k-means analysis. We used multinomial logistic regression models to investigate the influence of contemporary climatic productivity, topographic complexity, soil characteristics, climate stability since the last glacial maximum, and the human footprint in explaining the identified sub regions. We identified nine spatially cohesive biogeographical sub regions. Current productivity, as indicated by an aridity index, was the only explanatory variable retained in the best model, explaining nearly half of the floristic variability between sub regions. The highest rates of endemism within the Caatinga were in the Core and Periphery Chapada Diamantina sub regions. Our findings suggest that the topographic complexity, soil variation, and human footprint in the Caatinga act on woody plant distributions at local scales and not as determinants of broad floristic patterns. The lack of effect of climatic stability since the last glacial maximum probably results from the fact that a single measure of climatic stability does not adequately capture the highly dynamic climatic shifts the region suffered during the Pleistocene. There was limited overlap between our results and previous Caatinga classifications.

Aridity drives plant biogeographical sub regions in the Caatinga, the largest tropical dry forest and woodland block in South America

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Our aims were to quantify and map the plant sub regions of the the Caatinga, that covers 844,453 km2 and is the largest block of seasonally dry forest in South America. We performed spatial analyses of the largest dataset of woody plant distributions in this region assembled to date (of 2,666 shrub and tree species; 260 localities), compared these distributions with the current phytogeographic regionalizations, and investigated the potential environmental drivers of the floristic patterns in these sub regions. Phytogeographical regions were identified using quantitative analyses of species turnover calculated as Simpson dissimilarity index. We applied an interpolation method to map NMDS axes of compositional variation over the entire extent of the Caatinga, and then classified the compositional dissimilarity according to the number of biogeographical sub regions identified a priori using k-means analysis. We used multinomial logistic regression models to investigate the influence of contemporary climatic productivity, topographic complexity, soil characteristics, climate stability since the last glacial maximum, and the human footprint in explaining the identified sub regions. We identified nine spatially cohesive biogeographical sub regions. Current productivity, as indicated by an aridity index, was the only explanatory variable retained in the best model, explaining nearly half of the floristic variability between sub regions. The highest rates of endemism within the Caatinga were in the Core and Periphery Chapada Diamantina sub regions. Our findings suggest that the topographic complexity, soil variation, and human footprint in the Caatinga act on woody plant distributions at local scales and not as determinants of broad floristic patterns. The lack of effect of climatic stability since the last glacial maximum probably results from the fact that a single measure of climatic stability does not adequately capture the highly dynamic climatic shifts the region suffered during the Pleistocene. There was limited overlap between our results and previous Caatinga classifications. PMID:29702668

Positron emission tomography based analysis of long-circulating cross-linked triblock polymeric micelles in a U87MG mouse xenograft model and comparison of DOTA and CB-TE2A as chelators of copper-64.

PubMed

Jensen, Andreas I; Binderup, Tina; Kumar EK, Pramod; Kjær, Andreas; Rasmussen, Palle H; Andresen, Thomas L

2014-05-12

Copolymers of ABC-type (PEG-PHEMA-PCMA) architecture were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization and formulated as micelles with functionalizable primary alcohols in the shell-region (PHEMA-block) to which the metal-ion chelators DOTA or CB-TE2A were conjugated. Using this micelle system we compared the in vivo stabilities of DOTA and CB-TE2A as chelators of (64)Cu in micelle nanoparticles. The coumarin polymer (PCMA-block) micelle core was cross-linked by UV irradiation at 2 W/cm(2) for 30 min. The cross-linked micelles were labeled with (64)Cu at room temperature for 2 h (DOTA) or 80 °C for 3 h (CB-TE2A), giving labeling efficiencies of 60-76% (DOTA) and 40-47% (CB-TE2A). (64)Cu-micelles were injected into tumor-bearing mice (8 mg/kg) and PET/CT scans were carried out at 1, 22, and 46 h postinjection. The micelles showed good blood stability (T1/2: 20-26 h) and tumor uptake that was comparable with other nanoparticle systems. The DOTA micelles showed a biodistribution similar to the CB-TE2A micelles and the tumor uptake was comparable for both micelle types at 1 h (1.9% ID/g) and 22 h (3.9% ID/g) but diverged at 46 h with 3.6% ID/g (DOTA) and 4.9% ID/g (CB-TE2A). On the basis of our data, we conclude that cross-linked PEG-PHEMA-PCMA micelles have long circulating properties resulting in tumor accumulation and that DOTA and CB-TE2A (64)Cu-chelates show similar in vivo stability for the studied micelle system.

Synthesis of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-poly(phenylboronate ester) acrylate and study on their glucose-responsive behavior.

PubMed

Yao, Yuan; Shen, Heyun; Zhang, Guanghui; Yang, Jing; Jin, Xu

2014-10-01

We introduced thermo-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) into the polymer structure of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(phenylboronate ester) acrylate (MPEG-block-PPBDEMA) by block and random polymerization pathways in order to investigate the effect of polymer architecture on the glucose-responsiveness and enhance their insulin release controllability. By following the structure, the continuous PNIPAM shell of the triblock polymer MPEG-block-PNIPAM-block-PPBDEMA collapsing on the glucose-responsive PPBDEMA core formed the polymeric micelles with a core-shell-corona structure, and MPEG-block-(PNIPAM-rand-PPBDEMA) exhibited core-corona micelles in which the hydrophobic core consisted of PNIPAM and PPBDEMA segments when the environmental temperature was increased above low critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM. The micellar morphologies can be precisely controlled by temperature change between 15 and 37°C. As a result, the introduction of PNIPAM greatly enhanced the overall stability of insulin encapsulated in the polymeric micelles in the absence of glucose over incubation 80 h at 37°C. Comparing to MPEG-block-PNIPAM-block-PPBDEMA, the nanocarriers from MPEG-block-(PNIPAM-rand-PPBDEMA) showed great insulin release behavior which is zero insulin release without glucose, low release at normal blood glucose concentration (1.0 mg/mL). Therefore, these nanocarriers may be served as promising self-regulated insulin delivery system for diabetes treatment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Significant Stability Enhancement in High-Efficiency Polymer:Fullerene Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells by Blocking Ultraviolet Photons from Solar Light.

PubMed

Jeong, Jaehoon; Seo, Jooyeok; Nam, Sungho; Han, Hyemi; Kim, Hwajeong; Anthopoulos, Thomas D; Bradley, Donal D C; Kim, Youngkyoo

2016-04-01

Achievement of extremely high stability for inverted-type polymer:fullerene solar cells is reported, which have bulk heterojunction (BHJ) layers consisting of poly[4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-alt-3-fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene-2-carboxylate] (PTB7-Th) and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM), by employing UV-cut filter (UCF) that is mounted on the front of glass substrates. The UCF can block most of UV photons below 403 nm at the expense of ≈20% reduction in the total intensity of solar light. Results show that the PTB7-Th:PC 71 BM solar cell with UCF exhibits extremely slow decay in power conversion efficiency (PCE) but a rapidly decayed PCE is measured for the device without UCF. The poor device stability without UCF is ascribed to the oxidative degradation of constituent materials in the BHJ layers, which give rise to the formation of PC 71 BM aggregates, as measured with high resolution and scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The device stability cannot be improved by simply inserting poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) interfacial layer without UCF, whereas the lifetime of the PEI-inserted PTB7-Th:PC 71 BM solar cells is significantly enhanced when UCF is attached.

Hazard assessment of the stability of a cavern roof along the coastline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reina, A.; Lollino, P.

2009-04-01

This work concerns the hazard assessment about the stability of a large shallow depth cavern, located along the coastline rocky sector of Polignano town (Apulia, Southern Italy) under an intensely urbanised area. This cavern, which lies at the sea level, has been created by a prolonged process of sea erosion within a rock mass formed of a lower stratified limestone mass and an upper Gravina Calcarenite mass. The thickness of the cavern roof, which has a dome shape, is less than 10 metres in the centre. Important buildings, as hotels and private houses, are located just above the top of the roof. Erosion processes have been observed to be still active along the whole cavern due to climate factors and, in particular, to sea salt weathering and sea spray effects. In 2007 a large calcarenite block, 3 m large, fell down from the cavern roof and consequently a field investigation campaign was carried out for a rational stabilization plan in order to understand the current stability conditions of the roof and the potential failure mechanism. Therefore, a thorough geo-structural survey has firstly been carried out, together with laboratory and in-situ testing for measuring the physical and mechanical properties of the calcarenite rock and of the corresponding joints. A monitoring system has also been planned and installed in order to measure the erosional rate and the block displacements in the cavern.

Molecular and kinetic determinants of local anaesthetic action on sodium channels.

PubMed

French, R J; Zamponi, G W; Sierralta, I E

1998-11-23

(1) Local anaesthetics (LA) rely for their clinical actions on state-dependent inhibition of voltage-dependent sodium channels. (2) Single, batrachoxin-modified sodium channels in planar lipid bilayers allow direct observation of drug-channel interactions. Two modes of inhibition of single-channel current are observed: fast block of the open channels and prolongation of a long-lived closed state, some of whose properties resemble those of the inactivated state of unmodified channels. (3) Analogues of different parts of the LA molecule separately mimic each blocking mode: amines--fast block, and water-soluble aromatics--closed state prolongation. (4) Interaction between a mu-conotoxin derivative and diethylammonium indicate an intrapore site of fast, open-state block. (5) Site-directed mutagenesis studies suggest that hydrophobic residues in transmembrane segment 6 of repeat domain 4 of sodium channels are critical for both LA binding and stabilization of the inactivated state.

A novel strategy for high-stability lithium sulfur batteries by in situ formation of polysulfide adsorptive-blocking layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Liming; Li, Gaoran; Liu, Binhong; Li, Zhoupeng; Zheng, Junsheng; Zheng, Jim P.

2017-07-01

Lithium sulfur (Lisbnd S) batteries are one of the most promising energy storage devices owing to their high energy and power density. However, the shuttle effect as a key barrier hinders its practical application by resulting in low coulombic efficiency and poor cycling performance. Herein, a novel design of in situ formed polysulfide adsorptive-blocking layer (PAL) on the cathode surface was developed to tame the polysulfide shuttling and promote the cycling stability for Lisbnd S batteries. The PAL is consisted of La2S3, which is capable to chemically adsorb polysulfide via the strong interaction of Lasbnd S bond and Ssbnd S bond, and build an effective barrier against sulfur escaping. Moreover, the La2S3 is capable to suppress the crystallization of Li2S and promote the ion transfer, which contributes to the reduced internal resistance of batteries. Furthermore, the by-product LiNO3 simultaneously forms a stable anode solid and electrolyte interface to further inhibit the polysulfide shuttle. By this simple and convenient method, the resultant Lisbnd S batteries achieved exceptional cycling stability with an ultralow decay rate of 0.055% since the 10th cycle.

Interstitial micelles in binary blends of A B A triblock copolymers and homopolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wołoszczuk, S.; Banaszak, M.

2018-01-01

We investigate triblock-homopolymer blends of types A1BA2/A and A1BA2/B, using a lattice Monte Carlo method. While the simulated triblock chains are compositionally symmetric in terms of the A-to-B volume ratio, the A1 block is significantly shorter than the A2 block. For the pure A1BA2 melt and the A1BA2 solutions in selective solvent the phase behavior is relatively well known, including existence and stability of the interstitial micelles which were discovered in previous Monte Carlo simulations. In this paper we study the stability of the interstitial micelles as a function of triblock volume fraction in selective homopolymers of either type A or type B, using two significantly different homopolymer chain lengths. We found that adding selective homopolymer of type A shifts the stability of the interstitial micelles into significantly higher temperatures. We also obtained, via self-assembly, intriguing new nanostructures which can be identified as ordered truncated octahedra. Finally, we established that the phase behavior of the triblock-homopolymer blends depends relatively weakly on the chain length of the added homopolymer.

Dynamical self-arrest in symmetric and asymmetric diblock copolymer melts using a replica approach within a local theory.

PubMed

Wu, Sangwook

2009-03-01

We investigate dynamical self-arrest in a diblock copolymer melt using a replica approach within a self-consistent local method based on dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT). The local replica approach effectively predicts (chiN)_{A} for dynamical self-arrest in a block copolymer melt for symmetric and asymmetric cases. We discuss the competition of the cubic and quartic interactions in the Landau free energy for a block copolymer melt in stabilizing a glassy state depending on the chain length. Our local replica theory provides a universal value for the dynamical self-arrest in block copolymer melts with (chiN)_{A} approximately 10.5+64N;{-3/10} for the symmetric case.

Humidity-Induced Phase Transitions in Ion-Containing Block Copolymer Membranes

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

Park, Moon Jeong; Nedoma, Alisyn J.; Geissler, Phillip L.

2008-08-21

The phase behavior of ion-containing block copolymer membranes in equilibrium with humidified air is studied as a function of the relative humidity (RH) of the surrounding air, ion content of the copolymer, and temperature. Increasing RH at constant temperature results in both disorder-to-order and order-to-order transitions. In-situ small-angle neutron scattering experiments on the open block copolymer system, when combined with water uptake measurement, indicate that the disorder-to-order transition is driven by an increase in the partial molar entropy of the water molecules in the ordered phase relative to that in the disordered phase. This is in contrast to most systemsmore » wherein increasing entropy results in stabilization of the disordered phase.« less

Role of the electron blocking layer in the graded-index separate confinement heterostructure nitride laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bojarska, Agata; Goss, Jakub; Stanczyk, Szymon; Makarowa, Irina; Schiavon, Dario; Czernecki, Robert; Suski, Tadeusz; Perlin, Piotr

2018-04-01

In this work, we investigate the role of the electron blocking layer (EBL) in laser diodes based on a graded index separate confinement heterostructure. We compare two sets of devices with very different EBL aluminum composition (3% and 12%) and design (graded and superlattice). The results of electro-optical characterization of these laser diodes reveal surprisingly modest role of electron blocking layer composition in determination of the threshold current and the differential efficiency values. However, EBL structure influences the operating voltage, which is decreased for devices with lower EBL and superlattice EBL. We observe also the differences in the thermal stability of devices - characteristic temperature is lower for lasers with 3% Al in EBL.

The Blocking Flap for Ulnar Nerve Instability After In Situ Release: Technique and a Grading System of Ulnar Nerve Instability to Guide Treatment.

PubMed

Tang, Peter

2017-12-01

In situ ulnar nerve release has been gaining popularity as a simple, effective, and low-morbidity procedure for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. One concern with the technique is how to manage the unstable ulnar nerve after release. It is unclear how much nerve subluxation will lead to problems and surprisingly there is no grading system to assess ulnar nerve instability. I propose such a grading system, as well as a new technique to stabilize the unstable ulnar nerve. The blocking flap technique consists of raising a rectangular flap off the flexor/pronator fascia and attaching it to the posterior subcutaneous flap so that it blocks the nerve from subluxation/dislocation.

Saponins from soy bean and mung bean inhibit the antigen specific activation of helper T cells by blocking cell cycle progression.

PubMed

Lee, Suk Jun; Bae, Joonbeom; Kim, Sunhee; Jeong, Seonah; Choi, Chang-Yong; Choi, Sang-Pil; Kim, Hyun-Sook; Jung, Woon-Won; Imm, Jee-Young; Kim, Sae Hun; Chun, Taehoon

2013-02-01

Treatment of helper T (Th) cells with saponins from soy bean and mung bean prevented their activation by inhibiting cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. However, the saponins did not affect the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (A(b)) and co-stimulatory molecule (CD86) on professional antigen-presenting cells. Instead, the saponins directly inhibited Th cell proliferation by blocking the G(1) to S phase cell cycle transition. Moreover, blocking of the cell cycle by the saponins was achieved by decreased expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E, and constitutive expression of p27(KIP1). Saponins also increased stability of p27(KIP1) in Th cells after antigenic stimulation.

Recovery from radiation-induced bone marrow damage by HSP25 through Tie2 signaling.

PubMed

Lee, Hae-June; Kwon, Hee-Chung; Chung, Hee-Yong; Lee, Yoon-Jin; Lee, Yun-Sil

2012-09-01

Whole-body radiation therapy can cause severe injury to the hematopoietic system, and therefore it is necessary to identify a novel strategy for overcoming this injury. Mice were irradiated with 4.5 Gy after heat shock protein 25 (HSP25) gene transfer using an adenoviral vector. Then, peripheral blood cell counts, histopathological analysis, and Western blotting on bone marrow (BM) cells were performed. The interaction of HSP25 with Tie2 was investigated with mouse OP9 and human BM-derived mesenchymal stem cells to determine the mechanism of HSP25 in the hematopoietic system. HSP25 transfer increased BM regeneration and reduced apoptosis following whole-body exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). The decrease in Tie2 protein expression that followed irradiation of the BM was blocked by HSP25 transfer, and Tie2-positive cells were more abundant among the BM cells of HSP25-transferred mice, even after IR exposure. Following systemic RNA interference of Tie2 before IR, HSP25-mediated radioprotective effects were partially blocked in both mice and cell line systems. Stability of Tie2 was increased by HSP25, a response mediated by the interaction of HSP25 with Tie2. IR-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Tie2 was augmented by HSP25 overexpression; downstream events in the Tie2 signaling pathway, including phosphorylation of AKT and EKR1/2, were also activated. HSP25 protects against radiation-induced BM damage by interacting with and stabilizing Tie2. This may be a novel strategy for HSP25-mediated radioprotection in BM. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of linear and cyclic peptide-PEG-lipids for stabilization and targeting of cationic liposome-DNA complexes.

PubMed

Ewert, Kai K; Kotamraju, Venkata Ramana; Majzoub, Ramsey N; Steffes, Victoria M; Wonder, Emily A; Teesalu, Tambet; Ruoslahti, Erkki; Safinya, Cyrus R

2016-03-15

Because nucleic acids (NAs) have immense potential value as therapeutics, the development of safe and effective synthetic NA vectors continues to attract much attention. In vivo applications of NA vectors require stabilized, nanometer-scale particles, but the commonly used approaches of steric stabilization with a polymer coat (e.g., PEGylation; PEG=poly(ethylene glycol)) interfere with attachment to cells, uptake, and endosomal escape. Conjugation of peptides to PEG-lipids can improve cell attachment and uptake for cationic liposome-DNA (CL-DNA) complexes. We present several synthetic approaches to peptide-PEG-lipids and discuss their merits and drawbacks. A lipid-PEG-amine building block served as the common key intermediate in all synthetic routes. Assembling the entire peptide-PEG-lipid by manual solid phase peptide synthesis (employing a lipid-PEG-carboxylic acid) allowed gram-scale synthesis but is mostly applicable to linear peptides connected via their N-terminus. Conjugation via thiol-maleimide or strain-promoted (copper-free) azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistry is highly amenable to on-demand preparation of peptide-PEG-lipids, and the appropriate PEG-lipid precursors are available in a single chemical step from the lipid-PEG-amine building block. Azide-alkyne cycloaddition is especially suitable for disulfide-bridged peptides such as iRGD (cyclic CRGDKGPDC). Added at 10 mol% of a cationic/neutral lipid mixture, the peptide-PEG-lipids stabilize the size of CL-DNA complexes. They also affect cell attachment and uptake of nanoparticles in a peptide-dependent manner, thereby providing a platform for preparing stabilized, affinity-targeted CL-DNA nanoparticles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Successful Stabilization of Graphene Oxide in Electrolyte Solutions: Enhancement of Bio-functionalization and Cellular Uptake

PubMed Central

Hong, Bong Jin; Compton, Owen C.; An, Zhi; Eryzazici, Ibrahim; Nguyen, SonBinh T.

2013-01-01

Aqueous dispersions of graphene oxide are inherently unstable in the presence of electrolytes, which screen the electrostatic surface charge on these nanosheets and induce irreversible aggregation. Two complementary strategies, utilizing either electrostatic or steric stabilization, have been developed to enhance the stability of graphene oxide in electrolyte solutions, allowing it to stay dispersed in cell culture media and serum. The electrostatic stabilization approach entails further oxidation of graphene oxide to low C/O ratio (~1.03) and increases ionic tolerance of these nanosheets. The steric stabilization technique employs an amphiphilic block copolymer that serves as a non-covalently bound surfactant to minimize the aggregate-induced nanosheets-nanosheet interactions. Both strategies can stabilize graphene oxide nanosheets with large dimensions (>300 nm) in biological media, allowing for an enhancement of >250% in the bioconjugation efficiency of streptavidin in comparison to untreated nanosheets. Notably, both strategies allow the stabilized nanosheets to be readily uptake by cells, demonstrating their excellent performance as potential drug delivery vehicles. PMID:22017285

cry1Aa lacks stability elements at its 5'-UTR but integrity of its transcription terminator is critical to prevent decay of its transcript.

PubMed

Ramírez-Prado, Jorge Humberto; Martínez-Márquez, Eva Isabel; Olmedo-Alvarez, Gabriela

2006-07-01

We analyzed the influence of the 5' and 3' untranslated regions of the Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Aa on its mRNA stability. Although the cry1Aa gene has a stable transcript (8 min), its 5' UTR did not provide stability to the reporter gene uidA. Stability of cry1Aa could be increased to 40 min by addition of an SP82 stability element at the 5' UTR, suggesting that once the 5' and 3' ends were protected initiation of decay could be effectively blocked. We generated mutations in the transcription terminator and found that changes that reduced the stability of the stem, a larger loop, or elimination of the U-trail sharply decreased the half-life of the transcript. Therefore, unlike some stable bacterial transcripts, cry1Aa lacks special features at the end 5' to prevent decay, but its terminator is the main determinant of its stability.

Steady-states for shear flows of a liquid-crystal model: Multiplicity, stability, and hysteresis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorn, Tim; Liu, Weishi

In this work, we study shear flows of a fluid layer between two solid blocks via a liquid-crystal type model proposed in [C.H.A. Cheng, L.H. Kellogg, S. Shkoller, D.L. Turcotte, A liquid-crystal model for friction, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 21 (2007) 1-5] for an understanding of frictions. A characterization on the existence and multiplicity of steady-states is provided. Stability issue of the steady-states is examined mainly focusing on bifurcations of zero eigenvalues. The stability result suggests that this simple model exhibits hysteresis, and it is supported by a numerical simulation.

Magnetic attachment for implant overdentures: influence of contact relationship with the denture base on stability and bending strain.

PubMed

Yang, Tsung-Chieh; Maeda, Yoshinobu; Gonda, Tomoya; Wada, Masahiro

2013-01-01

This study evaluated how the contact height between the magnetic attachment and denture base influences stability and bending strain. An implant modified with strain gauges and a magnetic attachment mounted in an acrylic resin block were used to characterize systems with varying degrees or heights of contact with the abutment. Bending strain under lateral loading increased significantly as the contact height decreased. In the no contact and resilient contact groups, magnetic assemblies separated at reduced bending strain in all loading conditions. The contact height of the magnetic attachment influenced the stability and the amount of bending strain on the implant.

The effect of some heat treatment parameters on the dimensional stability of AISI D2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surberg, Cord Henrik; Stratton, Paul; Lingenhöle, Klaus

2008-01-01

The tool steel AISI D2 is usually processed by vacuum hardening followed by multiple tempering cycles. It has been suggested that a deep cold treatment in between the hardening and tempering processes could reduce processing time and improve the final properties and dimensional stability. Hardened blocks were then subjected to various combinations of single and multiple tempering steps (520 and 540 °C) and deep cold treatments (-90, -120 and -150 °C). The greatest dimensional stability was achieved by deep cold treatments at the lowest temperature used and was independent of the deep cold treatment time.

Morphology of sea-floor landslides on Horizon Guyot: application of steady-state geotechnical analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kayen, R.E.; Schwab, W.C.; Lee, H.J.; Torresan, M.E.; Hein, J.R.; Quinterno, P.J.; Levin, L.A.

1989-01-01

Mass movement and erosion have been identified on the pelagic sediment cap of Horizon Guyot, a seamount in the Mid-Pacific Mountains. Trends in the size, shape and preservation of bedforms and sediment textural trends on the pelagic cap indicate that bottom-current-generated sediment transport direction is upslope. Slumping of the sediment cap occurred on and that the net bedload transport direction is upslope. Slumping of the sediment cap occurred on the northwest side of the guyot on a 1.6?? to 2.0?? slope in the zone of enhanced bottom-current activity. Submersible investigations of these slump blocks show them to be discrete and to have a relief of 6-15 m, with nodular chert beds cropping out along the headwall of individual rotated blocks. An evaluation of the stability of the sediment cap suggests that the combination of the current-induced beveling of the sea floor and infrequent earthquake loading accompanied by cyclic strength reduction is responsible for the initiation of slumps. The sediment in the area of slumping moved short distances in relatively coherent masses, whereas sediment that has moved beyond the summit cap perimeter has fully mobilized into sediment gravity flows and traveled large distances. A steady-state geotechnical analysis of Horizon Guyot sediment indicates the predisposition of deeply buried sediment towards disintegrative flow failure on appropriately steep slopes. Thus, slope failure in this deeper zone would include large amounts of internal deformation. However, gravitational stress in the near-surface sediment of the summit cap (sub-bottom depth < 14 m) is insufficient to maintain downslope movement after initial failure occurs. The predicted morphology of coherent slump blocks displaced and rafted upon a weakened zone at depth corresponds well with seismic-reflection data and submersible observations. ?? 1990.

Poly(ethylene oxide monomethyl ether)- block-poly(propylene succinate) Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization, Enzymatic and Cellular Degradation, Micellar Solubilization of Paclitaxel, and in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation.

PubMed

Jäger, Alessandro; Jäger, Eliézer; Syrová, Zdeňka; Mazel, Tomas; Kováčik, Lubomír; Raška, Ivan; Höcherl, Anita; Kučka, Jan; Konefal, Rafal; Humajova, Jana; Poučková, Pavla; Štěpánek, Petr; Hrubý, Martin

2018-04-11

Polyester-based nanostructures are widely studied as drug-delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. They are already used in the clinic. In this work, we describe a new and simple biodegradable and biocompatible system as the Food and Drug Administration approved polyesters (poly-ε-caprolactone, polylactic acid, and poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)) for the delivery of the anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) as a model drug. A hydrophobic polyester, poly(propylene succinate) (PPS), was prepared from a nontoxic alcohol (propylene glycol) and monomer from the Krebs's cycle (succinic acid) in two steps via esterification and melt polycondensation. Furthermore, their amphiphilic block copolyester, poly(ethylene oxide monomethyl ether)- block-poly(propylene succinate) (mPEO- b-PPS), was prepared by three steps via esterification followed by melt polycondensation and the addition of mPEO to the PPS macromolecules. Analysis of the in vitro cellular behavior of the prepared nanoparticle carriers (NPs) (enzymatic degradation, uptake, localization, and fluorescence resonance energy-transfer pair degradation studies) was performed by fluorescence studies. PTX was loaded to the NPs of variable sizes (30, 70, and 150 nm), and their in vitro release was evaluated in different cell models and compared with commercial PTX formulations. The mPEO- b-PPS copolymer analysis displays glass transition temperature < body temperature < melting temperature, lower toxicity (including the toxicity of their degradation products), drug solubilization efficacy, stability against spontaneous hydrolysis during transport in bloodstream, and simultaneous enzymatic degradability after uptake into the cells. The detailed cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo tumor efficacy studies have shown the superior efficacy of the NPs compared with PTX and PTX commercial formulations.

Application of the Geophysical Scale Multi-Block Transport Modeling System to Hydrodynamic Forcing of Dredged Material Placement Sediment Transport within the James River Estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S. C.; Hayter, E. J.; Pruhs, R.; Luong, P.; Lackey, T. C.

2016-12-01

The geophysical scale circulation of the Mid Atlantic Bight and hydrologic inputs from adjacent Chesapeake Bay watersheds and tributaries influences the hydrodynamics and transport of the James River estuary. Both barotropic and baroclinic transport govern the hydrodynamics of this partially stratified estuary. Modeling the placement of dredged sediment requires accommodating this wide spectrum of atmospheric and hydrodynamic scales. The Geophysical Scale Multi-Block (GSMB) Transport Modeling System is a collection of multiple well established and USACE approved process models. Taking advantage of the parallel computing capability of multi-block modeling, we performed one year three-dimensional modeling of hydrodynamics in supporting simulation of dredged sediment placements transport and morphology changes. Model forcing includes spatially and temporally varying meteorological conditions and hydrological inputs from the watershed. Surface heat flux estimates were derived from the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB). The open water boundary condition for water level was obtained from an ADCIRC model application of the U. S. East Coast. Temperature-salinity boundary conditions were obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) long-term monitoring stations database. Simulated water levels were calibrated and verified by comparison with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tide gage locations. A harmonic analysis of the modeled tides was performed and compared with NOAA tide prediction data. In addition, project specific circulation was verified using US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) drogue data. Salinity and temperature transport was verified at seven CBP long term monitoring stations along the navigation channel. Simulation and analysis of model results suggest that GSMB is capable of resolving the long duration, multi-scale processes inherent to practical engineering problems such as dredged material placement stability.

An Analysis of Research on Block Scheduling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zepeda, Sally J.; Mayers, R. Stewart

2006-01-01

In this analysis of 58 empirical studies of high school block scheduling, the authors report findings in and across five groupings. Within groups, data were inconsistent regarding whether teachers' practices changed, but teachers believed that staff development was necessary to teach in a block schedule. Block scheduling appeared to increase…

31 CFR 546.201 - Prohibited transactions involving blocked property.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... constituted a threat to stability in Darfur and the region; (iii) To be responsible for conduct related to the... paragraph (a) of § 546.201: Section 203 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701...

High-Performance Polymer Solar Cell with Single Active Material of Fully Conjugated Block Copolymer Composed of Wide-Band gap Donor and Narrow-Band gap Acceptor Blocks.

PubMed

Lee, Ji Hyung; Park, Chang Geun; Kim, Aesun; Kim, Hyung Jong; Kim, Youngseo; Park, Sungnam; Cho, Min Ju; Choi, Dong Hoon

2018-06-06

We synthesized a novel fully conjugated block copolymer, P3, in which a wide-band gap donor block (P1) was connected to a narrow-band gap acceptor block (P2). As P3 contains P1 block with a wide bandgap and P2 block with a narrow bandgap, it exhibits a very wide complementary absorption. Transient photoluminescence measurement using P3 dilute solution demonstrated intramolecular charge transfer between the P1 block and the P2 block, which was not observed in a P1/P2 blend solution. A P3 thin film showed complete PL quenching because the photoinduced inter-/intramolecular charge transfer states were effectively formed. This phenomenon can play an important role in the photovoltaic properties of P3-based polymer solar cells. A single active material polymer solar cell (SAMPSC) fabricated from P3 alone exhibited a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.87% with a high open-circuit voltage of 0.93 V and a short-circuit current of 8.26 mA/cm 2 , demonstrating a much better performance than a binary P1-/P2-based polymer solar cell (PCE = 1.14%). This result facilitates the possible improvement of the photovoltaic performance of SAMPSCs by inducing favorable nanophase segregation between p- and n blocks. In addition, owing to the high morphological stability of the block copolymer, excellent shelf-life was observed in a P3-based SAMPSC compared with a P1/P2-based PSC.

Genetic analyses, phenotypic adaptability and stability in sugarcane genotypes for commercial cultivation in Pernambuco.

PubMed

Dutra Filho, J A; Junior, T C; Simões Neto, D E

2015-10-05

In the present study, we assessed the agro-industrial performance of 22 sugarcane genotypes adaptable to edaphoclimatic conditions in production microregions in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, and we recommended the commercial cultivation of select genotypes. The variables analyzed were as follows: sucrose percentage in cane juice, tonnage of saccharose per hectare (TPH), sugarcane tonnage per hectare (TCH), fiber, solid soluble contents, total recoverable sugar tonnage (ATR), and total recoverable sugar tonnage per hectare (ATR t/ha). A randomized block design with 4 repeats was used. Combined variance of the experiments, genetic parameter estimates, and environment stratification were analyzed. Phenotypic adaptability and stability were analyzed using the Annicchiarico and Wricke methods and analysis of variance. Genetic gain was estimated using the classic index and sum of ranks. Genotype selection was efficient for TPH, TCH, and ATR t/ha. Genotypes presented a great potential for improvement and a similar response pattern in Litoral Norte and Mata Sul microregions for TPH and TCH and Litoral Norte and Litoral Sul microregions for ATR t/ha. Genotypes SP78-4764, RB813804, and SP79-101 showed better productivity and phenotypic adaptability and stability, according to the Wricke and Annicchiarico methods. These genotypes can be recommended for cultivation in the sugarcane belt in the State of Pernambuco.

Silica nanogelling of environment-responsive PEGylated polyplexes for enhanced stability and intracellular delivery of siRNA.

PubMed

Gouda, Noha; Miyata, Kanjiro; Christie, R James; Suma, Tomoya; Kishimura, Akihiro; Fukushima, Shigeto; Nomoto, Takahiro; Liu, Xueying; Nishiyama, Nobuhiro; Kataoka, Kazunori

2013-01-01

In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-block-polycation/siRNA complexes (PEGylated polyplexes) were wrapped with a hydrated silica, termed "silica nanogelling", in order to enhance their stability and functionality. Silica nanogelling was achieved by polycondensation of soluble silicates onto the surface of PEGylated polyplexes comprising a disulfide cross-linked core. Formation of silica nanogel layer on the PEGylated cross-linked polyplexes was confirmed by particle size increase, surface charge reduction, and elemental analysis of transmission electron micrographs. Silica nanogelling substantially improved polyplex stability against counter polyanion-induced dissociation under non-reductive condition, without compromising the reductive environment-responsive siRNA release triggered by disulfide cleavage. Silica nanogelling significantly enhanced the sequence-specific gene silencing activity of the polyplexes in HeLa cells without associated cytotoxicity, probably due lower endosomal entrapment (or lysosomal degradation) of delivered siRNA. The lower endosomal entrapment of the silica nanogel system could be explained by an accelerated endosomal escape triggered by deprotonated silanol groups in the silica (the proton sponge hypothesis) and/or a modulated intracellular trafficking, possibly via macropinocytosis, as evidenced by the cellular uptake inhibition assay. Henceforth, silica nanogelling of PEGylated siRNA polyplexes is a promising strategy for preparation of stable and functional siRNA delivery vehicles. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel High Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Materials: Final Summary of Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Sam

2002-01-01

The objectives and goals of this project were to investigate and develop high efficient, lightweight, and cost effective materials for potential photovoltaic applications, such as solar energy conversion or photo detector devices. Specifically, as described in the original project proposal, the target material to be developed was a block copolymer system containing an electron donating (or p-type) conjugated polymer block coupled to an electron withdrawing (or n-type) conjugated polymer block through a non-conjugated bridge unit. Due to several special requirements of the targeted block copolymer systems, such as electron donating and withdrawing substituents, conjugated block structures, processing requirement, stability requirement, size controllability, phase separation and self ordering requirement, etc., many traditional or commonly used block copolymer synthetic schemes are not suitable for this system. Therefore, the investigation and development of applicable and effective synthetic protocols became the most critical and challenging part of this project. During the entire project period, and despite the lack of a proposed synthetic polymer postdoctoral research associate due to severe shortage of qualified personnel in the field, several important accomplishments were achieved in this project and are briefly listed and elaborated. A more detailed research and experimental data is listed in the Appendix.

Safe disposal of toxic chrome buffing dust generated from leather industries.

PubMed

Swarnalatha, S; Srinivasulu, T; Srimurali, M; Sekaran, G

2008-01-31

The high concentration of trivalent chromium along with organic/inorganic compounds in chrome buffing dust (CBD), the solid waste discharged from leather industries, causes severe groundwater contamination on land co-disposal and chronic air pollution during thermal incineration. In the present investigation, CBD was subjected to starved air incineration (SAI) at 800 degrees C in a thermal incinerator under different flow rates of oxygen to optimize the oxygen required to incinerate the organic compounds and simultaneously preventing the conversion of Cr(3+) to Cr(6+). The energy audit of SAI of buffing dust under the external supply of oxygen was carried out under different incineration conditions. The bottom ash from SAI was effectively solidified/stabilized using Portland cement and fine aggregate. The solidified blocks were tested for unconfined compressive strength and heavy metal leaching. Unconfined compressive strength of the blocks was in the range of 120-180 kg/cm(2). The stabilization of chromium(III) in the cement gel matrix was confirmed using Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Leachability studies through TCLP on solidified blocks were carried out to determine the degree of leaching of chromium and organic compounds (expressed as COD) under standard conditions.

The modulation of physicochemical characterization of innovative liposomal platforms: the role of the grafted thermoresponsive polymers.

PubMed

Chountoulesi, Maria; Kyrili, Aimilia; Pippa, Natassa; Meristoudi, Anastasia; Pispas, Stergios; Demetzos, Costas

2017-05-01

This study is focused on chimeric advanced drug delivery systems and specifically on thermosensitive liposomes, combining lipids and thermoresponsive polymers. In this investigation, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) chimeric liposomal systems were prepared, incorporating the homopolymer C 12 H 25 -poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-COOH (C 12 H 25 -PNIPAM-COOH) and the block copolymer poly(n-butylacrylate-b-N-isoropylacrylamide) (PnBA-PNIPAM), at six different molar ratios. Both of these polymers contain the thermoresponsive PNIPAM block, which exhibits lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at 32 °C in aqueous solutions, changing its nature from hydrophilic to hydrophobic above LCST. During the preparation of liposomes, the dispersions were observed visually, while after the preparation we studied the alterations of the physicochemical characteristics, by measuring the size, size distribution and ζ-potential of prepared liposomes. The presence of polymer, either C 12 H 25 -PNIPAM-COOH or PnBA-PNIPAM, resulted in liposomes exhibiting different physicochemical characteristics in comparison to conventional DPPC liposomes. At the highest percentage of the polymeric guest, chimeric liposomes were found to retain their size during the stability studies. The incorporation of the appropriate amount of these novel thermoresponsive polymers yields liposomal stabilization and imparts thermoresponsiveness, due to the functional PNIPAM block.

DISPERSION POLYMERIZATION OF 2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE IN SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE. (R826115)

EPA Science Inventory

Herein we report a successful dispersion polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in a carbon dioxide continuous phase with a block copolymer consisting of polystyrene and poly(1,1-dihydroperfluorooctyl acrylate) as a stabilizer. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) was ...

77 FR 41243 - Blocking Property of Persons Threatening the Peace, Security, or Stability of Burma

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-13

... with North Korea, and human rights abuses in Burma particularly in ethnic areas, effectuated by persons... from North Korea or the Government of North Korea to Burma or the Government of Burma; (iv) to be a...

Molecular Effects on Coacervate-Driven Block Copolymer Self Assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lytle, Tyer; Radhakrishna, Mithun; Sing, Charles

Two oppositely charged polymers can undergo associative phase separation in a salt solution in a process known as \\x98complex coacervation. Recent work has used this as a motif to control the self-assembly behavior of a mixture of oppositely-charged block copolymers which form nanoscale structures. The materials formed from these complex coacervate-block copolymers (BCPs) have potential use as drug delivery systems, gels, and sensors. We have developed a hybrid Monte Carlo-Single Chain in a Mean Field (MC-SCMF) simulation method that is able to determine morphological phase diagrams for BCPs. This technique is an efficient way to calculate morphological phase diagrams and provides a clear link between molecular level features and self-assembly behaviors. Morphological phase diagrams showing the effects of polymer concentration, salt concentration, chain length, and charge-block fraction at large charge densities on self-assembly behavior have been determined. An unexpected phase transition from disorder to hexagonal packing at large salt concentrations has been observed for charge-block fractions equal to and larger than 0.5. This is attributed to the salt filling space stabilizing the morphology of the BCP.

Interaction of Curcumin with PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymers: a molecular dynamics study.

PubMed

Samanta, Susruta; Roccatano, Danilo

2013-03-21

Curcumin, a naturally occurring drug molecule, has been extensively investigated for its various potential usages in medicine. Its water insolubility and high metabolism rate require the use of drug delivery systems to make it effective in the human body. Among various types of nanocarriers, block copolymer based ones are the most effective. These polymers are broadly used as drug-delivery systems, but the nature of this process is poorly understood. In this paper, we propose a molecular dynamics simulation study of the interaction of Curcumin with block copolymer based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polypropylene oxide (PPO). The study has been conducted considering the smallest PEO and PPO oligomers and multiple chains of the block copolymer Pluronic P85. Our study shows that the more hydrophobic 1,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP) molecules and PPO block preferentially coat the Curcumin molecule. In the case of the Pluronic P85, simulation shows formation of a drug-polymer aggregate within 50 ns. This process leaves exposed the PEO part of the polymers, resulting in better solvation and stability of the drug in water.

Increased torsional stability by a novel femoral neck locking plate. The role of plate design and pin configuration in a synthetic bone block model.

PubMed

Brattgjerd, Jan Egil; Loferer, Martin; Niratisairak, Sanyalak; Steen, Harald; Strømsøe, Knut

2018-06-01

In undisplaced femoral neck fractures, internal fixation remains the main treatment, with mechanical failure as a frequent complication. As torsional stable fixation promotes femoral neck fracture healing, the Hansson Pinloc® System with a plate interlocking pins, was developed from the original hook pins. Since its effect on torsional stability is undocumented, the novel implant was compared with the original configurations. Forty-two proximal femur models custom made of two blocks of polyurethane foam were tested. The medial block simulated the cancellous head, while the lateral was laminated with a glass fiber filled epoxy sheet simulating trochanteric cortical bone. Two hollow metal cylinders with a circumferential ball bearing in between mimicked the neck, with a perpendicular fracture in the middle. Fractures were fixated by two or three independent pins or by five configurations involving the interlocking plate (two pins with an optional peg in a small plate, or three pins in a small, medium or large plate). Six torsional tests were performed on each configuration to calculate torsional stiffness, torque at failure and failure energy. The novel configurations improved parameters up to an average of 12.0 (stiffness), 19.3 (torque) and 19.9 (energy) times higher than the original two pins (P < 0.001). The plate, its size and its triangular configuration improved all parameters (P = 0.03), the plate being most effective, also preventing permanent failure (P < 0.001). The novel plate design with its pin configuration enhanced torsional stability. To reveal clinical relevance a clinical study is planned. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

alpha Arg-237 in Methylophilus methylotrophus (sp. W3A1) electron-transferring flavoprotein affords approximately 200-millivolt stabilization of the FAD anionic semiquinone and a kinetic block on full reduction to the dihydroquinone.

PubMed

Talfournier, F; Munro, A W; Basran, J; Sutcliffe, M J; Daff, S; Chapman, S K; Scrutton, N S

2001-06-08

The midpoint reduction potentials of the FAD cofactor in wild-type Methylophilus methylotrophus (sp. W3A1) electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF) and the alphaR237A mutant were determined by anaerobic redox titration. The FAD reduction potential of the oxidized-semiquinone couple in wild-type ETF (E'(1)) is +153 +/- 2 mV, indicating exceptional stabilization of the flavin anionic semiquinone species. Conversion to the dihydroquinone is incomplete (E'(2) < -250 mV), because of the presence of both kinetic and thermodynamic blocks on full reduction of the FAD. A structural model of ETF (Chohan, K. K., Scrutton, N. S., and Sutcliffe, M. J. (1998) Protein Pept. Lett. 5, 231-236) suggests that the guanidinium group of Arg-237, which is located over the si face of the flavin isoalloxazine ring, plays a key role in the exceptional stabilization of the anionic semiquinone in wild-type ETF. The major effect of exchanging alphaArg-237 for Ala in M. methylotrophus ETF is to engineer a remarkable approximately 200-mV destabilization of the flavin anionic semiquinone (E'(2) = -31 +/- 2 mV, and E'(1) = -43 +/- 2 mV). In addition, reduction to the FAD dihydroquinone in alphaR237A ETF is relatively facile, indicating that the kinetic block seen in wild-type ETF is substantially removed in the alphaR237A ETF. Thus, kinetic (as well as thermodynamic) considerations are important in populating the redox forms of the protein-bound flavin. Additionally, we show that electron transfer from trimethylamine dehydrogenase to alphaR237A ETF is severely compromised, because of impaired assembly of the electron transfer complex.

Ultrasound-Mediated Tumor Imaging and Nanotherapy using Drug Loaded, Block Copolymer Stabilized Perfluorocarbon Nanoemulsions

PubMed Central

Rapoport, Natalya; Nam, Kweon-Ho; Gupta, Roohi; Gao, Zhongao; Mohan, Praveena; Payne, Allison; Todd, Nick; Liu, Xin; Kim, Taeho; Shea, Jill; Scaife, Courtney; Parker, Dennis L.; Jeong, Eun-Kee; Kennedy, Anne M.

2011-01-01

Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions can deliver lipophilic therapeutic agents to solid tumors and simultaneously provide for monitoring nanocarrier biodistribution via ultrasonography and/or 19F MRI. In the first generation of block copolymer stabilized perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions, perfluoropentane (PFP) was used as the droplet forming compound. Although manifesting excellent therapeutic and ultrasound imaging properties, PFP nanoemulsions were unstable at storage, difficult to handle, and underwent hard to control phenomenon of irreversible droplet-to-bubble transition upon injection. To solve the above problems, perfluoro-15-crown-5-ether (PFCE) was used as a core forming compound in the second generation of block copolymer stabilized perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions. PFCE nanodroplets manifest both ultrasound and fluorine (19F) MR contrast properties, which allows using multimodal imaging and 19F MR spectroscopy for monitoring nanodroplet pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. In the present paper, acoustic, imaging, and therapeutic properties of unloaded and paclitaxel (PTX) loaded PFCE nanoemulsions are reported. As manifested by the 19F MR spectroscopy, PFCE nanodroplets are long circulating, with about 50% of the injected dose remaining in circulation two hours after the systemic injection. Sonication with 1-MHz therapeutic ultrasound triggered reversible droplet-to-bubble transition in PFCE nanoemulsions. Microbubbles formed by acoustic vaporization of nanodroplets underwent stable cavitation. The nanodroplet size (200 nm to 350 nm depending on a type of the shell and conditions of emulsification) as well as long residence in circulation favored their passive accumulation in tumor tissue that was confirmed by ultrasonography. In the breast and pancreatic cancer animal models, ultrasound-mediated therapy with paclitaxel-loaded PFCE nanoemulsions showed excellent therapeutic properties characterized by tumor regression and suppression of metastasis. Anticipated mechanisms of the observed effects are discussed. PMID:21277919

Lumbar Plexus Block for Management of Hip Surgeries

PubMed Central

Amiri, Hamid Reza; Zamani, Mohammad Mahdi; Safari, Saeid

2014-01-01

Background: Lumbar plexus block (LPB) is one of the anesthetic options in the elderly patients undergoing hip surgeries. LPB could be safe because it targets somatic nerve in psoas region. Effectiveness of LPB is attributed to the sufficient analgesia provided intraoperatively as well as postoperatively. Adequate muscle relaxation and immobility during surgery refers to its acceptability. Objectives: In this study, LPB was used as the anesthetic method to manage the elderly patients subjected to hip surgery. Patients and Methods: A total of 50 patients aged 51 to 100 years were enrolled in this study. LPB was accomplished after a mild sedation and with a modified method using patient's fingertip width (FTW) as the distance unit to determine needle entry point under electrical nerve stimulation assistance. After targeted injection, procedure time, establishment time, block duration, surgery time, hemodynamic variables, and surgeon satisfaction score were documented and analyzed. Propofol in trivial doses was infused intraoperatively to provide clinical sedation. Results: Mean patient's age was 73 ± 12 years with ASA II/III. Procedure time was 5.65 ± 1.24 minutes, establishment time was 130 ± 36 seconds, block duration was 13.1 ± 8 hours, surgery time was 149.7 ± 32.2 minutes, and surgeon satisfaction score was 9.8 ± 0.1. There was no complication and no failure. Hemodynamic stability was pleasantly achieved. Conclusions: By preserving hemodynamic stability, LPB in conjunction with a light sedation could be considered as a reliable prudent satisfying anesthetic option in management of hip fractures in the elderly patients with three beneficial characteristics of safety, effectiveness, and acceptability. PMID:25289374

The immediate large-scale dendritic plasticity of cortical pyramidal neurons subjected to acute epidural compression.

PubMed

Chen, J-R; Wang, T-J; Wang, Y-J; Tseng, G-F

2010-05-05

Head trauma and acute disorders often instantly compress the cerebral cortex and lead to functional abnormalities. Here we used rat epidural bead implantation model and investigated the immediate changes following acute compression. The dendritic arbors of affected cortical pyramidal neurons were filled with intracellular dye and reconstructed 3-dimensionally for analysis. Compression was found to shorten the apical, but not basal, dendrites of underlying layer III and V cortical pyramidal neurons and reduced dendritic spines on the entire dendritic arbor immediately. Dendrogram analysis showed that in addition to distal, proximal apical dendrites also quickly reconfigured. We then focused on apical dendritic trunks and explored how proximal dendrites were rapidly altered. Compression instantly twisted the microtubules and deformed the membrane contour of dendritic trunks likely a result of the elastic nature of dendrites as immediate decompression restored it and stabilization of microtubules failed to block it. Subsequent adaptive remodeling restored plasmalemma and microtubules to normal appearance in 3 days likely via active mechanisms as taxol blocked the restoration of microtubules and in addition partly affected plasmalemmal reorganization which presumably engaged recycling of excess membrane. In short, the structural dynamics and the associated mechanisms that we revealed demonstrate how compression quickly altered the morphology of cortical output neurons and hence cortical functions consequently. (c) 2010 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strong mechanical adhesion of gold electroless contacts on CdZnTe deposited by alcoholic solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benassi, G.; Nasi, L.; Bettelli, M.; Zambelli, N.; Calestani, D.; Zappettini, A.

2017-02-01

CdZnTe crystals are nowadays employed as X-ray detectors for a number of applications, such as medical imaging, security, and environmental monitoring. One of the main difficulties connected with CdZnTe-based detector processing is the poor contact adhesion that affect bonding procedures and device long term stability. We have shown that it is possible to obtain mechanically stable contacts by common electroless deposition using alcoholic solutions instead of water solutions. The contacts show blocking current-voltage characteristic that is required for obtaining spectroscopic detectors. Nanoscale-resolved chemical analysis indicated that the improved mechanical adhesion is due to a better control of the stoichiometry of the CdZnTe layer below the contact.

Curcumin-3,4-Dichloro Phenyl Pyrazole (CDPP) overcomes curcumin's low bioavailability, inhibits adipogenesis and ameliorates dyslipidemia by activating reverse cholesterol transport.

PubMed

Gupta, Abhishek; Singh, Vinay Kumar; Kumar, Durgesh; Yadav, Pragya; Kumar, Santosh; Beg, Muheeb; Shankar, Kripa; Varshney, Salil; Rajan, Sujith; Srivastava, Ankita; Choudhary, Rakhi; Balaramnavar, Vishal M; Bhatta, Rabi; Tadigoppula, Narender; Gaikwad, Anil Nilkanth

2017-08-01

Adipocyte dysfunction, obesity and associated metabolic disorders are of prime healthcare concern worldwide. Among available medications, natural products and inspired molecules hold 40% space in clinically prescribed medicines. In queue, this study overcomes the drawback of curcumin's low bioavailability with potent anti-adipogenic and anti-dyslipidemic activity. To evaluate the role of CDPP on adipocyte differentiation, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were used as an in-vitro model. Flow cytometry was performed for cell cycle analysis. Syrian golden hamsters were used to study pharmacokinetic profile and dyslipidemic activity exhibited by CDPP. CDPP was found to be a potent inhibitor of adipogenesis in-vitro. It blocked mitotic clonal expansion by causing cell cycle arrest. CDPP showed marked improvement in gastrointestinal stability and bioavailability in-vivo as compared to curcumin. Administration of CDPP (100mg/kg) significantly improved HFD induced dyslipidemic profile in hamsters and activated reverse cholesterol transport machinery. CDPP could be used as a potential drug candidate against adipogenesis and dyslipidemia with enhanced gastrointestinal stability and bioavailability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adaptability and phenotypic stability of common bean genotypes through Bayesian inference.

PubMed

Corrêa, A M; Teodoro, P E; Gonçalves, M C; Barroso, L M A; Nascimento, M; Santos, A; Torres, F E

2016-04-27

This study used Bayesian inference to investigate the genotype x environment interaction in common bean grown in Mato Grosso do Sul State, and it also evaluated the efficiency of using informative and minimally informative a priori distributions. Six trials were conducted in randomized blocks, and the grain yield of 13 common bean genotypes was assessed. To represent the minimally informative a priori distributions, a probability distribution with high variance was used, and a meta-analysis concept was adopted to represent the informative a priori distributions. Bayes factors were used to conduct comparisons between the a priori distributions. The Bayesian inference was effective for the selection of upright common bean genotypes with high adaptability and phenotypic stability using the Eberhart and Russell method. Bayes factors indicated that the use of informative a priori distributions provided more accurate results than minimally informative a priori distributions. According to Bayesian inference, the EMGOPA-201, BAMBUÍ, CNF 4999, CNF 4129 A 54, and CNFv 8025 genotypes had specific adaptability to favorable environments, while the IAPAR 14 and IAC CARIOCA ETE genotypes had specific adaptability to unfavorable environments.

31 CFR Appendixes to Chapter V - Note

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... Freight forwarders and shippers may not charter, book cargo on, or otherwise deal with blocked vessels. 7. References to regulatory parts in chapter V or other authorities: [BALKANS]: Western Balkans Stabilization... the economic sanctions programs in chapter V. (Please call OFAC Compliance Programs Division for...

Conjugated block copolymers: A building block for high-performance organic photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Changhe

State-of-the-art organic photovoltaics rely on kinetically trapped, partially phase-separated structures of donor/acceptor mixtures to create a high interfacial area for exciton dissociation and networks of bicontinuous phases for charge transport. Nevertheless, intrinsic structural disorder and weak intermolecular interactions in polymer blends limit the performance and stability of organic electronic devices. We demonstrate a potential strategy to control morphology and donor/acceptor heterojunctions through conjugated block copolymer poly(3-hexylthiophene)- block-poly((9,9-dioctylfluorene)-2,7-diyl-alt-[4,7-bis(thiophen-5-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole]-2',2''-diyl) (P3HT-b-PFTBT). Block copolymers can self-assemble into well-ordered nanostructures ideal for photovoltaic applications. When utilized as the photovoltaic active layer, P3HT-b-PFTBT block copolymer devices demonstrate thermal stability and photoconversion efficiency of 3% well beyond devices composed of the constituent polymer blends. Resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSOXS) is used to elucidate the structural origin for efficient block copolymer photovoltaics. Energy tuning in soft X-ray ranges gives RSOXS chemical sensitivity to characterize organic thin films with compositionally similar phases or complicated multiphase systems. RSOXS reveals that the remarkable performance of P3HT-b-PFTBT devices is due to self-assembly into nanoscale in-plane lamellar morphology, which not only establishes an equilibrium microstructure amenable for exciton dissociation but also provides pathways for efficient charge transport. Furthermore, we find evidence that covalent control of donor/acceptor interfaces in block copolymers has the potential to promote charge separation and optimize the photoconversion process by limiting charge recombination. To visualize the nanostructure in organic thin films, we introduce low energy-loss energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) as an important alternative approach to generate contrast from differences in optoelectronic properties and enable chemical imaging of organic materials. The widely-studied polymer/fullerene system is used as a test sample to demonstrate the application of this technique for structure characterization in the active layer of organic solar cells. In addition, well-ordered equilibrium nanostructures and covalent control of donor/acceptor interfaces make P3HT-b-PFTBT an excellent model for studying the effect of crystalline texture in the active layer on charge transport and photovoltaic performance. Solvent additives are applied to induce a drastic texture change from mainly face-on to edge-on orientations in crystalline P3HT domains of block copolymer thin films. We find that P3HT- b-PFTBT block copolymer devices demonstrate similar optimal performance, regardless of the dramatic changes in the predominant crystalline orientations adopted in P3HT domains. Our results provide further insights into the molecular organization required for efficient charge transport and device operation.

Glucose biosensor based on GOx/HRP bienzyme at liquid-crystal/aqueous interface.

PubMed

Khan, Mashooq; Park, Soo-Young

2015-11-01

Glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were co-immobilized to the polyacrylicacid block of a poly(acrylicacid-b-4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-undecylacrylate) (PAA-b-LCP) copolymer in water. PAA-b-LCP was strongly anchored by the LCP block in 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) which was contained in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) grid for glucose detection. The optimal conditions for the performance of the TEM grid glucose biosensor were studied in terms of the activity and stability of the immobilized enzymes. Glucose in water was detected by the 5CB changing from a planar to a homeotropic orientation, as observed through a polarized optical microscope. The TEM biosensor detected glucose concentrations at ⩾0.02 mM, with an optimal GOx/HRP molar ratio of 3/1. This glucose biosensor has characteristics of enzyme sensitivity and stability, reusability, the ease and selective glucose detection which may provide a new way of detecting glucose. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Curcumin-Loading-Dependent Stability of PEGMEMA-Based Micelles Affects Endocytosis and Exocytosis in Colon Carcinoma Cells.

PubMed

Chang, Teddy; Trench, David; Putnam, Joshua; Stenzel, Martina H; Lord, Megan S

2016-03-07

Polymeric micelles were formed from poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)-block-poly(styrene) (P(PEGMEMA)-b-PS) block copolymer of two different chain lengths. The micelles formed were approximately 16 and 46 nm in diameter and used to encapsulate curcumin. Upon loading of the curcumin into the micelles, their size increased to approximately 34 and 80 nm in diameter, respectively, with a loading efficiency of 58%. The unloaded micelles were not cytotoxic to human colon carcinoma cells, whereas only the smaller loaded micelles were cytotoxic after 72 h of exposure. The micelles were rapidly internalized by the cells within minutes of exposure, with the loaded micelles internalized to a greater extent owing to their enhanced stability compared to that of the unloaded micelles. The larger micelles were more rapidly internalized and exocytosed than the smaller micelles, demonstrating the effect of micelle size and drug loading on drug delivery and cytotoxicity.

Rigorously modeling self-stabilizing fault-tolerant circuits: An ultra-robust clocking scheme for systems-on-chip.

PubMed

Dolev, Danny; Függer, Matthias; Posch, Markus; Schmid, Ulrich; Steininger, Andreas; Lenzen, Christoph

2014-06-01

We present the first implementation of a distributed clock generation scheme for Systems-on-Chip that recovers from an unbounded number of arbitrary transient faults despite a large number of arbitrary permanent faults. We devise self-stabilizing hardware building blocks and a hybrid synchronous/asynchronous state machine enabling metastability-free transitions of the algorithm's states. We provide a comprehensive modeling approach that permits to prove, given correctness of the constructed low-level building blocks, the high-level properties of the synchronization algorithm (which have been established in a more abstract model). We believe this approach to be of interest in its own right, since this is the first technique permitting to mathematically verify, at manageable complexity, high-level properties of a fault-prone system in terms of its very basic components. We evaluate a prototype implementation, which has been designed in VHDL, using the Petrify tool in conjunction with some extensions, and synthesized for an Altera Cyclone FPGA.

A Triblock Copolymer Design Leads to Robust Hybrid Hydrogels for High-Performance Flexible Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhang, Guangzhao; Chen, Yunhua; Deng, Yonghong; Wang, Chaoyang

2017-10-18

We report here an intriguing hybrid conductive hydrogel as electrode for high-performance flexible supercapacitor. The key is using a rationally designed water-soluble ABA triblock copolymer (termed as IAOAI) containing a central poly(ethylene oxide) block (A) and terminal poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) block with aniline moieties randomly incorporated (B), which was synthesized by reversible additional fragment transfer polymerization. The subsequent copolymerization of aniline monomers with the terminated aniline moieties on the IAOAI polymer generates a three-dimensional cross-linking hybrid network. The hybrid hydrogel electrode demonstrates robust mechanical flexibility, remarkable electrochemical capacitance (919 F/g), and cyclic stability (90% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles). Moreover, the flexible supercapacitor based on this hybrid hydrogel electrode presents a large specific capacitance (187 F/g), superior to most reported conductive hydrogel-based supercapacitors. With the demonstrated additional favorable cyclic stability and excellent capacitive and rate performance, this hybrid hydrogel-based supercapacitor holds great promise for flexible energy-storage device.

Rigorously modeling self-stabilizing fault-tolerant circuits: An ultra-robust clocking scheme for systems-on-chip☆

PubMed Central

Dolev, Danny; Függer, Matthias; Posch, Markus; Schmid, Ulrich; Steininger, Andreas; Lenzen, Christoph

2014-01-01

We present the first implementation of a distributed clock generation scheme for Systems-on-Chip that recovers from an unbounded number of arbitrary transient faults despite a large number of arbitrary permanent faults. We devise self-stabilizing hardware building blocks and a hybrid synchronous/asynchronous state machine enabling metastability-free transitions of the algorithm's states. We provide a comprehensive modeling approach that permits to prove, given correctness of the constructed low-level building blocks, the high-level properties of the synchronization algorithm (which have been established in a more abstract model). We believe this approach to be of interest in its own right, since this is the first technique permitting to mathematically verify, at manageable complexity, high-level properties of a fault-prone system in terms of its very basic components. We evaluate a prototype implementation, which has been designed in VHDL, using the Petrify tool in conjunction with some extensions, and synthesized for an Altera Cyclone FPGA. PMID:26516290

Highly improved photo-induced bias stability of sandwiched triple layer structure in sol-gel processed fluorine-doped indium zinc oxide thin film transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dongha; Park, Hyungjin; Bae, Byeong-Soo

2016-03-01

In order to improve the reliability of TFT, an Al2O3 insulating layer is inserted between active fluorine doped indium zinc oxide (IZO:F) thin films to form a sandwiched triple layer. All the thin films were fabricated via low-cost sol-gel process. Due to its large energy bandgap and high bonding energy with oxygen atoms, the Al2O3 layer acts as a photo-induced positive charge blocking layer that effectively blocks the migration of both holes and V o2+ toward the interface between the gate insulator and the semiconductor. The inserted Al2O3 triple layer exhibits a noticeably low turn on voltage shift of -0.7 V under NBIS as well as the good TFT performance with a mobility of 10.9 cm2/V ṡ s. We anticipate that this approach can be used to solve the stability issues such as NBIS, which is caused by inescapable oxygen vacancies.

Formulation of benzoporphyrin derivatives in Pluronics.

PubMed

Chowdhary, Rubinah K; Chansarkar, Namrata; Sharif, Isha; Hioka, Noboru; Dolphin, David

2003-03-01

This study investigates the potential of Pluronics for the formulation of tetrapyrrole-based photosensitizers, with a particular focus on B-ring benzoporphyrin derivatives. The B-ring derivatives have a high tendency to aggregate in aqueous solutions, and this poses a significant formulation problem. Pluronics are ABA-type triblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic polypropylene oxide section with two hydrophilic polyethylene oxide sections of equal length at either end. Out of a range of different commercially available block copolymers studied, it was found that the longer the hydrophobic block, the better the stabilization of tetrapyrrolic drugs in monomeric form in aqueous suspensions. Of these the best performance was observed in the micelle-forming Pluronic P123. Micelle size determination by laser light scattering confirmed that particle size in stable Pluronic formulations was around 20 nm. Pluronics such as L122 formed emulsions spontaneously without the need for emulsion stabilizers; emulsions were highly stable at ambient temperatures over several days and also highly effective as potential drug delivery agents.

Degradable ketal-based block copolymer nanoparticles for anticancer drug delivery: a systematic evaluation.

PubMed

Louage, Benoit; Zhang, Qilu; Vanparijs, Nane; Voorhaar, Lenny; Vande Casteele, Sofie; Shi, Yang; Hennink, Wim E; Van Bocxlaer, Jan; Hoogenboom, Richard; De Geest, Bruno G

2015-01-12

Low solubility of potent (anticancer) drugs is a major driving force for the development of noncytotoxic, stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, including systems based on amphiphilic block copolymers. In this regard, we investigated the potential of block copolymers based on 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and the acid-sensitive ketal-containing monomer (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-yl)methyl acrylate (DMDMA) to form responsive drug nanocarriers. Block copolymers were successfully synthesized by sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, in which we combined a hydrophilic poly(HEA)x block with a (responsive) hydrophobic poly(HEAm-co-DMDMAn)y copolymer block. The DMDMA content of the hydrophobic block was systematically varied to investigate the influence of polymer design on physicochemical properties and in vitro biological performance. We found that a DMDMA content higher than 11 mol % is required for self-assembly behavior in aqueous medium. All particles showed colloidal stability in PBS at 37 °C for at least 4 days, with sizes ranging from 23 to 338 nm, proportional to the block copolymer DMDMA content. Under acidic conditions, the nanoparticles decomposed into soluble unimers, of which the decomposition rate was inversely proportional to the block copolymer DMDMA content. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed dose-dependent, active in vitro cellular uptake of the particles loaded with hydrophobic octadecyl rhodamine B chloride (R18). The block copolymers showed no intrinsic in vitro cytotoxicity, while loaded with paclitaxel (PTX), a significant decrease in cell viability was observed comparable or better than the two commercial PTX nanoformulations Abraxane and Genexol-PM at equal PTX dose. This systematic approach evaluated and showed the potential of these block copolymers as nanocarriers for hydrophobic drugs.

Influence of different peg length in glenoid bone loss: A biomechanical analysis regarding primary stability of the glenoid baseplate in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

PubMed

Königshausen, M; Jettkant, B; Sverdlova, N; Ehlert, C; Gessmann, J; Schildhauer, T A; Seybold, D

2015-01-01

There is no biomechanical basis to determine the influence of different length of the central peg of the baseplate anchored within the native scapula in glenoid defect reconstruction in cases of degenerative or posttraumatic glenoid bone loss in reversed shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to analyse the stability of different peg lengths used in glenoid bone loss in reversed shoulder arthroplasty. Different lengths of metaglene pegs with different depths of peg anchorage performed with or without metaglene screws in sawbone foam blocks were loaded in vertical and horizontal directions for differentiating load capacities. Simulated physiological loadings were then applied to the peg implants to determine the limits of loading in each depth of anchorage. The loading capacity of the implant was reduced as less of the peg was anchored. The vertically loaded implants showed a significantly higher stability, in contrast to those loaded horizontally at a corresponding peg length and depth of anchorage (p < 0.05). The tests revealed that the metaglene screws are more essential for primary stability than is the peg particularly in the vertically directed loadings (2/3 anchored: peg contributed to 28% of the stability, 1/3 anchorage: peg contributed to 12%). Under the second test conditions, the lowest depth of peg anchorage (1/3) resulted in 322 Newtons [N] in the long peg with a vertical loading direction, and in 130 N in the long peg with a horizontal loading direction (p < 0.05). The pegs should be anchored as deeply as possible into the native scapula bone stock. The metaglene screws play a major role in the initial stability, in contrast to the peg, and they become more important when the depth of the peg anchorage is reduced. If possible, four metaglene screws should be used in cases of uncontained bone loss to guarantee the highest stability.

Analysis of the strength of interfacial hydrogen bonds between tubulin dimers using quantum theory of atoms in molecules.

PubMed

Ayoub, Ahmed T; Craddock, Travis J A; Klobukowski, Mariusz; Tuszynski, Jack

2014-08-05

Microtubules are key structural elements that, among numerous biological functions, maintain the cytoskeleton of the cell and have a major role in cell division, which makes them important cancer chemotherapy targets. Understanding the energy balance that brings tubulin dimers, the building blocks of microtubules, together to form a microtubule is especially important for revealing the mechanism of their dynamic instability. Several studies have been conducted to estimate various contributions to the free energy of microtubule formation. However, the hydrogen-bond contribution was not studied before as a separate component. In this work, we use concepts such as the quantum theory of atoms in molecules to estimate the per-residue strength of hydrogen bonds contributing to the overall stability that brings subunits together in pair of tubulin heterodimers, across both the longitudinal and lateral interfaces. Our study shows that hydrogen bonding plays a major role in the stability of tubulin systems. Several residues that are crucial to the binding of vinca alkaloids are shown to be strongly involved in longitudinal microtubule stabilization. This indicates a direct relation between the binding of these agents and the effect on the interfacial hydrogen-bonding network, and explains the mechanism of their action. Lateral contacts showed much higher stability than longitudinal ones (-462 ± 70 vs. -392 ± 59 kJ/mol), which suggests a dramatic lateral stabilization effect of the GTP cap in the β-subunit. The role of the M-loop in lateral stability in absence of taxol was shown to be minor. The B-lattice lateral hydrogen bonds are shown to be comparable in strength to the A-lattice ones (-462 ± 70 vs. -472 ± 46 kJ/mol). These findings establish the importance of hydrogen bonds to the stability of tubulin systems. Copyright © 2014 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-Order Implicit-Explicit Multi-Block Time-stepping Method for Hyperbolic PDEs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nielsen, Tanner B.; Carpenter, Mark H.; Fisher, Travis C.; Frankel, Steven H.

2014-01-01

This work seeks to explore and improve the current time-stepping schemes used in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to reduce overall computational time. A high-order scheme has been developed using a combination of implicit and explicit (IMEX) time-stepping Runge-Kutta (RK) schemes which increases numerical stability with respect to the time step size, resulting in decreased computational time. The IMEX scheme alone does not yield the desired increase in numerical stability, but when used in conjunction with an overlapping partitioned (multi-block) domain significant increase in stability is observed. To show this, the Overlapping-Partition IMEX (OP IMEX) scheme is applied to both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) problems, the nonlinear viscous Burger's equation and 2D advection equation, respectively. The method uses two different summation by parts (SBP) derivative approximations, second-order and fourth-order accurate. The Dirichlet boundary conditions are imposed using the Simultaneous Approximation Term (SAT) penalty method. The 6-stage additive Runge-Kutta IMEX time integration schemes are fourth-order accurate in time. An increase in numerical stability 65 times greater than the fully explicit scheme is demonstrated to be achievable with the OP IMEX method applied to 1D Burger's equation. Results from the 2D, purely convective, advection equation show stability increases on the order of 10 times the explicit scheme using the OP IMEX method. Also, the domain partitioning method in this work shows potential for breaking the computational domain into manageable sizes such that implicit solutions for full three-dimensional CFD simulations can be computed using direct solving methods rather than the standard iterative methods currently used.

Double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (pkr) is essential for thermotolerance, accumulation of HSP70, and stabilization of ARE-containing HSP70 mRNA during stress.

PubMed

Zhao, Meijuan; Tang, Dan; Lechpammer, Stanislav; Hoffman, Alexander; Asea, Alexzander; Stevenson, Mary Ann; Calderwood, Stuart K

2002-11-15

We have investigated the role of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase gene (pkr) in the regulation of the heat shock response. We show that the pkr gene is essential for efficient activation of the heat shock response and that pkr disruption profoundly inhibits heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) synthesis and blocks the development of thermotolerance. Despite these profound effects, pkr disruption did not markedly affect the activation of heat shock factor 1 by heat and did not reduce the rate of transcription of the HSP70 gene after heat shock. However, despite the lack of effect of pkr disruption on HSP70 gene transcription, we found a significant decrease in the expression of HSP70 mRNA in pkr-/- cells after heat shock. Kinetic studies of mRNA turnover suggested a block in the thermal stabilization of HSP70 mRNA in pkr-/- cells. As the thermal stabilization of HSP70 mRNA is thought to involve cis-acting A+U rich (ARE) elements in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR), we examined a potential role for pkr in this process. We found that a reporter beta-galactosidase mRNA destabilized by introduction of a functional ARE into the 3'-UTR became stabilized by heat but only in cells containing an intact pkr gene. Our studies suggest therefore that pkr plays a significant role in the stabilization of mRNA species containing ARE destruction sequences in the 3'-UTR and through this mechanism, contributes to the regulation of the heat shock response and other processes.

Simple single-emitting layer hybrid white organic light emitting with high color stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, C.; Lu, Z. H.

2017-10-01

Simultaneously achieving a high efficiency and color quality at luminance levels required for solid-state lighting has been difficult for white organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Single-emitting layer (SEL) white OLEDs, in particular, exhibit a significant tradeoff between efficiency and color stability. Furthermore, despite the simplicity of SEL white OLEDs being its main advantage, the reported device structures are often complicated by the use of multiple blocking layers. In this paper, we report a highly simplified three-layered white OLED that achieves a low turn-on voltage of 2.7 V, an external quantum efficiency of 18.9% and power efficiency of 30 lm/W at 1000 cd/cm2. This simple white OLED also shows good color quality with a color rendering index of 75, CIE coordinates (0.42, 0.46), and little color shifting at high luminance. The device consists of a SEL sandwiched between a hole transport layer and an electron transport layer. The SEL comprises a thermally activated delayer fluorescent molecule having dual functions as a blue emitter and as a host for other lower energy emitters. The improved color stability and efficiency in such a simple device structure is explained as due to the elimination of significant energy barriers at various organic-organic interfaces in the traditional devices having multiple blocking layers.

Wind-tunnel experiments of turbulent flow over a surface-mounted 2-D block in a thermally-stratified boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei; Markfort, Corey; Porté-Agel, Fernando

2014-11-01

Turbulent flows over complex surface topography have been of great interest in the atmospheric science and wind engineering communities. The geometry of the topography, surface roughness and temperature characteristics as well as the atmospheric thermal stability play important roles in determining momentum and scalar flux distribution. Studies of turbulent flow over simplified topography models, under neutrally stratified boundary-layer conditions, have provided insights into fluid dynamics. However, atmospheric thermal stability has rarely been considered in laboratory experiments, e.g., wind-tunnel experiments. Series of wind-tunnel experiments of thermally-stratified boundary-layer flow over a surface-mounted 2-D block, in a well-controlled boundary-layer wind tunnel, will be presented. Measurements using high-resolution PIV, x-wire/cold-wire anemometry and surface heat flux sensors were conducted to quantify the turbulent flow properties, including the size of the recirculation zone, coherent vortex structures and the subsequent boundary layer recovery. Results will be shown to address thermal stability effects on momentum and scalar flux distribution in the wake, as well as dominant mechanism of turbulent kinetic energy generation and consumption. The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the Swiss National Foundation (Grant 200021-132122), the National Science Foundation (Grant ATM-0854766) and NASA (Grant NNG06GE256).

MTS dye based colorimetric CTLL-2 cell proliferation assay for product release and stability monitoring of interleukin-15: assay qualification, standardization and statistical analysis.

PubMed

Soman, Gopalan; Yang, Xiaoyi; Jiang, Hengguang; Giardina, Steve; Vyas, Vinay; Mitra, George; Yovandich, Jason; Creekmore, Stephen P; Waldmann, Thomas A; Quiñones, Octavio; Alvord, W Gregory

2009-08-31

A colorimetric cell proliferation assay using soluble tetrazolium salt [(CellTiter 96(R) Aqueous One Solution) cell proliferation reagent, containing the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt) and an electron coupling reagent phenazine ethosulfate], was optimized and qualified for quantitative determination of IL-15 dependent CTLL-2 cell proliferation activity. An in-house recombinant Human (rHu)IL-15 reference lot was standardized (IU/mg) against an international reference standard. Specificity of the assay for IL-15 was documented by illustrating the ability of neutralizing anti-IL-15 antibodies to block the product specific CTLL-2 cell proliferation and the lack of blocking effect with anti-IL-2 antibodies. Under the defined assay conditions, the linear dose-response concentration range was between 0.04 and 0.17ng/ml of the rHuIL-15 produced in-house and 0.5-3.0IU/ml for the international standard. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with the use of scripts written in the R Statistical Language and Environment utilizing a four-parameter logistic regression fit analysis procedure. The overall variation in the ED(50) values for the in-house reference standard from 55 independent estimates performed over the period of 1year was 12.3% of the average. Excellent intra-plate and within-day/inter-plate consistency was observed for all four parameter estimates in the model. Different preparations of rHuIL-15 showed excellent intra-plate consistency in the parameter estimates corresponding to the lower and upper asymptotes as well as to the 'slope' factor at the mid-point. The ED(50) values showed statistically significant differences for different lots and for control versus stressed samples. Three R-scripts improve data analysis capabilities allowing one to describe assay variations, to draw inferences between data sets from formal statistical tests, and to set up improved assay acceptance criteria based on comparability and consistency in the four parameters of the model. The assay is precise, accurate and robust and can be fully validated. Applications of the assay were established including process development support, release of the rHuIL-15 product for pre-clinical and clinical studies, and for monitoring storage stability.

A Robust High-Performance GPS L1 Receiver with Single-stage Quadrature Redio-Frequency Circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jianghua; Xu, Weilin; Wan, Qinq; Liu, Tianci

2018-03-01

A low power current reuse single-stage quadrature raido-frequency part (SQRF) is proposed for GPS L1 receiver in 180nm CMOS process. The proposed circuit consists of LNA, Mixer, QVCO, is called the QLMV cell. A two blocks stacked topology is adopted in this design. The parallel QVCO and mixer placed on the top forms the upper stacked block, and the LNA placed on the bottom forms the other stacked block. The two blocks share the current and achieve low power performance. To improve the stability, a float current source is proposed. The float current isolated the local oscillation signal and the input RF signal, which bring the whole circuit robust high-performance. The result shows conversion gain is 34 dB, noise figure is three dB, the phase noise is -110 dBc/Hz at 1MHz and IIP3 is -20 dBm. The proposed circuit dissipated 1.7mW with 1 V supply voltage.

Block effect on HCV infection by HMGB1 released from virus-infected cells: An insight from mathematical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei; Ma, Wanbiao

2018-06-01

The nuclear protein high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) can have an active role in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) organization and the regulation of transcription. Based on the new findings from a recent experimental study, the blocking effect on HCV infection by HMGB1 released from virus-infected cells is investigated using a diffusive model for viral infection dynamics. In the model, the diffusion of the virus depends not only on its concentration gradient, but also on the concentration of HMGB1. The basic reproduction number, threshold dynamics, stability properties of the steady states, travelling wave solutions, and spreading speed for the proposed model are studied. We show that the HMGB1-induced blocking of HCV infection slows the spread of virus compared with random diffusion only. Numerically, it is shown that a high concentration of HMGB1 can block the spread of virus and this confirms, not only qualitatively but also quantitatively, the experimental result.

[Treatment of metaphyseal fractures of shin bones by the method of blocking osteosynthesis].

PubMed

Neverov, V A; Khromov, A A; Cherniaev, S N; Egorov, K S; Shebarshov, A L

2008-01-01

The proposed method of reposition and polyaxial stabilization of fragments for intramedullary meallosynthesis of fractures of long tubular bones allows blocking osteosynthesis to be successfully used in treatment of complex metaphyseal fractures of shin bones. It results in strong fixation of the fragments, makes it possible to successfully eliminate residual deformities after introduction of the nail and to avoid the development of them in future under the influence of loading. The method provides early functioning of the interfacing joints, early axial loading, shorter period of disability, the absence of external immobilization.

The Improvement of Foam Concrete Geoecoprotective Properties in Transport Construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svatovskaya, Larisa; Kabanov, Alexander; Sychov, Maxim

2017-10-01

The article analyses 2 kinds of properties of silica sol foam concrete: technical and geoecoprotective ones. Foam concrete stabilized with silica sol foam has lower heat conductivity resulting in fuel saving. Foam concrete obtained according to sol absorption technology has lower water absorption and is good enough for blocking to prevent the environment pollution. Pollution blocking can be achieved by two methods. The first method is saturation of an article affected by oil products with silica sol. The second method is to create a special preventive protection using silica sol screen. The article shows geoecoprotective properties of protein foam soil systems.

Fabrication of Hyperbranched Block-Statistical Copolymer-Based Prodrug with Dual Sensitivities for Controlled Release.

PubMed

Zheng, Luping; Wang, Yunfei; Zhang, Xianshuo; Ma, Liwei; Wang, Baoyan; Ji, Xiangling; Wei, Hua

2018-01-17

Dendrimer with hyperbranched structure and multivalent surface is regarded as one of the most promising candidates close to the ideal drug delivery systems, but the clinical translation and scale-up production of dendrimer has been hampered significantly by the synthetic difficulties. Therefore, there is considerable scope for the development of novel hyperbranched polymer that can not only address the drawbacks of dendrimer but maintain its advantages. The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer self-condensing vinyl polymerization (RAFT-SCVP) technique has enabled facile preparation of segmented hyperbranched polymer (SHP) by using chain transfer monomer (CTM)-based double-head agent during the past decade. Meanwhile, the design and development of block-statistical copolymers has been proven in our recent studies to be a simple yet effective way to address the extracellular stability vs intracellular high delivery efficacy dilemma. To integrate the advantages of both hyperbranched and block-statistical structures, we herein reported the fabrication of hyperbranched block-statistical copolymer-based prodrug with pH and reduction dual sensitivities using RAFT-SCVP and post-polymerization click coupling. The external homo oligo(ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (OEGMA) block provides sufficient extracellularly colloidal stability for the nanocarriers by steric hindrance, and the interior OEGMA units incorporated by the statistical copolymerization promote intracellular drug release by facilitating the permeation of GSH and H + for the cleavage of the reduction-responsive disulfide bond and pH-liable carbonate link as well as weakening the hydrophobic encapsulation of drug molecules. The delivery efficacy of the target hyperbranched block-statistical copolymer-based prodrug was evaluated in terms of in vitro drug release and cytotoxicity studies, which confirms both acidic pH and reduction-triggered drug release for inhibiting proliferation of HeLa cells. Interestingly, the simultaneous application of both acidic pH and GSH triggers promoted significantly the cleavage and release of CPT compared to the exertion of single trigger. This study thus developed a facile approach toward hyperbranched polymer-based prodrugs with high therapeutic efficacy for anticancer drug delivery.

Effect of various intermediate ceramic layers on the interfacial stability of zirconia core and veneering ceramics.

PubMed

Yoon, Hyung-In; Yeo, In-Sung; Yi, Yang-Jin; Kim, Sung-Hun; Lee, Jai-Bong; Han, Jung-Suk

2015-01-01

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effects of intermediate ceramics on the adhesion between the zirconia core and veneer ceramics. The polished surfaces of fully sintered Y-TZP blocks received three different treatments: (1) connector (C), (2) liner (L) or (3) wash layer (W). All the treated zirconia blocks were veneered with either (a) fluorapatite glass-ceramic (E) or (b) feldspathic porcelain (V) and divided into four groups (CE, CV, LE and WV). For the control group, the testing surfaces of metal blocks were veneered with feldspathic porcelain (VM). A half of the samples in each group (n = 21) were exposed to thermocycling, while the other half of the specimens were stored at room temperature under dry conditions. All specimens were subjected to the shear test and the failed surfaces were microscopically examined. The elemental distribution at the zirconia core/veneer interface was analyzed. The specimens in Groups CE and CV exhibited significantly greater mean bond strength values than those in Groups LE and WV, respectively (p < 0.05). However, the mean bond strengths significantly decreased in the connector groups (CE and CV) after thermal cycling (p < 0.05). The elemental analysis suggested diffusion of ceramic substances into the zirconia surface. A glass-ceramic based connector is significantly more favorable to core/veneer adhesion than the other intermediate ceramics evaluated in the study. However, thermal cycling affected the bond strength at the core/veneer interface differently according to the intermediate ceramics.

A spatial analysis of the moderating effects of land use on the association between alcohol outlet density and violence in urban areas.

PubMed

Pridemore, William Alex; Grubesic, Tony H

2012-06-01

While there is substantial evidence of an association between alcohol outlet density and assault, it is unlikely this association is constant across the urban environment. This study tested the moderating influence of land use on the outlet-violence association. Cross-sectional ecological study that controlled for spatial autocorrelation. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Police-recorded data on simple and aggravated assaults were obtained for all 302 block groups (mean population = 1038) in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Addresses of alcohol outlets for Cincinnati were obtained from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, geocoded to the street level, and aggregated to census block groups. Data on eight categories of land use were obtained from the Cincinnati Area Geographic Information System, with location quotients computed for each block group. We found substantial evidence that the impact of total alcohol outlet density, bar density and carryout density on assault density was moderated by land use. By taking into account local characteristics, policy-makers can make more informed decisions when regulating the placement and density of alcohol licenses in urban areas. Similarly, more systematic knowledge of how the association between alcohol outlet density and assault varies across the urban landscape should reduce harm and promote responsible retailing. Nevertheless, ours is one of the first studies to address the moderating effect of land use and we encourage further research to test the stability and generalisability of our results. © 2011 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Material and Device Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Kim, Hui-Seon; Seo, Ja-Young; Park, Nam-Gyu

2016-09-22

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have attracted great attention because of their superb efficiency reaching 22 % and low-cost, facile fabrication processing. Nevertheless, stability issues in perovskite solar cells seem to block further advancements toward commercialization. Thus, device stability is one of the important topics in perovskite solar cell research. In the beginning, the poor moisture resistivity of the perovskite layer was considered as a main problem that hindered further development of perovskite solar cells, which encouraged engineering of the perovskite or protection of the perovskite by a buffer layer. Soon after, other parameters affecting long-term stability were sequentially found and various attempts have been made to enhance intrinsic and extrinsic stability. Here we review the recent progresses addressing stability issues in perovskite solar cells. In this report, we investigated factors affecting stability from material and device points of view. To gain a better understanding of the stability of the bulk perovskite material, decomposition mechanisms were investigated in relation to moisture, photons, and heat. Stability of full device should also be carefully examined because its stability is dependent not only on bulk perovskite but also on the interfaces and selective contacts. In addition, ion migration and current-voltage hysteresis were found to be closely related to stability. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Designer interface peptide grafts target estrogen receptor alpha dimerization

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

Chakraborty, S.; Asare, B.K.; Biswas, P.K., E-mail: pbiswas@tougaloo.edu

The nuclear transcription factor estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), triggered by its cognate ligand estrogen, regulates a variety of cellular signaling events. ERα is expressed in 70% of breast cancers and is a widely validated target for anti-breast cancer drug discovery. Administration of anti-estrogen to block estrogen receptor activation is still a viable anti-breast cancer treatment option but anti-estrogen resistance has been a significant bottle-neck. Dimerization of estrogen receptor is required for ER activation. Blocking ERα dimerization is therefore a complementary and alternative strategy to combat anti-estrogen resistance. Dimer interface peptide “I-box” derived from ER residues 503–518 specifically blocks ER dimerization.more » Recently using a comprehensive molecular simulation we studied the interaction dynamics of ERα LBDs in a homo-dimer. Based on this study, we identified three interface recognition peptide motifs LDKITDT (ERα residues 479–485), LQQQHQRLAQ (residues 497–506), and LSHIRHMSNK (residues 511–520) and reported the suitability of using LQQQHQRLAQ (ER 497–506) as a template to design inhibitors of ERα dimerization. Stability and self-aggregation of peptide based therapeutics poses a significant bottle-neck to proceed further. In this study utilizing peptide grafted to preserve their pharmacophoric recognition motif and assessed their stability and potential to block ERα mediated activity in silico and in vitro. The Grafted peptides blocked ERα mediated cell proliferation and viability of breast cancer cells but did not alter their apoptotic fate. We believe the structural clues identified in this study can be used to identify novel peptidometics and small molecules that specifically target ER dimer interface generating a new breed of anti-cancer agents. - Highlights: • Designer peptide grafts retain core molecular recognition motif during MD simulations. • Designer peptide grafts with Poly-ALA helix form stable complexes with estrogen receptor in silico. • Inhibitor peptides significantly decrease estrogen induced cell proliferation of ER positive breast cancer cells in vitro.« less

Paravertebral block can be an alternative to unilateral spinal anaesthesia for inguinal hernia repair.

PubMed

Mandal, M C; Das, S; Gupta, Sunil; Ghosh, T R; Basu, S R

2011-11-01

Inguinal hernia repair can be performed under satisfactory anaesthetic conditions using general, regional and peripheral nerve block anaesthesia. Unilateral spinal anaesthesia provides optimal anaesthesia, with stable haemodynamics and minimal adverse events. The paravertebral block, being segmental in nature, can be expected to produce some advantages regarding haemodynamic stability and early ambulation and may be a viable alternative. Fifty-four consenting male patients posted for inguinal hernia repair were randomized into two groups, to receive either the two-segment paravertebral block (group-P, n=26) at T10 and L1 or unilateral spinal anaesthesia (group-S, n=28), respectively. The time to ambulation (primary outcome), time to the first analgesic, total rescue analgesic consumption in the first 24-hour period and adverse events were noted. Block performance time and time to reach surgical anaesthesia were significantly higher in the patients of group-P (P<0.001). Time to ambulation was significantly shorter in group-P compared to group-S (P<0.001), while postoperative sensory block was prolonged in patients of group-S; P<0.001. A significantly higher number of patients could bypass the recovery room in group-P compared to group-S, (45% versus 0%, respectively, P<0.001). No statistically significant difference in adverse outcomes was recorded. Both the paravertebral block and unilateral spinal anaesthesia are effective anaesthetic techniques for uncomplicated inguinal hernia repair. However, the paravertebral block can be an attractive alternative as it provides early ambulation and prolonged postoperative analgesia with minimal adverse events.

A comparison of low dose hyperbaric levobupivacaine and hypobaric levobupivacaine in unilateral spinal anaesthesia.

PubMed

Kaya, M; Oztürk, I; Tuncel, G; Senel, G Ozalp; Eskiçirak, H; Kadioğullari, N

2010-11-01

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effects and characteristics of hyperbaric and hypobaric levobupivacaine for unilateral spinal anaesthesia. Sixty patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 7.5 mg (1.5 ml) hyperbaric levobupivacaine 0.5% or 7.5 mg (4 ml) hypobaric levobupivacaine 0.1875% for elective arthroscopic surgery of the knee under spinal anaesthesia. The level and duration of sensory block, intensity and duration of motor block were recorded. Unilateral sensory block was observed in 27 patients (90%) in the hyperbaric group and 24 patients (80%) in the hypobaric group in the lateral position. After 15 minutes, patients were turned to supine to redistribute the spinal block toward the non-operative side, but spinal anaesthesia was still unilateral in 18 patients (60%) in the hyperbaric group and 10 patients (33%) in the hypobaric group (P = 0.038). Time to readiness for home discharge and complete recovery of sensory block were similar in both groups. In the hyperbaric group, the motor block scores were higher on the operative side during first 10 minutes than they were in the hypobaric group (P < 0.002). Motor block regression was faster in the hyperbaric group (P = 0.01). Hyperbaric and hypobaric levobupivacaine both provided satisfactory unilateral spinal anaesthesia with good haemodynamic stability for arthroscopic surgery, but with more frequent unilateral spinal anaesthesia in the hyperbaric group.

27-Hydroxycholesterol increases Myc protein stability via suppressing PP2A, SCP1 and FBW7 transcription in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

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

Ma, Li-Ming; Liang, Zi-Rui; Zhou, Ke-Ren

27-hydroxycholesterol (27-HC), the most abundant metabolite of cholesterol, is a risk factor for breast cancer. It can increase the proliferation of breast cancer cells and promote the metastasis of breast tumours in mouse models. Myc is a critical oncoprotein overexpressed in breast cancer. However, whether 27-HC affects Myc expression has not been reported. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of 27-HC on Myc and the underlying mechanisms in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Our data demonstrated that 27-HC activated Myc via increasing its protein stability. Three key negative modulators of Myc protein stability, PP2A, SCP1 and FBW7,more » were suppressed by 27-HC at the transcriptional level. We performed a data-mining analysis of the chromatin immunoprecipitation with next-generation DNA sequencing (ChIP-Seq) data in the ChIPBase, and discovered that a number of putative transcription factors (TFs), including Myc itself, were involved in the transcriptional regulation of PP2A, SCP1 and FBW7. Our results provide a novel mechanistic insight into the activation of Myc by 27-HC via transcriptional repression of PP2A, SCP1 and FBW7 to increase Myc protein stability in breast cancer cells. - Highlights: • 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27-HC) activates Myc via increasing its protein stability. • 27-HC inhibits PP2A and SCP1 transcription to block pS62-Myc dephosphorylation. • 27-HC suppresses FBW7 transcription to prevent pT58-Myc degradation.« less

Low-temperature magnetic properties of greigite (Fe3S4)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Liao; Roberts, Andrew P.; Rowan, Christopher J.; Tang, Yan; Pruner, Petr; Chen, Qianwang; Horng, Chorng-Shern

2009-01-01

We provide comprehensive low-temperature magnetic results for greigite (Fe3S4) across the spectrum from superparamagnetic (SP) to multidomain (MD) behavior. It is well known that greigite has no low-temperature magnetic transitions, but we also document that it has strong domain-state dependence of magnetic properties at low temperatures. Blocking of SP grains and increasing thermal stability with decreasing temperature is apparent in many magnetic measurements. Thermally stable single-domain greigite undergoes little change in magnetic properties below room temperature. For pseudo-single-domain (PSD)/MD greigite, hysteresis properties and first-order reversal curve diagrams exhibit minor changes at low temperatures, while remanence continuously demagnetizes because of progressive domain wall unpinning. The low-temperature demagnetization is grain size dependent for PSD/MD greigite, with coarser grains undergoing larger remanence loss. AC susceptibility measurements indicate consistent blocking temperatures (TB) for all synthetic and natural greigite samples, which are probably associated with surficial oxidation. Low-temperature magnetic analysis provides much more information about magnetic mineralogy and domain state than room temperature measurements and enables discrimination of individual components within mixed magnetic mineral assemblages. Low-temperature rock magnetometry is therefore a useful tool for studying magnetic mineralogy and granulometry of greigite-bearing sediments.

One-Pot Approach to Prepare Organo-silica Hybrid Capillary Monolithic Column with Intact Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle as Building Block.

PubMed

Liu, Shengju; Peng, Jiaxi; Liu, Zheyi; Liu, Zhongshan; Zhang, Hongyan; Wu, Ren'an

2016-10-04

A facile "one-pot" approach to prepare organo-silica hybrid capillary monolithic column with intact mesoporous silica nanoparticle (IMSN) as crosslinker and building block was described. An IMSN crosslinked octadecyl-silica hybrid capillary monolithic column (IMSN-C18 monolithic column) was successfully prepared, and the effects of fabrication conditions (e.g. concentration of intact mesoporous silica nanoparticle, polycondensation temperature, content of vinyltrimethoxysilane and stearyl methacrylate) on the structures of the IMSN-C18 monolithic column were studied in detail. The IMSN-C18 hybrid monolithic column possessed uniform morphology, good mechanical and pH stability (pH 1.1-11), which was applied to the separations of alkyl benzenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as proteins. The minimum plate height of 10.5 μm (corresponding to 95000 N m -1 ) for butylbenzene and high reproducibility were achieved. The analysis of tryptic digest of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was carried out on the IMSN-C18 monolithic column by cLC coupled mass spectrometry (cLC-MS/MS), with the protein sequence coverage of 87.5% for BSA, demonstrating its potential application in proteomics.

Rupture loop annex ion exchange RLAIX vault deactivation

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

Ham, J.E.; Harris, D.L., Westinghouse Hanford

This engineering report documents the deactivation, stabilization and final conditions of the Rupture Loop Annex Ion Exchange (RLAIX) Vault located northwest of the 309 Building`s Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor (PRTR). Twelve ion exchange columns, piping debris, and column liquid were removed from the vault, packaged and shipped for disposal. The vault walls and floor were decontaminated, and portions of the vault were painted to fix loose contamination. Process piping and drains were plugged, and the cover blocks and rain cover were installed. Upon closure,the vault was empty, stabilized, isolated.

Botulinum toxin occipital nerve block for the treatment of severe occipital neuralgia: a case series.

PubMed

Kapural, Leonardo; Stillman, Mark; Kapural, Miranda; McIntyre, Patrick; Guirgius, Maged; Mekhail, Nagy

2007-12-01

Persistent occipital neuralgia can produce severe headaches that are difficult to control by conservative or surgical approaches. We retrospectively describe a series of six patients with severe occipital neuralgia who received conservative and interventional therapies, including oral antidepressants, membrane stabilizers, opioids, and traditional occipital nerve blocks without significant relief. This group then underwent occipital nerve blocks using the botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) BOTOX Type A (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, U.S.A.) 50 U for each block (100 U if bilateral). Significant decreases in pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and improvement in Pain Disability Index (PDI) were observed at four weeks follow-up in five out of six patients following BoNT-A occipital nerve block. The mean VAS score changed from 8 +/- 1.8 (median score of 8.5) to 2 +/- 2.7 (median score of 1), while PDI improved from 51.5 +/- 17.6 (median 56) to 19.5 +/- 21 (median 17.5) and the duration of the pain relief increased to an average of 16.3 +/- 3.2 weeks (median 16) from an average of 1.9 +/- 0.5 weeks (median 2) compared to diagnostic 0.5% bupivacaine block. Following block resolution, the average pain scores and PDI returned to similar levels as before BoNT-A block. In conclusion, BoNT-A occipital nerve blocks provided a much longer duration of analgesia than diagnostic local anesthetics. The functional capacity improvement measured by PDI was profound enough in the majority of the patients to allow patients to resume their regular daily activities for a period of time.

Effects of X-shaped reduction-sensitive amphiphilic block copolymer on drug delivery.

PubMed

Xiao, Haijun; Wang, Lu

2015-01-01

To study the effects of X-shaped amphiphilic block copolymers on delivery of docetaxel (DTX) and the reduction-sensitive property on drug release, a novel reduction-sensitive amphiphilic copolymer, (PLGA)2-SS-4-arm-PEG2000 with a Gemini-like X-shape, was successfully synthesized. The formation of nanomicelles was proved with respect to the blue shift of the emission fluorescence as well as the fluorescent intensity increase of coumarin 6-loaded particles. The X-shaped polymers exhibited a smaller critical micelle concentration value and possessed higher micellar stability in comparison with those of linear ones. The size of X-shaped (PLGA)2-SS-4-arm-PEG2000 polymer nanomicelles (XNMs) was much smaller than that of nanomicelles prepared with linear polymers. The reduction sensitivity of polymers was confirmed by the increase of micellar sizes as well as the in vitro drug release profile of DTX-loaded XNMs (DTX/XNMs). Cytotoxicity assays in vitro revealed that the blank XNMs were nontoxic against A2780 cells up to a concentration of 50 µg/mL, displaying good biocompatibility. DTX/XNMs were more toxic against A2780 cells than other formulations in both dose- and time-dependent manners. Cellular uptake assay displayed a higher intracellular drug delivery efficiency of XNMs than that of nanomicelles prepared with linear polymers. Besides, the promotion of tubulin polymerization induced by DTX was visualized by immunofluorescence analysis, and the acceleration of apoptotic process against A2780 cells was also imaged using a fluorescent staining method. Therefore, this X-shaped reduction-sensitive (PLGA)2-SS-4-arm-PEG2000 copolymer could effectively improve the micellar stability and significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of DTX by increasing the cellular uptake and selectively accelerating the drug release inside cancer cells.

Nano-scale zero valent iron transport in a variable aperture dolomite fracture and a glass fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, P.; Sleep, B. E.; Cui, Z.; Zhou, Z.

2014-12-01

Experiments and numerical simulations are being performed to understand the transport behavior of carboxymethyl cellulose polymer stabilized nano-scale zero valent iron (nZVI) in a variable aperture dolomite rock fracture and a variable aperture glass replica of a fractured slate. The rock fracture was prepared by artificially inducing a fracture in a dolomite block along a stylolite, and the glass fracture was prepared by creating molds with melted glass on two opposing sides of a fractured slate rock block. Both of the fractures were 0.28 m in length and 0.21 m in width. Equivalent hydraulic apertures are about 110 microns for the rock fracture and 250 microns for the glass replica fracture. Sodium bromide and lissamine green B (LGB) serve as conservative tracers in the rock fracture and glass replica fracture, respectively. A dark box set-up with a light source and digital camera is being used to visualize the LGB and CMC-nZVI movement in the glass fracture. Experiments are being performed to determine the effects of water specific discharge and CMC concentration on nZVI transport in the fractures. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and UV-visual spectrophotometry were performed to determine the stability and characteristics of the CMC-nZVI mixture. The transport of bromide, LGB, CMC, and CMC-nZVI in both fractures is being evaluated through analysis of the effluent concentrations. Time-lapse images are also being captured for the glass fracture. Bromide, LGB, and CMC recoveries have exceeded 95% in both fractures. Significant channeling has been observed in the fractures for CMC transport due to viscous effects.

High rate sodium ion battery anodes from block copolymer templated mesoporous nickel–cobalt carbonates and oxides

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

Bhaway, Sarang M.; Tangvijitsakul, Pattarasai; Lee, Jeongwoo

2015-09-16

Micelle-templated ordered mesoporous nickel–cobalt carbonates and oxides are fabricated using a metal nitrate–citric acid strategy, which avoids the hydrolysis and aging requirements associated with sol–gel chemistry. A series of mesoporous Ni xCo (3-x)(CO 3) y and Ni xCo (3-x)O 4 films with varying Ni–Co compositions and 14 ± 4 nm mesopores are fabricated with the same block copolymer template. AFM and GISAXS analysis indicates that the mesostructure is maintained through the formation of the carbonate and oxide, while GIXD profiles confirm formation of pure spinel phases of semi-crystalline Ni xCo (3-x)O 4. The micelle templated mesopores are interconnected and providemore » transport paths for the electrolyte to minimize the solid-state diffusion requirements associated with battery electrodes. These materials exhibit good performance as sodium ion battery anodes even at high current densities of 4 A g -1. Amongst the mixed-metal oxides, Ni 2CoO 4 exhibits the highest specific capacity of 239 mA h g -1 after galvanostatic cycling at a current density of 1 A g -1 for 10 cycles. We attribute the superior performance of Ni 2CoO 4 at high rates to the high surface area and short ion-diffusion paths of the nanoporous anode architecture, while the higher nickel content in the mixed metal oxide provides enhanced stability during oxide formation along with enhanced electronic conductivity, leading to improved cycling stability of the anode. This micelle template metal nitrate–citric acid method enables new possibilities for fabricating variety of ordered mesoporous mixed-metal carbonates and oxides that could be used in a wide range of applications.« less

Blocking the interaction between HIV-1 integrase and human LEDGF/p75: mutational studies, virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Reddy, Karnati Konda; Singh, Poonam; Singh, Sanjeev Kumar

2014-03-04

HIV-1 integrase (IN) mediates integration of viral cDNA into the host cell genome, an essential step in the retroviral life cycle. The human lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF/p75) is a co-factor of HIV-1 IN that plays a crucial role in viral integration. Because of its crucial role in early steps of HIV replication, the IN-LEDGF/p75 interaction represents an attractive target for anti-HIV drug discovery. In this study, the IN-LEDGF/p75 interaction was studied by in silico mutational studies and molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that all of the key residues in the LEDGF/p75 binding pocket of IN protein are important for stabilization of the complex. Structure-based virtual screening against HIV-1 IN using the ChemBridge database was performed through three different protocols of docking simulations with varying precisions and computational intensities. Six compounds based on the docking score, binding affinity and pharmacokinetic parameters were selected and an analysis of the interactions with key amino acid residues of IN was carried out. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations of these compounds in the LEDGF/p75 binding site of IN were carried out in order to study the stability of complexes and their hydrogen bonding interactions. IN residues Glu170, His171, and Thr174 in chain A as well as Gln95 and Thr125 in chain B were discovered to play important roles in the binding of compounds. These findings could be helpful for blocking IN-LEDGF/p75 interaction, and provide a method for avoiding viral resistance and cross-resistance.

Rockfall risk assessment for a road along the coastal rocky slope of Maratea (Basilicata Region, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pellicani, R.; Spilotro, G.; Colangelo, G.; Petraglia, A.; Pizzo, V.

2012-04-01

The rockfall risk has been evaluated for the Tirrena Inferiore State Road SS18 between 220+600 and 243+670 Kilometers in the coastal area of Maratea (Basilicata, Italy) through a specific multilayer technique. These results are particularly significant as validated in field through the occurrence of rockfall events after the study. The study part of "Tirrena Inferiore" SS18 road is often affected by rockfalls, which periodically (coinciding with abundant rainfalls, earthquakes and temperature lowering) cause large amount of damage and traffic interruptions. In order to assess the rockfall risk and define the countermeasure needed to mitigate the risk, an integrated index-based and physically-based approach was implemented. The roadway is subject to slopes with steep rocky vertical or sub-vertical faces affected by different systems of discontinuities, that show a widespread fracturing. The superficial parts of slopes are characterized by gaping fracturing, often karstified. Several historical rockfall events were recognized in the area and numerous geomechanical analyses, finalized to the stability analysis of rock walls, were carried out. The localization of the potentially unstable areas and the quantification of relative rockfall risk were evaluated through three successive phases of analysis. First, a map based on SMR (Slope Mass Rating) Index of Romana (1985) was produced, through a spatial analysis of both geomechanical parameters, such as the RMR Index of Bieniawski, and the distribution of the discontinuities. This approach therefore allowed the estimation of the potentially unstable zones and their classification on the basis of the resulting stability degree. Subsequently, an analysis of the rockfall trajectories in correspondence to the most unstable zones of slope was carried out by using ROTOMAP, a 3-dimensional rock-fall simulation software. The input data for computing the rockfall trajectories are the following: (1) digital terrain model (DTM), (2) location of rock-fall release points (source areas), (3) geometrical parameters of block rolling, such as limit angle of flight, impact and rebound, and (4) geomechanical parameters of block rolling, such as the coefficients of normal and tangential energy restitution. For each DTM cell the software calculates the number of blocks passing through, the maximum rock-fall velocity and the maximum flying height. These information were used in order to verify the efficiency of the existing rockfall protection systems. Finally, the rockfall risk map was realized through the evaluation of the spatial distribution of the following three parameters: (i) lithology, (ii) kinematic compatibility, and (iii) historical rockfall events. After quantifying the risk, the most suitable typologies of rockfall protection systems were identified for the most unstable sections of slopes. The importance and usefulness of this study derives from the validation of the obtained results, in terms of risk, through the occurrence of new rockfall events in those areas for which the highest level of rockfall risk was defined in previous study.

Cesium and Rubidium Frequency Standards Status and Performance on the GPS Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanMelle, M. J.

1996-01-01

This paper is an update of the on-orbit operational performance of the frequency standards on the last Block 1 Navstar satellite (GPS-10), the complete Block 2 Navstar satellites (GPS-13 to 21) and the Block 2A Navstar (GPS-22 to 40) satellites. Since the status of the GPS constellation is now at full operational capability (FOC), a minimum of twenty-four satellites are in position with all the necessary tests successfully completed. The evolution of frequency standards on board the GPS vehicles will be presented with corresponding results. Various methods and techniques will be presented to show on-orbit life time, down time, state of health telemetry, on-orbit trending and characterization of all the frequency standards. Other topics such as reliability, stability, clock quirks and idiosyncrasies of each vehicle will be covered.

Toward Strong Thermoplastic Elastomers with Asymmetric Miktoarm Block Copolymer Architectures

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-05

temperature [such as poly(phenylene oxide), PPO ].7,8 Yet, this method does not lift the volume fraction limitation, and the total hard phase fraction f...PS + f PPO must still remain below approximately 0.3. Being able to significantly displace the classical phase diagram and stabilize morphologies

Antiparallel pinned NiO spin valve sensor for GMR head application (invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinarbasi, M.; Metin, S.; Gill, H.; Parker, M.; Gurney, B.; Carey, M.; Tsang, C.

2000-05-01

NiO antiferromagnetic material possesses certain advantages for spin valve applications and has attracted considerable attention. Some of the key advantages are its insulating properties, very high corrosion resistance, less sensitivity to composition, and its low reset temperature. This material, however, has a low blocking temperature which prevents its application to simple spin valve designs. The use of this material in spin valve structures required significant improvements in thermal stability, blocking temperature, and the spin valve design. In the present study, the blocking temperature and the blocking temperature distribution of the NiO films have been improved by depositing the films reactively using ion beam sputtering. A number of improvements in the processing method and deposition system had to be made to allow full NiO spin valve deposition for mass production. Another critical part was the use of antiparallel pinned design in place of the simple design to improve the thermal stability of the NiO spin valves as read elements at disk drive temperatures. The selection of the ferromagnetic pinned layers and the Ru spacer thickness in AP-pinned spin valves has significant impact on the behavior of the devices. These spin valves are all bottom type, NiO/PL1/Ru/PL2/Cu/Co/NiFe/Ta, where the metallic portion of the spin valve is deposited on top of the NiO AF layer. The PL1 and PL2 are ferromagnetic layers comprising NiFe and Co layers. Read elements have been made using these spin valves that delivered areal densities of 12 Gbit/in. These topics and other improvements which resulted in successful use of NiO spin valves as GMR heads in hard disk drives will be discussed.

Association of a multifunctional ionic block copolymer in a selective solvent

DOE PAGES

Etampawala, Thusitha N.; Aryal, Dipak; Osti, Naresh C.; ...

2016-11-14

The self-assembly of multiblock copolymers in solutions is controlled by a delicate balance between inherent phase segregation due to incompatibility of the blocks and the interaction of the individual blocks with the solvent. The current study elucidates the association of pentablock copolymers in a mixture of selective solvents which are good for the hydrophobic segments and poor for the hydrophilic blocks using small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The pentablock consists of a center block of randomly sulfonated polystyrene, designed for transport, tethered to poly-ethylene-r-propylene and end-capped by poly-t-butyl styrene, for mechanical stability. We find that the pentablock forms ellipsoidal core-shellmore » micelles with the sulfonated polystyrene in the core and Gaussian decaying chains of swollen poly-ethylene-r-propylene and poly-t-butyl styrene tertiary in the corona. With increasing solution concentration, the size of the micelle, the thickness of the corona, and the aggregation number increase, while the solvent fraction in the core decreases. As a result, in dilute solution the micelle increases in size as the temperature is increased, however, temperature effects dissipate with increasing solution concentration.« less

Self-assembly concepts for multicompartment nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gröschel, André H.; Müller, Axel H. E.

2015-07-01

Compartmentalization is ubiquitous to many biological and artificial systems, be it for the separate storage of incompatible matter or to isolate transport processes. Advancements in the synthesis of sequential block copolymers offer a variety of tools to replicate natural design principles with tailor-made soft matter for the precise spatial separation of functionalities on multiple length scales. Here, we review recent trends in the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers to multicompartment nanostructures (MCNs) under (semi-)dilute conditions, with special emphasis on ABC triblock terpolymers. The intrinsic immiscibility of connected blocks induces short-range repulsion into discrete nano-domains stabilized by a third, soluble block or molecular additive. Polymer blocks can be synthesized from an arsenal of functional monomers directing self-assembly through packing frustration or response to various fields. The mobility in solution further allows the manipulation of self-assembly processes into specific directions by clever choice of environmental conditions. This review focuses on practical concepts that direct self-assembly into predictable nanostructures, while narrowing particle dispersity with respect to size, shape and internal morphology. The growing understanding of underlying self-assembly mechanisms expands the number of experimental concepts providing the means to target and manipulate progressively complex superstructures.

Evaluation of transversus abdominis plane block for renal transplant recipients - A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of published studies.

PubMed

Singh, Preet Mohinder; Borle, Anuradha; Makkar, Jeetinder Kaur; Trisha, Aanjan; Sinha, Aashish

2018-01-01

Patients undergoing renal transplant (RT) have altered drug/opioid pharmacokinetics. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in renal transplant recipients has been recently evaluated for analgesic and opioid-sparing potential by many trials. The studies comparing TAP-block to conventional analgesic regimens for RT were searched. Comparisons were made for total opioids consumed (as morphine-equivalents) during the first postoperative 24-h (primary objective), intraoperative, and immediate-postoperative period. Pain scores and postoperative nausea-vomiting (PONV) were also evaluated. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to quantify the strength of analysis. Ten-trials with 258 and 237 patients in control and TAP-block group, respectively, were included. TAP-block decreased the 24-h (reported in 9-trials) opioid consumption by 14.61 ± 4.34 mg (reduction by 42.7%, random-effects, P < 0.001, I 2 = 97.82%). Sample size of the present analysis (472) was well past the required "information-size" variable (396) as per the TSA for a power of 85%. Intraoperative opioid consumption also decreased by 2.06 ± 0.63 mg (reduction of 27.8%) (random effects, P < 0.001, I 2 = 98.84%). Pain scores with TAP-block were significantly lower in both early and delayed postoperative phase. Odds ratio for PONV without TAP block was 1.99 ± 1.05 (Fixed-effects, P = 0.04, I 2 = 0%). Publication bias was likely (Egger's test, X-intercept=7.89, P < 0.05). TAP-block significantly lowers the intraoperative and cumulative postoperative 24-h opioid consumption in RT recipients. Persistent and better pain control is achieved when TAP-Block is used. Benefits of TAP block extend beyond the analgesic actions alone as it also decreases the 24-h incidence of postoperative nausea vomiting as well. The technique of the block needs standardization for RT recipients.

StAR Protein Stability in Y1 and Kin-8 Mouse Adrenocortical Cells.

PubMed

Clark, Barbara J; Hudson, Elizabeth A

2015-03-04

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) protein expression is required for cholesterol transport into mitochondria to initiate steroidogenesis in the adrenal and gonads. STAR is synthesized as a 37 kDa precursor protein which is targeted to the mitochondria and imported and processed to an intra-mitochondrial 30 kDa protein. Tropic hormone stimulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway is the major contributor to the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of STAR synthesis. Many studies have focused on the mechanisms of cAMP-PKA mediated control of STAR synthesis while there are few reports on STAR degradation pathways. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cAMP-PKA-dependent signaling on STAR protein stability. We have used the cAMP-PKA responsive Y1 mouse adrenocortical cells and the PKA-deficient Kin-8 cells to measure STAR phosphorylation and protein half-life. Western blot analysis and standard radiolabeled pulse-chase experiments were used to determine STAR phosphorylation status and protein half-life, respectively. Our data demonstrate that PKA-dependent STAR phosphorylation does not contribute to 30 kDa STAR protein stability in the mitochondria. We further show that inhibition of the 26S proteasome does not block precursor STAR phosphorylation or steroid production in Y1 cells. These data suggest STAR can maintain function and promote steroidogenesis under conditions of proteasome inhibition.

StAR Protein Stability in Y1 and Kin-8 Mouse Adrenocortical Cells

PubMed Central

Clark, Barbara J.; Hudson, Elizabeth A.

2015-01-01

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) protein expression is required for cholesterol transport into mitochondria to initiate steroidogenesis in the adrenal and gonads. STAR is synthesized as a 37 kDa precursor protein which is targeted to the mitochondria and imported and processed to an intra-mitochondrial 30 kDa protein. Tropic hormone stimulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway is the major contributor to the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of STAR synthesis. Many studies have focused on the mechanisms of cAMP-PKA mediated control of STAR synthesis while there are few reports on STAR degradation pathways. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cAMP-PKA-dependent signaling on STAR protein stability. We have used the cAMP-PKA responsive Y1 mouse adrenocortical cells and the PKA-deficient Kin-8 cells to measure STAR phosphorylation and protein half-life. Western blot analysis and standard radiolabeled pulse-chase experiments were used to determine STAR phosphorylation status and protein half-life, respectively. Our data demonstrate that PKA-dependent STAR phosphorylation does not contribute to 30 kDa STAR protein stability in the mitochondria. We further show that inhibition of the 26S proteasome does not block precursor STAR phosphorylation or steroid production in Y1 cells. These data suggest STAR can maintain function and promote steroidogenesis under conditions of proteasome inhibition. PMID:25749137

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition as a therapeutic approach to treat capillary leakage in systemic inflammation.

PubMed

Schick, Martin Alexander; Wunder, Christian; Wollborn, Jakob; Roewer, Norbert; Waschke, Jens; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Schlegel, Nicolas

2012-06-01

In sepsis and systemic inflammation, increased microvascular permeability and consecutive breakdown of microcirculatory flow significantly contribute to organ failure and death. Evidence points to a critical role of cAMP levels in endothelial cells to maintain capillary endothelial barrier properties in acute inflammation. However, approaches to verify this observation in systemic models are rare. Therefore we tested here whether systemic application of the phosphodiesterase-4-inhibitors (PD-4-Is) rolipram or roflumilast to increase endothelial cAMP was effective to attenuate capillary leakage and breakdown of microcirculatory flow in severe lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation in rats. Measurements of cAMP in mesenteric microvessels demonstrated significant LPS-induced loss of cAMP levels which was blocked by application of rolipram. Increased endothelial cAMP by application of either PD-4-I rolipram or roflumilast led to stabilization of endothelial barrier properties as revealed by measurements of extravasated FITC-albumin in postcapillary mesenteric venules. Accordingly, microcirculatory flow in mesenteric venules was significantly increased following PD-4-I treatment and blood gas analyses indicated improved metabolism. Furthermore application of PD-4-I after manifestation of LPS-induced systemic inflammation and capillary leakage therapeutically stabilized endothelial barrier properties as revealed by significantly reduced volume resuscitation for haemodynamic stabilization. Accordingly microcirculation was significantly improved following treatment with PD-4-Is. Our results demonstrate that inflammation-derived loss of endothelial cAMP contributes to capillary leakage which was blocked by systemic PD-4-I treatment. Therefore these data suggest a highly clinically relevant and applicable approach to stabilize capillary leakage in sepsis and systemic inflammation.

A Design Selection Procedure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kroeker, Leonard P.

The problem of blocking on a status variable was investigated. The one-way fixed-effects analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and generalized randomized block designs each treat the blocking problem in a different way. In order to compare these designs, it is necessary to restrict attention to experimental situations in which observations…

Scientific objectives of the Gulf of Mexico gas hydrate JIP leg II drilling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, Emrys; Latham, T.; McConnell, Daniel R.; Frye, Matthew; Hunt, J.H.; Shedd, William; Shelander, Dianna; Boswell, Ray; Rose, Kelly K.; Ruppel, Carolyn D.; Hutchinson, Deborah R.; Collett, Timothy S.; Dugan, Brandon; Wood, Warren T.

2008-01-01

The Gulf of Mexico Methane Hydrate Joint Industry Project (JIP) has been performing research on marine gas hydrates since 2001 and is sponsored by both the JIP members and the U.S. Department of Energy. In 2005, the JIP drilled the Atwater Valley and Keathley Canyon exploration blocks in the Gulf of Mexico to acquire downhole logs and recover cores in silt- and clay-dominated sediments interpreted to contain gas hydrate based on analysis of existing 3-D seismic data prior to drilling. The new 2007-2009 phase of logging and coring, which is described in this paper, will concentrate on gas hydrate-bearing sands in the Alaminos Canyon, Green Canyon, and Walker Ridge protraction areas. Locations were selected to target higher permeability, coarser-grained lithologies (e.g., sands) that have the potential for hosting high saturations of gas hydrate and to assist the U.S. Minerals Management Service with its assessment of gas hydrate resources in the Gulf of Mexico.This paper discusses the scientific objectives for drilling during the upcoming campaign and presents the results from analyzing existing seismic and well log data as part of the site selection process. Alaminos Canyon 818 has the most complete data set of the selected blocks, with both seismic data and comprehensive downhole log data consistent with the occurrence of gas hydrate-bearing sands. Preliminary analyses suggest that the Frio sandstone just above the base of the gas hydrate stability zone may have up to 80% of the available sediment pore space occupied by gas hydrate.The proposed sites in the Green Canyon and Walker Ridge areas are also interpreted to have gas hydrate-bearing sands near the base of the gas hydrate stability zone, but the choice of specific drill sites is not yet complete. The Green Canyon site coincides with a 4-way closure within a Pleistocene sand unit in an area of strong gas flux just south of the Sigsbee Escarpment. The Walker Ridge site is characterized by a sand-prone sedimentary section that rises stratigraphically across the base of the gas hydrate stability zone and that has seismic indicators of gas hydrate.

A Study on the Saving Method of Plate Jigs in Hull Block Butt Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, Dae-Eun

2017-11-01

A large amount of plate jigs is used for alignment of welding line and control of welding deformations in hull block assembly stage. Besides material cost, the huge working man-hours required for working process of plate jigs is one of the obstacles in productivity growth of shipyard. In this study, analysis method was proposed to simulate the welding deformations of block butt joint with plate jigs setting. Using the proposed analysis method, an example simulation was performed for actual panel block joint to investigate the saving method of plate jigs. Results show that it is possible to achieve two objectives of quality accuracy of the hull block and saving the plate jig usage at the same time by deploying the plate jigs at the right places. And the proposed analysis method can be used in establishing guidelines for the proper use of plate jigs in block assembly stage.

Bond Stability of a Universal Adhesive System to Eroded/Abraded Dentin After Deproteinization.

PubMed

Augusto, M G; Torres, Crg; Pucci, C R; Schlueter, N; Borges, A B

Erosive/abrasive challenges can potentially compromise bonding to dentin. Aiming to improve the quality and stability of bonding to this substrate, this study investigated the combined effect of erosion and toothbrush abrasion on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) stability to dentin using a universal adhesive system in total and self-etching modes, associated or not associated with deproteinization. Bovine dentin specimens were divided into five groups according to the organic matrix condition (n=20): control (C); erosion (E); erosion + abrasion (EA); erosion + sodium hypochlorite (EH); erosion + abrasion + sodium hypochlorite (EAH). The groups were further divided (n=10) according to the mode of application (total or self-etching) of a universal adhesive. After the bonding procedure, composite blocks were built up, and the samples were cut to obtain sticks for μTBS testing. For each specimen, one-half of the sticks was immediately tested, and the other one-half was tested after artificial aging (5000 thermocycles, 5°C and 55°C). Three-way analysis of variance (α=5%) showed a significant difference for the triple interaction ( p=0.0007). Higher μTBS means were obtained for the EH and EAH groups compared with the E and EA groups. The control group showed immediate μTBS values similar to that of the E and EA groups for both bond strategies. Erosion and erosion/abrasion did not significantly influence the immediate μTBS to dentin. Artificial aging reduced μTBS values for the groups C, E, and EA using the total-etching mode. Deproteinization maintained the bond stability to artificially aged eroded and eroded/abraded dentin.

Can You Party Your Way to Better Health? A Propensity Score Analysis of Block Parties and Health

PubMed Central

Dean, Lorraine T.; Hillier, Amy; Chau-Glendinning, Hang; Subramanian, SV; Williams, David R.; Kawachi, Ichiro

2015-01-01

While other indicators of social capital have been linked to health, the role of block parties on health in Black neighborhoods and on Black residents is understudied. Block parties exhibit several features of bonding social capital and are present in nearly 90% of Philadelphia’s predominantly Black neighborhoods. This analysis investigated: (1) whether or not block parties are an indicator of bonding social capital in Black neighborhoods; (2) the degree to which block parties might be related to self-rated health in the ways that other bonding social indicators are related to health; and (3) whether or not block parties are associated with average self-rated health for Black residents particularly. Using census tract-level indicators of bonding social capital and records of block parties from 2003 to 2008 for 381 Philadelphia neighborhoods (defined by census tracts), an ecological-level propensity score was generated to assess the propensity for a block party, adjusting for population demographics, neighborhood characteristics, neighborhood resources and violent crime. Results indicate that in multivariable regression, block parties were associated with increased bonding social capital in Black neighborhoods; however, the calculation of the average effect of the treatment on the treated (ATT) within each propensity score strata showed no effect of block parties on average self-rated health for Black residents. Block parties may be an indicator of bonding social capital in Philadelphia’s predominantly Black neighborhoods, but this analysis did not show a direct association between block parties and self-rated health for Black residents. Further research should consider what other health outcomes or behaviors block parties may be related to and how interventionists can leverage block parties for health promotion. PMID:26117555

Metabolic control analysis of developing oilseed rape (Brassica napus cv Westar) embryos shows that lipid assembly exerts significant control over oil accumulation.

PubMed

Tang, Mingguo; Guschina, Irina A; O'Hara, Paul; Slabas, Antoni R; Quant, Patti A; Fawcett, Tony; Harwood, John L

2012-10-01

Metabolic control analysis allows the study of metabolic regulation. We applied both single- and double-manipulation top-down control analysis to examine the control of lipid accumulation in developing oilseed rape (Brassica napus) embryos. The biosynthetic pathway was conceptually divided into two blocks of reactions (fatty acid biosynthesis (Block A), lipid assembly (Block B)) connected by a single system intermediate, the acyl-coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) pool. Single manipulation used exogenous oleate. Triclosan was used to inhibit specifically Block A, whereas diazepam selectively manipulated flux through Block B. Exogenous oleate inhibited the radiolabelling of fatty acids from [1-(14)C]acetate, but stimulated that from [U-14C]glycerol into acyl lipids. The calculation of group flux control coefficients showed that c. 70% of the metabolic control was in the lipid assembly block of reactions. Monte Carlo simulations gave an estimation of the error of the resulting group flux control coefficients as 0.27±0.06 for Block A and 0.73±0.06 for Block B. The two methods of control analysis gave very similar results and showed that Block B reactions were more important under our conditions. This contrasts notably with data from oil palm or olive fruit cultures and is important for efforts to increase oilseed rape lipid yields. © 2012 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2012 New Phytologist Trust.

Using cluster analysis to organize and explore regional GPS velocities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simpson, Robert W.; Thatcher, Wayne; Savage, James C.

2012-01-01

Cluster analysis offers a simple visual exploratory tool for the initial investigation of regional Global Positioning System (GPS) velocity observations, which are providing increasingly precise mappings of actively deforming continental lithosphere. The deformation fields from dense regional GPS networks can often be concisely described in terms of relatively coherent blocks bounded by active faults, although the choice of blocks, their number and size, can be subjective and is often guided by the distribution of known faults. To illustrate our method, we apply cluster analysis to GPS velocities from the San Francisco Bay Region, California, to search for spatially coherent patterns of deformation, including evidence of block-like behavior. The clustering process identifies four robust groupings of velocities that we identify with four crustal blocks. Although the analysis uses no prior geologic information other than the GPS velocities, the cluster/block boundaries track three major faults, both locked and creeping.

Identification of sorghum hybrids with high phenotypic stability using GGE biplot methodology.

PubMed

Teodoro, P E; Almeida Filho, J E; Daher, R F; Menezes, C B; Cardoso, M J; Godinho, V P C; Torres, F E; Tardin, F D

2016-06-10

The aim of this study was to identify sorghum hybrids that have both high yield and phenotypic stability in Brazilian environments. Seven trials were conducted between February and March 2011. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 25 treatments and three replicates. The treatments consisted of 20 simple pre-commercial hybrids and five witnesses of grain sorghum. Sorghum genotypes were analyzed by the genotype main effects + genotype environment interaction (GGE) biplot method if significant genotype x environment interaction, adaptability, and phenotypic stability were detected. GGE biplot methodology identified two groups of environments, the first composed of Água Comprida-MG, Montividiu-GO, and Vilhena- RO and the second of Guaíra-SP and Sete Lagoas-MG. The BRS 308 and 1G282 genotypes were found to have high grain yield, adaptability, and phenotypic stability and are thus indicated for cultivation in the first and second groups of environments, respectively.

Neuroleptics as therapeutic compounds stabilizing neuromuscular transmission in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

PubMed Central

Patten, Shunmoogum A.; Aggad, Dina; Martinez, Jose; Tremblay, Elsa; Petrillo, Janet; Armstrong, Gary A.B.; Maios, Claudia; Liao, Meijiang; Ciura, Sorana; Wen, Xiao-Yan; Rafuse, Victor; Ichida, Justin; Zinman, Lorne; Julien, Jean-Pierre; Kabashi, Edor; Robitaille, Richard; Korngut, Lawrence; Parker, J. Alexander

2017-01-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing, fatal disorder with no effective treatment. We used simple genetic models of ALS to screen phenotypically for potential therapeutic compounds. We screened libraries of compounds in C. elegans, validated hits in zebrafish, and tested the most potent molecule in mice and in a small clinical trial. We identified a class of neuroleptics that restored motility in C. elegans and in zebrafish, and the most potent was pimozide, which blocked T-type Ca2+ channels in these simple models and stabilized neuromuscular transmission in zebrafish and enhanced it in mice. Finally, a short randomized controlled trial of sporadic ALS subjects demonstrated stabilization of motility and evidence of target engagement at the neuromuscular junction. Simple genetic models are, thus, useful in identifying promising compounds for the treatment of ALS, such as neuroleptics, which may stabilize neuromuscular transmission and prolong survival in this disease. PMID:29202456

Robust frequency stabilization of multiple spectroscopy lasers with large and tunable offset frequencies.

PubMed

Nevsky, A; Alighanbari, S; Chen, Q-F; Ernsting, I; Vasilyev, S; Schiller, S; Barwood, G; Gill, P; Poli, N; Tino, G M

2013-11-15

We have demonstrated a compact, robust device for simultaneous absolute frequency stabilization of three diode lasers whose carrier frequencies can be chosen freely relative to the reference. A rigid ULE multicavity block is employed, and, for each laser, the sideband locking technique is applied. A small lock error, computer control of frequency offset, wide range of frequency offset, simple construction, and robust operation are the useful features of the system. One concrete application is as a stabilization unit for the cooling and trapping lasers of a neutral-atom lattice clock. The device significantly supports and improves the clock's operation. The laser with the most stringent requirements imposed by this application is stabilized to a line width of 70 Hz, and a residual frequency drift less than 0.5 Hz/s. The carrier optical frequency can be tuned over 350 MHz while in lock.

Neuroleptics as therapeutic compounds stabilizing neuromuscular transmission in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PubMed

Patten, Shunmoogum A; Aggad, Dina; Martinez, Jose; Tremblay, Elsa; Petrillo, Janet; Armstrong, Gary Ab; La Fontaine, Alexandre; Maios, Claudia; Liao, Meijiang; Ciura, Sorana; Wen, Xiao-Yan; Rafuse, Victor; Ichida, Justin; Zinman, Lorne; Julien, Jean-Pierre; Kabashi, Edor; Robitaille, Richard; Korngut, Lawrence; Parker, J Alexander; Drapeau, Pierre

2017-11-16

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing, fatal disorder with no effective treatment. We used simple genetic models of ALS to screen phenotypically for potential therapeutic compounds. We screened libraries of compounds in C. elegans, validated hits in zebrafish, and tested the most potent molecule in mice and in a small clinical trial. We identified a class of neuroleptics that restored motility in C. elegans and in zebrafish, and the most potent was pimozide, which blocked T-type Ca2+ channels in these simple models and stabilized neuromuscular transmission in zebrafish and enhanced it in mice. Finally, a short randomized controlled trial of sporadic ALS subjects demonstrated stabilization of motility and evidence of target engagement at the neuromuscular junction. Simple genetic models are, thus, useful in identifying promising compounds for the treatment of ALS, such as neuroleptics, which may stabilize neuromuscular transmission and prolong survival in this disease.

Stability of the discretization of the electron avalanche phenomenon

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

Villa, Andrea, E-mail: andrea.villa@rse-web.it; Barbieri, Luca, E-mail: luca.barbieri@rse-web.it; Gondola, Marco, E-mail: marco.gondola@rse-web.it

2015-09-01

The numerical simulation of the discharge inception is an active field of applied physics with many industrial applications. In this work we focus on the drift-reaction equation that describes the electron avalanche. This phenomenon is one of the basic building blocks of the streamer model. The main difficulty of the electron avalanche equation lies in the fact that the reaction term is positive when a high electric field is applied. It leads to exponentially growing solutions and this has a major impact on the behavior of numerical schemes. We analyze the stability of a reference finite volume scheme applied tomore » this latter problem. The stability of the method may impose a strict mesh spacing, therefore a proper stabilized scheme, which is stable whatever spacing is used, has been developed. The convergence of the scheme is treated as well as some numerical experiments.« less

Enhanced Mechanical Stability of Gold Nanotips through Carbon Nanocone Encapsulation

PubMed Central

Cano-Marquez, Abraham G.; Schmidt, Wesller G.; Ribeiro-Soares, Jenaina; Gustavo Cançado, Luiz; Rodrigues, Wagner N.; Santos, Adelina P.; Furtado, Clascidia A.; Autreto, Pedro A.S.; Paupitz, Ricardo; Galvão, Douglas S.; Jorio, Ado

2015-01-01

Gold is a noble metal that, in comparison with silver and copper, has the advantage of corrosion resistance. Despite its high conductivity, chemical stability and biocompatibility, gold exhibits high plasticity, which limits its applications in some nanodevices. Here, we report an experimental and theoretical study on how to attain enhanced mechanical stability of gold nanotips. The gold tips were fabricated by chemical etching and further encapsulated with carbon nanocones via nanomanipulation. Atomic force microscopy experiments were carried out to test their mechanical stability. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the encapsulated nanocone changes the strain release mechanisms at the nanoscale by blocking gold atomic sliding, redistributing the strain along the whole nanostructure. The carbon nanocones are conducting and can induce magnetism, thus opening new avenues on the exploitation of transport, mechanical and magnetic properties of gold covered by sp2 carbon at the nanoscale. PMID:26083864

Hot-spot analysis to dissect the functional protein-protein interface of a tRNA-modifying enzyme.

PubMed

Jakobi, Stephan; Nguyen, Tran Xuan Phong; Debaene, François; Metz, Alexander; Sanglier-Cianférani, Sarah; Reuter, Klaus; Klebe, Gerhard

2014-10-01

Interference with protein-protein interactions of interfaces larger than 1500 Ų by small drug-like molecules is notoriously difficult, particularly if targeting homodimers. The tRNA modifying enzyme Tgt is only functionally active as a homodimer. Thus, blocking Tgt dimerization is a promising strategy for drug therapy as this protein is key to the development of Shigellosis. Our goal was to identify hot-spot residues which, upon mutation, result in a predominantly monomeric state of Tgt. The detailed understanding of the spatial location and stability contribution of the individual interaction hot-spot residues and the plasticity of motifs involved in the interface formation is a crucial prerequisite for the rational identification of drug-like inhibitors addressing the respective dimerization interface. Using computational analyses, we identified hot-spot residues that contribute particularly to dimer stability: a cluster of hydrophobic and aromatic residues as well as several salt bridges. This in silico prediction led to the identification of a promising double mutant, which was validated experimentally. Native nano-ESI mass spectrometry showed that the dimerization of the suggested mutant is largely prevented resulting in a predominantly monomeric state. Crystal structure analysis and enzyme kinetics of the mutant variant further support the evidence for enhanced monomerization and provide first insights into the structural consequences of the dimer destabilization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Changes in the flexion relaxation response induced by lumbar muscle fatigue.

PubMed

Descarreaux, Martin; Lafond, Danik; Jeffrey-Gauthier, Renaud; Centomo, Hugo; Cantin, Vincent

2008-01-24

The flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is an interesting model to study the modulation of lumbar stability. Previous investigations have explored the effect of load, angular velocity and posture on this particular response. However, the influence of muscular fatigue on FRP parameters has not been thoroughly examined. The objective of the study is to identify the effect of erector spinae (ES) muscle fatigue and spine loading on myoelectric silence onset and cessation in healthy individuals during a flexion-extension task. Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study and performed blocks of 3 complete trunk flexions under 4 different experimental conditions: no fatigue/no load (1), no fatigue/load (2), fatigue/no load(3), and fatigue/load (4). Fatigue was induced according to the Sorenson protocol, and electromyographic (EMG) power spectral analysis confirmed that muscular fatigue was adequate in each subject. Trunk and pelvis angles and surface EMG of the ES L2 and L5 were recorded during a flexion-extension task. Trunk flexion angle corresponding to the onset and cessation of myoelectric silence was then compared across the different experimental conditions using 2 x 2 repeated-measures ANOVA. Onset of myoelectric silence during the flexion motion appeared earlier after the fatigue task. Additionally, the cessation of myoelectric silence was observed later during the extension after the fatigue task. Statistical analysis also yielded a main effect of load, indicating a persistence of ES myoelectric activity in flexion during the load condition. The results of this study suggest that the presence of fatigue of the ES muscles modifies the FRP. Superficial back muscle fatigue seems to induce a shift in load-sharing towards passive stabilizing structures. The loss of muscle contribution together with or without laxity in the viscoelastic tissues may have a substantial impact on post fatigue stability.

Multiple-Point Temperature Gradient Algorithm for Ring Laser Gyroscope Bias Compensation

PubMed Central

Li, Geng; Zhang, Pengfei; Wei, Guo; Xie, Yuanping; Yu, Xudong; Long, Xingwu

2015-01-01

To further improve ring laser gyroscope (RLG) bias stability, a multiple-point temperature gradient algorithm is proposed for RLG bias compensation in this paper. Based on the multiple-point temperature measurement system, a complete thermo-image of the RLG block is developed. Combined with the multiple-point temperature gradients between different points of the RLG block, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to tune the support vector machine (SVM) parameters, and an optimized design for selecting the thermometer locations is also discussed. The experimental results validate the superiority of the introduced method and enhance the precision and generalizability in the RLG bias compensation model. PMID:26633401

Activation of K+ channels by lanthanum contributes to the block of transmitter release in chick and rat sympathetic neurons.

PubMed

Przywara, D A; Bhave, S V; Bhave, A; Chowdhury, P S; Wakade, T D; Wakade, A R

1992-01-01

We studied the effects of lanthanum (La3+) on the release of 3H-norepinephrine (3H-NE), intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and voltage clamped Ca2+ and K+ currents in cultured sympathetic neurons. La3+ (0.1 to 10 microM) produced concentration-dependent inhibition of depolarization induced Ca2+ influx and 3H-NE release. La3+ was more potent and more efficacious in blocking 3H-NE release than the Ca(2+)-channel blockers cadmium and verapamil, which never blocked more than 70% of the release. At 3 microM, La3+ produced a complete block of the electrically stimulated rise in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in the cell body and the growth cone. The stimulation-evoked release of 3H-NE was also completely blocked by 3 microM La3+. However, 3 microM La3+ produced only a partial block of voltage clamped Ca2+ current (ICa). Following La3+ (10 microM) treatment 3H-NE release could be evoked by high K+ stimulation of neurons which were refractory to electrical stimulation. La3+ (1 microM) increased the hyperpolarization activated, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) sensitive, transient K+ current (IA) with little effect on the late outward current elicited from depolarized holding potentials. We conclude that the effective block of electrically stimulated 3H-NE release is a result of the unique ability of La3+ to activate a stabilizing, outward K+ current at the same concentration that it blocks inward Ca2+ current.

Bone remodeling in onlay beta-tricalcium phosphate and coral grafts to rat calvaria: microcomputerized tomography analysis.

PubMed

Anavi, Yakir; Avishai, Gal; Calderon, Shlomo; Allon, Dror M

2011-08-01

This study was conducted to establish the efficiency of microcomputerized tomography (micro-CT) in detection of trabecular bone remodeling of onlay grafts in a rodent calvaria model, and to compare bone remodeling after onlay grafts with beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or coral calcium carbonate. Ten rats received calvarial onlay blocks-5 with TCP and 5 with coral calcium carbonate. The grafts were fixed with a titanium miniplate screw and were covered with a collagen resorbable membrane. Three months after surgery, the calvaria were segmented, and a serial 3-dimensional micro-CT scan of the calvarium and grafted bone block at 16-micrometer resolution was performed. Image analysis software was used to calculate the percentage of newly formed bone from the total block size. Newly formed bone was present adjacent to the calvarium and screw in all specimens. The mean area of newly formed bone of the total block size ranged from 34.67%-38.34% in the TCP blocks, and from 32.41%-34.72% in the coral blocks. In the TCP blocks, bone remodeling was found to be slightly higher than in the coral blocks. Micro-CT appears to be a precise, reproducible, specimen-nondestructive method of analysis of bone formation in onlay block grafts to rat calvaria.

Rockfall hazard assessment integrating probabilistic physically based rockfall source detection (Norddal municipality, Norway).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yugsi Molina, F. X.; Oppikofer, T.; Fischer, L.; Hermanns, R. L.; Taurisano, A.

2012-04-01

Traditional techniques to assess rockfall hazard are partially based on probabilistic analysis. Stochastic methods has been used for run-out analysis of rock blocks to estimate the trajectories that a detached block will follow during its fall until it stops due to kinetic energy loss. However, the selection of rockfall source areas is usually defined either by multivariate analysis or by field observations. For either case, a physically based approach is not used for the source area detection. We present an example of rockfall hazard assessment that integrates a probabilistic rockfall run-out analysis with a stochastic assessment of the rockfall source areas using kinematic stability analysis in a GIS environment. The method has been tested for a steep more than 200 m high rock wall, located in the municipality of Norddal (Møre og Romsdal county, Norway), where a large number of people are either exposed to snow avalanches, rockfalls, or debris flows. The area was selected following the recently published hazard mapping plan of Norway. The cliff is formed by medium to coarse-grained quartz-dioritic to granitic gneisses of Proterozoic age. Scree deposits product of recent rockfall activity are found at the bottom of the rock wall. Large blocks can be found several tens of meters away from the cliff in Sylte, the main locality in the Norddal municipality. Structural characterization of the rock wall was done using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds in the software Coltop3D (www.terranum.ch), and results were validated with field data. Orientation data sets from the structural characterization were analyzed separately to assess best-fit probability density functions (PDF) for both dip angle and dip direction angle of each discontinuity set. A GIS-based stochastic kinematic analysis was then carried out using the discontinuity set orientations and the friction angle as random variables. An airborne laser scanning digital elevation model (ALS-DEM) with 1 m resolution was used for the analysis. Three failure mechanisms were analyzed: planar and wedge sliding, as well as toppling. Based on this kinematic analysis, areas where failure is feasible were used as source areas for run out analysis using Rockyfor3D v. 4.1 (www.ecorisq.org). The software calculates trajectories of single falling blocks in three dimensions using physically based algorithms developed under a stochastic approach. The ALS-DEM was down-scaled to 5 m resolution to optimize processing time. Results were compared with run-out simulations using Rockyfor3D with the whole rock wall as source area, and with maps of deposits generated from field observations and aerial photo interpretation. The results product of our implementation show a better correlation with field observations, and help to produce more accurate rock fall hazard assessment maps by a better definition of the source areas. It reduces the time processing for the analysis as well. The findings presented in this contribution are part of an effort to produce guidelines for natural hazard mapping in Norway. Guidelines will be used in upcoming years for hazard mapping in areas where larger groups of population are exposed to mass movements from steep slopes.

Design and analysis of lifting tool assemblies to lift different engine block

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawant, Arpana; Deshmukh, Nilaj N.; Chauhan, Santosh; Dabhadkar, Mandar; Deore, Rupali

2017-07-01

Engines block are required to be lifted from one place to another while they are being processed. The human effort required for this purpose is more and also the engine block may get damaged if it is not handled properly. There is a need for designing a proper lifting tool which will be able to conveniently lift the engine block and place it at the desired position without any accident and damage to the engine block. In the present study lifting tool assemblies are designed and analyzed in such way that it may lift different categories of engine blocks. The lifting tool assembly consists of lifting plate, lifting ring, cap screws and washers. A parametric model and assembly of Lifting tool is done in 3D modelling software CREO 2.0 and analysis is carried out in ANSYS Workbench 16.0. A test block of weight equivalent to that of an engine block is considered for the purpose of analysis. In the preliminary study, without washer the stresses obtained on the lifting tool were more than the safety margin. In the present design, washers were used with appropriate dimensions which helps to bring down the stresses on the lifting tool within the safety margin. Analysis is carried out to verify that tool design meets the ASME BTH-1 required safety margin.

Regularized Generalized Canonical Correlation Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tenenhaus, Arthur; Tenenhaus, Michel

2011-01-01

Regularized generalized canonical correlation analysis (RGCCA) is a generalization of regularized canonical correlation analysis to three or more sets of variables. It constitutes a general framework for many multi-block data analysis methods. It combines the power of multi-block data analysis methods (maximization of well identified criteria) and…

Cooperative Binding of Cyclodextrin Dimers to Isoflavone Analogues Elucidated by Free Energy Calculations.

PubMed

Zhang, Haiyang; Tan, Tianwei; Hetényi, Csaba; Lv, Yongqin; van der Spoel, David

2014-04-03

Dimerization of cyclodextrin (CD) molecules is an elementary step in the construction of CD-based nanostructured materials. Cooperative binding of CD cavities to guest molecules facilitates the dimerization process and, consequently, the overall stability and assembly of CD nanostructures. In the present study, all three dimerization modes (head-to-head, head-to-tail, and tail-to-tail) of β-CD molecules and their binding to three isoflavone drug analogues (puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein) were investigated in explicit water surrounding using molecular dynamics simulations. Total and individual contributions from the binding partners and solvent environment to the thermodynamics of these binding reactions are quantified in detail using free energy calculations. Cooperative drug binding to two CD cavities gives an enhanced binding strength for daidzin and daidzein, whereas for puerarin no obvious enhancement is observed. Head-to-head dimerization yields the most stable complexes for inclusion of the tested isoflavones (templates) and may be a promising building block for construction of template-stabilized CD nanostructures. Compared to the case of CD monomers, the desolvation of CD dimers and entropy changes upon complexation prove to be influential factors of cooperative binding. Our results shed light on key points of the design of CD-based supramolecular assemblies. We also show that structure-based calculation of binding thermodynamics can quantify stabilization caused by cooperative effects in building blocks of nanostructured materials.

Block-Parallel Data Analysis with DIY2

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

Morozov, Dmitriy; Peterka, Tom

DIY2 is a programming model and runtime for block-parallel analytics on distributed-memory machines. Its main abstraction is block-structured data parallelism: data are decomposed into blocks; blocks are assigned to processing elements (processes or threads); computation is described as iterations over these blocks, and communication between blocks is defined by reusable patterns. By expressing computation in this general form, the DIY2 runtime is free to optimize the movement of blocks between slow and fast memories (disk and flash vs. DRAM) and to concurrently execute blocks residing in memory with multiple threads. This enables the same program to execute in-core, out-of-core, serial,more » parallel, single-threaded, multithreaded, or combinations thereof. This paper describes the implementation of the main features of the DIY2 programming model and optimizations to improve performance. DIY2 is evaluated on benchmark test cases to establish baseline performance for several common patterns and on larger complete analysis codes running on large-scale HPC machines.« less

Failures to replicate blocking are surprising and informative-Reply to Soto (2018).

PubMed

Maes, Elisa; Krypotos, Angelos-Miltiadis; Boddez, Yannick; Alfei Palloni, Joaquín Matías; D'Hooge, Rudi; De Houwer, Jan; Beckers, Tom

2018-04-01

The blocking effect has inspired numerous associative learning theories and is widely cited in the literature. We recently reported a series of 15 experiments that failed to obtain a blocking effect in rodents. On the basis of those consistent failures, we claimed that there is a lack of insight into the boundary conditions for blocking. In his commentary, Soto (2018) argued that contemporary associative learning theory does provide a specific boundary condition for the occurrence of blocking, namely the use of same- versus different-modality stimuli. Given that in 10 of our 15 experiments same-modality stimuli were used, he claims that our failure to observe a blocking effect is unsurprising. We disagree with that claim, because of theoretical, empirical, and statistical problems with his analysis. We also address 2 other possible reasons for a lack of blocking that are referred to in Soto's (2018) analysis, related to generalization and salience, and dissect the potential importance of both. Although Soto's (2018) analyses raise a number of interesting points, we see more merit in an empirically guided analysis and call for empirical testing of boundary conditions on blocking. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Suprascapular and Interscalene Nerve Block for Shoulder Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Hussain, Nasir; Goldar, Ghazaleh; Ragina, Neli; Banfield, Laura; Laffey, John G; Abdallah, Faraj W

2017-12-01

Interscalene block provides optimal shoulder surgery analgesia, but concerns over its associated risks have prompted the search for alternatives. Suprascapular block was recently proposed as an interscalene block alternative, but evidence of its comparative analgesic effect is conflicting. This meta-analysis compares the analgesic effect and safety of suprascapular block versus interscalene block for shoulder surgery. Databases were searched for randomized trials comparing interscalene block with suprascapular block for shoulder surgery. Postoperative 24-h cumulative oral morphine consumption and the difference in the area under curve for pooled rest pain scores were designated as primary outcomes. Analgesic and safety outcomes, particularly block-related and respiratory complications, were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Results were pooled using random-effects modeling. Data from 16 studies (1,152 patients) were analyzed. Interscalene block and suprascapular block were not different in 24-h morphine consumption. The difference in area under the curve of pain scores for the 24-h interval favored interscalene block by 1.1 cm/h, but this difference was not clinically important. Compared with suprascapular block, interscalene block reduced postoperative pain but not opioid consumption during recovery room stay by a weighted mean difference (95% CI) of 1.5 cm (0.6 to 2.5 cm; P < 0.0001). Pain scores were not different at any other time. In contrast, suprascapular block reduced the odds of block-related and respiratory complications. This review suggests that there are no clinically meaningful analgesic differences between suprascapular block and interscalene block except for interscalene block providing better pain control during recovery room stay; however, suprascapular block has fewer side effects. These findings suggest that suprascapular block may be considered an effective and safe interscalene block alternative for shoulder surgery.

78 FR 78514 - Designation of One Individual and Three Entities Pursuant to Executive Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-26

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Designation of One Individual and... publishing the name of one individual and three entities whose property and interests in property are blocked..., Security, or Stability of Burma.'' DATES: The designation by the Director of OFAC of the one individual and...

High elastic modulus polymer electrolytes suitable for preventing thermal runaway in lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Mullin, Scott; Panday, Ashoutosh; Balsara, Nitash Pervez; Singh, Mohit; Eitouni, Hany Basam; Gomez, Enrique Daniel

2014-04-22

A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1.times.10.sup.7 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1.times.10.sup.-5 Scm.sup.-1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.

Synthesis, characterization, conformation and self-assembly behavior of polypeptide-based brush with oligo (ethylene glycol) side chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yugang; Luo, Weiang; Ye, Guodong

2015-02-01

A new polypeptide-based copolymer brush composed of poly (γ-propargyl-L-glutamate)-block-poly (propylene oxide)-block-poly (γ-propargyl-L-glutamate) backbone (PPLG-b-PPO-b-PPLG) and oligo (ethylene glycol) (PEG) side-chain was synthesized by combination of N-carboxyanhydride ring-opening polymerization and click chemistry. Nearly 100% grafting efficiency was achieved by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAc) reaction. The α-helical conformation adopted by the grafted polypeptide blocks in water was relatively stable and showed a reversible change in a heating-cooling circle from 5 to 70 °C. It displayed weak stability against elevated temperature but still reversible changes in the presence of 0.47 M NaCl. The brushes were amphiphilic and could self-assemble into thermo-sensitive micelles in water. Big micelles could break into small micelles upon heating due to the improved solubility.

Influence of Chirality in Ordered Block Copolymer Phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, Ishan; Grason, Gregory

2015-03-01

Block copolymers are known to assemble into rich spectrum of ordered phases, with many complex phases driven by asymmetry in copolymer architecture. Despite decades of study, the influence of intrinsic chirality on equilibrium mesophase assembly of block copolymers is not well understood and largely unexplored. Self-consistent field theory has played a major role in prediction of physical properties of polymeric systems. Only recently, a polar orientational self-consistent field (oSCF) approach was adopted to model chiral BCP having a thermodynamic preference for cholesteric ordering in chiral segments. We implement oSCF theory for chiral nematic copolymers, where segment orientations are characterized by quadrupolar chiral interactions, and focus our study on the thermodynamic stability of bi-continuous network morphologies, and the transfer of molecular chirality to mesoscale chirality of networks. Unique photonic properties observed in butterfly wings have been attributed to presence of chiral single-gyroid networks, this has made it an attractive target for chiral metamaterial design.

Embedding covalency into metal catalysts for efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2.

PubMed

Lim, Hyung-Kyu; Shin, Hyeyoung; Goddard, William A; Hwang, Yun Jeong; Min, Byoung Koun; Kim, Hyungjun

2014-08-13

CO2 conversion is an essential technology to develop a sustainable carbon economy for the present and the future. Many studies have focused extensively on the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into various useful chemicals. However, there is not yet a solution of sufficiently high enough efficiency and stability to demonstrate practical applicability. In this work, we use first-principles-based high-throughput screening to propose silver-based catalysts for efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO while decreasing the overpotential by 0.4-0.5 V. We discovered the covalency-aided electrochemical reaction (CAER) mechanism in which p-block dopants have a major effect on the modulating reaction energetics by imposing partial covalency into the metal catalysts, thereby enhancing their catalytic activity well beyond modulations arising from d-block dopants. In particular, sulfur or arsenic doping can effectively minimize the overpotential with good structural and electrochemical stability. We expect this work to provide useful insights to guide the development of a feasible strategy to overcome the limitations of current technology for electrochemical CO2 conversion.

Smooth seaward-dipping horizons - An important factor in sea-floor stability?

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGregor, B.A.

1981-01-01

Mass movement has influenced in varying degrees the morphology of the United States east coast continental margin seaward of the Baltimore Canyon trough as revealed by detailed geophysical studies using high-resolution 3.5-kHz, and seismic reflection data. Each of three areas studied is along the slope within a distance of 225 km, and is seaward of a nonglaciated shelf but near major land drainage systems. Thick sequences of material believed to be Pleistocene were deposited on the slope in all three areas. Sediment failure in the form of large block movement involving block thicknesses of more than 100 m, however, has taken place in only two of the areas. A factor common to the two areas where failure took place, but absent in the area where no failure took place, is smooth seaward-dipping sub-bottom horizons. Whatever the triggering mechanism, a smooth slip surface that has a seward slope may contribute to mass movement by reducing the internal friction. This may be one of several factors that should be considered in assessing slope stability. ?? 1981.

Acoustic Droplet Vaporization, Cavitation, and Therapeutic Properties of Copolymer-Stabilized Perfluorocarbon Nanoemulsions

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

Nam, Kweon-Ho; Christensen, Douglas A.; Rapoport, Natalya

2009-04-14

Acoustic and therapeutic properties of Doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions have been investigated in a mouse model of ovarian cancer. The nanoemulsions were stabilized by two biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymers that differed in the structure of the hydrophobic block. Acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) and cavitation parameters were measured as a function of ultrasound frequency, pressure, duty cycles, and temperature. The optimal parameters that induced ADV and inertial cavitation of the formed microbubbles were used in vivo in the experiments on the ultrasound-mediated chemotherapy of ovarian cancer. A combination tumor treatment by intravenous injections of drug-loaded perfluoropentane nanoemulsions andmore » tumor-directed 1-MHz ultrasound resulted in a dramatic decrease of ovarian or breast carcinoma tumor volume and sometimes complete tumor resolution. However, tumors often recurred three to six weeks after the treatment indicating that some cancer cells survived the treatment. The recurrent tumors proved more aggressive and resistant to the repeated therapy than initial tumors suggesting selection for the resistant cells during the first treatment.« less

Highly improved photo-induced bias stability of sandwiched triple layer structure in sol-gel processed fluorine-doped indium zinc oxide thin film transistor

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

Kim, Dongha; Park, Hyungjin; Bae, Byeong-Soo, E-mail: bsbae@kaist.ac.kr

In order to improve the reliability of TFT, an Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} insulating layer is inserted between active fluorine doped indium zinc oxide (IZO:F) thin films to form a sandwiched triple layer. All the thin films were fabricated via low-cost sol-gel process. Due to its large energy bandgap and high bonding energy with oxygen atoms, the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} layer acts as a photo-induced positive charge blocking layer that effectively blocks the migration of both holes and V {sub o}{sup 2+} toward the interface between the gate insulator and the semiconductor. The inserted Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} triple layer exhibits amore » noticeably low turn on voltage shift of −0.7 V under NBIS as well as the good TFT performance with a mobility of 10.9 cm{sup 2}/V ⋅ s. We anticipate that this approach can be used to solve the stability issues such as NBIS, which is caused by inescapable oxygen vacancies.« less

Enhanced color purity of blue OLEDs based on well-design structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Qianqian; Wang, Wenjun; Li, Shuhong; Wang, Qingru; Xia, Shuzhen; Zhang, Bingyuan; Wang, Minghong; Fan, Quli

2016-09-01

We have fabricated blue organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) with higher color purity and stability by optimizing the structure of the Glass/ITO/NPB(50 nm)/ BCzVBi (30 nm)/ TPBi (x nm)/Alq3(20 nm)/LiF/Al. The results show that the introducing of hole blocking layer(HBL) TPBi greatly can improve not only the color purity but the color stability, which owe to its higher the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) energy levels of 6.2 eV. We expect our work will be useful to optimizing the blue OLEDs structure to enhancing the color property.

Synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-protein conjugates for preparation and immunoassay of antibodies.

PubMed

Glushkov, Andrey N; Kostyanko, Mikhail V; Cherno, Sergey V; Vasilchenko, Ilya L

2002-04-01

The method is described dealing with the synthesis of conjugates protein-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), highly soluble in water, stable without special stabilizers and containing the minimum quantity of cross-linked products. The reaction of protein with PAH containing an aldehyde group, has been carried out in an alkaline solution, and stabilization of the conjugate has been achieved by reduction with sodium borohydride in the presence of a compound blocking the formation of an insoluble polymeric fraction. The efficiency of synthesized conjugates for the induction and immunoassay of Abs to PAH for benzo[a]pyrene is shown.

Radiation damage in cubic ZrO 2 and yttria-stabilized zirconia from molecular dynamics simulations

DOE PAGES

Aidhy, Dilpuneet S.; Zhang, Yanwen; Weber, William J.

2014-11-20

Here, we perform molecular dynamics simulation on cubic ZrO 2 and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to elucidate defect cluster formation resulting from radiation damage, and evaluate the impact of Y-dopants. Interstitial clusters composed of split-interstitial building blocks, i.e., Zr-Zr or Y-Zr are formed. Moreover, oxygen vacancies control cation defect migration; in their presence, Zr interstitials aggregate to form split-interstitials whereas in their absence Zr interstitials remain immobile, as isolated single-interstitials. Y-doping prevents interstitial cluster formation due to sequestration of oxygen vacancies.

Torsional resonance frequency analysis: a novel method for assessment of dental implant stability.

PubMed

Tang, Yu-Long; Li, Bing; Jin, Wei; Li, De-Hua

2015-06-01

To establish and experimentally validate a novel resonance frequency analysis (RFA) method for measurement of dental implant stability by analyzing torsional resonance frequency (TRF). A numerical study and in vitro measurements were performed to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the method of torsional RFA (T-RFA) using a T-shaped bilateral cantilever beam transducer. The sensitivity of this method was assessed by measuring the TRFs of dental implants with 8 sizes of T-shaped transducers during polymerization, which simulated the process of bone healing around an implant. The TRFs of the test implants detected using this new method and the bending resonance frequencies (BRFs) measured by Osstell(®) ISQ were compared. TRFs and BRFs on implant models in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blocks with three exposure heights were also measured to assess the specificity of this method. Finite element analysis showed two bending modes (5333 and 6008 Hz) following a torsional mode (8992 Hz) in the lower rank frequency. During in vitro measurements, a bending formant (mean 6075 Hz) and a torsional formant (mean 10225 Hz) appeared, which were verified by multipoint measurement with invariable excitation frequency in the laboratory. In the self-curing resin experiments, the average growth rate at all time points of TRFs using the new method with Transducer II was 2.36% and that of BRFs using Osstell(®) ISQ was 1.97%. In the implant exposure height tests, the mean declined rate of TRFs was 2.06% and that of BRFs using Osstell(®) ISQ was 12.34%. A novel method for assessment of implant stability through TRF was established using a T-shape transducer, which showed high reliability and sensibility. The method alleviated the effects of implant exposure height on the measurements compared with Osstell(®) ISQ. The application of T-RFA represents another way in the investigation of dental implant osseointegration. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Magnitude estimation and runout analysis of a rockslide for the construction of a defensive structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gigli, G.; Casagli, N.; Lombardi, L.; Nocentini, M.; Balducci, M.; Venanti, L.

2009-04-01

In the past few years the Maiolica (micritic limestone) quarry of Torgiovannetto (Perugia, Italy) has suffered an increasing amount of rockfalls. The rock mass has loosened progressively and a perimetral crack longer than 100 meters has appeared. The huge block bounded by this crack, two lateral discontinuities and a stratigraphic layer, threatens two roads at the base of the slope. Since these are very important and busy traffic routes the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Firenze performed magnitude estimations and runout analyses regarding two different aspects: 1) investigate the trajectories of single falling blocks and; 2) forecast the runout distance and the debris intensity distribution in case a large rockslide occurs. The magnitude of a landslide is, actually, the most important input parameter for correctly estimating the trajectory, the runout distance and the kinetic energy of a landslide. A detailed and updated knowledge of the actual morphological conditions is a good starting point for defining as accurately as possible the extent of a moving block. Due to the very high urgency and precision required, a detailed survey of the quarry area has been performed by means of a High Accuracy & Long Range 3D laser scanner (RIEGLE, LMS-Z.420i). In order to avoid shadow zones and to obtain a comprehensive digital elevation model of the quarry area, a total of more than 30 million points were taken from three different scan positions. The resulting point cloud was dense enough to reveal the main structural features of the rock mass, including the discontinuities bounding the moving block, which has a calculated volume of 180 000 m3. With the aim of confirming the block volume and assessing the deformational field of the moving mass, a multitemporal ground-based interferometric SAR survey was performed. The results of the survey precisely confirm the geometry of the unstable block and also indicate that the displacements decrease from E to W, due to the greater lateral friction in the western portion of the wedge. This deformational behaviour has been confirmed by a wireless real time monitoring system installed for the time of failure forecast. Laboratory tests and stability analyses of the unstable wedge allowed us to hypothesize a sudden and brittle failure behavior, which can be associated to a long runout distance. Both empirical (energy line approach) and numerical methods (DAN-W and DAN3D softwares) were employed for estimating the runout distance and debris intensity distribution associated with the failure of the main block. The results of this analysis indicate that the potential rockslide will likely reach the nearest road. The estimated velocity, debris depth, and kinetic energy of the moving mass can be used to project defensive structures at the base of the artificial slope.

Enzyme-Cleavable Polymeric Micelles for the Intracellular Delivery of Proapoptotic Peptides.

PubMed

Kern, Hanna B; Srinivasan, Selvi; Convertine, Anthony J; Hockenbery, David; Press, Oliver W; Stayton, Patrick S

2017-05-01

Peptides derived from the third Bcl-2 homology domain (BH3) renormalize apoptotic signaling by antagonizing prosurvival Bcl-2 family members. These potential peptide drugs exhibit therapeutic activities but are limited by barriers including short circulation half-lives and poor penetration into cells. A diblock polymeric micelle carrier for the BIM BH3 peptide was recently described that demonstrated antitumor activity in a B-cell lymphoma xenograft model [Berguig et al., Mol. Ther. 2015, 23, 907-917]. However, the disulfide linkage used to conjugate the BIM peptide was shown to have nonoptimal blood stability. Here we describe a peptide macromonomer composed of BIM capped with a four amino acid cathepsin B substrate (FKFL) that possesses high blood stability and is cleaved to release the drug inside of target cells. Employing RAFT polymerization, the peptide macromonomer was directly integrated into a multifunctional diblock copolymer tailored for peptide delivery. The first polymer block was made as a macro-chain transfer agent (CTA) and composed of a pH-responsive endosomolytic formulation of N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA). The second polymer block was a copolymer of the peptide and polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA). PEGMA monomers of two sizes were investigated (300 Da and 950 Da). Protein gel analysis, high performance liquid chromatography, and coupled mass spectrometry (MS) showed that incubation with cathepsin B specifically cleaved the FKFL linker and released active BIM peptide with PEGMA 300 but not with PEGMA 950 . MALDI-TOF MS showed that incubation of the peptide monomers alone in human serum resulted in partial cleavage at the FKFL linker after 12 h. However, formulation of the peptides into polymers protected against serum-mediated peptide degradation. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) demonstrated pH-dependent micelle disassembly (25 nm polymer micelles at pH 7.4 versus 6 nm unimers at pH 6.6), and a red blood cell lysis assay showed a corresponding increase in membrane destabilizing activity (<1% lysis at pH 7.4 versus 95% lysis at pH 6.6). The full carrier-drug system successfully induced apoptosis in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, in comparison to a control polymer containing a scrambled BIM peptide sequence. Mechanistic analysis verified target-dependent activation of caspase 3/7 activity (8.1-fold increase), and positive annexin V staining (72% increase). The increased blood stability of this enzyme-cleavable peptide polymer design, together with the direct polymerization approach that eliminated postsynthetic conjugation steps, suggests that this new carrier design could provide important benefits for intracellular peptide drug delivery.

Brushed block copolymer micelles with pH-sensitive pendant groups for controlled drug delivery.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Jin; Bae, Younsoo

2013-08-01

To investigate the effects of small aliphatic pendent groups conjugated through an acid-sensitive linker to the core of brushed block copolymer micelles on particle properties. The brushed block copolymers were synthesized by conjugating five types of 2-alkanone (2-butanone, 2-hexanone, 2-octanone, 2-decanone, and 2-dodecanone) through an acid-labile hydrazone linker to poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(aspartate hydrazide) block copolymers. Only block copolymers with 2-hexanone and 2-octanone (PEG-HEX and PEG-OCT) formed micelles with a clinically relevant size (< 50 nm in diameter), low critical micelle concentration (CMC, < 20 μM), and drug entrapment yields (approximately 5 wt.%). Both micelles degraded in aqueous solutions in a pH-dependent manner, while the degradation was accelerated in an acidic condition (pH 5.0) in comparison to pH 7.4. Despite these similar properties, PEG-OCT micelles controlled the entrapment and pH-dependent release of a hydrophobic drug most efficiently, without altering particle size, shape, and stability. The molecular weight of PEG (12 kDa vs 5 kDa) induced no change in pH-controlled drug release rates of PEG-OCT micelles. Acid-labile small aliphatic pendant groups are useful to control the entrapment and release of a hydrophobic drug physically entrapped in the core of brushed block copolymer micelles.

Use of Ionic Liquids in Rod-Coil Block Copolyimides for Improved Lithium Ion Conduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meador, Mary Ann B.; Tigelaar, Dean M.; Chapin, Kara; Bennett, William R.

2007-01-01

Solvent-free, solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) have the potential to improve safety, increase design flexibility and enhance performance of rechargeable lithium batteries. Solution based electrolytes are flammable and typically incompatible with lithium metal anodes, limiting energy density. We have previously demonstrated use of polyimide rod coil block copolymers doped with lithium salts as electrolytes for lithium polymer batteries. The polyimide rod blocks provide dimensional stability while the polyethylene oxide (PEO) coil portions conduct ions. Phase separation of the rods and coils in these highly branched polymers provide channels with an order of magnitude improvement in lithium conduction over polyethylene oxide itself at room temperature. In addition, the polymers have been demonstrated in coin cells to be compatible with lithium metal. For practical use at room temperature and below, however, at least an order of magnitude improvement in ion conduction is still required. The addition of nonvolatile, room temperature ionic liquids has been shown to improve the ionic conductivity of high molecular weight PEO. Herein we describe use of these molten salts to improve ionic conductivity in the rod-coil block copolymers.

Facile Synthesis of Multivalent Folate-Block Copolymer Conjugates via Aqueous RAFT Polymerization: Targeted Delivery of siRNA and Subsequent Gene Suppression†

PubMed Central

York, Adam W.; Zhang, Yilin; Holley, Andrew C.; Guo, Yanlin; Huang, Faqing; McCormick, Charles L.

2009-01-01

Cell specific delivery of small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) using well-defined multivalent folate-conjugated block copolymers is reported. Primary amine functional, biocompatible, hydrophilic-block-cationic copolymers were synthesized via aqueous reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) (HPMA), a permanently hydrophilic monomer, was copolymerized with a primary amine containing monomer, N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (APMA). Poly(HPMA) confers biocompatibility while APMA provides amine functionality allowing conjugation of folate derivatives. (HPMA-stat-APMA) was chain extended with a cationic block, poly(N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide) in order to promote electrostatic complexation between the copolymer and the negatively charged phosphate backbone of siRNA. Notably, poly(HPMA) stabilizes the neutral complexes in aqueous solution while APMA allows the conjugation of a targeting moiety, thus, dually circumventing problems associated with the delivery of genes via cationically charged complexes (universal transfection). Fluorescence microscopy and gene down-regulation studies indicate that these neutral complexes can be specifically delivered to cancer cells that over-express folate receptors. PMID:19290625

Evaluation of Vertical Bone Regeneration Using Block and Particulate Forms of Bio-Oss Bone Graft: A Histologic Study in the Rabbit Mandible.

PubMed

Veis, Alexander; Dabarakis, Nikolaos; Koutrogiannis, Christos; Barlas, Irodis; Petsa, Elina; Romanos, Georgios

2015-06-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate histologically vertical bone regeneration outcomes after using bovine bone graft material in block and granular forms. The buccal bony plates of the outer mandibles of 10 New Zealand rabbits received Bio-Oss blocks that were immobilized using orthopedic mini-plates, and another 10 received granular forms that were gently packed and stabilized into the custom-made perforated metallic cubes. The mean graft area (GA), new bone area (NBA), bone-to-graft contact (BGC), and maximum vertical height reached by the new bone development (MVH) were histometrically evaluated and showed no significant differences between 2 graft types. The new bone was observed mostly close to the basal bone and developed penetrating the trabecular scaffold in the form of seams that covered the intralumen surfaces of the block type graft, while in the granular graft type the new bone was observed to grow between the graft particles usually interconnecting them. Either form of Bio-Oss was capable of providing considerable vertical bone augmentation.

An outline of graphical Markov models in dentistry.

PubMed

Helfenstein, U; Steiner, M; Menghini, G

1999-12-01

In the usual multiple regression model there is one response variable and one block of several explanatory variables. In contrast, in reality there may be a block of several possibly interacting response variables one would like to explain. In addition, the explanatory variables may split into a sequence of several blocks, each block containing several interacting variables. The variables in the second block are explained by those in the first block; the variables in the third block by those in the first and the second block etc. During recent years methods have been developed allowing analysis of problems where the data set has the above complex structure. The models involved are called graphical models or graphical Markov models. The main result of an analysis is a picture, a conditional independence graph with precise statistical meaning, consisting of circles representing variables and lines or arrows representing significant conditional associations. The absence of a line between two circles signifies that the corresponding two variables are independent conditional on the presence of other variables in the model. An example from epidemiology is presented in order to demonstrate application and use of the models. The data set in the example has a complex structure consisting of successive blocks: the variable in the first block is year of investigation; the variables in the second block are age and gender; the variables in the third block are indices of calculus, gingivitis and mutans streptococci and the final response variables in the fourth block are different indices of caries. Since the statistical methods may not be easily accessible to dentists, this article presents them in an introductory form. Graphical models may be of great value to dentists in allowing analysis and visualisation of complex structured multivariate data sets consisting of a sequence of blocks of interacting variables and, in particular, several possibly interacting responses in the final block.

Analysis of thin fractures with GPR: from theory to practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arosio, Diego; Zanzi, Luigi; Longoni, Laura; Papini, Monica

2017-04-01

Whenever we perform a GPR survey to investigate a rocky medium, being the ultimate purpose of the survey either to study the stability of a rock slope or to determine the soundness of a quarried rock block, we would like mainly to detect any fracture within the investigated medium and, possibly, to estimate the parameters of the fractures, namely thickness and filling material. In most of the practical cases, rock fracture thicknesses are very small when compared to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the GPR systems. In such cases, fractures are to be considered as thin beds, i.e. two interfaces whose distance is smaller than GPR resolving capability, and the reflected signal is the sum of the electromagnetic reverberation within the bed. According to this, fracture parameters are encoded in the thin bed complex response and in this work we propose a methodology based on deterministic deconvolution to process amplitude and phase information in the frequency domain to estimate fracture parameters. We first present some theoretical aspects related to thin bed response and a sensitivity analysis concerning fracture thickness and filling. Secondly, we deal with GPR datasets collected both during laboratory experiments and in the facilities of quarrying activities. In the lab tests fractures were simulated by placing materials with known electromagnetic parameters and controlled thickness in between two small marble blocks, whereas field GPR surveys were performed on bigger quarried ornamental stone blocks before they were submitted to the cutting process. We show that, with basic pre-processing and the choice of a proper deconvolving signal, results are encouraging although an ambiguity between thickness and filling estimates exists when no a-priori information is available. Results can be improved by performing CMP radar surveys that are able to provide additional information (i.e., variation of thin bed response versus offset) at the expense of acquisition effort and of more complex and tricky pre-processing sequences.

Spectrophotometric evaluation of dental bleaching under orthodontic bracket in enamel and dentin

PubMed Central

Correr, Americo-Bortolazzo; Rastelli, Alessandra-Nara-Souza; Lima, Débora-Alves-Nunes-Leite; Consani, Rafael-Leonardo-Xediek

2014-01-01

Aware of the diffusion capacity of bleaching in the dental tissues, many orthodontists are subjecting their patients to dental bleaching during orthodontic treatment for esthetic purposes or to anticipate the exchange of esthetic restorations after the orthodontic treatment. For this purpose specific products have been developed in pre-loaded whitening trays designed to fit over and around brackets and wires, with clinical efficacy proven. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate, through spectrophotometric reflectance, the effectiveness of dental bleaching under orthodontic bracket. Material and Methods: Thirty-two bovine incisors crown blocks of 8 mm x 8 mm height lengths were used. Staining of tooth blocks with black tea was performed for six days. They were distributed randomly into 4 groups (1-home bleaching with bracket, 2- home bleaching without bracket, 3- office bleaching with bracket, 4 office bleaching without bracket). The color evaluation was performed (CIE L * a * b *) using color reflectance spectrophotometer. Metal brackets were bonded in groups 1 and 3. The groups 1 and 2 samples were subjected to the carbamide peroxide at 15%, 4 hours daily for 21 days. Groups 3 and 4 were subjected to 3 in-office bleaching treatment sessions, hydrogen peroxide 38%. After removal of the brackets, the second color evaluation was performed in tooth block, difference between the area under the bracket and around it, and after 7 days to verified color stability. Data analysis was performed using the paired t-test and two-way variance analysis and Tukey’s. Results: The home bleaching technique proved to be more effective compared to the office bleaching. There was a significant difference between the margin and center color values of the specimens that were subjected to bracket bonding. Conclusions: The bracket bond presence affected the effectiveness of both the home and office bleaching treatments. Key words:Tooth bleaching, spectrophotometry, orthodontics. PMID:25593650

3D geomechanical modeling and numerical simulation of in-situ stress fields in shale reservoirs: A case study of the lower Cambrian Niutitang formation in the Cen'gong block, South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jingshou; Ding, Wenlong; Yang, Haimeng; Wang, Ruyue; Yin, Shuai; Li, Ang; Fu, Fuquan

2017-08-01

An analysis of the in-situ state of stress in a shale reservoir was performed based on comprehensive information about the subsurface properties from wellbores established during the development of an oil and gas field. Industrial-level shale gas production has occurred in the Niutitang formation of the lower Cambrian Cen'gong block, South China. In this study, data obtained from hydraulic fracturing, drilling-induced fractures, borehole breakout, global positioning system (GPS), and well deviation statistics have been used to determine the orientation of the maximum horizontal principal stress. Additionally, hydraulic fracturing and multi-pole array acoustic logging (XMAC) were used to determine the vertical variations in the in-situ stress magnitude. Based on logging interpretation and mechanical experiments, the spatial distributions of mechanical parameters were obtained by seismic inversion, and a 3D heterogeneous geomechanical model was established using a finite element stress analysis approach to simulate the in-situ stress fields. The effects of depth, faults, rock mechanics, and layer variations on the principal stresses, horizontal stress difference (Δσ), horizontal stress difference coefficient (Kh), and stress type coefficient (Sp) were determined. The results show that the direction of the maximum principal stress is ESE 120°. Additionally, the development zones of natural fractures appear to correlate with regions with high principal stress differences. At depths shallower than 375 m, the stress type is mainly a thrust faulting stress regime. At depths ranging from 375 to 950 m, the stress type is mainly a strike-slip faulting stress regime. When the depth is > 950 m, the stress type is mainly a normal faulting stress regime. Depth, fault orientation, and rock mechanics all affect the type of stress. The knowledge regarding the Cen'gong block is reliable and can improve borehole stability, casing set point determination, well deployment optimization, and fracturing area selection.

Hydrophilicity, Viscoelastic, and Physicochemical Properties Variations in Dental Bone Grafting Substitutes.

PubMed

Trajkovski, Branko; Jaunich, Matthias; Müller, Wolf-Dieter; Beuer, Florian; Zafiropoulos, Gregory-George; Houshmand, Alireza

2018-01-30

The indication-oriented Dental Bone Graft Substitutes (DBGS) selection, the correct bone defects classification, and appropriate treatment planning are very crucial for obtaining successful clinical results. However, hydrophilic, viscoelastic, and physicochemical properties' influence on the DBGS regenerative potential has poorly been studied. For that reason, we investigated the dimensional changes and molecular mobility by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) of xenograft (cerabone ® ), synthetic (maxresorb ® ), and allograft (maxgraft ® , Puros ® ) blocks in a wet and dry state. While no significant differences could be seen in dry state, cerabone ® and maxresorb ® blocks showed a slight height decrease in wet state, whereas both maxgraft ® and Puros ® had an almost identical height increase. In addition, cerabone ® and maxresorb ® blocks remained highly rigid and their damping behaviour was not influenced by the water. On the other hand, both maxgraft ® and Puros ® had a strong increase in their molecular mobility with different damping behaviour profiles during the wet state. A high-speed microscopical imaging system was used to analyze the hydrophilicity in several naturally derived (cerabone ® , Bio-Oss ® , NuOss ® , SIC ® nature graft) and synthetic DBGS granules (maxresorb ® , BoneCeramic ® , NanoBone ® , Ceros ® ). The highest level of hydrophilicity was detected in cerabone ® and maxresorb ® , while Bio-Oss ® and BoneCeramic ® had the lowest level of hydrophilicity among both naturally derived and synthetic DBGS groups. Deviations among the DBGS were also addressed via physicochemical differences recorded by Micro Computed Tomography, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray powder Diffractometry, and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Such DBGS variations could influence the volume stability at the grafting site, handling as well as the speed of vascularization and bone regeneration. Therefore, this study initiates a new insight into the DBGS differences and their importance for successful clinical results.

Hydrophilicity, Viscoelastic, and Physicochemical Properties Variations in Dental Bone Grafting Substitutes

PubMed Central

Müller, Wolf-Dieter; Beuer, Florian; Zafiropoulos, Gregory-George; Houshmand, Alireza

2018-01-01

The indication-oriented Dental Bone Graft Substitutes (DBGS) selection, the correct bone defects classification, and appropriate treatment planning are very crucial for obtaining successful clinical results. However, hydrophilic, viscoelastic, and physicochemical properties’ influence on the DBGS regenerative potential has poorly been studied. For that reason, we investigated the dimensional changes and molecular mobility by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) of xenograft (cerabone®), synthetic (maxresorb®), and allograft (maxgraft®, Puros®) blocks in a wet and dry state. While no significant differences could be seen in dry state, cerabone® and maxresorb® blocks showed a slight height decrease in wet state, whereas both maxgraft® and Puros® had an almost identical height increase. In addition, cerabone® and maxresorb® blocks remained highly rigid and their damping behaviour was not influenced by the water. On the other hand, both maxgraft® and Puros® had a strong increase in their molecular mobility with different damping behaviour profiles during the wet state. A high-speed microscopical imaging system was used to analyze the hydrophilicity in several naturally derived (cerabone®, Bio-Oss®, NuOss®, SIC® nature graft) and synthetic DBGS granules (maxresorb®, BoneCeramic®, NanoBone®, Ceros®). The highest level of hydrophilicity was detected in cerabone® and maxresorb®, while Bio-Oss® and BoneCeramic® had the lowest level of hydrophilicity among both naturally derived and synthetic DBGS groups. Deviations among the DBGS were also addressed via physicochemical differences recorded by Micro Computed Tomography, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray powder Diffractometry, and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Such DBGS variations could influence the volume stability at the grafting site, handling as well as the speed of vascularization and bone regeneration. Therefore, this study initiates a new insight into the DBGS differences and their importance for successful clinical results. PMID:29385747

Concentration of infectious aquatic rhabdoviruses from freshwater and seawater using ultrafiltration.

PubMed

Grant, Amelia A M; Jakob, Eva; Richard, Jon; Garver, Kyle A

2011-12-01

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, and spring viremia of carp virus were concentrated and detected from freshwater and seawater samples by using hollow-fiber ultrafiltration. Within 60 min, virus in a 50-L freshwater or saltwater sample was concentrated more than 70-fold, and virus retention efficiencies were consistently greater than 88%. Retention efficiency was highly dependent upon concentrations of column blocking and sample stabilization solutions. A large column with a surface area of 1.15 m2 and a filtration capacity of 5-200 L exhibited optimal viral retention when blocked with 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and when the samples were supplemented with 0.1% FBS. Conversely, a small column with 100-fold less surface area and a filtering capacity of 0.5-2.0 L was optimized when blocked with 1% FBS and when the samples were supplemented with 0.1% FBS. The optimized ultrafiltration procedure was further validated with water from a tank that contained IHNV-exposed juvenile sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka, resulting in an average virus retention efficiency of 91.6 +/- 4.1% (mean +/- SE). Virus quantification of concentrated samples demonstrated that IHNV shedding in sockeye salmon preceded mortality; shedding of the virus was observed to increase significantly as early as 7 d postchallenge and peaked at day 14, when virus levels reached 4.87 x 10(3) plaque-forming units/mL. We conclude that ultrafiltration is a reliable and effective method for concentrating viable aquatic rhabdoviruses from large volumes of water and has application for the analysis of environmental water samples.

Low cycle fatigue behavior of a ferritic reactor pressure vessel steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Apu; Kumawat, Bhupendra K.; Chakravartty, J. K.

2015-07-01

The cyclic stress-strain response and the low cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior of 20MnMoNi55 pressure vessel steel were studied. Tensile strength and LCF properties were examined at room temperature (RT) using specimens cut from rolling direction of a rolled block. The fully reversed strain-controlled LCF tests were conducted at a constant total strain rate with different axial strain amplitude levels. The cyclic strain-stress relationships and the strain-life relationships were obtained through the test results, and related LCF parameters of the steel were calculated. The studied steel exhibits cyclic softening behavior. Furthermore, analysis of stabilized hysteresis loops showed that the steel exhibits non-Masing behavior. Complementary scanning electron microscopy examinations were also carried out on fracture surfaces to reveal dominant damage mechanisms during crack initiation, propagation and fracture. Multiple crack initiation sites were observed on the fracture surface. The investigated LCF behavior can provide reference for pressure vessel life assessment and fracture mechanisms analysis.

Small Displacement Coupled Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dam Foundations: Static and Dynamic Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farinha, Maria Luísa Braga; Azevedo, Nuno Monteiro; Candeias, Mariline

2017-02-01

The explicit formulation of a small displacement model for the coupled hydro-mechanical analysis of concrete gravity dam foundations based on joint finite elements is presented. The proposed coupled model requires a thorough pre-processing stage in order to ensure that the interaction between the various blocks which represent both the rock mass foundation and the dam is always edge to edge. The mechanical part of the model, though limited to small displacements, has the advantage of allowing an accurate representation of the stress distribution along the interfaces, such as rock mass joints. The hydraulic part and the mechanical part of the model are fully compatible. The coupled model is validated using a real case of a dam in operation, by comparison of the results with those obtained with a large displacement discrete model. It is shown that it is possible to assess the sliding stability of concrete gravity dams using small displacement models under both static and dynamic conditions.

Trehalose-Based Block Copolycations Promote Polyplex Stabilization for Lyophilization and in Vivo pDNA Delivery

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The development and thorough characterization of nonviral delivery agents for nucleic acid and genome editing therapies are of high interest to the field of nanomedicine. Indeed, this vehicle class offers the ability to tune chemical architecture/biological activity and readily package nucleic acids of various sizes and morphologies for a variety of applications. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of a class of trehalose-based block copolycations designed to stabilize polyplex formulations for lyophilization and in vivo administration. A 6-methacrylamido-6-deoxy trehalose (MAT) monomer was synthesized from trehalose and polymerized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to yield pMAT43. The pMAT43 macro-chain transfer agent was then chain-extended with aminoethylmethacrylamide (AEMA) to yield three different pMAT-b-AEMA cationic-block copolymers, pMAT-b-AEMA-1 (21 AEMA repeats), -2 (44 AEMA repeats), and -3 (57 AEMA repeats). These polymers along with a series of controls were used to form polyplexes with plasmids encoding firefly luciferase behind a strong ubiquitous promoter. The trehalose-coated polyplexes were characterized in detail and found to be resistant to colloidal aggregation in culture media containing salt and serum. The trehalose-polyplexes also retained colloidal stability and promoted high gene expression following lyophilization and reconstitution. Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and transfection ability were assessed in vitro using both human glioblastoma (U87) and human liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines wherein pMAT-b-AEMA-2 was found to have the optimal combination of high gene expression and low toxicity. pMAT-b-AEMA-2 polyplexes were evaluated in mice via slow tail vein infusion. The vehicle displayed minimal toxicity and discouraged nonspecific internalization in the liver, kidney, spleen, and lungs as determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence imaging experiments. Hydrodynamic infusion of the polyplexes, however, led to very specific localization of the polyplexes to the mouse liver and promoted excellent gene expression in vivo. PMID:26807438

The Influence of Upward Groundwater between Joints on the Stability and the Behavior of Dip Slope Failures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, C. H.; Lin, M. L.; Hsieh, P. C.

2016-12-01

In recent years, landslides have attracted much attention in the engineering field in Taiwan. As previous studies, landslides are induced by earthquakes, rainfall, and groundwater. That groundwater flows into upper layer through vertical joints, upward groundwater, erodes the slope and reduces its stability. Nevertheless, in the literature, the impact of upward groundwater to the location of sliding surface and the behaviors of dip slope failure has not be investigated. In this study, physical model tests with water flow inclinometers are used to investigate the kinematics of dip slope failures under various conditions and to identify the failure modes of specimens (Fig. 1). Besides, the mechanics of one landslide case owing to upward groundwater is studied by numerical simulation. In the physical tests, the effects of upward groundwater on slope stability are investigated with different angles of inclinometers, different position of joints on specimens and different locations of upward seepage. The test results suggest that the upward water pressure becomes lower when the number of joints increases. As the water pressure increases to 3.8 times the weight of one block of the specimen, the block will slide. Another, when the specimen is covered by one granular content layer (see Fig. 2), the failure surface tends to develop at the granular content layer, and its kinematics is similar to debris slide; when the clay seam is below of the specimen, the translational slide occurs along the bottom of the blocks. Moreover, one dip slope case, Taiwan's National Highway No. 3 landslide event, are studied by numerical simulation. According to the results, some points are concluded: water pressure makes tension cracks on the top of the vertical joints on weathered sandstones; with anchor attenuation, the sandstone moves downslope, which makes the shear strain of the slope toe region increases (see Fig. 3). If friction angle of the slope decreases, the slide surface occurs along the weak surface, and it develops to the toe of the slope.

Balancing cationic and hydrophobic content of PEGylated siRNA polyplexes enhances endosome escape, stability, blood circulation time, and bioactivity in vivo.

PubMed

Nelson, Christopher E; Kintzing, James R; Hanna, Ann; Shannon, Joshua M; Gupta, Mukesh K; Duvall, Craig L

2013-10-22

A family of pH-responsive diblock polymers composed of poly[(ethylene glycol)-b-[(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-co-(butyl methacrylate)], PEG-(DMAEMA-co-BMA), was reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) synthesized with 0-75 mol % BMA in the second polymer block. The relative mole % of DMAEMA and BMA was varied in order to identify a polymer that can be used to formulate PEGylated, siRNA-loaded polyplex nanoparticles (NPs) with an optimized balance of cationic and hydrophobic content in the NP core based on siRNA packaging, cytocompatibility, blood circulation half-life, endosomal escape, and in vivo bioactivity. The polymer with 50:50 mol % of DMAEMA:BMA (polymer "50 B") in the RAFT-polymerized block efficiently condensed siRNA into 100 nm NPs that displayed pH-dependent membrane disruptive behavior finely tuned for endosomal escape. In vitro delivery of siRNA with polymer 50 B produced up to 94% protein-level knockdown of the model gene luciferase. The PEG corona of the NPs blocked nonspecific interactions with constituents of human whole blood, and the relative hydrophobicity of polymer 50 B increased NP stability in the presence of human serum or the polyanion heparin. When injected intravenously, 50 B NPs enhanced blood circulation half-life 3-fold relative to more standard PEG-DMAEMA (0 B) NPs (p < 0.05), due to improved stability and a reduced rate of renal clearance. The 50 B NPs enhanced siRNA biodistribution to the liver and other organs and significantly increased gene silencing in the liver, kidneys, and spleen relative to the benchmark polymer 0 B (p < 0.05). These collective findings validate the functional significance of tuning the balance of cationic and hydrophobic content of polyplex NPs utilized for systemic siRNA delivery in vivo.

Fabrication of supramolecular star-shaped amphiphilic copolymers for ROS-triggered drug release.

PubMed

Zuo, Cai; Peng, Jinlei; Cong, Yong; Dai, Xianyin; Zhang, Xiaolong; Zhao, Sijie; Zhang, Xianshuo; Ma, Liwei; Wang, Baoyan; Wei, Hua

2018-03-15

Star-shaped copolymers with branched structures can form unimolecular micelles with better stability than the micelles self-assembled from conventional linear copolymers. However, the synthesis of star-shaped copolymers with precisely controlled degree of branching (DB) suffers from complicated sequential polymerizations and multi-step purification procedures, as well as repeated optimizations of polymer compositions. The use of a supramolecular host-guest pair as the block junction would significantly simplify the preparation. Moreover, the star-shaped copolymer-based unimolecular micelle provides an elegant solution to the tradeoff between extracellular stability and intracellular high therapeutic efficacy if the association/dissociation of the supramolecular host-guest joint can be triggered by the biologically relevant stimuli. For this purpose, in this study, a panel of supramolecular star-shaped amphiphilic block copolymers with 9, 12, and 18 arms were designed and fabricated by host-guest complexations between the ring-opening polymerization (ROP)-synthesized star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with 3, 4, and 6 arms end-capped with ferrocene (Fc) (PCL-Fc) and the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)-produced 3-arm poly(oligo ethylene glycol) methacrylates (POEGMA) with different degrees of polymerization (DPs) of 24, 30, 47 initiated by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (3Br-β-CD-POEGMA). The effect of DB and polymer composition on the self-assembled properties of the five star-shaped copolymers was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectrometery. Interestingly, the micelles self-assembled from 12-arm star-shaped copolymers exhibited greater stability than the 9- and 18-arm formulations. The potential of the resulting supramolecular star-shaped amphiphilic copolymers as drug carriers was evaluated by an in vitro drug release study, which confirmed the ROS-triggered accelerated drug release from the doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded supramolecular star-shaped micelles due to the oxidation-induced dissociation of β-CD/Fc pair and the consequent loss of the colloidal stability of the star-shaped micelles. Studies of the delivery efficacy by an in vitro cytotoxicity study further indicated that higher DBs and longer hydrophilic arm compromised the therapeutic efficacy of the DOX-loaded supramolecular star-shaped micelles, resulting in significantly reduced cytotoxicity, as measured by increased IC 50 value. Overall, our results revealed that the screening of hydrophilic block by DB and MW for an optimized star-shaped copolymer should balance the stability versus therapeutic efficacy tradeoff for a comprehensive consideration. Therefore, the 12-arm star-shaped copolymer with POEGMA 30 is the best formulation tested. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Block and Graft Copolymers of Polyhydroxyalkanoates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchessault, Robert H.; Ravenelle, François; Kawada, Jumpei

2004-03-01

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) were modified for diblock copolymer and graft polymer by catalyzed transesterification in the melt and by chemical synthesis to extend the side chains of the PHAs, and the polymers were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Catalyzed transesterification in the melt is used to produce diblock copolymers of poly[3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) and monomethoxy poly[ethylene glycol] (mPEG) in a one-step process. The resulting diblock copolymers are amphiphilic and self-assemble into sterically stabilized colloidal suspensions of PHB crystalline lamellae. Graft polymer was synthesized in a two-step chemical synthesis from biosynthesized poly[3-hydroxyoctanoate-co-3-hydroxyundecenoate] (PHOU) containing ca. 25 mol chains. 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid reacts with the side chain alkenes of PHOU by the radical addition creating thioether linkage with terminal carboxyl functionalities. The latter groups were subsequently transformed into the amide or ester linkage by tridecylamine or octadecanol, respectively, producing new graft polymers. The polymers have different physical properties than poly[3-hydroxyoctanoate] (PHO) which is the main component of the PHOU, such as non-stickiness and higher thermal stability. The combination of biosynthesis and chemical synthesis produces a hybrid thermoplastic elastomer with partial biodegradability.

Crystal structure of chiral gammaPNA with complementary DNA strand: insights into the stability and specificity of recognition and conformational preorganization.

PubMed

Yeh, Joanne I; Shivachev, Boris; Rapireddy, Srinivas; Crawford, Matthew J; Gil, Roberto R; Du, Shoucheng; Madrid, Marcela; Ly, Danith H

2010-08-11

We have determined the structure of a PNA-DNA duplex to 1.7 A resolution by multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction phasing method on a zinc derivative. This structure represents the first high-resolution 3D view of a hybrid duplex containing a contiguous chiral PNA strand with complete gamma-backbone modification ("gammaPNA"). Unlike the achiral counterpart, which adopts a random-fold, this particular gammaPNA is already preorganized into a right-handed helix as a single strand. The new structure illustrates the unique characteristics of this modified PNA, possessing conformational flexibility while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to ultimately adopt the preferred P-helical conformation upon hybridization with DNA. The unusual structural adaptability found in the gammaPNA strand is crucial for enabling the accommodation of backbone modifications while constraining conformational states. In conjunction with NMR analysis characterizing the structures and substructures of the individual building blocks, these results provide unprecedented insights into how this new class of chiral gammaPNA is preorganized and stabilized, before and after hybridization with a cDNA strand. Such knowledge is crucial for the future design and development of PNA for applications in biology, biotechnology, and medicine.

Interfacial Effects in Solid-Liquid Electrolytes for Improved Stability and Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Bella, Federico; Popovic, Jelena; Lamberti, Andrea; Tresso, Elena; Gerbaldi, Claudio; Maier, Joachim

2017-11-01

With the purpose of achieving stable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with high efficiency, a new type of soft matter electrolyte is tested in which specific amounts of nanosized silica particles are finely dispersed in short-chained polyethylene glycol dimethylether encompassing an iodide/triiodide redox mediator. This results in a solid-liquid composite having synergistic electrical and favorable mechanical properties. The combination of interfacial effects and particle network formation promotes enhanced ion transport, which directly impacts the short-circuit photocurrent density. Thorough analysis reveals that this newly elaborated class of electrolytes is able to improve, at the same time, the thermal and long-term stability of DSSCs, as well as power conversion efficiency under standard and lower irradiation intensities. Lab-scale devices with champion efficiency exceeding 11% under attenuated sunlight (20 mW cm -2 , with a compact TiO 2 blocking layer) are obtained, along with impressively stable performance under both thermal stress and light soaking in an indoor environment (>96% performance retention after 2500 h of accelerated aging under full sun alternated with thermal ramps), matching the durability criteria applied to silicon solar cells for outdoor applications. The new findings might foster widespread practical application of DSSCs.

Numerical Analysis of Ginzburg-Landau Models for Superconductivity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coskun, Erhan

Thin film conventional, as well as High T _{c} superconductors of various geometric shapes placed under both uniform and variable strength magnetic field are studied using the universially accepted macroscopic Ginzburg-Landau model. A series of new theoretical results concerning the properties of solution is presented using the semi -discrete time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations, staggered grid setup and natural boundary conditions. Efficient serial algorithms including a novel adaptive algorithm is developed and successfully implemented for solving the governing highly nonlinear parabolic system of equations. Refinement technique used in the adaptive algorithm is based on modified forward Euler method which was also developed by us to ease the restriction on time step size for stability considerations. Stability and convergence properties of forward and modified forward Euler schemes are studied. Numerical simulations of various recent physical experiments of technological importance such as vortes motion and pinning are performed. The numerical code for solving time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations is parallelized using BlockComm -Chameleon and PCN. The parallel code was run on the distributed memory multiprocessors intel iPSC/860, IBM-SP1 and cluster of Sun Sparc workstations, all located at Mathematics and Computer Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory.

Nanoplasmonically Engineered Interfaces on Amorphous TiO2 for Highly Efficient Photocatalysis in Hydrogen Evolution.

PubMed

Liang, Huijun; Meng, Qiuxia; Wang, Xiaobing; Zhang, Hucheng; Wang, Jianji

2018-04-25

The nanoplasmonic metal-driven photocatalytic activity depends heavily on the spacing between metal nanoparticles (NPs) and semiconductors, and this work shows that ethylene glycol (EG) is an ideal candidate for interface spacer. Controlling the synthetic systems at pH 3, the composite of Ag NPs with EG-stabilized amorphous TiO 2 (Ag/TiO 2 -3) was synthesized by the facile light-induced reduction. It is verified that EG spacers can set up suitable geometric arrangement in the composite: the twin hydroxyls act as stabilizers to bind Ag NPs and TiO 2 together and the nonconductive alkyl chains consisting only of two CH 2 are able to separate the two building blocks completely and also provide the shortest channels for an efficient transfer of radiation energies to reach TiO 2 . Employed as photocatalysts in hydrogen evolution under visible light, amorphous TiO 2 hardly exhibits the catalytic activity due to high defect density, whereas Ag/TiO 2 -3 represents a remarkably high catalytic efficiency. The enhancement mechanism of the reaction rate is proposed by the analysis of the compositional, structural, and optical properties from a series of Ag/TiO 2 composites.

Theoretical investigations of the thermochemistry, structures, and internal rotation of conjugated polyynes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarowski, Peter D.

Chapter 1 discusses the thermochemistry of conjugated double and triple bonds. The conjugation stabilization energies of dienes and diynes are considerably larger than estimates based on heat of hydrogenation differences between 1,3-butadiyne and 1-butyne as well as between 1,3-butadiene and 1-butene. Such comparisons do not take into account the counterbalancing hyperconjugative stabilization of the partially hydrogenated products by their ethyl groups. When alkyl hyperconjugation is considered, the conjugation stabilization of diynes (≈ 9.3 kcal/mol) is found by two methods (involving isomerization of non-conjugated into conjugated isomers and heats of hydrogenation) to be larger than that of dienes (≈ 8.2 kcal/mol). In Chapter 2 the stabilization of substituted organic radicals, relative to methyl, are computed using bond separation energies and the block localized wavefunction method. These energies are typically evaluated from C-H bond dissociation energies (computed here by the CBS-RAD method). However, this method gives stabilization energies of an increasing number of mono-, di-, and tri-substituted vinyl and ethynyl substituents, which differ from the predictions of Perturbation Molecular Orbital (PMO) and Huckel Molecular Orbital (HMO) theory. The saturation (attenuation) effect for both series should be monotonic and small. Instead, the attenuation computed by the allylic series is larger than that predicted by HMO theory and the behavior of the propargylic series is erratic. These discrepancies arise from the use of bond dissociation energy data in the evaluations, which depend not only on the stabilization of the radicals, but also on the substantial substituent effects (e.g., hyperconjugation) on the energies of the reference hydrocarbons. New evaluation schemes are proposed that avoid such complications and thus estimate radical stabilization effects directly; the results agree with PMO and HMO theories. Substitution effects are analyzed using isodesmic equations with CBS-RAD data and also with the block localized wavefunction (BLW) method. The new estimates give essentially the same vinyl (22.3 kcal/mol) and ethynyl (21.9 kcal/mol) stabilization energies in the allyl and propargyl radicals, contrary to conventional evaluations. Likewise, the vinyl and ethynyl stabilizations in di-substituted and tri-substituted radicals are similar. These conclusions are corroborated with the block localized wavefunction (BLW) method, which is used to analyze resonance stabilization energies in the radical systems and hyperconjugative stabilization energies in the reference hydrocarbons. Chapter 3 presents the structures, heats of formation, and strain energies of diacetylene (buta-1,3-diynediyl) expanded molecules computed with ab initio and molecular mechanics calculations. Expanded cubane, prismane, tetrahedrane, and expanded monocyclics and bicyclics were optimized at the HF/6-31G(d) and B3LYP/6-31G(d) levels. The heats of formation of these systems were obtained from isodesmic equations at the HF/6-31G(d) level. Heats of formation were also calculated from Benson group equivalents. The strain energies of these expanded molecules were estimated by several independent methods. An adapted MM3* molecular mechanics force field, specifically parameterized to treat conjugated acetylene units, was employed for one measure of strain energy and as an additional method for structural analysis. Expanded dodecahedrane and icosahedrane were calculated by this method. Expanded molecules were considered structurally in the context of their potential material applications. Chapter 4 addresses the computation of the rotational barriers of substituted ethynlene and butatriene as well as their geometric and electronic structures. The barriers to internal rotation of methylated, ethynylated, and vinylated butatrienes and alkenes were calculated at the CASPT2/6-31G(d)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. Calculated butatriene rotational barriers are lower than analogous alkenes, but there is a larger variance in rotational barrier for alkenes than for butatrienes. The barriers to rotation were analyzed by isodesmic equations designed to estimate the substituent effects in the ground (GS) and transition state (TS) individually. The GSs of both series are stabilized to roughly the same extent. In contrast, the TSs of butatrienes are more stabilized overall than those of alkenes. Much of the stabilization in the TS of butatrienes comes from the internal triple bond and not from the substituent. Estimation of the substituent stabilization alone reveals the TSs of ethylenes to be more stabilized by substitution than butatrienes. In Chapter 5 the energetic and structural changes taking place upon rotation of the central phenylene of 1,4-bis(3,3,3-triphenylpropynyl)benzene molecular gyroscopes in the solid-state were computed using molecular mechanics calculations. Pseudopolymorphic crystals of a benzene clathrate (1A) and a desolvated form (1B) were analyzed with models that account for varying degrees of freedom within the corresponding lattices. The calculated rotational barriers in a rigid lattice approximation, 78 kcal/mol for 1A and 72 kcal/mol for 1B, are about five times greater than those previously measured by variable temperature 13C CPMAS NMR and quadrupolar echo 2H NMR line shape analysis; 12.8 kcal/mol for 1A and 14.6 kcal/mol for 1B. The rotational barriers calculated with a model that restricts whole body rotation and translational motions but allows for internal rotations give results that are consistent with experiment. The calculated barriers for 1A and 1B are 15.5 kcal/mol and 16.2 kcal/mol, respectively. The differences between the two models are attributed to the effect of correlated motions of the lattice and the rotating group, which are evident from the structural analysis of the atomic position data as a function of the dihedral angle of the rotator. The displacements of neighboring molecules near the rotary transition states for 1A and 1B can be as large as 2.7 and 1.1 A, respectively. While the displacement of interpenetrating phenyl rings from neighboring rotors proximal to the event are significant for both 1A and 1B, six-fold (C6) benzene rotations in clathrate 1A were found to be directly correlated to the rotation the phenylene rotator. The Trueblood model estimates solid-state rotational barriers by fitting anisotropic displacement parameters (thermal ellipsoids) from X-ray diffraction data determined at varying temperature to quadratic or sinusoidal functions that approximate the potential energy profile to libration. The applicability of this model towards substituted and unsubstituted 1,4-bis(3,3,3-triphenylpropynyl)benzene molecular rotor crystals is gauged using computational data generated from molecular mechanics force field calculations. Unsubstituted and mono-fluoro, -amino, and -nitro, substituted derivatives are calculated. Benzene clathrate polymorphs are also included. Estimated barriers agree well with experimental data, although they are slightly overestimated. The barriers are not strictly correlated to substituent volume and reside within a small range of values.

Effect of tramadol as an adjuvant to local anesthetics for brachial plexus block: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Ju, Bum Jun; Jang, Yoo Kyung; You, Hae Seun; Kang, Hyun; Park, Ji Yong

2017-01-01

Background Tramadol, a 4-phenyl-piperidine analog of codeine, has a unique action in that it has a central opioidergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic analgesic, and peripheral local anesthetic (LA) effect. Many studies have reported contradictory findings regarding the peripheral analgesic effect of tramadol as an adjuvant to LA in brachial plexus block (BPB). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of tramadol as an adjunct to LA in BPB during shoulder or upper extremity surgery. Methods We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, KoreaMed databases, and Google Scholar for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared BPB with LA alone and BPB with LA and tramadol. Primary outcomes were the effects of tramadol as an adjuvant on duration of sensory block, motor block, and analgesia. Secondary outcomes were the effects of tramadol as an adjuvant on time to onset of sensory block and motor block and on adverse effects. We performed the meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3 software. Results We identified 16 RCTs with 751 patients. BPB with tramadol prolonged the duration of sensory block (mean difference [MD], -61.5 min; 95% CI, -95.5 to -27.6; P = 0.0004), motor block (MD, -65.6 min; 95% CI, -101.5 to -29.7; P = 0.0003), and analgesia (MD, -125.5 min; 95% CI, -175.8 to -75.3; P < 0.0001) compared with BPB without tramadol. Tramadol also shortened the time to onset of sensory block (MD, 2.1 min; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1; P < 0.0001) and motor block (MD, 1.2 min; 95% CI, 0.2 to 2.1; P = 0.010). In subgroup analysis, the duration of sensory block, motor block, and analgesia was prolonged for BPB with tramadol 100 mg (P < 0.05) but not for BPB with tramadol 50 mg. The quality of evidence was high for duration of analgesia according to the GRADE system. Adverse effects were comparable between the studies. Conclusions In upper extremity surgery performed under BPB, use of tramadol 100 mg as an adjuvant to LA appears to prolong the duration of sensory block, motor block, and analgesia, and shorten the time to onset of sensory and motor blocks without altering adverse effects. PMID:28953949

Effect of tramadol as an adjuvant to local anesthetics for brachial plexus block: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Shin, Hye Won; Ju, Bum Jun; Jang, Yoo Kyung; You, Hae Seun; Kang, Hyun; Park, Ji Yong

2017-01-01

Tramadol, a 4-phenyl-piperidine analog of codeine, has a unique action in that it has a central opioidergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic analgesic, and peripheral local anesthetic (LA) effect. Many studies have reported contradictory findings regarding the peripheral analgesic effect of tramadol as an adjuvant to LA in brachial plexus block (BPB). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of tramadol as an adjunct to LA in BPB during shoulder or upper extremity surgery. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, KoreaMed databases, and Google Scholar for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared BPB with LA alone and BPB with LA and tramadol. Primary outcomes were the effects of tramadol as an adjuvant on duration of sensory block, motor block, and analgesia. Secondary outcomes were the effects of tramadol as an adjuvant on time to onset of sensory block and motor block and on adverse effects. We performed the meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3 software. We identified 16 RCTs with 751 patients. BPB with tramadol prolonged the duration of sensory block (mean difference [MD], -61.5 min; 95% CI, -95.5 to -27.6; P = 0.0004), motor block (MD, -65.6 min; 95% CI, -101.5 to -29.7; P = 0.0003), and analgesia (MD, -125.5 min; 95% CI, -175.8 to -75.3; P < 0.0001) compared with BPB without tramadol. Tramadol also shortened the time to onset of sensory block (MD, 2.1 min; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1; P < 0.0001) and motor block (MD, 1.2 min; 95% CI, 0.2 to 2.1; P = 0.010). In subgroup analysis, the duration of sensory block, motor block, and analgesia was prolonged for BPB with tramadol 100 mg (P < 0.05) but not for BPB with tramadol 50 mg. The quality of evidence was high for duration of analgesia according to the GRADE system. Adverse effects were comparable between the studies. In upper extremity surgery performed under BPB, use of tramadol 100 mg as an adjuvant to LA appears to prolong the duration of sensory block, motor block, and analgesia, and shorten the time to onset of sensory and motor blocks without altering adverse effects.

Anti-α4 antibody treatment blocks virus traffic to the brain and gut early, and stabilizes CNS injury late in infection.

PubMed

Campbell, Jennifer H; Ratai, Eva-Maria; Autissier, Patrick; Nolan, David J; Tse, Samantha; Miller, Andrew D; González, R Gilberto; Salemi, Marco; Burdo, Tricia H; Williams, Kenneth C

2014-12-01

Four SIV-infected monkeys with high plasma virus and CNS injury were treated with an anti-α4 blocking antibody (natalizumab) once a week for three weeks beginning on 28 days post-infection (late). Infection in the brain and gut were quantified, and neuronal injury in the CNS was assessed by MR spectroscopy, and compared to controls with AIDS and SIV encephalitis. Treatment resulted in stabilization of ongoing neuronal injury (NAA/Cr by 1H MRS), and decreased numbers of monocytes/macrophages and productive infection (SIV p28+, RNA+) in brain and gut. Antibody treatment of six SIV infected monkeys at the time of infection (early) for 3 weeks blocked monocyte/macrophage traffic and infection in the CNS, and significantly decreased leukocyte traffic and infection in the gut. SIV - RNA and p28 was absent in the CNS and the gut. SIV DNA was undetectable in brains of five of six early treated macaques, but proviral DNA in guts of treated and control animals was equivalent. Early treated animals had low-to-no plasma LPS and sCD163. These results support the notion that monocyte/macrophage traffic late in infection drives neuronal injury and maintains CNS viral reservoirs and lesions. Leukocyte traffic early in infection seeds the CNS with virus and contributes to productive infection in the gut. Leukocyte traffic early contributes to gut pathology, bacterial translocation, and activation of innate immunity.

Assessment of the RIVET fixation system for cranioplasty using the pull-out technique.

PubMed

Sakamoto, Yoshiaki; Minabe, Toshiharu; Kato, Tatsuya; Kishi, Kazuo

2015-03-01

Cranioplasty using custom-made hydroxyapatite (HAP) ceramic implants is a common procedure to repair skull defects. However, commercially available titanium screws are only minimally stabilized due to characteristic brittleness. We developed the RIVET technique which involves fixing a bioabsorbable plate atop a HAP block using bioabsorbable screws extending beyond both layers, and evaluated fixation strength using the pull-out test and microtomography. Three experimental conditions were compared: a non-RIVET group, RIVET group, and dry skull control group. Pull-out strength significantly differed across groups (non-RIVET group, 1.33 ± 1.21 kgf; RIVET group, 4.46 ± 0.84 kgf; and control group, 6.99 ± 1.14 kgf, P < 0.01). Microtomography of the dry skull control group revealed thread grooves fitted to the screws. The non-RIVET and RIVET groups presented fewer thread grooves than the control group, and the screws did not fit perfectly to the HAP block. However, fixation in the RIVET group was more stable, as the rivet was firmly lodged into the implant. In conclusion, by melting and creating the rivet, pull-out strength can be increased and rigid stabilization of HAP can be obtained. This technique uses commercially available absorbable plate and screws, and thus can be used widely in clinical applications involving HAP blocks with different porosities and thicknesses. Copyright © 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulations of the gyroid phase in diblock copolymers with the Gaussian disphere model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karatchentsev, A.; Sommer, J.-U.

2010-12-01

Pure melts of asymmetric diblock copolymers are studied by means of the off-lattice Gaussian disphere model with Monte-Carlo kinetics. In this model, a diblock copolymer chain is mapped onto two soft repulsive spheres with fluctuating radii of gyration and distance between centers of mass of the spheres. Microscopic input quantities of the model such as the combined probability distribution for the radii of gyration and the distance between the spheres as well as conditional monomer number densities assigned to each block were derived in the previous work of F. Eurich and P. Maass [J. Chem. Phys. 114, 7655 (2001)] within an underlying Gaussian chain model. The polymerization degree of the whole chain as well as those of the individual blocks are freely tunable parameters thus enabling a precise determination of the regions of stability of various phases. The model neglects entanglement effects which are irrelevant for the formation of ordered structures in diblock copolymers and which would otherwise unnecessarily increase the equilibration time of the system. The gyroid phase was reproduced in between the cylindrical and lamellar phases in systems with box sizes being commensurate with the size of the unit cell of the gyroid morphology. The region of stability of the gyroid phase was studied in detail and found to be consistent with the prediction of the mean-field theory. Packing frustration was observed in the form of increased radii of gyration of both blocks of the chains located close to the gyroid nodes.

Multidisciplinary aeroelastic analysis of a generic hypersonic vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, K. K.; Petersen, K. L.

1993-01-01

This paper presents details of a flutter and stability analysis of aerospace structures such as hypersonic vehicles. Both structural and aerodynamic domains are discretized by the common finite element technique. A vibration analysis is first performed by the STARS code employing a block Lanczos solution scheme. This is followed by the generation of a linear aerodynamic grid for subsequent linear flutter analysis within subsonic and supersonic regimes of the flight envelope; the doublet lattice and constant pressure techniques are employed to generate the unsteady aerodynamic forces. Flutter analysis is then performed for several representative flight points. The nonlinear flutter solution is effected by first implementing a CFD solution of the entire vehicle. Thus, a 3-D unstructured grid for the entire flow domain is generated by a moving front technique. A finite element Euler solution is then implemented employing a quasi-implicit as well as an explicit solution scheme. A novel multidisciplinary analysis is next effected that employs modal and aerodynamic data to yield aerodynamic damping characteristics. Such analyses are performed for a number of flight points to yield a large set of pertinent data that define flight flutter characteristics of the vehicle. This paper outlines the finite-element-based integrated analysis procedures in detail, which is followed by the results of numerical analyses of flight flutter simulation.

Optimizing the Distribution of Tie Points for the Bundle Adjustment of HRSC Image Mosaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bostelmann, J.; Breitkopf, U.; Heipke, C.

2017-07-01

For a systematic mapping of the Martian surface, the Mars Express orbiter is equipped with a multi-line scanner: Since the beginning of 2004 the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) regularly acquires long image strips. By now more than 4,000 strips covering nearly the whole planet are available. Due to the nine channels, each with different viewing direction, and partly with different optical filters, each strip provides 3D and color information and allows the generation of digital terrain models (DTMs) and orthophotos. To map larger regions, neighboring HRSC strips can be combined to build DTM and orthophoto mosaics. The global mapping scheme Mars Chart 30 is used to define the extent of these mosaics. In order to avoid unreasonably large data volumes, each MC-30 tile is divided into two parts, combining about 90 strips each. To ensure a seamless fit of these strips, several radiometric and geometric corrections are applied in the photogrammetric process. A simultaneous bundle adjustment of all strips as a block is carried out to estimate their precise exterior orientation. Because size, position, resolution and image quality of the strips in these blocks are heterogeneous, also the quality and distribution of the tie points vary. In absence of ground control points, heights of a global terrain model are used as reference information, and for this task a regular distribution of these tie points is preferable. Besides, their total number should be limited because of computational reasons. In this paper, we present an algorithm, which optimizes the distribution of tie points under these constraints. A large number of tie points used as input is reduced without affecting the geometric stability of the block by preserving connections between strips. This stability is achieved by using a regular grid in object space and discarding, for each grid cell, points which are redundant for the block adjustment. The set of tie points, filtered by the algorithm, shows a more homogenous distribution and is considerably smaller. Used for the block adjustment, it yields results of equal quality, with significantly shorter computation time. In this work, we present experiments with MC-30 half-tile blocks, which confirm our idea for reaching a stable and faster bundle adjustment. The described method is used for the systematic processing of HRSC data.

A Novel Method for Block Size Forensics Based on Morphological Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Weiqi; Huang, Jiwu; Qiu, Guoping

Passive forensics analysis aims to find out how multimedia data is acquired and processed without relying on pre-embedded or pre-registered information. Since most existing compression schemes for digital images are based on block processing, one of the fundamental steps for subsequent forensics analysis is to detect the presence of block artifacts and estimate the block size for a given image. In this paper, we propose a novel method for blind block size estimation. A 2×2 cross-differential filter is first applied to detect all possible block artifact boundaries, morphological operations are then used to remove the boundary effects caused by the edges of the actual image contents, and finally maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) is employed to estimate the block size. The experimental results evaluated on over 1300 nature images show the effectiveness of our proposed method. Compared with existing gradient-based detection method, our method achieves over 39% accuracy improvement on average.

Fabrication of honeycomb-structured poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) porous films and biomedical applications for cell growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Bingjian; Zhu, Qingzeng; Yao, Linli; Hao, Jingcheng

2015-03-01

A series of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-PLA) copolymers with a hydrophobic PLA block of different molecular weights and a fixed length hydrophilic PEG were synthesized successfully and characterized. These amphiphilic block copolymers were used to fabricate honeycomb-structured porous films using the breath figure (BF) templating technique. The surface topology and composition of the highly ordered pattern film were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fluorescence microscopy. The results indicated that the PEG-to-PLA block molecular weight ratio influenced the BF film surface topology. The film with the best ordered pores was obtained with a PEG-to-PLA ratio of 2.0 × 103:3.0 × 104. The self-organization of the hydrophilic PEG chains within the pores was confirmed by XPS and fluorescence labeled PEG. A model is proposed to elucidate the stabilization process of the amphiphilic PEG-PLA aggregated architecture on the water droplet-based templates. In addition, GFP-U87 cell viability has been investigated by MTS test and the cell morphology on the honeycomb-structured PEG-PLA porous film has been evaluated using phase-contrast microscope. This porous film is shown to be suitable as a matrix for cell growth.

Chirality plays critical roles in enhancing the aqueous solubility of nocathiacin I by block copolymer micelles.

PubMed

Feng, Kun; Wang, Shuzhen; Ma, Hairong; Chen, Yijun

2013-01-01

Although drug solubilization by block copolymer micelles has been extensively studied, the rationale behind the choice of appropriate block copolymer micelles for various poorly water-soluble drugs has been of relatively less concern. The objective of this study was to use methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-polylactate micelles (MPEG-PLA) to solubilize glycosylated antibiotic nocathiacin I and to compare the effects of chirality on the enhancement of aqueous solubility. Nocathiacin I-loaded MPEG-PLA micelles with opposite optical property in PLA were synthesized and characterized. The drug release profile, micelle stability and preliminary safety properties of MPEG-PLA micelles were evaluated. Meanwhile, three other poorly water-soluble chiral compound-loaded micelles were also prepared and compared.  The aqueous solubility of nocathiacin I was greatly enhanced by both L- and D-copolymers, with the degree of enhancement appearing to depend on the chirality of the copolymers. Comparison of different chiral compounds confirmed the trend that aqueous solubility of chiral compounds can be more effectively enhanced by block copolymer micelles with specific stereochemical configuration. The present study introduced chiral concept on the selection and preparation of block copolymer micelles for the enhancement of aqueous solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. © 2012 The Authors. JPP © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Humid Heat Autoclaving of Hybrid Nanoparticles Achieved by Decreased Nanoparticle Concentration and Improved Nanoparticle Stability Using Medium Chain Triglycerides as a Modifier.

PubMed

Gou, Jingxin; Chao, Yanhui; Liang, Yuheng; Zhang, Ning; He, Haibing; Yin, Tian; Zhang, Yu; Xu, Hui; Tang, Xing

2016-09-01

Humid heat autoclaving is a facile technique widely used in the sterilization of injections, but the high temperature employed would destroy nanoparticles composed of biodegradable polymers. The aim of this study was to investigate whether incorporation of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) could stabilize nanoparticles composed of poly (ethylene glycol)-b-polycaprolactone (PEG-b-PCL) during autoclaving (121°C, 10 min). Polymeric nanoparticles with different MCT contents were prepared by dialysis. Block copolymer degradation was studied by GPC. The critical aggregation concentrations of nanoparticles at different temperatures were determined using pyrene fluorescence. The size, morphology and weight averaged molecular weight of pristine/autoclaved nanoparticles were studied using DLS, TEM and SLS, respectively. Drug loading content and release profile were determined using RP-HPLC. The protecting effect of MCT on nanoparticles was dependent on the amount of MCT incorporated. Nanoparticles with high MCT contents, which assumed an emulsion-like morphology, showed reduced block copolymer degradation and particle disassociation after incubation at 100°C for 24 h. Nanoparticles with high MCT content showed the lowest critical aggregation concentration (CAC) under either room temperature or 60°C and the lowest particle concentration among all samples. And the particle size, drug loading content, physical stability and release profile of nanoparticles with high MCT contents remained nearly unchanged after autoclaving. Incorporation of high amount of MCT changed the morphology of PEG-b-PCL based nanoparticles to an emulsion-like structure and the nanoparticles prepared could withstand autoclaving due to improved particle stability and decreased particle concentration caused by MCT incorporation.

EARLY STABILIZING ALVEOLAR VENTILATION PREVENTS ARDS- A NOVEL TIMING-BASED VENTILATORY INTERVENTION TO AVERT LUNG INJURY

PubMed Central

Roy, Shreyas; Sadowitz, Benjamin; Andrews, Penny; Gatto, Louis; Marx, William; Ge, Lin; Wang, Guirong; Lin, Xin; Dean, David A.; Kuhn, Michael; Ghosh, Auyon; Satalin, Joshua; Snyder, Kathy; Vodovotz, Yoram; Nieman, Gary; Habashi, Nader

2012-01-01

Background Established ARDS is often refractory to treatment. Clinical trials have demonstrated modest treatment effects, and mortality remains high. Ventilator strategies must be developed to prevent ARDS. Hypothesis Early ventilatory intervention will block progression to ARDS if the ventilator mode: 1) maintains alveolar stability and 2) reduces pulmonary edema formation. Methods Yorkshire Pigs (38–45kg) were anaesthetized and subjected to "2-hit" Ischemia-Reperfusion and Peritoneal Sepsis. Following injury, animals were randomized into two groups: Early Preventative Ventilation (Airway Pressure Release Ventilation- APRV) vs. Non-Preventative Ventilation (NPV) and followed for 48hr. All animals received anesthesia, antibiotics, and fluid/vasopressor therapy per Surviving Sepsis Campaign. Ventilation parameters: 1) NPV Group - Tidal volume (Vt): 10cc/kg + PEEP- 5 cm/H2O volume-cycled mode, 2) APRV Group - Vt: 10–15 cc/kg; Phigh, Plow, Thigh, Tlow were titrated for optimal alveolar stability. Physiologic data and plasma were collected throughout the 48hr study period, followed by BAL and necropsy. Results APRV prevented development of ARDS (p<0.001 vs NPV) by PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Quantitative histological scoring showed APRV prevented lung tissue injury (p<0.001 vs. NPV). BALF showed APRV lowered total protein and IL-6, while preserving surfactant proteins A & B (p<0.05 vs. NPV). APRV significantly lowered lung water (p<0.001 vs. NPV). Plasma IL-6 concentrations were similar between groups. Conclusions Early preventative mechanical ventilation with APRV blocked ARDS development, preserved surfactant proteins, and reduced pulmonary inflammation and edema, despite systemic inflammation similar to NPV. These data suggest early preventative ventilation strategies stabilizing alveoli and reducing pulmonary edema can attenuate ARDS after ischemia-reperfusion-sepsis. PMID:22846945

Study of Surface Cleaning Methods and Pyrolysis Temperature on Nano-Structured Carbon Films using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

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

Kerber, Pranita B.; Porter, Lisa M.; McCullough, L. A.

2012-10-12

Nanostructured carbon (ns-C) films fabricated by stabilization and pyrolysis of di-block copolymers are of interest for a variety of electrical/electronic applications due to their chemical inertness, high-temperature insensitivity, very high surface area, and tunable electrical resistivity over a wide range [Kulkarni et al., Synth. Met. 159, (2009) 177]. Because of their high porosity and associated high specific surface area, controlled surface cleaning studies are important for fabricating electronic devices from these films. In this study, quantification of surface composition and surface cleaning studies on ns-C films synthesized by carbonization of di-block copolymers of polyacrylonitrile-b-poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PAN-b-PBA) at two different temperaturesmore » were carried out. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for elemental analysis and to determine the efficacy of various surface cleaning methods for ns-C films and to examine the polymer residues in the films. The in-situ surface cleaning methods included: HF vapor treatment, vacuum annealing, and exposure to UV-ozone. Quantitative analysis of high-resolution XPS scans showed 11 at. % of nitrogen present in the films pyrolyzed at 600 °C, suggesting incomplete denitrogenation of the copolymer films. The nitrogen atomic concentration reduced significantly for films pyrolyzed at 900 °C confirming extensive denitrogenation at that temperature. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of nitrogen sub-peaks indicated higher loss of nitrogen atoms residing at the edge of graphitic clusters relative to that of nitrogen atoms within the graphitic cluster, suggesting higher graphitization with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Of the surface cleaning methods investigated, in-situ annealing of the films at 300 °C for 40 min was found to be the most efficacious in removing adventitious carbon and oxygen impurities from the surface.« less

New Insights into the Phylogeny and Molecular Classification of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Deamidases

PubMed Central

Sánchez-Carrón, Guiomar; Martínez-Moñino, Ana Belén; Sola-Carvajal, Agustín; Takami, Hideto; García-Carmona, Francisco; Sánchez-Ferrer, Álvaro

2013-01-01

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) deamidase is one of the key enzymes of the bacterial pyridine nucleotide cycle (PNC). It catalyzes the conversion of NMN to nicotinic acid mononucleotide, which is later converted to NAD+ by entering the Preiss-Handler pathway. However, very few biochemical data are available regarding this enzyme. This paper represents the first complete molecular characterization of a novel NMN deamidase from the halotolerant and alkaliphilic bacterium Oceanobacillus iheyensis (OiPncC). The enzyme was active over a broad pH range, with an optimum at pH 7.4, whilst maintaining 90 % activity at pH 10.0. Surprisingly, the enzyme was quite stable at such basic pH, maintaining 61 % activity after 21 days. As regard temperature, it had an optimum at 65 °C but its stability was better below 50 °C. OiPncC was a Michaelian enzyme towards its only substrate NMN, with a K m value of 0.18 mM and a kcat/K m of 2.1 mM-1 s-1. To further our understanding of these enzymes, a complete phylogenetic and structural analysis was carried out taking into account the two Pfam domains usually associated with them (MocF and CinA). This analysis sheds light on the evolution of NMN deamidases, and enables the classification of NMN deamidases into 12 different subgroups, pointing to a novel domain architecture never before described. Using a Logo representation, conserved blocks were determined, providing new insights on the crucial residues involved in the binding and catalysis of both CinA and MocF domains. The analysis of these conserved blocks within new protein sequences could permit the more efficient data curation of incoming NMN deamidases. PMID:24340054

Ras-Driven Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Aurora Kinase A as a Potential Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Therapeutic Target

PubMed Central

Patel, Ami V.; Eaves, David; Jessen, Walter J.; Rizvi, Tilat A.; Ecsedy, Jeffrey A.; Qian, Mark G.; Aronow, Bruce J.; Perentesis, John P.; Serra, Eduard; Cripe, Timothy P.; Miller, Shyra J.; Ratner, Nancy

2013-01-01

Purpose Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) develop malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) which are often inoperable and do not respond well to current chemotherapies or radiation. The goal of this study was to utilize comprehensive gene expression analysis to identify novel therapeutic targets. Experimental Design Nerve Schwann cells and/or their precursors are the tumorigenic cell types in MPNST due to the loss of the NF1 gene, which encodes the RasGAP protein neurofibromin. Therefore, we created a transgenic mouse model, CNP-HRas12V, expressing constitutively-active HRas in Schwann cells and defined a Ras-induced gene expression signature to drive a Bayesian factor regression model analysis of differentially expressed genes in mouse and human neurofibromas and MPNSTs. We tested functional significance of Aurora kinase over-expression in MPNST in vitro and in vivo using Aurora kinase shRNAs and compounds that inhibit Aurora kinase. Results We identified 2000 genes with probability of linkage to nerve Ras signaling of which 339 were significantly differentially expressed in mouse and human NF1-related tumor samples relative to normal nerves, including Aurora kinase A (AURKA). AURKA was dramatically over-expressed and genomically amplified in MPNSTs but not neurofibromas. Aurora kinase shRNAs and Aurora kinase inhibitors blocked MPNST cell growth in vitro. Furthermore, an AURKA selective inhibitor, MLN8237, stabilized tumor volume and significantly increased survival of mice with MPNST xenografts. Conclusion Integrative cross-species transcriptome analyses combined with preclinical testing has provided an effective method for identifying candidates for molecular-targeted therapeutics. Blocking Aurora kinases may be a viable treatment platform for MPNST. PMID:22811580

Picture of All Solutions of Successive 2-Block Maxbet Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choulakian, Vartan

2011-01-01

The Maxbet method is a generalized principal components analysis of a data set, where the group structure of the variables is taken into account. Similarly, 3-block[12,13] partial Maxdiff method is a generalization of covariance analysis, where only the covariances between blocks (1, 2) and (1, 3) are taken into account. The aim of this paper is…

Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-15 mol% 3hydroxyhexanoate)/ZnO nanocomposites by solvent casting method: a study of optical, surface, and thermal properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vishnu Chandar, J.; Shanmugan, S.; Mutharasu, D.; Azlan, A. A.

2017-01-01

Biopolymer nanocomposites are gaining interest due to their biodegradable and biocompatible nature, with exceptional properties which are superior to those of pure polymer and that can be used as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics. Pure poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-15 mol% 3hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx)] and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) reinforced P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) composite films were prepared and their morphological, optical, and thermal analyses were carried out to study the effect of ZnO NPs on P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) copolymer. From optical analysis, a strong absorbance peak at ˜358 nm with high intensity for 5%ZnO NPs reinforced P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) composite sample was observed. Nano-sized particles and their increased trend with increased ZnO NPs concentration were confirmed by UV-Vis spectral analysis. In addition to that, ZnO NPs reduced the reflectance behaviour of P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) copolymer in the UV region. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis evidenced that the pore numbers and their size in the composite matrix was decreased with increased ZnO NPs concentration. Improved thermal stability and melting temperature of the copolymer matrix was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, respectively. ZnO NPs acted as a retarding agent and showed a low degree of crystallinity (X c ) and enthalpy of melting (ΔH M ). From these observations, ZnO NPs reinforced P(3HB-co-15 mol% 3HHx) composites can be integrated with suitable resin and can be used as an LED encapsulant to block UV rays. They can also be used as a UV blocking coating material in the glass, plastic, and textile industries, for NIR shielding and food packaging applications.

The Late Cretaceous Middle Fork caldera, its resurgent intrusion, and enduring landscape stability in east-central Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bacon, Charles R.; Dusel-Bacon, Cynthia; Aleinikoff, John N.; Slack, John F.

2014-01-01

The Middle Fork is a relatively well preserved caldera within a broad region of Paleozoic metamorphic rocks and Mesozoic plutons bounded by northeast-trending faults. In the relatively downdropped and less deeply exhumed crustal blocks, Cretaceous–Early Tertiary silicic volcanic rocks attest to long-term stability of the landscape. Within the Middle Fork caldera, the granite porphyry is interpreted to have been exposed by erosion of thick intracaldera tuff from an asymmetric resurgent dome. The Middle Fork of the North Fork of the Fortymile River incised an arcuate valley into and around the caldera fill on the west and north and may have cut down from within an original caldera moat. The 70 Ma land surface is preserved beneath proximal outflow tuff at the west margin of the caldera structure and beneath welded outflow tuff 16–23 km east-southeast of the caldera in a paleovalley. Within ∼50 km of the Middle Fork caldera are 14 examples of Late Cretaceous (?)–Tertiary felsic volcanic and hypabyssal intrusive rocks that range in area from <1 km2 to ∼100 km2. Rhyolite dome clusters north and northwest of the caldera occupy tectonic basins associated with northeast-trending faults and are relatively little eroded. Lava of a latite complex, 12–19 km northeast of the caldera, apparently flowed into the paleovalley of the Middle Fork of the North Fork of the Fortymile River. To the northwest of the Middle Fork caldera, in the Mount Harper crustal block, mid-Cretaceous plutonic rocks are widely exposed, indicating greater total exhumation. To the southeast of the Middle Fork block, the Mount Veta block has been uplifted sufficiently to expose a ca. 68–66 Ma equigranular granitic pluton. Farther to the southeast, in the Kechumstuk block, the flat-lying outflow tuff remnant in Gold Creek and a regionally extensive high terrace indicate that the landscape there has been little modified since 70 Ma other than entrenchment of tributaries in response to post–2.7 Ma lowering of base level of the Yukon River associated with advance of the Cordilleran ice sheet.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cleavable Core-Cross-Linked Micelles Based on Amphiphilic Block Copolypeptoids as Smart Drug Carriers.

PubMed

Li, Ang; Zhang, Donghui

2016-03-14

Amphiphilic block copolypeptoids consisting of a hydrophilic poly(N-ethyl glycine) segment and a hydrophobic poly[(N-propargyl glycine)-r-(N-decyl glycine)] random copolymer segment [PNEG-b-P(NPgG-r-NDG), EPgD] have been synthesized by sequential primary amine-initiated ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of the corresponding N-alkyl N-carboxyanhydride monomers. The block copolypeptoids form micelles in water and the micellar core can be cross-linked with a disulfide-containing diazide cross-linker by copper-mediated alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) in aqueous solution. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed the formation of spherical micelles with uniform size for both the core-cross-linked micelles (CCLMs) and non-cross-linked micelles (NCLMs) precursors for selective block copolypeptoid polymers. The CCLMs exhibited increased dimensional stability relative to the NCLMs in DMF, a nonselective solvent for the core and corona segments. Micellar dissociation of CCLMs can be induced upon addition of a reducing agent (e.g., dithiothreitol) in dilute aqueous solutions, as verified by a combination of fluorescence spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and (1)H NMR spectroscopic measurement. Doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, can be loaded into the hydrophobic core of CCLMs with a maximal 23% drug loading capacity (DLC) and 37% drug loading efficiency (DLE). In vitro DOX release from the CCLMs can be triggered by DTT (10 mM), in contrast to significantly reduced DOX release in the absence of DTT, attesting to the reductively responsive characteristic of the CCLMs. While the CCLMs exhibited minimal cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cancer cells, DOX-loaded CCLMs inhibited the proliferation of the HepG2 cancer cells in a concentration and time dependent manner, suggesting the controlled release of DOX from the DOX-loaded CCLMS in the cellular environment.

The natural compound cantharidin induces cancer cell death through inhibition of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Bcl-2-associated athanogene domain 3 (BAG3) expression by blocking heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) binding to promoters.

PubMed

Kim, Joo Ae; Kim, Youngmi; Kwon, Byoung-Mog; Han, Dong Cho

2013-10-04

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) enhances the survival of cancer cells under various stresses. The knock-out of HSF1 impairs cancer formation and progression, suggesting that HSF1 is a promising therapeutic target. To identify inhibitors of HSF1 activity, we performed cell-based screening with a library of marketed and experimental drugs and identified cantharidin as an HSF1 inhibitor. Cantharidin is a potent antitumor agent from traditional Chinese medicine. Cantharidin inhibited heat shock-induced luciferase activity with an IC50 of 4.2 μm. In contrast, cantharidin did not inhibit NF-κB luciferase reporter activity, demonstrating that cantharidin is not a general transcription inhibitor. When the HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells were exposed to heat shock in the presence of cantharidin, the induction of HSF1 downstream target proteins, such as HSP70 and BAG3 (Bcl-2-associated athanogene domain 3), was suppressed. HSP70 and its co-chaperone BAG3 have been reported to protect cells from apoptosis by stabilizing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. As expected, treating HCT-116 cancer cells with cantharidin significantly decreased the amounts of BCL-2, BCL-xL, and MCL-1 protein and induced apoptotic cell death. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that cantharidin inhibited the binding of HSF1 to the HSP70 promoter and subsequently blocked HSF1-dependent p-TEFb recruitment. Therefore, the p-TEFb-dependent phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II was blocked, arresting transcription at the elongation step. Protein phosphatase 2A inhibition with PP2CA siRNA or okadaic acid did not block HSF1 activity, suggesting that cantharidin inhibits HSF1 in a protein phosphatase 2A-independent manner. We show for the first time that cantharidin inhibits HSF1 transcriptional activity.

Poster – 41: External marker block placement on the breast or chest wall for left-sided deep inspiration breath-hold radiotherapy

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

Conroy, Leigh; Guebert, Alexandra; Smith, Wendy

Purpose: We investigate DIBH breast radiotherapy using the Real-time Position Management (RPM) system with the marker-block placed on the target breast or chest wall. Methods: We measured surface dose for three different RPM marker-blocks using EBT3 Gafchromic film at 0° and 30° incidence. A registration study was performed to determine the breast surface position that best correlates with overall internal chest wall position. Surface and chest wall contours from MV images of the medial tangent field were extracted for 15 patients. Surface contours were divided into three potential marker-block positions on the breast: Superior, Middle, and Inferior. Translational registration wasmore » used to align the partial contours to the first-fraction contour. Each resultant transformation matrix was applied to the chest wall contour, and the minimum distance between the reference chest wall contour and the transformed chest wall contour was evaluated for each pixel. Results: The measured surface dose for the 2-dot, 6-dot, and 4-dot marker-blocks at 0° incidence were 74%, 71%, and 77% of dose to dmax respectively. At 30° beam incidence this increased to 76%, 72%, and 81%. The best external surface position was patient and fraction dependent, with no consistent best choice. Conclusions: The increase in surface dose directly under the RPM block is approximately equivalent to 3 mm of bolus. No marker-block position on the breast surface was found to be more representative of overall chest wall motion; therefore block positional stability and reproducibility can be used to determine optimal placement on the breast or chest wall.« less

EPA's EnviroAtlas: Identifying Nature's benefits, deficits, and ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Cities, towns, and Tribes rely on clean air, water and other natural resources for public health and well-being. Yet natural infrastructure and its benefits are not always fully understood or considered in local decisions. EnviroAtlas is a free, online, easy-to-use mapping toolkit designed for citizens, analysts, and decision-makers to assess the status of local and regional “green” assets, their relevance to society, current threats, and future opportunities. Research-based maps, analysis tools, and descriptive information address seven environmental benefit categories: - Clean air - Clean and plentiful water - Natural hazard mitigation - Climate stabilization - Recreation, culture, and aesthetics - Food, fuel, and materials - Biodiversity conservation More than 300 datasets for the coterminous U.S. summarize ecosystem processes, stressors, and end users at the spatial scale of sub-watersheds (n = ~90,000). A fine-scale component for selected communities features one-meter resolution landcover data and ~100 “green infrastructure” maps summarized by census block-group. Demographic data and built environment metrics are integrated into some of these maps, and are also provided by block group for overlays and other analyses. Numerous pixel-level maps are available as well. Map layers are consistent across EnviroAtlas communities; 18 of these are currently online, with six communities added annually. EnviroAtlas community maps and information addr

Structure and magnetic properties of Co and Ni nano-ferrites prepared by a two step direct microemulsions synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulišová, P.; Kováč, J.; Voigt, A.; Raschman, P.

2013-09-01

Nano-particles of CoFe2O4, NiFe2O4 and Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 were synthesized by a two step microemulsion precipitation where inverse micelles of water in hexanol were stabilized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis and Transmission electron microscopy measurements provided data to clarify the crystal structure and size of the produced nano-particles. Different measurements of magnetic properties at low temperatures of 2 K revealed that nano-particles of NiFe2O4 represent magnetically soft ferrite with a coercivity ∼40 kA/m, whereas nano-particles of CoFe2O4 and Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 were magnetically harder with a coercivity of 815 and 947 kA/m, respectively. Additionally zero field cooling and field cooling measurements provided data for estimating the blocking temperature of the materials produced. For NiFe2O4 this temperature is lower, 23 K. The blocking temperature of CoFe2O4 of 238 K and Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 of 268 K are higher in comparison with NiFe2O4.

A series of poly(butylimidazolium) ionic liquid functionalized copolymers for anion exchange membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouadah, Amina; Xu, Hulin; Luo, Tianwei; Gao, Shuitao; Wang, Xing; Fang, Zhou; Jing, Chaojun; Zhu, Changjin

2017-12-01

A new series of ionic liquid functionalized copolymers for anion exchange membranes (AEM) is prepared. Poly(butylvinylimidazolium)(b-VIB) is copolymerized with para-methyl styrene (p-MS) by the radical polymerization formed block copolymers b-VIB/p-MS, which is crosslinked with poly(diphenylether bibenzimidazole) (DPEBI) providing the desired materials b-VIB/p-MS/DPEBI. Structures are characterized via H1NMR, FTIR spectra and elemental analysis. The b-VIB blocks offer the anion conduction function while DPEBI moieties contribute to enhancing other properties. The prepared membranes display chloride conductivity as high as 19.5 mS/cm at 25 °C and 69.2 mS/cm at 100 °C-higher than that of the commercial membrane tokuyuama A201-. Their hydroxide conductivity reaches 35.7 Scm-1 at 25 °C and 73.1 Scm-1 at 100 °C. The membranes showed a linear Arrhenius behavior in the anion conduction, low activation energies and distinguished nanophase separation of hydrophilic/hydrophobic regions by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. Thermal investigations using TGA and DSC confirm that the membranes are stable up to 250 °C. Particularly, drastically alkaline stability due to no decrease in the hydroxide conductivity after 168 h of treatment with 2M KOH.

Handling Qualities of Large Rotorcraft in Hover and Low Speed

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

stability derivative terms (e.g., ). These gravitational and inertial Coriolis effects are accounted for separately in the blocks labeled...dynamic effects and output them as part of its linearization routines. Although the analytical process omitted certain effects to make the definition and... Effect of Pilot Longitudinal Position Offset in ACAH ................................................................ 54 Control System Design

Numerical investigation of galloping instabilities in Z-shaped profiles.

PubMed

Gomez, Ignacio; Chavez, Miguel; Alonso, Gustavo; Valero, Eusebio

2014-01-01

Aeroelastic effects are relatively common in the design of modern civil constructions such as office blocks, airport terminal buildings, and factories. Typical flexible structures exposed to the action of wind are shading devices, normally slats or louvers. A typical cross-section for such elements is a Z-shaped profile, made out of a central web and two-side wings. Galloping instabilities are often determined in practice using the Glauert-Den Hartog criterion. This criterion relies on accurate predictions of the dependence of the aerodynamic force coefficients with the angle of attack. The results of a parametric analysis based on a numerical analysis and performed on different Z-shaped louvers to determine translational galloping instability regions are presented in this paper. These numerical analysis results have been validated with a parametric analysis of Z-shaped profiles based on static wind tunnel tests. In order to perform this validation, the DLR TAU Code, which is a standard code within the European aeronautical industry, has been used. This study highlights the focus on the numerical prediction of the effect of galloping, which is shown in a visible way, through stability maps. Comparisons between numerical and experimental data are presented with respect to various meshes and turbulence models.

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in laparoscopic colorectal surgery improves postoperative pain management: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Hain, E; Maggiori, L; Prost À la Denise, J; Panis, Y

2018-04-01

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a locoregional anaesthesia technique of growing interest in abdominal surgery. However, its efficacy following laparoscopic colorectal surgery is still debated. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of TAP block after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. All comparative studies focusing on TAP block after laparoscopic colorectal surgery have been systematically identified through the MEDLINE database, reviewed and included. Meta-analysis was performed according to the Mantel-Haenszel method for random effects. End-points included postoperative opioid consumption, morbidity, time to first bowel movement and length of hospital stay. A total of 13 studies, including 7 randomized controlled trials, were included, comprising a total of 600 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with TAP block, compared with 762 patients without TAP block. Meta-analysis of these studies showed that TAP block was associated with a significantly reduced postoperative opioid consumption on the first day after surgery [weighted mean difference (WMD) -14.54 (-25.14; -3.94); P = 0.007] and a significantly shorter time to first bowel movement [WMD -0.53 (-0.61; -0.44); P < 0.001] but failed to show any impact on length of hospital stay [WMD -0.32 (-0.83; 0.20); P = 0.23] although no study considered length of stay as its primary outcome. Finally, TAP block was not associated with a significant increase in the postoperative overall complication rate [OR = 0.84 (0.62-1.14); P = 0.27]. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in laparoscopic colorectal surgery improves postoperative opioid consumption and recovery of postoperative digestive function without any significant drawback. Colorectal Disease © 2018 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

Organic electronic devices using phthalimide compounds

DOEpatents

Hassan, Azad M.; Thompson, Mark E.

2010-09-07

Organic electronic devices comprising a phthalimide compound. The phthalimide compounds disclosed herein are electron transporters with large HOMO-LUMO gaps, high triplet energies, large reduction potentials, and/or thermal and chemical stability. As such, these phthalimide compounds are suitable for use in any of various organic electronic devices, such as OLEDs and solar cells. In an OLED, the phthalimide compounds may serve various functions, such as a host in the emissive layer, as a hole blocking material, or as an electron transport material. In a solar cell, the phthalimide compounds may serve various functions, such as an exciton blocking material. Various examples of phthalimide compounds which may be suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed.

Organic electronic devices using phthalimide compounds

DOEpatents

Hassan, Azad M.; Thompson, Mark E.

2012-10-23

Organic electronic devices comprising a phthalimide compound. The phthalimide compounds disclosed herein are electron transporters with large HOMO-LUMO gaps, high triplet energies, large reduction potentials, and/or thermal and chemical stability. As such, these phthalimide compounds are suitable for use in any of various organic electronic devices, such as OLEDs and solar cells. In an OLED, the phthalimide compounds may serve various functions, such as a host in the emissive layer, as a hole blocking material, or as an electron transport material. In a solar cell, the phthalimide compounds may serve various functions, such as an exciton blocking material. Various examples of phthalimide compounds which may be suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed.

Organic electronic devices using phthalimide compounds

DOEpatents

Hassan, Azad M.; Thompson, Mark E.

2013-03-19

Organic electronic devices comprising a phthalimide compound. The phthalimide compounds disclosed herein are electron transporters with large HOMO-LUMO gaps, high triplet energies, large reduction potentials, and/or thermal and chemical stability. As such, these phthalimide compounds are suitable for use in any of various organic electronic devices, such as OLEDs and solar cells. In an OLED, the phthalimide compounds may serve various functions, such as a host in the emissive layer, as a hole blocking material, or as an electron transport material. In a solar cell, the phthalimide compounds may serve various functions, such as an exciton blocking material. Various examples of phthalimide compounds which may be suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed.

Analysis and design of a standardized control module for switching regulators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, F. C.; Mahmoud, M. F.; Yu, Y.; Kolecki, J. C.

1982-07-01

Three basic switching regulators: buck, boost, and buck/boost, employing a multiloop standardized control module (SCM) were characterized by a common small signal block diagram. Employing the unified model, regulator performances such as stability, audiosusceptibility, output impedance, and step load transient are analyzed and key performance indexes are expressed in simple analytical forms. More importantly, the performance characteristics of all three regulators are shown to enjoy common properties due to the unique SCM control scheme which nullifies the positive zero and provides adaptive compensation to the moving poles of the boost and buck/boost converters. This allows a simple unified design procedure to be devised for selecting the key SCM control parameters for an arbitrarily given power stage configuration and parameter values, such that all regulator performance specifications can be met and optimized concurrently in a single design attempt.

Geochemistry of Precambrian carbonates - 3-shelf seas and non-marine environments of the Archean

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Veizer, Jan; Clayton, R. N.; Hinton, R. W.; Von Brunn, Victor; Mason, T. R.

1990-01-01

Samples from the Pangola and Ventersdorp Supergroups (Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa) and from the Fortescue and Hamersley Groups (Pilbara Block, Australia) were analyzed, using XRF, AAS, and isotope-analysis techniques to investigate the mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic features of these representatives of contemporary shelf carbonates (Pangola and Hamersley samples) and nonmarine carbonates (the Ventersdorp and Fortescue samples). Results show that, mineralogically, the shelf carbonates are almost exclusively dolostones, while the lacustrine facies are predominantly limestones. Geological, trace-element, and oxygen-isotope results of the shelf carbonates suggest that their original mineralogy may have been aragonite, and that the Pangola dolostones may represent a direct dolomitization product of this precursor. By contrast, the stabilization of the Hamersley carbonates may have involved an additional step of transformation of a metastable precursor into limestone.

Performance analysis of a generalized upset detection procedure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blough, Douglas M.; Masson, Gerald M.

1987-01-01

A general procedure for upset detection in complex systems, called the data block capture and analysis upset monitoring process is described and analyzed. The process consists of repeatedly recording a fixed amount of data from a set of predetermined observation lines of the system being monitored (i.e., capturing a block of data), and then analyzing the captured block in an attempt to determine whether the system is functioning correctly. The algorithm which analyzes the data blocks can be characterized in terms of the amount of time it requires to examine a given length data block to ascertain the existence of features/conditions that have been predetermined to characterize the upset-free behavior of the system. The performance of linear, quadratic, and logarithmic data analysis algorithms is rigorously characterized in terms of three performance measures: (1) the probability of correctly detecting an upset; (2) the expected number of false alarms; and (3) the expected latency in detecting upsets.

An Analysis of Instruction-Cached SIMD Computer Architecture

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

ASSEBLE SIMULATE SCHEDULE VERIFY :t og ... . .. ... V~JSRUCTONSFOR PECIIEDCOMPARE ASSEMBLEI SIMULATE Ift*U1II ~ ~ SCHEDULEIinw ;. & VERIFY...Cache to Place Blocks ................. 70 4.5.4 Step 4: Schedule Cache Blocks ............................. 70 4.5.5 Step 5: Store Cache Blocks...167 B.4 Scheduler .............................................. 167 B.4.1 Basic Block Definition

Statistical Analysis of the Links between Blocking and Nor'easters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booth, J. F.; Pfahl, S.

2015-12-01

Nor'easters can be loosely defined as extratropical cyclones that develop as they progress northward along the eastern coast of North America. The path makes it possible for these storms to generate storm surge along the coastline and/or heavy precipitation or snow inland. In the present analysis, the path of the storms is investigated relative to the behavior of upstream blocking events over the North Atlantic Ocean. For this analysis, two separate Lagrangian tracking methods are used to identify the extratropical cyclone paths and the blocking events. Using the cyclone paths, Nor'easters are identified and blocking statistics are calculated for the days prior to, during and following the occurrence of the Nor'easters. The path, strength and intensification rates of the cyclones are compared with the strength and location of the blocks. In the event that a Nor'easter occurs, the likelihood of the presence of block at the southeast tip of Greenland is statistically significantly increased, i.e., the presence of a block concurrent with a Nor'easter happens more often than by random coincidence. However no significant link between the strength of the storms and the strength of the block is identified. These results suggest that the presence of the block mainly affects the path of the Nor'easters. On the other hand, in the event of blocking at the southeast tip of Greenland, the likelihood of a Nor'easter, as opposed to a different type of storm is no greater than what one might expect from randomly sampling cyclone tracks. The results confirm a long held understanding in forecast meteorology that upstream blocking is a necessary but not sufficient condition for generating a Nor'easter.

Theoretical study on stabilization mechanisms of nitrate esters using aromatic amines as stabilizers.

PubMed

Sun, Zhi-Dan; Fu, Xiao-Long; Yu, Hong-Jian; Fan, Xue-Zhong; Ju, Xue-Hai

2017-10-05

The propellants of nitrate esters can be stabilized by some aromatic amines practically. To probe the mechanism of this phenomenon, we performed DFT calculations on: (1) The decompositions of nitrate esters (with and without the catalysis of NO 2 ) and (2) the reaction between the stabilizers and the nitro dioxide (NO 2 is released during the storage of nitrate esters). The structures on the reaction paths (reactants, intermediates and products) were optimized at the (U)B3LYP/6-31G** level. It was shown that NO 2 lowers the activation energy barrier in the decomposition of nitrate ester by 11.82-17.86kJ/mol and efficiently catalyzes the rupture of ONO 2 bond. However, the aromatic amines, typical stabilizers for nitrate esters, can easily eliminate NO 2 with activation barriers as low as 27-113kJ/mol (with one exception of 128kJ/mol). These values are, for most cases, lower or much lower than the activation energy barriers for reactions between nitrate esters and NO 2 (127-137kJ/mol). Consequently, the stabilizers can block the NO 2 catalysis for the decompositions of nitrate esters. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tracing regulatory routes in metabolism using generalised supply-demand analysis.

PubMed

Christensen, Carl D; Hofmeyr, Jan-Hendrik S; Rohwer, Johann M

2015-12-03

Generalised supply-demand analysis is a conceptual framework that views metabolism as a molecular economy. Metabolic pathways are partitioned into so-called supply and demand blocks that produce and consume a particular intermediate metabolite. By studying the response of these reaction blocks to perturbations in the concentration of the linking metabolite, different regulatory routes of interaction between the metabolite and its supply and demand blocks can be identified and their contribution quantified. These responses are mediated not only through direct substrate/product interactions, but also through allosteric effects. Here we subject previously published kinetic models of pyruvate metabolism in Lactococcus lactis and aspartate-derived amino acid synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana to generalised supply-demand analysis. Multiple routes of regulation are brought about by different mechanisms in each model, leading to behavioural and regulatory patterns that are generally difficult to predict from simple inspection of the reaction networks depicting the models. In the pyruvate model the moiety-conserved cycles of ATP/ADP and NADH/NAD(+) allow otherwise independent metabolic branches to communicate. This causes the flux of one ATP-producing reaction block to increase in response to an increasing ATP/ADP ratio, while an NADH-consuming block flux decreases in response to an increasing NADH/NAD(+) ratio for certain ratio value ranges. In the aspartate model, aspartate semialdehyde can inhibit its supply block directly or by increasing the concentration of two amino acids (Lys and Thr) that occur as intermediates in demand blocks and act as allosteric inhibitors of isoenzymes in the supply block. These different routes of interaction from aspartate semialdehyde are each seen to contribute differently to the regulation of the aspartate semialdehyde supply block. Indirect routes of regulation between a metabolic intermediate and a reaction block that either produces or consumes this intermediate can play a much larger regulatory role than routes mediated through direct interactions. These indirect routes of regulation can also result in counter-intuitive metabolic behaviour. Performing generalised supply-demand analysis on two previously published models demonstrated the utility of this method as an entry point in the analysis of metabolic behaviour and the potential for obtaining novel results from previously analysed models by using new approaches.

Output Feedback Stabilization for a Class of Multi-Variable Bilinear Stochastic Systems with Stochastic Coupling Attenuation

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

Zhang, Qichun; Zhou, Jinglin; Wang, Hong

In this paper, stochastic coupling attenuation is investigated for a class of multi-variable bilinear stochastic systems and a novel output feedback m-block backstepping controller with linear estimator is designed, where gradient descent optimization is used to tune the design parameters of the controller. It has been shown that the trajectories of the closed-loop stochastic systems are bounded in probability sense and the stochastic coupling of the system outputs can be effectively attenuated by the proposed control algorithm. Moreover, the stability of the stochastic systems is analyzed and the effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated using a simulated example.

Reoperative surgical stabilization of a painful nonunited rib fracture using bone grafting and a metal plate.

PubMed

Cho, Yang Hyun; Kim, Hyun Koo; Kang, Du-Young; Choi, Young Ho

2009-09-01

We report a case of a nonunited sixth rib in a patient with multiple rib fractures who underwent internal fixation using a wire and Judet strut 3 times. During the following 3 years, the patient continued to complain of pain and instability. At surgery, a pseudarthrosis between the ends of the sixth rib was excised. A longitudinal gutter crossing the fracture site was fashioned and splinted with an inlay block of cancellous bone grafted from the iliac crest; stabilization was accomplished with a reconstruction plate and screws. The following 2 years of follow-up demonstrated no instability or pain.

Liposomal bupivacaine versus interscalene nerve block for pain control after shoulder arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Yan, Zeng; Chen, Zong; Ma, Chuangen

2017-07-01

Postoperative pain control after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can be challenging. Liposomal bupivacaine and interscalene nerve block are 2 common pain control protocol for TSA patients. However, whether liposomal bupivacaine was superior than interscalene nerve block was unknown. This meta-analysis aimed to illustrate the efficacy liposomal bupivacaine versus interscalene nerve block for pain control in patients undergoing TSA. In May 2017, a systematic computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google database. Data on patients prepared for TSA in studies that compared liposomal bupivacaine versus interscalene nerve block were retrieved. The endpoints were the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 2 weeks, total morphine consumption at 24 hours, and the length of hospital stay. Software of Stata 12.0 was used for pooling the final outcomes. Five clinical studies with 573 patients (liposomal bupivacaine group = 239, interscalene nerve block group = 334) were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the VAS at 4 hours, 8 hours, and 2 weeks between liposomal bupivacaine group and interscalene nerve block group (P > .05). Compared with interscalene nerve block group, liposomal bupivacaine was associated with a reduction of VAS score at 12 hours, 24 hours by appropriately 3.31 points and 6.42 points respectively on a 100-point VAS. Furthermore, liposomal bupivacaine was associated with a significantly reduction of the length of hospital stay by appropriately by 0.16 days compared with interscalene nerve block group. Current meta-analysis indicates that compared with interscalene nerve block, liposomal bupivacaine had comparative effectiveness on reducing both pain scores and the length of hospital stay. However, studies with more patients and better-designed methods are needed to establish the optimal regimen and the safety of liposomal bupivacaine in TSA patients.

The Structure of the Onega Downthrown Block and Adjacent Geological Objects According to the Microseismic Sounding Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danilov, Konstantin B.

2017-07-01

The geological structure of the major part of the Arkhangelsk region in the North-West Russia has been poorly studied. In the present work, the microseismic sounding method was, for the first time, used to carry out a detailed geological-geophysical survey in the region. The particles motion study confirmed the results of mathematical modeling of the smallest imaged heterogeneity and resolution of the method. The microseism stability study allowed to determine the amount of error of the microseismic sounding method which is 1-2 dB. Two geophysical cross sections of the north-eastern and south-western boundaries of the Onega downthrown block were studied. The method was shown to allow obtaining seismic images with a high precision in the horizontal direction at relatively low costs in terms of time and finances. The obtained data provided additional information about the structure of the crust, which was consistent with the known geological and geophysical information for the surveyed area. Based on the data, it was concluded that the main reasons of the dissonance of geological information were most likely the division of the downthrown block into the northern and southern blocks and horizontal displacement of the layer to the North at a depth ranging from 3 to 5 km. It was suggested that the most active tectonic processes, including eruptions of ancient volcanoes, occurred in the northern block. Two benches at the studied downthrown block were allocated at the depths of 5 and 10 km.

Development of an acoustic measurement protocol to monitor acetabular implant fixation in cementless total hip Arthroplasty: A preliminary study.

PubMed

Goossens, Quentin; Leuridan, Steven; Henyš, Petr; Roosen, Jorg; Pastrav, Leonard; Mulier, Michiel; Desmet, Wim; Denis, Kathleen; Vander Sloten, Jos

2017-11-01

In cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), the initial stability is obtained by press-fitting the implant in the bone to allow osseointegration for a long term secondary stability. However, finding the insertion endpoint that corresponds to a proper initial stability is currently based on the tactile and auditory experiences of the orthopedic surgeon, which can be challenging. This study presents a novel real-time method based on acoustic signals to monitor the acetabular implant fixation in cementless total hip arthroplasty. Twelve acoustic in vitro experiments were performed on three types of bone models; a simple bone block model, an artificial pelvic model and a cadaveric model. A custom made beam was screwed onto the implant which functioned as a sound enhancer and insertor. At each insertion step an acoustic measurement was performed. A significant acoustic resonance frequency shift was observed during the insertion process for the different bone models; 250 Hz (35%, second bending mode) to 180 Hz (13%, fourth bending mode) for the artificial bone block models and 120 Hz (11%, eighth bending mode) for the artificial pelvis model. No significant frequency shift was observed during the cadaveric experiment due to a lack of implant fixation in this model. This novel diagnostic method shows the potential of using acoustic signals to monitor the implant seating during insertion. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure-based design of novel naproxen derivatives targeting monomeric nucleoprotein of Influenza A virus

PubMed Central

Tarus, Bogdan; Bertrand, Hélène; Zedda, Gloria; Di Primo, Carmelo; Quideau, Stéphane; Slama-Schwok, Anny

2015-01-01

The nucleoprotein (NP) binds the viral RNA genome as oligomers assembled with the polymerase in a ribonucleoprotein complex required for transcription and replication of influenza A virus. Novel antiviral candidates targeting the nucleoprotein either induced higher order oligomers or reduced NP oligomerization by targeting the oligomerization loop and blocking its insertion into adjacent nucleoprotein subunit. In this study, we used a different structure-based approach to stabilize monomers of the nucleoprotein by drugs binding in its RNA-binding groove. We recently identified naproxen as a drug competing with RNA binding to NP with antiinflammatory and antiviral effects against influenza A virus. Here, we designed novel derivatives of naproxen by fragment extension for improved binding to NP. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that among these derivatives, naproxen A and C0 were most promising. Their chemical synthesis is described. Both derivatives markedly stabilized NP monomer against thermal denaturation. Naproxen C0 bound tighter to NP than naproxen at a binding site predicted by MD simulations and shown by competition experiments using wt NP or single-point mutants as determined by surface plasmon resonance. MD simulations suggested that impeded oligomerization and stabilization of monomeric NP is likely to be achieved by drugs binding in the RNA grove and inducing close to their binding site conformational changes of key residues hosting the oligomerization loop as observed for the naproxen derivatives. Naproxen C0 is a potential antiviral candidate blocking influenza nucleoprotein function. PMID:25333630

Structure-based design of novel naproxen derivatives targeting monomeric nucleoprotein of Influenza A virus.

PubMed

Tarus, Bogdan; Bertrand, Hélène; Zedda, Gloria; Di Primo, Carmelo; Quideau, Stéphane; Slama-Schwok, Anny

2015-09-01

The nucleoprotein (NP) binds the viral RNA genome as oligomers assembled with the polymerase in a ribonucleoprotein complex required for transcription and replication of influenza A virus. Novel antiviral candidates targeting the nucleoprotein either induced higher order oligomers or reduced NP oligomerization by targeting the oligomerization loop and blocking its insertion into adjacent nucleoprotein subunit. In this study, we used a different structure-based approach to stabilize monomers of the nucleoprotein by drugs binding in its RNA-binding groove. We recently identified naproxen as a drug competing with RNA binding to NP with antiinflammatory and antiviral effects against influenza A virus. Here, we designed novel derivatives of naproxen by fragment extension for improved binding to NP. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that among these derivatives, naproxen A and C0 were most promising. Their chemical synthesis is described. Both derivatives markedly stabilized NP monomer against thermal denaturation. Naproxen C0 bound tighter to NP than naproxen at a binding site predicted by MD simulations and shown by competition experiments using wt NP or single-point mutants as determined by surface plasmon resonance. MD simulations suggested that impeded oligomerization and stabilization of monomeric NP is likely to be achieved by drugs binding in the RNA grove and inducing close to their binding site conformational changes of key residues hosting the oligomerization loop as observed for the naproxen derivatives. Naproxen C0 is a potential antiviral candidate blocking influenza nucleoprotein function.

In What Ways Do Synthetic Nucleotides and Natural Base Lesions Alter the Structural Stability of G-Quadruplex Nucleic Acids?

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Synthetic analogs of natural nucleotides have long been utilized for structural studies of canonical and noncanonical nucleic acids, including the extensively investigated polymorphic G-quadruplexes (GQs). Dependence on the sequence and nucleotide modifications of the folding landscape of GQs has been reviewed by several recent studies. Here, an overview is compiled on the thermodynamic stability of the modified GQ folds and on how the stereochemical preferences of more than 70 synthetic and natural derivatives of nucleotides substituting for natural ones determine the stability as well as the conformation. Groups of nucleotide analogs only stabilize or only destabilize the GQ, while the majority of analogs alter the GQ stability in both ways. This depends on the preferred syn or anti N-glycosidic linkage of the modified building blocks, the position of substitution, and the folding architecture of the native GQ. Natural base lesions and epigenetic modifications of GQs explored so far also stabilize or destabilize the GQ assemblies. Learning the effect of synthetic nucleotide analogs on the stability of GQs can assist in engineering a required stable GQ topology, and exploring the in vitro action of the single and clustered natural base damage on GQ architectures may provide indications for the cellular events. PMID:29181193

The Lyapunov-Krasovskii theorem and a sufficient criterion for local stability of isochronal synchronization in networks of delay-coupled oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grzybowski, J. M. V.; Macau, E. E. N.; Yoneyama, T.

2017-05-01

This paper presents a self-contained framework for the stability assessment of isochronal synchronization in networks of chaotic and limit-cycle oscillators. The results were based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii theorem and they establish a sufficient condition for local synchronization stability of as a function of the system and network parameters. With this in mind, a network of mutually delay-coupled oscillators subject to direct self-coupling is considered and then the resulting error equations are block-diagonalized for the purpose of studying their stability. These error equations are evaluated by means of analytical stability results derived from the Lyapunov-Krasovskii theorem. The proposed approach is shown to be a feasible option for the investigation of local stability of isochronal synchronization for a variety of oscillators coupled through linear functions of the state variables under a given undirected graph structure. This ultimately permits the systematic identification of stability regions within the high-dimensionality of the network parameter space. Examples of applications of the results to a number of networks of delay-coupled chaotic and limit-cycle oscillators are provided, such as Lorenz, Rössler, Cubic Chua's circuit, Van der Pol oscillator and the Hindmarsh-Rose neuron.

Critical Nucleation Length for Accelerating Frictional Slip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldam, Michael; Weikamp, Marc; Spatschek, Robert; Brener, Efim A.; Bouchbinder, Eran

2017-11-01

The spontaneous nucleation of accelerating slip along slowly driven frictional interfaces is central to a broad range of geophysical, physical, and engineering systems, with particularly far-reaching implications for earthquake physics. A common approach to this problem associates nucleation with an instability of an expanding creep patch upon surpassing a critical length Lc. The critical nucleation length Lc is conventionally obtained from a spring-block linear stability analysis extended to interfaces separating elastically deformable bodies using model-dependent fracture mechanics estimates. We propose an alternative approach in which the critical nucleation length is obtained from a related linear stability analysis of homogeneous sliding along interfaces separating elastically deformable bodies. For elastically identical half-spaces and rate-and-state friction, the two approaches are shown to yield Lc that features the same scaling structure, but with substantially different numerical prefactors, resulting in a significantly larger Lc in our approach. The proposed approach is also shown to be naturally applicable to finite-size systems and bimaterial interfaces, for which various analytic results are derived. To quantitatively test the proposed approach, we performed inertial Finite-Element-Method calculations for a finite-size two-dimensional elastically deformable body in rate-and-state frictional contact with a rigid body under sideway loading. We show that the theoretically predicted Lc and its finite-size dependence are in reasonably good quantitative agreement with the full numerical solutions, lending support to the proposed approach. These results offer a theoretical framework for predicting rapid slip nucleation along frictional interfaces.

Analysis of a Split-Plot Experimental Design Applied to a Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erickson, Gary E.

2013-01-01

A procedure to analyze a split-plot experimental design featuring two input factors, two levels of randomization, and two error structures in a low-speed wind tunnel investigation of a small-scale model of a fighter airplane configuration is described in this report. Standard commercially-available statistical software was used to analyze the test results obtained in a randomization-restricted environment often encountered in wind tunnel testing. The input factors were differential horizontal stabilizer incidence and the angle of attack. The response variables were the aerodynamic coefficients of lift, drag, and pitching moment. Using split-plot terminology, the whole plot, or difficult-to-change, factor was the differential horizontal stabilizer incidence, and the subplot, or easy-to-change, factor was the angle of attack. The whole plot and subplot factors were both tested at three levels. Degrees of freedom for the whole plot error were provided by replication in the form of three blocks, or replicates, which were intended to simulate three consecutive days of wind tunnel facility operation. The analysis was conducted in three stages, which yielded the estimated mean squares, multiple regression function coefficients, and corresponding tests of significance for all individual terms at the whole plot and subplot levels for the three aerodynamic response variables. The estimated regression functions included main effects and two-factor interaction for the lift coefficient, main effects, two-factor interaction, and quadratic effects for the drag coefficient, and only main effects for the pitching moment coefficient.

Click chemistry approach to conventional vegetable tanning process: accelerated method with improved organoleptic properties.

PubMed

Krishnamoorthy, Ganesan; Ramamurthy, Govindaswamy; Sadulla, Sayeed; Sastry, Thotapalli Parvathaleswara; Mandal, Asit Baran

2014-09-01

Click chemistry approaches are tailored to generate molecular building blocks quickly and reliably by joining small units together selectively and covalently, stably and irreversibly. The vegetable tannins such as hydrolyzable and condensed tannins are capable to produce rather stable radicals or inhibit the progress of radicals and are prone to oxidations such as photo and auto-oxidation, and their anti-oxidant nature is well known. A lot remains to be done to understand the extent of the variation of leather stability, color variation (lightening and darkening reaction of leather), and poor resistance to water uptake for prolonged periods. In the present study, we have reported click chemistry approaches to accelerated vegetable tanning processes based on periodates catalyzed formation of oxidized hydrolysable and condensed tannins for high exhaustion with improved properties. The distribution of oxidized vegetable tannin, the thermal stability such as shrinkage temperature (T s) and denaturation temperature (T d), resistance to collagenolytic activities, and organoleptic properties of tanned leather as well as the evaluations of eco-friendly characteristics were investigated. Scanning electron microscopic analysis indicates the cross section of tightness of the leather. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis shows that the T d of leather is more than that of vegetable tanned or equal to aldehyde tanned one. The leathers exhibited fullness, softness, good color, and general appearance when compared to non-oxidized vegetable tannin. The developed process benefits from significant reduction in total solids and better biodegradability in the effluent, compared to non-oxidized vegetable tannins.

Structure-directing star-shaped block copolymers: supramolecular vesicles for the delivery of anticancer drugs.

PubMed

Yang, Chuan; Liu, Shao Qiong; Venkataraman, Shrinivas; Gao, Shu Jun; Ke, Xiyu; Chia, Xin Tian; Hedrick, James L; Yang, Yi Yan

2015-06-28

Amphiphilic polycarbonate/PEG copolymer with a star-like architecture was designed to facilitate a unique supramolecular transformation of micelles to vesicles in aqueous solution for the efficient delivery of anticancer drugs. The star-shaped amphipilic block copolymer was synthesized by initiating the ring-opening polymerization of trimethylene carbonate (TMC) from methyl cholate through a combination of metal-free organo-catalytic living ring-opening polymerization and post-polymerization chain-end derivatization strategies. Subsequently, the self-assembly of the star-like polymer in aqueous solution into nanosized vesicles for anti-cancer drug delivery was studied. DOX was physically encapsulated into vesicles by dialysis and drug loading level was significant (22.5% in weight) for DOX. Importantly, DOX-loaded nanoparticles self-assembled from the star-like copolymer exhibited greater kinetic stability and higher DOX loading capacity than micelles prepared from cholesterol-initiated diblock analogue. The advantageous disparity is believed to be due to the transformation of micelles (diblock copolymer) to vesicles (star-like block copolymer) that possess greater core space for drug loading as well as the ability of such supramolecular structures to encapsulate DOX. DOX-loaded vesicles effectively inhibited the proliferation of 4T1, MDA-MB-231 and BT-474 cells, with IC50 values of 10, 1.5 and 1.0mg/L, respectively. DOX-loaded vesicles injected into 4T1 tumor-bearing mice exhibited enhanced accumulation in tumor tissue due to the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. Importantly, DOX-loaded vesicles demonstrated greater tumor growth inhibition than free DOX without causing significant body weight loss or cardiotoxicity. The unique ability of the star-like copolymer emanating from the methyl cholate core provided the requisite modification in the block copolymer interfacial curvature to generate vesicles of high loading capacity for DOX with significant kinetic stability that have potential for use as an anti-cancer drug delivery carrier for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

How Properties of Kenaf Fibers from Burkina Faso Contribute to the Reinforcement of Earth Blocks

PubMed Central

Millogo, Younoussa; Aubert, Jean-Emmanuel; Hamard, Erwan; Morel, Jean-Claude

2015-01-01

Physicochemical characteristics of Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) fibers from Burkina Faso were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), chemical analysis and video microscopy. Kenaf fibers (3 cm long) were used to reinforce earth blocks, and the mechanical properties of reinforced blocks, with fiber contents ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 wt%, were investigated. The fibers were mainly composed of cellulose type I (70.4 wt%), hemicelluloses (18.9 wt%) and lignin (3 wt%) and were characterized by high tensile strength (1 ± 0.25 GPa) and Young’s modulus (136 ± 25 GPa), linked to their high cellulose content. The incorporation of short fibers of kenaf reduced the propagation of cracks in the blocks, through the good adherence of fibers to the clay matrix, and therefore improved their mechanical properties. Fiber incorporation was particularly beneficial for the bending strength of earth blocks because it reinforces these blocks after the failure of soil matrix observed for unreinforced blocks. Blocks reinforced with such fibers had a ductile tensile behavior that made them better building materials for masonry structures than unreinforced blocks.

Length variation and sequence divergence in mitochondrial control region of Schizothoracine (Teleostei: Cyperinidae) species.

PubMed

Syed, Mudasir Ahmad; Bhat, Farooz Ahmad; Balkhi, Masood-ul Hassan; Bhat, Bilal Ahmad

2016-01-01

Schizothoracine fish commonly called snow trouts inhibit the entire network of snow and spring fed cool waters of Kashmir, India. Over 10 species reported earlier, only five species have been found, these include Schizothorax niger, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax plagiostomus, Schizothorax curvifrons and Schizothorax labiatus. The relationship between these species is contradicting. To understand the evolutionary relation of these species, we examined the sequence information of mitochondrial D-loop of 25 individuals representing five species. Sequence alignment showed D-loop region highly variable and length variation was observed in di-nucleotide (TA)n microsatellite between and within species. Interestingly, all these species have (TA)n microsatellite not associated with longer tandem repeats at the 3' end of the mitochondrial control region and do not show heteroplasmy. Our analysis also indicates the presence of four conserved sequence blocks (CSB), CSB-D, CSB-1, CSB-II and CSB-III, four (Termination Associated Sequence) TAS motifs and 15bp pyrimidine block within the mitochondrial control region, that are highly conserved within genus Schizothorax when compared with other species. The phylogenetic analysis carried by Maximum likelihood (ML), Neighbor Joining (NJ) and Bayesian inference (BI) generated almost identical results. The resultant BI tree showed a close genetic relationship of all the five species and supports two distinct grouping of S. esocinus species. Besides the species relation, the presence of length variation in tandem repeats is attributed to differences in predicting the stability of secondary structures. The role of CSBs and TASs, reported so far as main regulatory signals, would explain the conservation of these elements in evolution.

Effect of Locally Administered Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvant to Levobupivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: Double-blind Controlled Study.

PubMed

Bisui, Bikash; Samanta, Swastika; Ghoshmaulik, Sumanta; Banerjee, Amit; Ghosh, Tirtha R; Sarkar, Suman

2017-01-01

Brachial plexus block is effective with good postoperative analgesia in upper limb surgery has gained importance as it safe, low cost, and maintains stable hemodynamics intraoperatively. To decrease the onset time and prolong the duration of nerve block bicarbonate, opioids (morphine, fentanyl, etc.), sympathomimetic agents (epinephrine, phenylephrine, etc.), α-2 agonists (clonidine and dexmedetomidine), calcium channel blocker (verapamil), magnesium sulfate, etc., were studied with local anesthetics and their isomers. For their sedative, analgesic, perioperative sympatholytic, and cardiovascular stabilizing effects with reduced anesthetic requirements, α-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, such as more potent and highly selective dexmedetomidine, have been the focus of interest for regional anesthesia. Intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion resulted in significant opioid-sparing effects as well as a decrease in inhalational anesthetic requirements. Animal studies proved that dexmedetomidine enhances sensory and motor blockade along with increased duration of analgesia. In humans, dexmedetomidine has also shown to prolong the duration of block and postoperative analgesia when added to local anesthetic in various regional blocks. Bupivacaine, the widely used local anesthetic in regional anesthesia, is available in a commercial preparation as a racemic mixture (50:50) of its two enantiomers: levobupivacaine, S (-) isomer and dextrobupivacaine, R (+) isomer. Severe central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse reactions reported in the literature after inadvertent intravascular injection or intravenous regional anesthesia have been linked to the R (+) isomer of bupivacaine. The levorotatory isomers were shown to have a safer pharmacological profile with less cardiac and neurotoxic adverse effects. The decreased toxicity of levobupivacaine is attributed to its faster protein binding rate. The pure S (-) enantiomers of bupivacaine, i.e., ropivacaine and levobupivacaine were thus introduced into the clinical anesthesia practice. Such an increased usage mandates the documentation of evidence-based literature with regard to risk and safety concerns as well as clinical issues related to levobupivacaine. This study is designed to assess the efficacy of adding dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine during placement of supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. This prospective observational double-blinded study was conducted over a 1-year period among randomly selected seventy ( n = 35) American Society of Anesthesiologists Classes I and II patients of ages between 18 and 60 years of both sexes scheduled to undergo upper limb surgery. With nerve locator, levobupivacaine (0.5%) 28 ml and 2 ml normal saline for Group L and levobupivacaine (0.5%) 28 ml and 0.75 μg/kg dexmedetomidine made up a solution of 2 ml, for Group D, a total 30 ml will be injected locally, in both the groups. Onset and duration of sensory and motor block will be assessed. One patient in Group L and two patients in Group D failed to achieve block within 30 min. Those three patients were then excluded from the analysis. Hence, the analysis was done by taking 34 patients in Group L and 33 patients in Group D. Onset of sensory and motor block was earlier in Group D (12.03 ± 0.85 and 13.58 ± 0.97) than Group L (14.32 ± 1.15 and 15 ± 0.98), and the difference is statistically significant ( P < 0.0001). Duration of sensory and motor block was longer in Group D (563.94 ± 15.60 and 495.15 ± 10.34) than Group L (368.53 ± 9.89 and 321.47 ± 7.84), and the difference is also statistically significant ( P < 0.0001). Duration of analgesia was longer in Group D (672.12 ± 11.39) than Group L (506.47 ± 9.497), and the difference is statistically significant ( P < 0.0001). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were well maintained within the presumed range of significant variation, i.e., 20% from baseline, though at some point of time, intergroup comparison was statistically significant. Visual analog scale score compared at the time for administration of rescue analgesic between the groups come out to be statistically significant. Addition of 0.75 μg/kg dexmedetomidine to 0.5% levobupivacaine for supraclavicular plexus block shortens sensory and motor block onset time and extends sensory block, motor block, and analgesia duration.

Resilient self-assembling hydrogels from block copolypeptide amphiphiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowak, Andrew Paul

The ability to produce well defined synthetic polypeptides has been greatly improved by the discovery of transition metal species that mediate the controlled polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs). These metal species create a living polymerization system by producing control over chain length, low polydispersities, and the ability to form complex block architectures. We have applied this system to the synthesis of block copolypeptide amphiphiles. Initial block copolymers synthesized were composed of hydrophilic, cationic poly(L-Lysine) combined with hydrophobic, alpha-helical poly(L-Leucine). These Lysine- block-Leucine copolypeptides were found to form stiff, clear hydrogels at low concentration (˜1 wt%) in low ionic strength water. Based on this unexpected result we used the flexibility of our transition metal polymerization chemistry to better understand the nature and mechanisms of gel formation in these materials. Systematic changes to the original Lysine-block-Leucine copolypeptides were made by altering overall chain size, relative block length, polyelectrolyte charge, and hydrophobic secondary structure. Rheological characterization revealed that the strength of these hydrogels was primarily dependent on degree of polymerization, relative block length, and a well ordered secondary structure in the hydrophobic segment. The Lysine-block-Leucine hydrogels were formed by direct addition of water to dry polypeptide material which swelled to homogeneously fill the entire volume of liquid with no special processing. CryoTEM showed a percolating cellular network at ˜100nm that appears to be comprised of both membranes and fibers. Larger length scales studied with Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy revealed a spontaneously formed microporous network with large (˜10mum) water rich voids. These hydrogels also displayed interesting mechanical properties including rapid recovery of solid like behavior after being sheared to a liquid and mechanical stability with increased temperature (˜90°C). The behavior of the Lysine- block-Leucine system with salt was also thoroughly investigated. With proper tuning of the relative block composition it was found that hydrogels could be optimized to possess good solubility and mechanical strength in many useful ionic solutions (˜100--200mM) such as pH buffers and cell culture media.

Electrically and chemically tunable soft-solid block copolymer structural color (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Cheolmin

2016-09-01

1D photonic crystals based on the periodic stacking of two different dielectric layers have been widely studied due to their potential use in low-power reflective mode displays, e-books and sensors, but the fabrication of mechanically flexible polymer structural color (SC) films, with electro-active color switching, remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate free-standing electric field tunable ionic liquid swollen block copolymer films. Placement of a polymer/ionic liquid (IL) film-reservoir adjacent to a self-assembled poly(styrene-block-quaternized 2vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-QP2VP) copolymer SC film allowed the development of R, G and B full-color SC block copolymer films by swelling of the QP2VP domains by the ionic liquid associated with water molecules. The IL-polymer/BCP SC film is mechanically flexible with excellent color stability over several days at ambient conditions. The selective swelling of the QP2VP domains could be controlled by both the ratio of the IL to a polymer in the gel-like IL reservoir layer and by an applied voltage in the range of -3V to +6V using a metal/IL reservoir/SC film/IL reservoir/metal capacitor type device.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block versus Lidocaine Spray to Improve Tolerance in Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

PubMed

Ortega Ramírez, Moisés; Linares Segovia, Benigno; García Cuevas, Marco Antonio; Sánchez Romero, Jorge Luis; Botello Buenrostro, Illich; Amador Licona, Norma; Guízar Mendoza, Juan Manuel; Guerrero Romero, Jesús Francisco; Vázquez Zárate, Víctor Manuel

2013-01-01

Aim of the Study. To compare the effect of glossopharyngeal nerve block with topical anesthesia on the tolerance of patients to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods. We performed a clinical trial in one hundred patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following two groups: (1) treatment with bilateral glossopharyngeal nerve block (GFNB) and intravenous midazolam or (2) treatment with topical anesthetic (TASS) and intravenous midazolam. We evaluated sedation, tolerance to the procedure, hemodynamic stability, and adverse symptoms. Results. We studied 46 men and 54 women, from 17 to 78 years of age. The procedure was reported without discomfort in 48 patients (88%) in the GFNB group and 32 (64%) in the TAAS group; 6 patients (12%) in GFNB group and 18 (36%) in TAAS group reported the procedure as little discomfort (χ (2) = 3.95, P = 0.04). There was no difference in frequency of nausea (4% in both groups) and retching, 4% versus 8% for GFNB and TASS group, respectively (P = 0.55). Conclusions. The use of glossopharyngeal nerve block provides greater comfort and tolerance to the patient undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. It also reduces the need for sedation.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block versus Lidocaine Spray to Improve Tolerance in Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

PubMed Central

Ortega Ramírez, Moisés; Linares Segovia, Benigno; García Cuevas, Marco Antonio; Sánchez Romero, Jorge Luis; Botello Buenrostro, Illich; Amador Licona, Norma; Guízar Mendoza, Juan Manuel; Guerrero Romero, Jesús Francisco; Vázquez Zárate, Víctor Manuel

2013-01-01

Aim of the Study. To compare the effect of glossopharyngeal nerve block with topical anesthesia on the tolerance of patients to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods. We performed a clinical trial in one hundred patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following two groups: (1) treatment with bilateral glossopharyngeal nerve block (GFNB) and intravenous midazolam or (2) treatment with topical anesthetic (TASS) and intravenous midazolam. We evaluated sedation, tolerance to the procedure, hemodynamic stability, and adverse symptoms. Results. We studied 46 men and 54 women, from 17 to 78 years of age. The procedure was reported without discomfort in 48 patients (88%) in the GFNB group and 32 (64%) in the TAAS group; 6 patients (12%) in GFNB group and 18 (36%) in TAAS group reported the procedure as little discomfort (χ 2 = 3.95, P = 0.04). There was no difference in frequency of nausea (4% in both groups) and retching, 4% versus 8% for GFNB and TASS group, respectively (P = 0.55). Conclusions. The use of glossopharyngeal nerve block provides greater comfort and tolerance to the patient undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. It also reduces the need for sedation. PMID:23533386

pH-Dependent, Thermosensitive Polymeric Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery to Solid Tumors

PubMed Central

Chen, Ching-Yi; Kim, Tae Hee; Wu, Wen-Chung; Huang, Chi-Ming; Wei, Hua; Mount, Christopher W.; Tian, Yanqing; Jang, Sei-Hum; Pun, Suzie H.; Jen, Alex K-Y

2013-01-01

Polymeric micelles are promising carriers for anticancer agents due to their small size, ease of assembly, and versatility for functionalization. A current challenge in the use of polymeric micelles is the sensitive balance that must be achieved between stability during prolonged blood circulation and release of active drug at the tumor site. Stimuli-responsive materials provide a mechanism for triggered drug release in the acidic tumor and intracellular microenvironments. In this work, we synthesized a series of dual pH- and temperature-responsive block copolymers containing a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) hydrophobic block with a poly(triethylene glycol) block that were copolymerized with an amino acid-functionalized monomer. The block copolymers formed micellar structures in aqueous solutions. An optimized polymer that was functionalized with 6-aminocaproic acid (ACA) possessed pH-sensitive phase transitions at mildly acidic pH and body temperature. Doxorubicin-loaded micelles formed from these polymers were stable at blood pH (~7.4) and showed increased drug release at acidic pH. In addition, these micelles displayed more potent anti-cancer activity than free doxorubicin when tested in a tumor xenograft model in mice. PMID:23498892

Reliabilities of mental rotation tasks: limits to the assessment of individual differences.

PubMed

Hirschfeld, Gerrit; Thielsch, Meinald T; Zernikow, Boris

2013-01-01

Mental rotation tasks with objects and body parts as targets are widely used in cognitive neuropsychology. Even though these tasks are well established to study between-groups differences, the reliability on an individual level is largely unknown. We present a systematic study on the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of individual differences in mental rotation tasks comparing different target types and orders of presentations. In total n = 99 participants (n = 63 for the retest) completed the mental rotation tasks with hands, feet, faces, and cars as targets. Different target types were presented in either randomly mixed blocks or blocks of homogeneous targets. Across all target types, the consistency (split-half reliability) and stability (test-retest reliabilities) were good or acceptable both for intercepts and slopes. At the level of individual targets, only intercepts showed acceptable reliabilities. Blocked presentations resulted in significantly faster and numerically more consistent and stable responses. Mental rotation tasks-especially in blocked variants-can be used to reliably assess individual differences in global processing speed. However, the assessment of the theoretically important slope parameter for individual targets requires further adaptations to mental rotation tests.

Guiding nanocrystal organization within mesoscale lipid thin-film templates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steer, Dylan; Zhai, You; Oh, Nuri; Shim, Moonsub; Leal, Cecilia

Recently a great deal of interest has been established in the cooperative intermolecular interactions in hard and soft meso-structured composite materials. Much of this research has focused on the effects of nanoparticle incorporation into block copolymers that otherwise self-assemble into periodic mesostructures through microphase separation. Through careful selection of the polymer components the nanoparticles can be directed to also microphase separate and therefore exhibit symmetry induced by the block copolymers. Such systems are promising for enabling the organization of nanoparticle superstructures. Although this is useful in many applications such as in bottom-up assembly of opti-electronic materials, most of these applications would benefit from interplay between structure and dynamics. Much like block-copolymers, lipids can self-assembly into a variety of structures with 1D lamellar, 2D Hexagonal, and 3D cubic symmetry. However, unlike block-copolymers phase stabilization and conversion from one geometry to another happens under a minute. We will show our recent efforts into using lipid thin films to guide the assembly of nanoparticle superstructures resembling those displayed by lipid polymorphs and how they distort lipid equilibrium phase behavior. Funding from the Office of Naval Research.

A novel method to assess primary stability of press-fit acetabular cups.

PubMed

Crosnier, Emilie A; Keogh, Patrick S; Miles, Anthony W

2014-11-01

Initial stability is an essential prerequisite to achieve osseointegration of press-fit acetabular cups in total hip replacements. Most in vitro methods that assess cup stability do not reproduce physiological loading conditions and use simplified acetabular models with a spherical cavity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bone density and acetabular geometry on cup stability using a novel method for measuring acetabular cup micromotion. A press-fit cup was inserted into Sawbones(®) foam blocks having different densities to simulate normal and osteoporotic bone variations and different acetabular geometries. The stability of the cup was assessed in two ways: (a) measurement of micromotion of the cup in 6 degrees of freedom under physiological loading and (b) uniaxial push-out tests. The results indicate that changes in bone substrate density and acetabular geometry affect the stability of press-fit acetabular cups. They also suggest that cups implanted into weaker, for example, osteoporotic, bone are subjected to higher levels of micromotion and are therefore more prone to loosening. The decrease in stability of the cup in the physiological model suggests that using simplified spherical cavities to model the acetabulum over-estimates the initial stability of press-fit cups. This novel testing method should provide the basis for a more representative protocol for future pre-clinical evaluation of new acetabular cup designs. © IMechE 2014.

Ionic Conduction in Nanocrystalline Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-02-10

In the following, we review studies performed films prepared by a polymer precursor process on on stabilized zirconia ceramics with grain sizes alumina ... titania , is reviewed. While it remains too early to make firm conclusions, the following observations are made. Additives which contribute to ion blocking...Keywords: Ionic conductivity; Nanocrystalline; Zirconia; Ceria; Titania ; Defects 1. Introduction tivity by nearly two orders of magnitude [6]. Given the

Factor Stability of Primary Scales of the General Organization Questionnaire

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

leadership , climate , and processes function optimally. The Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness Work Unit re- searches personal, small-group...the Litwin and Stringer (1968) Organizational Climate Questionnaire found a factor structure that was dif- ferent from the a priori structure...number) General Organization Questionnaire (GOQ) Organizational climate Organizational effectiveness 20. ATRACT (Cnm N eriwem7 d Iderntify by block numbst

75 FR 19869 - Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Conflict in Somalia

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-15

... in Somalia, and acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, which have... determine that, among other threats to the peace, security, or stability of Somalia, acts of piracy or armed... order, and to take necessary action to give effect to that determination. Sec. 8. This order is not...

77 FR 29533 - Blocking Property of Persons Threatening the Peace, Security, or Stability of Yemen

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-18

... aspirations of the Yemeni people for change, and by obstructing the political process in Yemen. I further find..., which provides for a peaceful transition of power in Yemen, or that obstruct the political process in... constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other...

25th anniversary article: progress in chemistry and applications of functional indigos for organic electronics.

PubMed

Głowacki, Eric Daniel; Voss, Gundula; Sariciftci, Niyazi Serdar

2013-12-17

Indigo and its derivatives are dyes and pigments with a long and distinguished history in organic chemistry. Recently, applications of this 'old' structure as a functional organic building block for organic electronics applications have renewed interest in these molecules and their remarkable chemical and physical properties. Natural-origin indigos have been processed in fully bio-compatible field effect transistors, operating with ambipolar mobilities up to 0.5 cm(2) /Vs and air-stability. The synthetic derivative isoindigo has emerged as one of the most successful building-blocks for semiconducting polymers for plastic solar cells with efficiencies > 5%. Another isomer of indigo, epindolidione, has also been shown to be one of the best reported organic transistor materials in terms of mobility (∼2 cm(2) /Vs) and stability. This progress report aims to review very recent applications of indigoids in organic electronics, but especially to logically bridge together the hereto independent research directions on indigo, isoindigo, and other materials inspired by historical dye chemistry: a field which was the root of the development of modern chemistry in the first place. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Transforming common III-V/II-VI insulating building blocks into topological heterostructure via the intrinsic electric polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zunger, Alex; Zhang, Xiuwen; Abdalla, Leonardo; Liu, Qihang

Currently known topological insulators (TIs) are limited to narrow gap compounds incorporating heavy elements, thus severely limiting the material pool available for such applications. We show how a heterovalent superlattice made of common semiconductor building blocks can transform its non-TI components into a topological heterostructure. The heterovalent nature of such interfaces sets up, in the absence of interfacial atomic exchange, a natural internal electric field that along with the quantum confinement leads to band inversion, transforming these semiconductors into a topological phase while also forming a giant Rashba spin splitting. We demonstrate this paradigm of designing TIs from ordinary semiconductors via first-principle calculations on III-V/II-VI superlattice InSb/CdTe. We illustrate the relationship between the interfacial stability and the topological transition, finding a ``window of opportunity'' where both conditions can be optimized. This work illustrates the general principles of co-evaluation of TI functionality with thermodynamic stability as a route of identifying realistic combination of common insulators that could produce topological heterostructures. This work was supported by Basic Energy Science, MSE division (Grant DE-FG02-13ER46959).

pH-independent triple-helix formation with 6-oxocytidine as cytidine analogue.

PubMed

Parsch, U; Engels, J W

2000-07-03

The syntheses of six different phosphoramidite building blocks of 6-oxocytosine and 5-allyl-6-oxocytosine as analogues of N(3)-protonated cytosine are described. These compounds have been incorporated into oligonucleotides by standard solid-phase synthesis. Hybridization of 15-mer Hoogsteen strands with target 21-mer duplexes was investigated. Comparison of the triplex-forming abilities of the different building blocks revealed that: i) 5-allyl substitution has a negative influence on triplex stability, ii) a uniform backbone of the Hoogsteen strand stabilizes triplexes relative to mixed backbones; iii) RNA strands with 6-oxocytidine or 5-allyl-6-oxocytidine do not form a triple helix with the DNA target duplex, probably due to backbone torsional constraints; and (iv) a 15-mer DNA sequence with three isolated 2'-deoxy-6-oxocytidines has the highest T(m) of all cytidine analogues investigated in this study. CD experiments provided further evidence for the presence or absence of triplex structures. In the course of these temperature-dependent CD measurements we were able to detect duplex and triplex melting independent from each other at selected wavelengths. This methodology is especially interesting in cases where UV melting curves show only one transition owing to spectral overlap.

α-Defensin HD5 Inhibits Human Papillomavirus 16 Infection via Capsid Stabilization and Redirection to the Lysosome

PubMed Central

Wiens, Mayim E.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT α-Defensins are an important class of abundant innate immune effectors that are potently antiviral against a number of nonenveloped viral pathogens; however, a common mechanism to explain their ability to block infection by these unrelated viruses is lacking. We previously found that human defensin 5 (HD5) blocks a critical host-mediated proteolytic processing step required for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Here, we show that bypassing the requirement for this cleavage failed to abrogate HD5 inhibition. Instead, HD5 altered HPV trafficking in the cell. In the presence of an inhibitory concentration of HD5, HPV was internalized and reached the early endosome. The internalized capsid became permeable to antibodies and proteases; however, HD5 prevented dissociation of the viral capsid from the genome, reduced viral trafficking to the trans-Golgi network, redirected the incoming viral particle to the lysosome, and accelerated the degradation of internalized capsid proteins. This mechanism is equivalent to the mechanism by which HD5 inhibits human adenovirus. Thus, our data support capsid stabilization and redirection to the lysosome during infection as a general antiviral mechanism of α-defensins against nonenveloped viruses. PMID:28119475

Correlation between mechanical properties and retained austenite characteristics in a low-carbon medium manganese alloyed steel plate

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

Chen, Jun, E-mail: cjer19841011@163.com; Lv, Mengyang; Tang, Shuai

2015-08-15

The effects of retained austenite characteristics on tensile properties and low-temperature impact toughness have been investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was found that only part of austenite phase formed during heat treating was left at room temperature. Moreover, the film-like retained austenite is displayed between bcc-martensite laths after heat treating at 600 °C, while the block-form retained austenite with thin hcp-martensite laths is observed after heat treating at 650 °C. It has been demonstrated that the film-like retained austenite possesses relatively high thermal and mechanical stability, and it can greatly improve low-temperature impact toughness,more » but its contribution to strain hardening capacity is limited. However, the block-form retained austenite can greatly enhance ultimate tensile strength and strain hardening capacity, but its contribution to low-temperature impact toughness is poor. - Highlights: • Correlation between retained austenite and impact toughness was elucidated. • The impact toughness is related to mechanical stability of retained austenite. • The effect of retained austenite on tensile and impact properties is inconsistent.« less

Synthesis of non-siliceous mesoporous oxides.

PubMed

Gu, Dong; Schüth, Ferdi

2014-01-07

Mesoporous non-siliceous oxides have attracted great interest due to their unique properties and potential applications. Since the discovery of mesoporous silicates in 1990s, organic-inorganic assembly processes by using surfactants or block copolymers as soft templates have been considered as a feasible path for creating mesopores in metal oxides. However, the harsh sol-gel conditions and low thermal stabilities have limited the expansion of this method to various metal oxide species. Nanocasting, using ordered mesoporous silica or carbon as a hard template, has provided possibilities for preparing novel mesoporous materials with new structures, compositions and high thermal stabilities. This review concerns the synthesis, composition, and parameter control of mesoporous non-siliceous oxides. Four synthesis routes, i.e. soft-templating (surfactants or block copolymers as templates), hard-templating (mesoporous silicas or carbons as sacrificial templates), colloidal crystal templating (3-D ordered colloidal particles as a template), and super lattice routes, are summarized in this review. Mesoporous metal oxides with different compositions have different properties. Non-siliceous mesoporous oxides are comprehensively described, including a discussion of constituting elements, synthesis, and structures. General aspects concerning pore size control, atomic scale crystallinity, and phase control are also reviewed.

BlockLogo: visualization of peptide and sequence motif conservation

PubMed Central

Olsen, Lars Rønn; Kudahl, Ulrich Johan; Simon, Christian; Sun, Jing; Schönbach, Christian; Reinherz, Ellis L.; Zhang, Guang Lan; Brusic, Vladimir

2013-01-01

BlockLogo is a web-server application for visualization of protein and nucleotide fragments, continuous protein sequence motifs, and discontinuous sequence motifs using calculation of block entropy from multiple sequence alignments. The user input consists of a multiple sequence alignment, selection of motif positions, type of sequence, and output format definition. The output has BlockLogo along with the sequence logo, and a table of motif frequencies. We deployed BlockLogo as an online application and have demonstrated its utility through examples that show visualization of T-cell epitopes and B-cell epitopes (both continuous and discontinuous). Our additional example shows a visualization and analysis of structural motifs that determine specificity of peptide binding to HLA-DR molecules. The BlockLogo server also employs selected experimentally validated prediction algorithms to enable on-the-fly prediction of MHC binding affinity to 15 common HLA class I and class II alleles as well as visual analysis of discontinuous epitopes from multiple sequence alignments. It enables the visualization and analysis of structural and functional motifs that are usually described as regular expressions. It provides a compact view of discontinuous motifs composed of distant positions within biological sequences. BlockLogo is available at: http://research4.dfci.harvard.edu/cvc/blocklogo/ and http://methilab.bu.edu/blocklogo/ PMID:24001880

Ion blocking dip shape analysis around a LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalabert, D.; Zaid, H.; Berger, M. H.; Fongkaew, I.; Lambrecht, W. R. L.; Sehirlioglu, A.

2018-05-01

We present an analysis of the widths of the blocking dips obtained in MEIS ion blocking experiments of two LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures differing in their LaAlO3 layer thicknesses. In the LaAlO3 layers, the observed blocking dips are larger than expected. This enlargement is the result of the superposition of individual dips at slightly different angular positions revealing a local disorder in the atomic alignment, i.e., layer buckling. By contrast, in the SrTiO3 substrate, just below the interface, the obtained blocking dips are thinner than expected. This thinning indicates that the blocking atoms stand at a larger distance from the scattering center than expected. This is attributed to an accumulation of Sr vacancies at the layer/substrate interface which induces lattice distortions shifting the atoms off the scattering plane.

Development of zwitterionic sulfobetaine block copolymer conjugation strategies for reduced platelet deposition in respiratory assist devices.

PubMed

Malkin, Alexander D; Ye, Sang-Ho; Lee, Evan J; Yang, Xiguang; Zhu, Yang; Gamble, Lara J; Federspiel, William J; Wagner, William R

2018-02-09

Respiratory assist devices, that utilize ∼2 m 2 of hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) to achieve desired gas transfer rates, have been limited in their adoption due to such blood biocompatibility limitations. This study reports two techniques for the functionalization and subsequent conjugation of zwitterionic sulfobetaine (SB) block copolymers to polymethylpentene (PMP) HFM surfaces with the intention of reducing thrombus formation in respiratory assist devices. Amine or hydroxyl functionalization of PMP HFMs (PMP-A or PMP-H) was accomplished using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The generated functional groups were conjugated to low molecular weight SB block copolymers with N-hydroxysuccinimide ester or siloxane groups (SBNHS or SBNHSi) that were synthesized using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The modified HFMs (PMP-A-SBNHS or PMP-H-SBNHSi) showed 80-95% reduction in platelet deposition from whole ovine blood, stability under the fluid shear of anticipated operating conditions, and uninhibited gas exchange performance relative to non-modified HFMs (PMP-C). Additionally, the functionalization and SBNHSi conjugation technique was shown to reduce platelet deposition on polycarbonate and poly(vinyl chloride), two other materials commonly found in extracorporeal circuits. The observed thromboresistance and stability of the SB modified surfaces, without degradation of HFM gas transfer performance, indicate that this approach is promising for longer term pre-clinical testing in respiratory assist devices and may ultimately allow for the reduction of anticoagulation levels in patients being supported for extended periods. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of applying nerve blocks to prevent postherpetic neuralgia in patients with acute herpes zoster: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyun Jung; Ahn, Hyeong Sik; Lee, Jae Young; Choi, Seong Soo; Cheong, Yu Seon; Kwon, Koo; Yoon, Syn Hae

2017-01-01

Background Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common and painful complication of acute herpes zoster. In some cases, it is refractory to medical treatment. Preventing its occurrence is an important issue. We hypothesized that applying nerve blocks during the acute phase of herpes zoster could reduce PHN incidence by attenuating central sensitization and minimizing nerve damage and the anti-inflammatory effects of local anesthetics and steroids. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of using nerve blocks to prevent PHN. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and KoreaMed databases without language restrictions on April, 30 2014. We included all randomized controlled trials performed within 3 weeks after the onset of herpes zoster in order to compare nerve blocks vs active placebo and standard therapy. Results Nine trials were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Nerve blocks reduced the duration of herpes zoster-related pain and PHN incidence of at 3, 6, and 12 months after final intervention. Stellate ganglion block and single epidural injection did not achieve positive outcomes, but administering paravertebral blockage and continuous/repeated epidural blocks reduced PHN incidence at 3 months. None of the included trials reported clinically meaningful serious adverse events. Conclusions Applying nerve blocks during the acute phase of the herpes zoster shortens the duration of zoster-related pain, and somatic blocks (including paravertebral and repeated/continuous epidural blocks) are recommended to prevent PHN. In future studies, consensus-based PHN definitions, clinical cutoff points that define successful treatment outcomes and standardized outcome-assessment tools will be needed. PMID:28119767

Development and Evaluation of Elastomeric Materials for Geothermal Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, W. A.; Kalfayan, S. H.; Reilly, W. W.; Yavrouian, A. H.; Mosesman, I. D.; Ingham, J. D.

1979-01-01

A material was formulated having about 250-350 psi tensile strength and 30-80 percent elongation at 260 C for at least 24 hours in simulated brine. The relationship between these laboratory test results and sealing performance in actual or simulated test conditions is not entirely clear; however, it is believed that no conventional formation or casing packer design is likely to perform well using these materials. The synthetic effort focused on high temperature block copolymers and development of curable polystyrene. Procedures were worked out for synthesizing these new materials. Initial results with heat-cured unfilled polystyrene 'gum' at 260 C indicate a tensile strength of about 50 psi. Cast films of the first sample of polyphenyl quinoxaline-polystyrene block copolymer, which has 'graft-block' structure consisting of a polystyrene chain with pendant polyphenyl quinoxaline groups, show elastomeric behavior in the required temperature range. Its tensile strength and elongation at 260 C were 220-350 psi and 18-36 percent, respectively. All of these materials also showed satisfactory hydrolytic stability.

Targeted polymeric micelles for delivery of poorly soluble drugs.

PubMed

Torchilin, V P

2004-10-01

Polymeric micelles (micelles formed by amphiphilic block copolymers) demonstrate a series of attractive properties as drug carriers, such as high stability both in vitro and in vivo and good biocompatibility, and can be successfully used for the solubilization of various poorly soluble pharmaceuticals. These micelles can also be used as targeted drug delivery systems. The targeting can be achieved via the enhanced permeability and retention effect (into the areas with the compromised vasculature), by making micelles of stimuli-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers, or by attaching specific targeting ligand molecules to the micelle surface. Immunomicelles prepared by coupling monoclonal antibody molecules to p-nitrophenylcarbonyl groups on the water-exposed termini of the micelle corona-forming blocks demonstrate high binding specificity and targetability. Immunomicelles prepared with cancer-specific monoclonal antibody 2C5 specifically bind to different cancer cells in vitro and demonstrate increased therapeutic activity in vivo. This new family of pharmaceutical carriers can be used for the solubilization and targeted delivery of poorly soluble drugs to various pathological sites in the body.

Motor root conduction block in the Lewis-Sumner syndrome.

PubMed

Lo, Yew Long; Dan, Yang-Fang; Tan, Yam-Eng; Leoh, Teng-Hee

2011-03-01

The Lewis-Sumner syndrome (LSS) is a rare immune-mediated peripheral nerve disorder presenting with asymmetric upper limb sensory complaints and motor weakness. Asian patients with LSS have not been reported in the English literature. Three Asian patients with features of LSS were prospectively studied. Our patients tended to older, female, and have involvement of the upper limbs exclusively than those in the West. They have a markedly longer disease duration before a diagnosis was made, which could also be the result of difficulty in eliciting motor root conduction block as a sign of proximal demyelination as observed in every patient. Pain is a universal feature as is sensory nerve conduction abnormality. None responded to immunotherapy, but disease stabilization was observed over the chronic course. Although rare, these unique observations in Asian patients with LSS differ from those reported in Western literature. The presence of motor root conduction block demonstrated for the first time is instrumental in establishing a diagnosis.

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Interfacial Layer for High-Performance Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Yang, Hao; Cong, Shan; Lou, Yanhui; Han, Liang; Zhao, Jie; Sun, Yinghui; Zou, Guifu

2017-09-20

4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Bphen) is an efficient electron transport and hole blocking material in organic photoelectric devices. Here, we report cesium carbonate (Cs 2 CO 3 ) doped Bphen as cathode interfacial layer in CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x based planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Investigation finds that introducing Cs 2 CO 3 suppresses the crystallization of Bphen and benefits a smooth interface contact between the perovskite and electrode, resulting in the decrease in carrier recombination and the perovskite degradation. In addition, the matching energy level of Bphen film in the PSCs effectively blocks the holes diffusion to cathode. The resultant power conversion efficiency (PCE) achieves as high as 17.03% in comparison with 12.67% of reference device without doping. Besides, experiments also demonstrate the stability of PSCs have large improvement because the suppressed crystallization of Bphen by doping Cs 2 CO 3 as a superior barrier layer blocks the Ag atom and surrounding moisture access to the vulnerable perovskite layer.

A New Supramolecular Route for Using Rod-Coil Block Copolymers in Photovoltaic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mezzenga, Raffaele; Sary, Nicolas; Richard, Fanny; Brochon, Cyril; Leclerc, Nicolas; Leveque, Patrick; Audinot, Jean Nicolas; Heiser, Thomas; Hadziioannou, Georges; Berson, Solenn

2010-03-01

We propose a new supramolecular strategy to blend together rod-coil poly(3-hexylthiophene)-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P3HTP4VP) block copolymers and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The P4VP and PCBM are mixed together by weak supramolecular interactions, and the resulting materials exhibit microphase separated morphologies of electron-donor and electron-acceptor rich domains. The microphase segregated P3HT-rod domains act as electron-donating species and the homogeneous P4VP block:PCBM blend acts as the electron-acceptor domain. We describe the photovoltaic performance of standard and inverted devices whose active layer is composed thereof and show the effect of finely engineering the interfacial properties of the active layer to obtain competitive photovoltaic performance with superior thermal stability. (1) N. Sary, F. Richard, C. Brochon, N. Leclerc, P. Leveque, JN Audinot, S. Berson, T. Heiser, G. Hadziioannou, R. Mezzenga, Adv. Mater. in Press (2010)

UCST-Type Thermoresponsive Polymers in Synthetic Lubricating Oil Polyalphaolefin (PAO)

DOE PAGES

Fu, Wenxin; Bai, Wei; Jiang, Sisi; ...

2018-02-20

Here, this article reports a family of UCST-type thermoresponsive polymers, poly(alkyl methacrylate)s with an appropriate alkyl pendant length, in an industrially important non-volatile organic liquid polyalphaolefin (PAO). The cloud point (CP) can be readily tuned over a wide temperature range by changing the alkyl pendant length; at a concentration of 1 wt% and similar polymer molecular weights, the CP varies linearly with the (average) number of carbon atoms in the alkyl pendant. PAO solutions of ABA triblock copolymers, composed of a PAO-philic middle block and thermoresponsive outer blocks with appropriate block lengths, undergo thermoreversible sol-gel transitions at sufficiently high concentrations.more » The discovery of thermoresponsive polymers in PAO makes it possible to explore new applications by utilizing PAO’s unique characteristics such as thermal stability, non-volatility, superior lubrication properties, etc. Lastly, two examples are presented: thermoresponsive physical gels for control of optical transmittance and injectable gel lubricants.« less

[Membrane mechanisms of effects of antihypoxic agents bemethyl and almide on neurons of Mollusca].

PubMed

Vislobokov, A I; Marysheva, V V; Shabanov, P D

2003-01-01

Membranotropic effects of the antihypoxants bemithyl and almide, structural analogs of thiobenzimidazole, have been studied on the isolated neuronal preparations of Lymaea stagnalis branchycephalic mollusk. Both drugs in a concentration range of 100-1000 microM produced a reversible, dose-dependent nonselective single-phase blocking action upon the ion channels and completely blocked the channels at a concentration of 10 mM. Therefore, bemithyl and almide are active membranotropic compounds capable (in sufficiently high concentrations) of changing the conductivity of slow sodium, calcium, and potassium ion channels in excitable cells. The protective antihypoxant drug reactions on a systemic level of the organism are probably related to the fact that both drugs in small concentrations are capable of hyperpolarizing the cell membrane, activating the ion channel function, and stabilizing the action potential under hypoxia conditions; in greater concentrations, bemithyl and almide are capable of blocking ion currents, thus reducing the excitability of cells and protecting them from overstress.

Single-ion triblock copolymer electrolytes based on poly(ethylene oxide) and methacrylic sulfonamide blocks for lithium metal batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porcarelli, Luca; Aboudzadeh, M. Ali; Rubatat, Laurent; Nair, Jijeesh R.; Shaplov, Alexander S.; Gerbaldi, Claudio; Mecerreyes, David

2017-10-01

Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes represent the ideal solution to reduce concentration polarization in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). This paper reports on the synthesis and characterization of single-ion ABA triblock copolymer electrolytes comprising PEO and poly(lithium 1-[3-(methacryloyloxy)propylsulfonyl]-1-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) blocks, poly(LiMTFSI). Block copolymers are prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, showing low glass transition temperature (-55 to 7 °C) and degree of crystallinity (51-0%). Comparatively high values of ionic conductivity are obtained (up to ≈ 10-4 S cm-1 at 70 °C), combined with a lithium-ion transference number close to unity (tLi+ ≈ 0.91) and a 4 V electrochemical stability window. In addition to these promising features, solid polymer electrolytes are successfully tested in lithium metal cells at 70 °C providing long lifetime up to 300 cycles, and stable charge/discharge cycling at C/2 (≈100 mAh g-1).

UCST-Type Thermoresponsive Polymers in Synthetic Lubricating Oil Polyalphaolefin (PAO)

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

Fu, Wenxin; Bai, Wei; Jiang, Sisi

Here, this article reports a family of UCST-type thermoresponsive polymers, poly(alkyl methacrylate)s with an appropriate alkyl pendant length, in an industrially important non-volatile organic liquid polyalphaolefin (PAO). The cloud point (CP) can be readily tuned over a wide temperature range by changing the alkyl pendant length; at a concentration of 1 wt% and similar polymer molecular weights, the CP varies linearly with the (average) number of carbon atoms in the alkyl pendant. PAO solutions of ABA triblock copolymers, composed of a PAO-philic middle block and thermoresponsive outer blocks with appropriate block lengths, undergo thermoreversible sol-gel transitions at sufficiently high concentrations.more » The discovery of thermoresponsive polymers in PAO makes it possible to explore new applications by utilizing PAO’s unique characteristics such as thermal stability, non-volatility, superior lubrication properties, etc. Lastly, two examples are presented: thermoresponsive physical gels for control of optical transmittance and injectable gel lubricants.« less

Computational Study on the Inhibitor Binding Mode and Allosteric Regulation Mechanism in Hepatitis C Virus NS3/4A Protein

PubMed Central

Xue, Weiwei; Yang, Ying; Wang, Xiaoting; Liu, Huanxiang; Yao, Xiaojun

2014-01-01

HCV NS3/4A protein is an attractive therapeutic target responsible for harboring serine protease and RNA helicase activities during the viral replication. Small molecules binding at the interface between the protease and helicase domains can stabilize the closed conformation of the protein and thus block the catalytic function of HCV NS3/4A protein via an allosteric regulation mechanism. But the detailed mechanism remains elusive. Here, we aimed to provide some insight into the inhibitor binding mode and allosteric regulation mechanism of HCV NS3/4A protein by using computational methods. Four simulation systems were investigated. They include: apo state of HCV NS3/4A protein, HCV NS3/4A protein in complex with an allosteric inhibitor and the truncated form of the above two systems. The molecular dynamics simulation results indicate HCV NS3/4A protein in complex with the allosteric inhibitor 4VA adopts a closed conformation (inactive state), while the truncated apo protein adopts an open conformation (active state). Further residue interaction network analysis suggests the communication of the domain-domain interface play an important role in the transition from closed to open conformation of HCV NS3/4A protein. However, the inhibitor stabilizes the closed conformation through interaction with several key residues from both the protease and helicase domains, including His57, Asp79, Asp81, Asp168, Met485, Cys525 and Asp527, which blocks the information communication between the functional domains interface. Finally, a dynamic model about the allosteric regulation and conformational changes of HCV NS3/4A protein was proposed and could provide fundamental insights into the allosteric mechanism of HCV NS3/4A protein function regulation and design of new potent inhibitors. PMID:24586263